Choose from 200 Fun Things to Do in Japan
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Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island (also known as Itzukushima) has been a Shinto holy place for centuries and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, a red gate (torii) rising from the water just off Miyajima’s shores. Other ancient shrines and temples speckle the island, nestled among a thick forest of maple and cherry trees.
The Basics
Visit Miyajima Island’s many temples, hike through the forest, and see the views from Mount Misen. You can also visit an aquarium, peruse a small history museum, and shop for souvenirs on Omote-Sando, the island’s main street.
Most Miyajima Island day tours depart from Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima. It’s also possible to visit on a multi-day tour and visit the island along with notable cities such as Okayama, Kurashiki, and Hiroshima. On Miyajima, you can explore Mount Misen on a guided walking tour or see island highlights on a rickshaw tour. Private tours are also available for a personalized experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Miyajima Island is a must-see for nature and culture lovers.
- A variety of restaurants and convenience stores can be found on Omoto-Sando shopping street.
- At low tide you can actually walk out to Itsukushima Shrine and pass through it.
- The island has public restrooms.
How to Get There
By boat, Miyajima Island can be reached from Hiroshima in less than an hour. Direct boats run from Hiroshima Peace Park and from Hiroshima Port.
When to Get There
Known for its maples and broad-leafed trees, Miyajima Island is particularly picturesque in autumn. Spring is also a good time to visit, when the island’s cherry trees are in bloom. Since Miyajima is a popular day trip destination, most visitors leave by dusk. To see the island free of crowds, stay overnight in a traditional inn (ryokan).
Where to Hike on Mount Misen
Mount Misen sits 1,640 feet (500 meters) above sea level and has three hiking trails: the Momijidani, Daisho-in, and Omoto courses. The Daisho-in trail is the easiest and offers great views along the way. Each course leads to the summit in about two hours, and you might see deer—and even wild monkeys—along the way. On clear days, it’s possible to see Hiroshima from Misen’s peak.
Address: Miyajima Island, Japan
From $ 6
Lake Motosu
Lake Motosu is the westernmost and third largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, which are situated at the foot of Mount Fuji. Lake Motosu sits at an elevation of 900 meters, which is the same as nearby Lake Shoji and Lake Sai, suggesting that the three lakes in fact used to be just one. These lakes are said to have been divided by an enormous lava flow from Mount Fuji and remain connected to this day via underground waterways.
Activities on and around the the lake include fishing, hiking, boat trips, and a number of watersports, and there are a few campsites around its shores for visitors looking to spend the night.
The annual Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held in the area surrounding Lake Motosu. It takes place between April and May when fields of pink moss flowers bloom together, with the backdrop of the mighty Mount Fuji in the background.
Practical Info
There’s a regular Chuo Highway Bus between Tokyo’s Shinjuku and the Fuji Five Lakes area, with the trip taking approximately 2.5 hours.
Address: Lake Motosu, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture 409-3714, Japan
From $ 90
Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)
One of the largest public aquariums in the world, Osaka Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan, is home to various species found in the Pacific Rim, most specifically, in the "Ring of Fire."
With 27 of the largest tanks in the world, the aquarium houses 16 main exhibits with the goal of reflecting the sea life's natural habitat. Guests can learn about all of the sea creatures through themed exhibition halls and interactive activities. Only a thin sheet of glass separates visitors from the denizens of the deep, from whale sharks and sand-scuttling spider crabs to jellyfish, otters, seals, dolphins and penguins.
With 27 of the largest tanks in the world, the aquarium houses 16 main exhibits with the goal of reflecting the sea life's natural habitat. Guests can learn about all of the sea creatures through themed exhibition halls and interactive activities. Only a thin sheet of glass separates visitors from the denizens of the deep, from whale sharks and sand-scuttling spider crabs to jellyfish, otters, seals, dolphins and penguins.
Practical Info
Osaka Aquarium is in the Tempozan Harbor Village in the west of Osaka, a five-minute walk from Osakako subway station and close to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. The site is set near a number of restaurants and shops.
