Japan Vibe

🍜 Food & markets

  • A traditional shop building with dark walls and a tiled roof β˜… 5.0

    Suzukiya

    Fuji area

    A Japanese restaurant by Lake Kawaguchi with a home cooking menu for dinner

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.9

    Gyukatsu Motomura Shibuya

    Tokyo

    Rare beef cutlet that each diner sears themselves on a personal hot stone, a cult trend in Tokyo

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.9

    Koshuya Gyukatsu

    Fuji area

    A beef cutlet restaurant in Kawaguchiko, a hot meal after a day facing Mount Fuji

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Saraswati

    Fuji area

    A calm and well designed restaurant by Lake Kawaguchi, inventive plates and a live pianist

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Kobe Bar

    Hiroshima

    A small Japanese restaurant in Hiroshima

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Yuichiya

    Hokkaido

    Sea urchin, tuna, seafood and rice bowls in an unpretentious room on the Otaru canal

  • β˜… 4.8

    Jingisukan Masajin Susukino

    Hokkaido

    Jingisukan, lamb grilled on a domed pan and the signature dish of Hokkaido, in the heart of Susukino

  • β˜… 4.8

    Ranbutsuro

    Kyoto

    A small ramen restaurant in Kyoto

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Ryukyu no Ushi

    Okinawa

    A yakiniku restaurant serving local Okinawan beef, on Naha's main Kokusai-dori street

  • β˜… 4.8

    Gyukatsu Motomura Namba

    Osaka

    Crisp beef cutlet that every diner finishes on their own hot stone, the Namba branch

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Hiiragi

    Shirakawa-go

    A Japanese restaurant in Shirakawa-go village

  • β˜… 4.8

    Yakiniku Rikimaru Sennichimae

    Osaka

    A yakiniku restaurant in Sennichimae where diners grill their own cuts of beef on a grill sunk into the table.

  • β˜… 4.8

    SUKIYAKI SHABUSHABU TSUKADA

    Osaka

    Thin slices of beef cook in a pot on your own table at this sukiyaki and shabu shabu restaurant in Umeda.

  • β˜… 4.7

    Dino Diner

    Fuji area

    A restaurant in the Lake Kawaguchi area

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    GGC Kusatsu

    Gunma

    A steak restaurant in the bath village of Kusatsu Onsen

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Momiji Tei

    Hiroshima

    A small noodle restaurant in Hiroshima done up in manga style, with beer and sake alongside

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Kanazawa Shu Shu

    Kanazawa

    An izakaya in Kanazawa

  • A two-storey wooden restaurant building with wide windows β˜… 4.7

    Kawachiya

    Koyasan

    An udon restaurant on Koyasan

  • β˜… 4.7

    Pe Loncho

    Nara

    A steak restaurant in Nara

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Chuka Soba M

    Takayama

    A tiny noodle house in Takayama, a rich broth with Hida beef or wild boar

    Full guide β†’
  • A thatched-roof teahouse among tall trees β˜… 4.7

    Mizuya Chaya

    Nara

    A well-loved Japanese restaurant in the heart of Nara Park

  • β˜… 4.7

    Ponpoko

    Koyasan

    A well-loved Japanese restaurant on Mount Koya

  • β˜… 4.7

    Piparchi Kitchen

    Okinawa

    A cosy Okinawan restaurant serving brunch, lunch and afternoon tea

  • β˜… 4.7

    Sannaisaryo Taikobo

    Nikko

    A Japanese restaurant at the entrance to Nikko

  • β˜… 4.7

    Spice Stand SEISHUN

    Kanazawa

    A Japanese curry restaurant in central Kanazawa

  • β˜… 4.7

    OKO - Fun Okonomiyaki Bar

    Osaka

    An okonomiyaki bar in Dotonbori cooking Osaka's savoury pancake on the teppan griddle in front of the diner.

  • β˜… 4.7

    Udon Tamatama Japanese noodle

    Osaka

    An udon restaurant in Higashi Shinsaibashi serving thick wheat noodles in dashi broth or dry.

  • β˜… 4.6

    Mouriya Honten

    Kobe

    A 130 year old teppanyaki house in Kobe, serving grade five wagyu beef at the counter in front of the diner

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Sushi Sho

    Tokyo

    The legendary no menu sushi temple, the chef chooses everything, a place every serious sushi lover dreams about

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Motoyama

    Ehime

    A Japanese restaurant by Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest bath houses in Japan

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Le Bol Otaru

    Hokkaido

    A French restaurant in Otaru

  • β˜… 4.6

    Pikupo

    Ishikawa

    A Vietnamese pho restaurant in Ishikawa

  • β˜… 4.6

    The Factory Kamakura

    Kamakura

    A burger restaurant in Kamakura

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Coil Temaki Zushi

    Kanazawa

    Temaki zushi, hand rolls wrapped to order, in a city known for its seafood

  • β˜… 4.6

    Ushijo Teraoka

    Kanazawa

    A meat restaurant in Kanazawa

  • β˜… 4.6

    Seikiin Temple Cafe

    Koyasan

    A cafe and restaurant inside a temple complex on Koyasan

  • β˜… 4.6

    Public House Ritz

    Nara

    A Mexican restaurant in Nara

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Momoshiki

    Nara

    A contemporary restaurant in Nara, a bubbling beef hotpot alongside traditional dishes

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Kikusuke

    Oita

    A Japanese restaurant in Yufuin

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Pop House

    Okayama

    A restaurant in Okayama

  • β˜… 4.6

    Mika

    Okayama

    An inexpensive ramen restaurant in Okayama

  • β˜… 4.6

    Litor

    Okinawa

    A burger restaurant in Naha

  • β˜… 4.6

    Drunk Tacos

    Okinawa

    A taco restaurant in Naha, the American influence on Okinawa on a single plate

  • β˜… 4.6

    Suzuya

    Takayama

    A Japanese restaurant in the old town of Takayama

  • β˜… 4.6

    New Olympia

    Naoshima

    A Japanese sushi restaurant on Naoshima island

  • β˜… 4.6

    Nikko Guruman's Wagyu

    Nikko

    A relaxed beef restaurant with a terrace, open for lunch and dinner

  • β˜… 4.6

    Cafe & Izakaya Marutaka

    Koyasan

    A cafe and izakaya serving western dishes on Mount Koya

  • β˜… 4.6

    toe

    Fuji area

    A cheerful eatery serving Japanese dishes, pizza and seafood

  • β˜… 4.5

    Afuri Harajuku

    Tokyo

    Delicate yuzu shio ramen made with water from Mount Afuri, a light, refreshing citrus broth that started a Tokyo trend

    Full guide β†’
  • People queueing outside a sushi bar in a market β˜… 4.5

    Sushi Dai

    Tokyo

    A legendary omakase counter in Toyosu market, morning fresh nigiri that has made the Michelin list

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Izakaya Kura Naramachi

    Nara

    A charming izakaya in an old machiya house in Naramachi, serving creative cooking with 15 Nara sake labels

    Full guide β†’
  • An evening garden with lit paper lanterns, a covered wooden veranda and a glowing tatami room beyond the glass β˜… 4.5

    Tofuya Ukai

    Tokyo

    Traditional kaiseki at a 260 year old sake brewery with tofu courses in a stunning garden

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Goichi

    Ehime

    An inexpensive Japanese restaurant in the Dogo Onsen area

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Roku

    Fuji area

    A restaurant in the Lake Kawaguchi area

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Nikuichi Hakata

    Fukuoka

    A yakiniku restaurant in Hakata, charcoal grilled beef with an all you can drink option

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Miyataya

    Gunma

    An inexpensive Japanese restaurant in Kusatsu Onsen

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Fuki

    Hakone

    A Japanese restaurant in Moto-Hakone

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Sandria

    Hokkaido

    A local Sapporo sandwich shop with a long fillings counter, handy for a quick meal

  • β˜… 4.5

    Mokichi Kamakura

    Kamakura

    A restaurant in Kamakura

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Kamakura Kitahashi

    Kamakura

    A small restaurant in Kamakura

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Katsuretsu Tei

    Kumamoto

    A tonkatsu restaurant on the Shinshigai shopping street in Kumamoto

  • β˜… 4.5

    Iwao Paitan Ramen

    Kumamoto

    A ramen restaurant in Kumamoto doing a thick paitan chicken broth

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Kyoto Anjin Ramen

    Kyoto

    A popular ramen house in Kyoto, a handy hot bowl after a full day of temples

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Hikiniku to Kome Kyoto

    Kyoto

    A hamburg steak restaurant where every diner finishes grilling their own patty on a hot stone

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Kijuro

    Kyoto

    A steak restaurant in Kyoto

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Chao Chao Gyoza Shijo

    Kyoto

    A small, loud gyoza house in central Kyoto, pan fried dumplings in several fillings

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Susuruka

    Nara

    A long standing ramen restaurant in Nara doing hot and cold bowls and teriyaki rice, with halal options

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Sakaya Age-yuba Manju

    Nikko

    A stall selling fried yuba manju, a Nikko speciality, at the entrance to the shrine complex

  • β˜… 4.5

    Kamo to Negi

    Tokyo

    Duck and leek ramen in a clear broth, one of the most talked about bowls in the Ueno area

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Tsukahara no Sato

    Oita

    Miyazaki chicken and Bungo beef grilled over charcoal

  • β˜… 4.5

    Yakitori Izakaya Kazane

    Gunma

    A yakitori izakaya serving grilled chicken skewers

  • A traditional restaurant building with a dark wall and wooden fence on a quiet street β˜… 4.5

    Tanaka-ya

    Shirakawa-go

    A restaurant in the thatched-roof village of Ogimachi

  • β˜… 4.5

    Unagiku Nara Main Store

    Nara

    An unagi restaurant serving grilled eel in Nara

  • β˜… 4.5

    YAMAIRO

    Gunma

    Breakfast and afternoon meals in a small room

  • β˜… 4.5

    Nakabashi Wakachiya

    Takayama

    Hida beef sukiyaki and shabu-shabu

  • β˜… 4.5

    Kyōya

    Takayama

    A Japanese restaurant in Takayama's old town

  • β˜… 4.4

    Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama

    Tokyo

    A pork cutlet institution from 1965 in an old bathhouse building, a light, crisp cutlet without equal

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Ichiran Shinjuku Kabukicho

    Tokyo

    Tonkotsu ramen in a solo booth with a bamboo curtain, open 24 hours in the heart of Kabukicho

    Full guide β†’
  • Okonomiyaki cooking on a hot plate in front of chefs at the counter β˜… 4.4

    Nagata-ya

    Hiroshima

    A culinary institution next to Peace Park serving Hiroshima style okonomiyaki layered with noodles, pork and seafood

    Full guide β†’
  • A long queue of people along a narrow market corridor β˜… 4.4

    Daiwa Sushi

    Tokyo

    The sibling of Sushi Dai in Toyosu, more seats and less waiting, the same rare Edomae quality

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Kaikaya

    Tokyo

    A beloved Shibuya izakaya with creative Japanese sea to table fusion, a seasonal menu and a warm neighborhood feel

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Kikunoi Honten

    Kyoto

    A three Michelin star kaiseki restaurant from 1912 that cooks with well water dating to the 15th century

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Tempura Kondo

    Tokyo

    Two Michelin stars in Ginza, chef Fumio Kondo is a living national treasure of the art of tempura

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Torishiki

    Tokyo

    Considered the best yakitori in Japan, chicken from a single Kagoshima farm, reservations only through a concierge

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Ginza Shimada

    Tokyo

    A small standing bar in Ginza from a former kaiseki chef, stunning small plates, no reservations

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Pontocho Fujita

    Kyoto

    Refined kaiseki in the lantern lit Pontocho alley, seasonal Kyoto ingredients and a chef used to guests from abroad

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Sushi Yoshitake

    Tokyo

    A 9 seat sushi counter with three Michelin stars, seasonal Edomae technique at the very highest level

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Harutaka

    Tokyo

    An intimate 8 seat sushi counter with two Michelin stars and perfect seasonal nigiri

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Kyubey Ginza Honten

    Tokyo

    A classic Ginza sushi institution since 1936, which popularized Edomae nigiri for generations

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Yakitori Imai

    Tokyo

    A veteran yakitori corridor in Kanda with a charcoal grill and an old Tokyo atmosphere

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Yoshizuka Unagiya

    Fukuoka

    An unagi restaurant in Hakata, grilled eel over rice, one of the more expensive dishes in Japan

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Daimasa Honten

    Hakone

    A seafood restaurant in Moto-Hakone, on the shore of Lake Ashi

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Yabuhan Soba

    Hokkaido

    A traditional and well known soba house in Sapporo, with table seating and tatami rooms

