Fusing the futuristic with the traditional, Tokyo is a sprawling megacity bursting with a seemingly limitless number of things to do

A business and cultural megacenter that’s home to tens of millions of people, Tokyo is also the crossroads where the Japanese interact with citizens from all over the world. The media love to focus on Harajuku’s vibrant fashion, robot restaurants, maid cafes and the passionate uberfans known as otaku. As fast-paced as Tokyo’s innovation is, the metropolis is just as devoted to preserving tradition through its historical gardens, shrines and temples.

Known for its extreme attention to detail, Japan’s capital is home to some of the best Japanese food in the country, with 234 Michelin-starred restaurants—more than any other city. Whatever your cultural interests are, Tokyo is likely to have you covered. Home to many world-class art galleries and museums, staggeringly diverse nightlife options and cutting-edge technology, you’ll never be stuck for things to do or places to go in Tokyo.

Nikko – Where magnificent architecture, deep history and untouched nature merge

Where magnificent architecture, deep history and untouched nature merge
Nikko’s beautiful setting and sacred mountains have been the backdrop of Shinto and Buddhist worship since at least the 8th century. Its most famous shrines and temples, among the most magnificent in Japan, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The surrounding national park is a destination for hikers of all levels.

Don’t Miss
– Taking in Nikko’s World Heritage architecture.
– Crossing into the Futarasan Shrine grounds at Shinkyo Bridge.
– Hiking Nikko’s sacred surroundings.

Kyoto – The old imperial capital and cultural heart of Japan

Kyoto is the former capital city of Japan and world-famous for its refined culture, dining, and charm of rural Japan

Kyoto City attracts millions of local and international visitors each year looking for traditional Japanese culture. Temples and shrines such as Kiyomizudera Temple and Kinkakuji draw lots off attention from visitors, as do the bamboo groves of nearby Arashiyama. Stay in a traditional ryokan, take a dip in a rejuvenating onsen, and enjoy the seasonal changes of cherry blossoms and brilliant autumn foliage. Kyoto’s magic is only a short bullet train ride from Tokyo. Beyond the city lie Kyoto Prefecture’s many attractive rural areas. In the north, Amanohashidate has long been considered one of Japan’s three most scenic places. Nestled in the mountains, Miyama is one of the last towns with thatched-roof farmhouses, many of which are still inhabited. Enjoy delicious local vegetables and the famous green tea grown in Uji.

Sapporo & Around
A winter wonderland and summer haven, Sapporo is all about outdoor fun, great food and famous beer

A winter wonderland and summer haven, Sapporo is all about outdoor fun, great food and famous beer
Snow and Sapporo are inextricably entwined: the city hosted Asia’s first-ever Winter Olympics in 1972, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival wows visitors from the world over. In other seasons, Sapporo’s green expanses and blossom displays are equally breathtaking. This young, wide-open city is also famous for its beer, beef, ramen, seafood and fresh produce.

Don’t Miss
– The Sapporo Beer Museum and Beer Garden for a brew, and lamb barbecue.
– Susukino, the biggest entertainment and nightlife district north of Tokyo.
– The Sapporo Snow Festival’s elaborate snow and ice sculptures.

Osaka – Bright, gaudy and playful: Osaka provides ample amusement with little pretension

Osaka is a charming, relaxed city best known for its food, fun and nightlife—with some history and culture peeking through

Osaka is only a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, but has a very different personality to Japan’s capital city. Hop off the bullet train into an area of exciting nightlife, delicious food and straight-talking, friendly locals. Along with plenty of shopping and modern attractions, Osaka also has a historical side, the highlight of which is Osaka Castle. The castle is a great place to discover more about Japanese history and to wander the beautiful grounds, especially during cherry blossom season in April when the sakura blooms and the weather is often at its best.

Hokkaido – Explore Japan’s northernmost prefecture

The wilderness of Hokkaido provides numerous outdoor pursuits, and its cities, nestled against the backdrop of mountains and lakes, provide culinary delights and a dose of culture

Hokkaido offers many things to do throughout the year. The mild weather in summer is great for exploring the green hills and national parks. Visit the lakes, rivers and mountains for hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and rafting. See animals and birds in their natural habitats and bathe in volcanic waters with picturesque backdrops. In winter you can enjoy world-class skiing at the many resorts on the island. Alternative winter sports, like snowshoeing, dog-sledding and snowmobiling, are also available and you can attend one of the grandest festivals in Japan—the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Kansai

There are many things to do in the Kansai region. Experience fantastic nightlife, peaceful temples and shrines, and soul-searching pilgrimages

Kansai is Japan’s spiritual and cultural capital, shaped by towering Osaka and Himeji castles, Zen gardens and arduous journeys to enlightenment. The nation’s ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara are filled with cultural and historical sites, while Koyasan in Wakayama has been a religious destination for centuries. Just a short distance away, you can revel in the raucous nightlife of Osaka’s entertainment districts and take in panoramic views of the Kobe cityscape.

