The world has a penchant for categorizing things into threes, and Japan follows suit with numerous 'Best 3' or 'Great 3' sightseeing destinations across the country. If you're considering a trip to Japan, strategically planning your itinerary around these locations guarantees you'll experience the finest Japan has to offer. Without delay, let's explore some of Japan's top three must-visit destinations.
Miyajima in Hiroshima is well-known as being one of Japan's Sankei (三景)
1. 三大絶景 (Sandai Zekkei) 3 Most Spectacular views
Perhaps the most famous on this list is the Japan Sandai Zekkei or simply, Sankei.
Amanohashidate
Matsushima (松島) in Miyagi. Matsushima is known for its forested islands in Matsushima Bay. There are boats you can ride on which will take you around the islets.
Website: https://www.matsushima-kanko.com/en/
Access: Matsushima is easily accessible from Sendai Station by taking the Senseki Line to Matsushima Kaigan Station which takes around 40 minutes.
Miyajima (宮島) in Hiroshima. Miyajima is a small island in Hiroshima Bay. It is known for its large Torii Gate which sits in the water and serves as the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine.
Website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/
Access: You can get to Miyajima from Hiroshima Station by taking the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station which takes around 30 minutes. From there, walk to Miyajima Pier where you can take a ferry to the island which takes about 10 minutes.
Amanohashidate (天橋立) in Kyoto. Amanohashidate, which translates to "Heavenly Bridge" is a 3.6km sandbar located in Northern Kyoto which links to both sides of Miyazu Bay. There is an observatory on Mt. Monju which provides a view of Amanohashidate from the South.
Access: Amanohashidate takes over 2 hours on the express train from either Kyoto (transfer once at Nishi-Maizuru Station) or Osaka (Transfer once at Fukuchiyama Station). There are also buses from both cities that can take you to the station directly.
2. 三大夜景 (Sandai Yakei) 3 Beautiful Night Views
When it comes to breathtaking vistas, consider exploring the exotic nighttime scenery in Japan.
View from Mt. Hakodate
Mt. Hakodate (函館山) in Hokkaido. Mt. Hakodate is an inactive volcano located on the southern tip of the Hakodate peninsula. The mountain offers a gorgeous view of the bay and city, making it a must-see for travelers stopping by Hakodate.
Website (Mt. Hakodate Ropeway): https://334.co.jp/en/
Access: There is a ropeway at the base of the mountain which operates at 15-minute intervals. You can also hike up the mountain which takes about an hour.
Kikuseidai (掬星台) in Hyogo. The Kikuseidai Observation Platform is located on Mt. Maya and offers night views of Kobe and Osaka.
Website (Maya Viewline): https://koberope.jp/en/maya/price
Access: From JR Sannomiya Station, take a bus for the Mt. Maya Cable Car (20 minutes). Once you reach Mt. Maya, take the cable car which will take you to Kikuseidai.
Mt. Inasa (稲佐山) in Nagasaki. Mt. Inasa is a 333-meter mountain in Nagasaki city. At the top of the mountain, there is a dome lookout with a 360-degree view of Nagasaki.
Website: https://www.inasayama.com/
Access: You can access Mt. Inasa quite easily from Nagasaki Station. Either take a bus directly to the Inasayama bus stop (15 minutes) and from there it is a 15-minute walk to the summit. Or, you can get off at the Ropeway-mae bus stop, and from there, it is a 2-minute walk to Nagasaki Ropeway Fuchi-jinja Station where you can take the Ropeway to the top.
3. 三大名園 (Sandai Meien)
3 Famous Gardens
Japan's gardens are steeped in history, rich with symbolism and distinctive styles. Here are three of the most renowned "great gardens" in Japan.
Kenrokuen
Kenrokuen (兼六園) in Kanazawa (Ishikawa). Kenrokuen was formerly the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. Kenrokuen means "Garden of 6 Attributes." The six attributes are spaciousness, quiet seclusion, artifice, antiquity, flowing water, and magnificent views.
Access: The garden is easily accessible from Kanazawa Station by taking the bus (20 minutes) and getting off at the Kenrokuen Garden bus stop.
Kairakuen (偕楽園) in Mito (Ibaraki). Kairakuen Garden is famous for its 3000 plum blossoms, making it a popular destination during the springtime.
Access: From Mito Station, it is about 20 minutes by bus to Kairakuen.
Okayama Korakuen (岡山後楽園) in Okayama. Not to be mistaken with the Koishikawa Korakuen in Tokyo, the Korakuen in Okayama is a spacious garden that was created around 300 years ago.
Access: The garden is about a 25-minute walk from Okayama Station.
4. 三大名瀑 (Sandai Meibaku)
3 Great Waterfalls
Kegon Waterfall
Kegon Waterfall (華厳の滝) in Tochigi. The Kegon Waterfall is a 97-meter waterfall and a must for those visiting Nikko. The water flows from Lake Chuzenji which also happens to be Japan's highest lake. There is an elevator that takes you to a deck near the base of the waterfall.
Access: From JR Nikko Station, take the bus to Chuzenji Onsen (45 minutes) and from there, it is a 3-minute walk to the waterfall.
Nachi Waterfall (那智の滝) in Wakayama. Nachi Waterfall is the tallest waterfall with an uninterrupted drop in Japan at 133 meters. On Mt. Nachi is the Kumano Nachi Shrine, which is uniquely situated near Seigantoji Temple, forming one of the country's rare shrine-temple areas.
