🗾 20 Places in Japan: how much Fuji costs, when to go and what to book

Japan knows how to surprise you from day one: a volcano rising over a lake, thousands of red gates, and monkeys soaking in hot springs. On one short trip you'll only see half the country. We've put together twenty places to visit in Japan that are worth adding to your itinerary. For each one we've included an honest catch and, where possible, the price and opening hours.

Getting between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is easy by train, so travel time barely eats into your schedule. For the main sights, including Mount Fuji, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the Shirakawa-go villages, plan on at least three weeks. We checked all prices and hours on 09/12/2026 on the official websites of the sites and tourist offices.

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What to see in Japan: the essentials

💡 In short:

Plan for three weeks. The Fuji region alone takes two or three days, and Nikko needs a full day.
Come in late March and April for cherry blossoms, in October and November for fall foliage.
Top 5 for a first trip: Mount Fuji, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, the Gion district, the temple complex in Nikko, and the Shirakawa-go villages.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Japan tourism website.

1. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji with a snowy summit above Lake Shoji

Mount Fuji is an active volcano standing 3,776 meters tall and the country's most recognizable landmark. You don't have to climb to the summit; there are plenty of viewpoints around it. The 2026 climbing season runs from July 1 to September 10. Entry is now paid on all routes, 4,000 yen per person, and the Yoshida trail has a daily limit and mandatory registration (verified 09/12/2026 on the official website).

Viewpoints are concentrated around the five lakes north of the volcano. At Lake Kawaguchi there's a ropeway with a wide view of the summit. Swans winter at Lake Yamanaka, and at Lake Saiko you'll find the traditional village of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. For the best photos, people head to the Chureito Pagoda above the town of Fujiyoshida. In April it gets very crowded, so arrive at opening time or in the evening.

In the nearby Hakone area, Lake Ashi offers boat rides and the Hakone Shrine. On a clear day there's a ropeway up Mount Komagatake. Another landmark near Kawaguchi is the Lawson convenience store by Kawaguchiko Station, where Fuji rises behind the building.

How to get there: direct buses and trains run from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station, taking about two hours.
Cost: climbing costs 4,000 yen in season; viewing the lakes and pagoda is free.
Who it's for: those who want to see the volcano without spending a night on the slope.
The catch: clouds often cover the summit, so allow two days.

2. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto is famous for its tunnels of thousands of red torii gates. They climb the slope of Mount Inari and form a path several kilometers long. The shrine is dedicated to the god of rice, travel, and prosperity, and foxes are considered its messengers.

The climb to the viewpoint and back takes two to three hours. Along the way you pass small altars and fox statues with red bibs. You can turn around at any point; the route requires no special preparation.

Admission is free and the shrine is open around the clock. During the day the gates are packed, so come at dawn or after five in the evening. That way your photos won't be full of strangers.

How to get there: just a couple of minutes on foot from Inari Station on the JR Nara Line.
Cost: free admission.
The catch: the trail is dark in the evening, so bring a flashlight.

3. Gion district

Gion streets with wooden houses in the evening

Gion is Kyoto's old district of wooden houses and teahouses. Geisha and apprentice maiko still work here, and you can spot them in the evenings. The narrow streets have preserved the look of the city from the Edo period.

The most photogenic part is Hanami-koji Street and the banks of the Shirakawa Canal. Photography is officially banned on Hanami-koji, so shoot discreetly and don't get in the way of passersby. We recommend an evening walk with a guide: you'll get context and avoid breaking local rules. If your budget allows, try to get into a private tea ceremony. In summer, at beer gardens like Kamishichiken Kabukai, geisha briefly stop by the tables.

Nearby stands Hōkan-ji Temple with the Yasaka Pagoda, one of Kyoto's most recognizable views.

How to get there: on foot from Gion-Shijō or Kawaramachi stations.
Who it's for: those who want to see old Kyoto, not just temples.
The catch: the streets are full of tourists in the evening, so don't expect quiet.

4. Temple complex in Nikko

Carving of the three monkeys at Toshogu Shrine

About two hours north of Tokyo lies Nikko, one of the country's main cultural centers. The temple complexes are listed as a World Heritage Site and stand among the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture.

Start your walk at the Shinkyō Bridge, which is especially beautiful in autumn. From there, stairs lead to Rinnoji Temple with its large main hall. The Shōyō-en Garden is nearby.

