Japan is full of breathtaking places, from historic towns to natural wonders.
In this guide, I’ll share the 10 most beautiful places in Japan you must visit. These spots capture the charm, history, and scenery that make the country so special.
Tokyo and Osaka are not on the list, because this time the focus is on destinations that let you see a different side of Japan beyond its biggest cities.
Whether you want peaceful temples, snowy villages, or tropical beaches, each place here offers something unique and unforgettable. 😊
1. Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and countless temples, shrines, and gardens.
You can’t miss the Golden Pavilion shimmering above its pond, or the endless red gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Walking along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka feels like stepping into another time, and I still remember the charm of those stone-paved lanes lined with traditional shops.
Kyoto is also known for elegant food with kaiseki meals and matcha sweets.
Don’t leave without visiting Nishiki Market, where you can snack on everything from tofu hotpot to cinnamon yatsuhashi.
Getting here is easy. From Tokyo it takes just over 2 hours by bullet train, and from Osaka it is only 30 minutes.
2. Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a fairy-tale village in the mountains, famous for its steeply thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
The scene is stunning in every season, but especially magical in winter when the houses glow under snow.
The Shiroyama Viewpoint gives the best panorama of the village.
Food here is rustic and hearty, from melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef to grilled gohei mochi coated in sweet miso.
The easiest access is by bus from Takayama or Kanazawa, about 1 hour away, with all sights walkable once you arrive.
3. Kawagoe
Kawagoe, nicknamed “Little Edo”, preserves the charm of Japan’s past with old kurazukuri merchant houses and the famous Toki no Kane bell tower.
When I strolled its streets, I truly felt like I had stepped back in time.
Candy Alley is a nostalgic delight with colorful sweets, and Taisho Roman Street adds a touch of early 20th-century charm with retro buildings and a relaxed atmosphere.
The town is also famous for sweet potatoes, served as chips, ice cream, and even yokan jelly.
I still remember enjoying a packet of crispy sweet potato chips as I wandered Kurazukuri Street.
From Tokyo it takes only 30 minutes by express train, which makes it a perfect day trip.
Read More: The Best Kawagoe Day Trip Guide from Tokyo
4. Hokkaido
Hokkaido offers wide-open skies, flower fields, snowy mountains, and incredible wildlife.
In winter, skiers flock to Niseko, while in summer the lavender fields of Furano bloom in endless purple.
The island’s cities are just as exciting.
Sapporo is famous for its Snow Festival, miso ramen, and lively Susukino district.
Hakodate charms visitors with its historic morning market and a night view from Mount Hakodate often called one of the best in Japan.
Food is just as impressive. Hokkaido crab, sea urchin, and Sapporo miso ramen are absolute must-tries.
From Tokyo, flights take under 2 hours, and renting a car is the best way to explore its vast countryside.
5. Kanazawa
Kanazawa is often called “Little Kyoto”, with samurai districts, geisha quarters, and one of Japan’s most famous gardens.
Kenrokuen Garden is breathtaking in every season, from spring blossoms to snowy winters.
Higashi Chaya District is one of the best places to experience Kanazawa’s old-world charm, with wooden teahouses and traditional cafes.
You can also visit gold leaf shops where you can try the famous gold-covered ice cream.
The city is easy to reach in about 3 hours by Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo.
From Osaka or Kyoto, you can take the Thunderbird Limited Express to Tsuruga and then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, with a total travel time of around 2.5 hours.
Once there, a handy loop bus makes sightseeing simple.
6. Nara
Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital, and it still feels magical thanks to its temples and over a thousand friendly deer wandering Nara Park.
Feeding them is unforgettable, one even bowed its head to me.
The highlight is Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world.
Food here is traditional, with specialties like persimmon-leaf sushi and yomogi mochi.
I will never forget tasting freshly pounded green mochi from Nakatanidou, soft, warm, and delicious.
Nara is only 35 to 45 minutes by train from Kyoto or Osaka, which makes it a very easy trip.
Read More: The Best Nara Day Trip Guide from Osaka or Kyoto
7. Kamakura
Kamakura is a seaside town full of temples and history, once the seat of the samurai shogunate.
Its Great Buddha, a massive bronze statue sitting outdoors, is the city’s most iconic sight.
Stroll down Komachi Street for snacks, explore hydrangea-filled Hasedera Temple, and end your day with a sunset on Yuigahama Beach.
Local food highlights include shirasu-don, a rice bowl topped with tiny whitebait fish, and dove-shaped Hato Sabure cookies.
The JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station takes under 1 hour.
Travelers from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, or Shibuya can ride the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, which also reaches Kamakura in about 1 hour.
The charming Enoden tram then makes local travel easy once you arrive.
8. Takayama
Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps, is a beautifully preserved town with Edo-period wooden houses and sake breweries.
The Old Town streets of Sanmachi Suji glow with lanterns in the evening, making it feel frozen in time.
You can explore Takayama Jinya, a former government office, and the Festival Floats Museum to admire ornate yatai floats.
The Hida Folk Village, with its traditional farmhouses and mountain backdrop, offers a wonderful glimpse into rural life.
Food is a highlight here. Hida beef sushi and Takayama ramen are unforgettable, while hoba miso grilled on a magnolia leaf is pure comfort.
From Nagoya, you can take the JR Hida Limited Express train, which takes about 2.5 hours, and once you arrive, most sights are easily walkable.
9. Ise
Ise in Mie Prefecture is best known for Ise Jingu, Japan’s most important Shinto shrine.
Surrounded by quiet forests, the atmosphere feels calm and spiritual, and many people see it as the heart of Japanese tradition.
Just nearby is Okage Yokocho, a charming old street filled with shops and eateries that bring back the feel of Edo times.
Another highlight is Futami Okitama Shrine, where the famous Meoto Iwa, or Wedded Rocks, stand together in the sea connected by a sacred rope.
Watching the sunrise here is especially beautiful.
Food is memorable too. Ise is famous for spiny lobster, Matsusaka beef, and the sweet akafuku mochi.
From Nagoya you can reach Ise in about 1.5 hours, either by the Kintetsu Limited Express or the JR Rapid Mie line.
Once there, you can walk between the main areas or use local buses for convenience.
10. Okinawa
Okinawa is Japan’s tropical paradise, filled with emerald seas, white beaches, and Ryukyuan culture.
Visit Shuri Castle in Naha, dive into coral reefs around the Kerama Islands, or relax on the main island’s stunning beaches.
Naha’s Kokusai Dori Shopping Street is another must-visit, a lively stretch packed with shops, restaurants, and performances that showcase the island’s vibrant spirit.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is also a highlight, famous for its massive tank where whale sharks and manta rays glide gracefully past.
The food is as unique as the islands. Okinawa soba, rafute pork belly, and sea grapes are local favorites.
Do not forget to sip on Orion beer or awamori while watching the sunset.
Getting here is simple. Flights from Tokyo take about 3 hours to Naha, and once you arrive, renting a car is the best way to explore the island.
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