Get Ready for Some UNESCO World Heritage Site-Level Beauty
Long before Japan became Insta-famous for that Lawson convenience store in front of Mount Fuji, the country has always been one of the world's most captivating destinations, known for its stunning natural scenery, sacred sites, and rich culture.
Whether it's remote islands that rival any in Southeast Asia, snow-capped volcanoes towering over cities, quaint villages that are almost Ghibli-like in nature, or ancient temples that'll transport you back in time, there's no end to the number of beautiful places in Japan.
It's no wonder people keep visiting again and again, yet still won't cover everything in their lifetime. But hey, there's no better time than now to get started.
If you're chasing after untouched nature and historical sites, here's our list of the most beautiful places in Japan:
Discovering the Most Beautiful Places in Japan
Nikko National Park
Just less than two hours away from Tokyo by rail, Nikko National Park is the perfect blend of ancient culture and abundant nature.
The park is a key stop on the Japan Romantic Road, a trail where many sections aren't accessible by public transport, and an off-the-beaten-path route for travellers.
History buffs should visit Toshogu, an intricately decorated shrine with both Shinto and Buddhist elements, as well as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Nikko really shines, however, with its stunning scenery that transforms depending on the season. For instance, you can climb a 25-metre wall of ice at the Choji Waterfall during winter, or marvel at eye-popping maple leaves in the fall.
We recommend getting the Nikko Pass World Heritage Area pass so that you can easily visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples, of which there are a mind-boggling 103 to check out.
Himeji Castle
Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Site portfolio is seriously impressive, and Himeji Castle is a worthy contender to top that list.
Also known as the White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo), with its striking, immaculate white facade, Himeji Castle is generally considered one of the most complex and gorgeous castles in the country.
What makes it special is that, unlike many other Japanese castles, this beauty was never destroyed by war or any other natural disasters like fire or earthquakes.
And Himeji Castle survives to the present day as one of the country's original twelve castles - how cool is that?
These days, you can take a bike tour around the castle or even combine it with a sake brewery tour if that’s more your style.
Lake Shikaribetsu, Hokkaido
Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Hokkaido's jaw-dropping nature spots at Lake Shikaribetsu, hidden high up in the majestic Daisetsuzan mountains at an altitude of 810 metres, making it the highest lake in Hokkaido.
Formed in lava domes and surrounded by rolling hills and lush landscapes, this serene lake is one of the clearest in Japan and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the extremely adorable Northern pika - a tiny rounded mammal that's somewhat like a combination of a rabbit and a mouse (we know what you're thinking; Pikachu wasn’t based on this animal but rather on a squirrel).
With its beautiful natural landscape, Lake Shikaribetsu is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Come here for treks, kayaking, and of course, the many hot springs around this volcanically active region.
If you're visiting during winter, the lake freezes entirely, turning into a winter wonderland, with an igloo village typically opening from late January to late March before the ice structures melt away as spring rolls around.
Matsumoto Castle
Along with Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle (nicknamed Crow Castle) is one of the most beautiful places in Japan, having also survived the post-feudal era.
Unlike other castles built on a hill or mountain, it was constructed on the plains, with its iconic black wainscoting giving it an imposing yet impressive look and feel.
As for when to visit, the cherry blossom season is the perfect time. Hundreds of pretty-in-pink Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted around the outer castle moat, and when they bloom in mid-April, there are few more spectacular sights in Japan.
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto
A Zen temple covered in gold leaf? Your temple-hopping adventure in Japan is about to step up a level with a visit to the tranquil Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavilion).
The temple truly lives up to its name with its striking golden structure and is best viewed from across the pond where it sits.
But besides snapping photos of this gorgeous landmark, there are other fascinating places in the temple's surrounding gardens that you can visit.
There's the Anmintaku Pond, a pond that doesn't dry up even during droughts, and a shrine dedicated to Fudo Myo, a statue of one of the Five Wisdom Kings, believed to have mystical powers.
Mount Yari, Nagano
Prepare for a daring ascent of Mount Yari, a majestic 3,180-metre peak proudly standing among the Northern Japanese Alps, with its sky-high summits and rugged ridges.
This challenging alpine route begins at the idyllic highland valley of Kamikochi.
As you make your way past the start of the trail, the natural landscapes transform from flat and forested to rockier terrain, with steeper paths and fewer tourists.