Address: 1-1-10 Kaigan-dori, Minato-ku, Osaka 552-0022, Japan
Hours: Daily 10am–8pm
Admission: Adults: ¥ 2,300, Children: ¥ 600 - ¥ 1,200
From $ 21
Omotesando
Omotesando is an attractive, well-groomed, tree-lined street between Shibuya and Minato in Tokyo. Designed as an entranceway to Meiji Shrine, the street pays homage to the deified spirits of Emperor Maiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.
In modern years, Omotesando has earned a reputation as one of the most fashion-forward neighborhoods in the world, with high-end shops all within close range of one another. Some of the brands featured in this area include Louis Vuitton, Prada and Dior. Due to its chic style, Omotesando is also a prime location for people-watching. Many of Tokyo's elite can be found shopping and dining here.
Practical Info
Omotesando encompasses the area between Omotesando Station and the entrance to the Meiji Shrine. It is located near Harajuki, just south of Takeshita Dori, a street well-loved by Tokyo's teenagers. Omeotesano, however, is mainly frequented by those in their 30s and 40s. Expect to pay a premium at any store, cafe or restaurant.
Address: Omotesando, Tokyo, Japan
From $ 49
Lake Ashi
In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, aka Lake Ashinoko, is a scenic spot in Hakone National Park. Considered sacred by the Japanese, it is home to the famous Hakone Shinto shrine. Visitors come to see the shrine, take a boat out on the lake, or enjoy the many hiking trails in the area.
The Basics
Lake Ashi sits in the volcanic crater of Mount Hakone’s volcanic crater. Aside from the natural beauty and holy Hakone shrine, the lake and surrounding area are known for its many hot springs (onsen). Japanese inns with spa bathhouses (ryokan) can be found in the area surrounding the lake, and many visitors take the opportunity to try traditional Japanese spa rituals here.
A popular tourist destination that's often part of day trips from Tokyo, Lake Ashi is also home to the Narukawa Museum of Art, plus restaurants and historic sites, such as the 400-year-young Old Tokaido Road lined with Japanese cedars, and the well-preserved Hakone Shrine. Traveling to Mount Fuji 5th Station on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway cable car is one of the top activities to try in the area.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Receive discounted access to multiple attractions and regional transport, including buses, trains, cable cars, and boat trips, with a combined pass.
- Some areas of the lake are wheelchair accessible.
- For the best photo ops of Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in the background, head to Moto-Hakone, south of the sightseeing boat pier, or hop on a sightseeing cruise.
- Views of Mount Fuji tend to be clearer in the mornings and late afternoons.
- Families enjoy a lake cruise on the Hakone pirate ship replica.
How to Get There
Many opt to visit Lake Ashi, in the Hakone area in Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshu, via bullet train from Tokyo, which stops at Odawara Station (followed by bus transfer), or as part of a guided tour with round-trip transport provided, usually by car, or a combination of coach and bullet train.
When to Get There
Warm and often-sunny spring (March–May) is the most popular time to visit Lake Ashi. Summer is quite hot and humid, fall can be very pleasant with unpredictable weather, and winter often sees snowfall around the lake and its surroundings.
Hakone Shrine
Many Japanese consider Hakone Shrine a holy place. They’ve worshiped the hills around it for thousands of years as a place where souls of the dead travel onward to the next world. The shrine’s current incarnation is more than a hundred years old, and visitors can tour the buildings and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Address: Hakone National Park, Tokyo 250-0521, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 90
Horino Memorial Museum
The Horino Memorial Museum is about more than tasting sake. This traditional sake-brewing house in Kyoto honors the legacy of Machiya culture, a style of wooden townhouse best exemplified in Kyoto. The house formerly belonged to the Horino family, founders of the craft beer company Kinshi Masamune, but has since been converted into a museum that is open to visitors interested in learning about the history of Japanese architecture and sake brewing.
Visiting the Horino Memorial Museum provides a unique look into the art of brewing sake. The museum has an exhibit on sake brewing tools, and travelers are invited to taste three different kinds of Japanese sake, all made with water from a well on the premises. The well-water is still used today to make beer. and visitors get the chance to make their own label for a bottle of sake to take as a souvenir.
