20 Beautiful Places in Japan

Beautiful places in Japan


You are always greeted by breathtaking landscapes in Japan, which are abundantly produced by nature. Well-liked tourist destinations, such as historical buildings and cultural structures from bygone eras frequently accompany the abundance of natural resources. Of course, you can also explore the large cities with their contemporary urban landscape. When you embark on a journey to explore this fascinating country. There are numerous beautiful places in Japan but some of them are given below.

 A Few Beautiful Places in Japan:

  1. Jodogahama:


The picturesque beach of Jodogahama is found in the Iwate prefecture of northern Japan.

White rocks, green pine trees, and a crystal-clear blue beach make up the scenery. You could refer to Jodogahama as heaven's beach, and the sunsets there will help you understand why. In the summer, a lot of people visit the beach to swim. Jodogahama is one of the most beautiful places in Japan.

  1. Kamikochi:


The Chubu Sangaku National Park includes Kamikochi, a place where you can experience unspoiled nature. Situated at a height of 1,500 meters, hiking is available at varying difficulty levels. Taiso Pond and Kappabashi Bridge are excellent places to visit if you want to take in the breathtaking scenery. Please be aware that due to environmental protection, entry for privately owned cars is restricted. There is only one place from which you can travel to Kamikochi by bus or taxi. There are parking lots at Sawando and Akandana where you can leave your car. Kamikochi is known as one of the most beautiful places in Japan.


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  1. Shodo Island:


The tiny island of Shodo Island, also known as Shodoshima, is situated in the Seto Inland Sea. The island has gorgeous olive trees, abundant wildlife, and crystal-clear blue beaches. It also has mild weather all year round. It has gained popularity recently as one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations due to its Instagrammable locations. Angel Road, is a 500-meter sandbar that links the main island to the three smaller islands. You can cross the road twice a day when the pathway appears during low tide. Shodo Islan can’t be ignored as one of the most beautiful places in Japan.

  1. Yakushima:


Are you a fan of Ghibli movies? Princess Mononoke is allegedly modeled after Yakushima.In the southern region of Japan, within the Kagoshima prefecture, sits the isolated island of Yakushima. Since 90% of the island is made up of mountains and forests, it's a fantastic place for hikers. The massive, old cedar tree known as Jomon Sugi is thought to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old. It is the hiking route's main attraction.


Depending on your level of experience, there are a variety of hiking routes to choose from. The island offers lodging options after the hike.

  1. Shiretoko National Park:


One of Hokkaido's national parks, Shiretoko National Park is recognized as a Japanese UNESCO World Heritage Site. With 80% of the sea covered in drift ice in the winter, it's a well-liked location for drift ice tours.


Hike in the large park during the summer to see a variety of wild animals and unusual plants. Nothing compares to the breathtaking views of the sea from the cliff. Hiking to Shiretoko Five Lakes, Shiretoko Pass, Lake Rausu, and Furepe Waterfalls is a well-liked hiking route. For an 8–11 hour hike, consider Mt. Rausu if you are an experienced hiker. Take safety precautions if you choose to hike because this is a brown bear's habitat. It is advised to bring a portable toilet as there are no restrooms on the mountain. It's best to visit the visitor center or thoroughly read their website if you have any questions before beginning your climb because there are some regulations and crucial information you should be aware of.

  1. Lake Towada:


Aomori and Akita prefectures are divided by Lake Towada. It is a caldera lake that was created approximately 200,000 years ago by an eruption.


Visitors can witness the splendor of the season through breathtaking reflections on the lake's surface and the surrounding landscape. Kayaking is one of the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed at the lake. Lake Towada is among the most beautiful places in Japan.

  1. Utsukushigahara:


Nagano Prefecture's Utsukushigahara is a highland region. It's a well-liked location for summertime motorcycling and driving as well as for getting away from the heat. 

Part of the 75-kilometer Venus Line, Utsukushigahara is a popular destination for bikers and drivers due to its breathtaking natural scenery and expansive sky. 

Hiking on the gentle hills is a pleasant and easy activity that will reward you with unique views of cows and horses roaming freely, as well as strangely positioned radio towers.   

The Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum is another attraction. It has over 350 sculptures and exhibits rare alpine plants. 


Please be aware that due to ice and snow, certain sections of Venus Line may be closed from November to April, depending on the year. 

  1. Miyako Island:


Okinawa's stunning ocean, tropical weather, and isolated islands make it a popular vacation spot. Among these stunning coral reef islands is Miyako Island, which is well-known for its white sand beaches, and excellent swimming, and snorkeling spots. It can be reached by domestic plane from Naha on Okinawa or other major cities like Tokyo or Osaka. The 3.540-meter Irabu Ohashi bridge, the longest free-to-cross bridge in Japan, connects nearby Irabu Island. Yonaha Maehama Beach is a stunning beach with fine white sand that is frequently cited as one of Japan's most exquisite beaches.

  1. Takachiho Gorge:


A well-known tourist destination in the northwest of Miyazaki Prefecture is Takachiho Gorge. Over time, deposits and lava from Mount Aso's eruptions created the picturesque gorge. Massive rock cliffs and columns stretch 4 km along the river, rising 70 to 100 meters above the water. You can walk down a pathway and take in the breathtaking scenery, or you can rent a rowboat and row along the serene river to get up close to several waterfalls. Amano Iwato Shrine and Takachiho Shrine, two historically significant and spiritual locations in Takachiho that have a close connection to Shinto mythology, are also located there.

