Japan Things to Do

  Kiyomaru Statue
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Most Viewed Things to Do in Japan

26.

Asakusa   Tokyo

Asakusa, Tokyo

 159 Reviews  If you are not able to visit Kyoto the mother of temples in japan, then Go to asakusa and you will get little of kyoto's atmosphere. visit the temple Sensoji, it's nice but for sure NOT like those in... 

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27.

Gion (Geisha district)   Kyoto

Gion (Geisha district), Kyoto

 64 Reviews  It's not a long walk but it really holds a historical look. building looks new but in the old japanese style. Restaurants there are little above the average price wise. at the end of the road you will... 

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28.

Universal studio   Osaka

Universal studio, Osaka

 25 Reviews  in japanese that ture but still loads for fun for those who have never been to universal stuido of usa. just access the site of universal sutio and you will understand everthing , it is a very... 

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29.

Nagoya Castle   Nagoya

Nagoya Castle, Nagoya

 28 Reviews  With its famed golden shachi dolphin roof decorations, Nagoya Castle is the de-facto symbol of the city. Built in 1612, the main edifice was reconstructed in 1959 on its original foundation after... 

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30.

Meriken Park & Harborland   Kobe

Meriken Park & Harborland, Kobe

 24 Reviews  in this area, you can do a lot. there is the mosaic mall just on the other side from kobe tower, all the cafe and restaurants there have the sea view. i wrote a review about the aswome fisherman... 

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31.

Peace Park and Memorial Museum   Hiroshima

Peace Park and Memorial Museum, Hiroshima

 128 Reviews  I once stayed with a friend who lived a stone's throw away from the Peace Museum in Nagasaki and since then, I have always wondered what it was like to live near a building charged with so much... 

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32.

Todaiji Temple   Nara

Todaiji Temple, Nara

 75 Reviews  Todai-ji ("Great Eastern Temple") is reputedly the largest wooden structure in the world, and it houses what must be one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha around, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.... 

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33.

Itsukushima Shrine   Miyajima

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

 30 Reviews  If you are in the Hiroshima city, you must visit Itsukushima-Jinjya in Miyajima. It's the shrine (not a temple) with famous red torii (gate) in the water, but has lots more than just the... 

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34.

Korakuen Garden   Okayama

Korakuen Garden, Okayama

 12 Reviews  Korakuen Garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan since the Edo Period. It was constructed by Tsuda Nagatada by orders of the daimyo Ikeda Tsunamasa and took thirteen years to... 

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35.

Snow Monkey Park   Nagano

Snow Monkey Park, Nagano

 4 Reviews  Without a doubt, one of the coolest spectacles in all of Japan is to watch the wild snow monkeys of the Japanese Alps sit out a snowy winter day soaking in the hot waters of a naturally-heated onsen.... 

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36.

Shinjuku   Tokyo

Shinjuku, Tokyo

 72 Reviews  This was a stunning experience with all the different varieties of cherry trees in full blossom. Incredibly beautiful! The garden is run by the Ministry of the environment now but it has a long... 

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37.

Kiyomizu Temple   Kyoto

Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto

 99 Reviews  Kiyomizu-dera Temple is perhaps the most beloved of Kyoto's temples and is a fixture in the minds of the Japanese people. The temple's veranda juts out of the side of a mountain supported by... 

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38.

castle   Osaka

castle, Osaka

 63 Reviews  First built in the 1580s on the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle was the largest castle in Japan, a magnificent structure used by Toyotomi as a military stronghold from which to wage war... 

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39.

Parks   Nagoya

Parks, Nagoya

 9 Reviews  Huge success of Shiratori Garden in 1989 led to a number of Japanese garden reconstructions throughout Japan. Tokugawaen Garden built in 2004 is one of such notable examples slightly based on the... 

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40.

Chinatown (Nankin-Machi)   Kobe

Chinatown (Nankin-Machi), Kobe

 12 Reviews  Kobe is home to one of Japan's three most famous Chinatowns (Yokohama and Nagasaki being the other two), so when the Chinese New Year arrives (setsubun), the Chinatowns are great places to visit, and... 

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41.