The main sight is the 17th-century Tōshōgū Shrine. The five-story pagoda and the Yōmeimon Gate with hundreds of carved details are the most impressive. Everyone photographs the three monkeys that cover their eyes, ears, and mouth. It's also worth finding the sleeping cat and the imaginary elephants. The climb to Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleum is worth it too. Stop by Nikkō Futarasan Shrine with its avenue of old trees and Taiyuin Temple, the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun.

How to get there: from Tokyo by train to Tōbu-Nikkō or Nikkō Station, about two hours.
Cost: a combined ticket for the complex is only worth it if you see all the temples.
The catch: a full visit takes a whole day.

5. Shirakawa-go and Gokayama villages

The historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The largest and most famous of them is Ogimachi.

Arrive as early as possible. In the middle of the day the village fills with tour buses, but in the morning you can still catch a quiet atmosphere. Then you can photograph the houses calmly against the mountain backdrop.

The gasshō-zukuri houses are built of wood and covered with thick thatched roofs. The roof slopes at a steep angle to bear heavy snow, and its shape resembles hands folded in prayer. You can go inside four houses: the Myozenji Museum and the Nagase, Kanda, and Wada houses. The viewpoint near Ogimachi Castle offers the best view of the whole village.

How to get there: regular buses from Takayama and Kanazawa, about an hour.
Cost: entry to individual houses is paid; walking around the village is free.
The catch: in high season buses arrive in waves; there are fewer people in the morning.

6. Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the most famous street in Tokyo. When the light turns green, hundreds of people cross the road from all directions at once. From the outside it looks like organized chaos that surprises no one.

The best view is from above. At the coffee shop on the second floor of the Tsutaya building you can grab a window seat if you're lucky. Even more impressive are the Shibuya Scramble Square observation deck and the Magnet by Shibuya 109 rooftop.

Right by the crossing stands the statue of Hachiko. It commemorates the dog who came to the station for years to meet his owner. It's a popular meeting spot, and the monument is always crowded. The crossing looks most striking in the evening, when the giant screens light up.

How to get there: the Shibuya station exit leads straight to the crossing.
Who it's for: those who want to see Tokyo without museums and lines.
The catch: it's noisy here in the evening, and taking a photo without people in it is nearly impossible.

7. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is one of those places you should see at least once in your life. On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 a.m., the first atomic bomb in history exploded over the city, destroying it almost completely (as of 09/2026, museum official website). The death toll is estimated at between one hundred and one hundred eighty thousand people.

The exhibition is emotionally heavy. Personal belongings of the victims, photographs, and survivor accounts make the tragedy tangible. Admission costs 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for high school students, while younger children enter free (as of 09/2026, museum official website), so the museum is accessible to everyone.

Nearby stands the Peace Memorial with the Genbaku Dome. All that remains of the building that once served as an exhibition hall is a ruin. The Orizuru Tower offers a view of the entire memorial district.

Getting there: from Hiroshima Station, take the tram to the Genbaku Dome-mae stop.
Cost: admission 200 yen for adults, timed-entry tickets are recommended.
The catch: the experience is emotionally heavy, don't plan the museum before a fun evening.

8. TeamLab digital museums

The teamLab museums are the most unusual attractions in Japan. Two different spaces operate in Tokyo: the permanent teamLab Borderless exhibition and the teamLab Planets museum. The experiences there are nothing alike.

At Borderless, you walk through interconnected rooms where digital installations flow into one another. Waterfalls pour down the walls, butterflies fly around, and you lose track of time. The visuals respond to your movements and to other visitors.

At Planets, you walk barefoot through knee-deep water while digital koi swim around your legs. You can lie down in a room filled with flowers or stand in a mirrored room with glowing spheres. Tickets are sold with timed entry and start at 3,600 yen (as of 09/2026, official website), so book in advance. Allow at least two hours for your visit.

Similar museums also exist in Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa. Tickets on Tiqets are convenient to book in a single order.

Getting there: Planets is in the Toyosu district, Borderless is in Azabudai Hills, both are connected to the subway.
Cost: tickets from 3,600 yen with timed entry.
The catch: at Planets you come out wet up to your knees, so a skirt or long pants are best avoided.

9. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is considered the most beautiful in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its white walls earned it the nickname "White Heron Castle." Unlike many fortresses in the country, this is an original from the 17th century.

The complex is large. You pass through several gates and defensive rings before reaching the main keep. The clever defensive design with its labyrinths and loopholes is impressive. Inside the six-story keep, steep wooden staircases lead upward, and the top floor offers a view of the city.

