Places you must visit in Japan – Mt. Fuji, Kamakura, Nikko, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Okinawa
富士山、鎌倉、日光、広島、北海道、沖縄
UNESCO-certified world cultural heritage “Mt.Fuji – the object of worship and source of artistic inspiration.” At 3,776 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in Japan, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. Renowned as a sacred mountain, it has repeatedly erupted and worshiped as an object of awe-inspiring faith.
In the area where you can see Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan, there are many spots where you can experience nature and various experiences.
Reaching Mount Fuji from Tokyo is straightforward and most easily done via Shinjuku Station. Running on the Fujikyu Railway Line, the Limited Express Fuji Excursion runs direct from Shinjuku to stations including Otsuki, Mt Fuji, and Kawaguchiko – taking around 115 minutes / JPY4130 to make the journey.
Fuji Safari Park
Animals from all over the world live freely at the foot of the majestic Mt. Fuji.
You can enjoy a whole day observing animals from the window of your car and interacting with kangaroos and capybaras.
One of the most popular rides is the Jungle Bus, where you can feed bears and lions through wire mesh!
Take the Tokaido shinkansen by train to Mishima station, then a local bus goes right to the park (36 minutes). Admission: ¥2,700 for adults and ¥1,500 for kids. Add a couple of thousand yen extra for the bus tour. Open: Daily, but hours vary throughout the year.
https://www.fujisafari.co.jp/en/
Grinpa Amusement Park
Introducing Grinpa, an amusement park located at the second station of Mt. Fuji! Surrounded by majestic nature, seeing Mt.Fuji up close is impressive.
There are also areas themed on the popular characters Sylvanian Families and Ultraman. Fun place for Family and couples!
http://www.grinpa.com/en/
Kamakura
Kotokuin (The Great Buddha)
After belonging to the Shingon and Rinzai sects, it became a temple of the Jodo sect in the Edo period—the entire precinct as a national historic site. There are many mysteries about the origin of the Great Buddha, but according to “Azuma Kagami,” a memorial service was held for the first wooden Great Buddha in 1243. The official name is the bronze seated statue of Amida Nyorai, the only national treasure among Buddhist statues in Kamakura. After the Muromachi period, it became known as the Roten no Daibutsu.
There is no direct connection from Kamakura Station to Kōtoku-in. However, you can take the subway to Kamakura, take the walk to Kamakura, take the train to Hase(Kanagawa), then take the walk to Kōtoku-in. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Kōtoku-in.
Enoshima
A popular sightseeing spot in Shonan. Starting with Enoshima Shrine, which boasts a long history, Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, Enoshima Sea Candle, Lover’s Hill, Enoshima Iwaya, a sea erosion cave, and much more.
Take the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station or the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Fujisawa Station (45-50 minutes, 990 yen) and transfer to either the Enoden (10 minutes, 220 yen) or Odakyu Railway (7 minutes, 160 yen) for Enoshima.
Enoshima Shrine
Enoshima Shrine is the collective name for the goddesses of the three sisters, Hetsu-miya, Nakatsu-miya, and Okutsu-miya. The musubi no ki, a sacred large ginkgo tree in the precincts of Hetsu-miya, is known as a matchmaking spot.
From Shinjuku station, taking the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line or the Odakyu Romancecar, a limited express train by Odakyu Line, is the easiest way to get to Enoshima. Transfer at Fujisawa to the Odakyu Enoshima line that will take you to Katase-Enoshima Station or the Enoden Line connecting to Enoshima Station.
Nikko
Toshogu Shrine
A shrine in Yamauchi, Nikko City. Many buildings are on the grounds, including 8 National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties. It has gorgeous carvings. It is a World Heritage Site as one of Nikko’s “shrines and temples.”
How to Get There. Nikko is well-serviced by public transportation, and getting to its World Heritage sites is easy. From Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station, the World Heritage tour bus stops at Nikko’s UNESCO sites, including the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The ride takes about 15 minutes.
Chuzenji Lake
Nikko City Chūgū Shrine, a lake to the west of Nikko. A lake formed by the eruption of Mt. Nantai in the north, with a circumference of about 25 km. 1269m above sea level, one of Japan’s best lakes. During the Meiji and Taisho eras, it was a bustling summer resort where the villas of embassies gathered, and even today, there are traces of that. It is also a scenic spot with Mt. Nantai in the background, and you can enjoy sightseeing boats and autumn foliage in autumn.
Lake Chuzenji is easily accessible via bus from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station. Take the bus heading for Okunikko Yumoto Onsen and get off at the Lake Chuzenji stop of your choice.
Iroha Hills
It is a sightseeing road that extends from downtown Nikko to Lake Chuzenji and Oku-Nikko. There are 48 curves in total on the two slopes, each of which is named “I,” “Ro,” and “Ha,” and a dial is built. The view from the Akechidaira observatory on Daini Irohazaka is lovely, and it is a popular spot where traffic jams occur as a driving course where you can enjoy the autumn leaves in Fall.