There are a few spots where you can rest your aching bones, such as the Yarisawa Lodge and higher up at the Yarigatake Sanso mountain lodge, 3,000 metres above sea level, where the air starts to become thin.
If you push on to the summit past somewhat dodgy-looking ladders nailed to rocky cliffs, you'll be rewarded with some of the most insanely beautiful views you'll ever feast your eyes on.
Not for the faint of heart for sure. But if you're an experienced hiker, this is one not to miss.
Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island
A sacred site built over water centuries ago, the floating Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island (translated as "shrine island" in Japanese) is one of the most picturesque spots in the country.
Just a quick 10-minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier, this iconic floating torii gate is best viewed depending on the timing of the tides.
At high tide, the gate appears to float above the water, while at low tide, when the water drains out of the bay, you can actually walk out and see the gate up close and personal.
For those who don’t want to miss out, the best approach is to visit at both high and low tides.
Shiraito Falls, Yamanashi
Shiraito Falls is a truly breathtaking waterfall in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, and it's definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the country.
Nestled in the southwestern foothills of Fujisan and part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this waterfall has been a protected Japanese Natural Monument since 1936.
The spring water cascades down a 150-metre-wide and 20-metre-high cliff, creating a lovely effect that looks like threads of silk - hence its name.
If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll catch the falls brimming with snowmelt from Mount Fuji, surrounded by vibrant green foliage. In autumn, from mid-November onwards, the fiery fall colours will take your breath away.
Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido
Shiretoko National Park, on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a real treat for wildlife lovers. Picture yourself spotting eagles, deer, seals, killer whales, and brown bears all in their natural habitat - who needs zoos when you’ve got this?
The park, located on the island’s eastern side, is one of the prefecture’s most picturesque spots. It’s so remote that some sections of the peninsula are only accessible by boat - no better time to channel your inner Bear Grylls, we'd say.
With such epic landscapes, we're not surprised Shiretoko easily earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status back in 2005.
If you visit in winter, you won’t want to miss the magical drift ice floating along the peninsula’s coast on the Sea of Okhotsk - it’s a must-see for any Hokkaido winter itinerary.
And don’t forget to check out Furepe Falls, known as "maiden's tears" because its shape resembles tears rolling down someone’s cheeks.
Aoshima Island, Ehime
Here, you won't find hiking trails that open up to majestic vistas or beaches with powdery white sand, but for some people, you'll get something even better - loads and loads of cute cats.
Accessible by boat from Nagahama port on a quick 30-minute journey is Ao Island, one of a dozen "cat islands" in Japan, packed with furry felines roaming all over the place, even outnumbering humans there by about eight to one - mind-boggling, we know!
At the end of the day, it's really just a small, sleepy island, so don't expect amenities like you'd typically find at tourist-friendly sites. Plus, all the cats are neutered, so in a couple of years, the island may no longer be a cat island.
It might not be one of the first things on your bucket list when you visit Japan, but if you have some spare time and want to see another side of the country, this is a great option that might soon disappear.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto
One of the most beautiful places in Japan, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has become seriously flooded with tourists thanks to its Insta-famous popularity.
But when it comes to pure tranquility and otherworldly beauty, this scenic spot in Kyoto is still worth a visit.
However, to fully appreciate the bamboo grove's stunning sights, make it a priority to visit in the early morning to avoid the massive crowds that can spoil the serenity of the place.
If you're not a morning person, you can enter through Tenryu-Ji Temple's north exit since the first section of the bamboo grove tends to be extremely crowded.
And these days, you can even go ghost-hunting in the bamboo forest, so jostling with the crowds isn't your only option.
Do that, and you'll experience the best of Kyoto's natural beauty, transporting you right into the spooky and thrilling feel of a Ghost of Tsushima game, while hopefully (or not) encountering a scare or two.
Fuji Five Lakes Area, Yamanashi
No self-respecting list of the most beautiful places in Japan is complete without mentioning the legendary Fuji Five Lakes Area, with Mount Fuji as the defining symbol of Japan itself.
Nature lovers are spoilt for choice here. There's the easily accessible Lake Kawaguchiko, hot springs galore in the area, and Fuji-Q Highland, an ultra-popular theme park with rip-roaring roller coasters and a spectacular view of Fuji-san.
