Japan is experiencing a tourism boom, with over 41 million visitors expected in 2026, according to the Japan Travel Bureau. Google Trends search data also shows a 395% increase in the term “Japan holidays” compared to five years ago.
Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise, said:
“Demand for Japan is growing, with tourists looking to visit this beautiful country that has plenty to offer. A country known for its warm hospitality, delicious food, efficient transport, incredible landscapes and rich history, it's no wonder so many people from all over the world are visiting Japan. Social media has also played a part, with Gen Z and younger audiences seeking safe, aesthetic, and unique travel experiences.”
With tourism booming, we have revealed the highest-rated tourist attractions in Japan for those looking for some inspiration for their Japan itinerary. The team used the top 60 most popular tourist attractions on TripAdvisor and calculated the percentage of “excellent” (5-star) reviews for each. The following ten attractions scored the highest:
| Ranking | Tourist attraction | Number of TripAdvisor reviews | Number of five-star TripAdvisor reviews | Percentage of five-star TripAdvisor reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samurai Ninja Museum | 1,898 | 1,537 | 81% |
| 2 | Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum | 7,301 | 5,257 | 72% |
| 3 | Eikando Zenrinji Temple | 1,755 | 1,238 | 70.5% |
| 4 | Todai-ji Temple | 5,851 | 4,115 | 70.3% |
| 5 | Mount Fuji | 1,770 | 1,216 | 68.7% |
| 6 | teamLab Planets TOKYO | 4,661 | 3,136 | 67.3% |
| 7 | Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine | 25,171 | 16,792 | 66.7% |
| 8 | The Hakone Open-Air Museum | 2,845 | 1,884 | 66.2% |
| 9 | Sanjusangendo Temple | 4,021 | 2,620 | 65.2% |
| 10 | Himeji Castle | 5,606 | 3,549 | 63.3% |
Contents:
- Samurai Ninja Museum
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Eikando Zenrinji Temple
- Todai-ji Temple
- Mount Fuji
- teamLab Planets TOKYO
- Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
- The Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Sanjusangendo Temple
- Himeji Castle
1. Samurai Ninja Museum
The Samurai Ninja Museum in Kyoto is ranked as the top attraction to visit in Japan. This interactive museum focuses on Japan’s rich history, particularly Samurai culture from the 10th century onwards. Guests can see samurai armour and displays, including authentic Edo-period Katana and Wakizashi swords. Visitors can also play ninja games such as shuriken throwing and blowgun, and learn other ninja skills led by the museum staff. This highly rated attraction is located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto.
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The next tourist attraction to add to your Japanese itinerary is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which educates visitors about the 1945 atomic bomb in Hiroshima. It displays deeply personal artefacts, survivor testimonies, and exhibits detailing the devastation of the event and serves as a centre for peace education, urging visitors to reflect on the destruction and the importance of a nuclear-free world.
3. Eikando Zenrinji Temple
Next up is the Eikando Cenrinji Temple, located in the eastern Sakyo-ku ward of Kyoto. It is a renowned 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple, famously known for its stunning maple foliage, often referred to as Maple Eikando due to its beauty in the autumn. The temple was founded in 853 AD, and features the iconic Gokuraku Bridge, which spans the Hojo pond that leads to a shrine.
4. Todai-ji Temple
Located in Nara in south-central Japan, the Todai-ji Temple is the next highest-ranked attraction to visit in Japan. This historic, UNESCO-listed Buddhist temple was built in 752 AD and, until 1998, was the world's largest wooden building. One of the most famous parts of the temple is the 15 metre Buddha statue, which has become a cultural landmark in Nara Park. You might also catch a glimpse of the famous deer who live in the park.
5. Mount Fuji
As one of the most famous mountains in the world, Mount Fuji is another Japanese attraction that ranks highly. The 3,776-meter-tall peak is renowned for its almost-perfect, symmetrical shape and serves as a profound spiritual, cultural, and artistic symbol of the country. It was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2013, and around 200,000 people climb the mountain each year, according to the Japanese Tourism Organisation.
6. teamLab Planets TOKYO
Scoring 67.3%, teamLab Planets TOKYO is a truly unique event. This art museum offers an immersive experience where visitors can interact with sensory-driven art installations. The museum is designed for visitors to enter barefoot, allowing guests to feel connected to the art, including one exhibit where you can walk through water. Tickets must be purchased in advance as this experience books up quickly.
7. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Funshimi Inari-taisha Shrine is located in Kyoto, and scored 67.7%, ranking seventh on this list. This shrine is world-famous for its thousands of vibrant torii gates along the trail to Mount Inari. The iconic, photogenic pathway’s orange colour is used because it represents the sun, vitality, and is believed to ward off evil spirits. It is open year-round and has no entrance fee, making it perfect for those seeking budget-friendly activities.
8. The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Scoring 66.2% is the Hakone Open-Air Museum. This unique attraction is an outdoor art gallery, featuring 70,000 square meters of scenic landscapes with modern and contemporary sculptures, merging nature with art. One of the most famous exhibitions features over 300 works by Pablo Picasso, including ceramics, paintings and photographs.
9. Sanjusangendo Temple
Sanjusangendo Temple is the next attraction on the list, placed in ninth position. The Buddhist Temple is famous for its 120-metre-long hall featuring 1,001 golden, life-sized statues of Thousand-Armed Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, to represent the deity’s infinite ability to save humanity.
10. Himeji Castle
Finally, Himeji Castle ranked tenth in our list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, the 17th-century masterpiece is one of Japan’s most visited castles and is known as “White Heron” in English because of its shape, which resembles a bird in flight. It is recommended to spend at least 2 hours at the attraction, as the castle has 7 floors and over 80 rooms.
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