Just in time for the peak summer travel season, website TripAdvisor has released its annual list of the highest-rated spots in Japan from its foreign users. With 30 amazing locations on the list, you’ll want to start your journey as soon as possible if your goal is to see them all, so let’s dive right in and take a look at this year’s picks.
30. Tokyo City View (Tokyo)
The observation floor of the Roppongi Hills complex isn’t the only place to get a bird’s eye view the capital, but it’s newer than Tokyo Tower or the Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. It’s also less crowded than the Skytree, and at 270 meters (886 feet) above sea level, is a great way to get a grasp on the immense scope of Japan’s largest city.
29. Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena (Tokyo)
28. Arashiyama (Kyoto)
You might not guess it from its name (which means “Storm Moountain”), but this neighborhood west of Kyoto’s city center has a beautifully tranquil bamboo grove and forest crisscrossed by walking paths.
27. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (Aichi)
26. Shibuya Centar-gai (Tokyo)
Loud and brash, the most vibrant street in Shibuya connects directly to its famous Scramble Intersection and is always packed with shoppers, dinners, and drinkers.
25. Meiji-jingu Shrine (Tokyo)
24. Sanjusangendo Temple (Kyoto)
23. Shirakawa-go (Gifu)
This collection of traditional thatched farmhouses makes for a beautiful glimpse of a bygone era, whether visited when the surrounding fields are lush and green during summer or when the whole village is blanketed in winter snow.
22. Hasedera Temple (Kanagawa)
Just down the street from Kamakura’s world-famous Great Buddha statue, Hasedera’a hillside position provides the grounds with sweeping views of the ocean and a cavern filled with alters to a variety of patron deities.
21. Asakusa Cultural Sightseeing Center (Tokyo)
20. Mt. Misen (Hiroshima)
While many visitors to Miyajima Island are content to snap a picture in front of its torii gate that rises out of the ocean, those that make the moderate hike to the top Mt. Misen, the highest point on the island, will be rewarded with spectacular views of the prefecture’s coastline (or if you’re not in the mood to walk, you can always take the cable car).
19. Gear Theater (Kyoto)
Imagined as “an abandoned toy factory of the future,” this avant-garde theater offers non-verbal performances that combine dance, mime, and magic techniques.
18. Nara Park (Nara)
Yes, there really are groups of wild yet tame deer that roam free around Nara’s biggest park.
17. Yokohama Minato Mirai (Kanagawa)
The Yokohama neighborhood’s official name is Minato Mirai 21, but none of the locals use the numerical suffix when talking about the city’s bayside entertainment area with glitteringly futuristic architecture.
16. Matsumoto Castle (Nagano)
15. Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa)
14. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (Chiba)
13. Mt. Fuji (Shizuoka/Yamanashi)
12. Shinjuku Gyoen Garden (Tokyo)
Need a break from Tokyo’s constant hum of urban energy? This massive garden is filled with cherry blossom trees, ponds, and, a rarity in Japanese parks, large grassy fields for kids to run and play in.
11. Kinkakuji/Golden Pavillion (Kyoto)
10. Hakone Open-Air Museum (Kanagawa)
9. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Okinawa)
8. Samurai Kembu Theater (Kyoto)
Kembu translates literally as “sword dance,” and this facility in Kyoto not only puts on theatrical combat performances, but also offers lessons for would-be samurai who want to learn the basics of swinging a sword for the stage.
7. Koyasan Okunoin Temple (Wakayama)
6. Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Nagano)
Also known as Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park. Also known as that place where monkeys soak in the hot springs.
5. Zenrinji Eikando Temple (Kyoto)
4. Todaiji Temple (Nara)
Think everything in Japan is compact? Until 1998, this was the largest wooden building in the world, and it houses a 14.98-meter (49.1-foot) bronze Buddha statue, known as the Diabutsu of Nara.
3. Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima)
Hiroshima’s Miyajima Island makes the list again, this time for its Itsukushima Shrine and torii gate, one of the most iconic views of Japan for generations.
2. Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome/Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima)
The contrast of the somber, still standing structure that was at the center of the atomic bomb blast and the beautiful riverside park later built around it serve as powerful reminders of the cost of war and value of peace.
1. Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto)
Until recently, Fushimi Inari wasn’t on the itinerary of many foreign visitors to Kyoto, as it’s tucked away in the foothills away from most of the city’s dozens of compelling attractions. Thanks to word of mouth, though, it’s become a major draw for overseas visitors to Japan, as the shrines natural surroundings, hundreds of alters, and seemingly never-ending torii tunnels provide an atmosphere unlike anything you’ll find in any other country.
Source: TripAdvisor

Japan’s 30 best travel destinations, as chosen by overseas visitors
Top 30 tourist sites in Japan: the most popular sightseeing spots for overseas visitors
Travelers’ misguided attempt to earn good luck is damaging Japan’s most famous torii shrine gate
‘So Glad I Went!’ 2013 Ranking: The Places In Japan That Made an Impact on Foreign Visitors
The 10 most beautiful places to see the autumn leaves in Japan, as chosen by travelers
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport opens new Terminal 1 North Satellite next month
Foreign travelers arrested in Japan following smash-and-grab robbery in Tokyo shopping mall
Starting this fall, you’ll be able to take a Pokémon Jet flight to Japan
Pizza Hut Japan creates moon-viewing sukiyaki chrysanthemum pizza for tsukimi season
Anime and Hollywood movies cross over in new Universal Studios Japan merch collection
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Top 25 travel destinations in Japan, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum on top for second year in a row
Fives places around Japan to appreciate the plum blossoms this season
TripAdvisor Japan announces the country’s 10 favorite shrines and temples
Five nature hikes and trail runs just off Japan’s bullet train
Japan’s 10 best ryokan inns and top 10 hotels, as chosen by foreign visitors
Travelling to Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine? Best to be a glass-half-full type of tourist
Temple-heavy Kyoto presenting a unique challenge for travelers looking for Muslim prayer rooms
How many have you seen? 18 must-visit sites in Japan 【World Heritage】
The top 30 restaurants in Japan, as chosen by foreign visitors
The most popular places in Japan for viewing sakura in 2024, according to local travel agency
The top 20 places to visit in Tokyo, as chosen by travelers
Japanese travelers are avoiding Kyoto as the city’s number of foreign visitors continues to grow
Japan’s 10 best cultural experience activities/tours, as chosen by travelers
Staying one step ahead of the tourist crowds with a visit to Japan’s main Mt. Fuji shrine【Photos】
No-bus Kyoto sightseeing! SoraNews24’s ultimate on-foot guide for Japan’s former capital【Part 4】