japan travel highlights

What is Japan Famous For? Enjoy the Highlights of Japan

March 24, 2024

Like a chilled glass of shochu on the rocks, we’ve distilled down the highlights of Japan. If you’re wondering what Japan is famous for then welcome to one of the most fascinating – and friendly – places on earth.

What is Japan famous for?

I love Japan and I love to talk about what Japan is famous for. The snowy peak of Mt Fuji. The flashing lights of Shinjuku. Quiet temples, secluded gardens, tea ceremonies, geisha and blaring pachinko arcade games and anime. Japan’s highlights include her traditions and customs as much as her places to visit and things to do.

Your Japan bucket list should involve the best cultural things to experience as well as essential places to see.

It can be fun to join a tour but Japan is an easier place to travel around than many realise. It’s entirely possible to travel between each of the places mentioned here on your own and with little fuss.

Alternatively, first time visitors could follow the hybrid option. Book your own flights, accommodation and Japan Rail Pass and join private tours or walking tours to add traditional Japanese experiences to your itinerary.

Find out how with this guide for first time visitors to Japan.

In the meantime, let’s talk about the highlights of Japan.

More than just a government capital, Tokyo is one of the greatest cities in the world. At first glance, she simply storms around in chrome and glass but in her secluded corners, you can learn about the Japan of the past and understand a little more about the present. From the Imperial Palace to the Meiji Shrine to the Shibuya crossing, the city keeps you busy, with Nara and Hakone providing great day trips from Tokyo.

Zoom up the Tokyo Skytree for spectacular views. Sunset is the best time to visit, as you can watch the city lights glitter across beneath your feet.

Although Tokyo is most famous for neon lights and modernity, you can still find traditional arts in low rise wooden buildings if you know where to look.

I loved the place we discovered while filming for the BBC – back soon with an article about that!

As Japan’s former capital, Kyoto has more temples than you’ll eat grains of rice. This is the city where geisha still roam and cherry blossom falls softly over sloping rooftops that lead to the past. 

Kyoto itself is a curious mix of the old and the new. Skyscrapers hustle at you the moment you leave the station, whereas the taxis have heart shaped lights.

But it’s the old part of Kyoto where you’re most likely to see that elusive Japanese legend, the  geisha. Ripe with glowing lanterns and bamboo-walled bars that ooze with atmosphere, Kyoto’s Old Town deserves pride of place on your itinerary, especially the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Golden Pavilion.

All told, seventeen different areas comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. You’ll need at least one full day in Kyoto, and it’s even better with two days.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial and MiyaJima Island

The world may associate Hiroshima with hell on earth, hot metal and twisted lives and limbs but  Hiroshima today  is a sunny, vibrant city. One with a memory, of course, but also a vast memorial dedicated to peace, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

For me, though, there was something incredibly refreshing and healing about visiting this city. 

Hop across to Itsukushima island (also known as Miyajima Island) for great views across the harbour, best seen through the Itsukushima Shrine.

If you have the stamina, you can climb Mount Fuji  yourself without any mountain climbing skills. Up and back within a single, if exhausting, day from Tokyo. Otherwise, visit the national park and enjoy views from afar. The peak season to visit is when the cherry blossom is in bloom but there’s never a bad time to visit one of the most famous symbols of Japan.

Osaka is the second largest area after Tokyo, with many travellers feeling it’s an essential highlight and crucial part of an itinerary, especially Osaka castle. Personally, I’d suggest venturing further afield to see different sides of Japan. Perhaps Nagasaki, Okinawa and her beaches in the south or heading into the north.

Japanese Cuisine

What is Japan famous for? Its food! And if you haven’t enjoyed it in Europe and America, then try again in Japan. It is, unsurprisingly, one of the best places to taste it. Recent years have seen an explosion of American burgers and other international dishes. But most of the time, it’s easy to find traditional Japanese food.

In particular, let’s look at these Japanese highlights:

Of course, Japan also provides the finest sushi the world has to offer. Try the down-to-earth cafes opposite the Tsukiji Wholesale Fish Market (they’re still in operation, even though the main market has now moved.) Don’t forget to dip in soy sauce, add sliced ginger and carefully combine with some of the freshest wasabi in the world.

Long Life Expectancy Food

The food in Okinawa claims to be the secret to a long and healthy life. The island inhabitants have the longest life expectancy in the world, so perhaps they’re on to something?

Japanese Food Markets

White blobs, eyeballs and wriggling squelch that may or may not be seaweed…Kyoto’s markets will refresh even the most travel-hardened eyes. 

Look out for Bento Boxes of parcel-perfect morsels and home-made pickles sold at train stations across the country. And slurp up tasty, sloppy noodles almost everywhere.

Traditional Tea Ceremonies

One of the most famous aspects of Japanese society involves tea. Traditional tea ceremonies are a work of art and if you can find the way to fit one into your itinerary, I’d highly recommend it.