  • β˜… 4.4

    Fuwari

    Ishikawa

    An izakaya in Ishikawa

  • β˜… 4.4

    La Maree

    Kamakura

    A French seafood restaurant in Kamakura with a terrace looking out to sea

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Ito Dining by Nobu

    Kanagawa

    A Japanese restaurant in Hakone from the Nobu group, at the top end of the price range

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Ramen Taiga

    Kanazawa

    A ramen house in central Kanazawa, a hot bowl in a city where it rains most of the year

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Uogashi Shokudo

    Kanazawa

    A seafood canteen inside Kanazawa's central market, eating right beside the stalls

  • β˜… 4.4

    Miyuki

    Kanazawa

    A Japanese restaurant in Kanazawa

  • β˜… 4.4

    Flat Home, Kanazawa Kitchen

    Kanazawa

    A restaurant in Kanazawa

  • β˜… 4.4

    Asahi

    Kobe

    A busy yoshoku restaurant in Kobe doing cutlets, hamburg steak and omurice

  • Open kitchen counter at Men-ya Inoichi ramen shop in Kyoto, staff wearing shirts printed with the Inoichi logo preparing noodles β˜… 4.4

    Men-ya Inoichi

    Kyoto

    Traditional ramen with hand made noodles, in a small and modest Kyoto room

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Taisho Hanana

    Kyoto

    A traditional Kyoto restaurant, sea bream sashimi with vegetable sides and rice cooked in fish stock

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Izakaya Asa

    Nagasaki

    A straightforward izakaya in Nagasaki, meat, vegetables and seafood alongside sake, beer and cocktails

  • β˜… 4.4

    Tonkatsu Ganko Nara

    Nara

    A tonkatsu restaurant in Nara, fried pork cutlet with cabbage and a rice and miso soup set

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Kamaiki

    Nara

    A Japanese restaurant in Nara, walking distance from the deer park

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Anya

    Nikko

    A steak restaurant in Nikko

  • β˜… 4.4

    Soba Soba

    Okinawa

    An Okinawa soba restaurant in the Soba neighbourhood of Naha, thick wheat noodles in a clear broth

  • β˜… 4.4

    Shokusai Shobo Matsumoto

    Okinawa

    An izakaya in Naha, local cooking alongside sake and awamori

  • β˜… 4.4

    Ajikura

    Takayama

    Hida beef and seafood yakiniku that every diner grills themselves on a table top grill

  • β˜… 4.4

    Hida Kotte Ushi

    Takayama

    Hida beef sushi served on rice crackers, with a quiet inner courtyard in Takayama

  • β˜… 4.4

    Matsuki Sushi

    Takayama

    A sushi restaurant in Takayama

  • β˜… 4.4

    Fisherman's Kaisendon

    Tohoku

    A kaisendon bowl of fresh seafood over rice, in Matsushima

  • β˜… 4.4

    Yoshitaka Shokudo

    Tohoku

    A seafood restaurant in Matsushima

  • A sales counter with wrapped buns and waiting customers β˜… 4.4

    Kagetsudo Asakusa

    Tokyo

    Enormous melon pan baked fresh, a classic street snack on the way to Senso-ji

  • β˜… 4.4

    Kikanbo Kanda

    Tokyo

    Spicy miso ramen with Sichuan pepper, and you choose the heat level when you order

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Tsujihan Nihonbashi

    Tokyo

    A seafood bowl over rice that you finish with dashi broth, one dish on the menu and a lunchtime queue

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Aji-no-Yohei

    Takayama

    A sake brewery with a casual steakhouse serving Hida beef, soba and tempura

  • β˜… 4.4

    Yuba-gozen Sun Field

    Nikko

    Yuba tofu dishes served as set menus in a bright, intimate room

  • β˜… 4.4

    Gion Ichiho

    Kyoto

    A sushi restaurant in the heart of Gion

  • β˜… 4.4

    Beach Sound Yuigahama BBQ

    Kamakura

    A barbecue beach house on Yuigahama beach, everything provided

  • β˜… 4.4

    Loma Kitchen & Bar

    Kanazawa

    A restaurant and bar in central Kanazawa

  • A covered market lane with lit stalls and shoppers β˜… 4.3

    Nishiki Market

    Kyoto

    Kyoto's 400 year old covered kitchen, with a hundred stalls of tofu, matcha and traditional vegetables

    Full guide β†’
  • Shoppers at packed food stalls under a market canopy β˜… 4.3

    Ameyoko Market

    Tokyo

    A loud 400 stall market under the Yamanote line, cheap street food, skewered fruit and a Showa era feel

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Ichiran Dotonbori

    Osaka

    Hakata tonkotsu ramen in private wooden booths, with a secret 30 ingredient sauce for an unforgettable meal

    Full guide β†’
  • A building front at night with red neon signs β˜… 4.3

    Okonomimura

    Hiroshima

    A multi floor building with more than 25 okonomiyaki stalls, the most authentic place to compare styles and eat among locals

    Full guide β†’
  • A narrow counter with condiment jars and a hand-written menu on the wall β˜… 4.3

    Ramen Nagi Golden Gai

    Tokyo

    Dark, smoky niboshi ramen tucked among the Golden Gai bars, a gem for true ramen lovers

    Full guide β†’
  • A narrow wooden counter with a water glass and condiment jars β˜… 4.3

    Fuunji

    Tokyo

    A tsukemen shrine near Shinjuku, a chicken and fish broth simmered 38 hours, there is always a line

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Soup Curry GARAKU

    Hokkaido

    Sapporo's iconic soup curry restaurant with a twenty spice broth and tender chicken leg that draws daily lines

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Nakiryu

    Tokyo

    A one Michelin star tantanmen restaurant, a deep sesame broth and an accessible price that bring a line at every lunch

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

    Tokyo

    The multi floor izakaya that inspired the set of Kill Bill, with yakitori and live music

    Full guide β†’
  • Two plates of sushi, one with red fish and one with white β˜… 4.3

    Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

    Tokyo

    Conveyor sushi delivered by bullet train technology, fun and great value for groups and families

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Ramen Shin-Shin Tenjin, Hakata

    Fukuoka

    A legendary ramen restaurant in Fukuoka with velvety tonkotsu broth, voted the best by locals

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Okonomiyaki Omiko

    Naoshima

    An okonomiyaki restaurant on Naoshima

  • β˜… 4.3

    Borrachos

    Okinawa

    A Mexican restaurant in Naha, another form the American influence on Okinawa takes

  • A market stall with rice balls laid out at the shop front β˜… 4.2

    Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo

    400 stalls of fresh seafood, tamago on a stick, made to order tuna nigiri and rotating raw fish counters

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.2

    Isetan Shinjuku Depachika

    Tokyo

    Isetan's lavish food hall, with wagashi, French boutique sweets and Jean Paul Hevin chocolate

    Full guide β†’
  • A plate of meat skewers in dark sauce on a wooden table β˜… 4.2

    Omoide Yokocho

    Tokyo

    A smoky yakitori alley with 60 stalls dating to the 1940s, west of Shinjuku Station, an unforgettable atmosphere

    Full guide β†’
  • A giant red crab sign on a restaurant front among neon signage β˜… 4.2

    Kani Doraku Dotonbori Honten

    Osaka

    A crab restaurant serving every kind, beneath the giant mechanical crab, the familiar face of Dotonbori

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.2

    Sushi Harukoma

    Osaka

    A 70 year old sushi institution on Japan's longest shopping street, with thick toppings and accessible prices

    Full guide β†’
  • A ramen bowl in thick white broth with soft eggs, sliced chicken, asparagus and baby corn β˜… 4.2

    Ramen Kagari Ginza

    Tokyo

    Silky chicken ramen served at an 8 seat counter in Ginza, with a line that starts before the doors open

    Full guide β†’
  • The front of a covered market with a large sign and shops on both sides β˜… 4.1

    Kuromon Ichiba Market

    Osaka

    Osaka's 200 year old kitchen with 150 shops, fresh seafood, grilled crab and sea urchin

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.1

    Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Depachika

    Tokyo

    A food basement in a department store founded in 1673, a living archive of regional specialties and traditional sweets

    Full guide β†’
  • A fish stall with red fish and shellfish on ice β˜… 4.1

    Makishi Public Market

    Okinawa

    Naha's veteran kitchen, where you buy fresh fish on the ground floor and take it upstairs to be cooked

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.1

    Konjiki Hototogisu

    Tokyo

    Shio ramen with clams and truffle recommended in Michelin, an inventive umami broth that leaves an unforgettable taste

    Full guide β†’

β˜• Cafes

  • β˜… 5.0

    kokochi

    Naoshima

    A small cafe on Naoshima island with a perfect rating

  • β˜… 5.0

    Matcha Times Asakusa

    Tokyo

    A cafe by Kaminarimon, in the lanes behind the Asakusa thunder gate

  • β˜… 4.9

    Bamboo Sky Terrace

    Kyoto

    A cafe and bar with an open terrace in Arashiyama

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.9

    Santanamataro

    Nikko

    A cafe in Nikko

  • β˜… 4.9

    The Kichi

    Nikko

    A cafe in Nikko

  • β˜… 4.9

    Footbath Cafe, Yufuin

    Oita

    A cafe where you sit with your feet in a hot spring bath, in Yufuin

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.9

    Pauhana Coffee

    Osaka

    A small cafe in Nakazakicho, the quarter of old houses and tiny shops that sits north of Umeda.

  • β˜… 4.9

    Aoyama Coffee Roaster

    Tokyo

    A cafe in Yanaka, the low wooden quarter that survived the Tokyo bombings

  • β˜… 4.8

    Lilo Coffee Roasters

    Osaka

    A six seat cafe in Shinsaibashi with single origin pour over, a real Osakan coffee ritual

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Kamakura Chacha

    Kamakura

    A revered matcha specialist on Komachi Street with five intensity levels of ceremonial matcha gelato and lines that never run out

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Owl Cafe Fukurou Ikebukuro

    Tokyo

    An interactive cafe where you hold live owls, popular with tourists and families

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Taranishi Coffee

    Hiroshima

    A long standing Hiroshima cafe doing breakfast with omelettes and toast with three jams

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Mermaid Coffee Roasters

    Hokkaido

    A speciality roastery and cafe in Sapporo, a warm corner in a city with a long winter

  • β˜… 4.8

    Kakurezato Coffee

    Ishikawa

    A tucked away cafe in Ishikawa

  • β˜… 4.8

    Koncha

    Nara

    A cafe in Nara, walking distance from the deer park and the temples

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Siesta Organic Cafe

    Oita

    An organic cafe in Yufuin

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Ochudo Cafe

    Shirakawa-go

    A cafe in Shirakawa-go village, among the thatched gassho houses

  • β˜… 4.8

    Falo Coffee

    Takayama

    A cafe in the old town of Takayama, speciality coffee at a fair price

  • β˜… 4.8

    Cafe Hirai

    Nagasaki

    A small, highly rated cafe in Nagasaki

  • β˜… 4.8

    Lonich

    Tokyo

    A cafe in Kuramae, the craft workshop quarter west of the Sumida river

  • β˜… 4.8

    Chotto Matcha Asakusa

    Tokyo

    A cafe in Hanakawado, on the bank facing the Skytree tower

  • β˜… 4.8

    RepubliQ Tokyo

    Tokyo

    A cafe in Kitaueno, north of Ueno park and its museums

  • β˜… 4.7

    Bon On Shya

    Koyasan

    A cafe on Koyasan

  • β˜… 4.7

    Mikazuki Shoten

    Naoshima

    A small coffee stand on Naoshima, a short stop between museums

  • β˜… 4.7

    Chami Specialty Coffee

    Nara

    A speciality coffee shop and roastery in Nara, on the way to the deer park

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Goodnight Ice

    Nara

    An ice cream shop in Nara

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Seaside Garden Naminoue

    Okinawa

    A cafe facing Naminoue beach, the city beach of Naha

  • β˜… 4.7

    Manmaru Cafe

    Okinawa

    A small and easy going cafe in Naha, simple meals, desserts and bento to take away

  • β˜… 4.7

    Maze Nishihorie

    Osaka

    A cafe in the Nishihorie neighbourhood of west Osaka

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Hina Cafe

    Shirakawa-go

    An inexpensive cafe in Shirakawa-go village

  • β˜… 4.7

    Mountain Bear Cafe

    Tokushima

    An inexpensive cafe in Tokushima

  • β˜… 4.7

    Age 3 Ginza

    Tokyo

    A cafe in Ginza

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    A LONG VACATION.

