City: Japan
Top Things to do in Japan
Top Hotels in Japan
- 1. Hotel Universal Port Vita
- 2. Hotel Universal Port
- 3. Hotel Nikko Osaka
- 4. Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo
- 5. Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Resort Okinawa
- 6. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei
- 7. Mitsui Garden Hotel Prana Tokyo Bay
- 8. Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
- 9. The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
- 10. The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda
10 Scenic Walking Areas in Japan That You Shouldn't Miss
Coordinates: 35°N 136°E / 35°N 136°E / 35; 136
Restaurants in Japan
1. Matsumoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,584 reviews
Reviewed By phale12017
When l was told we were visiting a a castle, grey blocks of stone came to mind( l clearly wasn’t thinking logically) I was amazed to see this massive, towering wooden structure before me! Yes Japanese castles are made from wood. They have moats and tiny narrow windows for firing weapons out of and other familiar features but l have to say they are quite different from the English versions. They have a hidden extra floor that you cannot see from outside, this is just one unfamiliar feature! We were put into groups of 5 or less and shown round by retirees who were practicing their English, what a wonderful idea! Our guide was very amusing!! A word of warning, there are lots of steps inside, some of them steep! But make the effort, it’s well worth it!!
2. Ritsurin Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,567 reviews
Ritsurin Garden is a superb cultural asset that conveys the characteristics of the daimyo strolling gardens that were typically seen in the 17th and 18th century. A daimyo strolling garden is a type of traditional Japanese garden in which ponds and hills are expertly constructed over a vast tract of land, and you can enjoy the garden's space as you leisurely walk around inside.
Reviewed By cleeve2017 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
This garden is full of beautiful detail. The trees are manicured immaculately and the landscaping of each view is exquisite. Even though we visited in early November and the autumn colours weren't yet fully showing the garden still looked fantastic.
3. Himeji Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,324 reviews
Built in the beginning of the 17th century when Japan's unique castle architectural techniques had reached their peak, Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951. It is called "Hakuro-jo" (White Heron Castle) because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a white heron taking flight. Q1. Can I use a credit card? A1. Yes, you can. We accept major credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners and JCB. Q2. Do you have a coin operated locker? A2. Yes we do, but the number and kind of them are limited, so you had better use the ones in Himeji station. The biggest size is 1135H x 350W x 640D(mm). Q3. When is peak season? A3. Our peak is usually around late March to early April for cherry blossoms, late April to early May for Japanese Holiday Season so called 'Golden Week', and October and November for travel season for Japanese. Q4. When do I have to arrive to avoid congestion? A4. 15 to 30 minutes prior to opening time (9am (8am-8:30am for peak season)). Q5. How long does it take to walk around the castle? A5. Normally, it takes at least 90 minutes to explore the castle, but you can try to go up and down with no stop in 45 minutes.
Reviewed By v1kk1ta - Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds. One of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
4. Kumamoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,704 reviews
Reviewed By dlnun - Nebraska, United States
We spent an afternoon with an English guide from the Kumamoto SGG Club—-Mieko Okada who was our personal guide at the Kumamoto Castle & to the Suizenji Jojuen Gardens. If you go to Kumamoto these two sights should be at the top of your list of things to see & places to go. Hopefully in the next few months more of the reconstruction will allow for an actual tour of the castle, but the grounds, walls, and views were amazing none the less.
5. Sengan-en
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,276 reviews
Sengan-en is a traditional Japanese garden and stately home that has been passed down in the Shimadzu family for over 350 years. The garden boasts spectacular views of active volcano Sakurajima, and the house provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of a powerful feudal lord. Sengan-en and the surrounding area was fundamentally important in the modernization of Japan. It was here that Western industrial technology was introduced to Japan, studied and used in the creation of modern factories. Shoko Shuseikan is a museum set in a 150 year old stone building originally used as a machine factory. Learn about the 800 year history and culture of the Shimadzu family, and the first steps towards the industrialization of Japan. In July, 2015 Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan were recognized as World Cultural Heritage Sites related to Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution.
Reviewed By 1760022 - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Driving down from Kumamoto, I chose Sengan-en to view Sakurajima, rather than go to the observatory or the prefectural building and I am glad I did. The gardens were constructed in the 1650's by the Shimazu family, which ruled the area for a considerable time. They couldn't have picked a better spot with its stunning views of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay. The residence, which was rebuilt in the late 1800's and the rooms show life at it was in those days. There are two restaurants and a matcha cafe, gift shops with local crafts of wood and satsuma kiriko (cut-glass crystal), and snacks, sweets and delicacies. Entrance is 1300 yen for the garden, museum and house (recommended) or just 1000 yen for the garden and museum. My wife and I spent about 3 hours there. This is one place that shouldn't be missed.
6. Amanohashidate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 727 reviews
Reviewed By Adaying - Singapore, Singapore
Went on a cloudy day with light drizzle. Spent about an hour walking around the area. There is a chair lift and monorail to bring passengers up the mountain to see the view. You need to bend between your leg for an unique view.. a small amusement park at the top of the mountain. Would like to have spent more time rent a bicycle to ride along the pine trees...
7. Kintaikyo Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,175 reviews
Reviewed By YPDChan - Singapore, Singapore
The combination of the historic Kintaikyo bridge, Iwakuni Castle and the scenic surroundings make this a wonderful and easy half day trip from Hakata. The combination ticket consisting of crossing the bridge, ropeway to/from Iwakuni Castle and the castle admission ticket is well worth the cost. It was difficult to find the bus timetables online so I have included some photos for easy reference. Plan your journey carefully and you can even get on the Hello Kitty shinkansen from Shin-Iwakuni, which was what we managed to do. Also, make sure to have exact change for the bus tickets or at most 1000yen notes to change using the coin machine in the bus.
8. Lake Kawaguchiko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,293 reviews
Reviewed By patrickperbkk
Lake Kawaguchiko is one the the Mt Fuji 5 Lakes. It's very convenient to travel from Tokyo by train, highly suggested to get a Tokyo pass and reserve the seat. Also, it's highly recommended to rent a bike, the best way to travel around the Lake. There are many nice cafes and restaurant around the Lake area.
9. Ohori Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,041 reviews
Reviewed By Tony_Stark983 - Pattaya, Thailand
I discovered this park 4 years ago and everytime I need a place to restore my mind, I use to go there. The best period to visit it it's especially during the sakura season because it's full of cherry trees and the landscape becomes very suggestive. The park surrounds a lake also and you can walk all around it breathing the freshness of flowers and trees. This park is a piece of silence in the middle of the noise, a piece of peace in the rushing days of the people.
