What is Japan Famous for? Places to Visit & Things to Do in Japan

Japan is popularly referred to as the Land of the Rising Sun. It is best known for its scenic beauty, food, and cleanliness. Not to mention, Japan is the world's leading country in terms of cutting-edge technology, such as bullet trains and Japanese cars. Furthermore, Japan is deeply connected to its tradition and culture.

Therefore, the answer to what Japan is famous for needs a list-down of places, food, technology, and more.

If you are planning a vacation in Japan, it will be advisable to plan it keeping the Japanese currency in mind. As of March 2023, 1 Japanese Yen is equal to INR 0.60. Plan your finances in advance keeping the exchange rate in mind. 

Here is a list of ten major tourist attractions Japan is famous for:

1. Kyoto

Kyoto can be considered as the passageway to the history of Japan. The city can be signified as evidence of World War II. The history, sculpture, art and culture of the city attract people to roam around this ancient city. You will experience unruffled serenity in the cultural centre, including museums, life-sized paintings, and sculpture and art galleries.

2. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest Japanese volcanic peak and one of the most iconic tourist sites worldwide standing at about 3,776 metres high. The symmetrical shape of the mountain gives it a unique look, and its peak remains snow-covered for five months during winter. Besides, it is also a great hiking spot between July and September, consisting of four trails that lead to the top.

3. The Island Shrine of Itsukushima, Miyajima

If you want to breathe fresh air in an isolated green environment, then Itsukushima Shrine could be an excellent option for you. It is located on Hiroshima Bay, just a ferry ride away from the Hiroshima mainland. The Shrine of Itsukushima is dedicated to the three daughters of Susanoo, the wind god. The most surprising fact is that the buildings are standing over the water and are supported by piers.

4. Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace majorly contributes to what Japan is famous for. It is also the most well-known landmark of the nation’s capital, Tokyo. Built in the 17th century, Imperial Palace stands in the former place of the Edo Castle. The beautiful parks, surrounded by moats and stony walls, create a regal ambience. The views from this location are also extraordinary, especially the Nijubashi Bridge or “double bridge”, famous for its crystal clear water reflection.

5. Shirakawago

Another significant location in Japan acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site is Shirakawago. This town is located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture. The tranquillity of this place, along with the mesmerising landscapes, makes it one of the most visited attractions in Japan. You can find this town filled with traditional Japanese buildings known as Gassho-Zukuri. Their different house design consists of a tall, slanting, thatched roof.

6. Nakasendo

Nakasendo is one of the main five routes of the Edo period in Japan. It was the connecting passage between the former capital Kyoto and Edo. Nowadays, it is a popular hiking trail that takes you through a historical journey in the heart of the nation. Moreover, the two ancient towns, Magome and Tsumago, lie on the way while travelling through the Kiso Valley.

7. Osaka Castle

If you want to experience the architectural taste of the famous Toyotomi Hideyoshi, you will find it in Osaka Castle. It is celebrated as the largest fortress in Japan. Until 1931 it was rebuilt and renovated multiple times. It is an iconic 42 metres long 5-storey building built on a 14-metre long stone base. The castle will enrich your enigmatic experience of the history of Japan.

8. City of Nara

The city of Nara is the capital of Nara Prefecture. It includes numerous historic streets and ancient temples, and one of the famous places in Japan that is a must visit for tourists. In addition, it is home to significant artworks and other national treasures, including old buildings. One of the most prominent temples is the Kofukuji Temple of the 17th century.

9. Matsumoto Castle

Historic and beautiful palaces and castles constitute the things Japan is known for. One of the finest is Matsumoto Castle, also known as Fukashi Castle. It was built during the period of 1592 to 1614 in the heart of Nagano city. It is a six-story structure with interiors of wood, earth and stones, making it the oldest of its kind. In addition, it is recognised as one of the National Treasures of Japan.

10. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The Hiroshima Memorial Park, or Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Kōen, is situated at the centre of the nuclear blast. The effects of the atomic bombing during the World War in 1995 left the country in ruins, which continues to be a major historical incident. This site includes numerous monuments and memorials in connection with the infamous atomic explosion.