  1. Nabegataki:


Nabegataki, one of Japan's most well-known waterfalls, is a two-hour drive northeast of JR Kumamoto station. Despite its small size of 10 meters in height and 20 meters in width, the falls are unique because you can walk behind them and view them from the other direction as well. A breathtaking sight of thousands of white threads that resemble a white curtain is produced by the tranquil waterfall in the basin. About 90,000 years ago, there was a volcanic eruption that created it and is believed to have played a role in the formation of Mt. Aso's caldera Nabegataki is no doubt one of the most beautiful places in Japan.

  1. Tsunoshima:


The beautiful island of Tsunoshima lies in Yamaguchi Prefecture's western region. After being finished in 2000, a sizable bridge known as Tsunoshima Ohashi connects it to the Japanese mainland. The 1,780-meter bridge, in and of itself a well-liked tourist destination worth seeing, enables travelers to reach the stunning island while taking in the views of the ocean. Take a stroll along the sandy beach or sample some delectable fresh seafood at nearby restaurants. Taking in the breathtaking sunset at the Tsunoshima Lighthouse will also make your trip to Japan one you won't soon forget!

  1. Takeda Castle:


Perched at an elevation of 353.7 meters atop Mt. Kojo in Hyogo prefecture is Takeda Castle. The stunning scenery produced by the sea of clouds has earned it the nickname "castle floating in the sky" or the "Machu Picchu of Japan." While it was first founded in the fifteenth century, only a few ruins, like the stone walls, are still intact. Even with the main buildings gone, the breathtaking views of the sacred site, surrounded by other peaks and lovely clouds, never let visitors down.

  1. Togetsu Bridge:


The famous Togetsu Bridge is situated in Kyoto's western Arashiyama neighborhood. The bridge was first constructed in the ninth century, but due to damage from floods and typhoons, it had to be rebuilt multiple times. The Katsura River is connected to both banks by a 155-meter bridge. In Japanese, togetsu means the crossing of the moon. The local legend claims that Emperor Kameyama gave the bridge its name by describing the moon's passage across it as "the moon is crossing the bridge." Huge crowds of people flock to the bridge, particularly in the spring when gorgeous cherry blossoms bloom and in the fall when the leaves turn brilliant! 

  1. Nachi Katsuura:


Several picturesque locations that are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" can be found in Nachi Katsuura in Wakayama prefecture. The three main shrines of Kumano and the hiking paths that form a portion of the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route through the hallowed forests are among the historical buildings that make up Nachi Katsuura. Known for being the epicenter of a unique blend of Buddhism and Shinto, Nachi Katsuura has hosted illustrious and influential figures throughout history. It is well-liked by visitors from other countries as a fantastic place to explore historical sites and enjoy cool trekking.

  1. Shirakawago:


In the Gifu prefecture, there is a quiet village called Shirakawago that is surrounded by mountains. Several traditional Japanese houses that are over a century old greet guests. The homes are built in the Gassho-zukuri traditional architectural style, which features thatched roofs that are slanted from both sides to facilitate easy snow removal. It also has the appearance of two hands joined in prayer at shrines or temples. You can stroll through the lovely village in the summer, which is encircled by lush greenery, or you can take in the breathtaking view of the Gassho-zukuri style houses in a winter wonderland in the winter. 

  1. Ogasawara Islands:


The Ogasawara Islands are a group of isolated islands situated about 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo's central area. Its remote location has allowed it to boast a unique diversity of flora and fauna, including some marine life and other wildlife that is only found in this part of Japan. By ferry, the only inhabited islands that are reachable are Hahajima and Chichijima. You can relax away from the noise and bustle of large cities thanks to the emerald green ocean and white sand beaches. In 2011, it received official designation as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

  1. Mt. Fuji:


Without the iconic Mount Fuji, no list of Japan's most picturesque locations could ever be considered complete. The most well-known and tallest mountain in Japan is called Fuji-san, and it separates the prefectures of Yamanashi and Shizuoka. For centuries, people have adored the majestic mountain, which draws visitors from all over the world. Numerous hiking trails lead both to the mountain's summit and its base. Even for novice hikers, the trails beneath Mount Fuji are pleasant. Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park to take in the stunning five-story pagoda and the well-known view of Mount Fuji. The five picturesque lakes known as the "Fuji Five Lakes" provide a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities and the ideal backdrop for taking in Mount. Are you searching for the beautiful places in Japan? Mt. Fuji is one of them.

  1. Hoshitoge Rice Terrace:


A notable scenic location in the prefecture of Niigata is the Hoshitoge Rice Terrace. 150 hectares are covered by about 200 rice paddies, which produce a stunning natural scene. With the gorgeous surroundings, it changes color and appearance with the seasons. June and September are the best months to go because there's a good chance you'll see beautiful water-filled paddies and a sea of clouds. A beautiful sight is produced as the water takes in and reflects the different colors that change with the seasons and time of day!  

  1. Yamadera:


In Yamagata Prefecture, there is a Buddhist temple called Yamadera, which is also called Risshaku-ji Temple. Ennin, a priest who formally received Emperor Seiwa's decree, founded it in 860. Explore the historic structures situated along the steep 1,000 steps that lead to the summit of the mountain. One of the main halls, Kaizendo, provides a panoramic view of the nearby Nokyo-do red building. One of the most well-known poets in Japan, Matsuo Basho, also writes about the temple's beauty in his works. As you stroll through the mountain, you may see some of them etched into the rocks.  

  1. Shirogane Blue Pond:


Situated in the center of Hokkaido, in Biei town, is the picturesque Shirogane Blue Pond. It was unintentionally produced when an artificial dam was built alongside the Shirogane River. The chemical makeup of the water from the Shirogane hot spring, which is upstream of the river, is what gives the water its breathtakingly vivid color. We can see the fascinating blue color that is produced by the particles in the water reflecting sunlight. Although it's a breathtaking sight throughout the year, autumn, with its gorgeous foliage, is the ideal time to visit the ethereal pond!