The Japanese tea ceremony, known as “chanoyu” or “sado,” is a slow and serious cultural practice that embodies harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Originating in the 9th century, this ritualistic art form evolved from Chinese tea traditions and Zen Buddhism, becoming a cornerstone of Japanese aesthetics and hospitality.

Central to the ceremony is the preparation and serving of matcha, a finely ground powdered green tea. Conducted in a meticulously designed tea room, typically a tranquil space adorned with tatami mats, sliding doors, and seasonal decorations, the ceremony follows a precise sequence of gestures and rituals performed by the host with graceful precision.

Guests participate in silent appreciation of the tea, the utensils, and the surroundings, fostering a sense of mindfulness and connection with the present moment.

It’s not something to rush through, though. You need to take your time and as a result, it’s reserved for special occasions.

Japanese Culture

Onsen culture and hot springs.

In Japan, daily bathing involves dipping into steaming, scalding, almost boiling water at an onsen as part of a cleansing ritual. From natural outdoor springs to ramshackle hotels with plastic buckets, everyone strips off, scrubs down and soaks.

A word of warning, though, for  gaijin travellers: by strip off, they mean naked. Completely. Naked. In. Public. 

Folded Paper Prayers

Japan overflows with temples where fine carvings and clouds of incense surround fortune tellers and fortune sellers. Look out for the origami-like prayers tied to wire fences – the folded paper prayers. The best way to find these is to head to a temple and hang back respectfully. You’ll soon see people folding and tying them in the breeze.

The Shinkansen Bullet Train

These sleek, fast, reliable express trains whisk you across the country in one easy and efficient swoop. Riding on a shinkansen train is one of the best things to do in Japan, for people watching, bento box snacking and incredibly swift transport. 

Skiing and Hiking in Japan

In a land of volcanoes, it seems obvious to turn mountain slopes into ski slopes. 

By the summer, the blossom provides lush green hiking grounds. So, no matter what time of year you visit, one of the best things to do in Japan involves escaping the cities and hitting the slopes. Cable cars make access easy and you’ll appreciate the hot springs afterwards more than ever.

Ancient Temples

Japan has temples galore. Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, Christian churches, the lot. The Meiji shrine is the most visited in Tokyo, while Kyoto has more temples than you can see in a single day. Even a busy day.

From the grandeur of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera with its iconic wooden stage overlooking the city to the tranquil serenity of Ryoan-ji’s Zen rock garden, Japanese temples showcase a remarkable blend of architectural mastery and natural beauty. These sacred sites often feature elaborate pagodas, intricate wooden carvings, meticulously tended gardens, and sacred relics.

If you’re lucky, you can partake in rituals, ceremonies, and seasonal festivals that offer glimpses into Japan’s spiritual traditions and cultural customs, particularly from the Edo period. I’ll never forget the Hachinohe Emburi nor the Igloo Festival, for example.

Temples also serve as repositories of art, literature, and historical artifacts, preserving centuries of cultural heritage for future generations.

Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens are renowned for their meticulous design, blending natural elements with symbolism to create serene landscapes.

Originating in the Asuka period (538-710 AD), these gardens evolved through various historical periods, influenced by Zen Buddhism and Shintoism.

Symbolism is deeply ingrained in every aspect of these gardens, with elements like stones representing mountains and water symbolising oceans or rivers. The use of borrowed scenery, known as “shakkei,” integrates surrounding natural landscapes into the garden’s design.

Traditional Japanese gardens adhere to specific principles, including “miyabi” (elegance), “shizen” (naturalness), and “yugen” (subtly profound beauty).

And I certainly love to visit them to feel a sense of calm.

Sumo Wrestling

Far from a stereotype, sumo wrestling is a genuine sport.

Wrestlers, or “rikishi,” train rigorously in sumo stables, adhering to a strict lifestyle focused on discipline, diet, and physical conditioning. Matches, held in a sacred ring known as a “dohyo,” are ceremonial affairs marked by intricate pre-bout rituals, including salt throwing and stomping to purify the arena.

The idea is to force your opponent out of the ring or to touch the ground with any part of their body other than the soles of their feet.

It’s possible, but not incredibly easy, to watch sumo matches as a foreigner.

Vending Machines

When you ask yourself what is Japan famous for, the first answer may not be vending machines. But as soon as you visit the country, you’ll think differently.

Vending machines are everywhere, selling almost everything. Entire meals can be bought by pressing a button next to a picture – and the food is good too.

Many restaurants also have plastic replicas of food in their shop windows to help you with your choice.

Sounds unlikely? Go and see for yourself.

Capsule Hotels

Originating in Osaka in the late 1970s, capsule hotels cater primarily to budget-conscious travellers seeking a no-frills stay in densely populated urban centres.

Each capsule, resembling a compact pod or sleeping compartment, provides a functional space equipped with basic amenities such as a bed, lighting, and sometimes a small entertainment system.

