The 30 Most Iconic Japanese Landmarks

Often called the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble, Shibuya Crossing has become a symbol of modern Tokyo, and one of the most iconic urban landmarks on the planet.

The beauty and mystery of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, on the outskirts of Kyoto, has never been replicated anywhere else on Earth.

Itsukushima is an island sitting pretty just off the coast of Hiroshima. On it you’ll find temples, traditional ryokan countless wild deer, but its most famous sight is the towering torii of Itsukushima Shrine which, at high tide, appears to be floating over the sea. There’s no wonder the island’s colloquial name, Miyajima, translates as “shrine island”.

While the bright lights of Tokyo remain Japan’s most famous, Osaka’s downtown Dotonbori district rivals anything the capital has to offer when it comes to neon signs and thrilling nightlife. Dotonbori at night is a bright as it is in the day, and its incredible selection of restaurants attracts foodies the world over.

Himeji Castle is Japan’s most famous castle and one of the best surviving examples of feudal Edo architecture. It was one of the country’s first Unesco World Heritage Sites, and has a storied past dating back to the 14th century, keeping a watchful eye over its namesake city.

With its wide stature and snow-capped peak, Mount Fuji is immediately recognizable at a glance. This beautiful mountain near Tokyo has become a symbol of Japan, particularly in art. Keep an eye out for its iconic peak when on the Bullet Train or while cruising a nearby lake.

A Unesco World Heritage Site, the picturesque village of Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s top winter destinations. With the village lit up and covered by a blanket of snow, it’s a place unlike anywhere else in Japan.

Ashikaga Flower Park’s stunning purple wisterias attract thousands of visitors each year. The wisteria bloom in late April to early May, and the park is easily reached from Tokyo.

Once thought to be messengers of the gods, the local sika deer now roam free in Nara Park and have become an icon of the city. Some are even friendly enough to bow when you offer them a cracker.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine in Kyoto, famous for its long path of brightly colored torii, which have featured in countless films, and stand as a remarkable example of how ancient history and natural splendor can blend so beautifully.

Amanohashidate is a sandbar in Miyazu Bay, ranked as one of the Three Views of Japan (as chosen by 17th-century scholar Hayashi Gaho).

Once the world’s busiest port, Kobe was decimated by the 1995 earthquake and now stands as evidence of the people’s resilience.

The Hells of Beppu are a designated Scenic Place of Beauty by the Japanese government. It’s aptly named, as the water here is way too hot to go for a dip.

The group of islands known as Matsushima in Miyagi prefecture have long been cherished for their beauty, and are also one of the Three Views of Japan.

Hiroshima Peace Park is Hiroshima’s most visited attraction. Its compassionate, forgiving message of peace and remembrance touches the hearts of visitors from all over the globe.

Naoshima is Japan’s island dedicated to contemporary art. Revered Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s spotted pumpkin is the island’s most iconic landmark.

The Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, can be found in Nara, in the Buddhist temple Todai-ji. There are many Daibutsu scattered throughout the country, but this has garnered the most fame. This National Treasure is well over 1,000 years old.

Japan’s historic machiya are mostly concentrated in Kyoto. These traditional wooden townhouses are responsible for much of that ancient city’s charms, including the famous Gion and Pontocho geisha districts.

Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous for its population of hot spring-loving monkeys. These red-faced macaques are native to Japan, and the image of one taking a soak in a steaming onsen has become a symbol of wintertime in the country.

This unique golden temple has become one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions. The extravagant gold leaf tower looks over a large pond and picturesque Japanese garden.

Today there are two many skyscrapers to count in Tokyo, but this homage to the Eiffel Tower remains the city’s most iconic modern landmark.

The Fuji Five Lakes also include Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko, but Kawaguchiko is the most easily accessible. All of the lakes boast stunning views of Fuji’s snow-capped peak, and the embellishment of springtime cherry blossom or auburn fall foliage really makes for a spectacular sight. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.

Fish plays a huge part in Japanese cuisine, and its bustling fish markets have been a staple of Japanese life for centuries. The sprawling stalls of Tsukiji are perfect for witnessing this first hand, just be prepared to hold your nose every now and then… Recommended by Gethin Morgan.

This striking marvel in the heart of Japan’s second city has a turbulent history dating back to the 16th century. Today, as well as the main structure, you’ll find a series of impressive citadel turrets and gates, not to mention the spectacular Nishinomaru Garden. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.

Not many museums double up as landmarks, but this place has been designed with the same creativity and attention to detail as each of Studio Ghibli’s magical animated films. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.

This giant broadcasting building is the tallest tower in the world, and one of the tallest manmade structures full stop. Luckily there are a couple of observation decks open to the public, from which you can see some pretty remarkable views of Tokyo. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.

Wherever you go in Japan, you’re likely to discover plenty of beautiful temples, but 7th Zenkoji is one of the most important and revered in the whole country, dating back to the 7th century, and housing the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.

The tragedies wrought by the atomic bombs dropped in 1945 will never be forgotten, but the struggles of Nagasaki are often overshadowed by the horrors of Hiroshima. This park, like its contemporary further north, is a tranquil and commemorative space, designed as a quiet but powerful memorial to the city’s collective strength. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.

The city of Nikko and its surrounding national park are not short of epic sights, from lavishly decorated shrines to vast lakes, woodlands and mountains. It’s also home to a series of thundering waterfalls, most spectacularly Kegon, where the water drops for around 97m. This place is best seen when surrounded by colourful autumn leaves. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.

The lively back alleys of this district offer a glimpse into the real Tokyo. Full of character and life, the area’s tightly packed streets are full of vibrant bars and eateries – best explore in the evening, of course. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.