10 Places To Add To Your Japan Travel Itinerary

Japan is an incredible country with so many beautiful things to see while you're there. It was definitely one of the highlights of all our travels in Asia. There's so much diversity in Japan—you have the modern cities, the cultural temples, and breathtaking natural landscapes. You can really experience it all when you travel there. On top of that, the food is absolutely amazing. For a huge foodie, it’s a complete paradise. 

The only issue is that there’s so much to see in Japan, so you really have to cram a lot into your travel itinerary to experience it all. On average, we walked around 30,000 steps a day while we were in Japan because there was just so much to explore. 

Things To See In Japan 

The typical tourist route includes Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka. We didn’t shy away from this route because there’s so much to see along the way. In this blog, we’ll cover all the best places to add to your itinerary while exploring these areas. Hopefully, this will help you narrow down what to prioritise while you're there! 

Shibuya Scramble Crossing 

We’re kicking off this blog in Tokyo, which is where most people start their trip to Japan. One of the most iconic spots in Tokyo is the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. It's one of the most recognisable places in Japan, featured in countless films and TV shows. 

It’s essentially a zebra crossing like we have in the UK, but with seven crossings connecting several different roads. It's rumoured to be one of the busiest places in Tokyo, with up to 33,000 people crossing at once. 

Experiencing it from the ground is amazing, walking across amongst huge crowds! If you stand on the street next to the crossing, you might even spot people driving Mario Kart-style cars, which is really cool to witness. 

However, my biggest tip is to visit one of the rooftop cafes to get an aerial view of the crossing. It's the best way to watch the chaos and do some people-watching. I'd avoid Starbucks or cafes right next to the crossing, as they get super busy. We went to one a bit further out called 5 Crossties Coffee, and it was perfect—quiet, with an excellent view. 

Meiji Jingu 

One of the great things about Japan is that it’s full of stunning temples. No matter which one you visit, you’re bound to be impressed. They’re often set in nature and showcase beautiful architecture. 

Even in the heart of Tokyo, one of the world’s most modern and densely populated cities, you’ll find peaceful temples. My favourite was Meiji Jingu, nestled in a massive woodland area right in the city centre. The walk around the temple is so serene; you can even hear birds tweeting despite being in the middle of Tokyo. 

There’s a huge, towering gate at the entrance, and inside you'll find beautifully painted sake barrels donated by breweries for good fortune. They make a lovely backdrop for Instagram photos. This was by far my favourite Tokyo temple and definitely worth adding to your itinerary. 

Omoide Yokocho 

As a big foodie, I couldn't leave this off the list. Omoide Yokocho is in Shinjuku, Tokyo. A collection of back alleys filled with tiny izakayas serving food and drinks. 

Izakayas are typically small, family-run restaurants. Along these narrow alleys, each stall has just a few seats and its own unique menu, which often changes with the seasons. Most stalls serve yakitori, delicious marinated skewers grilled over charcoal. As you walk through, the smell of smoky meat fills the air and makes you even hungrier. 

Tours often bring groups here, so it gets crowded, especially later in the evening. I’d recommend arriving earlier to beat the rush. Be aware that many places include a service charge, and they’ll usually serve a small vegetable snack as part of it, just to bare in mind before you sit down. 

Mount Fuji 

This is a proper bucket list experience. Seeing the majesty of Mount Fuji for the first time was exceptional, I could’ve cried when we spotted it from the train with a clear sky and a snowy peak. The photos really don’t do it justice. 

The problem is, it’s often cloudy, and the clouds can block the view, especially the summit. Also, during summer, the snowcap melts, so it’s not quite as picturesque. Your best chance of a clear view is between November and February, when the skies are clearer and there is the iconic snowy top. 

I’d recommend staying overnight nearby to increase your chances of seeing it, early mornings are best for visibility. I went to Lake Kawaguchi, which offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji, a large lake and a forest scenery. It’s also where the iconic Lawson convenience store is, which is famous on Instagram. It’s a great base for exploring the Five Lakes and other nearby attractions. 

Kiyomizu Temple 

Next, we head to Kyoto, another must-see in Japan. Kyoto is packed with temples, and it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. I went during autumn when the leaves were changing, and the city was glowing with vibrant reds and oranges. 

Kiyomizu Temple was my favourite. Its bright red architecture paired with the autumn colours made for a breathtaking view. There’s a beautiful, long walk through the temple grounds, and it’s truly impressive. 

