Sightseeing
Discover Japan's iconic sights with InsideJapan Tours.
At InsideJapan we like to put emphasis on cultural experiences because we believe in getting beneath the surface of a country, not just seeing the sights. Nevertheless, sightseeing is an important part of every holiday - and Japan has so many iconic landmarks that it would be a crime to ignore them!
This is why we provide you with detailed Destination Guides for every location you'll visit. Think of them as like a Lonely Planet, but better. Every guide has been meticulously researched and written from scratch by members of the InsideJapan team, who between them have visited practically every inch of the country.
With attraction descriptions, potted histories, recommendations, addresses (in English and Japanese), maps, directions, telephone numbers, opening times and much more - you'll never be lost for something to do or see in Japan.
Kiso Valley village stay
Spend a night in a charming, family-run minshuku or village inn in the picture-perfect Kiso Valley.
Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleum
Explore the colourful temple complex surrounding the mausoleum of Japan's most successful shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu
Beautiful beaches of Ishigaki
Not many people realise that Japan has such fantastic beaches on the sub-tropical islands of the Okinawa archipelago.
Miyajima's torii gate
The most photographed shrine in Japan is Miyajima's torii gate which appears to float in the sea.
Kyoto's temples & shrines
The epicentre of Japanese culture and history, Kyoto is home to the very best temples and shrines.
Chuson-ji golden temple
Hiraizumi is one of the most recent places in Japan to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status, and the wonderful golden temple is well worth a look.
Vine bridges
Be brave and cross one of Iya Valley's historic vine bridges. Just don't look down!
Shitamachi Tokyo old town
Experience the old town Tokyo atmosphere in the Shitamachi district.
Gunkanjima cruise
Take a boat trip to see the mysterious island of Gunkanjima - aka 'Battle Ship Island'.
Hot spring ryokan stay
A must-do on any trip to Japan is to spend a night in a traditional Japanese inn complete with futon bedding, fabulous food and hot spring baths.
Ryokan dinner
There's no such thing as a dinner menu in a ryokan; instead prepare yourself for a banquet of beautifully presented, regional & seasonal specialities.
Neon lights of Shinjuku
The Tokyo of the films; an urban jungle of fluorescent neon stretching high into the sky.
"Lost stones of Iseki"
Could this be the remains of a long-lost civilisation? We'll let you decide!
Yakushima's giant cedar trees
The land before time: Yakushima Island is home to cedar trees over 7,000 years old.
Mount Takao
If you've had enough of the big city, escape Tokyo for a day of hiking on Mount Takao.
Beginners' Japanese lesson
Get your holiday on the right track with a lesson in survival Japanese.
Views of Mount Fuji
Pray for good weather and you may just be rewarded with perfect Fuji views.
Tokyo Mystery Game!
Solve the clues in our Mystery Game to discover some of Tokyo's best kept secrets.
Osaka nighttime photography lesson
Transform your photography skills on this very special tour of Osaka by night
Konpira-san
Climb the steps of Mount Zozu to reach beautiful Konpira-san Shrine, for fantastic views across Shikoku.
Historic Joge
Step back in time a hundred years with a visit to the little-known town of Joge.