Top 10 Castles

Top 10 Onsens

Top 10 Activities

Tokyo

While modern, Tokyo seamlessly blends contemporary life with tradition. Tourists can explore Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and the historic streets of Yanaka. Don't miss out on experiencing modern subcultures like Akihabara and Harajuku.

Yokohama

A captivating blend of maritime history and modern innovation, Yokohama's waterfront charm is matched by its iconic Landmark Tower. From the historic Red Brick Warehouse to vibrant Chinatown, Yokohama encapsulates Japan's global outlook.

Kamakura

A short day trip from Tokyo, Kamakura is home to historic temples and the iconic Great Buddha statue. The city's coastal setting adds to its charm.

Nikko

Just a short train ride from Tokyo, Nikko boasts stunning Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples set amidst breathtaking natural scenery.

Kanazawa

With its well-preserved Edo-period districts and traditional samurai and geisha areas, Kanazawa offers a glimpse into historical Japan. The Kenrokuen Garden is a highlight.

Matsumoto

Nestled against the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto boasts a beautifully preserved 16th century castle. Its name "Crow Castle." comes from the black and white coloration. Also see Nakamachi District with its historic merchant houses and The Matsumoto City Museum of Art 

Nagoya

Nagoya offers a blend of old and new. Tourists can marvel at the iconic Nagoya Castle. The Osu Kannon Temple and Atsuta Shrine show the city's spiritual side. Don't miss the Nagoya City Science Museum and Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Takayama

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is renowned for its Edo-period streets and its morning markets. The Takayama Festival is a great opportunity to witness traditional floats and performances.

Ise

Revered as the spiritual heart of Japan, Ise is home to the Ise Jingu Grand Shrine. This Shinto shrine complex is rebuilt every 20 years to symbolize renewal and continuity. Visitors can also explore Oharai-machi, a traditional street lined with shops and restaurants.

Kyoto

Known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, historic temples, and serene gardens, Kyoto is often considered the cultural heart of Japan. Visitors can partake in tea ceremonies, explore Geisha districts, and witness stunning seasonal festivals.

Nara

Famous for its free-roaming deer and the majestic Todai-ji Temple with its Great Buddha, Nara offers a glimpse into Japan's ancient history and spirituality.

Onomichi

This coastal town is full of picturesque streets and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Onomichi is famous for its Temple Walk. The Cat Alley is a haven for creatives and the Shimanami Sea Bicycle Route (70km) connecting six islands is a heaven for cyclists

Hiroshima

Although its history is marked by tragedy, Hiroshima is now a symbol of peace. The Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome stand as powerful reminders, while the city's rejuvenated spirit shines through its culture and arts.

Fukuoka

Located in Kyushu, Fukuoka blends traditional and contemporary elements. Tourists can enjoy the historic Kushida Shrine and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, as well as the modern shopping districts.

Sapporo

A culinary haven in Hokkaido, Sapporo mixes modernity and cultural heritage. Sapporo Clock Tower is a symbol of its historical evolution. Odori Park transforms with each season. The Hokkaido Shrine is a serene sanctuary. The "Red Brick Office" is a testament to the past. 

Located in Nagoya, this shrine is home to the sacred sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi, one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan.

Atsuta Jingu

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

This intricate shrine complex in Nikko is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

A significant shrine in Kamakura, near Tokyo, known for its grand approach, historic significance, and seasonal festivals.

Izumo Taisha

Located in Shimane, Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan. Origins of the first shrine remain a mystery. The current shrine, a national treasure, was built in 1744. The deity is Okuninushi-no-Kami, who cultivated and built Japan. The virtues are romance & marriage, relationship, medicine, agriculture and many others.

Shimogamo Shrine

(Kamigamo Shrine)

One of Kyoto's oldest shrines, it's part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." 

Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)

Known for its "floating" torii gate, this shrine on Miyajima Island (close to Hiroshima) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of architectural beauty.

Kiyomizu-dera

While primarily a Buddhist temple, Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto also has a shrine within its grounds. Its wooden stage offers panoramic views of the city.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vibrant torii gates, this shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity.

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)

Located in Tokyo, this shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It offers a serene oasis within the bustling city.

Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu)

The most sacred Shinto shrine, consisting of two main shrines, Geku and Naiku, dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess.

Daitoku-ji

A complex of Zen temples in Kyoto, known for its beautiful gardens and role in Japanese tea culture.

Saiho-ji (Koke-dera)

Also known as the Moss Temple, this Kyoto temple is famous for its serene moss garden.

Zenko-ji

A significant shrine in Kamakura, near Tokyo, known for its grand approach, historic significance, and seasonal festivals.

Engaku-ji

A Zen temple in Kamakura, it's one of the city's most important Zen training monasteries.

Todai-ji

Home to the Great Buddha statue, this Nara temple is one of Japan's largest wooden structures and a UNESCO site.

Byodo-in Temple

Found in Uji, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning Phoenix Hall, which graces the Japanese 10-yen coin.

