A compelling picture guide to Japan’s most cherished highlights and sights.

The big red torii of Itsukushima shrine in miyajima at sunset

Japan is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The contrast between modern technologies and ancient customs creates an abundance of reasons to visit the country. Yet the east Asian country still remains a bit off the common tourist tracks. There are many reasons to explain that: For one Japan is renowned for being prohibitively expensive. At the same time the Japanese seem to enjoy a couple of very queer customs (the penis festival comes to mind), and don’t mind eating deadly poisonous fish or whale flesh.

Yet the country offers so much more than sushi and mangas (checkout my list of the 20 best things to do in Japan). Throughout my visits I took a host of awe-inspiring photographs. This list will aim to convince you that there are in fact more reasons to visit Japan than any other country in the world. Here are 15 reasons why you definitely should visit Japan once in your lifetime (and do check out my Japan itinerary, if I could convince you)!

Reason #1: Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima

Itsukushima shrine in miyajima is one of the major reasons why tourists come to japan

A picture says more than 1.000 words and Miyajima dictates a whole tome! The beauty of this place will make you cry. (Read more about Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima here.)

Reason #2: Gingaku-Ji in Kyoto

Light reflecting on the water in front of Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto

A temple covered in gold-leaf. Few highlights in Japan gain more attention than Gingaku-Ji in Kyoto. This picture clearly tells you why.

Reason #3 Sumo-Wrestling

Sumo wrestling in japan is the reason why many people still love traditional sports

Sumo-wrestlers appear to be severely obese. But in fact, they are very nimble and will win their wrestling matches with deadly speed. (Find out how to watch a Sumo match here.)

Reason #4 Monkeys everywhere

Snow Monkeys grooming themselves at a temple

Japanese love animals. In some cities (like Nara) wild deer will walk freely around on the pavement. But monkeys are a favorite as well!

Reason #5 Everything is stylish in Japan

A stylish reason: the green benches of the Subway in Kyoto

The picture above doesn’t show the waiting area of an interior-design-office, but the subway in Kyoto! Expect outstanding design in Japan.

Reason #6 Fushimi Inari-Shrine

the red torii gates of fushimi inari-shrine in kyoto, japan

You’ve probably seen this one before. A lone red corridor? You are dead wrong! The Fushimi Inari-Shrine in Kyoto covers a whole hill with more than 10.000 such red gates! (read more about Fushimi Inari Shrine here)

Reason #7 Geishas in Japan

rear view of a geisha (meiko) in hanami lane, gion, kyoto

Kyoto is home to Japan’s living dolls. Since misconceptions exist concerning geishas, check out this article on the secret world of geisha-parties from an insider’s perspective.

Reason #8 Todaiji temple

The biggest wooden structure in japan - todaiji temple in nara, japan

The Todaiji is one of the biggest wooden structures in the world and home of the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. An impressive structure you do not want to miss on your trip to Japan! As you will be moving around quite a bit, I recommend you to get a JR Pass for unlimited train rides. For more tips, check out these 5 tips for planning your trip to Japan.

Reason #9 Japan’s covered with hot springs

Hot springs are the reason why many japanese take a day off from work; on the picture takaragawa onsen

Everyone will have heard of the many earthquakes in Japan. But the high level of volcanic activity has also a positive side. You’ll find beautiful hot springs literally everywhere. Probably no other country has such a sophisticated bathing culture. (read my review of the best onsen in Japan)

Reason #10 Kiyomizu-Dera

This is probably the most famous balcony in the world (okay let’s ignore Romeo & Julia). You might have seen this before and yes, this temple is located in Japan. (Check out more pictures of Kiyomizu-dera here.)

Reason #11 Stark contrasts

The Hamariyku gardens in Tokyo, Japan

This is a picture of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. In case you didn’t know, Japan is not only the country that virtually invented robots, it has also the last ruling emperor in the world! Easy equation: old + new = goodness!

Reason #12 Breath-taking villages

The UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go in Japan

Talking about old. Japan has quite a few scenic mountain villages. If you are interested in straw-thatched roofs and the rural life, you should definitely check out Shirakawa-go.

Reason #13 Active city life

The Tokyo Skyline at night seen from the Mori Tower at Roppongi Hills in Japan

Few countries in the world are so densely populated as Japan. It wouldn’t be Japan if beauty couldn’t be found here as well! The best look-out on Tokyo will be the Mori Tower in Roppongi-Hills!

Tokyo, as a whole, is my favorite city in the world! It certainly is also horribly expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit. Teaching English in Tokyo can be a viable option and of course, there are the infamous capsule hotels.

Reason #14 Parks and gardens

The Japanese go crazy on horticulture. I’ve never seen such breath-taking gardens before! The picture above will clearly convince you too!

Reason #15 Amazing traditions

A procession of actors in the shuri castle in naha, okinawa, japan

Throughout Japan you will find many, many local festivals. Professional actors and locals alike will reenact history battles, parades or events. (The above picture was taken in Okinawa.)

[Bonus Reason] Crazy Mascots

weird employee of lawson behind the counter wearing a plush bear hat in japan

Last on my list and another reason to visit Japan: They might seem low-key, they might seem reclusive and they certainly are very, very polite. But in fact, they are one and all utterly crazy! The picture above shows an employee at a supermarket!

You’ve been to Japan before? Share your favorite reasons with me in the comment section below!

4 COMMENTS

    • Yeah it’s amazing. Looking at the pictures and standing before it is a big difference. That thing is just so huge!
      (oh btw – your comment ended up in my spam folder.)

  1. What is your opinion about “Bamboo Forest of Sagano”? You can include a guide for the Bamboo Forest of Sagano? I am knew to know more about this place. Is it awesome for travelers?

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