Miyajima   Hiroshima

Miyajima, Hiroshima

 33 Reviews  I was skeptical about the appeal of Mt. Misen since one round trip ticket costed me 1800 yen, which was by far the most expensive ropeway I had ever used. "No view is worth this much, " I remember... 

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42.

Nara Park   Nara

Nara Park, Nara

 33 Reviews  Nara Park and Miyajima are probably Japan's most famous places to see, pet, and feed deer! The park itself is rather ordinary and unspectacular (not counting all of the historical sites within and... 

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43.

Five-Tiered Pagoda   Miyajima

Five-Tiered Pagoda, Miyajima

 8 Reviews  The beautiful curved roofs of the Goju-no-to Pagoda and strinking vermilion colouring are a familiar sight on the island of Miyajima. Standing on a hill overlooking the bay and Itsukushima Shrine, the... 

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44.

Kibiji District (Kibi Plains)   Okayama

Kibiji District (Kibi Plains), Okayama

 6 Reviews  Saijo Inari is known as one of the three great Inari Shrines in Japan (Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari in Aichi being the other two). It is unique, because the complex is composed of a... 

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45.

Zenkoji Temple   Nagano

Zenkoji Temple, Nagano

 5 Reviews  The main hall is typical Buddhist architecture from the mid Edo Period. The principle image is enshrined inside the altar in the innermost temple. Admission to the inner temple is 500 Yen, and... 

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46.

Ueno Park   Tokyo

Ueno Park, Tokyo

 78 Reviews  It's a large public park in central Tokyo, not the best but probably the one offering the most attractions (museums, zoo,temples..). It's also one of the most famous and popular spot in Tokyo for... 

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47.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)   Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

 103 Reviews  So when someone has vision's of Japan you imagine 2 things ... first... the modern neon lights, crowded Japan and then the 2nd vision is the peaceful gardens with ancient temples ...... And the Golden... 

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48.

Dotombori   Osaka

Dotombori, Osaka

 22 Reviews  When you see images of Japan this is what the outside world sees ... The neon light, the big crowds .... and this is exactly what you experience when coming to Dontobori Street in Osaka ..... lined... 

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49.

Shrines & Temples   Nagoya

Shrines & Temples, Nagoya

 12 Reviews  1900-year-old shrine with lush evergreen forest is best known by one of the three Imperial Regalia, Kusanagi sword. The shrine saw the modification after the Meiji Restoration. It is a nice place to... 

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50.

Mount Rokko   Kobe

Mount Rokko, Kobe

 7 Reviews  A highland pasture spread on the peak of Mt. Rokko. Sheep, donkeys and ponies are free to graze, and visitors can come in close contact with the animals. Children can learn and try to take milk from... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Challenge

by nihonongaku

I have called this a challenge for a reason, when I arrived and saw all the Torii I went for a little dander, which turned into a stroll, which turned into a walk and finally into an agonizing fast pace panic as I began to wonder if I was lost and ever going to find the way out never mind find the top. After further reading I found out there are in fact over 10,000 of these Torii gates leading some 4km into the hills for your standard casual 2 HOUR stroll. Should have read that before I went. A bit of advice is to go early because it can become a bit dangerous and slippery when it gets dark. I went in the afternoon in June (the rainy season) hence the panic. It is really worth it though a nice spring sunshine was high in the sky allowing for some beautiful glare shots through the Torii. It is a really picturesque place and perfect for the professional or aspiring photographer. Or like me...

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Kyoto City Tour

by pharsadi

If you are in Kyoto, you can do a half day city tour. The city tour can be booked at the JR Kyoto train station. They have many different packages to suit your needs. Prices ranges from mid 1000 yen to mid 9000 yen. If you want the convenience, this kind of tour might be for you. But if you don't like your time to be restrained while visiting places of interests, this tour might not be for you. And also, if you want to do the tour, check whether or not it is a Japanese language only tour.