While the individual capsules are compact, the communal areas often feature shared facilities including bathrooms, showers, and relaxation areas.

Although designed with male workaholics in mind, capsule hotels work well for solo travellers with busy itineraries. You’ll find them all across the main islands.

Love Hotels

Then, a completely different experience is the Japanese love hotels. In a country where living spaces are tiny and bamboo screens see-through and un-soundproofed, what are young lovers to do?

Originating in the 1960s, these establishments provide themed rooms with a range of amenities catering to romantic encounters, from whirlpool baths and mirrored ceilings to extravagant decor and mood lighting.

Privacy is paramount, with discreet entrances and exits ensuring anonymity for guests.

Did we try them? Yes, we did. Did I cringe as someone realised we were lost and tried to help? I think I still blush at the memory ten years on…

Anime and Video Games

Akihabara, often referred to as “Electric Town,” is a chaotic, neon-filled district in Tokyo that pulses with anime and video games.

Anime and manga shops line the streets, offering an extensive array of merchandise, from figurines and posters to DVDs and cosplay accessories.

Video game arcades abound, featuring the latest releases alongside classic arcade cabinets, drawing gamers of all ages and skill levels.

Akihabara is also home to numerous specialty cafes, where patrons can immerse themselves in themed experiences ranging from maid cafes to cat cafes, another thing Japan is famous for.

It’s a bright, brilliant expression of Japanese pop culture.

Should you see the highlights of Japan independently or on a guided tour?

It’s a question everyone asks. Should you join a tour or can you travel alone?

Despite the language barrier, I’ve always found travel around Japan to be pretty straightforward on my own. Enough people speak English to make things like buying train tickets and checking into hotel rooms easy enough.

Public transport is remarkably safe, train journeys are smooth and sophisticated and it’s easy to arrange private transfers for any difficult parts. Where I struggled the most was with the local trains in Tokyo, but even then, I didn’t struggle for long.

And, although it’s a sweeping statement to make, in general, Japanese people are friendly and helpful. Crime rates are low and etiquette is high.

That said, it will be easier if you join a tour. Just watch out for additional costs, free time and single supplements. And make sure that your tour leader knows the area well. An expert guide can introduce you to people and show you to places you might otherwise miss.

Then again, you often miss local restaurants with big tours, since you have to find places big enough to accommodate you all.

If you really can’t decide, then a useful compromise is to mainly travel under your own steam while booking onto various cooking lessons or walking tours.

More on Travel in Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? Great news! After reading about these highlights of Japan, you’re nearly ready to go.

There’s so much more to the country than Tokyo. One of the best things to do in Japan involves heading south to the beaches of Okinawa or north to the snow festivals and igloo carnivals in winter.

And if you’re seriously thinking about climbing Mt Fuji, then this is the article for you.

And finally, see how reinvention can occur following tragedy in the lively cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

In short, once you’ve seen the highlights of Japan (and followed our list of first time travel tips for Japan to do so), it’s time to learn how to get off the beaten track in Japan.

4 thoughts on “What is Japan Famous For? Enjoy the Highlights of Japan”

Japanese food always been tasty and colorful. Once tried wasabi that was insane strong herb…

Yep, you need to take it very, very easy with wasabi!

Japan is indeed an awesome place and for so many reasons – you did well to summarise so neatly…

Thanks. I’m heading back there this week so hopefully I cam find even more!

Comments are closed.

The 10 most wonderful places to visit in Japan

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

From buzzing cities to serene forest walks, these are our favorite places to visit in Japan © Taiyou Nomachi / Getty Images

Japan offers up a real feast for travelers, with mountainside onsen (hot spring) villages, beach-lined islands and buzzing megacities all on the menu.

You could arguably spend a lifetime sampling the country’s delights, but some towns and sights are staples – core ingredients to any great Japan trip. Here’s our pick of the 10 best places to visit in Japan .

Best for contemporary culture

Tokyo is a city forever reaching into the future, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on densely populated, earthquake-prone land, and building ever taller, sleeker structures.

It's Japan's top spot for contemporary art and architecture, pop culture, shopping, drinking and entertainment (and a tie with Kyoto for dining). But more than any other sight, it's the city itself that enchants visitors.

It's a sprawling, organic thing, stretching as far as the eye can see. Constantly changing with a diverse collection of neighborhoods , no two experiences of Tokyo are ever the same.

Planning tip: Tickets for sumo, kabuki and Giants baseball games usually go on sale one to two months in advance. The Imperial Palace and Ghibli Museum are other popular attractions that require prior planning.

Best for traditional experiences

Kyoto , Japan's imperial capital for a thousand years, is home to more than a thousand temples. Among them are the monumental, like Kinkaku-ji (an exquisite pavilion sheathed entirely in gold leaf), and the meditative, like Ryōan-ji , with its stark Zen rock garden.