Don’t Miss
– The beauty and tranquility of Koyasan and the Kumano Kodo trails in Wakayama.
– Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
– Osaka’s piping-hot takoyaki—fried balls of batter stuffed with octopus.
– The peaceful waters of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, in Shiga.

View the oldest Somei-Yoshino of Hirosaki Park

The sakura viewing in Hirosaki Park is famous, not only because of the spectacular light-pink blanket of blossoms that arrive every spring, but for its old Somei-Yoshino cherry tree, planted in 1882.

Quick Facts
– Hirosaki Park is part of the Hirosaki Castle grounds.
– Nighttime illuminations during the Hirosaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival are a major highlight.

Kamagatani Cherry Blossoms

Come for the blossoms, stay for the mountain trekking
Kamagatani Park, an outstanding spot selected by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association, will make a visit in spring one of your most memorable outings. There are some great mountain hiking trails in the area as well.

Chidorigafuchi Moat

Stroll along Edo Castle’s moat
The name of this moat northwest of the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi, is said to come from its unusual shape. The structure of the walls resembles plovers, called chidori in Japanese.

NARA
Yoshino – The birthplace of reiki—watched over by protectors of the natural world

Yoshino’s centerpiece is the sacred Mt. Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose extraordinary beauty is worthy of the many poems written about it throughout the centuries.

Don’t Miss
– See the extraordinary display of 30,000 cherry trees burst into color from late March through April.
– Walk in the footsteps of ancient mountain ascetics.
– Luxuriate in the area’s mineral-rich hot springs.

Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival

Welcome in spring under a canopy of cherry blossom
The Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year from early April to early May in Kitakami Tenshochi Park . Considered one of the top three cherry blossom viewing spots in Tohoku , along with Hirosaki in Aomori and Kakunodate in Akita , Tenshochi is a visual delight.

Don’t Miss
– Strolling through a tunnel of pink.
– The food and local products available throughout the park during the festival.

Kintaikyo Bridge

A singular and elegant wooden bridge once crafted entirely without nails
Kintai Bridge’s five high arches—originally constructed without nails from Japanese cypress, chestnut and oak—span the banks of the Nishiki River in Iwakuni , a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The bridge’s aspect changes significantly depending on the season and time of day, a visual feast for photographers and woodblock print artists such as Hokusai.

Cross the bridge and enter Kikko Park, which boasts homes where samurai families once lived.

Don’t Miss
– A chance to view the bridge during cherry blossom season.
– Kikko Park and its 19th-century buildings.
– Venturing further afield to Iwakuni Castle and the Iwakuni Art Museum.

Hanamiyama Park

Family’s generosity a real gift of nature
Every spring, thousands of visitors flock to Hanamiyama Park to see the remarkable work of the Abe family. The Abes opened their privately owned farmland to the public as a park in 1959. Visit this park to enjoy hundreds of cherry blossoms and other flowering plants.

Wherever you find yourself, make sure to mix in some action and adventure to your Japan travel schedule

Take a trip to Fuji-Q Highland in central Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture for a ride on rollercoasters boasting serious speed. Meanwhile, nearby Mt. Fuji is open for climbing in the summer months.

Japan becomes a mecca for skiers and snowboarders in the winter—especially to the winter sports hubs of Niseko and Hakuba —with many coming to take advantage of the country’s perfect powder.

Head to the Inland Sea area for cycling routes with fantastic views—including a ride across a 70km bridge connecting Hiroshima with the island of Shikoku. Alternatively, fly down to the subtropical islands of Okinawa where you can jump into a kayak and explore the mangroves in Yanbaru National Park, or head to the beach for snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters.

Niseko Ski Resorts & Around
Perfect powder draws skiers from around the world

Perfect powder draws skiers from around the world
Hokkaido in general is known for its snow, but the Niseko area, southwest of Sapporo, is the most famous ski area in Japan. It is extremely popular with overseas visitors for its powdery snow and welcoming attitude. Outside of snow season, there are hiking trails and sports from rafting to golf.

