Japan has some of the best places in the world to visit. Learn about the top 5 locations to go sightseeing in Japan and truly enjoy your vacation.
Whether it’s to see the cherry blossoms, explore the Tokyo nightlife, or hike the famous Mt. Fuji, the odds are you won’t be alone if you’re traveling to Japan. With a near 20 million tourists every year, Japan has become a hotspot destination for travelers with a wide variety of sightseeing agendas. If you’re planning your own excursion to The Land of the Rising Sun – or trying to decide if it deserves a place on your bucket list of travels – we’re going to highlight five of the most popular places for sightseeing in Japan today. Ready for an inside look at five of the most excited slightly weird, surprisingly luxurious, and absolutely memorable sights worth seeing in Japan? Read on as we explore these inspiring locals.
Nara Park
Imagine the most Instagramable petting zoo possible without the stagging and fences and you might have an idea of what to expect from Nara Park. You can take in the Todaiji Temple and the Kasuga Shrine which are both beautiful in their own rights but many visitors are coming to see one thing in particular: the deer. Roaming freely throughout the park, you’ll be able to interact with hundreds of spotted deer (native to many parts of East Asia) easily from this picturesque nature preserve. Considered a national treasure by the Japanese government, this scene is not to be missed. The deer you’ll find here are used to experiencing human interaction even if you aren’t necessarily used to being around them. You’ll have the opportunity to feed them if you’re interested and take plenty of pictures by their side. Nara Park may feel a bit off the beaten path, and if you’re looking to take in this animal-friendly destination from a more comfortable mode of transportation than by bus or rail there are always luxury car rental options.
Kenroku-en Gardens
Many of the most iconic Japanese sights are particularly beautiful during the spring and summer months. Visions of cherry blossom trees may spring to mind, but they aren’t the only things you should be carving out time in your trip to this miraculous country. Should be traveling in the winter, or better yet during snow season, the Kenrokeuen Gardens are sure to come alive. Located in Kanazawa, just to the north of the Ishikawa region, the Kenroku-en Gardens are beautiful year round and known for six key traits: seclusion, antiquity, water, human ingenuity, spaciousness, and scenery. You might not expect a garden to be a go-to sightseeing spot in Japan during the winter, but when blanketed in snow the Kenroku-en Gardens are a true sight to behold
Tokyo Nightlife
If you’re thinking about visiting Japan, Tokyo is almost certainly on your list of places to see. Tourists traveling to the area for the first time often struggle with how much time they should really spend in the city and which Tokyo sights are not be missed. The Skytree and famous Sensoji Temple are among the most well-visited daytime sights in Tokyo, but the city takes on a life of its own once the sun finally sets. Consider having dinner at a robot cafe (which is actually exactly what it sounds like) to kick off the evening. A sensory overload of colors and sounds, you might not have realized how much you needed to see a full-size robot sing Broadway tunes until it actually happens to you. Next, take a tour through Harajuku at night to see how the fashion trends really evolve to match the nightlife vibe. The fashion trends, beauty looks, and accessories found here are unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else in the world. Finally, end the evening with a nightcap at the Penguin Bar. Pictures and video loops of penguins help set the mood and the built-in aquarium with live penguins helps seal the deal that these trendy bird bars are a must-do.
Mt. Koya
One of the holiest mountains in Japan, this particular mountain, and the accompanying shrine is just as beautiful to see in-person as it is historic and meaningful to the people who live here. Mt. Koya offers a unique sense of peacefulness and serenity not likely found in some of the more popular mountains or hiking trails found elsewhere in Japan. And if you aren’t completely uncomfortable with the idea, the cemetery found at Mt. Koya is equally as beautiful as the scenery and architecture found along the way. Just 30 miles outside of Kyoto, take the stress out of your travel by booking personal luxury transportation to the base of the mountain before you go.
The Inari Shrine
The Inari Shrine is one of the most photographable locations in all of Japan – but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked! The more than 10,000 red gates that make up the Inari Shrine have been a popular location in Japan for thousands of years. You won’t have to pay anything to see these gates in person and photo opportunities are as endless as the display itself. Considering the shrine is open 24/7, consider timing your visit with the “golden hour” to get the best possible pictures to help commemorate your trip. Want to avoid the crowds? Skip the bus tours and book your own private transportation to the base of the shrine instead. You’ll be able to arrive and leave on your own schedule versus pre-set bus times and you’ll have a better opportunity to enjoy the magic of the moment to yourself.
Traveling The Best Sightseeing In Japan
Feeling convinced that Japan deserves a slot on your travel itinerary now? With so much to see and do, there’s no one location that will give you all of the be sightseeing in Japan. As your planning, your adventure, make sure to consider the amount of time you’ll spend traveling from city to city as you explore these destinations. Want to add a more luxurious spin on your travel transportation? VIP services don’t start and end at the airport with AssistAnt Global Concierge Services, and we’ll help you book luxury transportation – from chauffeured cars to private jets or motorboats – no matter where you’re coming from or where you’re trying to go in Japan!