Discover Japan's Hidden Gems

Explore temples, shrines, castles, parks, and more

Fuji-Q Highland photo
Amusement Park
Yamanashi

Fuji-Q Highland

A thrilling amusement park at the base of Mt. Fuji known for record-breaking roller coasters and ...

Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan
Itsukushima Shrine

© redlegsfan21 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Shrine World Heritage
Hiroshima

Itsukushima Shrine

Floating Torii Gate of Miyajima

UNESCO World Heritage shrine on Miyajima Island, famous for its vermillion torii gate appearing t...

Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan
To-ji

© Kakidai / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Temple World Heritage
Kyoto

To-ji

Japan's Tallest Wooden Pagoda and Ancient Capital Landmark

A World Heritage Site founded in 796, home to Japan's tallest wooden pagoda at 55 meters and a be...

Kyoto, Japan
Universal Studios Japan photo
Theme Park
Osaka

Universal Studios Japan

Hollywood Movie Theme Park

Major theme park featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and movie-t...

Osaka, Japan
Gion

© 663highland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

Neighborhood
Kyoto

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district with traditional wooden machiya townhouses and atmospheric te...

Kyoto, Japan
Okayama Castle

© 663highland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

Castle
Okayama

Okayama Castle

The Crow Castle, Okayama's Black Fortress

A striking black castle nicknamed 'Crow Castle' for its dark exterior, standing across the Asahi ...

Okayama, Japan
Toshodai-ji

© Naokijp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Temple World Heritage
Nara

Toshodai-ji

Ganjin's Legacy and the Finest Nara-Period Architecture

A World Heritage temple founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin, whose Golden Hall is widely re...

Nara, Japan
Kuromon Market

Photo: ほっきー / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Market
Osaka

Kuromon Market

Known as Osaka's Kitchen since around 1822, this 600-meter covered market arcade embodies eat-as-...

Osaka, Japan
Matsue Castle photo
Castle
Shimane

Matsue Castle

A National Treasure known as the 'Black Castle', one of only 12 original castles and the sole sur...

Matsue, Shimane, Japan
LaLaport EXPOCITY photo
Shopping
Osaka

LaLaport EXPOCITY

Japan's Largest Shopping and Entertainment Complex Next to Expo Park

Japan's largest entertainment complex, combining over 300 shops with NIFREL aquarium, Japan's tal...

Suita, Osaka, Japan
Shinjuku Gyoen

© Kakidai / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Park
Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Expansive national garden in central Tokyo blending Japanese, French, and English landscape styles.

Tokyo, Japan
Kyoto Imperial Palace

Photo: Saigen Jiro / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Historic Site
Kyoto

Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Former Imperial Residence in a Spacious National Garden

The former residence of Japan's Imperial family for over 500 years until 1869, set within the exp...

Kyoto, Japan
Isonokami Shrine

© Zeter114514 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Shrine
Nara

Isonokami Shrine

One of Japan's Oldest Shrines with Legendary Sacred Sword

One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, mentioned in the nation's earliest chronicles, said to hous...

Tenri, Nara, Japan
Senso-ji

© Asturio Cantabrio / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Temple
Tokyo

Senso-ji

Tokyo's Oldest Buddhist Temple

Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple, where a 700-kilogram red lantern marks the entrance to ce...

Tokyo, Japan
Nikko Tosho-gu

© Jpatokal / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Shrine World Heritage
Tochigi

Nikko Tosho-gu

Lavish Tokugawa Shrine

Lavishly decorated Shinto shrine enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nikko, Tochigi, Japan