47 Things to do in JAPAN | Ultimate Travel Guide

@Chris Broad

Chris Broadyoutubethe post

A rapid-fire guide to Japan's 47 prefectures, highlighting one must-do experience or sight in each, from Hokkaido's hot springs to Okinawa's scuba diving.

55 places

1
Noboribetsu Onsen
onsen · Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan
- Sapporo Snow Festival — Probably my favorite festival in Japan. If you come over in February, the first week, it's definitely worth checking out.
- Genghis Khan (Lamb Mutton) — An amazing, very juicy, very delicious lamb mutton dish, believed in Japan to come from Mongolia like Genghis Khan. Gotta be done.
2
Aomori Morning Market
Aomori
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The biggest morning market in the entire country. You've got to get up at like five or six a.m., but it's definitely worth it. Open every Sunday.
Aomori, Japan
3
Wanko Soba
Soba noodle shop · Morioka
4.2 (2,281)Closed · opens tomorrow 11 AM
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One of Iwate's three famous noodle dishes, where you challenge a friend to eat as many bowls of soba noodles as you can. A real man should be able to eat over 100 bowls.
AZUMAYA Honten, 1 Chome-8-3 Nakanohashidori, Morioka, Iwate 020-0871, Japan
4
Namahage Museum
Local history museum · Oga
4.3Closed · opens Thursday 8:30 AM
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A place to learn about Akita's crazy, horrible folklore creatures called Namahage. These demons or godlike beings are supposed to come in every year and frighten children to make them study hard. It's very cool and highly recommended.
Namahage Museum, Mizukuisawa Kitaurashinzan, Oga, Akita 010-0685, Japan
5
Ginzan Onsen
Obanazawa
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Perhaps the most beautiful onsen in all of Japan, looking like something out of a Hayao Miyazaki movie. You've got to go in winter to get the best look at it.
Ginzan Onsen, Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan
6
Gyutan (Beef Tongue)
Japanese restaurant · Denver
Closed · opens tomorrow 11 AM
Hida | Japanese Sizzling Skillet & Grill, 10195 E 29th Dr, Denver, CO 80238
7
Matsushima Bay
Bay
4.2 (91)
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One of the three most scenic sites in the country, a little bay filled with a hundred islands. A very stunning place, highly recommended.
Matsushima Bay, Japan
8
Kitakata Ramen
Ramen restaurant · Hoffman Estates
4.6Closed · opens Monday 11 AM
Low-key dining space specializing in bowls of Japanese ramen soups, plus dumplings & fried chicken.
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Hoffman Estates, 1129 N Roselle Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
9
Sazae-do Temple
Historical landmark · Aizuwakamatsu
4.2Open · until 5 PM
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One of my favorite temples in the country, said to be stolen from Leonardo da Vinci's designs. It has a very unique design and is one of my favorite spots in Fukushima.
Sazae-do, Bentenshita-1404 Itsukimachi Oaza Yahata, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0003, Japan
10
Sake Vending Machines
Asian grocery store · Aurora
4.2 (330)Closed · opens 10 AM
Ebisu Japanese Lifestyle Store, 2727 S Parker Rd Unit#C, Aurora, CO 80014
11
Sado Island
Island · Sado
4.4
Scenic island featuring old gold mines & a cultural museum, plus sea, bay & wildlife views.
Sado Island, Sado, Niigata, Japan
12
Nasu Highland Park
Amusement park · Nasu
4.1 (2,115)Closed · opens Monday 9:30 AM
Family-friendly theme park with intertwined roller coasters, water rides & a 3D theater.
Nasu Highland Park, 3375 Takakuotsu, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0398, Japan
13
Kusatsu Onsen
onsen · Kusatsu
Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is a popular tourist destination. There are 13 public baths at Kusatsu Onsen. The small bathhouses that are free for both town residents and tourists are managed by the townspeople themselves.
Kusatsu Onsen, Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-1711, Japan
14
Sake Brewery in a Forest
Brewery · Forest Grove
4.7Closed · opens Monday 11 AM
Outfit that makes sake & offers tours & tastings, with an emphasis on serving the beverage chilled.
SakéOne, 820 Elm St, Forest Grove, OR 97116
15
Shibuya Crossing
Tourist attraction · Shibuya
4.5 (24,419)Open now
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My favorite thing to do in Tokyo is wander the streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku at night.
Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
16
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Tourist attraction · Shinjuku City
4.3 (434)Closed
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My favorite thing to do in Tokyo is wander the streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku at night.
Shinjuku Golden-Gai, あかるい花園五番街 1 Chome-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
17
Enoshima Island
Island · Fujisawa
4.6
Small Japanese island known for the Enoshima Shrine, its English-style garden & its caves.
Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036, Japan
18
Kamakura
Kamakura
4.2 (3)
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One of my favorite little spots just outside Tokyo, about two hours to get to. You can rent a bicycle and have a nice cycle around the Buddha statues and temples.
Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
19
Mount Fuji
Mountain peak · Fujinomiya
4.6 (13,532)