Hiroshima
Itsukushima Shrine
This shrine was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1996 and is famous for its torii gate, which stands in the sea with the islands of the Seto Inland Sea in the background. The large torii gate stands 200 meters from the shore. The Torii gate was built in the sea instead of on land because Miyajima was considered an island of gods. There are plenty of highlights, such as the five-storied pagoda of Itsukushima Shrine in the surrounding area. In addition, the corridor built as if walking on the sea is also gaining popularity. It is also a sacred place that shows different expressions at high tide and low tide and is also a place with many tourists throughout the year.
The adjacent Toyokuni Shrine is also famous for its 857-tatami-sized shrine.
Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 30 minutes). From Miyajimaguchi Passenger Terminal, take an approximately 10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima and walk around 10 minutes to the shrine.
Atomic bomb dome
The world’s first atomic bomb destroyed the Atomic Bomb Dome on August 6, 1945—a European-style building with a five-story staircase. After the war, it naturally became called the “Atomic Bomb Dome” because of the dome-shaped steel frame on top. The facility did not collapse despite being 160m away from the hypocenter. In 1996, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as a building that conveys the tragedy of nuclear weapons.
To get to the Atomic Bomb Dome, take the streetcar, the Hiroshima city loop bus, or the route bus, and get off at “Genbaku Dome-Mae.” In addition, it is about a 5-minute walk from the “Hiroshima Bus Center.”
From JR Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) streetcar (No. 2 or 6), get off at the “Genbaku Dome-mae” stop, and walk for 1 minute. The total travel time is 17 minutes.
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle was built by Terumoto, grandson of Mori Motonari, also known as one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Five Elders.
Currently, the castle tower is open to the public as a history museum. The highlights are the gilt Shachi tiles and the gilt Oniita tiles, excavated from ruins related to Hiroshima Castle in almost perfect form. There is also a famous corner where you can wear uchikake and armor and take a commemorative photo.
To get to Hiroshima Castle, take the tram “Kamiyacho-higashi” or “Kamiyacho-nishi” and walk north for about 15 minutes. If you take the bus, it is about a 6-minute walk from the Hiroshima City Loop Bus “Hiroshima Castle (Gokoku Jinja-mae)” stop and an 8-minute walk from the “Godokuchosha-mae” bus stop.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a vast park.
Established to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing and to pray for permanent peace in the world.
Located on the delta where the Honkawa and Motoyasu rivers diverge, it has been the central downtown area of Hiroshima City for a long time since the Edo period. However, it became the hypocenter of the atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945.
The best way between Hiroshima Station and the Peace Memorial Park is by tram from the front of the South Exit of Hiroshima Station. Take tram #2 or #6 to Genbaku-domu-mae (A-Bomb Dome). It takes around 12 minutes and costs 160 Yen.
Okonomiyaki (Micchan)
With the theme of light and timeless okonomiyaki that you can eat every day, this is a trendy okonomiyaki restaurant with Hiroshima citizens serving the same taste since 1950.
Micchan’s original okonomiyaki sauce is irresistibly delicious yet has a light taste. If you add the green onion topping (150 yen) to the famous buckwheat egg, you can eat a whole month’s worth of green onions. Teppanyaki is also popular with Grilled Oysters.
https://savorjapan.com/0006075171/map.php
Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)
Okunoshima is called “Rabbit Island” and is home to 900 to 1,000 wild rabbits. Rabbits are famous worldwide for their cuteness and as a symbol of safe childbirth and prosperity for children. So many tourists from Japan and abroad visit the island.
Because it is a small island, you can move around on foot and use rental bicycles.
In addition, leisure facilities are substantial. Camping equipment and stoves can be rented on the island, so you can enjoy camping and BBQ while looking at the Seto Inland Sea. You can also swim in the sea during the summer Season.
Access to Okunoshima is about 15 minutes by boat from Omishima Ferry Omishima (Sakari Port).
Hokkaido
Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, is known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen) and ski areas.
Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, is known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen), and ski areas.
It’s known as a Food destination—Gourmet from the mainland and overseas visit Hokkaido for Delicious Ramen, Seafood, and Ice cream.
Shirogane Blue Pond
Shirogane Blue Pond” in Biei, Hokkaido. Initially, it existed as an artificial pond created by a dam built on the Biei River. Over time, it began to shine mysteriously blue due to the power of nature.
Today, it has become known as a world-famous scenic spot. It has become a tourist destination visited by many tourists.
Shirogane Blue Pond is also known for showing a completely different look depending on the season and weather you visit.
Buses are the only way to get to Blue Pond by public transport. The “Shirogane Line (白金線)” from the Dohoku bus (No. 39) will pick up passengers from JR Asahikawa Station or Biei Station.