Don’t Miss
– Soak in one of the many local hot springs.
– Snap a photo of iconic Mt. Yotei, a towering volcano that resembles Mt. Fuji.
– Enjoy backcountry skiing and snowboarding through pristine wilderness.

Shirarahama Beach
Six hundred meters of Pacific Ocean paradise

With pristine white sand curving around a bay of sparkling water, this beach is as close to a Pacific Ocean paradise as you can find. A sister beach to Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, Shirara Beach is known as the best beach in Kansai.

Yakushima National Park
A subtropical island of natural wonders

Yakushima National Park is a nature preserve established to protect the biodiversity and natural resources of the area and to promote sustainable tourism. The circular island is crisscrossed with extensive walking and hiking trails, some passing by gorgeous waterfalls and leading to the tallest peaks in southern Japan.

Quick Facts
– Home to some of Japan’s oldest trees, ancient cedars known as yakusugi, which are more than 1,000 years old.
– The popular Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine inspired scenes in the animated Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke.
– Endangered loggerhead turtles come to lay and nest their eggs on Yakushima’s beaches during the summer months.

Drift Ice Walks
Walking on ice at the Okhotsk Sea is an otherworldly experience

Get an up-close experience of the Okhotsk Sea’s famous drift ice, by booking yourself onto a thrilling walking tour over the frozen sea. If you are brave enough, try jumping into the icy cold waters for a quick dip.

Quick Facts
– Walking tours take place from the start of February until mid-March, depending on ice conditions.
– This area is the southernmost part of the northern hemisphere where drift ice can be found.

Saga International Balloon Fiesta
Kasegawa Kasenshiki, Kasemachi Oaza Ogino, Saga-shi, Saga-ken

Hundreds of hot-air balloons in the sky
The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is the largest sky-sporting event in Asia. Over a six-day period from October 31 to early November, it combines three “tournaments” with a grand finale of fireworks and a light show put on by a cluster of hot-air balloons.

The main launch site generally begins sending balloons up for the competitions at seven in the morning, but the weather is always a factor. There are events throughout the day, right up until five p.m. The balloons are illuminated at night by the flames from their burners, with the music of a live band to add to the spectacle.

NAGANO
Japan Alps – Alpine Adventures on the Roof of Japan

Peak wilderness delights in Japan’s Alps—for climbers, skiers, hikers and nature fans
Nagano’s Alps hold everything an outdoor sports enthusiast dreams of. The attractions here include the Kamikochi area with endless trekking possibilities, the Hakuba region and its Olympic-class powder and slopes, and the Senjojiki Cirque, carved by a glacier.

The mountains and the communities living nearby offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, including Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s finest, and free kabuki festivals in Oshika.

Don’t Miss
– Breathtaking Senjojiki Cirque in the Central Alps.
– Kamikochi highland’s stunning alpine beauty.
– Visiting Hakuba for some world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Trek deep into one of Japan’s greatest wildernesses

The Yatsugatake Mountains are one of Nagano’s most popular hiking and trekking destinations. Located on the border of Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures and with the fascinating Suwa region at its doorstep, these mountains provide a great opportunity to venture deep into nature in upland Japan.

There are many routes up Mt. Yatsugatake and the other peaks in the range, and you’ve also got a choice of day and multi-day options. If you’re into onsen, you may want to hike up to Honzawa Onsen for a mountain-high soak. Along the way, you may even come across some of the creatures that inhabit these mountains.

Don’t Miss
– Hiking the rolling Kirigamine Highland.
– Spotting Japanese wildlife in Yatsugatake’s forests.
– Japan’s highest outdoor bath, Honzawa Onsen.

Mt. Daisen

A mountain paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts

Popular with hikers and a top ski destination, Mt. Daisen is considered one of the most awe-inspiring places in western Japan. The mountain’s form and surrounding unspoiled beech forests see it rival Mt. Fuji.

Don’t Miss
– Gorgeous hiking trails
– One of western Japan’s most popular ski resorts

Where mountain worshippers and mystical ascetics strive for enlightenment

Mt. Yoshino is a stunning mountain in the Omine Renzan mountain range and the natural vistas are beautiful in each season. Visit Mt. Yoshino to discover a place of deep spiritual importance and natural beauty. Whether you like hiking or just want to immerse yourself in nature, Mt. Yoshino will not disappoint.

Don’t Miss
– One of the most sacred spots for Shugendo, a syncretic mix of Buddhism and Shinto.
– See the stunning seasonal changes on the mountain.
– Ride the ropeway to get the best view from the mountain.