Practical Info
The Horino Memorial Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost 300 yen ($3 USD). The museum is within a 10-minute walk from the Karasuma Nijo stop by bus or a 10-minute walk from Marutamachi Station on Karasuma Line.
Address: 172 Kameyacho, Sakaimachidori Nijo-agaru, Kyoto, Japan
Hours: Tues-Sun 11am-5pm
Admission: 300 yen
From $ 55
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
With its scenic canals lined with weeping willows, Edo-period gardens and historic merchant houses, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers an authentic feel of Old Japan at the heart of one of Japan's oldest merchant towns.
The historical quarter has been painstakingly preserved, with the 19th- and 20th-century buildings characterized by their mushikamado latticed windows, whitewashed walls and black tiled roofs, and the waterfront promenades linked by pretty stone footbridges. Highlights of the atmospheric district include the grand Ohashi House; an array of museums including an Archaeological Museum, a Toy Museum, a Museum of Folkcraft and the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s first museum of Western art; and the aptly-named Ivy Square, a former textile mill now crawling with ivy and home to a cluster of cafés, traditional tea houses and crafts shops.
Practical Info
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is located in central Kurashiki, along the Kurashiki River.
Address: Kurashiki, Japan
From $ 30
Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and one of the twenty oldest lakes in the world. Located northeast of Kyoto in the Shiga Prefecture, its proximity to the ancient capital has seen many references to Lake Biwa within Japanese literature.
Over the many millennia that the lake has been in existence, a diverse ecosystem has evolved, with more than a thousand plant and animal species living there. The lake also attracts thousands of water birds, and therefore birdwatching is a popular pastime around its shores. Other activities at Lake Biwa include fishing, boat rides, and a number of watersports. Bicycles can also be rented next to the train station nearby, with the wide paths around the lake making the area ideal for cycling.
There are a number of historical places of interest surrounding the lake, including Hikone, a city most famous for its castle, which is one of just four in Japan designated as a national treasure.
Practical Info
It takes approximately 30 minutes from Kyoto to Omimaiko Station near the lake, where there is also a pleasant beach.
Address: Lake Biwa, Hikone, Shiga Prefecture 522-0001, Japan
From $ 124
Lake Shikotsu
Despite the harsh winters of Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu—a crater lake formed some 40,000 years ago—never freezes. In fact, it’s the northernmost ice-free lake in the country and a popular recreation area for locals and visitors alike looking to go fishing, camping or boating.
Shikotsu Kohan, a small town on the eastern shore at the mouth of the Chitose River, offers hotels, boats and other activities for the lake. On the north shore, you’ll find an onsen with open-air, volcanically heated hot springs overlooking the body of water. And just south of Shikotsu Kohan is Koke no Domon (Moss Canyon), a unique natural site where a narrow rock canyon's walls are adorned with a lush blanket of more than 20 species of moss. Access to the canyon is restricted, but you can view it from an observation platform.
Practical Info
Lake Shikotsu is located in southwestern Hokkaido, west of the city of Chitose. Bus service makes it easy to reach Lake Shikotsu from Sapporo. However, hotels and services are only available during the summer months, from April to November.
Address: Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan
From $ 91
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Few will forget the fateful events of Aug. 6, 1945, when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the city, effectively ending World War II and costing the lives of some 80,000 residents, and Hiroshima will forever be tied to its tragic past. Despite its losses, the overwhelming sentiment in Hiroshima is of peace and wandering around the poignant memorials and tributes is an emotional experience, made all the more powerful by the moving exhibitions at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Both a fascinating insight into the pre-war city and a harrowing glimpse into the horrors of the bomb’s aftermath, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is surely one of Japan’s most important museums and it’s compelling, if uncomfortable, viewing. Exhibitions chronicle the lives of Hiroshima residents during World War II and after the bombing, and depict the graphic reality of the bomb’s destruction, while simultaneously retaining a sense of hope for the future through the rebuilding of the city and the consequent efforts for international peace.
