If you are considering a trip, you might wonder: “Are there any stunning places in Japan to venture off to?” You bet there are! From a spectacular Shinto shrine in a picturesque town to ancient cedar forests and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Without a doubt, there’s so much to see when you visit Japan—the natural wonders are endless. Now, let’s dive into the beautiful places in Japan just waiting for you to discover!
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Stunning Places In Japan You Must Visit
Japan is a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. The bustling streets of Tokyo and the serene temples of Kyoto are just some of the countless stunning places in Japan that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. So, let’s take a look at some of the beauty Japan has to offer; I’m sure they will leave you awestruck.
1. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō)
In the Wakayama Prefecture, the walking paths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site make up a pleasant journey through dense and lush forest. There are plenty of ancient temples and shrines in the surrounding area. You can stop by to create a serene atmosphere in the middle of untouched wilderness.
Here, you’ll find a three-story vermilion pagoda and the tallest waterfall in Japan, Nachi no Taki, which stands at a soaring 133m. This is truly one of the best-hidden gems for unparalleled natural beauty!
2. Nikko National Park (日光, Nikkō)
About two hours northeast of Tokyo in the Kantō region on the main island of Honshū. The gorgeous surrounding mountains were formed through years of volcanic activity. The native foliage is known for being particularly beautiful in the fall when dense throes of beech, maple, and oak leaves burst into fiery shades of orange and lemony yellow.
3. Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himejijō)
Japan’s best preserved feudal castle, White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo), is a pristine and elegant sight to behold. With its white appearance and imposing size, which overlook impressively maintained castle grounds, Himeji Castle is regarded as a national treasure by the Japanese and a world heritage site.
This charming castle town is especially popular during cherry blossom season when tons of visitors flock to view the fluttering pink petals that fall from the cherry tree-lined lawn in early April. Cherry blossoms and feudal castles? This definitely checks out as one of those classic beautiful places in Japan!
4. Hitachi Seaside Park (ひたち海浜公園, Hitachi Kaihin Kōen)
In the Ibaraki Prefecture is the Hitachi Seaside Park, known for its sprawling flower fields that look like they go on forever over 350 hectares. There are many green spaces, where you can stroll down the many walking trails or coast down bike paths.
5. Nara Park (奈良公園, Nara Kōen)
At the base of Mt. Wakakusa is Nara Park—an unforgettable setting in unspoiled woods full of wildlife, including a lake full of turtles and carp and hundreds of freely roaming, playful deer that love asking visitors for treats!
6. Japanese Alps (日本アルプス, Nihon Arupusu)
The Japanese Alps comprise the Hida, Kiso, and Akaishi mountain ranges running along central Honshū. They have long been one of the most breathtaking places for hiking trails, pilgrimage journeys, and mountain climbing. Outdoor sports enthusiasts will love this spot in Japan!
The northern Japanese Alps are especially incredible for scenery lovers. Take a trip to Kamikochi (上高地, Kamikōchi), one of the area’s most visited spots, for great mountain views and leisurely strolls along the babbling Azusa River.
How Do You Say Stunning In Japanese?
In Japanese, to call something or someone stunning/beautiful, you say “Utsukushī!” (美しい). If you find yourself at one of these beautiful places in Japan, you’ll need to know how to express that!
So, let’s take a look at some useful vocabulary that will help you communicate with the locals (or curiously hungry deer) as you think about what spots to hit up as you travel around Japan.
Vocabulary Related To Visiting Stunning Places In Japan
| English | Japanese | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Castles | 城 | Shiro |
| Mountains | 山 | Yama |
| I want to go to… | __に行きたい。 | __ni ikitai. |
| Let’s go here. | ここへ行きましょう。 | Koko e ikimashou. |
| National park | 国立公園 | Kokuritsu kōen |
| Ocean | 海 | Umi |
| Where is…? | __はどこですか? | __wa doko desu ka? |
| I want to see… | 見たい | Mitai… |
| Forest | 森 | Mori |
| I love this place！ | 私はこの場所が大好きです！ | Watashi wa kono basho ga daisukidesu! |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tourism In Japan
1. What Is Japan’s #1 Tourist Spot?
This natural wonder is regarded as Japan’s crown jewel and one of the most beautiful places in the world —Mount Fuji. This sacred mountain is an active volcano, a popular site for taking in all of its awe-inspiring majesties and for adrenaline junkies seeking to take hikes to the summit.
Besides offering its own rugged natural beauty, this place also offers amazing views of the Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖, Fujigoko) located at the northern base of the mountain: Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko. By the lakes is the best place to get an up close and personal view of Mount Fuji-san!
And there’s more to it than just beauty. The mountain has served as the site for pilgrimage journeys, so Mount Fuji has great historical significance.
2. What Is The Most Beautiful City In Japan?
Kyoto is widely considered to be Japan’s most beautiful city. This city is known as Japan’s religious center, boasting over 1,000 majestic Buddhist temples scattered throughout the region. Kyoto is home to many of Japan’s most iconic landmarks—like the famous Golden Pavilion in the gold-leaf-covered Kinkaku-ji temple—amongst sumptuous Japanese gardens and a curious monkey park! There’s something for everyone to explore in Kyoto.
3. What Are The Three Most Scenic Places In Japan?
At the beginning of Japan’s Edo era, a Confucianist monk named Shunsai Hayashi walked all over Japan and subsequently wrote a book based on his travels. In the book Nihonkoku Jisekikou, he documented three of Japan’s most prominent scenery, and we’ll go through them.
First up, we’ve got the Shrine Island of Miyajima—a small island in western Japan in Hiroshima Bay. This place is full of old-world charm and its signature peace and quiet. Deer love to roam around Miyajima Island, which only adds to the romantic ambiance.
What else is there to see on Miyajima Island? Head offshore to check out the Great Torii Gate when it’s partially submerged at high tide. The infamous Itsukushima Shrine attracts visitors worldwide for its cool appearance—it looks like it’s rising straight out of the ocean floor!
Next, Amanohashidate (or Heaven Bridge) is located in the northern Kyoto Prefecture on the Tango Peninsula. Why is it nicknamed Heaven Bridge? Picture this: a 2.3-mile-long stretch of a sand bar lined with mossy, forest-colored foliage surrounded by deep blue waters. It looks like a surreal nature-made bridge. It’s no wonder it’s called the Green Bridge to Heaven!
Finally, Matsushima (Pine Island) is a green wonderland that beautifully contrasts with the surrounding ocean. Located in the Miyagi Prefecture, about three hours from Tokyo, this island consists of about 260 islands and a lot of pine trees—hence the name!
Closing Words
Stick your toes in white sand beaches at a coastal town, trundle through the crimson red Torii gate row in historical Kyoto, and munch on local delicacies as you take in falling cherry blossoms anywhere on this fantastic island nation. Spectacular views and rich cultural experiences await you with the most beautiful places in Japan!
Before heading off on your tour of Japan, it would be smart to brush up on a little Japanese that can help you navigate your way through all the natural beauty, hot springs, and any spectacular city’s rich history. With quick and short gamified lessons that will teach you useful phrases and vocabulary, you can get started learning Japanese as quickly as right now with the Ling app.
Don’t worry if you don’t have an extensive command of the language. With some essential Japanese phrases, you’ll be well on your way to having an enjoyable and successful vacation in Japan!
