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Japan's Best Attractions

Shrines, crossings, and mountains — and what's actually worth the trip.

The must-sees: Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine (thousands of vermilion torii gates, free, open 24/7); Tokyo's Senso-ji temple and Shibuya Crossing; Meiji Shrine's forest calm in the middle of the city; and a Mount Fuji viewpoint from the Fuji Five Lakes if the weather cooperates. Most shrines and temples charge nothing to a few dollars; arrive at opening (7–8am) to see Fushimi Inari or Senso-ji without a wall of tour groups in every photo.

Japan doesn't lack for 'must-see' attractions — it has thousands of temples, shrines, and viewpoints, which is exactly the problem. Here's the honest, curated version: what's genuinely worth rearranging your schedule for, what time of day actually matters, and the etiquette rules that will get you a real fine, not just a dirty look.

Japan's Best Attractions
Attractions

Japan's Best Attractions

What's genuinely worth the trip — and the etiquette rules that carry real fines now.

Questions people actually ask

What are the top attractions in Japan for a first visit?
Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto), Senso-ji and Shibuya Crossing (Tokyo), and a Mount Fuji viewpoint from the Fuji Five Lakes region — four completely different experiences that capture most of what draws people to Japan.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Rarely for shrines and temples, which mostly charge on arrival or nothing at all. You do need to book ahead for popular teamLab digital art exhibits, some Studio Ghibli-related sites, and — new for 2026 — any Mount Fuji climbing trail, which now requires a mandatory online reservation and a ¥4,000 fee.
What's the etiquette at Japanese shrines and temples?
Bow slightly at the torii gate before entering, stay on the side of the path (the center is traditionally reserved for the resident deity), and don't photograph private areas — Kyoto's Gion district in particular now fines tourists ¥10,000 for entering the private alleys off Hanamikoji Street where geiko and maiko live and work.