Culture / Tour Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
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  Nagasaki
  
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  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Culture / Tour

Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

4.5

6677 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Osaka Osakashi Minato-ku Kaigandori 1-1-10

This aquarium in the Tempozan Bay Area is the world's largest aquarium. It is even more popular now as they have drastically changed how guests view the exhibits, including the Pacific Ocean Tank where you can see whale sharks leisurely swimming about. Enjoy a wide variety of Pacific-Rim themed exhibits to see and enjoy including California Sea Lions, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, and a fish tank with a tunnel from which you can observe the animals.

Such a fantastic aquarium in osaka,japan was very access from the trainstation which is well signed fron the exit of the train cart followed by a easy 5 minute walk. 2000 yen for an adult which is a...
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

4.5

7030 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinakaku Nakajimachou 1-2

This museum is located in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, in Naka District, of Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It was founded with the objective of imparting the reality of the harm from the atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945, and the abolition of nuclear weapons, and the attainment of world peace. The museum is divided between the main building and the east building. Along with items that reveal the horrible spectacle and mementos of the bomb victims, the conditions of pre and post-bomb Hiroshima and an introduction to the nuclear era are introduced. The museum is remembered also by the 2016 visit of President Barak Obama, the first ever incumbent head of state of a nuclear power to visit the museum.

Thi is a beautiful park constructed adjacent to the Atomic Dome and is dedicated to the victims of the Atomic Bomb. The park has a beautiful landscape with a Cenotaph, children monument and a museum...
Ueno Zoo

4.0

3044 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 9-83

This urban zoo located in Taito City’s Ueno-onshi-koen Park is Japan’s oldest zoo, having opened in 1882. Inside are more than 500 types of animals, and it is most famous for giant panda in particular. The zoo is breeding and displaying the world’s three rarest animals that include the pygmy hippopotamus and okapi as well as the panda. From the 1990s the animal enclosures were refurbished to provide a space for patrons to see animals in more natural surroundings.

Some zoos are designed to look like the animals are really in nature. This zoo was not one of those. All the animals were in tiny cages. Some of the cages were just concrete, and there was nothing...
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

4.5

1918 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Mitakashi Shimorenjaku 1-1-83 Metropolitan Inokashira Park In Saiten

This is an animation art museum managed by Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki with a motto of “Let's get lost together.” In addition to displaying materials and storyboards of past Ghibli works, the museum always features various sections that will expand one's perception of animation such as the replicated animation studio and the screenings of short animated films made just for the museum. With a nostalgic building and a route that blends in greenery, this is a place that both adults and children can enjoy just as they please. Entry to the museum is only by reservation and the closest station is Mitaka Station.

A must-visit for Ghibli fans!! We were extremely excited to visit this museum! You have to purchase the tickets online and collect them from the konbini. You can take a bus to the museum from...
Asahiyama Zoo

4.5

2774 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Asahikawashi Higashiasahikawachou Kuranuma

Asahiyama Zoo is a zoo in Asahikawa City. The exhibits allow you to see the expressions of the animals close up and include the penguin enclosure where you can see the penguins swimming as if they are flying through the air from an underwater tunnel that gives a 360° view (at the Penguin Building), the polar bear enclosure where the 300kg giants swim around energetically (at the Polar Bear Building), the seal enclosure where you can watch the distinctive swimming of seals (at the Seal Building), and the beasts of prey enclosure where you can see tigers, lions, leopards and other from various angles (at the Beast Building). The penguin walk held outside in the snow season is also popular.

A good place to kill time if you have. It is definitely not the place of not visiting will die. However, good to see some of the animals which is natively of Hokkaido It is reachable by bus from...
Jigokudani Yaen-koen

4.5

2715 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Shimotakaigunyamanouchimachi Hirao 6845

This is a park where you can watch bathing monkeys in a hot spring and it is also popular with foreign tourists as a place to see “snow monkeys”. All the monkeys in the park are wild and enter the hot spring in order to be able to endure the cold temperatures of the severe winters which can reach minus 10°C. The park is located in the valley of Yokoyu River which brims with rustic beauty, and is located 30 minutes by foot from the free parking lot at Kanbayashi hot spring.

We had a great experience at the Snow Monkey Park! We took a taxi from the train station—which took about 15 minutes and cost around 2000 yen. We arrived right when it opened at 08:30 am and were...
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

4.0

1062 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Kanazawa-ku Hakkeijima

This leisure complex is located on Hakkeijima Island in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City. The island, which features an aquarium, attractions, a shopping mall, a hotel, a marina, and more, offers more than enough activities for a full day of fun for people of all ages. The island's aquarium, its main attraction, is comprised of four facilities. It offers hands-on programs where visitors can interact with the animals, a wide variety of live shows, seasonal events, and more. Admission to the island is free and visitors can enjoy its restaurants, cafes, and shops while talking a walk along its promenade.

