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If Japan is on your bucket list…
17
items I’ve been to Japan multiple times and these are the places I loved the most.
Sections
3
Kyoto
Tokyo
Short day trips
Kyoto
You should plan on at least two days in Kyoto. Be sure to see Fushimi Inari Taisha - hundred of red tori gates you walk thru, Kinkakuji - the Golden temple and Kiyoimizudera - temple of sacred water. There are gorgeous temples and gardens almost ever...
Kyoto Travel Guide - What to do in Kyoto City
One of the most beautiful and unique temples in Japan, it is visited by tourists and Japanese alike. The grounds are also worth seeing - very Zen. And their gift shop is really fun to shop in. (Don’t bother with the silver temple though).
Kinkaku-ji
One of the most visited castles in Japan, Nijo was the Kyoto residence of the most famous shogun dynasty (Tokugawa). The floors are famous for “singing” like nightingales. The gardens feature a large pond and a functioning tea house. Be sure to look ...
Nijō Castle
I thought just seeing pictures of the forest was plenty and didn’t want to go originally but I was sooo wrong! This is such a cool place! Highly recommend! And it is attached to a beautiful garden as well.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Another one of my favorite places, it features 1001 golden statues plus statues of some of the important Buddhist gods. Behind the statues is a long hallway explaining the history of archery in Japan. Also a small but lovely garden.
Sanjūsangendō Temple
Hardly ever crowded, it is a great place for pictures but the best part is the garden. There is a small fee but it is totally worth it to be able to walk across the pond on perfectly spaced pillars.
Heian-jingū Shrine
As of 2026, it’s only ¥600 to see this peaceful UNESCO world heritage site - considered one of the finest surviving examples of “dry landscape” where the boulders are islands and the gravel is water. There are other gardens surrounding the site and b...
Ryōan-ji
Tokyo
My daughter and I did this in Tokyo. We got complete makeovers and posing tips and everything! The people are awesome and our pictures turned out great!
Esperanto Kokorominamiaoyama Look Make Lab | Port Rate & Photo Studio
THE place to go in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms in the spring. On Saturdays they have a little market - I got a gorgeous kimono for about $40. There is a temple with a tree that is shaped into a moon and if you look through the moon, you can see anot...
Ueno Park
Must see in Tokyo. There is a room where you wade through water up to your knees with what looks like real koi fish. A room with live orchids that magically float upwards as you walk through them. Be sure to buy tickets before on their website!
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Off the beaten path, GREAT shopping and an impressive Buddha
THE 10 BEST Parks & Nature Attractions in Kamakura (Updated 2026)
If you only have time for one park, I recommend Disney Sea first. It’s different from Disneyland in California or DisneyWorld in Orlando. The new Fantasy Springs area is incredible but if you don’t spring for fast passes, be prepared to be in line fo...
Tokyo DisneySea
Our whole family has done this and highly recommend! You get to pick your armor which is based on famous samurai. The photographer helps you dress in period clothes and then you take the photos against a green screen so you can choose the background....
SAMURAI ARMOR EXPERIENCE TOKYO - SENGOKU PHOTO STUDIO ...
Exquisite carvings all over the temple and more that you have to pay to see ¥400 (about $2.50). An amazingly designed garden where the view is different depending on where you’re standing. There is a cute street with good souvenir shopping leading to...
Shibamata Taishakuten
Great street for fun shopping! Over 60 shops and cafes! You can look for 7 lucky cats that are hiding on rooftops and other places - good luck if you find them all! Also a beautiful temple and cemetery are in the area as well as some fun little museu...
Yanaka Ginza
Short day trips
Arguably the most beautiful castle in Japan, Hemeiji also has great signage explaining the history of castles and of the people who lived there. This photo was taken from the garden which is equally as stunning. Also notice the manhole covers on the ...
Himeji Castle
The deer here will bow to you! There are several beautiful temples to see (including one dedicated to the god of ice). Nara is a gem - not to be missed!
Nara Park