Practical Info
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is located next to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and is open daily from 8:30am-5pm in winter or 7pm in summer. Adult admission is 50 Yen.
Address: 1-2 Nakajimacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
Admission: 50 yen
From $ 91
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Also called Genbaku Dome, this landmark was the only building left standing after the Enola Gay dropped an atom bomb on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, eventually killing 140,000 people. Genbaku is the Japanese word for 'atomic bomb.'
Originally built in 1910 as the Hiroshima Commercial Exhibition Hall, in 1933 it was renamed the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The five-story building, its exterior faced with stone and plaster, was topped with a steel-framed, copper-clad dome. The bomb blast shattered much of its interior, but the majority of its frame, as well as its garden fountain, remain.
The area around the building was re-landscaped as a park between 1950 and 1964; when complete, it was formally opened to the public as a museum. Since 1952, an annual peace ceremony has been held here on August 6, and in 1996, it was declared a World Heritage site.
Originally built in 1910 as the Hiroshima Commercial Exhibition Hall, in 1933 it was renamed the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The five-story building, its exterior faced with stone and plaster, was topped with a steel-framed, copper-clad dome. The bomb blast shattered much of its interior, but the majority of its frame, as well as its garden fountain, remain.
The area around the building was re-landscaped as a park between 1950 and 1964; when complete, it was formally opened to the public as a museum. Since 1952, an annual peace ceremony has been held here on August 6, and in 1996, it was declared a World Heritage site.
Practical Info
It costs 50 yen to enter the site, which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 7 p.m. in August and until 5 p.m. from December to February). From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 2 or 6 to Genbaku-Domu mae station. The ride takes 15 minutes and costs 150 yen.
Address: Japan
Hours: 8:30am - 6pm (until 7pm in Aug, until 5pm from Dec-Feb)
Admission: 50 yen
From $ 32
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Japanese royal family lived in Kyoto Imperial Palace until 1868, when the capital moved to Tokyo. It’s located within the Kyoto Imperial Park, which also houses other palaces and shrines. This must-visit attraction allows visitors to gain a greater understanding of Japan’s rich history and culture while enjoying landscaped gardens.
The Basics
Although Japan’s royal family haven’t lived in the Kyoto Imperial Palace for more than 150 years, the imperial furnishings have been preserved and reflect the life of the royals in the mid-19th century. The beautifully landscaped Kyoto Imperial Park surrounding the palace contain jogging trails, picnic benches, numerous plants and water features, and is one of the finest public gardens in the city.
Travelers can visit the Imperial Palace independently, or as part of a full- or half-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto. Such excursions also tend to include sites such as the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, and Nijo Castle. The palace is located in Kyoto City, to the north of Kyoto Station, so is a convenient stop on sightseeing tours of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the park is free.
- While the gardens can be visited independently, the palace buildings can only be entered by prior arrangement with the palace authorities.
- The palace is very close to Nijo Castle, and the two places can be visited together in a convenient morning or afternoon of sightseeing.
How to Get There
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located between two JR Subway stations, Imadegawa and Marutamachi, both of which are a short walk away. Imadegawa station is a bit closer to the entrance gate.
When to Get There
The palace is closed Mondays, as well as from December 28 until January 4, plus some other public holidays. From April to August, it is open from 9am until 5pm; in September and March, from 9am until 4:30pm; and from October to February, from 9am until 4pm. Last admissions are allowed in 40 minutes before the grounds close.
Visit Kaninnomiya Mansion
While it’s not easy to go inside the Imperial Palace itself, visitors can go inside Kaninnomiya Mansion, a restored Edo-period luxury home within the Imperial Park. There were once hundreds of such mansions around the Imperial Palace, but this is the only survivor. The mansion, teahouse, and gardens with a pond are worth visiting—plus, they’re also free.
