Shrines, museums, parks, and the spots in between, with the access details worked out.
Established in 738, this Nara temple houses the largest bronze Buddha statue and serves as headquarters of the Kegon Buddhist school.
NaraLocated near Takao Mountain's cablecar station, this park houses over 90 monkeys and a garden with 300 subalpine and alpine plant species.
Hachioji · TokyoThis Sylvanian Families-themed park within Osaka's Harvest Hill recreates the idyllic Sylvanian Village through life-sized houses, character encounters, and interactive activities.
Sakai · OsakaThis historic Chinatown in Nagasaki, among Japan's oldest, was established by Chinese traders in the late 16th century with traditional architecture and Chinese New Year festivities.
NagasakiThis Nagasaki shrine dedicated to the sea god offers traditional architecture, serene gardens, and hosts an annual August festival honoring maritime heritage.
NagasakiThis Kaga shrine traces its origins to 585 when an imperial kami was transferred to the site, rising to prominence as one of the region's most historically significant sanctuaries.
Kaga · IshikawaEstablished in 904, this shrine honors Tenjin, the deified scholar and poet Sugawara no Michizane, whose unique single-building design houses all major sanctuaries.
Hofu · YamaguchiThis Akihabara store specializes in retro Japanese games, particularly rare Famicom titles, alongside a video arcade and merchandise across three floors.
TokyoThis shrine atop Mount Shinzan in Akita honors mountain deities and houses a thousand-year-old kaya tree among ancient cedar groves.
Oga · AkitaThis theme park and factory celebrates Shiroi Koibito, a famous chocolate sandwich cookie, through immersive exhibits and a projection-mapping presentation on chocolate history.
Sapporo · HokkaidoOverlooking Shinjiko Lake, this museum houses 7,422 artworks and offers some of Japan's finest sunsets from its rooftop observation terrace.
Matsue · ShimaneThis free-admission zoo in a scenic park houses red pandas, macaques, and penguins alongside playgrounds and seasonal festivities.
NaganoThis Osaka shrine venerates two Shinto deities and features a main hall in the distinctive Momoyama-period Ikutama architectural style.
OsakaThis Kyushu port has grown into one of Japan's busiest since the 19th century, handling containers and cargo while offering historical architecture and scenic sunsets.
Kitakyushu · FukuokaThis Tendai Buddhist temple, designated a National Historic Site, stands as one of three great temples east of Lake Biwa with structures dating to the 17th century.
Higashiomi · ShigaSpanning 993 square kilometers in Hokkaido, this national park features volcanic caldera lakes, including Shikotsu and Tōya, along with hot springs and mountain areas.
Niseko · HokkaidoThis aquarium opened in 2015 as successor to a 88-year facility, showcasing Pacific marine life including a coral reef tank, interactive exhibits, and an underwater tunnel.
Sendai · MiyagiThis restaurant serves Genghis Khan, a Hokkaido specialty of grilled lamb and mutton with apple and lemon sauce, prepared on a distinctive dome-shaped metal skillet.
Sapporo · Hokkaido