And temples are only the beginning. There's the culture of tea, which you can appreciate at one of the city's many elegant teahouses; the art of the geisha, those iconic performers of traditional music and dance; and also a rich food culture, including kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine).

3. Naoshima

Best for architecture

Naoshima is one of Japan's great success stories: once a rural island on the verge of becoming a ghost town, it's now a world-class center for contemporary art.

Many of Japan's most lauded architects have contributed structures, including museums, a boutique hotel and even a bathhouse – all designed to enhance the island's natural beauty and complement its existing settlements.

The resulting blend of avant-garde and rural Japan is captivating. It has also inspired some Japanese to pursue a slower life outside the big cities, relocating to Naoshima to open cafes and inns.

Planning tip: Try to plan your visit during one of the three exhibitions of the  Setouchi Triennale festival, which happens during the spring, summer and fall every three years – the most recent was in 2022. Naoshima hosts various art, drama, music and dance events that make this festival really special.

Best for views and pilgrimages

Even from a distance,  Mt Fuji will take your breath away. Close up, the perfectly symmetrical cone of Japan's highest peak is nothing short of incredible. Dawn from the summit? Pure magic.

Fuji-san is among Japan's most revered and timeless attractions. Hundreds of thousands of people climb it every year, continuing a centuries-old tradition of pilgrimages up the sacred volcano.

Those who'd rather search for picture-perfect views from the less-daunting peaks nearby will be following in the steps of Japan's most famous painters and poets.

Planning tip: The best time to climb Mt Fuji is during its official season, from July 1 through mid-September, which avoids the rainy season and snowfall. Always check for typhoon warnings before hiking in Japan.

5. Hiroshima

Best for introspection

Hiroshima today is a forward-thinking city with attractive, leafy boulevards. It's not until you visit the Peace Memorial Museum that the true extent of human tragedy wreaked by the atomic bomb becomes vividly clear.

A visit here is a heartbreaking, important history lesson. The  park around the museum , much of which was designed by Japan's great modernist architect Tange Kenzō, offers many opportunities for reflection.

But the city's spirit of determination – as well as its food – will ensure that you'll have good memories to take with you when you leave.

6. Yakushima

Best for forest bathing

Yakushima, a small island off the coast of southern Kyūshū , is often described as magical and enchanting – otherworldly even. It's a place where words fail and clichés step in.

Home to some of Japan's last primeval forests, you'll find the yakusugi , an ancient cedar native to the island whose giant roots seem to form alien tentacles.

Hiking trails underneath them cover craggy terrain, often fuzzy with moss. The landscape here is believed to have inspired the iconic Studio Ghibli animated film,  Princess Mononoke .

Detour: When you're not hiking, stop by the  Yakusugi Museum to learn more about the importance of yakusugi  to the islanders of Yakushima. An English audio guide is available.

7. Koya-san

Best for exploring temples

Riding the funicular up to the sacred Buddhist monastic complex of Kōya-san feels, appropriately, like ascending to another world.

There are over a hundred temples here, the highlight of which is Oku-no-in , where paths weave their way among towering cryptomeria trees and time-worn stone stupas covered in moss and lichen.

Other temples offer a different experience: the chance to spend the night, dine on traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine and wake up early for morning meditation with the resident monks.

Planning tip: Though Japanese temples and shrines do not have established dress codes, visitors are expected to stay relatively quiet in these sacred spaces.

8. Okinawa and the Southwest Islands

Best for beaches

Okinawa and the Southwest Islands offer a totally different experience from the rest of Japan. This semi-tropical archipelago forms an arch between Kyūshū and Taiwan .

Until the islands were annexed by Japan in the 19th century, they formed their own kingdom – the Ryūkyū Empire – and the cultural differences are apparent in everything from the architecture to the food.

This is where you'll find Japan's best beaches, like those on the Yaeyama Islands  and the Kerama Islands, with sugar-white sand fringed with palms and turquoise waters. Bask in the sun, or snorkel and scuba dive.

Best for street food and nightlife

Tokyo doesn't nab all the superlatives when it comes to urban experiences. Osaka , Japan's third-largest city, is tops for street food: don't miss its signature dish, takoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings).

It also has the most dramatic of nightscapes: a dazzling display of LED lights, animated signage and flashing video screens along the canalside strip Dōtombori .

The city, Japan's oldest merchant center, has a pace, spirit and zest for life all of its own; its unofficial slogan is kuidaore (eat until you drop).

Planning tip: In addition to nightly accommodation fees, Osaka hotels will typically charge an accommodation tax that varies depending on the standard nightly rate.

10. Kamikōchi

Best for mountain hikes

One of Japan's most stunning natural vistas, Kamikōchi is a highland river valley enveloped by the soaring peaks of the Northern Japan Alps .

Easy day hikes are possible along the Azusa-gawa, following the pristine river through tranquil forests of willow, larch and elm.

