THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Japan - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Japan

Top Japan Attractions

Things to Do in Japan


Top Attractions in Japan

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Iconic vermillion torii gates line the paths through this serene shrine, adorned with intricate wood carvings and fox statues, set against the tranquility of mountain trails.
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Zen temple adorned in gold leaf with serene gardens and reflective lake, ideal for tranquil moments and photogenic views amidst historical ambiance.
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Serene temple complex with stunning architecture and panoramic views, known for its pure water streams and tranquil gardens. Features unique "single nail" construction and cultural experiences.
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Museum dedicated to the human impact of nuclear weapons, presenting personal artifacts and survivor stories in a thought-provoking exhibition that advocates for peace and non-proliferation.
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Tranquil gardens with a fusion of traditional Japanese elements and open spaces, known for cherry blossoms and historic trees. Includes tea houses and a tropical greenhouse.
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Vibrant district brimming with neon lights and street food ranging from takoyaki to Kobe beef. Enjoy lively crowds and iconic photo ops like the Glico Man sign.
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Historic temple complex showcasing a multi-story pagoda, traditional rituals, and serene gardens. Lively streets lined with souvenir shops and local food stalls complement the cultural journey.
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Historic temple complex known for its large bronze Buddha and serene grounds. Features a unique walk through a wooden pillar and tranquil interactions with resident deer.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Tranquil sanctuary with a grand torii gate and forested paths, providing serene walks and cultural experiences near Harajuku Station. Ideal for peaceful reflection and historical exploration.
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Memorial park with serene landscape for reflection on historical wartime events, featuring the preserved Atomic Bomb Dome as a poignant reminder. Evening visits recommended for a unique ambiance.
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UNESCO World Heritage site with a striking white facade, vast grounds ideal for cherry blossom viewing, and serene gardens. Features a six-floor main keep with panoramic views.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Sacred island featuring ancient shrines, a majestic "floating" torii gate, and free-roaming deer. Enjoy traditional cuisine and serene hikes.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.







*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Bernard W
    Dallas, TX1,906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As is pretty typical, shops selling food, souvenirs, clothes, and more line the road to the entrance to this popular shrine. Starting at $4000 each, businessmen have donated 10,000 of vermillion gates to honor Inari, the diety of rice and sake. This shrine is in a sake-making district. There is a path through the gates, which is interesting to walk through that leads to the forest of the sacred Mount Inari. One need not walk the entire length as there are sections where one can return to the starting place. At one of the stops is Omokaru-ishi, a stone for fortune-telling. If you can lift the stone, you are vigorous. Must be a lot of vigorous visitors.
    Note the Japanese lettering on each torii about the donation of it.
    The main hall is huge and when we were there for the once-a-year Cherry Blossom Festival on April 7, 2024, there were elaborate ceremonies in the main shrine hall. This is the Head shrine of the Inari shrines. There is prayer for light and prosperity and protector of Samurai warriors. We were here for 3 hours.
    Written June 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bernard W
    Dallas, TX1,906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kinkakuji Temple: the Golden Pavilion. Formal name Rokuon-ji is indeed as remarkable and special as everyone says. One walks on a one-way path and upon turning a corner the visitor beholds the Golden Temple in a pond amidst a beautiful setting of green foliage all around. When we were there, cherry blossoms framed every view beautifully. There were also many visitors, but if you are patient you can see and enjoy and take all the photos you want. There are also other ponds and mounds and pagodas, incense burners, and a main hall-sanctuary at the end.
    Written June 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AChee74
    Kuching, Malaysia1,287 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the places that you need to visit and go. The walk to the temple itself is full of people and lots of shops.
    The views there are amazing.
    Written June 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bernard W
    Dallas, TX1,906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a large, long building that costs 200 yen to enter for adults. Japan takes responsibility for their escalated war aggression in WWII. It is an excellent rendition of the horror, including the bomb survivors and effect on the nation. The video on the first floor before ascending the escalator is excellent. Actually it is free, as tickets are only required at the escalator. Plan hours here.
    Written June 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bernard W
    Dallas, TX1,906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an oasis in the midst of busy Tokyo. We were fortunate to visit during the cherry blossom season, when the garden was frequented by locals enjoying the blossoms and spring climate. Especially in the Japanese Garden area, people picnic on blankets laid on the grass amidst the trees,. Young and old frolicked among the stone lanterns, trees, ponds, Taiwan Pavilion and other garden areas, while birds flew and chirped. Wonderful place. Tickets are required before entry.
    Written June 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bernard W
    Dallas, TX1,906 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This popular tourist and local destination day or night runs along side the Dōtonbori canal. Here you can find street foods and all sorts of entertainment. Located here—and lit at night—are the 1935 Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.
    Written June 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bernard W
    Dallas, TX1,906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Senso-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple dating to 645. From the entrance at Kaminarimon Gate to the temple many stalls line around the road and the surrounding area. Here are places for good souvenir buying with variety and fair prices. It is also a place to purchase kimonos…and basically everything, including food of every variety . The shoppers paradise area is extensive.

    The Temple in the Asakusa area honors Kannon, the goddess of mercy. There are the usual Buddhist Temple aspects of the main hall as well as a 5-story pagoda. We saw many men and women in traditional dress. We visited during cherry blossom season and the traditional dress was a beautiful sight to behold.

    Across the street from the Kaminarimon Gate is an excellent Visitor Information Office with two important attributes: 1) there is a dedicated person who speaks English and 2). On the top floor is a free Observation Viewpoint where one can gleam a great view of many historic areas in the city, including Tokyo Sky Tree as well has Senso-ji Temple complex.

    By the train station near Senso-ji Temple one may ride a rickshaw, while men or women pull you around the area for a fee.
    Written June 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bernard W
    Dallas, TX1,906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don’t worry about not seeing the silk deer—it is impossible. They are everywhere!
    Built in 752, Todai-ji (Great Eastern) Temple’s entrance is a wooden gate called the Chumon Gate with 4 meter high statures on each side. There is a 15.15’ octagonal lantern and a 7-story pagoda to see. The large wooden building of the nearly 50’ Great Buddha Hall is truly impressive. We were there for Buddha Vairocana’s birthday on April 8, 2024 and so could get closer and were permitted to take photos. To enter is 800 yen. An audio guide is 500 yen. There were many statues and they were HUGE. It consists of 437 tons of bronze and 130 kilograms of gold.
    Behind the massive bronze Buddha is a model of the complex reconstruction of the original temple at a scale of 1:50. To the right behind the Buddha is the pillar, as large as the Buddha’s nostril, where one can crawl through to attain enlightenment. Best for children or smaller folk.
    Written June 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bernard W
    Dallas, TX1,906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles