Tourist attractions

Walled City of Baku Old Town (Icherisheher)

Region: Baku

Cultural Heritage

UNESCO World Heritage Site. A historic district preserving 12th-century walls, the Maiden Tower, and Shirvanshah Palace.

Gobustan National Reserve

Region: Southwest of Baku

Cultural and Natural Complex

Famous for prehistoric rock art and mud volcano groups.

Ateshgah Fire Temple

Region: Surakhani Peninsula

Cultural Heritage

An 18th-century pilgrimage site of Zoroastrianism worshipping fire.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Region: Baku

Modern Architecture

A cultural complex designed by Zaha Hadid with beautiful curved surfaces.

Sheki Historic District and Khan's Palace

Region: Sheki

Cultural Heritage

An 18th-century palace decorated with intricate stained glass 'Shebeke'.

Shahdag National Park

Region: Northern Greater Caucasus Mountains

Nature

A national park with alpine meadows and glacier peaks, famous for skiing in winter.

Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

Region: Mardakan, outskirts of Baku

Nature

A spectacle where natural gas emerges from the ground and flames burn continuously.

Nizami Mausoleum in Ganja

Region: Ganja

Cultural Heritage

A marble mausoleum dedicated to Persian classical poet Nizami.

Hindustani Church Complex in Lachin Corridor

Region: Karabakh Region

Cultural Heritage

Armenian Apostolic church groups from the 13th-17th centuries.

Mingachevir Lake Resort

Region: Mingachevir

Nature

The country's largest reservoir. Enjoy boating and freshwater fish delicacies.

Suggested itineraries

Baku and Gobustan 3-Day Short Trip

Duration (days): 3

Highlights: Baku Old Town, Heydar Aliyev Center, Yanar Dag, Gobustan Reserve

A beginner-friendly course exploring flames and prehistoric sites near the capital.

Silk Road Historic Route 6 Days

Duration (days): 6

Highlights: Sheki, Gabala, Ganja, Qausar Hot Springs, Caucasus Mountain Villages

Visit inland caravanserais and artisan districts to experience traditional food and handicrafts.

Winter Shahdag Highland Resort 5 Days

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Shahdag Ski Resort, Quba Apple Orchards, Lezgin Cuisine, Kosar Village Hiking

An active plan enjoying skiing and ethnic minority culture at a highland resort.

Travel tips

  • Japanese citizens can conveniently use electronic visas (e-visa) for tourism under 90 days
  • Public transport such as Baku Metro and route buses are affordable and safe
  • Official apps (Bolt, Uber) for taxis are effective in preventing fare disputes
  • Summer in Baku has strong winds, so a light windbreaker is essential
  • Exchange money at city banks or authorized exchange offices, avoiding black market exchange
  • Traffic congestion is likely around mosques on Friday at noon
  • Always check the latest safety information when traveling to Karabakh regions
  • Service charges are often included at restaurants, but 5-10% tips leave a good impression
  • Tap water has high salt content in some areas, so mineral water is safer
  • Do not include military or police facilities in the background when taking photos
  • Hotels fill up during spring Nowruz, so early reservations are recommended
  • Card payments are common in urban centers, but cash is mainstream in rural areas