The birthplace of Japanese alpinism, Kamikōchi is also the gateway for more challenging treks up some of the country's tallest mountains, such as Yari-ga-take (3180m/10,433ft). Private cars are banned from Kamikōchi, which lessens the impact of the crowds.

This article was first published April 2021 and updated March 2024

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20 Japan highlights you need to visit on your next trip

A massive list of the most fascinating places, unesco world heritage sites, and tourists highlights in japan.

Are you looking for the top Japan highlights? Places so unique you can barely believe they are real?

Then I got good news for you: Japan is full of them. Sometimes it even feels like there’s a stunning tourist highlight around every corner . In this Japan travel guide, I put together a list of the top spots you really need to visit at least once in your lifetime. A lot of them are featured in my sample Japan itinerary , so check it out as well.

Anyways, here are my top Japan highlights:

1. A temple covered in pure gold

A temple covered in gold-leaf. Few highlights in Japan gain more attention than Kinkaku-Ji in Kyoto. And to be sure, I doubt there is a more photographed building in Japan. Read all about it here .

2. The oldest wooden building in the world

The spectacular Hōryū-ji (法隆寺) is home to the oldest wooden building in the world. The famous temple is believed to be built around 607 AD and some of the original timbers from that time are still supporting the halls and pagodas. For me, one of the best reasons to visit Nara, so don’t forget to read my guide ! I also wrote a detailed list of the 10 best temples in Nara , in case you are looking for some further inspiration.

3. The 4th tallest statue in the world

Between 1991 and 2008 Japan held the title of the world’s tallest statue in the world. Both the Ushikaku Daibutsu and the Sendai Daikannon are 100 meters (330 ft) tall and quite impressive.

There are quite a lot of famous statues in Japan, and I urge you to visit at least one of them. For me, the highlight was certainly the Great Buddha of Kamakura . I wrote about it here .

4. The biggest wooden temple in the world

The Todai-Ji is one of the biggest wooden structures in the world and home of the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha . An impressive structure you do not want to miss on your trip to Japan! The temple burned down – what you see now is a 17th-century reconstruction 30% smaller (!!!) than the original from the 8th century. Inside, you’ll find one of the biggest bronze Buddhas in the world as well!

As you will be moving around quite a bit, I recommend you to get a JR Pass for unlimited train rides. Here’s how to get to Nara from Kyoto .

5. A garden made of stone

Have you heard of Zen yet? Zen is a Buddhist tradition that is a bit more austere than other Buddhist schools, and it is particularly popular in Japan. You should definitely visit one of their temples. Most of them feature a rock garden . The most famous of them all: Ryōan-ji in Kyoto!

It sounds a bit peculiar at first, but once you immerse yourself in the clean lines of such a dry landscape garden, you will quickly come to appreciate the serenity of the moment! As there are more famous rock gardens in Kyoto, I urge you to check out my detailed Kyoto guide .

6. A temple with a 4 kilometers long tunnel of red gates

You’ve probably seen this one before. A lone red corridor? You are dead wrong! The Fushimi Inari-Shrine in Kyoto covers a whole hill with more than 10,000 such red gates ! ( read more about Fushimi Inari Shrine here ). The place is just so unique and so unbelievable. Definitely deserves to be called one of the top Japan highlights!

7. The biggest (and strongest) wrestlers in the world

Have you heard about Sumo? Well, who hasn’t really. The national sport of Japan is one of many sports highlights you need to see. Here is my guide to watching a Sumo match (and how to get tickets).

8. The longest wooden bridge in the world

Japan is home to a lot of famous bridges. They come in all shapes, lengths, and materials. The longest wooden bridge in the world is the by far the Horai Bridge – 897,4 meters to be quite precise. As Horai is maybe not the prettiest bridge, you might want to check out the Kintai Bridge in Yamaguchi instead.

Or how about the Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko. You can read my guide to Nikko here . The bridge is actually part of a shrine, which is why it is red.

9. One of the oldest surviving music traditions in the world

I don’t know about you, but I love classical music. But while symphonies by Bach, Mozart or Beethoven are barely 300 years old or younger, Japan has a music tradition more than 1,200 years old .

Gagaku was introduced from China and became popular in the 8th century. And here is the thing: Gagaku is still being performed in its original form today! It’s highly structured court music that does sound a “tiny” bit odd ( here’s a video ). In 2009, the UNESCO declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

10. The most beautiful islands in Asia

Japan has some beautiful islands scattered around its archipelago: But probably none is more beautiful than Miyajima. The ancient pilgrimage site is also a unique national park with free-ranging and friendly deer. Is it the most beautiful island? Well, I wrote a detailed guide to Miyajima , so check it out and tell me then!

11. Aquarium with the largest water capacity in the world

Japanese people love fish. But they don’t just eat them (although they eat a lot!). In Osaka, you get the chance to visit the Aquarium with the largest water capacity in the world: The Kaiyukan . If you are planning to visit Osaka (and you should), check out my guide !