Sea Paradise is an excellent place to go with the whole family. There is a variety of food, attractions, as well as a very nice aquarium, complete with dolphin show. Prices are reasonable, and a...
Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

4.5

1279 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Minato-ku Minatomachi 1-3

This large aquarium is located in Minato Ward, Nagoya City. It is comprised of two buildings; the North Building and the South Building. The South Building is notable for exhibits that recreate five parts of the world's oceans, namely Japan, Australia, the Equator, Antarctica, and the deep sea. Check out the ''sardine tornado'' in its large tank as well. The North Building, which is themed around Cetacea classified marine mammals, displays species including the common bottlenose dolphin and beluga whales. Its biggest attraction is the dolphin shows held in its main pool, which happens to be Japan's largest. The dynamic performances are popular with people of all ages.

A lovely place to enjoy with kids. You have lovely dolphin show, a great aquarium, a ship that depicts the life of a sailor with life size and life like models.
Samurai Museum

4.5

1907 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Shinjuku-ku Kabukichou 2-25-6 Yongwa 6th Building 1F

This museum is dedicated to generals and samurai of the Warring States period. There are displays of armor and swords by period, and explanations of the origins of the samurai. You can also rent armor to get your picture taken as a samurai! It's very popular with tourists from overseas. They also have an attraction letting you join in a sword battle, as well as lots of events like sword preparation and calligraphy classes. They also sell souvenirs and gifts like replica armor.

Very engaging and interactive experience at this museum! The guides were very knowledgeable on the history but also had really cool activities at the end (ninja and samurai) to make it a good...
Ashikaga Flower Park

4.5

1008 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tochigi Pref. Ashikagashi Hasamachou 607

A full spectrum of flowers bloom in this flower park, located in Tochigi Prefecture. One particularly famous specimen is the wisteria said to be over 140 years old, and designated as a Prefectural Natural Monument. Many visitors come from all over the country during peak season when Japan’s largest wisteria and white Japanese wisteria bloom and form a tunnel. In winter, you’ll find one of the largest illumination displays in Kanto, with four million light bulbs.

I think it is better to visit maybe end of April. Even though we enjoyed the garden very much but most of the flowers already bloomed and maybe some with leftover late bloomers.
Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum

4.5

2178 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Sumida-ku Yokoami 1-4-1

Located near Ryogoku Kokugikan, the museum has been popular since its opening in 1993 as a place to reflect on the history and culture of Edo Tokyo and to consider the future of the city and people's lives. Many foreign tourists visit this facility to enjoy learning about the city, its culture, and the lives of the people of Edo Tokyo.

Well worth a trip - lovely exhibition, amazing building. I spent around 3 hours looking at the various displays. Truly fascinating and gives a great understanding of the Edo period. Staff were...
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

4.0

1089 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Koutou-ku Aomi 2-3-6

This is a national science museum on Odaiba island. The permanent exhibits cover a broad range of subjects from the simple science questions to those regarding the latest technologies including the earth environment, space exploration, and the wonders of life. The dome shaped theater that plays 3D science films and other three-dimensional planetarium presentations is very popular. The director of this museum is the famous astronaut, Mamoru Mohri.

If you come expecting a museum of emerging science and technology, you might be a tad disappointed. This really is more of a set of more or less sophisticated art pieces and exhibits showcasing...
Ritsurin Garden (designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty)

4.5

1584 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Ritsurinchou 1-20-16

Situated in the eastern foothills of Shiun-zan (Mt. Shiun), Ritsurin Garden was formerly the garden of a daimyo (feudal lord), and is now a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Of the gardens in Japan that are designated as Special Places of Scenic Beauty, this is one of the largest. The Garden comprises the North Garden, which was completed in modern times, and the South Garden, which features a circuitous path round a pond. With the verdant greenery of Mt. Shiun as a backdrop, the Ritsurin Garden is beautifully laid out, with six ponds and thirteen artificial hills; in every season (spring, summer, autumn and winter) the garden has its own unique majesty. There are a number of places to stop and rest within the garden, including the Higurashi-tei teahouse and the Ritsurin-an shop, which sells local specialty products from various parts of Kagawa Prefecture. The garden can be reached by bus from JR Takamatsu Station; get off at the “Ritsurin Garden” stop.

One of the most beautiful gardens in all of Japan. So many colorful koi fish and different kinds of trees and flowers. Must visit when you go to Takamatsu! Take a tram or bus from Takamatsu Station.
Sankeien Garden

4.5

1148 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Honmokusannotani 58-1

The Sankeien garden is an extensive garden located in the Honmoku district of Southeast Yokohama, looking out over Tokyo Bay. The garden was created by Hara Sankei (Hara Tomitaro), an entrepreneur who made a fortune as a silk trader. Within the Sankeien, historic buildings relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura etc. have been skillfully positioned for best visual effect; the Sankeien now contains 10 buildings that have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties, and three that have been designated as Tangible Cultural Properties by Yokohama City Government. During Hara Sankei’s lifetime, the Sankeien garden played an important role in the cultivation and supporting of avant-garde artists; some of the classic works of modern Nihonga painting—including Maeda Seison’s “The Uprising of Enryaku-ji Monks” and Yokoyama Taikan’s “Ryuin”—were painted here.