Kyoto can be quite busy and touristy, so the popular spots often get crowded. I’d recommend getting up early to visit the temple and enjoy the tranquillity before the crowds arrive. 

Nishiki Market 

This is another foodie paradise to add to your travel itinerary. Japan has some of the best food in the world, mainly due to the incredible quality of ingredients. There's so much delicious food to try in Japan, from sashimi to tempura to mochi, so visiting a market where you can sample lots of different dishes in one go is ideal. Plus, it's a great place to pick up some tasty souvenirs. 

Nishiki Market is a well-known tourist attraction in Kyoto, so like many others, it can get quite crowded. I recommend going around lunchtime; most of the vendors will be open by then, and it’ll be a bit quieter than in the evening. 

One of my favourite treats from the market was fruit-stuffed mochi. It was filled with mandarin and white bean paste. So soft, light, and delicious! Another favourite was a stall selling soy-braised chicken leg alongside other dishes. The chicken was incredibly succulent and full of flavour, easily one of the best chicken dishes I’ve ever had. 

There’s something so joyful about grabbing street food and enjoying it on the side of the street with everyone else. One quirky stall I highly recommend is the one that turns tofu into sweet treats like doughnuts—they're surprisingly tasty! 

Togetsuyko Bridge 

One of the most popular things to see in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, people flock there for the famous Instagram shots. But, in my personal opinion, it’s extremely overrated. The forest is much smaller than it looks in photos and gets so packed with tourists that it’s hard to appreciate it properly. 

What I did love about Arashiyama, though, was the river and the Togetsukyo Bridge. The views are especially beautiful during the autumn leaves or cherry blossom season. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and there’s something so peaceful about walking along the river and discovering all the quirky little spots nearby. 

I’d still recommend visiting Arashiyama, but make sure to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. 

Arashiyma Monkey Park 

Another great feature of Arashiyama is the monkey park! It only costs a few quid to enter, and it’s such a fun way to see native Japanese snow monkeys in the wild. 

Be warned, it’s quite a hike to the top, and it's all uphill. But it’s completely worth it. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing panoramic view over Kyoto. And of course, loads of snow monkeys running around freely. 

There are a few rules to follow up there: don’t stare directly at the monkeys or show your teeth (they see that as aggression). You also have the chance to feed them, but only from inside a designated hut to keep things safe. 

It’s such a unique experience. Relaxing with gorgeous views while watching the monkeys play is definitely a memory that will stick with you. 

Fushimi Inari Shrine 

This might just be my favourite spot in Kyoto, it’s truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Fushimi Inari is a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of bright red torii gates, which stretch all the way up to the top of sacred Mount Inari. 

The gates are donated by local businesses (particularly rice farmers) as offerings for good fortune. As you walk through the area, you’ll see loads of fox statues too. There’s a legend that when farmers had a good harvest, foxes would appear, but when the harvest was poor, they wouldn’t. So, foxes became seen as messengers of Inari, the god of rice. 

The vivid red and black torii gates go on for miles. It’s a bit of a hike to the top, so you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness, but it’s so worth it. The higher you go, the quieter it gets, and the more peaceful the atmosphere becomes. 

It also offers the chance to snap that perfect Instagram photo. And yes, I know I sound like a broken record, but get there early to avoid the crowds! 

Nara 

Nara is a small town located between Kyoto and Osaka, and it's easily reached by train in under an hour from either city. The town itself is beautiful, surrounded by woodland, dotted with temples, and packed with tasty food options. 

But the thing that makes Nara truly famous? The deer. There are so many deer roaming freely around the town, and they’re not shy at all. They’ll come right up to you, especially if you’ve got the special crackers! 

You can buy crackers from vendors around town to feed the deer. Just be careful, they can get a bit cheeky! One tried to headbutt me to snatch a cracker out of my hand. My tip is to keep the crackers hidden and only take one out at a time when you see a deer you want to feed. 

The deer are also known for bowing to visitors. If you bow to them before giving them a cracker, they’ll often bow back. It’s such a sweet, memorable experience. Just remember to be respectful of the local rules regarding the animals. 

Conclusion 

And that brings us to the end of all the must-see places to add to your Japan travel itinerary. There are so many amazing things to see in Japan, this list could honestly go on forever. 

Japan is such a wonderful country, and you’re going to have a fantastic time no matter what you choose to do. The culture, the people, and the food alone are enough to keep you happy. But I hope this blog has helped you narrow down some of the highlights you definitely shouldn’t miss. 

Make sure to stay tuned for more blogs with travel tips and recommendations!