Mt. Tsurugi

Worshipped as a god, Shikoku’s second highest peak is a verdant mountain offering a gentle ascent

This iconic peak in the heart of Tokushima is ranked among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, and is popular for both short trips to the summit as well as longer, more undulating ridge hikes to neighboring mountains.

Quick Facts
– Mt. Tsurugi, meaning “sword mountain,” is the second highest mountain in western Japan.
– The mountain is an important center for Shugendo ascetics.

Shirakami Sanchi (Aomori)

Wilderness primeval, calling to intrepid trekkers and outdoor lovers everywhere

The Shirakami Sanchi mountain range borders two northern prefectures, Akita and Aomori , and encompasses Japan’s largest virgin beech forest, one of Japan’s first two UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. This hiker’s paradise covers more than 130,000 hectares with an equally impressive array of peaks, lakes, trails, gorges and valleys.

Prime destinations for many travelers to the area include the Juniko lakes, Anmon Falls and Dairakyo Gorge. Any of these will thrill outdoor lovers, as will Aoike, a pond whose palette of blues changes with the weather and the season.

Don’t Miss
– Taking a few of the 12 trails that start at the Shirakami Sanchi Visitor Center.
– The Mother Tree course—an easy trek to a 400-year-old beech tree.
– The Mt. Shirakami Trail and Juniko lake course—for hardcore hikers.

Hiking Mt. Hachimantai

A flattop stratovolcano alive with wildlife and color

Towering at an impressive 1,613 meters high, Mt. Hachimantai is one of the best places to explore the stunning scenery of Iwate and Akita Prefectures, offering a range of great hiking trails.

If you are interested in geology, the mountain is a stratovolcano—also known as a composite volcano—naturally formed from many layers of hardened lava, pumice, and volcanic ash.

Don’t Miss
– Exploring hiking trails of varying levels.
– Hachiman-numa Pond and the surrounding marshland scenery.
– Going for a soak at Toshichi Onsen, a natural hot spring at an elevation 1,400 meters.

Mt. Bandai

Mt. Bandai provides great hiking terrain, ski fields, and dramatic scenery

Known as the Mt. Fuji of Aizu in Fukushima Prefecture , past eruptions of this sacred peak helped form the region’s beautiful landscapes.

Don’t Miss
– Fantastic skiing in several resorts around the mountain.
– The mountain and lake scenery at Lake Inawashiro.

Healing geothermal waters and fun festivals in a secluded mountain onsen resort!

Stroll down charming alleys in your cotton yukata and wooden sandals breathing in the aroma of Kusatsu Onsen, an authentic onsen town in Gunma Prefecture.

Don’t Miss
– The yubatake hot water fields in the center of town.
– Cracking open an onsen tamago—eggs boiled in the hot spring water.
– Satisfying your sweet tooth with traditional onsen manju sweets.
– A trip to Sainokawara Park.

Hells of Beppu

Seven bubbling onsen hell spots with resident alligators

Located in Beppu’s Kannawa and Kamegawa regions, Beppu’s Jigoku—also known as the Seven Hells of Beppu—got the name from the mysterious and temperamental springs here. Water and gas bubbled up from the land so violently that people in ancient times assumed it was cursed.

You can witness the same expulsions of gas, iron oxide-rich steam and bubbling hot mud that have continued to spook guests and locals since the beginning of time.

Don’t Miss
– Experiencing all seven hells, each with distinctive characteristics.
– Trying an egg and pudding steamed in these natural hells.
– A visit to “alligator hell” to view the reptilian residents.

Gero Onsen

Escape to this atmospheric onsen town, well-loved since the 10th century

For centuries, Gero Onsen has been famous throughout Japan as one of the best places to take to the waters. Its fame even spread overseas, bringing illustrious visitors such as Charlie Chaplin, a trip commemorated with a statue in the town. Set aside a leisurely overnight trip—or longer—to Gero Onsen to soak in the hot springs and slip back in time.

Don’t Miss
– Bathing among the rocks beside Hida River.
– Climbing the stone steps to Onsenji to enjoy the view.
– Getting a taste of Shirakawago at Gassho Village.

Noboribetsu Onsen

Soak in healing waters at this top hot spring resort in Hokkaido

Ease into a pool and wash away your pains. The hot springs of Noboribetsu are famous for not only their bounty but also their variety. Natural spring waters flow down from Hell Valley , resulting in naturally created baths and nine types of water.

Don’t Miss
– Soaking in refreshing, mineral-infused pools.
– Shopping and dining in a historical spa town.
– Seeing eerie plumes of steam rise from natural springs.