Just remember, each lake offers something different.
Yamanakako is the place for water sports, Shojiko is perfect for going off the radar, Motosuko is ideal for underwater views of the lake on a glass-bottom boat tour, while Saiko, as its name suggests, is the best for winter sports like skiing and sledding.
No matter which crater lake around Mount Fuji you pick, you'll be blessed with scenic spots that will keep you coming back for more.
Shirogane Blue Pond
When it comes to beautiful sights, you'll be hard-pressed to find any more mystical and ethereal than the Shirogane Blue Pond, which maintains its mysterious blue hue - ironically caused by impurities in the water.
Fun fact: in case of an eruption from the nearby Mount Tokachidake, the pond is part of an erosion control system. So, it’s not just about natural beauty - there’s a practical use for the pond too.
Visit from November to April to see the pond lit up at night for the best scenery and the perfect conditions to level up your Instagram or TikTok feed.
Tottori Sand Dunes
You wouldn't normally associate Japan with massive, hulking sand dunes, but hey, that's where you're mistaken.
The monolithic Tottori Sand Dunes, shaped by coastal winds and overlooking the Sea of Japan, are a real sight to behold, with people walking on the dunes looking like tiny ants crawling over a mound of sand on the beach.
What's cool is that the Tottori Sand Dunes change with the seasons. In winter, they transform from full-blown Mad Max desert vibes to a landscape of pure white, resembling alpine snow.
But no matter the season you visit, whether you paraglide or snowboard, these majestic dunes are fabulous year-round.
Pro tip: Check out the Sand Museum, where sand sculpture exhibitions are usually held from mid-April to early January of the following year.
Seto Inland Sea (Setonaikai)
With its beautiful scenery straight out of a Shogun scene, the Seto Inland Sea, peaceful and calm, stretches from Kitakyushu to Osaka and meanders around 3,000 islands.
The Seto Inland Sea is a major part of Setonaikai National Park, the largest national park in the country. It's covered by numerous ferries and a series of bridges, including the Shimanami Kaido, a 70-kilometre route popular among cyclists.
It's also close to Itsukushima Shrine, home to the iconic torii gate on Miyajima Island.
Other notable mentions include Daifudo Cave, once an ancient training ground for monks, and the whirling currents of the Naruto Strait - whirlpools caused by a mix of shallow waters, fast tides, and deep ocean trenches, which you can watch from the comfort of a cruise.
Tokyo Tower
Mother Nature rules the roost, but sometimes, there's nothing like a bit of man-made beauty to add some sparkle to your life.
One of the tallest and most beautiful places in Japan is right in the capital - yes, we're talking about the Tokyo Tower, standing proudly at 333 metres high in central Tokyo.
Three metres taller than the somewhat similar-looking Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower was Japan's tallest structure until the Tokyo Skytree came along.
Head to the tower's main deck at 150 metres either by climbing up 600 steps or taking an elevator. There's also another set of elevators that leads to the 250-metre high top deck. Either way, you'll enjoy sweeping, stunning vistas of the city.
Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
Who says you have to live the fitspo life to enjoy stunning natural scenery?
Enter the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the Tateyama Mountain Range, part of Chubu Sangaku National Park.
It's one of the top pilgrimage routes for nature lovers exploring the Northern Japanese Alps and its surrounding mountains, with zero hiking required - though there are hiking trails if you're up for a bit of adventure.
Connecting Omachi Town in Nagano to Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture, this epic route features every mode of transportation you can think of - ropeways, electric buses, cable cars - it’s got it all.
You can use these various transport options to reach different points along the trail, from the Kurobe Dam to the Midagahara Wetlands.
Open from 15 April to 30 November, the highlight of the route is the extraordinary snow walls that create a corridor you can walk through. These walls can reach up to 20 metres high, or as tall as a 4 to 5-storey building - can you imagine that?
The walls are formed by accumulated snow, and the best time to see them is from April to June.
Yakushima Island
With some of the country’s oldest living trees, the ancient cedar forests of Yakushima Island, which inspired the movie Princess Mononoke, are a must-visit for anyone seeking the most beautiful places in Japan.
The forests were once extensively logged, especially during the feudal era, but thankfully, that's no longer the case.
