Meiji Shrine
Tokyo's grandest Shinto shrine, built in 1920 to commemorate the late Emperor Meiji, who oversaw Japan's rapid industrialization and rise to major world power status in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Places to see: Japan
Japan: 50 places in Atlas — Tokyo, Osaka. Expect top sights, food and markets, nature. Mark where you have been and plan your trip on your own map.
Places: 50
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Osaka Castle
Osaka's best known sight, although it's a concrete reconstruction that pales in comparison with, say, Himeji.
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Tokyo National Museum
alt=JR East|25px|link= JR lines to Ueno, Ueno-kōen exit.
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Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is a theme park resort in the Bay Area district of Osaka, Japan.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Tokyo Skytree
Completed in 2012, Tokyo Skytree stands tall over the old Sumida ward as the newest symbol of Tokyo and the world's tallest self-supporting tower at 634 m.
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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
This is one of the world's largest aquariums, with 11,000 tons of water and plenty of sharks, dolphins, otters, seals, and other sea creatures.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Kabukiza Theater
The best way to see traditional Japanese theater is to go to Kabuki-za for a single act, or hitomaku-mi, which lasts between one and two hours.
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Up first, it features a much-photographed giant lantern and statues of guardian gods Raijin and Fūjin.
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A large public garden, and one of the most popular places for viewing cherry blossoms in spring.
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Imperial Palace
Surrounded by a series of moats and high walls, the site of the former Edo Castle has been the official residence of the Japanese imperial family since 1868.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗National Bunraku Theater
One of the last places in the world where bunraku, a form of intricate puppet theater from the Edo period, can be seen live.
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One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, with a history stretching back 1800 years.
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Shitennōji Temple
The temple was built by Emperor Suiko in 593 AD.
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Umeda Sky Building
Built in an attempt to upgrade Osaka's somewhat downbeat Kita district, the project wasn't quite the hoped-for commercial success but this bizarrely shaped 40-story, 173-m building is still a city landmark.
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Imperial Palace East Garden
Kept in impeccable shape, the gardens of the Imperial Palace are particularly beautiful during the March and April plum and cherry blossom seasons.
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Tokyo Tower
This was a newly re-industrialized Japan's 1958 answer to Paris's Eiffel Tower — a bit more modern-looking and 9 m taller.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Ryōgoku Kokugikan
The largest sumo arena in Japan with a capacity for 10,000 spectators, this is where grand tournaments or basho are held in January, May and September, starting on the second Sunday of the month.
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Narisawa
Ranked among the world's best restaurants and with two Michelin stars.
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Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
Opened in June 2023, it is the first Harry Potter studio tour in Asia.
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Hama-rikyū Gardens
It was built by 17th-century shoguns for their private enjoyment.
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A classical Japanese park with ponds, hills and teahouses, that was built in 1695 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a Tokugawa daimyo.
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Described as somewhat of a hidden gem, this three Michelin star restaurant run by renowned "sushi maestro" Takashi Saito.
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Edo-Tokyo Museum
This bizarre multi-story edifice suspended in midair and bearing not a small resemblance to a Star Wars Imperial Walker covers the history of the metropolis, starting from 1590 when it was selected as Japan's new capital Edo, all the way through the Kanto earthquake and firebombings of World War II.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Mori Art Museum
This impressive art gallery hosts special exhibitions.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Sumo Spring Grand Tournament
The Osaka Tournament of Japan's national sport, sumo wrestling, is usually held mid-March annually at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
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Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This "robocoaster" combines a robotic arm with a rollercoaster track while also mixing physical sets and effects with huge screens.
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While the original tower was built early 20th century, the current "newer" version is designed by the same Prof.
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Hachikō
A diminutive statue of a dog tucked away in one corner of the big plaza outside the station, best known as a meeting place and for the story.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge
Ever wanted to play Mario Kart in real life?
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Tokyo Metropolitan Government Center
The two enormous buildings of this giant hive of bureaucracy are an Orwellian architectural masterpiece designed by noted architect Kenzo Tange.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Shop
The original Shinsekai shop of Osaka's most famous kushikatsu institution, with its trademark grumpy uncle statue admonishing diners not to double-dip their skewers into the shared sauce pots.
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Zōjō-ji Temple
This grand old temple is the headquarters of the Jōdo-shū sect and houses the graves of 6 of the Tokugawa shoguns, but is a little off the beaten track and is rarely visited by tourists.
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National Museum of Western Art
Houses an extensive collection of Western art, including the original of Rodin's famous The Thinker.
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Yoyogi Park
In springtime, Yoyogi Park is full of cherry blossoms and people partying under the trees.
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Miraikan
Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, created by Japan's Science and Technology Agency.
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Some of the best okonomiyaki in Osaka, and they're so proud of it they prepare it for you from start to end, making a good choice for the casual visitor as well.
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Toyosu is new home of the world's largest wholesale market for seafood and produce after its relocation from Tsukiji.
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Koishikawa Kōrakuen
Laid out in the 17th century, this splendid traditional garden boasts a large collection of trees and flowering plants that provide touches of beauty all year round.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Abeno Harukas Tower
Being Osaka's tallest building, this tower features malls, restaurants, shops and offices.
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Nezu Museum
Showcases the private art collection of Nezu Kaichirō with many pieces from the Edo period.
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At the end of the arcade, it is the main gate, notable for a giant straw sandal hung up on one side.
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Behind the gate, the main hall of the temple is perennially busy with a steady stream of worshippers wafting incense over themselves and trooping up the steps to pray and donate.
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Jan-Jan Yokocho Street
Jan-Jan Yokocho is a famous shopping street along a narrow lane.
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Perhaps the best spot in Japan to be served unagi, or freshwater eel.
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National Art Center
Tokyo's latest and greatest art museum, housed in an undulating wave-shaped building designed by Kisho Kurokawa and devoted entirely to changing exhibitions.
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Kanda Myojin Shrine
Akihabara's own temple.
More · SourcesSave to my map ↗Endo Sushi
Sushi place in Osaka's fish market.
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Osaka Museum of History
An ideal place to learn all-abouts of Osaka's history.
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This viewing deck gives you a 360º view of the city from 250 meters above sea level.
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The signature attraction in Donkey Kong Country and the newest in the park, opening in 2024.
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