    Okinawa

    A well-loved cafe in Naha

  • β˜… 4.7

    Sedai Coffee and Roasters

    Tokyo

    A coffee stand in Jingumae, between Harajuku and the Meiji shrine

  • β˜… 4.7

    Mametora

    Tokyo

    A coffee roastery in Kamimeguro, along the Meguro canal

  • β˜… 4.7

    Mocca Coffee Asakusa

    Tokyo

    A cafe in Komagata, on the way from Asakusa down to the river

  • β˜… 4.7

    INCredible Coffee

    Tokyo

    A cafe in Koenji, the quarter of second hand shops and small clubs

  • β˜… 4.6

    Blue Bottle Coffee Shibuya

    Tokyo

    The Shibuya branch of the iconic chain, precise pour over and minimalist design for coffee lovers

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Hoostay Coffee

    Fuji area

    A cafe by Lake Kawaguchi, a stop on the way up to Mount Fuji

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Cisco Coffee

    Fuji area

    A cafe in the Lake Kawaguchi area

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Snow Rabbit Tea Room

    Gunma

    A homely tea room in Kusatsu serving milk tea alongside scones and pastries

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Curio Espresso

    Ishikawa

    A vintage styled espresso bar in Kanazawa

  • β˜… 4.6

    Tempo Terrace

    Koyasan

    A cafe on Koyasan, a stop between the temples of Mount Koya

  • β˜… 4.6

    Manly Kumamoto

    Kumamoto

    An Australian style cafe in Kumamoto doing souffle pancakes and some unusual meat dishes

  • β˜… 4.6

    eX cafe Arashiyama

    Kyoto

    A cafe in a traditional machiya house with a garden in the heart of Arashiyama, serving matcha sets and Japanese sweets

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Kumo no Cha Arashiyama

    Kyoto

    A tea house and cafe in Arashiyama, a quiet stop between the bamboo grove and the riverbank

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Bread A Espresso

    Nagasaki

    A compact Nagasaki bakery doing good bread and espresso to take away

  • β˜… 4.6

    Naoshima Coffee

    Naoshima

    A cafe on Naoshima

  • β˜… 4.6

    Kurashiki Pudding

    Okayama

    A dessert shop in Kurashiki doing pudding and sweets to take away

  • β˜… 4.6

    Shirakawa-go Pudding House

    Shirakawa-go

    A dessert shop in Ogimachi village, pudding among the gassho farmhouses

  • β˜… 4.6

    Don

    Takayama

    A cafe in Takayama

  • β˜… 4.6

    Apron Cafe

    Naoshima

    A small cafe on Naoshima island

  • β˜… 4.6

    Brand New Day Coffee

    Takayama

    A cafe in Takayama's old town

  • β˜… 4.6

    Hanamizuki Shirakawa

    Shirakawa-go

    A cafe in the village of Shirakawa-go

  • β˜… 4.6

    Mel Coffee Roasters

    Osaka

    A roastery in Shinmachi roasting its beans on the premises and serving espresso alongside slow pour coffee.

  • β˜… 4.6

    Look Up Coffee

    Tokyo

    A cafe in Kitazawa, the heart of Shimokitazawa

  • β˜… 4.5

    Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo

    Tokyo

    One of six Starbucks roasteries in the world, a four floor Kengo Kuma building on the Meguro River

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Rokumei Coffee, Nara

    Nara

    An award winning roaster ranked among Japan's best cafes, with elegant service near Nara Station

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Ippodo Tea, Kyoto Main Store

    Kyoto

    A tea house from 1717 that supplied matcha to the imperial court, with a traditional tea room for tasting on site

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    About Life Coffee Brewers

    Tokyo

    A tiny standing espresso bar in Dogenzaka, a pioneer of Tokyo's micro roasting scene

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Hakone Cheese Terrace

    Hakone

    A cheese dessert shop in Hakone

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Hamamoto Coffee

    Himeji

    A retro cafe in Himeji pouring beans from around the world and a house blend, known for its almond toast

  • β˜… 4.5

    Daisy's Cafe

    Kamakura

    A cafe on the coastal side of Kamakura

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Chasaki

    Kanagawa

    A small tea house in Hakone

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Coffee Gallery

    Kumamoto

    A cafe in Kumamoto

  • β˜… 4.5

    Kazariya

    Kyoto

    An ancient tea house beside Imamiya Shrine serving aburi-mochi grilled over charcoal

  • β˜… 4.5

    Gokago

    Kyoto

    A cafe in central Kyoto, an inexpensive stop between temples

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Cafe Salon Nakaoku

    Naoshima

    A cafe on Naoshima, a stop between the island's museums

  • β˜… 4.5

    Cafe Tenjosajiki

    Oita

    A cafe in Yufuin, a stop between the healing springs of the area

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Takamura Wine and Coffee Roasters

    Osaka

    A wine shop and speciality coffee roastery under one roof, with a big room to sit in

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Tiger Blanc

    Shizuoka

    A bright Shizuoka cafe doing pancakes in sweet and savoury versions, plus pasta and sandwiches

  • β˜… 4.5

    flour + water Kumamoto

    Kumamoto

    A cafe in Kumamoto

  • β˜… 4.5

    FabCafe Fuji

    Fuji area

    A cafe in Kawaguchiko

  • β˜… 4.5

    MORON CAFE

    Kanazawa

    A cafe in central Kanazawa

  • β˜… 4.5

    Caravan Coffee Yufuin

    Oita

    An affordable coffee shop in Yufuin

  • Customers standing at a small coffee counter on a street corner β˜… 4.5

    Sarutahiko Coffee Ebisu

    Tokyo

    A cafe in Ebisu, the flagship of the Tokyo roastery

  • Customers seated along wooden tables in a tea house β˜… 4.4

    Nakamura Tokichi Honten

    Kyoto

    A 170 year old tea house in the matcha town of Uji, serving a stunning matcha parfait in a historic setting

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Kagizen Yoshifusa

    Kyoto

    A sweets house from 1716 in the heart of Gion, serving thick matcha and traditional sweets in a quiet tea room

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Glitch Coffee Osaka

    Osaka

    A specialty coffee bar with expert baristas who guide you to the single origin that suits you

    Full guide β†’
  • A small cafΓ© on a paved street, with a pagoda visible up the road β˜… 4.4

    Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

    Kyoto

    Specialty coffee in a stunning minimalist design in Higashiyama, one of the most photographed cafes in Japan

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Fujisan Shokupan

    Fuji area

    A bakery by Lake Kawaguchi turning out fresh shokupan milk bread for the road

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Lucky Bagel

    Gunma

    A bagel shop in Kusatsu Onsen

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Kitaichi Hall

    Hokkaido

    A spacious wooden hall in Otaru lit by gas lamps, with traditional meals alongside tea, coffee and cake

  • β˜… 4.4

    Minami Coffee

    Kagawa

    A cafe in Kagawa

  • β˜… 4.4

    Amanatto Kawamura

    Kanazawa

    A modest sweet shop in Kanazawa specialising in amanatto candied beans and yokan

  • β˜… 4.4

    Higashida Coffee

    Kanazawa

    A retro styled Kanazawa cafe with exposed beams, its own roasting and a dessert counter

  • β˜… 4.4

    Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya

    Kyoto

    A one of a kind branch inside a hundred year old machiya on the Ninenzaka steps, with tatami rooms upstairs

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Blue Bottle Coffee Kyoto

    Kyoto

    A restored machiya house near Nanzen-ji, hand poured filter coffee in a very quiet room

  • β˜… 4.4

    Anze Cafe and Ramen

    Nagano

    A cafe and ramen restaurant in Nagano

  • β˜… 4.4

    Fujio

    Nagasaki

    A counter cafe in Nagasaki running since 1946, sandwiches, coffee and tea

  • β˜… 4.4

    Brooklyn Roasting Company Kitahama

    Osaka

    A roastery and cafe in the Kitahama business district, a popular morning meeting point

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Cafe Le Roman

    Tohoku

    A cafe in Matsushima, facing the bay counted among the three great views of Japan

  • β˜… 4.4

    Bongen Coffee Ginza

    Tokyo

    A tiny speciality coffee bar in Ginza, espresso and pastries standing up between the shops

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Koriya Tea and Sake House

    Yamagata

    A tea and sake house in Yamagata

  • β˜… 4.4

    Yufuin Senke

    Oita

    A cafe and confectionery in Yufuin

  • β˜… 4.4

    NARAYA CAFE

    Hakone

    A casual cafe with pizza and beer, plus an outdoor hot spring foot bath

  • β˜… 4.4

    Cafe Tsuki no Kao

    Gunma

    An affordable cafe in Gunma

  • β˜… 4.4

    Arise Coffee Roasters

    Tokyo

    A coffee roastery in Hirano, beside the Kiyosumi gardens

  • β˜… 4.3

    Nakatanidou

    Nara

    A famous mochi shop near Nara Park, with live high speed pounding demonstrations and fresh yomogi mochi

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.2

    LeTAO Pathos

    Hokkaido

    The flagship of Hokkaido's most beloved patisserie, with its nationally famous double cheesecake and Hokkaido milk soft serve

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.1

    Bakery & Table Hakone

    Hakone

    A lakeside bakery and cafe right by Hakone Shrine, with a terrace of foot soaking tables and artisan pastries

    Full guide β†’

🍸 Bars & nightlife

  • β˜… 5.0

    Bless Wine Bar

    Nikko

    A wine bar in Nikko

  • β˜… 5.0

    Bar Thumbs Up!

    Takayama

    A bar in Takayama's old town with a perfect rating

  • β˜… 4.9

    Kaito Beach House, Yuigahama

    Kamakura

    A beer garden with a grill and a deck over Yuigahama beach, open for the summer season

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.9

    Bar Franso

    Kanazawa

    A cocktail bar in central Kanazawa

  • β˜… 4.9

    Bar Queens Q

    Naoshima

    A bar on Naoshima, for anyone staying on the island after the museums shut

  • β˜… 4.9

    Shimauta Dining Michi Juna

    Okinawa

    An izakaya with live shimauta, the island songs of Okinawa, alongside local food

  • β˜… 4.9

    Yu

    Takayama

    A bar in the old town of Takayama

  • β˜… 4.9

    Oar Blue

    Fuji area

    A small, highly rated bar in Kawaguchiko

  • β˜… 4.8

    Bar Ignis

    Hokkaido

    A bar in Otaru, for the evening after the canal closes down

  • β˜… 4.8

    Bar Nagara

    Nagasaki

    A small bar in Nagasaki, open in the evening

  • β˜… 4.8

    Marmor Beer Stand

    Nikko

    A beer stand at the entrance to Nikko, a stop after a day among the shrines

  • β˜… 4.8

    Top Tree

    Okinawa

    A nightclub in Naha

  • β˜… 4.8

    Voyager Stand

    Okinawa

    A bar in Naha

  • β˜… 4.8

    Giraffe Osaka

    Osaka

    A large club in Shinsaibashi, one of the anchors of Osaka nightlife

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.8

    Savant

    Nara

    A small, highly rated bar near Nara Park

  • β˜… 4.8

    Yakoboku

    Kumamoto

    A small, highly rated bar in Kumamoto

  • β˜… 4.7

    Club Piccadilly Osaka

    Osaka

    A mega club fully renovated in February 2025, holding 1,000 people with premium international DJs

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Izakaya Minyo Nankuru

    Okinawa

    An izakaya with live Okinawan folk music, sanshin and the audience clapping along

  • β˜… 4.7

    Yuika

    Okinawa

    A bar in Naha

  • β˜… 4.7

    Bar Nayuta

    Osaka

    A small and carefully run cocktail bar, right for ending the night quietly after Dotonbori

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Shinsekai Magic Bar

    Osaka

    A bar with magic shows in the Shinsekai district, one of the retro corners of Osaka

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Bonds Brew Beer Restaurant

    Takayama

    A brewpub in Takayama, craft beer alongside a full restaurant menu

  • β˜… 4.7

    AL Beer Stand

    Takayama

    A pub and beer stand in Takayama

  • β˜… 4.7

    Umeda Stand

    Osaka

    An izakaya in Umeda pairing sake with small plates to share, in the after-work Japanese pub style.

  • β˜… 4.7

    IZUMO Unagi

    Osaka

    Well away from the Dotonbori tourist trail, a Fukushima restaurant specialising in eel grilled in sweet sauce.

  • β˜… 4.7

    Kichiri Tennoji

    Osaka

    An izakaya at the foot of the Harukas tower in Tennoji, with private rooms and Japanese dishes to share.