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HARAJUKU - Cos-play-zoku & rockabilly

by Pixiekatten

A Sunday afternoon in Tokyo is wellspent in Harajuku!Bewitness the colourful Cos-play-zoku (roleplay, costume play gang) amongst the youngsters at Jingu-bashi at the entrance to Yoyogi koen (park). You find them as soon as you exit the Harajuku station. I heard from friends that a lot of these kids are bullied at school and this is their way to let of some steam. Don't be afraid to take pictures! They will pose quite happily!For more crazy costume dramas go watch the Rockabilly dudes dancing! Such energy. Such cool music. Such crazy hair-do's!!! They hang out on a parking lot a couple of minutes from Yoyogi koen.Then at last. enter the park for a quiet strole. WRONG! Join the outdoor rave going on in the park. If only for a few minutes. Even if you dont normally dance. The crowd will love you. And you will go to bed with a great feeling of unrealness... Perfect way to spend a Sunday!

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NARA

by Pixiekatten

Nara - once a capital (the 1st). Now a town with 8 UNESCO world herritage sights. Head for NARA KOEN (park). Its around here you find most of the temples. TODAI-JI shouldnt be missed. Amazing temple with a huge Daibutsu (Great Buddha) hall. This is Naras star attraction!Its also here you find the cute but sometimes vicious deers (about 1200 of them). Beware! Dont carry anything edible in your pockets, they will try to get it. And their bites hurt! See pic below...When not temple hopping Nara is a pleasant town to strole around. If you're stopping for coffee and a cake find DOUCE. I cant say exactly where it is, only that it is in the very west of the town! Yummiest cakes I ever had!And for food:OKARU - 13 Higashi-mukiminamimati (that is the actual address!)They make the best okonomiyaki on hot plates on your table!!! ENJOY NARA!!!

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KYOTO STATION

by Pixiekatten

Kyoto - home of 100s and 100s of shrines and temples. But it is allowed to wake up one morning in your ryokan or hostel and feel just a tiny bit tired of them. This is the right day to explore something quite different. Something taken right from a science fiction novel or movie... This is the right day to head for Kyoto station. Its futuristic... all steel and glas... some parts of it always reminds me of the ending in Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back. Riding that escalator up up up, I kinda expect to see Skywalker fighting Vader. But theres no sounds of lightsabers. Just speakers announcing train departures and arrivals.The 15th floor is the observation level... you see beyonde the city limits! Mountains in the distance. Amazing!There's also a hotel at Kyoto station which got great examples of Ikebana in its lobby for the one interested in the japanese art of presenting flowers....

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GION

by Pixiekatten

As you might have understood from reading the introduction to my Japan pages I absolutely love the Kansai region. And most of all I adore Kyoto. I have fallen in love with Gion, the geisha district.Narrow alleys, traditional houses, cute shops and lovely teahouses. If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a geisha or a maiko (an apprentice). To experience the traditional Gion, stroll along Hanami-koji, a street lined by beautiful old buildings, teahouses and restaurants. Minamiza kabuki theater is located in Gion. Another must is to visit the Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine.

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KOYASAN - MT KOYA

by Pixiekatten

KOYASAN - A World Herritage SightWhen you had enough of the cities and need to escape the madness and noice, go to Koyasan.Let the temples and shrines here blow you away. Go hiking in the hills. Stay at a temple, listen o the monks tell the stories of Buddhism. Meditate. Relax.NOT TO BE MISSED:The shrines of divinities! Several shrines in one small area. Some of the most beautiful in Japan, I thought anyway. For great temple to stay at, see my accomodation tips!

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USUKI - Home of the ancient stone Buddhas -

by Pixiekatten

This small town was one of the highlights on my trip. It was quiet and relaxed. Cute, traditional streets lead me past USUKI CASTLE RUINS and out of the town. On my way to see the STONE BUDDHAS , carved into a mountain.It was about a 3km walk to get there (perfect to get a bike since busses dont go very frequent), following a quite big busy road. However there was a good space for walking and cycling so it wasn't a problem. But for being late mid-May it was extremely hot. BRING WATER!!The area where the stone Buddhas can be found is worth all the trouble to get there!!! Tucked away in a bamboo forest the carvings are impressive and a amazing way to spend the day. Walking up and down those hills, listening to the birds singing, hearing the breeze in the trees, looking up on the faces of Buddha sure brings a special fealing in your gut. Peace. Of heart and mind!Also not to be...