Address: Kyoto-Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 601-8151, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 34
Omoide Yokocho
Located in Tokyo’s popular Shinjuku ward just north of the world’s busiest rail station, you’ll find a small alley called Omoide Yokocho. The historic alley, known locally as Memory Lane or Piss Alley depending on who you ask, is in fact one of Tokyo’s more authentic and atmospheric dining destinations.
Don’t let the negative nickname deter you. Today, it’s a bit of a misnomer anyway. In 1999, the entire alley was destroyed in a fire. It has since been rebuilt in much the same way and with the same old world Postwar Tokyo atmosphere, but with one notable exception. The alley now has bathrooms. The nickname “Piss Alley” harkens back to the days when no such facilities existed.
As you walk down the narrow alley, you’ll see tiny bars and restaurants tightly packed together on either side with the occasional tattered red paper lantern lighting the way. Most of these establishments consist of a small kitchen and a counter with several stools for patrons to sit. You might find one or two tables in the larger ones. Yakitori is the specialty, but you’ll also find stands selling offal stew and grilled organ meats -- both staples of Japanese street food.
Don’t let the negative nickname deter you. Today, it’s a bit of a misnomer anyway. In 1999, the entire alley was destroyed in a fire. It has since been rebuilt in much the same way and with the same old world Postwar Tokyo atmosphere, but with one notable exception. The alley now has bathrooms. The nickname “Piss Alley” harkens back to the days when no such facilities existed.
As you walk down the narrow alley, you’ll see tiny bars and restaurants tightly packed together on either side with the occasional tattered red paper lantern lighting the way. Most of these establishments consist of a small kitchen and a counter with several stools for patrons to sit. You might find one or two tables in the larger ones. Yakitori is the specialty, but you’ll also find stands selling offal stew and grilled organ meats -- both staples of Japanese street food.
Address: Tokyo, Japan
From $ 50
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is far more than a busy transport hub – it’s an attraction in its own right featuring shopping malls, multiple restaurants, and many other things to see and do. This modern, almost futuristic building stands in direct contrast to the traditional buildings found in the city; the station's vast main hall features an exposed-steel beamed roof, and historical aspects of Kyoto are filtered through a modern lens.
Those looking for some retail therapy will enjoy Kyoto Station’s Isetan department store, Porta underground shopping mall, and Cube shopping mall. There are some great food courts to be found within each of these, with popular eateries such as Kyoto Ramen Koji and Eat Paradise for those who need refueling.
Aside from shopping and eating, there is an open-air observation deck on the station’s top floor, which can be reached via a series of escalators and an additional flight of stairs. From here, views of the city unfold before you (albeit through heavily tinted windows). Elsewhere, the Skyway Tunnel will allow you to walk the length of Kyoto Station some 45 meters above the main hall, revealing views of both the city and station below.
Various day and night tours of the city depart from Kyoto Station. You can also enjoy a day trip by arriving into the station on a Kyoto rail tour by bullet train from Tokyo.
Practical Info
Kyoto Station has two main access points – the north and the south. The Karasuma north side faces downtown and leads out to Kyoto Bus Station and Kyoto Tower. The Hachijo side to the south provides access to a few hotels and bus stops, as well as the Toji Temple.
Did You Know? The current Kyoto Station building opened in 1997 to commemorate the city’s 1200th anniversary.
Address: 901 Higashishiokoji, Kyoto, Japan
Hours: Hours for shops and restaurants vary
From $ 30
Monjya Street
Japanese and international foodies alike love Monjya Street (actually a collection of streets), located on the artificially made Tsukishima Island. Diners usually buy monjayaki as raw batter, then grill it themselves at specially designed tables. Here, dozens of shops sell monjayaki, savory fried pancakes made with cabbage and a variety of other meat or seafood toppings. Other Japanese favorites including yakisoba (fried noodles) can be be enjoyed here as well.
The Basics
Many visitors come to Monja Street on food-themed walking tours, which usually happen during the evening. It’s close to other points of interest in central Tokyo, meaning it’s easy to tick off while sightseeing in the area. A visit to Monja Street also offers a chance to see Tsukishima Island, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay made from reclaimed land in 1892. Its mix of skyscrapers and remnants of old Tokyo can be admired by strolling along the island’s lanes and canals.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Monja Street is actually a small area rather than one street, consisting of West Nakadori Street and Nishinaka Street, as well as smaller lanes that shoot off from these.
