Photo By: Lindsay Bernsten

Japan Sightseeing Essentials

Don't leave this magnificent country without trying at least a few of these.

We’re continually gathering top spots and experiences for visitors taking on Japan. Whether you’re a first-timer or have been here a few times, the list of things to do and see is essentially endless. So, we thought we’d make it a little more user-friendly. There’s a lot more, but this is a great start to help add to any tourist’s Japan bucket list or starter kit.


Top 10 cultural experiences in Japan: Join a matsuri

Top 10 Cultural Experiences in Japan

Whether it's an onsen, cosplay, or sumo, there's an experience waiting for you in Japan.

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Godzilla Head Shinjuku

Where to Find Godzilla in Japan

Oh, no. There goes Tokyo.

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Top 10 Winter Festivals in Japan

Snow, wind, ice, and Fire!

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30 Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Japan

No matter the size of your tattoo, ink is no problem.

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Top 10 Foreigner-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Sapporo

Underground clubs, LGBT bars, and beer halls in Sapporo's sexy red-light district.

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Autumn leaves at Tokugawa gardens Nagoya

Top 10 Unknown Autumn Destinations in Japan

Fall off the beaten track with these lesser-known spots for enjoying autumn in Japan.

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5 Metal and Punk Bars in Japan

Enjoy heavy metal, punk and horror movie memorabilia at these fine establishments.

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World Breakfast All Day Tokyo

Best Breakfast in Tokyo

Wake up and smell the coffee!

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Albatross G in Golden Gai, Shinjuku is a foreigner-friendly bar in Tokyo.

Top 10 Foreigner-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Tokyo

Non-stop drinks in Tokyo's love hotel district, LGBT neighborhood, and video game paradise.

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Top 10 Ski and Snowboard Destinations in Japan

Great powder, friendly people, and the wonder of hot springs at the end of it all. What's not to love?

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Pokemon Center Japan

Pokémon Centers

Poké-maniacs will find their dreamworld come true at Japan's official Pokémon Centers.

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Club JB's foreigner-friendly club Nagoya Japan

Top 10 Foreigner-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Nagoya

Dance till dawn in Japan’s often overlooked central city.

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Capsule Hotels in Japan.

The 5 Coolest Capsule Hotels in Japan

The lowdown on the swankiest and comfiest capsules with the most bang for your buck.

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Not-so-crowded Firework Festivals Near Tokyo

Travel a bit farther for summer spectaculars without the masses.

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10 Destination Beaches in Japan (That Aren’t in Okinawa)

From Kagoshima to Aomori, Japan's beaches are completely underrated.

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Kama Sutra Karaoke Bar Osaka

Top 10 Foreigner-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Osaka

Moonshine, swanky martinis, and illustrious pole dancers. Need we say more? ?

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Hoshinoya Fuji

10 Spots To Go Glamping in Japan

Add a touch of luxury to the (already) great outdoors.

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Glamping in Japan

Glamping culture is alive and well here.

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6 Things To do at Kinosaki Onsen in Autumn

The backdrop to an awesomely local autumn experience in Japan.

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5 Sake Joints To Try In Tokyo

Looking to try some real sake?

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Miyanora in Yakushima

10 Mountains To Hike (That Aren’t Fuji)

Big or small, they each hold their own natural wonders.

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Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Japan

The perfect guide for blossom viewing in Japan.

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Top 10 Winter Illuminations to See in Japan for 2016

Tokyo illuminations? Pfft. It’s all about the bright lights beyond.

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4 Restaurants to Try in Dotonbori

The classic places to get you started on a culinary tour of Osaka.

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Top 5 Cafes to Try in Fukuoka

From award-winning beans to Finnish comic book characters, discover Fukuoka's booming cafe culture at these recommended picks.

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20 Best Pictures of Japan on GaijinPot Travel

Need Japan travel inspiration? Look no further than these amazing captures.

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Japan for Solo Female Travel

A female traveling by yourself in Japan? Here's what you should know.

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Top 5 Cafes Tokyo

Top 5 Cafes to Try in Tokyo

Forget Sutaba, these five spots offer an all-round introduction to Tokyo's distinctive cafe culture.

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"Naha City. Traditional dance performers make their way down "Kokusai St." (International St.) during a local festival."

Top 10 Japan Travel Destinations For 2017

Our predictions for the best places to visit in Japan this year.

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Located in western Tokyo, Okutama is a part of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.

Top 12 Spots to See Autumn Leaves Around Tokyo

From day trips to Japanese gardens, these fall wonders will leave you speechless.

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View of Rainbow Bridge and Minato, from Odaiba in Tokyo

Free Tokyo Quick Guide PDF Download

Free and easy to download.

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Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami, Gunma

8 Mixed-Gender Hot Springs Near Tokyo

Experience this Japanese tradition before it slips away.

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Daigoji, Kyoto, Japan

Top 10 Temples and Shrines for Koyo & Momiji in Kyoto

Kyoto is the ultimate autumn experience in Japan.

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Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen

Where to Find Mixed Gender Onsen in Japan

Intimate hot spring experiences.

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Take a dip in this piping hot outdoor bath at Hinanoyado Chitose.

Top 15 Hot Spring Destinations for Winter in Japan

Japan's winter is one of its most beautiful yet overlooked aspects.

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