Hachimantai Onsen

An onsen resort with plentiful, sulphur-rich water, plus trekking, golf, skiing and more nearby

Situated in a lofty mountain range bordering Iwate and Akita prefectures, Hachimantai Onsen is a resort that offers tranquil surroundings, unspoiled beauty, and the relaxing sounds of birdsong while bathing.

Quick Facts
– Spectacular views of Mt. Iwate from onsen (hot springs) in the area.
– A wide range of all-year leisure activities.

Shiobara Onsen

Amazing hot springs in a gorgeous valley
The Shiobara Onsen village lies in a river valley in the northern mountainous part of Tochigi . Its proximity to Tokyo, diversity of baths, and high elevation make it a popular urban escape.

Don’t Miss
– Onsen hopping to experience the village’s diverse baths.
– Hiking along the pristine Hoki River.

Ginzan Onsen

Unwind, relax and step back in time
Founded on the site of a former silver mine in rural Yamagata, Ginzan Onsen Hot Spring caters to discerning guests with a taste for old-world atmosphere.

Traditional inns line the river to create picturesque scenes more evocative of a Taisho period (1912-26) novel than a modern resort. It’s a long way from big city life and well worth the trip.

Don’t Miss
– Stroll along Ginzan River and the town’s pedestrianized streets in your yukata.
– Visit Shirogane Park and cool yourself by its waterfalls.
– Stay overnight and dine at one of Ginzan Onsen’s many hot spring inns.
– Take an outdoor rotenburo bath or enjoy a private kashikiri soak.

Japan’s captivating sites include castles, sweeping National Park and historic villages

These sites range from Shiretoko National Park in the north island of Hokkaido, the centrally located temple complexes of Kyoto, Nara and Nikko, and the vibrantly colored castles of Okinawa—the country’s southernmost collection of islands.

The theme of nature is predominant throughout these eighteen sites. Visit the Ogasawara Islands with their unique ecosystems; the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine set deep into the mountains, or the sacred sites and pilgrimage routes that snake through the Kii Mountain Range in western Japan.

If you are looking for somewhere slightly more accessible—yet no less captivating—take a trip to the floating shrine of Itsukushima in Hiroshima Prefecture, the original castle of Himeji-jo in Hyogo Prefecture, or the steep thatched roofs of the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. The skeletal structure of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial stands as a symbol of peace as well as a stark reminder of an act of atrocity, and towering above them all is the most iconic site that has been a source of inspiration for centuries—Mt. Fuji.

Fujisan—Sacred Place & Source of Artistic Inspiration (UNESCO)
Iconic and inspirational—Japan’s most famous mountain

Standing over 3,500-meters tall, Mt. Fuji looms over Shizuoka and Yamanashi, where it is visible to fisherman out at sea and residents of distant Tokyo

This magnificent site has inspired artists and ascetics for thousands of years. Spiritual traditions in the area continue to this day, with practitioners of Buddhism and Shinto congregating at the notable temples and shrines that dot the foot of the mountains. Nearby villages, such as Oshino, have been preserved as they were centuries ago, offering a view reminiscent of classical Japanese woodblock prints. Regardless of whether you intend to hike the mountain, the surrounding destinations will inspire and delight you.

Gusuku Sites & Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu (UNESCO)
Remains from the lost kingdom of Ryukyu

Scattered throughout the main island of Okinawa are nine ruins symbolizing the culture of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

The sites are all located on the main island and can be accessed from the capital city, Naha by bus, car or monorail. Set foot inside brightly painted castles, walk behind the once-thought impenetrable stone walls of the Gusuku forts, and pay a visit to the final resting place of generations of the Ryukyu royal family.

Highlights
– Visiting the most important castle of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
– Paying your respects at the rocky tomb of Ryukyu royal families
– Walking behind the stone walls that protected the long-lost kingdom

Himeji Castle (UNESCO)
A striking white castle dominating the landscape

Step foot inside this castle of classic Japanese design

Explore the expansive grounds of this imposing yet beautiful structure and climb up the steep and narrow staircases to the top of the castle.

Highlights
– Climb to the top of the castle to view the surrounding scenery
– Spot the castle’s hidden defense systems
– Take a dramatic photograph of the towering white walls from below

Hiraizumi (UNESCO)
Step back in time to a golden past

Explore Hiraizumi’s immaculate temples and historical artifacts from the 11th and 12th centuries

Located in the southwestern part of Iwate Prefecture , Hiraizumi has over 3,000 National Treasures and historical sites surrounded by idyllic gardens. The Tohoku region in Japan’s northeast thrived in the 11th century under the reign of the Fujiwara clan, and Hiraizumi was the center of this prosperity.