  • β˜… 4.6

    The Bellwood

    Tokyo

    Number 48 in the world's 50 Best Bars, kaiseki inspired cocktails and a hidden sushi counter

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Shinjuku Ni-chome Bar District

    Tokyo

    Tokyo's LGBTQ friendly entertainment center with hundreds of small, welcoming bars

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Bar Tabi

    Kagawa

    A bar in Kagawa

  • β˜… 4.6

    The Farmhouse

    Nagano

    A bar in Nagano

  • β˜… 4.6

    Lamp Bar

    Nara

    A cocktail bar in Nara, open in the evening once the temples have closed

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Blue Note Tokyo

    Tokyo

    A polished, dark jazz club in Aoyama with a seasonal French inspired menu

    Full guide β†’
  • A live music room lit in blue with a stage and illuminated signage β˜… 4.5

    Billboard Live Tokyo

    Tokyo

    An upscale live music venue in Midtown Roppongi, international artists with a panoramic view and seated dining

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Jazz Bar Sometime

    Tokyo

    A classic Tokyo jazz bar with live shows every night and an intimate 1970s atmosphere

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Mixology Salon

    Tokyo

    An upscale cocktail lounge in Ginza Six with molecular drinks and stunning design

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Eight

    Hiroshima

    A bar in Hiroshima, for the evening after Peace Park

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Oriental Brewing

    Kanazawa

    A craft brewery with its own pub in Kanazawa

  • β˜… 4.5

    Jazz Spot Bokunen

    Kanazawa

    A jazz bar in Kanazawa

  • β˜… 4.5

    Fukumimi Ginza

    Tokyo

    An izakaya in Ginza, charcoal grilled yakitori alongside wine and sake

    Full guide β†’
  • The colourful billboards of Dotonbori including the Glico running man, above the canal and Ebisubashi bridge β˜… 4.4

    Dotonbori, Namba Walk

    Osaka

    Osaka's neon entertainment center along the canal, alive with izakaya and street food until dawn

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Bar Benfiddich

    Tokyo

    Number 18 in the world's 50 Best Bars, the bartender grows and forages his own botanicals, 17 seats with no menu

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Bar Rocking Chair

    Kyoto

    A warm wood clad cocktail bar where waistcoated bartenders craft every drink to your taste

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    New York Bar

    Tokyo

    A jazz bar on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt, famous from the film Lost in Translation, a 360 view and Japanese whisky

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Albatross G

    Tokyo

    A narrow three floor bar in Golden Gai with antique decor and an eclectic crowd of eight seats

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Milk Mura

    Hokkaido

    A small Susukino bar serving ice cream paired with liqueurs, a much loved local idea for the end of the night

  • β˜… 4.4

    Sone Jazz

    Kobe

    A jazz club in the Kitano district of Kobe

  • β˜… 4.4

    El Lequio

    Okinawa

    A bar in Naha

  • β˜… 4.4

    Saru Shokudo Honmachi

    Osaka

    A neighbourhood izakaya in Honmachi, small plates to share over an unhurried dinner

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Toyo

    Osaka

    An Osaka street stall specialising in tuna cheek, sashimi and classic fish dishes

    Full guide β†’
  • A building faΓ§ade with signs at street level β˜… 4.4

    Ginza Lion Beer Hall

    Tokyo

    A historic beer hall from 1934 with its original mosaic, draught beer and simple food

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Craft Beer Works Kamikaze

    Osaka

    A craft beer bar in Kitahorie whose rotating taps pour from small Japanese breweries.

  • A narrow alley in Golden Gai lined with tiny bar signs on both sides β˜… 4.3

    Golden Gai

    Tokyo

    200 tiny bars across six alleys, each with 5 to 10 seats and a unique theme, the bohemian heart of Tokyo

    Full guide β†’
  • Busy street lined with colourful shop signs and palm trees β˜… 4.2

    Kokusai-dori Street

    Okinawa

    Okinawa's main street wakes up at night with Ishikawa bars, live music alleys and the colorful Makishi market

    Full guide β†’

⛩️ Temples & shrines

  • A misty stone path between tall cedar trees and stone monuments β˜… 4.8

    Okunoin Cemetery

    Koyasan

    Japan's largest cemetery with 200,000 moss covered gravestones under ancient cedars, at the end of a kilometers long candlelit path

  • A huge wooden temple hall with a two-tiered roof β˜… 4.7

    Todai-ji Temple

    Nara

    A UNESCO site holding the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world, 15 meters tall, from the 8th century

    Full guide β†’
  • A wooden temple hall with a curved tiled roof and visitors with umbrellas on a wet stone plaza β˜… 4.6

    Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo

    Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple from the year 645, 30 million visitors a year with the Kaminarimon gate

    Full guide β†’
  • A tunnel of densely packed orange torii gates along a rising path β˜… 4.6

    Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto

    Thousands of orange torii gates climb Mount Inari in a sight like no other in Japan

    Full guide β†’
  • Visitors in kimono climbing stone steps between red wooden buildings β˜… 4.6

    Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto

    An ancient wooden UNESCO stage overlooks Kyoto from a stunning height with a breathtaking panorama

    Full guide β†’
  • A gold-covered pavilion at the edge of a pond, surrounded by pines β˜… 4.6

    Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion

    Kyoto

    A pavilion covered in real gold that reflects in a still pond, an unforgettable symbol of Kyoto

    Full guide β†’
  • A wall of white paper lanterns beside a large wooden gate, trees around β˜… 4.6

    Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo

    A serene Shinto shrine within a 70 hectare forest, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the most visited in Japan

    Full guide β†’
  • A giant orange torii gate standing in shallow water β˜… 4.6

    Itsukushima Shrine

    Hiroshima

    A Shinto shrine built over the sea, where the giant red torii gate appears to float on the water at high tide

    Full guide β†’
  • A crowd of worshippers in front of a shrine hall with a purple curtain β˜… 4.6

    Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

    Hokkaido

    Hokkaido's guardian shrine from 1869 in the heart of Maruyama forest, with 1,400 cherry trees that make it Sapporo's top sakura spot

    Full guide β†’
  • A wooden temple hall with a dark curved roof among trees β˜… 4.6

    Daisho-in Temple

    Hiroshima

    A 1,200 year old Buddhist complex at the foot of Mount Misen, with hundreds of capped Jizo statuettes lining moss covered steps

    Full guide β†’
  • A stone path rising to a wooden gate between rows of moss covered stone lanterns and green maple trees β˜… 4.6

    Taiyuinbyo Temple

    Nikko

    The mausoleum of the third shogun, less crowded than Toshogu but no less magnificent with black lacquer, gold and 315 stone lanterns

    Full guide β†’
  • A still pond reflecting red maple trees and an arched stone bridge under a blue sky β˜… 4.6

    Eikando Temple

    Kyoto

    The halls are lit at night in autumn, and the backward glancing Amida statue is among the most photographed in Kyoto

    Full guide β†’
  • A red temple gate with hanging lanterns among trees β˜… 4.6

    Kurama-dera Temple

    Kyoto

    A mountain temple 45 minutes from Kyoto within an ancient cedar forest, a spiritual energy center for pilgrims and hikers

    Full guide β†’
  • A wooden temple hall with a heavy tiled roof and a gravel courtyard β˜… 4.6

    Gotokuji Temple

    Tokyo

    The legendary birthplace of the maneki-neko doll with thousands of lucky ceramic cats

    Full guide β†’
  • A red two-story temple gate at Katsuoji, surrounded by green trees in the mountains of Minoh β˜… 4.6

    Katsuoji

    Osaka

    A Buddhist temple set among the Minoh hills, known for the thousands of red daruma dolls covering its grounds.

  • A wooden temple hall with a tiled roof among green trees β˜… 4.6

    Mitaki Temple

    Hiroshima

    A ninth century mountain temple in a maple forest, with three waterfalls, stone statues and a red pagoda. One of the city's genuinely quiet corners, and glorious in autumn colour

    Full guide β†’
  • A stone torii gate and ornate shrine buildings among tall trees β˜… 4.5

    Nikko Toshogu Shrine

    Nikko

    A UNESCO heritage mausoleum from 1617 covered in 2.4 million gold leaves with intricate carvings and the three wise monkeys

    Full guide β†’
  • A garden pond with pink azaleas, rocks and green trees β˜… 4.5

    Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion

    Kyoto

    A precise sand garden and a wabi sabi temple at the start of the legendary Philosopher's Path

    Full guide β†’
  • Dense rows of small stone statues on terraced steps among trees β˜… 4.5

    Hasedera Temple

    Kamakura

    An 8th century cliff temple with a nine meter wooden Kannon statue, gardens with a sea view and hydrangea blossoms

    Full guide β†’
  • Visitors on a gravel approach path between trees and wooden buildings β˜… 4.5

    Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine

    Nara

    3,000 stone lanterns line forest paths to vermilion halls, with 2,200 rituals a year

    Full guide β†’
  • A lush green zen garden with maple trees and moss β˜… 4.5

    Nanzen-ji Temple

    Kyoto

    An impressive zen complex with a huge gate and a surprising Victorian aqueduct in quiet Kyoto

    Full guide β†’
  • A dry rock garden with pale raked gravel and three clusters of stones on moss patches, set against an old wall with foliage behind it β˜… 4.5

    Ryoan-ji Temple

    Kyoto

    A mysterious zen rock garden where no angle reveals all 15 of its stones at once

    Full guide β†’
  • The tall red Konpon Daito pagoda at the Danjo Garan temple complex in Koyasan, on a clear day surrounded by green trees β˜… 4.5

    Danjo Garan Temple Complex

    Koyasan

    The spiritual center of Koyasan since the year 816, with the 49 meter red Konpon Daito pagoda and 20 halls

  • Wooden temple buildings among trees on a steep slope β˜… 4.5

    Yamadera Temple

    Tohoku

    An ancient mountain temple from 860 AD that requires a climb of 1,000 steps, with a dramatic valley view waiting at the summit

  • Low temple buildings around a wide gravel courtyard β˜… 4.5

    Tofuku-ji Temple

    Kyoto

    The mythical Tsutenkyo bridge floats over a valley of 2,000 maple trees, the autumn colors are the best in Kyoto

    Full guide β†’
  • A stone water basin among moss-covered rocks in a forest β˜… 4.5

    Kifune Shrine

    Kyoto

    A lantern lit stone path leads to a mysterious water shrine, and in summer meals are served on platforms over the river

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Zojo-ji Temple

    Tokyo

    A large Buddhist temple from the Tokugawa era with a direct view of Tokyo Tower

    Full guide β†’
  • A wide gravel courtyard between wooden temple halls with curved roofs and tall cedars behind β˜… 4.5

    Kongobu-ji Temple

    Wakayama

    The head temple of Shingon Buddhism from 816 AD, with a huge rock garden and sliding door paintings by Kano artists

  • A wooden shrine hall with a wide paved courtyard and trees around β˜… 4.5

    Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

    Fukuoka

    An important Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of learning, surrounded by plum groves and a futuristic Kengo Kuma cafe

  • A stone torii gate at the entrance, with tall trees and buildings around β˜… 4.5

    Namba Yasaka Jinja

    Osaka

    A small Shinto shrine whose stage is sculpted as a giant lion's head, a well known photo spot in the heart of Namba.

  • A stone gate and shaded entrance with benches and pine trees β˜… 4.5

    Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Osaka

    One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, with a steep red arched bridge and main halls in a distinctive style.

  • Rows of lit paper lanterns hanging on the dance stage at Yasaka Shrine, each bearing a donor name in Japanese β˜… 4.4

    Yasaka Shrine

    Kyoto

    The heart of the enchanting Gion district, home of the annual Gion Festival and Kyoto's central gathering point

    Full guide β†’
  • A giant bronze Buddha statue, weathered green, against the sky β˜… 4.4

    Kotoku-in, the Great Buddha of Kamakura

    Kamakura

    A thirteen and a half meter bronze statue of Amida, a national treasure that has withstood typhoons and tsunamis for seven hundred and fifty years

    Full guide β†’
  • A red shrine hall at the top of wide stone steps, against a wooded hillside β˜… 4.4

    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

    Kamakura

    Kamakura's most important shrine, founded in 1063 with a grand hilltop stage and stunning seasonal lotus ponds

    Full guide β†’
  • A lake between forested ridges, with a small red torii gate on the shore β˜… 4.4

    Hakone Shrine

    Hakone

    A twelve hundred year old red torii gate rising out of Lake Ashi, a spiritual view like no other in Japan

    Full guide β†’
  • The vermilion entrance gate of Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto, with green tiled roofs, twin towers and pine trees under a blue sky β˜… 4.4

    Heian Jingu Shrine

    Kyoto

    A grand Shinto shrine in vermilion and white with an extensive traditional garden that opens only rarely

    Full guide β†’
  • An octagonal temple hall with a tiered roof, among blossoming cherry trees β˜… 4.4

    Kofuku-ji Temple

    Nara

    A UNESCO five story pagoda reflected in Sarusawa Pond, one of the iconic photographs of Japan

    Full guide β†’
  • Vermilion shrine hall with a curved roof above a stone courtyard, green trees behind β˜… 4.4

    Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo

    One of Tokyo's oldest shrines, famous for its tunnel of red torii gates and April azalea festival

    Full guide β†’
  • Caves carved into a rock face along a path, with blossoming trees β˜… 4.4

    Zuiganji Temple

    Tohoku

    A zen temple and national treasure, rebuilt in 1609 with gilded fusuma paintings and ancient cedar caves in Momoyama architecture

  • A red temple gate with a five-storey pagoda behind it β˜… 4.4

    Shitennō-ji

    Osaka

    Among the longest standing Buddhist temples in Japan, with a five storey pagoda and a traditional garden within the grounds.