Kiyomizu-dera

As previously mentioned, this temple in Kyoto is known for its wooden stage and panoramic views.

Horyu-ji

Located in Nara, it's one of Japan's oldest wooden buildings and contains the world's oldest surviving wooden pagoda.

Ryoan-ji

Famous for its minimalist rock garden, this Zen temple in Kyoto offers a serene setting for meditation and contemplation. (Kyoto)

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, known for its iconic golden exterior reflected in a peaceful pond.

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle has both a Daitenshu (main castle tower) as well as a Shotenshu (small castle tower). The main castle tower is a reconstruction, which was first competed in 1960. The castle is suspended upon a stone foundation. The main castle appears to be made up of 3 levels, but there are actually 6 floors, as well as a basement floor. From the top of the castle, you can get a good view of Kumamoto city with the Aso mountain range visible in the distance.

Kochi Castle

Constructed at the beginning of the 17th century, Kochi’s castle is the only one in Japan where the original castle tower and main keep remain intact. It is one of the last twelve original castles in Japan, and is designated an Important National Cultural Property. 

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle, in the style of the Momoyama period, is one of Japan’s few original surviving castles. Its 21 buildings are listed as Important Cultural Properties, and the castle is regarded as one of the three best ‘Renritsu-shiki Hirayama-jiro’ (Renritsu-shiki: the top castle tower is in the centre with smaller towers on either side; Hirayama-jiro: a castle built on a hill on a plain).

Matsue Castle

Often called the "Black Castle," Matsue Castle in Shimane is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan. It is one of the few castles in Japan that has a pentagonal keep. Matsue Castle is known for its beautiful gardens and its panoramic views of the city.

Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle is one of the oldest castles in Japan. It was built in the 15th century, and it is still in use today. Perched on a hill overlooking the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle is notable for its stunning location and historical significance.

Nagoya Castle

Situated in Nagoya, Aichi. Nagoya Castle is a symbol of the city's history and resilience. Originally built during the Edo period. It underwent restoration after damage in World War II. Its distinctive golden shachihoko adorns the roof, making it instantly recognizable.

Hikone Castle

It is one of the best-preserved castles in Japan's Shiga, Hikone Castle features an original wooden keep and is designated as a national treasure.

It is known for its white exterior and its beautiful gardens.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is a complex of two castles located in Kyoto. It was built in the 17th century, and it was used by the Tokugawa shoguns as a secondary residence. Nijo Castle is known for its intricate wooden carvings and its beautiful gardens.

Matsumoto Castle

Known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's oldest surviving castles.

Himeji Castle

Often considered Japan's most beautiful castle, Himeji Castle features elegant white walls and intricate defensive structures.

Itsukushima Shrine & Floating Torii

Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay, western Japan. It is known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant, orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of he most photographed sights in Kyoto. Yet you have to stand in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove to sense the otherness of it. It is so different than any "normal" forest we know of.

Onomichi Senkoji

Senkō-ji was founded in the year 806, the 1st year of the Daidō era.

It is the 10th site of the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

There is a Bungaku no komichi (Path of Literature). The temple was featured in the video game, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.

Ise Shima ePower Road

Relax and enjoy the view of Ise Bay spreading out below you while soaking your feet in the footbath. It may be a footbath where you can see Mt.Fuji from the farthest placePrice Adult 100 yen Child 50 yen. Foot bath business hours 10:00-17:00

Kamikochi

Kamikochi is part of an amazing park system offering great access to the great outdoors. 

Located in the birthplace of the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi offers breathtaking views and access to your next adventure.

Nishi Hodakaguchi Station

Mount Hotaka, also known as Mount Hotakadake, is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, reaching a height of 3,190 m (10,466 ft). Mount Hotaka is situated in Japan's Hida Mountains.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen was constructed on the site of a private mansion belonging to Lord Naito, a "daimyo"(feudal lord) of the Edo era. Completed in 1906 as an imperial garden, it was re-designated as a national garden after the Second World War and opened to the public.

Hakone's Owakudani Valley:

Ōwakudani is a volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. It was created around 3,000 years ago, as a result of the explosion of the Hakone volcano. It offers unique views of volcanic activity, including bubbling pools and sulfuric steam.

Jogasaki Coast

Jogasaki Coast, is a stunning and picturesque natural attraction located in Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It offers a unique coastal landscape characterized by rugged cliffs, rocky shores, lush vegetation, and the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi

Mt.Fuji is a unique, sacred mountain have had for centuries and will always have a special place in Japanese culture.  It is also the tallest mountain in Japan and one of favorite tourist attractions/

Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa)

Hakone is famous as one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan. It is called an “onsen theme park” because of the different styles and types of available hot springs in the area. There are hundreds of bathes, each with their own qualities, history, and appeal. If you like an onsen with views of the mountains, want to go with the family, enjoy privacy as a couple, or need a tattoo friendly location you can find a fit.

Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)

Kusatsu Onsen boasts the largest flowing water volume of all hot springs in Japan. The natural spring water of Kusatsu Onsen, is one of Japan's most acidic. It has superior antibacterial power and kills almost all bacteria and microorganisms.