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Matsushima, Miyagi-ken

by FelixB

Matsushima is located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku area. It is pretty close to one of Japan's largest cities, Sendai. I went there on my JR East Railway Pass and it was really worth the trip.Matsushima is known throughout Japan as part of the three most scenic places in Japan. The Bay of Matsushima is packed with small islands covered with pine trees. The islands look like they are made of limestone. The color makes a great contrast to the trees, in my opinion.Not only can you find those islands with pine trees but the water has also created a bunch of islands in weird shapes. For example, islands shaped like waves or a Samurai helmet (Kabuto-jima).I took a cruise boat from the harbor for a trip around the bay. It costs 1400 ¥ and lasts for about 50 minutes. Here you get sort of an overview of the bay and the most famous of the strangly shaped islands can be seen (Niou-jima, see...

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Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken

by FelixB

Yokohama is Japan's second largest city, capital of Kanagawa prefecture and is part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. After the Edo Period, in which Japan isolated itself from foreign influences, Yokohama was the first harbor to open for foreign ships. This resulted in Yokohama growing from a small fishing village to a bustling city. Still today many people from Tokyo and elsewhere consider Yokohama as a trendy city influenced by western fashion.In fact, Yokohama has an above-average amount of foreigners living there. The Chinatown of Yokohama, called Chuukagai, is the largest in all of Japan. It features a large variety of delicacy shops, restaurants and other Chinese shops. I visited the brand new food theme park "Daska" with different restaurants and a live show as well as a little musuem set in 1920's Shanghai. Entrance is 500¥.The most famous attraction of Yokohama, however, is the...

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Hotel Granvia Kyoto  Kyoto

 6 Reviews and 478 Opinions  We stayed 3 nights at Kyoto Granvia Hotel from Feb. 27 to Mar 1, 2008. We paid Yen 17,600 per night,... 

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Dotonbori Hotel Osaka  Osaka

 7 Reviews and 88 Opinions  I've personally stayed in this hotel twice in my previous 2 trips to Osaka. Famous for their... 

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Things to Do: Cities in Japan
  1. Tokyo Things to Do
  2. Kyoto Things to Do
  3. Osaka Things to Do
  4. Nagoya Things to Do
  5. Kobe Things to Do
  6. Okinawa Things to Do
  7. Hiroshima Things to Do
  8. Sasebo Things to Do
  9. Narita Things to Do
  10. Nara Things to Do
  11. Shinjuku Things to Do
  12. Sapporo Things to Do
  13. Fukuoka Things to Do
  14. Yokohama Things to Do
  15. Takayama Things to Do
  16. Nikko Things to Do
  17. Hamamatsu Things to Do
  18. Niigata Things to Do
  19. Yokosuka Things to Do
  20. Miyajima Things to Do
  21. Okayama Things to Do
  22. Hakone Things to Do
  23. Naha Things to Do
  24. Himeji Things to Do
  25. Kamakura Things to Do
  26. Nagano Things to Do
  27. Kitakyushu Things to Do
  28. Sendai Things to Do
  29. Nagasaki Things to Do
  30. Kawasaki Things to Do
  31. Hakodate Things to Do
  32. Misawa Things to Do
  33. Beppu Things to Do
  34. Kumamoto Things to Do
  35. Okinawa City Things to Do
  36. Fuji-Hakone-Izu-kokuritsu-koen Things to Do
  37. Iwakuni Things to Do
  38. Chiba Things to Do
  39. Otaru Things to Do
  40. Harajuku Things to Do
  41. Toyama Things to Do
  42. Shizuoka Things to Do
  43. Koyasan Things to Do
  44. Kanazawa Things to Do
  45. Yokohama Things to Do
  46. Utsunomiya Things to Do
  47. Matsuyama Things to Do
  48. Tsukuba Things to Do
  49. Matsumoto Things to Do
  50. Odawara Things to Do

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Q:  Toyoko Inn Club Card - I read that the price for this membership card is 1500yen. When is the expiration for this card for... 

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A: Generally the price of the room listed on the website should be the price of the room, at least for Japanese hotels. I can't guarantee it though. Booking.com may add... 

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