  • An old wooden gate with a dark undulating roof between pine trees under a blue sky β˜… 4.3

    Daitoku-ji Temple

    Kyoto

    Kyoto's largest zen complex with 20 sub temples and perfect dry rock gardens across 23 hectares

    Full guide β†’
  • A wooden shrine hall with white curtains and gold crests β˜… 4.3

    Yushima Tenmangu Shrine

    Tokyo

    A classic shrine for the arts and learning that blooms with white plum blossoms in February

    Full guide β†’
  • A wooden shrine gate with hanging lanterns and a stone gate in front β˜… 4.3

    Kushida Shrine

    Fukuoka

    Hakata's guardian shrine and home of the Gion Yamakasa festival, with a giant festival float in the courtyard year round

    Full guide β†’
  • Shrine buildings with curved green roofs behind a fence β˜… 4.3

    Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

    Osaka

    A long established Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of learning, at the end of the longest shopping street in Japan.

  • A wooden temple hall with a dark tiled roof and visitors in the courtyard β˜… 4.2

    Isshin-ji Temple

    Osaka

    A quiet Buddhist temple in the Tennoji neighbourhood, not far from Tsutenkaku tower and Shinsekai.

🌸 Nature, mountains & gardens

  • Walkers on the bank of a shallow river with a mountain ridge behind β˜… 4.7

    Kappa Bridge, Kamikochi

    Nagano

    An iconic wooden bridge over the clear Azusa River, surrounded by alpine peaks that stay snowcapped nearly all year

  • A road cut between two towering walls of snow, with walkers β˜… 4.7

    Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

    Toyama

    A spectacular mountain route with a 20 meter high snow corridor, crossing the Japanese Alps from end to end

  • The A-Bomb Dome across the river against the city skyline β˜… 4.7

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

    Hiroshima

    The memorial park laid over what was the city centre until the bomb. Riverside lawns and avenues dotted with monuments, with the Dome, the museum and the Peace Bell at its edges

    Full guide β†’
  • An outstretched hand feeding a young deer on a paved plaza β˜… 4.6

    Nara Park

    Nara

    Hundreds of sacred deer roam freely among ancient temples in a vast park

    Full guide β†’
  • A quiet pond surrounded by shaped shrubs and green trees β˜… 4.6

    Shinjuku Gyoen Garden

    Tokyo

    A 58 hectare park combining Japanese, French and English gardens, offering the best cherry blossoms in Tokyo

    Full guide β†’
  • A wide blue lake with wooded islands at its centre, ringed by green hills under a bright sky β˜… 4.6

    Lake Toya

    Hokkaido

    A caldera lake that never freezes inside the national park, with open air onsen baths overlooking the water and Mount Yotei

    Full guide β†’
  • A still lake reflecting dense forest and a ridge of hills β˜… 4.6

    Shiretoko Five Lakes

    Hokkaido

    A UNESCO heritage reserve with five mirror lakes in a pristine forest of brown bears, sea eagles and the wild Shiretoko ridges

    Full guide β†’
  • A long temple building across a garden pond, with forested hills behind β˜… 4.5

    Tenryu-ji Temple

    Kyoto

    A world heritage zen temple with a classic water garden that uses the Arashiyama hills as a borrowed natural backdrop

    Full guide β†’
  • A monkey sitting on a blue viewing scope, with a wide city and hills spread out behind β˜… 4.5

    Iwatayama Monkey Park

    Kyoto

    120 free roaming Japanese macaques on the mountain, with a panoramic terrace overlooking all of Kyoto below

    Full guide β†’
  • A wooden bridge to a tea pavilion on a lake, with office towers behind β˜… 4.5

    Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo

    A historic estate garden with tidal ponds and a floating tea house, against the modern Shiodome skyline

    Full guide β†’
  • A rose garden with a fountain and an iron arch facing a red brick clock tower β˜… 4.5

    Nunobiki Herb Gardens, Kobe

    Kobe

    Japan's largest herb garden at 400 meters elevation, with a cable car and a breathtaking view over Kobe Bay

    Full guide β†’
  • A bay with white sand, turquoise water and moored boats β˜… 4.5

    Kabira Bay

    Okinawa

    A three star Michelin bay with emerald water around nine inhabited islands and glass boat tours with manta rays and up to 250 coral species

    Full guide β†’
  • A long strip of parkland cutting through the city in winter, seen from above β˜… 4.5

    Odori Park

    Hokkaido

    A kilometer and a half green spine in central Sapporo, host each February to the world famous Snow Festival

    Full guide β†’
  • A garden pond ringed by trees and shrubs, with a wooden building at the far end β˜… 4.5

    Isuien Garden

    Nara

    Nara's most stunning Japanese garden, which borrows the gates of Todai-ji as its background scenery

    Full guide β†’
  • A macaque sitting on gravel beside a wooden railing β˜… 4.5

    Jigokudani Monkey Park

    Nagano

    Japanese snow monkeys soak in hot baths in a snowy forest, an experience found nowhere else in the world

  • A red wooden temple building on a forested slope β˜… 4.5

    Mount Takao

    Greater Tokyo

    The most accessible mountain from Tokyo, with a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji and varied green trails

    Full guide β†’
  • An arched wooden bridge over a garden pond, among pines and a green hill β˜… 4.5

    Ritsurin Garden

    Kagawa

    One of Japan's most magnificent gardens with six ponds and ten landscaped hills against forested Mount Shiun

  • β˜… 4.5

    Minoh Park

    Osaka

    Forest park in the northern suburbs of Osaka, crossed by a walking trail that leads to Minoh Falls.

  • β˜… 4.5

    Parks Garden

    Osaka

    A compact ornamental garden next to Namba Parks, a patch of green in the built-up centre of Namba.

  • An arched stone bridge over a pond, framed by pines and greenery β˜… 4.5

    Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima

    A seventeenth century landscape garden around a central pond, with arched bridges, tea houses and paths that change the view at every turn. Restored after the war

    Full guide β†’
  • A stone lantern on slender legs at a pond edge, among trees and moss β˜… 4.4

    Kenrokuen Garden

    Kanazawa

    One of Japan's three great gardens, 11 hectares of ponds and stone lanterns opened to the public in 1874 with a Michelin star

  • A pink swan pedal boat on the park lake β˜… 4.4

    Ueno Park

    Tokyo

    Japan's first public park holds museums, a zoo and Shinobazu Pond, and is the famous cherry blossom celebration site

    Full guide β†’
  • A tall fountain in a pond, with lawn and visitors around it β˜… 4.4

    Yoyogi Park

    Tokyo

    One of Tokyo's largest parks, bustling with picnics and colorful events next to the famous Meiji Shrine

    Full guide β†’
  • A path between tall green bamboo stems on both sides β˜… 4.4

    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto

    A giant, mystical bamboo corridor that rustles in the wind and creates one of the iconic photographs of Japan

    Full guide β†’
  • A narrow white waterfall dropping from a rock wall into a forested gorge, with a lake and mountains behind β˜… 4.4

    Kegon Falls

    Nikko

    A ninety seven meter waterfall counted among Japan's three great falls, with an elevator down to a viewing platform at its base

    Full guide β†’
  • A bare brown and grey valley with steam rising from it β˜… 4.4

    Jigokudani, Hell Valley

    Hokkaido

    A volcanic caldera venting ten thousand tons of mineral water a day, with bubbling mud and a free thirty minute walking trail

    Full guide β†’
  • A landscape garden of lawns, shaped shrubs and trees, seen from above β˜… 4.4

    Rikugien Garden

    Tokyo

    An Edo era landscape garden from 1702, considered the most beautiful of Tokyo's gardens, with 88 scenes inspired by waka poetry

    Full guide β†’
  • A shaped pine and clipped hedges beside a pond, with office towers rising above the treetops β˜… 4.4

    Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo

    The ancient foundations of Edo Castle with vast moats and rare Japanese gardens, free entry into the imperial grounds

    Full guide β†’
  • Rows of purple lavender fields stretching to the horizon β˜… 4.4

    Farm Tomita

    Hokkaido

    Japan's largest lavender farm, ribbons of purple, pink, red and white in summer that draw over a million visitors a year

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Maruyama Park

    Kyoto

    A beloved veteran public park whose weeping cherry tree has become the symbol of Kyoto's spring bloom

    Full guide β†’
  • A wooden temple hall with a green copper roof, stone steps and a bronze urn on each side β˜… 4.4

    Hokoku-ji Temple

    Kamakura

    A bamboo grove of two thousand moso stalks filters light like a cathedral, with a matcha tea house at the heart of the forest

    Full guide β†’
  • A white sand beach and calm turquoise water under a blue sky β˜… 4.4

    Emerald Beach

    Okinawa

    A perfect white sand beach in a national park near the aquarium, with calm, sheltered water and a view of nearby Ie Island

    Full guide β†’
  • White steam rising from a bare volcanic ridge β˜… 4.4

    Owakudani Valley

    Kanagawa

    A volcanic valley with roaring steam, black eggs boiled in a hot spring and a magical view of Mount Fuji

  • A wide, still lake at the foot of a dark mountain ridge β˜… 4.4

    Lake Chuzenji

    More in Japan

    A mountain lake at 1,269 meters in Nikko, with red autumn leaves reflected in the blue water

  • A garden pond with a red maple tree on a rocky bank β˜… 4.4

    Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo

    Tokyo's oldest garden, a rare blend of Japanese and Chinese landscape from 1629 next to Tokyo Dome

    Full guide β†’
  • A shaded entrance gate at the end of a dense green avenue of trees β˜… 4.4

    Inokashira Park

    Tokyo

    A beloved green park in the heart of Tokyo with a quiet lake, swan boats and an ancient Benzaiten shrine

    Full guide β†’
  • A pagoda on a wooded hill across a pond, with cherry trees in bloom β˜… 4.4

    Sankeien Garden

    Greater Tokyo

    A historic garden in Yokohama with ancient structures from across Japan, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season

    Full guide β†’
  • A landscape garden with a conical grass hill, a pond and a stone bridge β˜… 4.4

    Suizenji Jojuen Garden

    Kumamoto

    A quiet Edo garden that recreates in miniature the 53 stations of the Tokaido road, including a miniature Mount Fuji

  • A narrow waterfall dropping into a pool, framed by red autumn trees β˜… 4.4

    Minoh Falls

    Osaka

    A viewing point over a waterfall deep in the Minoh forest, at the end of a pleasant walking trail from Minoh Park.

  • A vine suspension bridge crossing a narrow gorge with a river and rocks below, surrounded by autumn colored trees β˜… 4.3

    Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Iya Valley

    Tokushima

    An ancient suspension bridge woven from mountain vines over a deep river gorge, a wild and stunning view in the heart of Shikoku

  • β˜… 4.3

    Expo '70 Commemorative Park

    Osaka

    Sprawling parkland laid out on the grounds of the 1970 World Exposition, with the colourful Tower of the Sun as its central symbol.

  • A broad lawn with a lake and pine trees behind β˜… 4.3

    Nagai Botanical Garden

    Osaka

    Botanical garden set inside Nagai Park in southern Osaka, holding a wide collection of trees and plants.

  • β˜… 4.3

    Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park Windmill

    Osaka

    Dutch-style windmill inside Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park, a well known photo spot on the park grounds.

  • A wooden water wheel beside a clear pond and greenery β˜… 4.2

    Oshino Hakkai

    Fuji area

    Eight crystal clear spring ponds fed by Mount Fuji snowmelt, in an Edo thatched roof village with giant carp inside

    Full guide β†’
  • Colorful rows of flowers on a hillside in Hokkaido with mountains on the horizon β˜… 4.2

    Shikisai-no-oka Hill

    Hokkaido

    A Hokkaido hill that covers itself in colorful flowers every season, with cute alpacas and fields like a painting

  • β˜… 4.2

    Cape Manzamo

    Okinawa

    A dramatic limestone cliff shaped like an elephant's trunk over the East China Sea, Okinawa's iconic sunset viewpoint

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.2

    Nagai Park

    Osaka

    A broad municipal park in southern Osaka holding a botanical garden, a stadium and walking paths between the green spaces.

