Top 50 Must-See Scenic Spots in Japan: Finding Your Perfect Photos
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Top 50 Must-See Scenic Spots in Japan: Finding Your Perfect Photos
Japan is home to countless breathtaking scenic spots. Landscapes woven by the changing seasons, views nurtured by history and culture, and new sights created by modern art…
In this guide, we have carefully selected and introduced 50 of Japan’s most spectacular locations, especially those that are photogenic. From classic tourist destinations to hidden gems known only to locals, this guide is packed with information to support your picturesque journey!
Come on, grab your camera, and let’s embark on a journey to discover the stunning scenery of Japan!
Hokkaido & Tohoku Area
1. Shrine of God’s Child Pond (Hokkaido)
A mystical pond formed from groundwater originating in Lake Mashu. Its high transparency allows a clear view of the submerged fallen logs.
2. Blue Pond (Hokkaido)
A fantastical landscape created by dead larch trees and cobalt blue water surfaces.
3. Farm Tomita (Hokkaido)
A representative tourist spot in Hokkaido, featuring vast lavender fields.
4. Shirahige Falls (Hokkaido)
A waterfall over the Biei River. The white, foamy spray resembles a white beard.
5. Lake Toya (Hokkaido)
The magnificent view created by Lake Toya, a caldera lake, the island floating on its surface, and volcanic groups like Usuzan and Showazankazan.
6. Okuirase Stream (Aomori Prefecture)
One of Japan’s representative streams, famous for its beautiful fresh green foliage and autumn leaves.
7. Lake Towada (Aomori/Akita Prefectures)
A caldera lake with a mystical atmosphere.
8. Shirakami Mountains (Aomori/Akita Prefectures)
Primeval beech forest registered as a World Heritage Site.
9. Hachimantai (Akita/Iwate Prefectures)
A plateau where magnificent nature spreads out.
10. Zao Snow Monsters (Yamagata/Miyagi Prefectures)
An art created by nature, visible only in winter.
11. Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
A hot spring town imbued with the atmosphere of Taisho Romance.
12. Matsushima (Miyagi Prefecture)
One of Japan’s Three Views. The scenery created by over 260 large and small islands is truly spectacular.
13. Jordogahama Beach (Iwate Prefecture)
A beautiful coast featuring white rock faces and emerald green sea.
14. Ryusen Cave (Iwate Prefecture)
One of Japan’s three great limestone caves. A mysterious underground lake spreads out.
15. Goshiki Swamp (Fukushima Prefecture)
A mystical place where various colored swamps are scattered.
Kanto Area
16. Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki Prefecture)
The park blooms with flowers of all four seasons, such as Nemophila in spring and Kochia in autumn.
17. Takakura Waterfall (Ibaraki Prefecture)
One of Japan’s Three Famous Waterfalls. You can see the powerful waterfall up close.
18. Tﾅ行hﾅ-gﾅｫ Shrine, Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture)
A World Heritage Site adorned with gorgeous decorations.
19. Kegon Falls (Tochigi Prefecture)
One of Japan’s Three Famous Waterfalls. The waterfall flowing from Lake Chuzenji is incredibly powerful.
20. Fukiwari Waterfall (Gunma Prefecture)
A powerful waterfall, also known as the ‘Niagara of the Orient.’
21. Oze Field (Gunma/Fukushima/Niigata/Tochigi Prefectures)
Various alpine plants bloom across a vast wetland.
22. Metropolitan Outer Underground Discharge Channel (Saitama Prefecture)
A massive underground drainage channel, sometimes called the ‘Underground Temple.’ (Advance reservation required for viewing)
23. Nokﾅ Falls & Kameiwa Cave (Chiba Prefecture)
A mystical spot where light entering the cave reflects on the water surface, forming a heart shape.
24. Egawa Coast (Chiba Prefecture)
A nostalgic scene with utility poles lined up along the sea.
25. Lake Ashi (Kanagawa Prefecture)
A scenic spot representing Hakone. You can enjoy magnificent views overlooking Mount Fuji.
26. ﾅ詣akudani (Kanagawa Prefecture)
An area with rugged scenery formed by volcanic activity.
27. Shinkurayama Asama Park Chureito Pagoda (Yamanashi Prefecture)
A spectacular spot where you can view Mount Fuji and a five-story pagoda simultaneously.
28. Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi Prefecture)
One of the Five Fuji Lakes. The beautiful reflection of Mt. Fuji on the water surface is stunning.
Chubu Area
29. Shirakawa-go (Gifu Prefecture)
A World Heritage Site featuring Gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
30. Kamikochi (Nagano Prefecture)
The gateway to the Northern Alps, where beautiful nature spreads out.
31. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Toyama/Nagano Prefectures)
One of the world’s leading mountain tourist routes, passing through mountains over 3,000m high.
32. Kurobe Dam (Toyama Prefecture)
A massive dam representing Japan. You can see a powerful sightseeing release of water.
33. Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa Prefecture)
One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. You can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
34. Tojinbo (Fukui Prefecture)
A powerful scenic spot with continuous rugged rock faces.
35. Sannomiya Gorge Dream Suspension Bridge (Shizuoka Prefecture)
A thrilling suspension bridge spanning an emerald green lake surface.
36. Shiraito Falls (Shizuoka Prefecture)
A beautiful waterfall where melted snow from Mount Fuji flows down.
37. Mt. Fuji (Shizuoka/Yamanashi Prefectures)
The symbol of Japan, boasting the greatest height and beauty.
Kinki Area
38. Takeda Castle Ruins (Hyogo Prefecture)
Described as a ‘Castle in the Sky’ or ‘Machu Picchu of Japan,’ floating in sea of clouds.
39. Thiﾃｪn Bridge (Kyoto Prefecture)
One of Japan’s Three Views. When viewed from below, it looks like a bridge hanging from the sky.
40. Arashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture)
A representative scenic spot in Kyoto, featuring Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove Path.
41. Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)
The view from the ‘Kiyomizu Stage’ is breathtaking.
42. Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto Prefecture)
A mysterious shrine with thousands of torii gates.
43. Nachi Falls (Wakayama Prefecture)
One of Japan’s Three Famous Waterfalls. The waterfall, boasting the highest drop in Japan, is incredibly powerful.
44. Shirahama (Wakayama Prefecture)
A resort area with white sandy beaches and emerald green seas.
45. Toro Gorge (Wakayama/Nara/Mie Prefectures)
A gorge designated as a National Special Scenic Spot and Natural Monument.
46. Yoshino Mountain (Nara Prefecture)
The most famous spot in Japan for viewing cherry blossoms.
Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa Area
47. Tottori Sand Dunes (Tottori Prefecture)
One of the largest sand dunes in Japan.
48. Kakojima Bridge (Yamaguchi Prefecture)
A beautiful bridge spanning emerald green seas.
49. Akihigashi Plateau & Akishﾅ Cave (Yamaguchi Prefecture)
One of Japan’s largest karst plateaus and a magnificent cave.
50. Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Oita Prefecture)
A tourist attraction in Beppu Onsen, where various colored hot springs gush out.
(Additional Spots)
Tips for Capturing Scenic Views
- Time of Day: The scenery changes dramatically depending on the time, such as sunrise, sunset, or magic hour.
- Weather: Not only sunny days, but even rainy or cloudy days can yield fantastically beautiful photos.
- Composition: By being mindful of horizontal and vertical lines, or using the rule of thirds, you can create more compelling photographs.
- Lenses: Using various lenses, such as wide-angle or telephoto, expands your creative possibilities.
- Settings: Adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity allows you to get closer to the image in your mind.
- Shoot in RAW: To allow for easier post-processing, shooting in RAW format enables more detailed adjustments later on.
Conclusion: On a Journey Through Japan’s Scenery
In this guide, we introduced 50 spectacular spots across Japan.
Japan still holds countless beautiful landscapes. We encourage you to use this guide as inspiration and set out on your own journey to discover the scenery of your dreams. You are sure to capture wonderful photos and memories.
Important Tips for Planning Your Trip:
- Access: Some spots are accessible by public transport, while others are difficult to reach without a car. Be sure to research in advance.
- Attire: When visiting nature, such as mountains or the sea, choose comfortable clothing and shoes.
- What to Bring: Prepare necessary items like cameras, tripods, extra batteries, drinks, and snacks.
- Manners: Cherish nature and remember to take all trash with you. Be considerate of other tourists.
- Latest Information: Due to weather or local conditions, there may be road closures or entry restrictions. Please check the official website in advance.
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