In spring, more than a thousand cherry trees bloom on the grounds, and that's when crowds are especially heavy. It's calmer to visit in autumn or winter. Starting March 1, 2026, an adult ticket for foreign visitors costs 2,500 yen (as of 09/2026, Himeji tourism office). Allow two to three hours for your visit.

Getting there: from Himeji Station, it's about a 20-minute walk along a straight street.
Cost: 2,500 yen for adult foreign visitors from March 2026.
The catch: on weekends and during school holidays, a long line forms at the entrance.

10. Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in Japan. Two observation decks at different heights offer a view of the endless metropolitan area.

On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from here. Sunset is especially beautiful: the city is bathed in golden light, and then the lights gradually come on. At night, Tokyo turns into a sea of light.

It's best to buy tickets online and in advance, otherwise you'll have to stand in line. At the base of the tower, a large shopping complex operates with restaurants, shops, and an aquarium.

Getting there: from Tokyo Skytree Station or Asakusa on the Tobu subway line.
Who it's for: those who want a panoramic view without a long climb.
The catch: when it's cloudy, the view is blocked, so check the forecast in advance.

11. Sumo tournaments

Sumo is not just a sport, it is a centuries-old ritual with many traditions. Seeing a real match is worth it for the atmosphere alone. Official tournaments are held six times a year, and each lasts 15 days (as of 09/2026, Japan Sumo Association).

In Tokyo, wrestlers compete in January, May, and September at Ryōgoku Kokugikan arena. After that, the tournaments move to Osaka in March, Nagoya in July, and Fukuoka in November. Before every match, there is a ritual: wrestlers throw salt for purification, stomp on the platform, and stare each other down.

Tickets are divided into categories. Expensive seats are right next to the platform, where you feel the foot stomps. Upper rows are cheaper, but the view is still good. If there are no tickets or the tournament does not line up with your trip, check out a morning sumo practice in Tokyo.

How to get there: Ryōgoku Kokugikan arena is near Ryōgoku Station.
Who it's for: anyone interested in a living Japanese tradition, not just museums.
The catch: cheap tournament tickets sell out months in advance.

12. Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of the most beautiful original fortresses in the country. The six-story tower from the late 16th century is among the oldest surviving in Japan. The black facade gave the castle its nickname, "Crow Castle."

The castle stands in the middle of a water moat. In calm weather, the silhouette reflects perfectly in the water, which photographers love. The climb inside is an adventure: steep wooden staircases go up through six floors. On weekends it gets crowded, and you may have to wait a bit.

From the top, you get an excellent view. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps. The castle is surrounded by a park that is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in April.

How to get there: about a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.
The catch: the staircases are tight, and climbing in wide shoes is uncomfortable.

13. Narai-juku post town

The historic post town of Narai-juku lies less than an hour from Matsumoto. Walking along the main street feels like traveling back to feudal Japan. It is quieter here than in the heavily promoted towns.

The street is lined on both sides by old two-story wooden houses. Merchants and craftsmen once lived here, serving travelers on the Nakasendo route. Small shops sell souvenirs: wood carvings and traditional urushi lacquerware.

There are also places to eat: soba and udon noodles are served everywhere. Be sure to try the Mitarashi Dango and Gohei-Mochi sweets at the Kiso Narai-juku Kimura Honten confectionery. The shop is open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

How to get there: by train from Matsumoto to Narai Station, about an hour.
The catch: many shops close early, so plan for the first half of the day.

14. Kurobe Gorge Railway

Nihonbashi Bridge under an overpass in Tokyo

A ride on the Kurobe Gorge Railway through Kurobe Gorge is one of the most powerful experiences in the Japanese Alps. On the section from Unazuki to Keyakidaira, you cross one of the deepest canyons in the country.

Get a seat in the open panoramic car. That way you feel the fresh mountain air and see the most. For good photos, sit on the right side going there and on the left side coming back. The little train runs over high bridges and through narrow tunnels, while a turquoise river winds between the rocks below.

After the 2024 earthquake, the line was not fully operational. From October 1, 2026, trains run again along the entire line from Unazuki to Keyakidaira, but the Nekomata stop is closed to passengers (as of 09/2026, official railway website). The season runs from mid-April to late November, and autumn foliage looks best in the second half of October.

At the end of the route, you can walk: in 15 minutes you reach Meiken Onsen, and in another 40 minutes, Babadani Onsen. From Toyama to Unazuki Station, the trip with a transfer takes about 45 minutes.

How to get there: by train to Unazuki Station, where the line begins.
Cost: tickets go on sale three months in advance, and spots for October weekends sell out quickly.
The catch: the car is open, so in spring and autumn it gets cold in the gorge.