  • A lawn with palm trees and an observation tower behind β˜… 4.2

    Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

    Osaka

    Expansive green parkland created for an international flower exposition, with a glass greenhouse and themed gardens.

  • A wide river between landscaped banks with office towers behind β˜… 4.2

    Nakanoshima Park

    Osaka

    A public park on a river island in central Osaka, an easy walk from the Kitahama neighbourhood.

  • β˜… 4.2

    Hattori Ryokuchi Park

    Osaka

    Wide city park in Toyonaka, in the north of the Osaka metropolis, laid out with open green spaces.

  • A wide river with an avenue of blossoming cherry trees along the bank β˜… 4.2

    Kema Sakuranomiya Park

    Osaka

    River park in northern Osaka with a long path along the bank, good for a walk or a cycle.

  • The keep of Osaka Castle seen across the trees and lawns of the garden β˜… 4.2

    Nishinomaru Garden

    Osaka

    Broad lawned garden within the walls of Osaka Castle, with walking paths and a straight view of the keep.

  • A row of blossoming cherry trees along the Okawa river reflected in the water, with Osaka Castle and the skyline behind β˜… 4.2

    Osaka Waterfront Park (Sakuranomiya Beach)

    Osaka

    Riverside parkland following the Okawa at Sakuranomiya, with a promenade path and a line of cherry trees.

  • A tree-lined path in a city park with a tower structure behind β˜… 4.1

    Utsubo Park

    Osaka

    Long, narrow public park in western Osaka that works as a quiet meeting place for neighbourhood residents.

🎌 Culture, sights & museums

  • A katana and its black scabbard resting on a display stand β˜… 4.9

    Samurai Museum

    Tokyo

    Authentic armor and blades from the feudal era, with live sword demonstrations and a chance to try on a helmet

    Full guide β†’
  • A visitor looking at a ruined domed shell through a concrete arch β˜… 4.7

    Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima

    The only building skeleton that survived near the hypocenter, a UNESCO heritage site and the world's best known symbol of peace

    Full guide β†’
  • A long, low museum building raised on pillars β˜… 4.7

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima

    Japan's most moving museum, documenting the destruction of the city in 1945 through personal objects and survivor testimonies

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Miracle World Osaka

    Osaka

    Art museum in the Sennichimae neighbourhood of central Osaka, near Kuromon Market.

  • A granite wall with a dedication carved in Japanese and English, behind it the round glass structure of the memorial hall above a pool of water β˜… 4.7

    National Peace Memorial Hall

    Hiroshima

    A quiet national memorial hall, mostly underground, holding the victims' names and photographs and recorded survivor testimonies. Entry is free

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.7

    Children's Peace Monument

    Hiroshima

    The monument to the children who died, inspired by Sadako Sasaki and her thousand paper cranes. Around it stand glass cases of crane chains sent from all over the world

    Full guide β†’
  • The concrete arch of the Memorial Cenotaph in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, flower wreaths at its base and the Atomic Bomb Dome beyond the trees behind it β˜… 4.7

    Memorial Cenotaph

    Hiroshima

    The concrete arch at the park's focal point, holding the names of all the victims; it is aligned so the Peace Flame and the Dome appear through it in a single line

    Full guide β†’
  • A white castle keep with tiered roofs on a stone base β˜… 4.6

    Himeji Castle

    Himeji

    Japan's great white castle, fully preserved from the 17th century, a world heritage site

  • A dark room flooded with colourful lines of light across floor and walls β˜… 4.6

    teamLab Borderless Tokyo

    Tokyo

    A borderless museum where digital artworks move and interact between rooms, one of the largest in the world

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Osaka Ukiyoe Museum

    Osaka

    A small museum in the middle of Shinsaibashi, given over to traditional Japanese ukiyo-e prints.

  • A white vintage Mazda coupe on a plinth in a lit showroom hall β˜… 4.6

    Mazda Museum

    Hiroshima

    Mazda's factory museum, visited on a pre-booked guided tour that passes the working assembly line. A must for car people

    Full guide β†’
  • A floor of rippling coloured light in a dark room β˜… 4.5

    teamLab Planets Tokyo

    Tokyo

    A digital art museum you wade through water to explore, 2.5 million visitors a year, a fully immersive experience

    Full guide β†’
  • A village in a snowy valley at the foot of a forested mountain β˜… 4.5

    Ogimachi Village, Shirakawa-go

    Shirakawa-go

    A UNESCO heritage village with over 100 thatched roof farmhouses in a river valley, especially magical under a winter layer of snow

    Full guide β†’
  • A symmetrical museum building behind a rectangular pool β˜… 4.5

    Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo

    Japan's oldest museum, with over 110,000 objects including samurai armor, Buddha statues and ancient pottery

    Full guide β†’
  • A city crossing at night with giant advertising screens and crowds of pedestrians β˜… 4.5

    Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo

    The busiest intersection in the world, where thousands of pedestrians cross at once in every direction in the heart of modern Tokyo

    Full guide β†’
  • A building covered in green ivy with a round rooftop terrace β˜… 4.5

    Ghibli Museum

    Tokyo

    A magical Studio Ghibli museum with original artwork and the Laputa robot on the roof, tickets sell out months ahead

    Full guide β†’
  • A garden of rounded clipped hedges facing a forested mountain ridge β˜… 4.5

    Hakone Open Air Museum

    Hakone

    Seventy thousand square meters of giant sculptures by Picasso and Moore, set against the stunning Hakone mountains

    Full guide β†’
  • A busy station exit with signage and lit buildings β˜… 4.5

    Akihabara

    Tokyo

    The world center for anime, manga and gaming with multi floor electronics stores, maid cafes and endless arcades

    Full guide β†’
  • A cherry tree in full white blossom beside dark tiled roofs under a blue sky β˜… 4.5

    Hirosaki Park

    Tohoku

    Japan's best cherry blossom destination by reviews, with 2,600 trees 130 years old around a preserved original Edo castle

  • Thatched village houses around a lake, among autumn trees β˜… 4.5

    Hida Folk Village

    Takayama

    An open air museum showing 30 relocated gassho-zukuri farmhouses, without the tourist crush of Shirakawa-go

    Full guide β†’
  • A street lined with traditional black wooden Edo-era merchant houses with lattice shutters in Takayama, light snow falling and people walking β˜… 4.5

    Sanmachi-suji Historic District

    Takayama

    Three Edo era streets of sake brewers and old merchant houses, the best preserved townscape in inland Japan

    Full guide β†’
  • An orange paper lantern glowing with Japanese lettering at night β˜… 4.5

    Pontocho Alley

    Kyoto

    A legendary lantern lit alley along the Kamogawa River, a hub of geisha and old kaiseki restaurants

    Full guide β†’
  • A black five-storey castle keep reflected in a moat β˜… 4.5

    Matsumoto Castle

    Nagano

    The black crow castle, one of Japan's 12 original castles, standing proud since the 16th century

  • A museum entrance with a low sloping roof and a vertical wooden wall β˜… 4.5

    Nezu Museum

    Tokyo

    A collection of classical Japanese art with a serene tea garden in the quiet alleys of the Aoyama district

    Full guide β†’
  • A yellow pumpkin sculpture with black dots on a stone pier at the edge of a quiet beach β˜… 4.5

    Yayoi Kusama's Pumpkin

    Naoshima

    The world famous yellow dotted pumpkin sculpture, standing on a small pier over the Naoshima sea

  • A castle keep above a high sloping stone wall, with visitors below β˜… 4.5

    Kumamoto Castle

    Kumamoto

    One of Japan's three premier castles with impressive stone walls, a symbol of resilience after the 2016 earthquake

  • A bright museum lobby with wide stairs and a glass front β˜… 4.5

    Artizon Museum

    Tokyo

    An art museum in Kyobashi with an Impressionist collection and modern Japanese art

    Full guide β†’
  • A white castle keep with green roofs and gold trim above a wall β˜… 4.4

    Osaka Castle

    Osaka

    A 16th century citadel with an interior museum and cherry blossoms in the surrounding park, the landmark of Osaka

    Full guide β†’
  • Low wooden palace buildings with wide grey tiled roofs β˜… 4.4

    Nijo Castle

    Kyoto

    A shogun palace with unique nightingale floors and stunning gold paintings that reopened in 2024

    Full guide β†’
  • A museum building raised on huge pillars above a plaza β˜… 4.4

    Edo-Tokyo Museum

    Tokyo

    Four hundred years of Tokyo history come alive through giant dioramas and fascinating life size reconstructions

    Full guide β†’
  • A bare concrete wall along a rising ramp, without windows β˜… 4.4

    Chichu Art Museum

    Naoshima

    An underground Tadao Ando museum in Naoshima with works by Monet, Turrell and De Maria in natural light

  • The Bikan canal in Kurashiki with weeping willows, historic white storehouse buildings, and a small tour boat with passengers on the water β˜… 4.4

    Bikan Historic District, Kurashiki

    Okayama

    Beautifully preserved Edo canals with white storehouses, weeping willows and calm gondola rides

  • A white museum building with columns, surrounded by clipped hedges β˜… 4.4

    Ohara Museum of Art

    Okayama

    Japan's first museum of western art from 1930, with Monet, Rodin and Picasso beside the canal

  • β˜… 4.4

    Arashiyama Yusai-Tei Gallery

    Kyoto

    An art gallery in a traditional house in Arashiyama, with a tea corner and a garden view

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Small Worlds Tokyo

    Tokyo

    A vast miniature museum in Ariake, whole worlds shrunk down and moving, anime scenes included

  • A glass and stone entrance to a modern building, with the museum sign to the right β˜… 4.4

    Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

    Osaka

    Devoted to the invention of instant noodles, this Ikeda museum includes a workshop where you make your own cup of noodles.

  • A black cube building with a large glass window, wide steps and planting in front under a blue sky β˜… 4.4

    Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka

    Osaka

    Modern and contemporary art museum on Nakanoshima island, standing right beside the National Museum of Art.

  • A pale museum building seen through trees, with a path leading in β˜… 4.4

    Hiroshima Museum of Art

    Hiroshima

    A quiet round museum in Central Park, known for its collection of French Impressionists alongside modern Japanese painting

    Full guide β†’
  • Red brick building with a tall chimney and a lawn in front β˜… 4.3

    Sapporo Beer Museum

    Hokkaido

    Japan's oldest beer museum in a red brick factory from 1876, with production history and a Genghis Khan hall right beside it

    Full guide β†’
  • A shopping lane packed with crowds, red lanterns and signs overhead β˜… 4.3

    Nakamise Shopping Street

    Tokyo

    A 250 meter avenue with 89 traditional shops along the path to Senso-ji, one of Japan's oldest streets

    Full guide β†’
  • A view from above of a star shaped fort with water filled moats and green earth ramparts, with the city around it β˜… 4.3

    Goryokaku Park

    Hokkaido

    Japan's first western star fort from 1866 turned into a park with 1,600 cherry trees and an observation tower over the perfect pentagon shape

    Full guide β†’
  • A wood clad entrance hall with escalators rising towards the lit museum sign β˜… 4.3

    Mori Art Museum

    Tokyo

    A contemporary art museum on floors 52 and 53 of Roppongi Hills Tower, with pioneering exhibitions and a stunning urban panorama

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

    Kobe

    A leading museum of the Nada-Gogo sake district with historic dioramas, free entry and generous tastings

    Full guide β†’
  • A concrete building on a green slope above a bay and beach β˜… 4.3

    Benesse House Museum

    Naoshima

    An Ando museum hotel above the Seto Inland Sea, where contemporary art blends with the landscape

  • A narrow lane between earthen walls and wooden fences β˜… 4.3

    Nagamachi Samurai District

    Ishikawa

    Narrow, preserved earthen samurai streets in Kanazawa, including the Nomura House with a serene tea garden

  • A wide plaza with lamp posts and a statue at the far end β˜… 4.3

    Peace Park, Nagasaki

    Nagasaki

    A moving memorial at the center of the 1945 nuclear blast, with the well known Peace Statue and a deep human message

  • A red brick building with domes and a paved plaza in front, with glass towers under a blue sky β˜… 4.3

    Tokyo Station

    Tokyo

    The starting point for day trips, from here express trains depart to every destination in the region

  • A neoclassical building with columns and wide stone steps β˜… 4.3

    Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library

    Osaka

    A historic Meiji era library building on Nakanoshima island, fronted by an ornate stone facade.

  • A farmhouse with a steep thatched roof on a dirt path, with cherry trees β˜… 4.3

    Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses

    Osaka

    An open air museum whose historic Japanese farmhouses were relocated here from prefectures across the country.