I have a yearly pass that’s truly one of the treasure of Yokohama. I would would recommend Visiting at different times of year.
CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

4.5

682 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Osaka Ikedashi Masumichou 8-25

This museum in Ikeda City, Osaka, first opened in 1999 at the birthplace of instant ramen. With a variety of displays and hands-on exhibits you can learn all about the history and development of instant ramen by Nissin Foods' founder, Ando Momofuku. Don't miss the display which shows off almost 800 different products from throughout Nissin Foods' history. The Chicken Ramen Factory where you can make your own chicken ramen (fee and reservation required) and the My CupNoodle Factory where you can make your own personal CupNoodle blend (fee required) are both very popular. Admission is free.

We came on our last day, when we have time and didn’t know where to burn. We took the train, followed google map. At the entrance we were welcomed by the security guard, otherwise we might have just...
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

4.0

1011 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Kouhoku-ku Shinyokohama 2-14-21

This food theme park, which opened in the Shin-Yokohama district in 1994, was built around the concept of being able to eat ramen from all over the country without having to fly there. The interior, which recreates a Showa-period retro townscape, hosts famous ramen shops from not just all over Japan but from around the world. Attractions other than eating ramen include a gallery featuring exhibits on the history of ramen, a museum shop that offers souvenir ramen kits, a retro candy shop, events including live music, street performances, and picture story shows, and more. It is located a five-minute walk from JR Shin-Yokohama Station.

This is a small museum that re-creates the old Tokyo alleys full of ramen shops. There is some text information about ramen and its history but most of it is in Japanese only. It takes 10-15 minutes...
Adachi Museum of Art

4.5

1076 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Furukawachou 320

An art museum located in Furukawa Town, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture which focuses on displaying modern Japanese paintings. The museum’s collection includes master Japanese painter Yokoyama Taikan’s masterpieces “Koyo” and “Ame hareru,” in addition to works by other modern Japanese painters such as Takeuchi Seiho and Hashimoto Kansetsu, in addition to ceramics by renowned artist Kitaouji Rosanjin. The museum’s exhibit is changed four times a year in line with the seasons. The museum is also famous for Japanese gardens such as the Karesansui-tei rock garden and Hakusaseisho-tei sand and pine garden, totaling some 50 thousand square meters in all. The museum’s gardens are revered around the world and they have long ranked in at number one on the American Japanese gardening magazine “Journal of Japanese Gardening’s” list of top gardens.

The museum requires a train ride and then a short (free) trip on a tram to the museum. The art in the museum is mediocre, not world class. The gardens are overdone and the fake waterfall adds a...
Otsuka Museum of Art

4.5

992 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokushima Pref. Narutoshi Narutochoutosadomariura Fukuike 65-1

Located in Naruto Town, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, this art museum has the largest permanent exhibition space in Japan. The exhibits consist of more than 1,000 Western paintings reproduced in full scale on ceramic panels. Visitors can appreciate masterpieces from all over the world such as Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Edvard Munch’s The Scream and Picasso’s Guernica. The viewing route through the museum is about four kilometers long. There is also a museum shop and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals while looking out over the garden.

Its wonderful that everything is carefully reproduced on a ceramic plate and on the actual sizeら. The works that I have seen in art museums during my travels all over the world are displayed all at...
Fujiko F Fujio Museum

4.5

622 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Kawasakishi Tama-ku Nagao 2-8-1

A museum in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture which exhibits drawings by the manga artist Fujiko F Fujio, as well as related materials. Standing displays of color drawings from the museum’s collection of approximately 50 thousand are changed on a regular basis and include examples from popular series such as Doraemon, Perman, and Kiteretsu Daihyakka. Special exhibits are also held regularly which give visitors the chance to view rare drawings and other materials never allowed to leave the museum. The museum also has many other points of note, including a recreation of the artist’s work desk, an area where visitors can read the actual manga, and a popular gift shop.

Most visitors come here with children. But if you love Doraemon, you can certainly enjoy this place. You can reach this place by riding a Doraemon-decorated shuttle bus from Noborito station. The...
Toba Aquarium

4.5

818 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Mie Pref. Tobashi Toba 3-3-6

Located in Toba City, this is Japan’s largest aquarium. Appropriate of its catch phrase “Japan’s largest number of species bred” the aquarium is home to approximately 1,200 species of animals. The aquarium has 12 zones that come close to natural environments, and one characteristic is that there is no prescribed viewing route. The aquarium has Japan’s only dugong, a sea creature which served as a model for the mermaid legends, and along with the manatees is a popular animal to see. Moreover, the museum not only features aquatic animals but also displays animals that live close to water such as capybara. The humorous show featuring sea lions and walruses is a must-see.

Toba aquarium is a nice attraction with the animals generally seeming well looked after. Visiting on a rainy day it was quite busy inside, but the spaces inside were large enough that it did not feel...