Otaru Canal
“Otaru Canal” is a classic sightseeing spot in Otaru, Hokkaido. The canal was initially completed in 1923 to transport cargo from Otaru Port. Still today, it is popular with tourists as a place to stroll.
The stone warehouses that line the canal have been reborn as stylish restaurants.
One of the bridges over the canal that you should check out is Asakusabashi, and the absolute pleasure is taking pictures from the plaza above the bridge with the channel and warehouses in the background. The Canal Plaza has a tourist information center, a specialty shop, and a cafe, and It’s a great spot to take a cruise, rent a bicycle, or ride a rickshaw to enjoy the canal.
Otaru is easiest to reach via train or bus from Sapporo Station and New Chitose Airport. Otaru is a little over an hour away from Chitose Airport on the JR Chitose-Hakodate Line rapid train. From Sapporo Station, it’s a 30 to 35-minute rapid train ride to Otaru.
Hakodateyama Observatory
Mt. Hakodate, famous for its night view that is said to be the “1 million dollar night view”, is a mountain that rises along the coast of Hakodate City, Hokkaido. From a small mountain with an altitude of 334m, you can see the city of Hakodate and the lights of the port glittering, and it boasts stunning scenery. “Three Greatest Night Views in Japan” and one of the “Three Greatest Night Views in the World,” along with Hong Kong and Naples.
The view is beautiful at night, but you can see the bustling city and mountains in the distance during the day. Also, the contrast between the sea and the setting sun at dusk with the mountains in the background is spectacular. It is a standard sightseeing spot in Hakodate that shows various expressions depending on the time of day.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5354.html
Farm Tomita
Farm Tomita” is a farm garden in Furano City, Hokkaido, with 80 kinds of flowers, including lavender, representing the four seasons of Hokkaido, blooming in profusion.
Farm Tomita was the first to open a lavender field in Furano. There are 12 flower gardens in the vast park, and you can enjoy flowers for an extended period from spring to autumn. The best time to see the popular lavender is mid to late July.
The park is dotted with rest areas, cafes, shops, etc., and enjoying the flowers. At Potpourri House, located on a hill overlooking the flower garden, you can enjoy the famous lavender soft-serve ice cream, local bread, and sweets.
Take a train from Furano Sta. on the JR Furano Line or from Asahikawa Sta. on the JR Hakodate Trunk Line to Lavender Farm Station. 7-8 minutes walk from Lavender Farm Station to Farm Tomita.
Sapporo Clock Tower
“Sapporo Clock Tower” in Sapporo City, Hokkaido, is a historical building designated as an important cultural property of the country in the center of Sapporo.
It has a long history since 1878 as the central auditorium of Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University.
The clock tower, which has played various roles, such as a library and a public hall, has undergone several restoration works and is now a tourist attraction representing Sapporo City and a clock tower loved by Sapporo citizens.
The red roof and white walls make it a popular photo spot, but the two-story building has an extensive exhibition room on the first floor and a hall on the second floor.
From JR Sapporo Station, the Clock Tower is a 10-minute walk south (4 blocks) of the train terminal. Those taking the local subway should exit Odori Station, where the landmark is one block north of Odori Park.
Sapporo is also known for its Snow Festival in Winter.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is arguably Japan’s best-known winter festival. The annual event is in early February. Some 50,000 tourists from abroad join the festivities, eventually totaling around 2 million visitors, including people from within the country. Stand before enormous hand-crafted art that can melt your heart or expand your imagination.
Okinawa
Okinawa Main Island, or Okinawa Island, is the largest of the 160 islands that make up Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture.
Okinawa is known for its tropical climate and beautiful beaches.
Very different from Main land Japan.
Okinawa Memorial National Government Park
Large aquariums that realistically reproduce the sea of Okinawa.
There are Seven hundred forty species of sea creatures—the experience of being immersed in a world of cobalt blue.
If you go by car or taxi from Naha Airport, you will arrive in about 2 hours if you pass the Okinawa Expressway. If you use a bus service, there are four direct bus services from the airport, which are convenient. In each case, reaching your destination takes about two to two and a half hours.
Naha International Street
The Rikka Dokka editorial department has selected sightseeing spots. From the classics that many Okinawa tourists visit to the topical ones that are rising in popularity, you should be able to enjoy Okinawa to the fullest. Also, stop by the recommended spots and shops around each sightseeing spot.
How to Get There. Kokusai-dori Street is located in downtown Naha near the Naha Bus Terminal and is also easily reached by monorail. From Naha Airport, take the Okinawa Monorail to Asahibashi Station, or get off at Prefectural Office Station if you want to start at the other end of Kokusai-dori Street.
Nago Pineapple Park
It is a theme park made entirely of pineapples. You can easily explore the large tropical garden in a cute pineapple boat. The program includes tasting pineapple, learning its history, and observing the wine-making process.
Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is an island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture. The entire island belongs to Ishigaki City—a beautiful and popular destination.