  • An ornate red wooden gate with a tiled roof, among green trees β˜… 4.2

    Shuri Castle

    Okinawa

    A UNESCO heritage Ryukyu royal palace, with unique blazing red architecture reflecting 500 years of independent island culture

    Full guide β†’
  • A tatami room with a low table and wooden lattice windows β˜… 4.2

    Higashi Chaya District

    Kanazawa

    Kanazawa's best preserved geisha district, with Edo era tea houses, gold leaf ice cream and sake houses along the alleys

    Full guide β†’
  • A historic two-storey brick building on a street corner β˜… 4.2

    Otaru Music Box Museum

    Hokkaido

    The world's largest music box shop in a red brick building from 1912, with a steam clock that chimes every quarter hour on Sakaimachi Street

    Full guide β†’
  • A crowded Shinsekai alley by day, packed with colourful kushikatsu signs and Billiken figures, with pedestrians filling the lane β˜… 4.2

    Shinsekai District

    Osaka

    A nostalgic 1900s district with neon signs, Billiken shrines, pachinko and traditional kushikatsu

    Full guide β†’
  • A dark wooden gate and paved courtyard of a historic government compound β˜… 4.2

    Takayama Jinya

    More in Japan

    The only surviving historic government building from 1692, a national site embodying pre modern Japan

  • β˜… 4.2

    Fushimi Sake District

    Kyoto

    The historic brewing quarter along the Horikawa River with nearly 40 breweries that use the soft groundwater

    Full guide β†’
  • A garden path between hedges with a white colonial house behind β˜… 4.2

    Glover Garden

    Nagasaki

    An open air museum of Meiji era merchant villas in Nagasaki, with a panoramic harbor view and inspiration for the opera Madame Butterfly

  • β˜… 4.2

    Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

    Osaka

    A full Osaka street from the Edo period is recreated here, houses included, and you can step inside them.

  • β˜… 4.2

    Osaka Museum of History

    Osaka

    The story of Osaka from antiquity through to the present day is told here, right beside the castle.

  • A grey cylindrical museum building with a curved front β˜… 4.2

    Osaka Science Museum

    Osaka

    Science museum and planetarium on Nakanoshima island, sitting alongside the art museums of the same district.

  • A modern grey theatre building with vertical banners β˜… 4.2

    National Bunraku Theatre

    Osaka

    Japan's national theatre for the traditional puppet art, staging classical bunraku performances in Nipponbashi.

  • β˜… 4.2

    Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima

    A post-war reconstruction of the castle keep destroyed by the bomb, housing a museum of the city and its feudal era, ringed by a moat and open castle grounds

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.1

    Kitano Ijinkan District

    Kobe

    A district of 19th century villas built by foreign merchants in Kobe, including a Starbucks inside a national heritage building

    Full guide β†’
  • A narrow shopping street descending by steps, with a few passers-by β˜… 4.1

    Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

    Tokyo

    A nostalgic street in Tokyo's oldest neighborhood with cats, wooden shops and an authentic atmosphere

    Full guide β†’
  • A pale stone museum building with a tree-lined path in front β˜… 4.1

    Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts

    Osaka

    Municipal museum of Japanese and Asian art in the Tennoji neighbourhood, a short distance from Tsutenkaku Tower.

  • β˜… 4.1

    The National Museum of Art, Osaka

    Osaka

    Museum of modern and contemporary art on Nakanoshima island, built for the most part below ground level.

  • β˜… 4.1

    Abeno Harukas Art Museum

    Osaka

    Art museum housed inside the Abeno Harukas tower, directly adjoining the Harukas 300 observation deck.

  • The modern front of a museum building with flower beds before it β˜… 4.1

    Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum

    Hiroshima

    The prefectural art museum, right next to Shukkeien Garden, so the two pair naturally into one visit. The collection leans on artists connected to Hiroshima

    Full guide β†’

♨️ Onsen & ryokan

  • Wooden channels carrying steaming hot water through the town centre β˜… 4.6

    Yubatake, Kusatsu Onsen

    Gunma

    Japan's largest hot water field vents 32,000 liters of hot water a minute, especially stunning at night

    Full guide β†’
  • Three-storey wooden inns lit up in the evening β˜… 4.6

    Ginzan Onsen Ryokan Street

    Yamagata

    An onsen town steeped in an atmosphere as if it came out of a Ghibli film, old wooden buildings reflected in the river

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Gora Kadan

    Hakone

    A former imperial summer villa turned luxury ryokan with private sulfur baths and kaiseki meals in Japanese gardens

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Tosen Goshobo

    Kobe

    The oldest ryokan in Arima Onsen, open since the 12th century, with outdoor baths on the stream bank

    Full guide β†’
  • A steaming hot spring pool among rocks and snow β˜… 4.4

    Tsurunoyu Onsen

    Tohoku

    A three hundred year old mountain inn with milky outdoor baths in an Akita forest, thatched roofs and a traditional hearth in the room

    Full guide β†’
  • The brown wooden fence of the Sainokawara Rotenburo in Kusatsu under snow, with a bridged path to the entrance β˜… 4.4

    Sainokawara Rotenburo

    Gunma

    One of Japan's largest open air baths, steam and white snow and a mountain view all around in an especially large rotenburo

    Full guide β†’
  • A large bathhouse hotel on a slope with a rock wall in front β˜… 4.3

    Dai-ichi Takimotokan

    Hokkaido

    Noboribetsu's grand onsen ryokan with thirty five baths from five spring types and a high rating from ten thousand reviews

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Hakone Yuryo

    Hakone

    A modern onsen facility in a bamboo grove with nineteen private forest baths rentable by the hour

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.2

    Tenzan-no-yu Onsen

    Kyoto

    A large spa near Arashiyama with natural radium water, a silk bath and a relaxing carbonated bath

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.2

    Beppu Hells Tour

    Oita

    A trail of eight stunning hot springs, from cobalt blue to blood red, a geothermal showcase unique in the world

    Full guide β†’
  • A multi-storey wooden building with dark tiled roofs on a street corner β˜… 4.2

    Dogo Onsen Honkan

    Ehime

    Japan's oldest bathhouse, a three story Meiji era building that inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away

    Full guide β†’

πŸ“Έ Viewpoints

  • A red five-storey pagoda among blossoming cherry trees β˜… 4.7

    Chureito Pagoda

    Fuji area

    A red five story pagoda atop three hundred and ninety seven steps, with the most perfectly framed image of Mount Fuji

    Full guide β†’
  • A person silhouetted against a long glass window overlooking the city from above β˜… 4.6

    Shibuya Sky

    Tokyo

    An open rooftop 229 meters above Shibuya Scramble Square, an unobstructed 360 view over all of Tokyo

    Full guide β†’
  • A forested mountain above a port city, seen from a distance β˜… 4.6

    Mount Hakodate

    Hokkaido

    One of Japan's three official night views, a ropeway to the 334 meter summit reveals the peninsula between two bays

    Full guide β†’
  • A wooden stage on tall pillars on a wooded hillside β˜… 4.6

    Kiyomizu-dera Stage

    Kyoto

    A wooden stage suspended without a single nail, overlooking Kyoto in a stunning panorama during autumn

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.6

    Harukas 300

    Osaka

    An observation floor atop Abeno Harukas, among the tallest towers in Japan, with an open outlook over Osaka and the surrounding mountains.

  • A red and white steel lattice tower seen from below β˜… 4.5

    Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo

    The famous red and white lattice tower offers a stunning panoramic view over the city of millions at night

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Oishi Park, north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko

    Fuji area

    An open lake park with an unobstructed panorama of Fuji over the water, blooming with lavender and cosmos in peak season

    Full guide β†’
  • A high view over a sea of city buildings to the horizon, with a patch of green forest to the right β˜… 4.5

    Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory

    Tokyo

    A free observatory 202 meters high with a breathtaking view over all of Tokyo and out to Fuji on a clear day

    Full guide β†’
  • Night panorama of Kobe city lights and the bay, seen from Mount Maya β˜… 4.5

    Kikuseidai Observatory, Mount Maya

    Kobe

    One of Japan's three great night views, a panorama of Kobe's lights and the bay from the mountaintop

    Full guide β†’
  • A village of steep thatched roofs lit up in the snow at dusk β˜… 4.5

    Ogimachi Observatory

    Shirakawa-go

    An impressive hilltop viewpoint with the classic panorama of the whole cluster of thatched farmhouses against the surrounding mountains

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Bunkyo Civic Center Observatory

    Tokyo

    A free 330 degree panorama from the 25th floor, including Shinjuku, Skytree and Fuji

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    JR Tower Observatory T38

    Hokkaido

    An observatory on the 38th floor of JR Tower above Sapporo station, looking over the city and the surrounding mountains

  • A large white ferris wheel against a blue sky beside a bridge β˜… 4.5

    Tempozan Ferris Wheel

    Osaka

    One of the largest ferris wheels in Japan, with a transparent cabin and an open outlook over Osaka's port and bay.

  • A tall observation tower behind a building topped by a golden sculpture β˜… 4.4

    Tokyo Skytree

    Tokyo

    The second tallest structure in the world, 634 meters, with observation decks at 350 and 450 meters and Mount Fuji on clear days

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Floating Garden Observatory, Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka

    An open ring shaped rooftop on two connected towers, with a stunning sunset over Osaka from 170 meters

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Fuji Panorama Ropeway

    Fuji area

    A short gondola rises a thousand meters above Kawaguchiko for a full frontal view of Mount Fuji in the early morning hours

    Full guide β†’
  • Stone canal beside a long wooden warehouse with a blue roof, empty promenade β˜… 4.4

    Otaru Canal

    Hokkaido

    A nineteenth century stone warehouse canal lit by gas lamps, one of the most photographed scenes in northern Japan in the evening

    Full guide β†’
  • Silhouettes of visitors at a huge glass window looking out to a red and white tower and a city skyline β˜… 4.4

    Tokyo City View

    Tokyo

    An open rooftop on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower with a stunning view, plus rooftop access to a contemporary art museum

    Full guide β†’
  • A blue pond lit at night with bare tree trunks standing in it β˜… 4.3

    Shirogane Blue Pond

    Hokkaido

    A vast cobalt blue reservoir in the heart of the Biei larch forest, silver trunks rising out of the turquoise water

    Full guide β†’
  • A castle gate with white walls and dark tiled roofs above a stone rampart β˜… 4.3

    Kanazawa Castle Park

    Kanazawa

    The reconstructed Edo citadel with whitewashed towers and the Ishikawa-mon gate, free entry for an impressive evening stroll

  • A glazed observation corridor looking down over the city and harbour β˜… 4.3

    Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory

    Osaka

    A high observation floor in the Cosmo Tower at Sakishima, with a panoramic view over Osaka Bay.

  • A round, glazed observation floor at the top of a tower β˜… 4.2

    Kyoto Tower Observation Deck

    Kyoto

    A 360 degree view from 100 meters above Kyoto Station, the highest point accessible to the public

    Full guide β†’
  • A red wooden bridge over a mountain river between rocks and trees β˜… 4.2

    Shinkyo Bridge

    Nikko

    A red lacquer bridge at the entrance gate to Nikko, one of Japan's great bridges, framing the cedar avenue to the heritage sites

    Full guide β†’
  • A steel lattice tower above city buildings β˜… 4.1

    Sapporo TV Tower

    Hokkaido

    A ninety meter observation deck at the edge of Odori Park with a 360 degree panorama over the street grid and the sea of Japan

    Full guide β†’

🎎 Experiences

  • β˜… 5.0

    Japanese Traditional Cultural Experience -Michi-

    Osaka

    An operator of traditional Japanese cultural experiences in the Nishi-Shinsaibashi quarter of central Osaka

  • β˜… 4.9

    Kyoto Maikoya Nishiki

    Kyoto

    A tea ceremony and kimono wearing experience in a protected building, ranked number one on Tripadvisor four years running

    Full guide β†’
  • A covered, illuminated arcade with a decorated tree and crowds β˜… 4.6

    Tokyo Disneyland

    Tokyo

    The first Disney park outside the United States, consistently ranked among the best theme parks in the world

    Full guide β†’
  • A low building with a curved roof and visitors at the entrance β˜… 4.6

    Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa

    Okinawa

    Japan's most popular aquarium, where whale sharks and manta rays swim behind the world's largest glass panel, 8 meters tall

    Full guide β†’
  • A red torii gate framed by a stone opening, with the town roofs and a coastal bay beyond β˜… 4.6

    Enoshima Island

    Kamakura

    A tidal island connected by a footbridge, with a shrine, lava caves, a sea lighthouse and seafood stalls in one trip

    Full guide β†’
  • a traditional Japanese teahouse on stilts in a calm pond, surrounded by Tokyo skyscrapers on a clear day β˜… 4.6

    Hamarikyu Garden Tea House

    Tokyo

    An authentic matcha ceremony inside a historic Edo era garden surrounded by Tokyo's skyscrapers

    Full guide β†’
  • Low village houses with red tiled roofs among trees, sea behind β˜… 4.6

    Taketomi Island

    Okinawa

    A preserved Ryukyu village with red tiled roofs, star sand beaches and a quiet water buffalo cart ride

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Universal Studios Japan

    Osaka

    Japan's most popular theme park with Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter and Hollywood attractions

  • A canal with gondolas between Venetian-style buildings β˜… 4.5

    Tokyo DisneySea

    Tokyo

    A unique sea themed park with stunning maritime design, considered the most beautifully designed theme park in the world

    Full guide β†’
  • Skiers with poles and skis in front of a ticket building in the snow β˜… 4.5

    Niseko Grand Hirafu

    Hokkaido

    Japan's most famous ski resort with an average of 900 centimeters of snow a year, night skiing and ski in ski out access to the village

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Yumeyakata, kimono rental

    Kyoto

    Kimono rental for events and photo tours around the city, with vast collections after 1.3 million guests

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Ekoin Temple

    Koyasan

    A leading temple lodging on Mount Koya, where guests join morning rituals, meditation and unique vegetarian meals

  • A visitor in front of a huge aquarium window with a shoal of blue fish β˜… 4.5

    Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

    Osaka

    A vast aquarium at Tempozan harbour, built around a central whale shark tank and a route through marine habitats.

