Discover Japan's Hidden Gems

Explore temples, shrines, castles, parks, and more

Shrine
Hyogo

Izanagi Shrine

Japan's Oldest Shrine — Birthplace of the Creation Myth

Considered Japan's oldest shrine, dedicated to the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami who, accor...

Hyogo, Japan
Attraction
Shizuoka

Izu Peninsula

Coastal Resort with Hot Springs and Beaches

A mountainous coastal peninsula southwest of Tokyo, famous for hot spring resorts, beautiful beac...

Shizuoka, Japan
Shrine
Shimane

Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Dedicated to Okuninushi, god of marriage—couples come here ...

Matsue, Shimane, Japan
Attraction
Nagano

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Snow Monkeys Bathing in Hot Springs

The world-famous site where wild Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs, especially photo...

Nagano, Japan
Restaurant
Osaka

Jinrui Mina Menrui

One of Osaka's Most Famous and Best Ramen Restaurants

A legendary Osaka ramen shop offering multiple dashi-based ramen styles, crowned with thick-cut c...

Osaka, Japan
5.0 (1)
Attraction
Iwate

Jodogahama Beach

A Heavenly White Beach on the Sanriku Coast

Named for its resemblance to a Buddhist paradise, Jodogahama is a stunning white pebble beach bac...

Morioka, Iwate, Japan
Temple
Kyoto

Jojakko-ji

A Hillside Temple Famous for Its Fiery Autumn Foliage

Hillside temple in Sagano, best in autumn. The pagoda surrounded by red and orange maples is the ...

Kyoto, Japan
Neighborhood
Tokyo

Kabukicho

Shinjuku's Neon-Lit Entertainment Quarter

Neon signs blaze and giant screens flicker in Japan's largest entertainment district, a sensory o...

Tokyo, Japan
City
Kagoshima

Kagoshima

A vibrant southern city facing the active Sakurajima volcano across the bay, known for its subtro...

Kagoshima, Japan
Garden
Ibaraki

Kairakuen Garden

One of Japan's Three Great Gardens

One of Japan's Three Great Gardens, Kairakuen is celebrated for its stunning collection of over 3...

Ibaraki, Japan
Historic Site
Akita

Kakunodate

Known as the 'Little Kyoto of Tohoku', this beautifully preserved samurai district features centu...

Akita, Japan
City
Kanagawa

Kamakura

Seaside Temple Town

Historic seaside city south of Tokyo, home to the Great Buddha, ancient temples, and beautiful be...

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Shrine
Kyoto

Kamigamo Shrine

Kyoto's Oldest Shrine with Sacred Sand Cone Mounds

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's oldest Shinto shrines, founded in 678 AD, known f...

Kyoto, Japan
Attraction
Nagano

Kamikochi

Kamikochi is a pristine alpine valley in the Northern Japan Alps, where crystal-clear rivers, mou...

Nagano, Japan
Aquarium
Chiba

Kamogawa SeaWorld

Kamogawa SeaWorld is one of Japan's premier marine parks, located along the scenic Pacific coastl...

Chiba, Japan
City
Ishikawa

Kanazawa

A preserved castle town with Kenrokuen Garden, samurai districts, geisha quarters, and 99% of Jap...

Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
Castle
Ishikawa

Kanazawa Castle

Maeda Clan Castle with White Lead Roof Tiles

The castle of the wealthy Maeda clan, featuring beautifully reconstructed gates and turrets with ...

Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
Historic Site
Ishikawa

Kanazawa Higashi Chaya District

Kanazawa Higashi Chaya District - Edo-Era Geisha Quarter

One of Japan's best-preserved geisha districts, featuring Edo-period wooden teahouses, gold leaf ...

Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
City
Saga

Karatsu

Karatsu - Castle Town of Pottery and Festivals

A historic castle town on Saga's northern coast, renowned for its centuries-old Karatsu-yaki pott...

Saga, Japan
Shrine
Ibaraki

Kashima Shrine

Kashima Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most venerated shrines, dedicated to the deity of mar...

Ibaraki, Japan