12. Subway station with the most guests in the world

Tokyo’s subway is crazy. It truly is. During rush hour it truly feels like one giant anthill. Ayase station is said to be the busiest of them all with over 490,000 guests per day . And to give you a good impression. The Tozai Line transports 1.6 million passengers….. per day! To put things into perspective: That’s every inhabitant of Phoenix, Arizona on the subway – and that is just one line out of many!

Tokyo’s subway stations are sometimes so large that they would be called a city anywhere else. You can, quite literally, spend a whole day in the underground warrens of Tokyo main station . It is just so big. And actually, I recommend you to go, as there are a lot of good restaurants and shops there. Unlike in the western world, subway or railway stations are quite an important spot in Japan. So, don’t skip them.

13. The (2nd) longest railway tunnel in the world

The Japanese railway system is incredible. A network of highspeed trains (Shinkansen) connects all the major cities . And they are never late, depart every hour or less, are computer operated, and the list goes on. Despite all those earthquakes, there was never even a single major incident.

Perhaps it comes as no big surprise, that the longest railway tunnel in the world can be found in Japan. Definitely consider getting a Japan Rail Pass and explore the country by train – faster, cheaper, and safer than by car, bus or plane!

Up until 2016, when the Gotthard Base tunnel opened, the Seikan Tunnel under the Tsugaru Strait was the longest railway tunnel in the world. Still, 53.85 kilometers are still quite the feat!

14. The oldest living being in the world

If you ever walked in one of Japan’s ancient cedar groves, you’ll know that they are a beyond then special place. You’ll find such sacred groves around most Shinto temples, but there is one place you really have to keep in mind: Yakushima .

The small island in the far south of Japan is home to the oldest living tree in the world the so-called Jōmon Sugi (縄文杉) Cryptomeria tree is estimated to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old .

15. The oldest hotel(s) in the world

We Europeans pride ourselves on some of the finest and oldest hotels in the world, but they are all nothing compared to their Japanese counterparts. Due to a unique political system during the “medieval times”, local feudal lords and Samurai were forced to visit the ruling Shogun quite often.

Thus, fine guesthouses were founded all over the country. Quite a few of them remain. The oldest of the lot is the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, which was founded in 705 AD and remains open until today. One of my favorite hotels in the world, the Tawaraya Ryokan in Kyoto , is also more than 300 years old. So, definitely consider staying at such a historic place on your visit!

16. The largest tomb in the world

Did you know? Egypt may have the pyramids, but there are actually bigger tombs in Japans. The so-called kofun tombs are gigantic burial mounds sitting in artificial lakes. You’ll find them especially in the area of Osaka and Nara.

They haven’t really been on the tourist radar so far (I never understood why), but the UNESCO finally declared the Mozu Tombs a World Heritage site in 2019 . The moat alone is 840 meters long and was probably built around the 5th century AD.

Note: You cannot go inside the tombs, but the nearby Sakai City Museum will be able to provide further details.

17. More than 10,000 hot springs

Everyone will have heard of the many earthquakes in Japan. But the high level of volcanic activity has also a positive side. You’ll find beautiful hot springs in every town and village. Probably no other country has such a sophisticated bathing culture. ( read my review of the best onsen in Japan ).

Which means you should definitely check out an Onsen (the Japanese word for hot spring). Beppu , on the most southern main island of Japan, has the most of them. Head there, to be amazed.

18. A temple with 1,001 Buddhist statues

One of the most amazing tourist highlights in Kyoto is certainly the Sanjūsangen-dō. Inside the main hall of the Buddhist temple, you’ll find sheer endless rows of 1,001 standing Thousand-armed Kannon statues. This place makes you speechless !

19. More Chanel shops than in Paris

Japanese people are addicted to fashion. Seriously! I don’t think there is a single railway station in Tokyo without at least one Gucci or Louis Vuitton shop in it. A railway station! And when you head over to the Ginza, you’ll don’t see shops – the biggest fashion labels in the world occupy whole skyscrapers . It is just so crazy, really.

20. Probably more than 100,000 gardens

The Japanese go crazy on horticulture. I’ve never seen such breath-taking gardens before! I doubt anyone ever counted all the gardens in Japan, but you’ll find one basically around every corner . Even private mansions will often have a manicured corner of perfection. Here are some famous gardens to put on your list:

• Kenroku-en (Kanazawa)
• Koraku-en (Okayama)
• Kairaku-en (Mito)
• Katsura Imperial Villa (Kyoto; my personal favorite)

Other Japan highlights you might want to check out

Japan is famous for its ancient culture. Tea ceremony, Kabuki, Noh-theater, archery, and quite a lot of other ancient traditions come to mind. Sample as many as you can, because all of them are truly unique and will blow your mind. You also might want to get a hardcover travel guide ( check out my list of the best Japan travel books ) as wi-fi is sometimes a bit problematic.