  • Empty red stands around a green baseball field β˜… 4.5

    Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium

    Hiroshima

    Home of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. A Japanese baseball game here, carried by the home crowd's chants and drums, is an experience in itself; tickets sell in advance during the season

    Full guide β†’
  • A water bus moored at a pier, a suspension bridge and skyline behind β˜… 4.4

    Odaiba Seaside Park

    Tokyo

    A futuristic artificial island in Tokyo Bay with a Statue of Liberty, the Rainbow Bridge and breathtaking digital attractions

    Full guide β†’
  • An arena with a square green roof among city buildings, seen from above β˜… 4.4

    Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena

    Tokyo

    Japan's national sumo arena, host to three grand tournaments a year and the heart of the ancient martial art

    Full guide β†’
  • Sumo wrestlers doing squat drills in a training hall β˜… 4.4

    Arashio Stable

    Tokyo

    The only stable in Tokyo that lets you watch sumo training through a street window in the morning hours

    Full guide β†’
  • Transparent glass stairs descending an old stone wall into an underground stone structure, part of Go'o Shrine in the Honmura Art House Project β˜… 4.4

    Art House Project, Honmura

    Naoshima

    Seven old Edo era houses converted into contemporary artworks within a real fishing village

  • Straw-wrapped sake barrels stacked outside a dark wooden building β˜… 4.4

    Harada Sake Brewery

    Takayama

    A sake brewery in the old town of Takayama

  • A grey attraction building with roller coaster track above it and visitors at the entrance β˜… 4.3

    Fuji-Q Highland

    Fuji area

    A roller coaster park with world record rides at the foot of Mount Fuji, with anime attractions and a stunning mountain backdrop

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Kabukiza Theatre

    Tokyo

    The main kabuki theatre in Ginza, with lavish costumes and dramatic traditional makeup dating back centuries

    Full guide β†’
  • A colourful festival float and dancers in white costume in the street β˜… 4.3

    Nebuta Matsuri Festival, Aomori

    Tohoku

    Tohoku's great festival in early August with giant lit paper warriors carried through the streets to taiko drumming

  • A pirate-styled cruise ship with passengers on deck β˜… 4.3

    Hakone Cruise on Lake Ashi

    Hakone

    A colorful pirate ship ferry crosses the volcanic lake with a direct view of the torii gate and Fuji on clear days

    Full guide β†’
  • A performance in period costume on a gilded stage β˜… 4.3

    Nikko Edo Wonderland

    More in Japan

    A spectacular theme park that brings the Edo era to life with samurai shows, ninjas and shogun processions

  • A paved plaza with a ferris wheel and crowds of visitors β˜… 4.3

    Tempozan Harbor Village

    Osaka

    Leisure and entertainment complex at Tempozan harbour, beside the giant Ferris wheel and the Kaiyukan aquarium.

  • β˜… 4.3

    Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria

    Osaka

    Sightseeing cruise around Osaka Bay aboard a ship built in medieval style, departing from Tempozan.

  • β˜… 4.3

    Asa Zoo

    Hiroshima

    The city zoo on the hillsides of northern Hiroshima, spacious and best suited to families, and far enough from the centre to fill half a day

    Full guide β†’
  • A street of traditional warehouses with white walls and tiled roofs β˜… 4.2

    Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

    Kyoto

    A sake production house from 1637 in Fushimi, the capital of sake, with original vessels and traditional ginjo tasting

    Full guide β†’
  • A steel lattice observation tower seen from below against a blue sky β˜… 4.1

    Tsutenkaku Tower

    Osaka

    Osaka's retro landmark from 1956 with the god of luck Billiken on the observation deck, above the neon streets of Shinsekai

    Full guide β†’
  • A market street beside a canal with stalls and visitors β˜… 4.1

    Miyagawa Morning Market, Takayama

    Takayama

    A daily riverside morning market since the Edo era, with Hida beef skewers, seasonal pickles and sarubobo dolls

    Full guide β†’

πŸ›οΈ Shopping & markets

  • A store interior with a glowing red ceiling and shoppers inside β˜… 4.5

    Nintendo Tokyo Store

    Tokyo

    Nintendo's official flagship in Shibuya Parco with exclusive merchandise and game demos

    Full guide β†’
  • A display of Pikachu figures on a round stand in a store β˜… 4.5

    Pokemon Center Osaka DX

    Osaka

    The Pokemon flagship in Osaka, collectables and exclusive merchandise

    Full guide β†’
  • A bookshop lit in the evening, shelves visible through glass β˜… 4.5

    Tsutaya Books Daikanyama

    Tokyo

    A bookshop in a modern complex in Daikanyama, with books, music, film and a cafe

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.5

    Pokemon Center Tokyo DX

    Tokyo

    The Pokemon flagship in Tokyo, collectables and exclusive merchandise

  • β˜… 4.4

    Sakuda Gold Leaf

    Ishikawa

    The veteran gold leaf factory from 1919 in Kanazawa, with unique workshops and restroom walls plated in real gold

  • β˜… 4.4

    Beams Japan Shinjuku

    Tokyo

    A select shop of fine Japanese brands blending traditional craft with streetwear

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Mandarake Shibuya

    Tokyo

    A manga and anime resale shop with rare editions, vintage toys and figures

    Full guide β†’
  • A deer standing in an empty shopping street β˜… 4.4

    Omotesando Street, Miyajima

    Hiroshima

    A covered shopping avenue from the pier to the shrine with grilled oysters and fresh momiji-manju sweets

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Hondori Shopping Arcade

    Hiroshima

    A covered shopping arcade in central Hiroshima, shops and restaurants walking distance from Peace Park

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Komachi-dori Shopping Street

    Kamakura

    The main shopping street of Kamakura, running from the station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, lined with food stalls and souvenir shops

    Full guide β†’
  • A bright, minimal store interior with slatted wooden walls β˜… 4.4

    Itoya Ginza

    Tokyo

    A vast Ginza store for stationery, pens and desk accessories

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.4

    Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo

    Tokyo

    A huge Pokemon store in Ikebukuro, every era of the game under one roof

  • Two customers browsing tall bookshelves β˜… 4.4

    Maruzen Marunouchi

    Tokyo

    A long established Marunouchi bookshop with a broad English section and a stationery floor

    Full guide β†’
  • A tall building with bold yellow signage seen from street level β˜… 4.4

    Tower Records Shibuya

    Tokyo

    A nine floor music store in Shibuya, one of the largest record shops in the world

    Full guide β†’
  • The covered entrance to a shopping street with a large sign above β˜… 4.3

    Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street

    Osaka

    Osaka's longest covered arcade with 600 meters of fashion, snacks and shops for every budget

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Muji Ginza Flagship

    Tokyo

    Muji's global flagship with a hotel, a bakery and the widest product selection in the world

    Full guide β†’
  • A white, modern store building on a street corner β˜… 4.3

    Shibuya Parco

    Tokyo

    A renewed culture complex with the official Nintendo Tokyo store and art exhibitions

    Full guide β†’
  • A modern black and white store hall with shelves of plush toys and colourful merchandise β˜… 4.3

    Pokemon Center Shibuya

    Tokyo

    A large Pokemon center with merchandise exclusive to Shibuya, a paradise for collectors and fans

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.3

    Loft Shibuya

    Tokyo

    The flagship of the lifestyle chain with Japanese design goods, planners, cosmetics and gifts

    Full guide β†’
  • A street corner with a giant chef's head on a building roof β˜… 4.3

    Kappabashi Kitchen Street

    Tokyo

    A wholesale kitchenware district with professional knives, lacquerware and plastic food models

    Full guide β†’
  • A narrow aisle in a game shop with shelves packed floor to ceiling β˜… 4.3

    Super Potato Akihabara

    Tokyo

    A legendary retro game shop with Famicom, Super Nintendo and vintage arcade cabinets

    Full guide β†’
  • An outlet walkway with shoppers and a snow-capped mountain behind β˜… 4.2

    Gotemba Premium Outlets

    Shizuoka

    200 international brands under open sky with a direct view of Mount Fuji, the largest outlet mall in Japan

  • A wide main street lined with shop signs on both sides β˜… 4.2

    Den Den Town, Nipponbashi

    Osaka

    The Akihabara of Kansai: electronics, anime figures, retro games and maid cafes in dense blocks

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.2

    Hankyu Umeda Flagship

    Osaka

    Osaka's iconic department store with a gorgeous cosmetics floor and a food basement considered among Japan's best

    Full guide β†’
  • A multi-storey flagship store front with red signage and passers-by β˜… 4.2

    Uniqlo Ginza Flagship

    Tokyo

    The world's largest Uniqlo across 12 floors with collections exclusive to Ginza

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.2

    Don Quijote Shibuya

    Tokyo

    A 24 hour discount kingdom with electronics, cosmetics and food for every tourist

    Full guide β†’
  • A green department store building at a busy city junction β˜… 4.2

    Tokyu Hands Shibuya

    Tokyo

    A multi floor creative lifestyle store with DIY tools, stationery and travel goods

    Full guide β†’
  • A narrow, crowded shopping street with colourful signs β˜… 4.2

    Daiso Harajuku

    Tokyo

    The 100 yen flagship store across 6 floors, the favorite souvenir stop for tourists

    Full guide β†’
  • A large cursive Broadway sign on the front of a building β˜… 4.2

    Nakano Broadway

    Tokyo

    An otaku paradise with 4 floors of vintage anime figures, rare manga and cult goods

    Full guide β†’
  • The front of a huge electronics store covered in illuminated brand signs β˜… 4.2

    Yodobashi Camera Akihabara

    Tokyo

    A giant multi floor mega electronics store, the biggest place for gadgets in Tokyo

    Full guide β†’
  • A shop front with signage lit in blue and orange β˜… 4.2

    Animate Akihabara

    Tokyo

    The flagship of Japan's largest anime merchandise chain with figures, manga and doujinshi

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.2

    Yachimun Street, Tsuboya

    Okinawa

    A 350 year old pottery district with active kilns and traditional Ryukyu kingdom ceramics in the heart of Naha

    Full guide β†’
  • A covered shopping street with protruding signs on both sides β˜… 4.2

    Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

    Osaka

    Japan's longest covered shopping street, with hundreds of shops and a neighbourhood atmosphere.

  • A large department store building at a city junction with billboards β˜… 4.1

    Mitsukoshi Ginza

    Tokyo

    The iconic department store on Chuo avenue with luxury brands and a lavish food basement

    Full guide β†’
  • β˜… 4.1

    Yufuin Floral Village

    Oita

    An English countryside style craft village on Yufuin's main street, with pottery, sweets and handmade goods

  • β˜… 4.1

    Janjan-Yokocho (Nanyo-dori Shopping Street)

    Osaka

    Covered local shopping lane in the Shinsekai neighbourhood, a short step from Tsutenkaku Tower.

  • A terraced rooftop garden with greenery and city towers behind β˜… 4.0

    Namba Parks

    Osaka

    A terraced mall with green rooftop gardens that imitate a natural canyon, holding shops and restaurants across several floors.

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Tours and tickets in Japan

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What are the best things to do in Japan?

It depends on your taste: street food in the markets of Tokyo and Osaka, temples and zen gardens in Kyoto, onsen and mountains around Fuji and Hakone, and city views from the skyscrapers. On this page you can browse by category and by city, and add any place that catches your eye straight to your personal itinerary.

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