An island country in East Asia, Japan lies in the northwest Pacific Ocean and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan. The country is part of the Ring of Fire and comprises 14,125 islands. Honshu (the "mainland"), Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa are the five main islands. Tokyo is the Japanese capital and largest city, followed by Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Kobe, and Kyoto.
Diverse civilisations shaped Japan's rich culture over time. The country’s 1947 constitution establishes Japan as a peaceful democracy that rejects war. The government divides power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The emperor is seen as a symbol of unity. Japan has a top-tier economy driven by technology. Its culture shines through manga, anime, literature, music, and cuisine. With its mix of tradition and modernity, visiting Japan promises a unique experience.
If you have plans to visit this country, first learn about the places to visit in Japan.
Top Places to Visit in Japan
- Kyoto
- Hiroshima
- Okinawa Island
- Himeji
- Sapporo
- Kyoto
Japan's capital city for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is the centre of Japanese culture and Buddhism. You can find numerous ancient temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens in Kyoto, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kyoto is known for its traditional crafts, such as silk weaving, pottery, and kimono making.
Today, Kyoto is a modern city with a population of about 1.5 million. It is part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area and Osaka and Kobe, Japan's second-largest urban and industrial agglomeration.
Kyoto is Japan's cultural capital and the headquarters of the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the national government. Kyoto is among the best places to visit in Japan, where the contrast between the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary, is amazing.
Things to do in Kyoto
- Visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a stunning Japan tourist attraction. It is a Zen temple covered in gold leaves.
- Explore the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), a graceful temple with beautiful Zen gardens and a sand cone representing Mt Fuji.
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, a shrine dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity, famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
- Enjoy a tea ceremony, a traditional Japanese ritual of preparing and serving green tea.
- Enjoy the cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring, or the autumn colours (koyo) in fall and watch Kyoto transform.
- Hiroshima
You certainly must have heard of Hiroshima, the first city to face the atomic bomb during World War II. The United States dropped the bomb, destroying most of the city and leaving a legacy of radiation, disease, and suffering.
But Hiroshima has transformed into a must among Japan places to visit. The city has rebuilt itself from the ashes. Today, it is a central industrial and cultural hub. This place is also a symbol of peace and hope, as it hosts the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where the Atomic Bomb Dome stands as a reminder of the horrors of war and the need for disarmament. Every year, on August 6th, the anniversary of the bombing, Hiroshima holds a ceremony to commemorate the victims and to pray for world peace.
Things to do in Hiroshima
- Visit Miyajima Island to admire the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top Japan tourist attractions.
- Visit Hiroshima Castle, reconstructed since it was built in 1599 by Mori Terumoto, a feudal lord.
- Visit Mazda Museum, which showcases the history and technology of the famous carmaker Mazda.
- Explore Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 70-kilometre-long expressway. It connects Hiroshima with Ehime Prefecture across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
- Okinawa Island
The fifth-largest Japanese island, Okinawa was once a semi-independent kingdom called Ryukyu. This island was once used to trade with China and other Asian countries. It developed a unique culture that blended elements from different influences. You can see some of the heritage sites from this period, such as the Shuri Castle and the Nakagusuku Castle, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.
This island was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in World War II when the US forces invaded in 1945. The Battle of Okinawa lasted for three months and resulted in many casualties. After the war, it was under US control until 1972, when it was returned to Japan.
Today, Okinawa is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and tropical climate, making it one of the top places to visit in Japan.
Things to do in Okinawa
- Visit Okinawa World, where you can go spelunking in a limestone cave, see a snake show, and taste the local food and drinks.
- Visit a pineapple-themed park. Here, you can see how pineapples are grown and processed and enjoy some pineapple products.
- Relax on one of the many beaches in Okinawa, such as Nishihama Beach or Furuzamami Beach.
- Visit Shuri Castle, which was once the seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom for many centuries.
- Himeji
The western Japanese city of Himeji is famous for its magnificent castle. It has remained an important centre of culture and politics since ancient times. Himeji was the capital of Harima Province in the Nara period (710-794), and the site of a Buddhist temple called Harima Kokubun-ji. In the feudal era, Himeji was ruled by various lords, including Ikeda Terumasa, who expanded the castle and the town in the early 17th century.
Himeji also played a role in modern history. It was considered a possible alternative to Tokyo after the 1923 earthquake. This place has many Japan tourist attractions besides the castle, such as Engyō-ji, a temple complex on Mount Shosha, where “The Last Samurai” was filmed; Nada Fighting Festival, a traditional event where men compete with portable shrines; and Ieshima Islands, a group of scenic islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Himeji is also known for its industries, such as iron, steel, textiles, and leather.
Things to do in Himeji
- Participate in a tea ceremony at Koko-en Garden. Next to the castle, you can find the Koko-en Garden, a Japanese-style garden with nine different sections.
- If you love animals, check out the Himeji City Zoo. It is located within Himeji Central Park. The zoo has more than 100 species of animals. This includes lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, pandas, and penguins.
- Enjoy Oden, a Japanese dish comprising various ingredients simmered in a soy-based broth.
- Sapporo
The Ainu people originally inhabited Sapporo. They called it Satporopet, meaning "dry, great river". In the 1860s, the Japanese government decided to develop Hokkaido as a frontier region and built a canal through the area. A village named Sapporo was established around the canal. In 1868, it became the new capital of Hokkaido. The city was designed with a grid layout and wide boulevards inspired by American urban planning.
Sapporo grew rapidly as a centre of commerce and is among top Japan places to visit. It became famous for its beer, ramen, and winter festivals. Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972. The city has also hosted several other international events, such as the Rugby World Cup, FIFA World Cup, and the Asian Winter Games.
Today, Sapporo is Japan's fifth most populous city and the largest city in Hokkaido.
Things to do in Sapporo
- Visit the Sapporo TV Tower, a 147-metre tower that offers a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
- Explore Odori Park, a 15-block-long park that divides the city into north and south. The park holds numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival.
- Ride a cable car or drive up to Mount Moiwa, a 531-metre-high mountain.
- Visit the observatory, the planetarium, and the Moiwa Bell of Happiness, which is said to grant wishes to couples who ring it together.
Best Time to Visit Japan
The ideal time to visit Japan depends on your preferences and interests. Here are some suggestions to help you decide the best season for your trip:
Visit Japan in spring (March to May) to enjoy the stunning cherry blossoms. This is when pink and white flowers adorn the landscape against blue skies and green grass. It is peak tourism season and costs can skyrocket.
Visit Japan between September and November to enjoy a vibrant autumn. Leaves transform mountains and parks into stunning red, orange, and yellow landscapes. However, expect crowds and higher prices on weekends and holidays.
To escape the crowds and save money, visit Japan from December to March, when snow blankets the land, enchanting cities and countryside. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Participate in traditional events like New Year's celebrations.
Travel Insurance for Japan
Travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage while you plan on the places to visit in Japan. It includes medical expenses, trip cancellations or interruptions, and losses. It also reimburses you for non-refundable expenses arising from unforeseen circumstances. Besides, baggage loss or delay benefits are also included in travel insurance.
Travel insurance often provides emergency assistance services, bridging language barriers and guiding you through emergencies. It is essential to carefully review policy details to ensure coverage aligns with your travel plans and needs. Most of all, travel insurance gives you peace of mind, enabling you to enjoy the numerous Japan tourist attractions and calmly list the places to visit in Japan. Remember to read your policy carefully and choose the travel insurance that satisfactorily covers all your needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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