Yasaka Shrine
Heart of Gion and Home of the Gion Matsuri
A Shinto shrine at the heart of Gion, center of the Gion Matsuri festival every July, one of Japa...
Ise Grand Shrine
Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu)
Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, rebuilt every 20 years ...
Myokensan (Nose Myokensan)
Nose Myokensan Temple
Nose Myokensan is a Nichiren-sect temple at the 660-metre summit of Mount Myoken, on the border b...
Kamakura Daibutsu (Kotoku-in)
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
The Great Buddha of Kamakura. 13.35 meters tall, 121 tons, cast in 1252. The original temple hall...
Ippudo Umeda
World-Famous Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen chain with unlimited free spicy moyashi (bean sprouts) at every table.
Engaku-ji
A Grand Zen Temple with a National Treasure Reliquary
Ranked second of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, founded in 1282 to honor soldiers from the Mo...
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
World's Longest Suspension Bridge
Suspension bridge with world's longest main span (1,991m), total length 3,911m, connecting Kobe t...
Iga-Ueno Castle
Rising above the legendary birthplace of ninja culture, Iga-Ueno Castle has Japan's tallest stone...
Amanohashidate
One of Japan's three most scenic views, a pine-covered sandbar spanning Miyazu Bay on the Sea of ...
Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Expo '70 Park with Okamoto's Tower of the Sun
The legacy of Japan's first World's Fair lives on in this 260-hectare park, where Taro Okamoto's ...
Dogo Onsen
Japan's Oldest Hot Spring Bathhouse
One of Japan's oldest and most famous bathhouses, said to have inspired the bathhouse in Spirited...
Enryakuji Temple
Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei (Hieizan)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and headquarters of Tendai Buddhism, Enryakuji Temple sprawls across...
Katsuoji Temple
Victory Temple Famous for Daruma Dolls and Minoo Mountain Views
Set in the forested mountains above Minoo, this 1,300-year-old Shingon temple has drawn seekers o...
Matsumoto Castle
Japan's Premier Black Castle
One of Japan's five National Treasure castles, famous for its striking black exterior and alpine ...
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo's Red Tower
333-meter communications tower modeled on the Eiffel Tower, with two observation decks for views ...