One thing, you should definitely try to get in contact with is the Geisha culture. The best place to do so is in Kyoto. Since some misconceptions exist concerning geishas, check out this article on the secret world of geisha-parties from an insider’s perspective .

Above all, you should also consider visiting the natural highlights in Japan. Okinawa in the far south ( read my guide ) or Hokkaido in the far north are both home to stunning nature.

So, these were my top Japan highlights! Hope you enjoyed the list. Got any questions? Be sure to ask them in the comments below

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What to do in Japan: our highlights guide

By Audley Japan specialist Caitlin

I’ve always had an affiliation with Japan after watching Japanese cartoons as a child. The culture is so deep-rooted, yet it has one foot squarely planted in the future. Setting ancient traditions alongside modern innovations is something I think the country does so well. But there are many quirks I find fascinating — for example, for one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, they confirm hotel bookings via fax.

Japan doesn’t have sites of the Taj Mahal’s fame or a list of quick-visit places. It’s much more about experiences and customs: immersing yourself in the ritualized world of the geisha or learning the social etiquette involved in taking a volcanic hot-spring bath.

Learning about geisha culture

While geisha aren’t as prevalent as they used to be, these icons of a highly ritualized and complex social structure still thrive. In demand as high-class performers, they’re hired by wealthy families and big businesses to entertain at important occasions.

Gion in Kyoto is still a working geisha district. Young women enter one of the many geisha schools as a maiko (apprentice). They take classes in dance, song, music and tea ceremony performance, before emerging as a geiko, a fully fledged geisha. It’s possible to meet a geisha by booking a private performance , but costs are incredibly high, so I’d suggest taking a walking tour of the district instead.

I visited the district with a guide, who led me through the streets pointing out the geisha schools, where you can see their programs of study pasted on the wall outside. We were lucky enough to spot geisha running to and from their appointments, dressed exactly as I’d seen in photographs. My guide explained the intricacies of their dress code, and how different hair and makeup styles symbolize their status.

Staying in a ryokan

For me, staying in a ryokan is one of the quintessential Japanese experiences. These traditional inns were originally used by samurai and tradesmen as a convenient place to rest for the night. They’re now superb examples of Japanese hospitality, ranging from small local-run affairs to luxurious properties.

Stay in a family-run ryokan

Though smaller, family-owned ryokans are available across Japan, I particularly like to visit those in Tsumago , a small town in the Kiso Valley equidistant between Tokyo and Kyoto . Tsumago is built along the Nakasendo Highway, an important communication route established in the 8th century to enable rulers to send quick messages, goods and spies across the empire. It’s a single street of wooden-fronted buildings, lit only by paper lanterns (although lightbulbs have now replaced the candles). During the electrical boom of the 60s, the townspeople banded together to conserve their town’s 18th-century buildings and ban modern development.

The ryokans here are simple, but that’s part of their charm. Family enterprises, they consist of a few rooms with shared bathroom facilities, but you have simple, private sleeping quarters with a futon and sliding doors that open out onto a beautifully manicured garden. The food served is home-cooked fare that makes the most of what’s found locally, such as the fish in the river running through the town.

Bathing in an onsen

Happy by-products of a volcanically active country, onsens are bathing facilities built around a hot spring. Each weekend, many Japanese escape the cities to relax in their steamy waters. Traditional onsens are large, communal pools where bathers relax naked in the thermal water.

The normality of bathing in the nude took a little getting used to when I lived in Japan, but once I’d learned the social etiquette I really began to enjoy it. The Japanese people don’t think twice about it and the steam protects your modesty to a certain degree. You enter the bath house on the correct side — men and women are segregated throughout — before taking a shower as you sit on a little stool. The hot spring itself is usually outside, the location chosen for its surrounding views. If you’re not sure about trying a communal onsen, some hotels offer private options.

Onsen bath houses are found all over Japan, but for me, they are best experienced sat in a hot spring surrounded by snow. Hakone National Park , to the southwest of Tokyo , is surrounded by the forest and, from December through to February, snow. On a clear day you can see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Sampling Japan’s food

Yakitori street food

In contrast to its southeast Asian neighbors, Japan doesn’t really have a street-food culture, but yakitori comes close. Yakitori is coal-roasted strips of meat or vegetables marinated in a ginger, soy and garlic sauce, and in every big city you’ll find narrow streets crammed with tiny open-air stalls set around open coal fires cooking it up. Chicken yakitori is most common, but you’ll also find offal, meatball and leek versions.

Squeezing into one of the stalls, I always find myself surrounded by salarymen — the Japanese working class — with their ties loosened, enjoying a post-work beer. The sky is filled with the smoke of the coal fires and the is lane lit by paper lanterns. Looking up, you can’t see the skyscrapers above, making it easy to forget you’re in a modern city.

