What to do in Japan: 20 must-sees and must-dos

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Mount Fuji

Japan’s Mount Fuji is a majestic mountain rising to an altitude of 3,776 metres. It dominates the horizon and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. This national icon is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka. These stretches of water reflect the beauty of Mount Fuji, creating postcard-perfect scenes.

Must-see sights near Mount Fuji include the Arakura Sengen Shrine, offering a unique perspective on the mountain, and the town of Fujiyoshida, where you can explore local history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike the trails of Mount Fuji, an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland is an enchanting place in Japan, located in Tokyo Bay. Surrounded by magic and laughter, it offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. This theme park, inspired by the world of Disney, plunges you into a fairytale world where dreams come true.

You can explore several themed areas, including Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland and many more. Meet your favorite Disney characters, see spectacular shows, and enjoy thrilling rides that’ll make your heart skip a beat.

Kyoto and its temples

Kyoto, the cradle of Japanese tradition, is a city of priceless cultural treasures, not least its magnificent temples. Nestled in the heart of Japan, this historic city transports you back in time. Kyoto’s temples are gems of religious architecture, offering a unique spiritual and aesthetic experience.

Among the most famous temples is the Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a temple covered in gold leaf and majestically reflected in a pond. Ginkaku-ji, or Silver Pavilion, is another of the city’s treasures, surrounded by serene Zen gardens.

Nikko National Park

Japan’s Nikko National Park is a natural and cultural treasure trove. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, it offers breathtaking scenery, where nature blends harmoniously with spirituality. The park is famous for its lush forests, majestic waterfalls and ancient temples that evoke respect and serenity.

Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial

Hiroshima, an iconic Japanese city, is known the world over as the site of the first nuclear attack in 1945, but it also embodies a message of peace and resilience. In the heart of the city, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial stands as a powerful symbol of hope and reconciliation.

Osaka and Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan’s dynamic city, is a fascinating blend of culture, entertainment and modernity. One of the city’s highlights is the Universal Studios Japan theme park, a magical place where dreams come true.

Universal Studios Japan offers a unique experience for movie and attraction fans. You can meet famous movie characters, enjoy breathtaking shows and experience thrilling adventures. Top attractions include Harry Potter World, Jurassic Park and the breathtaking roller coaster.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, located in the town of Himeji, is one of Japan’s architectural marvels. It’s one of the best-preserved castles in the country, famous for its elegant white structure that has earned it the nickname “White Heron”. Perched majestically atop a hill, it dominates the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views.

A visit to Himeji Castle is a real plunge into the history of feudal Japan. Inside, you can explore its floors, labyrinthine corridors and exhibition halls housing cultural treasures. The castle’s complex structure, with its multiple gates and defenses, bears witness to the ingenuity of the craftsmen of the time.

Nara and its sacred deer

Nara, a city in Japan, is a unique place, famous for the sacred deer that roam freely throughout the city. These sika deer, also known as “shika” in Japanese, are considered divine messengers in local tradition, which has earned them their special status.

A visit to Nara offers the chance to meet these adorable creatures in person. Deer roam freely in Nara Park, where you can feed them special cookies called “shika senbei”. It’s a magical experience to befriend these gentle, docile animals.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is an iconic site steeped in spirituality and beauty. It’s famous for its thousands of vermilion torii, which form a mystical tunnel through the lush forest of Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity, this shrine is one of the most sacred places in Japan.The first thing that strikes you on visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine is the magnificence of its architecture and the serenity of the surrounding nature. You can take the winding path through the torii, offering spectacular views of Kyoto city below.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle, located in Japan’s bustling city of Osaka, is a true historical treasure. Dominating the horizon with its imposing silhouette, this castle is a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Japanese feudal era. Built in the 16th century, it was the seat of power for the Toyotomi clan.

A visit to Osaka Castle takes you through its impressive walls, moat and majestic towers. Inside, you’ll discover museums and exhibitions that trace the fascinating history of the castle and the surrounding region.

Mount Koya

Mount Koya, also known as Koyasan, is a spiritual and serene place in Japan, nestled in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. It has been a sacred Buddhist center for over 1,200 years and an important pilgrimage site for believers and travelers in search of inner peace.

Mount Koya is home to over 100 Buddhist temples, some of which offer visitors hospitality in the form of shukubo, traditional lodgings. Here you can enjoy a unique experience, taking part in Buddhist morning rituals and tasting delicious vegetarian cuisine called shojin ryori.

Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa

Kenroku-en Garden, located in Kanazawa, is one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, renowned for its splendor and serenity. This landscaped garden was created in the 17th century and is an outstanding example of Japanese garden art, offering an unforgettable visual and emotional experience.

The name “Kenroku-en” literally means “the garden of six perfect attributes”, referring to the six qualities that every perfect garden should possess according to Japanese tradition. You’ll discover enchanting landscapes with tranquil ponds, picturesque waterfalls, arched bridges and traditional pavilions.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, located in Kyoto, Japan, is a natural wonder that amazes visitors with its peaceful beauty and serenity. This lush forest is a unique treasure that offers an unforgettable visual and aural experience.

As you stroll through the winding paths of the Bamboo Forest, you’ll be surrounded by immense bamboos reaching for the sky. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating enchanting plays of light and shadow. The soothing atmosphere and the gentle whisper of the wind through the bamboo make this a natural place for meditation.

Ise Sanctuary

The Ise Shrine in Japan is a sacred place that holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese. It is considered one of the country’s most important shrines and is dedicated to the goddess Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun.

The shrine actually consists of two main enclosures: the inner shrine, called Naiku, and the outer shrine, called Geku. Each of these sanctuaries is surrounded by lush forests, waterways and traditional wooden buildings.

The Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum, located in Mitaka, Tokyo, is an enchanting place that celebrates the art of Japanese animation created by the famous Studio Ghibli. Founded by legendary directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli has produced such iconic animated films as “My Neighbor Totoro”, “Chihiro’s Journey” and “Castle in the Sky”.

The Ghibli Museum is conceived as a magical world where visitors can discover what goes on behind the scenes of these extraordinary films. Interactive exhibits, detailed dioramas and creative workshops transport visitors into the fairytale world of the studio’s films.

The Historic Village of Shirakawa-go

The Historic Village of Shirakawa-go, nestled in the mountains of Japan’s Gifu Prefecture, is a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This traditional village is famous for its thatched houses, known as “gassho-zukuri”, which look like something out of a fairy tale.

The village of Shirakawa-go offers an authentic glimpse of Japanese rural life of yesteryear. Thatched houses are built with a unique structure that can withstand the region’s heavy snowfalls. You can visit some of these houses, some of which serve as museums, to learn more about the region’s history and culture.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, located in the town of Matsumoto, is one of Japan’s historic treasures. Known as “Karasu-jo” for its elegant black wooden structure, it is one of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in the country.

This castle dates back to the 16th century and is an outstanding example of Japanese feudal architecture. Its black wooden walls, sloping roofs and deep moat give it an aura of mystery and nobility. You can explore the castle’s various rooms, from the dungeon to the reception halls, to discover the history and culture of the region.

Iga-ryu Ninja Museum

The Iga-ryu Ninja Museum in Iga is a fascinating place that plunges visitors into the mysterious world of ninjas, the legendary shadow warriors of ancient Japan. Iga is renowned as one of the cradles of ninja art, and this museum is a true celebration of this unique heritage.

During your visit to the Ninja Museum, you’ll discover the techniques, tools and strategies used by ninjas to carry out their secret missions. You can watch demonstrations of the art of ninja, including shuriken wielding, wall climbing and concealment.

Kanazawa Museum of Contemporary Art

The Kanazawa Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the city of Kanazawa, is an artistic oasis combining modern architecture and contemporary creativity. This museum is a must-see destination for art lovers and the curious in search of inspiration.

The building itself is an architectural work of art, designed by Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima. Its geometric shapes and glass façade provide a striking contrast to Kanazawa’s traditional landscape. Inside, you’ll find a fascinating collection of contemporary Japanese and international art, from painting to sculpture to photography.

Kyoto‘s Golden Temple

Kyoto’s Golden Temple, also known as Kinkaku-ji, is one of Japan’s most famous architectural wonders. This Zen Buddhist temple, set in the middle of a peaceful Japanese garden, is a sparkling golden jewel that amazes visitors from all over the world.

The Kinkaku-ji takes its name from its exterior, which is covered in pure gold leaf, giving it its distinctive shine. The temple is built on the edge of a pond reflecting its splendor, creating a magical mirror image.

A visit to the Golden Temple will give you an insight into traditional Japanese architecture and the harmony between man and nature. You can stroll through the carefully tended gardens, admire the stone bridges and pagodas, and meditate by the water.