Shrines, museums, parks, and the spots in between, with the access details worked out.
Located in Ginza Mitsukoshi, this permanent exhibition showcases over 70 goldfish varieties as living art designed by aquatic artist Hidetomo Kimura.
TokyoThe Akita Senshu Museum of Art showcases works by local Ranga artists and features a memorial hall dedicated to painter Kenzo Okada.
AkitaBuilt in just one year starting 1617, this fortress commanded the Seto Inland Sea with 20 towers and 27 gates as a backup to Himeji Castle.
Akashi · HyogoThe Hakkodamaru, a ferry that served between Aomori and Hakodate, is now Japan's only accessible museum ferry, operated by a nonprofit since 2006.
AomoriThis seventh-century Buddhist temple features some of the world's oldest wooden structures and several national treasures, including a five-story pagoda.
Ikaruga · NaraA Kagoshima museum chronicling the Meiji Restoration of 1868, when the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance restored imperial rule and transformed Japan.
KagoshimaA comprehensive entertainment park 70 minutes from central Tokyo features 37 activity facilities and expansive views of Sagami Bay, Izu Oshima, and Mount Fuji.
Yokosuka · KanagawaA Gifu museum in memory of Eizo and Toichi Kato, with about 5,000 restored drawings and 150 paintings, plus exhibitions of local artists in two galleries.
GifuA Rinzai Zen temple founded in 1361, head temple of the Eigen-ji branch with over 120 temples, set in the mountains and housing the Yotsugi Kannon statue.
Higashiomi · ShigaFounded in 788 by Saicho, this Tendai Buddhist headquarters on Mount Hiei hosts the famous kaihogyo practice and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Otsu · ShigaOpened in 1935, the museum holds over 10,000 works of the Owari Tokugawa family, including nine National Treasures and the Tale of Genji Illustrated Scrolls.
Nagoya · AichiLinked to Oda Nobunaga's rise, the castle was built 1394-1427 to guard the Ise Kaido and Nakasendo crossroads and was partly rebuilt in 1989 for a centennial.
Kiyosu · AichiThe Mizuki Shigeru Museum showcases the manga artist's original works and illustrations, with workshops and annual birthday celebration events.
Sakaiminato · TottoriRadio broadcasting tower built in 1957 featuring digital clocks and observation areas, with renovations completed in the early 2000s.
Sapporo · HokkaidoA Buddhist temple in Nara founded in 759 by the Chinese priest Ganjin, head temple of the Ritsu-shu denomination and home to 17 National Treasures.
NaraEdo-era theme park offering costume rental, hands-on activities, recreated buildings, and live performances throughout the grounds.
Nikko · TochigiA historic silk mill built by the Japanese government in 1872 that transformed the country into the world's leading raw silk exporter.
Tomioka · GunmaMedieval estate remains spanning nearly 50 hectares, established to support a Buddhist temple's scripture repository and religious mission.
Ichinoseki · Iwate
