Mount Fuji
Region: Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures
Nature
Japan's highest peak and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Popular for sunrise climbing and fifth station sightseeing
Tourism in Japan
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera
Region: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Cultural Heritage
Spectacular views of the city and autumn foliage from the wooden stage
Itsukushima Shrine
Region: Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Cultural Heritage
World Heritage site known for its vermilion torii gate floating in the sea
Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village
Region: Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture
Cultural Heritage
Mountain World Heritage village preserving thatched gassho-style houses
Tokyo Skytree
Region: Sumida Ward, Tokyo
Modern Architecture
634m tall with observation decks offering panoramic views of the Kanto Plain
Hokkaido Shiretoko National Park
Region: Shari and Rausu Towns, Hokkaido
Nature
Rich ecosystem created by pristine forests and drift ice
Nara Park
Region: Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Cultural Heritage
Historic park where Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and deer coexist
Okinawa Shuri Castle Park
Region: Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Cultural Heritage
Symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Reconstruction progressing after fire damage
Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji)
Region: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Cultural Heritage
Magnificent harmony of the golden pavilion (shariden) and Mirror Pond
Akihabara Electric Town
Region: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Pop Culture
Internationally famous mecca for anime, games, and electronics
Suggested itineraries
Golden Route 7 Days
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka
Classic route efficiently covering Japanese history and contemporary culture. Shinkansen travel saves time
Hokkaido Nature Drive
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Sapporo, Biei-Furano, Lake Kussharo, Shiretoko
Summer-only model route experiencing vast landscapes and cuisine by rental car
Southern Islands Resorts and World Heritage
Duration (days): 6
Highlights: Naha, Shuri, Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island
Island hopping experiencing both Ryukyu culture and coral reef seas
Travel tips
- JR Pass allows unlimited Shinkansen and train travel between major cities
- Tipping is unnecessary; express gratitude through words and bows
- Public Wi-Fi is expanding, but SIM purchase or rental router is more reliable
- Prepare hay fever masks for spring (March-April)
- Onsen bathing etiquette: don't put towels in the bath
- Cash-oriented society, but IC cards and QR payment increasingly common
- Check for cancellations and delays during typhoon season (August-September)
- Few garbage bins available; portable trash bags are convenient
- Restaurants generally non-smoking; check for smoking rooms
- Left-hand traffic; rural public transportation is infrequent, so be cautious
- Many convenience stores operate 24 hours with ATM access
- Most shops and government offices close during year-end holidays; book accommodations early