Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Japan

Japan, a land of exquisite and delicate beauty, has always been a popular destination for travelers of all kinds. Cherry blossoms all over the sky, exquisite cuisine, the beauty of the changing seasons, and the rich Japanese customs, classical and modern fashion, and history and modern coexistence in this country all combine to present a fascinating scene. Check out our pick of the most beautiful places to visit in Japan before you pack your bags and head there.

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

About one-third of the shrines in Japan belong to the Inami Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the general headquarters of the Inami Shrine, which has a high status and a long history. Fushimi Inari Taisha worships the great god of Inami, who blesses commerce, wealth, and the prosperity of the grain, with numerous worshippers. At the entrance stands the big Torii, behind which is the main hall of the shrine and other buildings, especially the most famous "Chimoto Torii". The dense vermilion "Chimoto Torii", one of Kyoto's iconic landscapes, was also featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

Otaru Canal, Hokkaido

The Otaru Canal is a landmark in Otaru and even Hokkaido. It was made famous by the movie Love Letter. The scenery is different in the four seasons, especially in winter.  Originally used to load and unload goods, the canal is now converted into a variety of craft shops along the canal. Along the canal, kerosene street lamps and retro brick warehouses are a sign of the city's art and culture, and many artists paint and take photos along the banks. Visit the Otaru Canal: you can rent a bicycle; there are also rickshaw pullers in traditional dress along the shore; you can also take a boat sightseeing; the scenery is very charming at night.

Hell Valley (Jigokudani), Hokkaido

The Hell Valley is the source of Nobetsu Hot Spring and its most famous attraction, with its spectacular volcanic landscape. Hell Valley is a volcanic site where volcanic gases erupt from the graying rock surface, the surrounding air is full of a strong smell of sulfur, and nothing grows here, hence the name Hell Valley. Surrounded by mountains and smoke-filled with local mace-wielding demons, it's like entering hell. There is a "geyser" at the end of Hell Valley, and every once in a while, the spring erupts. Below Hell Valley is a hot spring street full of hotels and restaurants.

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera is the oldest temple in Kyoto. It is one of the three famous places of interest in Kyoto, along with Kinkaku Temple and Nijojo Temple.  It was listed on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1994. The mountains here are decorated with gorgeous cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer, colorful autumn leaves in autumn, and beautiful trees in winter, all year round.  At the Kiyomizudera Okunoin under the Shimizu stage, where the three streams represent health, studies, and marriage, many people line up to receive water to drink and pray for good luck.

Lake Ashi, Hakone

Lake Ashi is a volcanic lake located on Mount Hakone. It was formed about 3,000 years ago and is the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is a very famous sightseeing spot and a famous place to see Mount Fuji. The colder part of the year is usually more visible than the summer. There are cruise boats on Luzhi Lake to provide tourists with boat tours and fishing. The main fishing fish in the lake include rainbow trout, sea bass, etc.

Osaka Castle Park, Osaka

Located in the center of the city, it is an urban garden of considerable area and one of the must-check places for every tourist to Osaka. Osaka Castle Tenshou Pavilion stands in the center, an irreplaceable symbol of Osaka. From the top of the Tenshou Pavilion, you can see the whole city of Osaka. In the spring, sakura blossoms are in full bloom at Osaka Castle Park, and Nishinomaru Garden in the park is the best place to see the sakura.

Kamo River, Kyoto

Kamo River is the life river of Kyoto. It is 31 kilometers long and flows through the center of Kyoto. The water is very clear. There are many restaurants along the coast of Yakagawa where you can taste Kyoto cuisine, Korean cuisine, and other cuisines. There are walking trails and bike trails on both sides of the river, which is a good place for lovers to date and stroll. Cherry blossom season is probably the most beautiful time of year, when all kinds of cherry blossoms are in full bloom along the banks and egrets stand in the river.

Shirakawa-go historic village, Gifu Prefecture

The view of Mount Fuji in the distance seems close at hand. Many of the houses are roofed with layers of special straw, especially on each side, which is shaped like an open book in a triangle shape, to reduce wind exposure and regulate the amount of daily sunlight, making the interior warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, making it more habitable. In each building, in addition to the experience of traditional crafts, there is also a library, food hall, and so on to visit. The garden, according to its ancient rural appearance, also had temples, a water wheel hut, a charcoal hut, a stable, and other buildings. There are performances of traditional crafts such as dyeing and weaving, and visitors can experience them for themselves here.

Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, Hokkaido

Akan National Park is a part of the diamond-shaped lake, which is a barrier lake formed by volcanic eruption. The water is clear, and the scenery is beautiful. The temperature of Lake Akan Ainu Kotan is very low, with an average annual temperature of only 3.7 degrees Celsius, and the average low temperature in January and February is even lower than minus 17 degrees Celsius. During the summer, the National Akhan Lake Ski Resort is opened as a lookout for sightings by boat. In winter, Ah Han Lake becomes an ice and snow paradise. There is a hot spring along the lake, which is one of the famous hot spring leisure resorts in Daodong. The lake is also famous for its abundant microorganisms and trout.

Arashiyama, Kyoto

Arashiyama is a natural sightseeing resort on the western outskirts of Kyoto City, including the periphery of the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Sagano. The area is famous for its cherry blossoms and red maple trees, and the magnificent Sagano Bamboo Forest speaks of Kyoto's unique charm. In addition, there are many famous temples and shrines scattered around Arashiyama. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a landmark of Arashiyama. The wooden structure of the bridge and the wooded mountains behind it create a beautiful landscape.