Highlights
– Visiting Chusonji Temple and see Konjikido Golden Hall, an immaculate structure covered in gold-leaf dedicated to the Buddha of Infinite Light.
– Motsuji Temple, where locals have restored the structure and surrounding gardens to replicate its appearance centuries ago.
– The wooden carved statue of samurai Minamoto-no-Yoshitsune at Takadachi Gikeido Temple.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (UNESCO)
A structural reminder of a painful past

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a symbol representing the cost of war and the importance of peace

The Hiroshima Prefectural Promotion Hall stood almost directly below the hypocenter of the blast from the atomic bomb dropped by the US military. Though much of the building’s exterior was stripped away, the skeletal frame of the building survived. Now known as the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome , the structure is the first thing you will see when visiting the Peace Memorial Park located across the Motoyasu River.

Highlights
– Seeing the structure exactly as it was after the bombing—the city has gone to great lengths to preserve it.
– Every August 6th, joining the masses of people who gather around the park for the Peace Memorial Ceremony.
– Learning more by visiting the museums located in the Peace Memorial Museum.

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine (UNESCO)
A shrine set out at sea

A striking red shrine set out to sea off an island judged one of Japan’s most scenic

A short ferry ride from Hiroshima is Itsukushima-jinja Shrine —a collection of sacred buildings standing on stilts and drawing crowds who flock to see the iconic floating gate.

Highlights
– Waiting until low tide to walk up to the shrine’s gate.
– Catching a rare performance of a Noh play on a floating stage.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (UNESCO)
An ancient silver mine set in deep nature

Between 1526 to 1921, Iwami Ginzan flourished as one of the world’s great silver mines, with as much as one-third of the world’s 16th century silver sourced here

Located over a wide area in the central region of Shimane Prefecture of the Chugoku Region , the mine and the surrounding area retain the same features as they did centuries ago. You’ll find the mine nestled within dense forest and mountainous terrain, which locals have taken great care to preserve.

Highlights
– Walking through the Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft, built in 1715.
– Exploring the nearby settlement of Omori-cho, where local miners resided.
– The 14-kilometer course stretching from the mine to the port town of Okidomari.

Ogasawara Islands (UNESCO)
Take a trip to the Galapagos Islands of Asia

Take a 25-hour ferry cruise 1,000 kilometers south of Japan’s main island to the natural paradise of the Ogasawara Islands

Consisting of 30 islands covering approximately 8,000 hectares, the Ogasawara Islands are home to over 190 endangered avian species such as the Bonin flying fox, over 400 native plant species, and a crystal-clear ocean packed with marine life. Visit these islands to get a first-hand look into evolutionary processes that have taken place in these remote ecosystems.

Highlights
– Seeing sperm whales and humpbacks on a guided whale watching tour.
– Swimming with dolphins at Futami Port in Chichijima.
– Taking a guided eco-tour of the surrounding forest, where you’ll encounter rare plant and animal species.

Sacred Sites & Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (UNESCO)
Japan’s most sacred ground

This collective World Heritage site is made up of three sacred and culturally rich regions across Nara, Wakayama and Mie prefectures

Yoshino and Omine , the Kumano Sanzan, Koyasan and the pilgrimage routes that connect them reflect the fusion of Japan’s indigenous religion Shinto, which centers around the worship of nature, and Buddhism, which was introduced from overseas. The sites and their forested mountain landscape reflect a tradition of sacred mountains and mountain worship that is extraordinarily well-documented and has continued for more than 1,200 years.

Highlights
– Visiting the three grand shrines that make up the Kumano Sanzan.
– Experiencing a shukubo temple stay and live like a monk for a night.
– Stepping foot on the cobblestoned paths of the ancient pilgrimage routes.

Shirakami Sanchi Mountain Range (UNESCO)
A vast natural playground full of rare flora and fauna

Shirakami Sanchi is a vast primeval beech forest home to a precious population of animals and plants

Stretching over two of Japan’s northern prefectures, Aomori and Akita , a visit to Shirakami Sanchi allows you to explore Japan’s largest virgin beech forest. Lace up your walking boots and trek one of the many walking and hiking trails while spotting uncommon flora and fauna along the way.

Highlights
– Hiking up to the spectacular Anmon Falls.
– Spotting rare flora and fauna.
– A visit to the Shirakami Sanchi Visitor Center to learn about the history of the area.