Lake Kawaguchi Onsen

Lake Kawaguchi is a very popular Onsen area in Fuji Kawaguchiko Town. There are many hotels/ryokan (traditional Japanese style inn) offering great hot spring baths with scenic views of Mount Fuji as the lake is situated at the foot of the mountain. (This is Mifuji-En)

Beppu Onsen (Oita)

Beppu is a hot spring town in Oita. There are eight areas within the city. Steam can be seen everywhere. Each hot spring has its own unique smell and atmosphere. 

Recently, the "healing" effects of each hot spring have been scientifically proven. 

Unzen Onsen (Nagasaki)

Discovered in the 8th century. In 1934 it became the first national park in Japan. The onsens are surrounded by the Hells (jigoku). They contain steam vents, bubbling mud pits and fumaroles. It was a place to execute Christian rebels.

Tamatsukuri Onsen (Shimane)

One of the oldest onsens in Japan. Tamatsukuri Onsen has a history dating back to at least 733 AD, where it was introduced as “The Bath of The Gods” in the Ancient Chronicles of Izumo. There are 22 traditional Japanese inns by the Tamayu River, and luxury hotels.

Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama)

Shirahama Onsen has 1300 years of history. It is famous as one of three oldest hot spring ("onsen" ) It is also one of the most beautiful beach resorts in West Japan. It is a mystery why hot springs exist in Shirahama Onsen. There is no volcano around the area.

Nyuto Onsen (Akita)

Traces its history to the late Heian period (794-1185). It is known for its rustic, secluded charm. Situated deep in the mountains of Nyuto in the Akita Prefecture. This stretch of onsens is nearly undiscovered by tourists. The views are breathtaking. 

Arima Onsen (Kobe)

Arima Onsen can trace its roots as far back as 1300 years. The first known mention of Arima Onsen is from 631. It has 7 out of the 9 natural components recognized for onsen curative effects. Very few onsens in the world have such an abundance of elements.

Dogo Onsen (Matsuyama)

The Dogo Onsen, located in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture is believed to be the oldest in Japan. Dogo Onsen is mentioned in the ancient Japanese literature "Nihon Shoki" (Chronicles of Japan), which was completed in the 8th century. 

In Tokyo a professional chef teaches you about Japanese cuisine from market to table: learn to chose ingredients, prepare dishes, understand the concepts.

Prefer Kyoto? https://mai-ko.com/what-to-do-in-japan/kyoto/cooking-class-kyoto/ 

Samurai, Ninja Experience (Kyoto)

Food (Tokyo / Kyoto)

Traditional Crafts (Tokyo / Kyoto)

In Tokyo you can chose from  ceramics, sculpture, knives, textiles, kintsugi, folding screens, and umbrellas. For example, "Kintsugi " is a repair technique in which broken, chipped, or cracked ceramics are bonded back together with lacquer and decorative gold filling.

Zen Meditation (Tokyo / Kyoto)

Zazen, or Zen meditation, is a practice that continues for about 2,500 years, since the time of the Buddha. Zen monks preserved the tradition and today its ability to help reduce stress and calm the mind is discovered by people from different walks of life. 

Ikebana - Flower Arrangement　（Tokyo）

Ikebana is a traditional art of arranging flowers to celebrate their beauty. It is a way to appreciate and express the seasons and nature. Thus we can also express the value of life. Find your unique expression within this Japanese art. 

Ninja Experience

(Togakushi- Nagano)

For those serious about Ninja training, there are lessons available from authentic Togakure-ryu ninjutsu practitioners. This experience is geared towards visitors who have practiced martial arts or those seriously interested in Ninjutsu. Contact Togakushi Soba Yamaguchiya,  whose owner is a ninja, to make a reservation. 

Ninja Experience (Iga - Mie)

The ninja house is a simple farm dwelling, but has surprises, escape routes, hidden doors, places to hide swords, traps and trickery. Here a kuno (female ninja) guides visitors through each part of the house, showing and demonstrating each trap or trick it contains.

The Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto is a unique, experience-based museum that lets you get up close and personal with history. Our basic ticket lets you experience being a samurai and a ninja for a day with fun-filled activities for the whole family! 

Shodo Caligraphy (Tokyo)

Calligraphy Tokyo.  Enjoy a unique Japanese cultural activity of SHODO calligraphy in Tokyo. A shodo expert will kindly explain the connection between meditation and Japanese calligraphy and teach you how to use the brush to create strokes like the Japanese.

Kimono Experience (Kyoto)

Wearing a kimono is a great way to gain an understanding of how it feels to dress in authentic Japanese clothing. Don’t worry about how difficult the process of putting on a kimono is because an expert will be helping you all the way. 

Sado Tea Ceremony (Kyoto, Tokyo)

Kyoto Tea Ceremony in Japan is one of the best and memorable experiences you can have! Kimonos would normally be worn during traditional tea ceremonies. Maikoya Kyoto offers an authentic matcha tea ceremony in the heart of Japan’s cultural capital