Today, you can travel to this subtropical paradise to climb mountains over 2,000 metres high or visit Inakahama Beach, a peaceful beach with crystal-clear waters and a strip of sand that doubles as a nesting spot for turtles.
An interesting tidbit: Even though Yakushima Island isn't a volcanic island, you can still enjoy some onsen-lovin' at a hot spring here.
Check out the Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen, an outdoor hot spring that sits prettily on the southern coastline in Hirauchi village, where the pools disappear at high tide.
Shirakawa-go
When it comes to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Shirakawa-go should be right at the top of your list, especially if you’re checking off beautiful places in Japan.
The mountainous region, known for its iconic Gassho-zukuri, looks straight out of a fairytale, probably conjured up by Hayao Miyazaki himself.
These unique farmhouses, with their steep, thatched roofs, seem like they’ve been plucked from another time, and the fact that you can admire them in the modern day is super cool.
The design isn’t just for show, though - it’s meant to handle heavy snowfall in the winter and was even used for cultivating silkworms once upon a time.
And don’t forget your camera when you visit here - you’ll want to capture every angle of this enchanting place.
Hitachi Seaside National Park
From woodland walking and cycling trails to rolling hills carpeted with colorful flowers, the stunning Hitachi Seaside National Park on the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture ranks high among Japan's most beautiful places.
This enormous park is famed for its spectacular sea of flower fields, covering as much as 350 hectares, with seasonal plants blooming year-round.
As with many other nature spots in Japan, the look and feel of the park change with the seasons - from the magnificent Miharashi Hill embellished with nemophila (baby blue eyes) in spring to kochia (summer cypress) in autumn, both a sight to behold under the vast sky.
No matter when you visit, there will be stunning scenery awaiting you; all you’ve got to do is pick and choose what view you'd like to admire.
Besides all that flower power, you can check out the small amusement park with more than 25 rides and attractions, including a Ferris wheel that's 100 meters tall.
Other Ways to Level Up Your Japan Trip 🇯🇵
Don’t forget to get these travel essentials to make exploring the best places in Japan easy ⛩️🏯🗻
➡️ How do you see all your bucket list places in Japan? The JR Whole Japan Rail Pass is the answer - ride JR trains, buses and bullet trains to get around easily 🚆
➡️ Grab an unlimited eSIM to take and share crazy photos in Japan with your friends 📱
➡️ Ready to hit the ground running on your travels? Jump on a Narita airport bus to the city and start exploring 🚌
➡️ Arrange for luggage delivery to drop off your bags and travel Japan hands-free. 🧳
In the mood for hidden gems?
So, When are You Taking the Trip to Japan?
Even though we’ve listed our top picks for the most beautiful places in Japan, the country is still filled with an incredible spectrum of places that deserve mention.
Some honourable mentions include Ashikaga Flower Park, Arakurayama Sengen Park, the Ogasawara Islands, and Nara Park - places that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Whether you're planning to unwind in a hot spring or admire cherry blossoms in full bloom on the main island, Japan is popular for good reason and will leave you feeling like you have to keep returning again and again.
Commonly Asked Questions
Which part of Japan is most beautiful?
Japan is packed with some of the most beautiful places you'll ever see. Think of the iconic Mount Fuji, the enchanting Shirogane Blue Pond, and the charming village of Shirakawa-go. And let's not forget the peaceful Nara Park. Each of these spots has its own unique magic, making Japan a place you’ll always have on your bucket list, no matter how many times you've visited.
What is the nicest area of Japan?
Choosing the nicest area of Japan depends on what you're into. If you're a foodie, Osaka’s the place to be for delicious eats and drinks. Tokyo is fantastic for work opportunities and family-friendly living. Kyoto has a great climate if you’re looking for something pleasant year-round, and Sapporo is ideal if you’re after affordability. And if you’re a culture buff, Nagoya is a must-visit. Each spot has its own special vibe.
Where is the most beautiful countryside in Japan?
If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful countryside in Japan, you’ve got to check out Shirakawa-go in Gifu. Its picturesque farmhouses and scenic landscapes are perfect for soaking up that rural charm.
When is the best time to go to Japan for cherry blossoms?
The cherry blossom season in Japan is at its peak from late March to late April, making it the perfect time to catch those stunning pink blooms. If you're heading to Hokkaido, you'll see them a bit later, from late April to May - you can find out more in our cherry blossom forecast guide to Japan.