Shiretoko (UNESCO)
Volcanic landscape home to rare wildlife

Journey the narrow peninsula of Shiretoko, and explore rugged mountains, serene lakes, and gorgeous coastline

Located on the northeastern tip of Hokkaido , the wild nature of Shiretoko was registered as a Natural Heritage site in July 2005. A volcanic mountain range runs down the center of the peninsula and includes the active volcano Mt. Iozan and Mt. Rausu, the highest peak of the range standing at 1,661 meters above sea level. This rugged, untamed landscape, with 100-meter tall coastal cliffsides, is occupied by numerous bird species and fish. Further inland you’ll find hiking trails leading to lakes and volcanic plateaus home to an abundance of wildlife.

Highlights
– Catching a glimpse of rare bird species, which feed off the flourishing marine life
– Exploring the numerous lakes that have formed around the lava plateaus typical of the region
– Trekking past waterfalls and rugged cliffsides that stretch along the Sea of Okhotsk

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara (UNESCO)
Spiritual structures of Japan’s old capital

Explore Japan’s oldest capital, where you’ll find ancient temples, friendly deer, and an enormous statue of Buddha

Located in Nara , 30 minutes east of Osaka , the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara comprise numerous temples, shrines, palaces, and a primeval forest. Enjoy a walk through the expansive parks and temple grounds, where you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the 8th century.

Highlights
– Marveling at the Great Buddha at Daibutsuden—the famed symbol of Nara.
– Visiting Heijo Palace, the center of Japanese authority in the 8th century.
– Hiking through the Kasugayama Primeval Forest.

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama (UNESCO)
Traditional houses in picturesque villages

Explore the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

Gifu and Toyama prefectures house these historic villages with their immaculately preserved steep-roofed dwellings, taking you back to a different era of Japan.

Highlights
– Wandering around the traditional villages set to a natural backdrop of seasonal color
– Stepping into one of the gassho-style houses
– Viewing the village from above from the observatory in Ogimachi

The Shrines & Temples of Nikko (UNESCO)
Explore sacred sites and their distinctive carvings

Spread across an expansive natural landscape in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is a testament to one of the most important figures in Japan’s history

Tokugawa Ieyasu (ruling from 1603 to 1605) was the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate and is credited with bringing 300 years of peace and stability to the country after a long period of regional conflict. The famed shogun’s remains are entombed at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine , while nearby Futarasan-jinja Shrine and Rinnoji Temple offer similarly spectacular sights.

Highlights
– Viewing intricate carvings displayed on the grounds of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.
– Walking across the ancient Shinkyo Bridge, one of the most distinct in Japan.
– Marveling at the haunted lantern of Futarasan-jinja Shrine.

Tomioka Silk Mill (UNESCO)
A showcase of Japan’s silk production

Built in the late 19th century, Tomioka Silk Mill helped to transform the country into an industrial powerhouse

Located in Gunma Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, Tomioka Silk Mill is comprised of four sites that showcase each phase of silk production. Visiting the mill, you’ll learn about Japan’s push towards rapid modernization in the 19th century, in which the country aspired to be a major industrial nation. The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in June 2014.

Highlights
– Seeing hundreds of reeling machines, which were originally imported to Japan from France.
– Viewing the timber-framed brick construction style of the structures, which are the only buildings in Japan to utilize this technique.
– Visiting the colonial-style home of Paul Brunat—the Frenchman hired to supervise production at the factory.

Yakushima Island (UNESCO)
A remote island covered by ancient forest

Yakushima is a natural getaway, home to some very old and stunning nature

Located 60 kilometers out to sea from Japan’s southern prefecture of Kagoshima , visit Yakushima to walk in ancient forests, hike up mountains, wander along beaches and experience a wildly changing climate. Don’t forget your umbrella—it rains a lot.

Highlights
– Exploring the island’s waterfalls, forests, and beaches.
– Spotting wildlife unique to the area.
– Wandering in a forest of ancient cedar trees.

Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution (UNESCO)
See how Japan transitioned from a samurai state to a modern society

Journey to the sites that played a crucial role in Japan’s modern development

From the mid-1850s to the early 1900s, Japan underwent a radical transformation, transitioning from an isolated feudal society to an industrial power with a navy that triumphed neighboring Russia in the Russo-Japanese war. For a period characterized by Western colonialism and imperial ambitions, such rapid and sophisticated industrialization for a non-Western nation was unprecedented.

The World Heritage sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution comprise 23 locations centered in Yamaguchi Prefecture and the Kyushu Region. Visiting each site, you’ll learn about Japan’s rapid development of industrial shipbuilding technologies, coal mining, and the institutions and ideas that helped propel the country forward during this radical period.