15. The three best gardens in Japan

The country's top attractions include three landscape gardens: Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, Korakuen in Okayama, and Kairakuen in Ibaraki. They are considered the most beautiful in Japan.

At Kenrokuen, ponds, hills, waterfalls, and centuries-old trees come together across a large site. The name translates as "garden of six perfections" and refers to the qualities of an ideal landscape park: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, age, water, and wide views. Tea houses, shrines, and lanterns are scattered throughout the garden.

One thing worth seeing on its own is the two-legged stone Kotoji lantern by Kasumiga-ike pond. The garden is especially beautiful in April during cherry blossom season and in November during the fall foliage. In winter, the trees are wrapped with yukizuri ropes, which is also a striking sight.

How to get there: Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is next to Kenrokuen-shita park.
Who it's for: for those who want a calm day between cities and temples.
The catch: in April and November, tour groups gather at the entrance.

16. Snow monkeys in Jigokudani

Street with office buildings in central Tokyo

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is the only place in the world where wild monkeys bathe in hot springs. Japanese macaques soak in steaming onsens, and in winter this is an especially powerful sight.

From the parking lot to the entrance, you walk about 30 minutes through the forest along a small stream. At the end of the path, a hot-water pool awaits, and that's where the monkeys come. They sit in the warm water while snow falls on their heads.

Your best chance of seeing monkeys in the water is before noon. The park is open every day, longer in summer, until 5:00 PM in winter (as of 09/2026, official park website). In winter, entry is by timed tickets, so book ahead on the website.

Important: there are biting midges in this area. Wear long sleeves and bring insect repellent. Do not touch the monkeys and keep your distance.

How to get there: from Yudanaka station, take a bus to the Kanbayashi Onsen stop, then walk.
The catch: in winter the trail is slippery, so you need shoes with good tread.

17. Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle is one of the oldest surviving fortresses in Japan. It stands on a hill above the Kiso River and, unlike many of its counterparts, is an original from the 16th century.

Inside the four-story castle, everything remains original. Steep wooden staircases lead upward. On the top floor there is no glass, and only a low wooden railing separates you from the drop. The wind hums through the corners while you look out at the river and the surrounding mountains. In spring, cherry trees bloom on the castle grounds.

How to get there: about a 15-minute walk from Inuyama-yuen station.
Who it's for: for those tired of restored stage sets who want the real thing.
The catch: it's windy and chilly at the top even in summer, so bring a jacket.

18. Umeda sky building in Osaka

Umeda Sky Building in northern Osaka is one of the most interesting buildings in Japan. Two towers, 173 meters tall, are connected at the top by a glass-enclosed observation deck, and from the outside it looks futuristic.

The most memorable moment is the glass escalator that carries you up the final meters. There is only glass under your feet and above your head, and it gives you a bit of a thrill. At the top, you get a 360-degree view over a city of millions.

It's especially worth coming for sunset. The sky turns orange-red, and then Osaka drowns in a sea of lights. After the view, stop by the Sky Lounge Stardust on the 39th floor and end the evening with a cocktail and a view. It's best to buy tickets in advance.

How to get there: about a 10-minute walk from Osaka or Umeda station.
Who it's for: for those who like modern architecture and views.
The catch: there can be a line for the escalator and on the deck in the evening.

19. Samurai heritage in Kanazawa

Kanazawa is known for its old samurai district with former residences. Streets with clay walls, well-kept gardens, and traditional gates take you back to the Edo period.

Some of the houses are open to visitors. The most famous residence is the Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence. Here you'll see traditional interiors, valuable armor, and a beautiful landscape garden. The visit gives you an honest sense of how warriors lived.

The restored Kanazawa Castle is also worth seeing. On the walk you'll learn a lot about traditional wooden construction and earthquake resistance. Then stroll through the geisha districts of Higashi Chaya and Kazuemachi Chaya: these are the city's most photogenic streets with historic houses.

A local detail is matcha ice cream with gold leaf. Allow five or six hours for all of Kanazawa's sights.

How to get there: the city center is walkable or reachable by short bus routes.
The catch: it's hard to see Kanazawa together with Kenrokuen in one day.

20. Cherry blossoms in Japan

Cherry blossoms are perhaps the country's most beautiful natural spectacle. When all of Japan turns into a pink-and-white sea of flowers, a real frenzy begins, and locals set up picnics under the trees.

The bloom is short and usually lasts one or two weeks in each region. The wave of blooming moves from south to north. In Kyoto and Tokyo, the trees usually bloom from late March to early April. Popular spots are Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Ueno Park in Tokyo, and Chureito Pagoda with its view of Fuji.

