Lonely PlanetAug 17, 2026
The 10 best places to visit in Japan
From Tokyo
15 things in this story
- Peace Memorial MuseumMuseumVisit for a heartbreaking, important history lesson
- ŌkunoshimaSightRabbit Island, home to hundreds of friendly rabbits
- Elsewhere
- Kinkaku-jiPlace of worshipKyoto, JapanExquisite pavilion sheathed entirely in gold leaf
- Ryōan-jiPlace of worshipKyoto, JapanZen rock garden
- Ghibli MuseumMuseumTokyo, JapanIt is located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, a western city within the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, in Japan.
- Maruyama-kōenParkKyoto, JapanPark famous for its cherry blossoms
- Mt FujiSightFuji, JapanPerfectly symmetrical cone of Japan's highest peak
- Yakusugi MuseumAttractionYakushima, JapanLearn about the importance of yakusugi
- Oku-no-inSightKōya-san, JapanTemple highlight with paths among cryptomeria trees
- Okinawa and the Southwest IslandsNeighborhoodOkinawa, JapanSemi-tropical archipelago with Japan's best beaches
- Yaeyama IslandsNeighborhoodOkinawa, JapanThe islands are located southwest of the Miyako Islands, part of the Ryukyu Islands archipelago.
- DōtomboriNeighborhoodOsaka, JapanCanalside strip with dazzling nightscapes
- Yari-ga-takeTrailKamikōchi, JapanChallenging trek up one of Japan's tallest mountains
- Imperial PalaceSightTokyo, Japan
- Kerama IslandsNeighborhoodOkinawa, Japan