Kaiseki cuisine

For something more refined, I’d suggest sampling kaiseki cuisine: an elegant meal of seven or eight courses of delicately prepared light dishes. Usually served as part of a traditional tea ceremony, each course is meticulously made and beautifully presented. Some dishes are served alongside your own stove, on which you can cook slices of raw fish and meat.

A ryokan is the best place to experience this traditional meal, usually served in your room by a private maid. Dishes vary, based on the freshest seasonal produce available. It’s a chance for the chef to display his or her skills, producing precisely cut sushi, carefully balanced soups and grilled meats.

My travels through Japan have often been led by my stomach, and I find it almost impossible to narrow down the country’s food offerings to a few key highlights, but these are my must-taste experiences.

Spending time in Tokyo

Logistically you can’t really miss Tokyo , and you wouldn’t want to. The frenetic neon city has enough to keep you occupied for weeks, with new attractions, cafés and shops opening each week. It’s worth lingering for a few days to explore different areas of the city.

Walk over the Shibuya crossing

Nothing makes me feel like I’ve arrived in Japan more than seeing the Shibuya crossing . Right outside Tokyo’s Shibuya Station, a network of pedestrian crossings bridge the street corners, each as wide as a road. At the change of the traffic lights, thousands of people pour across the street in a minute of seemingly choreographed chaos, moving to the tune of wacky computer-game-style music, which the surrounding shops play 24 hours a day.

Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine

The inside of this shrine is so quiet, you wouldn’t know you were in Tokyo. One of the oldest shrines in the city, it sits surrounded by a park in the bustling Shibuya district, right behind the station.

The shrine was built to memorialize Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shōken. Enclosing the shrine is the forest garden, where each tree is a donation from a supporter of the shrine, and planted by a volunteer. Every time I visit, I manage to see a wedding procession, with the couple shaded under a traditional red umbrella.

Take a guided food tour

Ebisu is a district of Tokyo with a distinctly local feel, with a narrow network of alleyways lined with bars, restaurants and street-food stalls. Take a guided food tour with a local guide and you can get a feel for how Tokyo’s residents eat — by bar and restaurant hopping across the district.

You’ll stop for some sashimi here, a few yakitori chicken skewers there, before moving on. I particularly like karaage, crispy fried chicken, or ebi mayo, fried shrimps drenched in mayonnaise. Your guide will teach you how to read a menu and how to order, which are useful skills for the rest of your trip. There’s also a family-friendly version of the tour which skips the bars.

Staying with monks on Mount Koya

Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Koya is a monastic complex located high in the forested mountains of southwest Japan, where you can shake off the city chaos. Mount Koya is home to the Shingon Buddhist sect, with red robed monks living among a collection of over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation for visitors and pilgrims.

Staying in a temple gives you the chance to glimpse elements of monastic life you’d otherwise miss. Waking up early to the gentle chant of morning prayers, you might be able to watch a goma fire ritual, performed by the monks to destroy negative energy by lighting a fire in the middle of the temple. At dusk, you have the chance to wander through the cemetery, ribbons of smoke rising up from the lit incense marking each grave. Your room is simple but private, furnished with a futon, and bathroom facilities are shared.

Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

The choice to visit Hiroshima can be difficult: some of my clients find the experience fascinating, others find it uncomfortable. The harrowing events of 1945 have been sensitively commemorated in Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Museum and Park. When I was teaching in Japan, my 6th-grade students visited every year for their school trip. In the weeks prior, I would help them fold paper cranes, symbols of peace, which would be added to the Children’s Peace Memorial in the park.

I’d suggest visiting if you have a particular interest in history, taking a guided tour You’ll gain an insight into how the events have changed the country, and, more positively, how Hiroshima is leading the way in the fight against nuclear weapons.

Nearby, I’d recommend visiting Miyajima Island . A small shrine was built here over 1,500 years ago, and it has been a sacred site ever since. The island is marked by a huge red torii gate, nicknamed the floating gate as its base is surrounded by water when the tide comes in. The view of the gate from the beach is possibly one of the most photographed images in Japan, but if you catch the cable car to the highest peak on the island, you’ll get an even better one.

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Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Best time to visit Japan
• Visiting Japan with your children
• Honeymoons in Japan
• Luxury vacations in Japan
• Driving in Japan: Hokkaido Island
• Driving in Japan: the logistics

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Kyoto (���s, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor 's residence from 794 until 1868 . It is one of the country's ten largest cities with 1.5 million inhabitants and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II . Countless temples , shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

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• Walk the Philosopher's Path
• Beautiful temples and shrines
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• See the bamboo groves
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• Serene temples and gardens

• Visit beautiful temples
• Explore Higashiyama and Gion

• Visit beautiful temples and shrines

• Explore attractive Arashiyama

• Explore Kyoto's northern side
• Visit Kinkakuji , Ryoanji and Ninnaji temples

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Kyoto official travel guide, cycle kyoto, hotels around kyoto, kyoto hotel guide.

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