Iconic snow-capped peak & volcano, the highest in Japan & the 7th highest island peak on earth.
Mount Fuji, Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0112, Japan
20
Mount Omuro
Mountain peak · Itō
4.5
Extinct volcano with paragliding adventures, an archery range inside the crater & a zoo at its foot.
Mt. Omuro, Ike, Itō, Shizuoka 413-0234, Japan
21
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Wildlife park · Yamanouchi
4.5 (63)Closed · opens Monday 8:30 AM
Destination for up-close viewing of snow monkeys in a secluded park accessible by long, scenic walk.
Jigokudani Monkey Park, 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
22
Toyama Black Ramen
Ramen restaurant · Shawnee
4.6Closed · opens Monday 11 AM
Laid-back restaurant serving Japanese ramen and other dishes, plus beer and cocktails.
Aoyama Ramen Shawnee, 13225 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee, KS 66216
23
Omicho Market
Fresh food market · Kanazawa
3.8 (6,385)Open · until 5 PM
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A great market in Kanazawa, a beautiful city.
Omicho Market, 50 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0905, Japan
24
Takayama
Takayama
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One of my favorite towns in the entire country, home to the retro Showa Museum.
Takayama, Gifu, Japan
25
Fukui Station
Train station · Fukui
4.0 (9,484)
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Perhaps the coolest station in all of Japan, certainly my favorite. It has half a dozen massive animatronic dinosaurs out front because it's the prefecture where lots of dinosaur fossils were dug up. It's pretty trippy coming out of there and walking into what feels like Jurassic Park.
Fukui Station, 1-chōme-1 Chūō, Fukui, 910-0006, Japan
26
Nagoya Chicken Wings
Nagoya
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Aichi is famous for having Nagoya and its chicken wings, which are quite good.
Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
27
Matsusaka Beef
Yakiniku restaurant · Kyoto
4.6Closed · opens tomorrow 5 PM
What’s Matsusaka Beef, 477 Eboshiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8165, Japan
28
Ninja Museum of Igaryu
History museum · Iga
4.1 (37)Closed · opens Monday 10 AM
Family-friendly attraction with ninja costumes & weapons on display, plus a fighting demonstration.
Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, 内, 117 Uenomarunouchi, Iga, Mie 518-0873, Japan
29
Tempura Endo Yasaka
Tempura restaurant · Kyoto
4.5 (1,996)Closed · opens Thursday 11 AM
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My favorite thing to do in Kyoto is visit this tempura restaurant. Go here when you've got a special occasion; it's the best tempura you'll ever have in your life.
Tempura Endo Yasaka (North), 566 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811, Japan
30
Todai-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Nara
4.7 (31,842)Closed · opens tomorrow 7:30 AM
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Nara is famous for having probably the coolest Buddha statue in all of Japan.
Tōdai-ji, 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8587, Japan
31
Nara Park
Park · Nara
4.6 (31,844)Closed
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Home to the bowing deer that bow when you give them a cracker, or when you propose to give them a cracker.
Nara Park, Nara, Japan
32
Osaka Street Food
Osaka
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Osaka is my favorite city for a night out, and the food has to be a highlight. Whether it's the okonomiyaki pancakes or the takoyaki fried octopus balls, sitting there eating them on the street will always be a fond memory.
Osaka, Japan
33
Kishi Station
Train station · Kinokawa
4.4 (802)
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Wakayama is famous for having a cat station master. It's literally a cat that has a hat on and has generated 10 million dollars for the local economy.
Kishi Station, Kishigawachō Kōdo, Kinokawa, Wakayama 640-0413, Japan
34
Himeji Castle
Castle · Himeji
4.6 (961)Closed · opens Thursday 9 AM
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The most beautiful castle in the whole country, with a striking white exterior. I went there but regret not going inside.
Himeji Castle, 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
35
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Tourist attraction · Kurashiki
4.4 (3,283)Closed
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The Venice of Japan, a traditional town from the 19th century filled with lots of little boats and people being pushed along the canals. It's absolutely stunning and highly underrated.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, 4 Central, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0046, Japan
36
Tottori Sand Dunes
Beach · Tottori
4.7
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The sand dunes in Tottori, the least densely populated prefecture in the entire country. We finally visited them earlier this year on a 12-hour night train from Tokyo.
Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori, Japan
37
Dogo Onsen
Onsen · Matsuyama
4.2 (279)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
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A really beautiful onsen that inspired Hayao Miyazaki and Spirited Away.
Dogo Onsen Main Building, 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan
38
Matsuyama Castle
Castle · Matsuyama
4.5Closed · opens Monday 9 AM