Highlights
– Exploring the charming town of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture while learning about the fascinating journey of the Choshu Five.
– A trip to the island of Hashima off the coast of Nagasaki, where you’ll find the eerie remnants of a Meiji-era coal mine.
– Visiting the oldest slip-dock in Japan, and the well-preserved residence of its facilitator, Thomas B. Glover.

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (UNESCO)
World-renowned modernist architecture in Japan

See one of Le Corbusier’s renowned buildings right in the heart of Tokyo
The industrial revolution of the 19th century opened up a whole new world of heavy-duty materials that could be utilized to construct buildings. With new materials such as concrete and reinforced steel readily available, architects had an entirely new canvas to experiment with. What resulted was the modernist architectural movement, characterized by bold, symmetrical forms, a focus on functionality, and a minimalist sensibility that has influenced the realms of painting, sculpture, music, and more.

Renowned Swiss-French artist Le Corbusier (Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, 1887-1965) pioneered this modern architectural movement, designing buildings across Europe, the Americas, and in Japan and India. His massive, smooth, symmetrical concrete buildings laid the groundwork for a generation of “brutalist” modern architects and posited a new vision for functionality in building and city planning.

Selected from among Le Corbusier’s numerous works is a group of 17 buildings spread across seven countries that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. His single building in Japan, the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo is included in this list.

Highlights
– Strolling the outside grounds of the museum, which are home to numerous statues by Rodin.
– Exploring more contemporary works including those of Tadao Ando and Junzo Sakakura.

Sacred Island of Okinoshima & Associated Sites in the Munakata Region (UNESCO)
Esoteric shrines with a rich history

These three shrines have a colorful history, going back to an ancient period of new religious development and cultural exchange

Scattered throughout the northeastern side of Kyushu are three shrines with centuries of cultural and archaeological history. The structures date back to the Munakata clan, who ruled over the region in the 6th century. Marked by prosperity, religious development, and international communication, the Munakata clan contributed a lasting legacy to the country, particularly in the development of Shinto rituals. These three shrines are the most exemplary lasting structures showcasing their contributions.

On the mainland, in Munakata , is Hetsumiya Shrine (known as Munakata Taisha), a site believed to be used for some of the first formal Shinto practices in Japan. The nearby island of Oshima is home to Nakatsumiya Shrine, an ancient structure with beautiful ocean views. The third shrine on Okinoshima is off limits to the public, but has a mysterious and fascinating history of its own.

Highlights
– Heading to the Shinpokan Museum at Hetsumiya Shrine to view notable votive objects and antiquities from the Korean peninsula and mainland China.
– Looking for the tomb mounds near Munakata, where leaders from the 6th century are buried.
– While visitors are not permitted on Okinoshima, you can visit nearby Oshima Island, home to Nakatsumiya Shrine, to get a similar experience.

Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region (UNESCO)
Explore the sites of Japan’s Christian past

Following the banishment of the religion by the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 1600s, Japan’s small Christian population went underground

Christianity first arrived in Japan in the mid-1500s, where it briefly spread around Nagasaki and the adjacent islands of Amakusa . Visiting this region today, you’ll find castle ruins, rebuilt churches, and religious antiquities telling a storied history of local rebellions against the shogunate, forced rituals renouncing the Christian faith, followed by the eventual liberalization of religious practice in the mid-19th century.

Highlights
– Exploring the ruins of Hara Castle, where a local rebellion by Christian farmers erupted in the 1600s.
– Trekking up Mt. Unzen for rugged volcanic terrain followed by soothing natural hot springs.
– Visiting the well-preserved churches of Amakusa and Hirado islands.

Mozu-Furuichi Kofun (UNESCO)
Expansive tombs crafted for emperors

Japan’s first true rulers left no palaces, but their massive tombs reveal the rise of a rich and influential state

At a distance, they look like wooded hillocks with oddly regular shapes, their deep green breaking up the urban sprawl of the Osaka Plain in Kansai . But these are tombs of the mighty. Known as kofun, these dramatic tombs are architectural masterpieces and are the latest addition to Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage site portfolio.

Highlights
– Strolling along the 2.8-kilometer walkway that encircles the tomb dedicated to Emperor Nintoku (290-399), one of the world’s three largest tombs.
– Taking a drone VR tour at Sakai City Museum of all the tombs comprising the Mozu-Furuichi World Heritage site.
– Seeing earthenware and haniwa terra cotta figures taken from the tombs at Osaka Prefectural Chikatsu Asuka Museum.