- Some shops have English-speaking staff, but many don’t. Be prepared to point and use improvised sign language when ordering.
- The variety of monjayaki toppings is pretty extensive; popular options include squid, octopus, shrimp, cod roe, cheese, and curry.
How to Get There
As with most places in Tokyo, it’s best to reach Monja Street by subway, rather than by road. Tsukishima Island is on the Oedo and Yurakucho Subway Lines, and accessed by Tsukishima Station.
When to Get There
Many of the food shops are shut on Mondays and/or Tuesdays, although not all. Most open in the late morning or around noon, and stay open well into the evening, until around 10 or 11pm. So, you’re always likely to find somewhere open for a snack.
Try Tsukudani
Real food lovers won’t want to stop at trying one new Japanese dish on Tsukishima Island. They can also try tsukudani, toppings for rice that are preserved and pickled with soy sauce and sake. The condiments were actually invented on Tsukudajima Island, which used to be separate from Tsukishima Island, but is now connected. Shrimp, seaweed, grasshoppers, and beef are common tsukudani ingredients. Adventurous eaters will love trying the different varieties.
Address: Monjya Street, Kyoto, Japan
From $ 107
Mori Art Museum
Located atop Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum opened in 2003 as a place to showcase contemporary art and architecture. Unlike most museums, Mori Art Museum doesn’t maintain a permanent collection. Instead visitors enjoy a rotating calendar of temporary exhibitions highlighting some of the biggest names in contemporary art from Japan and abroad. Notable artists featured in the museum in the past include Tokujin Yoshioka, Ai Weiwei and Bill Viola.
Entrance to the museum includes access to Tokyo City View, an observation deck on the 53rd floor of Mori Tower with near 360 degree views of Tokyo below. Those who prefer their views al fresco can pay an extra fee to go up to the Sky Deck one floor up.
Practical Info
If you’re planning to visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the Benesse Art Site Naoshima as well as the Mori Art Museum, consider a Museum Link Pass which will give you discounted admission.
Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi | 53F, Minato, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Hours: 10am to 10pm Wednesday to Monday; 10am to 5pm Tuesdays
Admission: 1,500 yen
From $ 14
Osaka Museum of History
Work your way through centuries of the past at the Osaka Museum of History, opened in 2003. Located just across from the Osaka Castle, head to the top floor to see great views of the castle.
Exhibits chronicle Osaka's history, beginning in ancient times when Osaka served as Japan's first capital and site of the Naniwa Palace and ending with exhibits on the city's bustling shopping arcades of the early Showa Period.
Exhibits chronicle Osaka's history, beginning in ancient times when Osaka served as Japan's first capital and site of the Naniwa Palace and ending with exhibits on the city's bustling shopping arcades of the early Showa Period.
Designed from top to bottom, visitors start on the 10th floor and work their way down to the 7th, passing through galleries which focus on the Age of the Naniwa Palace, the Age of the Hongan-ji Temple, and the Age of Greater Osaka. Archaeological remains are displayed in the building’s basement.
Take the Highlights Course if you’re short of time, or follow a more leisurely and detailed route with the Complete Course.
Practical Info
The Osaka Museum of History is in the cutting-edge, sail-shaped NHK Broadcast Center building, a short walk west from Osaka Castle. The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo and Tanimachi Subway Lines, a five minute walk from the museum.
The closest JR station is Morinomiya Station on the JR Loop Line, a 20-30 minute walk from the museum.
The closest JR station is Morinomiya Station on the JR Loop Line, a 20-30 minute walk from the museum.
