Shrines, museums, parks, and the spots in between, with the access details worked out.
With origins dating 1,270 years ago, this Tokyo shrine in Akihabara held significance for warriors and citizens during the Edo period and was visited by shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
TokyoA fish market and bowl restaurant near Aomori Station where visitors select from an array of fresh seafood and vegetable toppings to create a custom Nokke-don rice bowl.
AomoriA farm-themed Osaka park with seasonal flowers, animal encounters with goats and alpacas, hands-on workshops and a Sylvanian Families-themed area, plus local farm cuisine.
Sakai · OsakaDedicated to Mount Fuji's volcano goddess, this shrine has led 1,300 Sengen shrines nationwide for 1,100 years and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.
Fujinomiya · ShizuokaFounded as a guardian shrine in 650 AD and rededicated in 949, Osaka Tenmangū honors the deified scholar Sugawara no Michizane, revered as a deity of academics and learning.
OsakaMuseum showcasing Studio Ghibli's animation history through permanent exhibitions of techniques and artifacts, designed by Hayao Miyazaki.
TokyoWithin Osaka's Nagai Botanical Garden, this teamLab art space becomes a luminous digital environment at night, with installations responding to wind, rain and visitor movement.
OsakaA venerable shrine dating over 2,000 years, Aso Shrine honors the grandson of Emperor Jimmu and fuses Shinto practice with worship of Mount Aso's sacred volcanic crater.
Aso · KumamotoThis museum displays sand artworks and hourglasses in pyramid glass buildings, featuring a 5.2-meter tall 1-year-long hourglass that visitors ceremonially flip on New Year's Eve.
Oda · ShimaneSpecialized aquarium featuring approximately 180 penguins from nine species, with interactive exhibits including a natural sea swimming environment.
NagasakiThis museum celebrates Japanese painter Hirayama Ikuo's spiritual journeys along the Silk Road, which he explored to trace the origins of Japanese culture and Buddhism's transmission.
Hokuto · YamanashiFounded in 1999 at the base of Mount Bizan, this hall preserves the Awa Odori Festival with daily performances and a museum exploring the dance's history and cultural significance.
TokushimaDating to the 6th century, this Kyoto shrine dedicated to Tamayori-hime and her father was worshipped as protection against misfortune and a guardian of the capital.
KyotoA mineral-rich hot spring resort in Tsu City, Mie, Sakakibara Onsen offers traditional ryokan and modern hotels alongside nearby temples, gardens and outdoor activities.
Tsu · MieAn adventure zone themed to the Crayon Shin-chan anime within Hyogo's Awajishima Park, offering obstacle courses, ziplines and interactive challenges inspired by the series.
Awaji · HyogoOpened in 1994 as the world's first ramen-themed food amusement park, this museum gathers famous ramen shops from across Japan in a single location.
Yokohama · KanagawaA 1950-founded Saitama amusement park renovated in 2021 with Showa-era theming, featuring a recreated Japanese town, Godzilla rides, and Osamu Tezuka anime attractions.
Tokorozawa · SaitamaAn interactive nature park near Ushiku Station featuring animal encounters, craft workshops, Sylvanian Families-themed areas, and adventure activities across a 30-hectare space.
Inashiki · Ibaraki
