10 Days In Japan: 15 Iconic Sights Every First-Time Traveler Should See

Planning your first adventure to Japan? You’re in for an unforgettable ride—one where ancient shrines sit just steps away from glowing vending machines, and centuries-old tea ceremonies coexist with bullet trains that blur past Mount Fuji.

I still remember my first time navigating Tokyo’s neon maze, then waking up the next day to the calm silence of a Kyoto garden. That’s the magic of Japan—it constantly surprises you. In this guide, I’ve mapped out 15 iconic sights perfect for a 10-day trip.

Whether you’re a foodie, culture lover, or tech geek, this list blends the must-sees with a few under-the-radar gems to help you experience the full spectrum of what makes Japan so special. So, are you ready to fall in love with every train ride, noodle bowl, and cherry blossom?

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto)

Walking through thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari feels like entering another dimension. The gates wind up the sacred Mount Inari in a seemingly endless path, creating stunning tunnel-like effects that photographers adore.

Local vendors sell fox-shaped items along the route because foxes are considered messengers of Inari, the Shinto god of rice. If you’re feeling energetic, hike all the way to the summit—it takes about 2-3 hours round trip.

For a less crowded experience, visit early morning or evening when the soft light filtering through the gates creates a truly magical atmosphere.

2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Kyoto)

Stepping into Arashiyama’s towering bamboo forest transports you into a fairytale world unlike anywhere else. Sunlight filters through the swaying green stalks, creating an otherworldly glow that no photograph fully captures.

Morning visits offer the best experience before tour buses arrive around 9 AM. The gentle rustling sound of bamboo stalks swaying in the breeze has been officially recognized as one of Japan’s most beautiful natural sounds.

After exploring the grove, check out nearby Tenryu-ji Temple or take a relaxing boat ride down the Hozugawa River to make the most of your Arashiyama adventure.

3. Nara Deer Park (Nara)

Where else can you bow to a deer and have it bow back? Nara Park houses over 1,200 wild but tame deer considered sacred messengers of the gods. These charming animals roam freely, delighting visitors with their polite behavior—many have learned to bow for treats!

Vendors sell special deer crackers called “shika senbei” for feeding these four-legged celebrities. Though friendly, they can get excited around food, so hold crackers high if you feel overwhelmed.

Beyond deer encounters, the park surrounds Todai-ji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue, making this area a perfect blend of wildlife and cultural experiences.

4. Osaka Castle (Osaka)

Majestically rising above its moat and stone walls, Osaka Castle stands as a proud symbol of Japan’s feudal past. Its distinctive white and green exterior with gold accents makes it instantly recognizable even from a distance.

Though rebuilt several times throughout history, today’s structure houses a fascinating museum chronicling the castle’s turbulent past. From the observation deck on the 8th floor, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Osaka’s modern skyline contrasting beautifully with the historical grounds.

Spring visitors are treated to over 4,000 cherry trees blooming throughout the surrounding park, creating one of Japan’s most magnificent hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots.

5. Dotonbori District (Osaka)

Neon lights, giant mechanical crabs, and the famous Glico Running Man sign transform Dotonbori into a sensory wonderland after sunset. This vibrant canal-side entertainment district embodies Osaka’s motto: “kuidaore” (eat until you drop)!

Street food stalls tempt with takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meats and vegetables). Don’t miss taking a photo with the massive Kani Doraku crab sign, which has become an unofficial symbol of the area.

Boat tours along the canal offer a unique perspective of the dazzling billboards and a brief respite from the energetic crowds thronging the pedestrian walkways.

6. Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)

If you’ve seen photos of a massive orange torii gate standing in water, you’ve glimpsed the magic of Itsukushima Shrine. This UNESCO World Heritage site on Miyajima Island creates the illusion of floating on water during high tide, a design meant to honor the island as a sacred place.

Wild deer wander freely throughout the island, adding to its enchanted atmosphere. The shrine complex itself features stunning vermilion corridors and buildings built on stilts over the water.

Stay until evening when illuminations transform the shrine into a mystical wonderland, and most day-trippers have departed, leaving you to experience this sacred place in relative tranquility.

7. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima)

Few places on earth evoke such profound emotions as Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park. The skeletal dome building—the only structure left standing near the atomic blast’s hypocenter—stands as a powerful reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare.

Paper cranes, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, appear throughout the park as symbols of peace and healing. The museum presents the bombing and its aftermath through personal stories and artifacts that humanize the historical tragedy.

Despite its somber history, the park today feels hopeful with its beautiful green spaces, flowing water, and the eternal flame that will burn until all nuclear weapons are eliminated from our world.

8. Mount Fuji Viewpoint (Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi)

Nothing quite prepares you for your first glimpse of Mount Fuji’s perfect symmetrical cone rising majestically against the sky. This iconic volcano, Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters, has inspired artists and pilgrims for centuries.

