Yi ShaoJapan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world to visit. From stunning flower gardens to spectacular ancient buildings, there are gorgeous places at every corner. However, there are places that stand head and shoulders above the rest – places so stunning they could have came out of a painting.
1. Himeji Castle
Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture
Image Credits: Ken
Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, also known as the “white heron” castle, is one of Japan’s most stunning castles. Its white outer walls, which are white due to a plaster coating, and black roof makes it extremely striking. A UNESCO world heritage site, this beauty is also one of Japan’s 12 original castles.
2. The Adachi Museum of Art
Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture
Image Credits: Austronesian Expeditions
Image Credits: brian_ytsu
The Japanese garden in the Adachi Museum of Art is described as a “living Japanese painting”. With rolling lawns and perfectly maintained trees that complement the backdrop of Matsue, this does seems particularly apt. The Japanese Garden in the Adachi Museum of Art was also picked as the best Japanese garden out of the 900 odd gardens in Japan – convinced yet?
3. Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture
Image Credits: Takashi .M
Image Credits: kobaken++
Image Credits: Katorisi
Image Credits: Reginald Pentinio
The Hitachi Seaside Garden is a public park most famous for its nemophila blooms, which turns the park into a surreal sea of blue in the early summer. It isn’t only breathtaking in summer; flowers in the garden are in full bloom throughout the year, from tulips in the spring to the cosmos during autumn. As such, no matter when you go, you will be greeted by an unearthly, beautiful expanse of flowers.
4. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Image Credits: Loïc Lagarde
The Fushimi Inari shrine is famous for the Senbontorii, hiking trails up Mount Inari that are enclosed by thousands of Torii gates. As the Fushimi Inari shrine is said to be the most important shrine of the deity Inari, and donations made at its Torii Gate is said to ensure prosperous business, it’s a place popular with travellers and locals alike.
Walking through the Senbontorii is an experience that can only be described as ethereal, with the sunlight filtering through the numerous Torii gates.
5. Kabira Bay
Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture
Image Credits: Nicholas Wang
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This is the one place that will leave you awe and wondering if you are on earth or otherwise. Kabira Bay’s azure waters and white sands truly makes it a beach paradise on Earth. So be sure to take lots of pictures when you visit!
You can enjoy swimming or diving in the waters as well as there are gorgeous coral reefs on the seabed of this island.
6. Yakushima
Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture
Image Credits: Casey Yee
Image Credits: Casey Yee
Yakushima’s warm-temperate forest is completely unique and has been designated as a world heritage UNESCO site since 1993. The forest has a haunting beauty and it is easy to see why Hayako Mizayaki used Yakushima’s forests as an inspiration for the forest setting in his movie “Princess Mononoke”.
Also Read: 9 Places in Japan that are totally Instagram-worthy
7. Awaji Yumebutai
Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture
Image Credits: 663highland
Image Credits: pohan-camera
A creation by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Awaji Yumebutai was built to commemorate the victims of the great Hanshin earthquake and it is a spectacular architectural masterpiece. The Hyakudanen Garden on the premises make a play on the illusion of the neverending staircase. The other parts of the building are not to be outdone though, with fairytale-esque gardens and sweeping spaces featured all around this complex.
8. Sagano Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture
Image Credits: Trey Ratcliff
Image Credits: Casey Yee
The Sagano Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama is considered one of the most beautiful forests in the world and is located only 30 minutes from Kyoto.
Once here, besides looking at the awe-inspiring bamboo trees towering above and the shards of sunlight that filter through the trees, you should also listen closely to the sounds the wind makes as it rustles through the tree. Sagano Bamboo forest has been called one of the top natural soundscapes of Japan and the sound is truly memorable.
9. Itsukushima Shrine
Miyajima, Hiroshima Province
Image Credits: Floyd Manzano
Image Credits: Nicola Albertini
The Torii gate in Itsukushima is one of the most photographed places in all of Japan. When the tide is high, the Torii gate looks like it is floating in water and there is something truly magical it, especially during the sunset. The rest of Itsukushima is worth looking at too. The temple buildings are fantastically beautiful and the azure waters here will appeal to beach lovers.
10. Kinkaku-ji
Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Image Credits: Luke Ma
The top two floors of Kinkaku-ji (also known as the golden pavilion) is covered on the outside with gold leaf, giving the pavilion its distinctive golden color. As the shrine is surrounded by greenery all around, you will notice its color and beauty even from afar. On still days, you will be able to see the reflection of the pavilion in the water surrounding the pavilion which makes for an extremely scenic view.
11. Mount Fuji
Honshu, Shizuoka Prefecture
Image Credits: Christian Kadluba
Image Credits: Reginald Pentinio
Mount Fuji has been depicted in many paintings and literary works through the ages, and it’s going to be pretty surreal witnessing it in real life. The mountain dwarfs the villages at its base, giving all visitors a sense of awe.
Also Read: Japan’s Hidden Gems: 12 Underrated Destinations you need to Visit
12. Byodo-in
Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
Image Credits: Christian Junker – AHKGAP
Image Credits: ansel.ma
The main building in the Byodo-in Complex, Phoenix hall, is considered an extremely important historical building and if you’re sharp enough, you’ll notice it’s actually featured at the back of 10 Yen coins. Besides the rich history behind this building, its exterior is also extremely elegant. With the hall and the art within a shining exemplar of mid-Heian architecture, visitors are in for a feast of the senses.
