Japan's Top 10 Tourist Spots

So, you’ve dreamed of going to Japan, seeing the sites, eating the delicious food and immersing yourself in their mesmerising culture. However, when it comes to booking your once in a lifetime holidays to Japan you’re overwhelmed with choices on where your tour should take you, what towns to visit and what monuments are the best to see, the options are endless and can be confusing!

Here is Your Endless Travel’s guide for our top 10 tourist spots in Japan to ensure your holidays in Japan are the best. These are our must-see tourist destinations that deserve a spot on your holidays to Japan 2021.

Tokyo Skytree

This iconic broadcasting tower is located in Sumida. It stands at an enormous 634 meters, it’s the tallest in Japan and acts as a brilliant broadcast site, covering all things radio and television. It’s been open since February 2012 and is loved by tourists from all over the world. The Skytree also has easy transportation links, with the Tokyo Skytree Train Station being conveniently close. There are 2 observation decks, at 350m and 400m where the beautiful Tokyo skyline can be seen at all angles. It is showcased brilliantly in the evening as well, the city’s light gloriously illuminating your view. At the first deck there is Skytree's very own café, shop and restaurant, ideal for grabbing a bite to eat or a quick refreshment on your visit. The bottom of this brilliant tower offers a range of splendid shops and more delicious restaurants. Your holiday to Japan will be unforgettable with this visit!

Mount Fuji

This impressive yet stunning volcano is the highest in Japan, situated on the Honshu island. It stands at over 12,000 feet and has a deep symbolic meaning in Japan’s culture and history. It’s graceful and elegant and is surrounded by temples, it’s known for its symmetry. In 2013 it was added as a Cultural Site on the World Heritage List which truly signifies its importance and beauty. For those of you who are brave enough to climb it, there are a selection of routes and stations, with the ideal time of year to go is the summer months when it is warmer. If you would rather view the Mount from a gorgeous landscape to get some unforgettable photos the Fuji Five Lake is ideal, and for skiing enthusiasts, a trip in the winter months offers a selection of snowy ski resorts towards the bottom of the Mount. A trip to see Mount Fuji in your own eyes will ensure your holidays in Japan are memorable.

Ancient Kyoto

More traditionally known as Japan’s imperial capital, Ancient Kyoto showcases Japan’s oldest and most treasured history, with a range of their monuments being on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. From the unbelievable Kiyomizu-dera, an 8^th century Buddhist temple to the Ujigami Shrine, a trip to Kyoto will truly transport you into a different and exciting era of Japan’s amazing culture and history. Located again on the Honshu island in Kansai there are plenty of other brilliant places to be exploring that are close. Your holidays to Japan 2021 would be incomplete without a visit here.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

The Fushimi Inari Taisha is known as the top shrine in the Fushimi-ku region of Kyoto. It is beautiful and mesmerising with its thousands of iconic red and black gates. It’s estimated to take 2-3 hours to walk up, ideal for an afternoon out of exploring. It’s got plenty for you to see and do, with its kitsune (fox) being located at the main gate and throughout. It’s free and is conveniently situated close to Kyoto Station. A visit here would make your holidays to Japan extraordinary!

Sensō-ji

This outstanding Buddhist temple is one of Tokyo’s oldest temples and is in the Asakusa region. It is an extremely popular spiritual site, with millions of tourists from all over the world visiting it yearly. The Sensō-ji is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon Bosatsu, of compassion. It has it’s very own Nakamise, a large street complete with a range of shops where you can find delicious and traditional Japanese food and gifts, whilst being immersed in their culture. The Sensō-ji is well-known for the Sanja Matsuri festival, the most popular festival in the whole of Tokyo! This is usually taking place in the spring and is incredible and fascinating. Add a visit to the Sensō-ji to your Japan trip, it’ll be wonderful!

Monkey Onsen

Known as the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi, this area is famous for its incredible wild Japanese macaques’ monkeys that go to the valley in the cool, snowy winter months and sit by the warm summer spring water onsens during the hotter seasons. During a visit, you’ll see the wonderful monkeys for yourself, they’re used to humans and won’t get scared, but you shouldn’t try to touch or interact with them! It’s just a short walk from the car park to transport you into this monkey heaven, that also shows off the breath-taking landscapes that Yamanouchi offers. Next time you find yourself in the Nagano area of Japan you need to visit!

Shirakawa-go

This small, idyllic, traditional Japanese village is picturesque and gorgeous and will immerse you into this Japanese paradise. It’s centred around the mountains, specifically Mount Hakusan and is surrounded by breath-taking landscapes and luscious forests along the Shogawa River Valley. The most popular village Ogimachi is actually Shirakawa’s largest, that offers beautiful walks and ideal photo opportunities, it’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Holidays to Japan 2021 are not complete without an opportunity to visit a traditional village like Shirakawa.

Miyajima Island

Formally known as Itsukushima, Miyajima Island is situated close to Hiroshima Bay and is nicknamed ‘shrine island’. This is because the Itsukushima Shrine is its vocal point, with it’s beautiful floating gate. If you love a hike the island’s Mount Misen is a must-do, it offers glorious views of the city. Or if you fancy something more typically touristy there’s the Miyajima Aquarium. There’s also Omotesando Street, filled with a wide variety of bars, shops and restaurants. When planning your holidays to Japan a day at Miyajima Island is definitely worth considering.

Nara Deer Park

Nara Park is one of Japan’s oldest parks and is situated at Mount Wakakusa. This wonderful large park is free for the public to walk around and explore, where you’ll see the infamous sacred deer. These Sika deer are thought to be sacred because of a visit from one of the gods of Kasuga Shrine. Here you can buy crackers for the deer, and some will even allow you to feed them. The park can be easily reached by bus or a short walk from the train station. Why not plan an afternoon in this park, walking around the breath-taking park and feeding the adorable deer?

Himeji Castle

The stunning castle is based in Himeji city and shows off Japan’s outstanding architecture. It dates back to the 1300s after being built under Akamatsu Norimura, the head of the Harima area. Himeji Castle consists of 83 beautiful rooms, however it’s crisp white outside really makes this castle remarkable. In fact, in 1993 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s been open to the public since 2015 after it went under renovations and there are plenty of paths and walks over the castle’s 1,600m length for all to explore. Your holidays to Japan 2021 will be extraordinary if you take a trip here!