Lake Kawaguchi offers the most accessible and reliable views, especially from Chureito Pagoda where you can capture that classic shot of the five-story pagoda framing Fuji. Early mornings typically provide the clearest visibility before clouds gather around the summit.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the official climbing season runs from early July to mid-September, though witnessing this natural wonder from a distance can be equally moving.

9. Shibuya Crossing (Tokyo)

When the traffic lights turn red at Shibuya Crossing, something extraordinary happens—up to 3,000 people surge into the intersection from all directions in a mesmerizing choreography of organized chaos. This famous scramble crossing epitomizes Tokyo’s energetic pulse and appears in countless films and music videos.

Watching from the second-floor Starbucks window provides the classic viewing experience, though the newer Shibuya Sky observation deck offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye perspective. The best times to experience the crossing’s full power are weekday evenings or weekend afternoons.

Don’t just observe—join the crossing yourself to feel the unique thrill of being part of this quintessential Tokyo experience!

10. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo)

Hidden within Tokyo’s bustling cityscape lies a 170-acre evergreen forest housing the serene Meiji Shrine. This spiritual oasis, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, feels worlds away from the nearby fashion hub of Harajuku.

Massive torii gates mark the entrance to the forested sanctuary, where gravel paths lead visitors through trees donated from across Japan during the shrine’s construction. On weekends, you might witness a traditional Japanese wedding procession with the bride in a white kimono and distinctive tsunokakushi headdress.

Write your wishes on an ema (wooden prayer plaque) or participate in the ritual of bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once more when paying respects at the main hall.

11. Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo)

Tokyo’s oldest temple pulses with energy as visitors crowd Nakamise Shopping Street leading to its iconic Thunder Gate with its massive red lantern. Founded in 645 CE, Senso-ji remains an active place of worship despite being one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions.

Smoke from the large incense burner near the temple entrance is said to bring good health—many visitors wave it toward areas of their bodies needing healing. Inside the main hall, witness worshippers tossing coins as offerings before praying to Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Evening visits offer a magical experience when illuminations transform the temple complex and most tourists have departed, revealing the spiritual heart of this ancient site.

12. Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo)

Though the famous tuna auctions moved to Toyosu Market in 2018, Tsukiji’s Outer Market remains a food lover’s paradise with over 400 shops and restaurants. Narrow alleyways overflow with vendors selling everything from the freshest sashimi to specialized Japanese kitchen knives.

Arrive hungry and start your day with a sushi breakfast featuring fish that was swimming just hours earlier. Sample street food as you explore—tamagoyaki (sweet omelet), freshly grilled scallops, and matcha-flavored treats are local favorites.

Many shops offer free samples, so pace yourself! Visit on a weekday morning for the best experience, as some shops close by early afternoon and don’t open on Sundays.

13. TeamLab Planets or Borderless (Tokyo)

Forget traditional museums—TeamLab’s immersive digital art spaces redefine what an art experience can be. Interactive light installations respond to your movements, creating ever-changing environments where boundaries between viewer and artwork dissolve completely.

At TeamLab Planets, you’ll wade through knee-deep water filled with digital koi fish that scatter at your approach. Meanwhile, Borderless offers rooms where flowers bloom and die around you as seasons pass in accelerated time.

Both venues require advance ticket purchases as they regularly sell out. Wear shorts or easily rollable pants for Planets since you’ll be walking through water, and set aside at least 2-3 hours to fully experience either location.

14. Himeji Castle (Himeji)

Known as the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant white exterior, Himeji Castle represents the pinnacle of Japanese castle architecture. Unlike many Japanese castles rebuilt as concrete replicas, Himeji stands as an authentic wooden structure that has survived wars, earthquakes, and bombs.

The castle’s defensive design includes confusing maze-like paths and hidden spaces for warriors. As you climb through its six floors, notice how each level features different architectural elements designed for both beauty and protection.

If possible, visit during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) or autumn foliage (November) when the castle’s brilliant white contrasts dramatically with seasonal colors in the surrounding gardens.

15. Gion District (Kyoto)

Wandering through Gion’s narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden machiya houses feels like stepping back to old Japan. This historic geisha district preserves Kyoto’s cultural heritage with its tea houses, restaurants, and occasional glimpses of geiko (Kyoto’s geishas) and maiko (apprentice geishas) hurrying to evening appointments.

Hanami-koji Street offers the district’s most atmospheric stroll, especially in the evening when lanterns illuminate the wooden facades. For the most respectful experience, remember that working geiko are professionals heading to appointments—photograph them only with permission.

Consider booking a cultural show at Gion Corner to experience traditional arts like tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), and maiko dances in an accessible format.