10 Top-rated famous attractions in Japan you need to visit

Tags: world_tourism

Despite natural disasters and war, Japan was able to preserve or rebuild its history and culture that drive millions of tourists each to Japan. Japan is Equally one of the world’s most advanced industrialized nations. Today, you will discover 10 Top-rated famous attractions in Japan you need to visit absolutely. Equally note that due to some global health and safety regarding the COVID-19, some business may be closed. But don’t worry for those areas that are not accessible right now, you can add them to your bucket list later on.

Here are our top famous Japanese attractions you shouldn’t miss during your trip.

1. Imperial Tokyo

Tokyo Imperial

One of the famous landmarks in Tokyo, Tokyo Imperial home to the Imperial Palace with it’s outstanding parks surrounded by walls and moats should be on your top must-see place to visit.

Most of the palace is closed to the public as wandering around the palace grounds is enough to contemplate its beauty.

But visitors can visit the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and other areas opened to the public. One of the most fantastic views is the Nijubashi Bridge with it’s watery reflections.

2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Atom Bomb Dome, Hiroshima

Being equally one of the spots that suffered from the atomic bomb in August 1945, Hiroshima Peace park is today one of famous attractions in Japan. Hiroshima is today a symbol of lasting peace with over a million visitors coming each year to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. In this park(Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Kōen), you will find monuments, museums or memorials relating to the event of the bombing.

Still in this park, you will find the Peace Memorial Museum with most of the displays talking about peace. You will equally find the Memorial Cenotaph and the Flame of Peace and Atom Bomb Dome(it was an administrative building before the bombing).

Read more: Great places you need to visit in Hiroshima

3. Famous attractions in Japan: Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, 10 Top-rated famous attractions in Japan you need to visit

Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s most recognizable landmarks and a famous attraction to visit, is the country’s highest mountain peak. Approximately 3,776 meters high, Mount Fuji has been celebrated in art and literature. This attraction in Japan that has driven over a million visitors to Japan is considered by UNESCO as a world heritage(Since 2013).

The view from the top of the mountain is great, especially to watch the sunrise from the summit in summer.

Some people choose to start climbing from the base of the mountain while others start above the halfway mark. It’s advisable to depart in the afternoon if you want to climb the whole mountain from the base. There are Mountain huts purposely designed for climbers.

Read more: Great landmarks in Japan you need to visit.

4. The Island Shrine of Itsukushima

The island Shrine of Itsukushima Photo by Bing Hui Yau on Unsplash

Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated Princess daughters of the wind god Susanoo to on the island of Itsukushima popularly known as Miyajima. It covers an area of 30 square kilometers in the Hiroshima Bay.

The shrine building is supported by two piles. During high tides, the effect is really gorgeous, including the Torii gate that appears as if it was floating on water.

It’s rated one of the famous attractions to visit in Japan and there are many halls you ought to visit like the Honden (Main Hall), the Prayer Hall (Haiden), Offerings Hall (Heiden), the Senjokaku(Hall of a Thousand Mats).

In addition to these, the shrine features a stage where visitors can enjoy looking at traditional dances and other performances. The island garden is equally home to bird colonies and wild deer.

NB: The attraction in Japan is undergoing major renovations.

5. Famous attractions in Japan: Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle, 10 Top-rated famous attractions in Japan you need to visit

Osaka Castle Photo by Jason Rost on Unsplash

Yet another famous attraction in Japan, the Osaka Castle(Ōsaka-jō) built by the famous warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1586. During this period, the castle was the most imposing and largest fortress. Later on the castle was subjected to destruction and reconstruction a number of times. The present structure you see(on the image above) was built in 1931.

The castle’s five-story building built on an imposing 14 meters tall stone base is home to some displays detailing the history of the city and the castle. Before leaving the castle you should visit the top floor. You will have a great view of the city and its surroundings as well as the sunset.

In addition, the castle park is home to the Hokoku Shrine that you should surely visit. And if you have more time you should also visit the Shitennō-ji Osaka’s famous temple.

6. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto Photo by Masaaki Komori on Unsplash

This is one of the few cities in Japan that was spared from War World 2. t attract more than ten million visitors annually. Most of these visitors come to explore Kyoto’s old streets and temples and the city is reputed for being Japan’s most important cultural and traditional sector.

In fact there are many galleries and museums each showing off important paintings, sculptures and many other forms of art regarding Japan’s culture.

Kyoto has important structures such as the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) famous for its gold-leaf-clad exterior, and The Nijo Castle(you will enjoy the palace interior décor along with its beautiful gate). and the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto-gosho).

Another attractive place worth wasting your time visiting is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The view is simply outstanding with tall bamboos around.

7. Famous attractions in Japan: Sapporo, Hokkaido

Sapporo, Hokkaido, 10 Top-rated famous attractions in Japan you need to visit

Sapporo, Hokkaido Photo by Sen Lee on Unsplash

An incredibly attractive sight located in the northern part of Japan, Hokkaido, Sapporo is a hub to many cultural activities, hosting events and festivals too. It also has many museums, parks like Odori and galleries worth visiting.

Another point of interest in Sapporo is the Sapporo TV Tower, tramway. You will equally enjoy the incredible view from Mount Moiwa. You can reach the Mountain using the ropeway which will leave you in the mountain summit’s station. This mountain also hosts a popular ski resort “the Mount Moiwa Ski Resort“. So if you are planning to go there during winter be sure to visit this resort and the Sapporo Snow Festival(each February) one of the famous festivals in Japan

These are equally other famous attractions worth visiting in Japan