Address: 1-32 Otemae 4-Chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0008, Japan
Hours: Wed, Thurs, Sat - Mon 9:30am - 5pm (until 8pm on Fridays). Closed Tuesdays and Dec 28 - Jan 4
Admission: Adults: ¥ 600, Junior High and Elementary School Students: Free
From $ 88
Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo)
Among the most famous castles in Japan, Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) dates back to the 16th century, when it played a major role in unifying the nation. Today the reconstructed castle houses a museum filled with artifacts from the history of Japan and from the castle’s creator, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The main tower provides a nice view over urban Osaka.
The Basics
As one of Osaka’s most popular landmarks, Osaka Castle features in just about every city sightseeing tour—many of these include an Osaka river cruise departing from Osaka Castle Park. Many of the informative displays within the castle are in Japanese only, so it’s a good idea to visit the grounds with a guide who can explain some of the history of what you’re seeing. The castle is also included on the Osaka hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The castle is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Osaka.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Give yourself at least 45 minutes to tour the castle and grounds.
- All areas of the castle are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
How to Get There
Osaka Castle is centrally located in the Umeda district and easily accessible by public transportation. Take the Chuo Line to Tanimachi 4-chome (Yonchome) Station or the JR Osaka Loop Line to Osakajo Koen (Osakajokoen) Station. Alternatively take the Aqua-Liner sightseeing boat to the Osaka Castle stop.
When to Get There
The museum within the castle is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the structure itself remains illuminated from sunset until 11pm. Home to some 4,000 cherry trees, the castle grounds are particularly stunning during the spring cherry blossom (sakura) season, typically in early April.
A Royal Photo Op
Castle visitors looking to take home a unique souvenir have the chance to don a full set of period clothing—replete with helmet, surcoat, and kimono—for a quick castle photo op (not included in the price of admission).
Address: 1-1 Osaka-jo,Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0002, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Hoheikyo
As one of Sapporo’s most popular outdoor hot springs, Hoheikyo Onsen is an ideal place to relax in healing, naturally heated waters while enjoying the beautiful forest surroundings.
Hoheikyo sits deep in a mountain canyon, and if you come during the winter time, you can soak in the volcanic hot springs surrounded by snowy peaks. During the summer, you can also spend time rafting and canoeing on the nearby Toyohira River. Hoheikyo Onsen has two separate baths, which are separated by gender and switch daily so both men and women can experience both baths. This is also one of the few outdoor hot springs in the area that allows alcohol in the bath, so you can sip a local beer as you soak. Also on-site is a popular Indian restaurant that is well known locally for authentic Indian curries and fresh nan bread.
Practical Info
Hoheikyo is an hour's drive south of downtown Sapporo. Buses leave on the hour from Sapporo Station, and when you arrive there, you can buy a ticket for both ways that also includes admission to Hoheikyo Onsen.
Address: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
From $ 72
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen,” the Kuromon Ichiba Market caters to the city’s chefs. Every day, cooks from well-known -- and hole-in-the-wall -- restaurants scurry through the 600 meter-long market’s 170 food stalls purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, herbs, and more to prep their kitchens.
Originally, the market was known as “Emmiji Market,” named after a nearby temple. Over time, locals began referencing the market in regards to a large black gate that rested near it and the temple. Eventually, the translation for “Black Gate Market” stuck, and that’s how Kuromon Ichiba Market got its name.
Although the market caters to the restaurant industry, the general public is welcome. Locals and tourists alike walk the length of the Kuromon Ichiba to experience shopping in Osaka’s Kitchen. The market has everything from fresh sea urchin and puffer fish to dried scallops, artisanal mocha, and ready-to-eat kabob meats. The market boasts many high-quality restaurants, as well, that serve local Osaka dishes like okonomiyaki – a savory pancake.
Practical Info
The individual food stalls have their own operating hours. The market is located a short walk from Nippombashi Station on the Sakaisuji Line of the Osaka Subway or Kintetsu Nippombashi Station on the Kintetsu lines. There are ‘rest stops’ along the long market with bathrooms, sitting areas, and even free wifi. These make for great places to enjoy snacks purchased from the vendors.
Address: 1-15-6 Nippombashi, Osaka, Kansai 542-0073, Japan
Hours: Different for each stall
From $ 36