Japan is not only famous for its places but has a lot more to offer to anyone visiting the country.

Check out this list of the 10 most popular things Japan is known for:

11. Japanese Bullet Train (Shinkansen)

Popularly known as the bullet train, Shinkansen travelled at a speed not less than 210 km/hr and covered the same distance in less than half the time it took previously. Based on the physics of magnetic suspension, bullet trains these days reach a staggering speed of 320 km/hr, changing the idea of economical long-distance travel. This is undoubtedly one of the most famous things in Japan.

12. Japanese Food

Japanese cuisine is popular all over the world. When discussing Japanese food, the first dish that comes to mind is Sushi. It is prepared with seafood and raw fish wrapped in specially cooked rice. It is, without a doubt, the most famous Japanese dish, and comes in different varieties. However, it's not the only unique cuisine in Japan. The other popular Japanese dishes include:

• Ramen: A type of wheat noodles that are served in miso soup along with vegetables and other ingredients.
• Kare Raisu: It is Japanese curry rice. It includes rice served with vegetables and meat with a uniquely Japanese flavour.
• Tempura: The chief ingredients are vegetables and seafood; tempura is a tiny fried dish to be eaten in a single bite.
• Yakitori: It is the Japanese variety of brochette, originally made of chicken. However, other kinds of meat are also used today, including pork, beef and fish.

13. Anime and Manga

Nicknamed the land of the rising Sun, Japan encompasses cultural elements that are both rich and unique. Foremost among them are perhaps anime and Manga. The origin of Manga can be traced back to the 12th century, while anime is more recent.

14. Koi

Japan’s most majestic and graceful fish, Koi, with its ornamental colours, add an extra point to its popularity and tourism. It is commonly found swimming in the ponds of temples and Zen gardens. Sometimes called the rainbow fish, Koi are generally around three feet long, displaying a variety of appealing colour combinations. The orange, red, yellow and white represent the fish as a distinctly unique colour palette.

15. Japanese Alcohol (Sake)

If you are in Japan, you must try Nihonshu. People across the world commonly know it as Saké. Yes, the world-famous national drink of Japan. Fermented from polished rice, this is not just a leisure drink to have with friends. Traditionally, it is served in earthenware or a porcelain bottle and drunk from a small porcelain cup called Sakazuki.

16. Cherry Blossom

Sakura or Cherry blossoms are almost certainly one of the most beautiful scenes in Japan. It brings the welcome tone of spring with a pink hue. Moreover, the traditional events make the national flower more exceptional. Besides, the people of Japan wait for this one-week pink season throughout the year. March and April are the best seasons for you to experience the cherry blossom magic.

17. Kimono

Another unique feature that adds to the list of popular things in Japan is its traditional wear, Kimono. Worn by both sexes, Kimono became the chief clothing item for all sections of society during the 16th century. In modern times, the Japanese wear them on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, funerals, tea ceremonies and other traditional festivals.

18. Sumo Wrestling

Very few things embody the uniqueness of Japanese culture as Sumo wrestling. Integrated as a part of the Shinto ritual, this full-contact competitive wrestling has now gained the status of a national sport in Japan. Here a Rikishi (wrestler) has to force their opponent outside a circular ring or make any part of their body other than the soles of the feet touch the ground. However, it is a life of staunch discipline that the wrestlers have to lead.

19. Kintsugi

The term Kintsugi translates to "golden joinery". It is an age-old practice that became widely prevalent during the 17th century. It is the art of repairing broken ceramics using gold instead of a common adhesive. The philosophy behind this practice is to embrace every flow to create a more beautiful and stronger piece of art.

20. Punctuality

Last but not least, modern Japan is characterised by the meaning of punctuality. Yet, surprisingly, their approach to punctuality is so vigorous that even a single second late becomes the cause of mass displeasure and is considered nothing short of a social taboo.

The above article was a gist of what Japan is famous for - the places, food, activities, and culture of the country. Therefore, if you are planning to visit here, make sure that you do not miss out on this list.