We recommend heading to less famous places. The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto is beautiful but packed. Small temples and parks also offer strong blooms and fewer people. The Japan Meteorological Corporation issues a bloom forecast every year, and it's a handy way to plan your travel dates.

Who it's for: for those willing to plan their trip around two weeks of blooming.
The catch: the peak bloom can't be predicted exactly, and part of your trip may fall on rainy days.

Tours and tickets

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What else to fit in while in Japan

Beyond the main attractions, there are things without which a trip feels incomplete.

Riding the shinkansen

Riding the shinkansen is an experience in itself, not just a transfer. The super-fast trains connect all major cities and reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. The most expensive class, Gran Class, feels like a private jet, but even standard seats are comfortable. Train tickets for Japan are best booked in advance on popular routes.

Don Quijote stores

At least once, step into a Don Quijote. This noisy chain has a branch in every major city. Inside is a real labyrinth packed with goods from floor to ceiling. The largest store is MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya in Tokyo.

Maid cafés

Have you heard of maid cafés? Here, waitresses dress as maids, but without sexual undertones and without physical contact. It creates a manga-like atmosphere where guests are called "master." We found the visit interesting, and it's worth seeing once. The most maid cafés are in Tokyo's Akihabara and Osaka's Den Den Town.

Gacha machines

Vending machines on every corner immediately catch your eye. It's convenient: anywhere, for little money, you get water, lemonade, or coffee. A separate trend is gacha machines, which for a couple hundred yen dispense a plastic ball with a figurine. Near famous attractions, they often sell collections you can't find anywhere else.

7-Eleven

The 7-Eleven chain is everywhere in Japan and has long become a cult favorite among tourists. The first time, you'll be surprised by the range of unusual sweets and snacks. Our personal favorite is the frozen smoothie that gets blended right in the machine.

All twenty spots are spread across the country: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and the Alps. Keep distances in mind: the trip from Tokyo to Kyoto takes about two and a half hours by shinkansen.

Japan guidebooks

If you want a paper companion, go with the classic series: MARCO POLO, DUMONT, or LONELY PLANET for Japan. They offer maps, a phrasebook, and ready-made routes. For a short trip, a pocket format is enough; for three weeks, a detailed volume with regional maps is more useful.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need for Japan?

For a first trip, plan on at least three weeks. Tokyo and Kyoto with their surroundings alone take a week, and with Fuji, Nikko, Hiroshima, and the Alps, time goes fast. If you have fewer than ten days, pick one region and don't spread yourself thin.

When is the best time to go to Japan?

The two best windows are late March through April for cherry blossoms and October through November for fall foliage. These months have the most tourists, and hotel prices are higher. Summer is hot and humid, winter is cold in the north, but lines are calmer.

How much does climbing Fuji cost?

As of 2026, entry on all routes costs 4,000 yen per person. The season runs from July 1 to September 10, and the Yoshida trail has a daily limit and mandatory registration. Outside the season, climbing to the summit is prohibited because it's dangerous.

Can you see snow monkeys in winter?

Yes, winter is the best time. In Jigokudani Park, wild macaques soak in hot springs while snow falls on their heads. The walk in from the parking lot takes about 30 minutes, and in winter tickets are sold by time slot and booked in advance.

Do you need to book tickets in advance?

Definitely, if you're going in season. At teamLab Planets and Tokyo Skytree, tickets are timed by entry and sell out fast. At Himeji Castle and the Hiroshima Peace Museum, there are also lines on weekends, so grab slots online.

Is it realistic to combine Fuji and Kyoto in a week?

You can, but it'll be a whirlwind. From Tokyo to Fuji is about two hours, then about two and a half more to Kyoto on the shinkansen. In a week you can fit Tokyo, one day at Fuji, and two days in Kyoto, but there won't be time left for Nikko or Osaka.

In short: what's worth booking

If you're going for the first time and have three weeks, build your route around Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, and the Japanese Alps. If you have a week, keep Tokyo, one day at Fuji, and two days in Kyoto. During cherry blossom season, book teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, and Himeji tickets in advance, otherwise only inconvenient slots will be left.

If you have three weeks: Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and the Japanese Alps.
If you have a week: Tokyo, one day at Fuji, and two days in Kyoto.
If you're going for cherry blossoms: Kyoto and Himeji Castle in April.

In season, prices rise fast, so Tokyo hotels on Trip.com are best booked in advance.

What to see in Japan: a three-week route from Fuji to the Alps