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My favorite castle in Japan, elevated 130 meters above the city right in the middle. From the castle, you can look out across the grounds and get a sweeping view across Matsuyama and out into the Inland Sea. A beautiful place.
Matsuyama Castle, 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0008, Japan
39
Naoshima Art Island
Book store · Naoshima
4.9Closed
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An art island that I've been to, and I should probably make a video there someday.
Art Island Center, 2412-27 宮ノ浦 Naoshima, Kagawa District, Kagawa 761-3110, Japan
40
Nagoro Scarecrow Village
Tourist attraction · Miyoshi
4.3 (7)Closed
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A town famous for having hundreds of scarecrows. It was a little bit eerie but also quite poignant and beautiful, though the bad weather made it feel like a glorified horror movie. I'd love to go back under better weather and circumstances.
Nagoro "Scarecrow" Village, 191 Higashiiyasugeoi, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0201, Japan
41
Hirome Market
Market · Kochi
4.1 (4,401)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
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Kochi is famous for having the Hirome Market.
Hirome Market, 2 Chome-3-1 Obiyamachi, Kochi, 780-0841, Japan
- Katsuo no Tataki (Bonito) — This beautiful, juicy fish is kind of smoked. I love that fish and want to go back and eat more right now.
42
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki restaurant · Hiroshima
4.4Closed · opens Monday 11 AM
Well-known restaurant specializing in okonomiyaki, with vegan & vegetarian options.
Nagataya, 重石ビル１F 1 Chome-7-19 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, Japan
43
Itsukushima Shrine
Shinto shrine · Hatsukaichi
4.6 (36,687)Open · until 6 PM
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Considered to be one of the most beautiful shrines and certainly the most famous in all of Japan.
Itsukushima Jinja, 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan
44
Fugu (Blowfish)
Japanese restaurant · Brooklyn
4.2Closed
Sushi, sashimi & other Japanese specialties are prepared at this modest eatery with imported beer.
Fugu Sushi, 6804 Bay Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11204
45
Motonosumi Inari Shrine
Shinto shrine
4.2
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Beautiful shrines leading into the sea, quite similar to the ones in Kyoto but these ones lead into the sea, making it very dramatic and beautiful.
Nagato, Yamaguchi 759-4712
46
Tonkotsu Ramen
Japanese restaurant · Denver
4.8 (245)Closed · opens tomorrow 4:30 PM
Virginia Village
Toki Ramen & Sushi, 1390 S Colorado Blvd #120, Denver, CO 80222
47
Nanzoin Temple
Buddhist temple · Sasaguri
4.5 (6,058)Closed · opens Monday 9 AM
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An amazing, incredible Buddha statue leaning on its side, the tallest or longest Buddha statue in Japan. It's an absolute sight to behold, probably my favorite place to visit in Fukuoka.
Nanzo-in Temple, 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka 811-2405, Japan
48
Beppu Onsen
Wellness hotel · Beppu
4.2 (271)
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Probably the biggest onsen town in Japan and certainly the most famous. I still prefer Noboribetsu because of the snow in winter, but Beppu is probably my second favorite hot spring town. As you look over the town, you can see all this beautiful steam rising over the buildings, and it's a sight to behold.
Terrace Midoubaru Beppu Onsen, 5-5組堀田 Beppu, Oita 874-0831, Japan
49
Mount Aso
Volcano · Aso
4.5
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Kumamoto is home to the Aso Caldera, the Aso Volcano.
Mount Aso, Takawara, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2223, Japan
50
Takachiho Gorge
Scenic spot · Takachiho
4.5Closed · opens Thursday 8:30 AM
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A gorge so brilliant I haven't yet visited it.
Takachiho Gorge, Mukoyama, Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki 882-1103, Japan
51
Miyazaki Beef
Steak house · Miyazaki
4.5Closed · opens Monday 11 AM
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Miyazaki is famous for having Miyazaki beef, which I can attest to being incredibly delicious.
Miyachiku Beef Teppanyaki Steakhouse, Miyazaki, Maehama-1401 255 Shinbeppucho, Miyazaki, 880-0834, Japan
52
Ikeshima Island
Island
4.5
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An abandoned island that was actually more impressive than Gunkanjima because you can roam freely like a free-range chicken. It's amazing, and I love it, and I need to go back there.
Ikeshima Island, Ikeshimamachi, Nagasaki 857-0071, Japan
53
Gunkanjima Island
Island · Nagasaki
4.3
Abandoned 16-acre island & UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its industrial ruins & its seawall.
Hashima Island, Takashimamachi, Nagasaki, 851-1315, Japan
54
Sakurajima Volcano
Volcano · Kagoshima
4.5
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I got over my fear of flying somewhat by going in a Cessna over this volcano.
Sakurajima, Sakurajimaakamizucho, Kagoshima, 891-1420, Japan
55
Okinawa Scuba Diving
Diving center · Yomitan
4.9 (1,223)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Sunkissed Divers Okinawa-Yomitan, 236 Senaha, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0325, Japan
- Spam — They've got some tasty spam there.