Website: https://nachikan.jp/spot/
Access: Get on the bus from Kii-Katsuura station and it is about a 30-minute ride to the Nachi-no-Taki-mae Bus stop.
Fukuroda Waterfall (袋田の滝) in Daigo (Ibaraki). Fukuroda Waterfall is an impressive 120-meter cascade where water flows down a four-tiered rock cliff, earning it the nickname "Yondo no Taki" or "Four-Times Waterfall.
Access: From Fukuroda Station on the Suigun Line, there is a bus to Takinomoto Bus Stop, and from there, it is a 10-minute walk to the waterfall.
5. 三大花火大会 (Sandai Hanabi Taikai)
3 Great Fireworks Festivals
Firework festivals in Japan typically occur from July to August and are an important part of Japan's culture. If you're visiting Japan in the summer and autumn, be sure to catch one of these impressive fireworks festivals!
Omagari Fireworks (大曲の花火) or All Japan Fireworks Competition (全国花火競技大会) in Omagari (Akita). The Omagari Fireworks Festival is the most prestigious fireworks festival in Japan because it's also a national contest with prizes awarded by the Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
When: Late August
Website: https://www.oomagari-hanabi.com/
Access: About a 30-minute walk from JR Omagari Station.
Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition (土浦全国花火競技大会) in Tsuchiura (Ibaraki). Of the three Great Fireworks Festivals, the Tsuchiura Festival is the only one that takes place during the autumn time.
When: October / November
Website: https://www.tsuchiura-hanabi.jp/
Access: 30-minute walk from JR Tsuchiuura Station or a 10-minute shuttle bus ride from the station.
Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Competition (長岡まつり大花火大会) in Nagaoka (Niigata). This fireworks display takes place along the banks of the Shinano River and is a 2-day affair.
When: August 2-3
Website: https://nagaokamatsuri.com/en/
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Nagaoka Station.
6. 三大イルミネーション (Sandai Illumination)
3 Great Illumination Festivals
Huis Ten Bosch Kingdom of Lights (ハウステンボス光の王国) in Nagasaki.
When: Year-round
Access: Huis Ten Bosch is a 5-minute walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station.
Sapporo White Illumination (さっぽろホワイトイルミネーション) in Sapporo (Hokkaido). Sapporo's White Illumination takes place at Odori Park, Ekimaedori, and Minami-ichi-jo dori.
When: Late November to Mid-March
Access: All sites are easily accessible from Sapporo Station. You could either walk 15 minutes from Sapporo Station or take a 2-minute bus ride to Odori Station.
Ashikaga Flower Park - Flower Fantasy (あしかがフラワーパーク・光の花の庭) in Tochigi. There are three shows that run during the winter season: the Light and Flower Collaboration until mid-November, Flower Park Fantasy from late November to late December, and New Year's Illumination from New Year's Day to mid-February.
When: Mid-October to Mid-February
Access: Ashikaga Flower Park is a 13-minute walk from JR Tomita Station.
7. 三名城 (Sanmei Jou)
3 Great Castles
Japan is home to many great castles. So it's no surprise that there are a few castles that stand above the others.
Himeji Castle
Nagoya Castle (名古屋城) in Nagoya. Nagoya Castle was built in 1615 by Ieyasu Tokugawa. Although it was burned down during the war, it was reconstructed in 1959.
Access: From Nagoya Station, take the Sakuradori Subway Line to Hisayaodori Station. Then, transfer to the Meijo Subway Line to Nagoyajo Station. The entire trip takes just 10 minutes.
Himeji Castle (姫路城) in Himeji. Also known as the 'White Heron Castle,' this castle was built in 1609 and is comprised of 83 buildings and is one of Japan's most famous castles.
Website: https://www.himejicastle.jp/en/
Access: From JR Himeji Station / Sanyo Himeji Station, take the bus and get off at Otemon-mae bus stop. From there, it is a 20-minute walk to the castle.
Kumamoto Castle (熊本城) in Kumamoto. This hilltop castle was built in 1607 and is located in the center of Kumamoto City.
Website: https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/
Access: From Kumamoto Station, take the tram (17 minutes) to Kumamoto Castle / City Hall Station.
8. 三大祭り (Sandai Matsuri)
3 Major Festivals
Japan is home to countless festivals, or matsuri (祭り), each featuring unique processions, dances, and costumes. Here are the three major festivals of Japan.
Gion Matsuri
Gion Festival (祇園祭) in Kyoto. Gion Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan which takes place at Yasaka Shrine and spans for a full month. The festival's highlight is the float processions on July 17th and 24th.
When: July
Access: Located in Central Kyoto, the easiest way to get there would be to take the Hankyu Line to Kawaramachi Station or the Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station.
Tenjin Festival (天神祭) in Osaka. This festival, held around Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in the heart of Osaka, celebrates Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and scholarship. The festival has two parts: 'Rikutogyo,' which takes place on land, and 'Funatogyo,' which occurs on water.
When: July 24-25
Access: JR Osaka Tenmagu Station or Metro Minamimorimachi Station
Kanda Festival (神田祭) in Tokyo. This festival only occurs once every two years (odd years) and alternates with the Sanno Matsuri which is also held every two years (even years). The festival is held at the Kanda Myojin Shrine in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
When: Mid-May (Once every two years)
Access: The closest station to Kanda Myojin Temple is Ochanomizu Station or Shin-Ochanomizu Station.
9. 三大奇祭 (Sandai Kisai)
3 Major Peculiar Festivals
With so many festivals in Japan, there are bound to be a few peculiar festivals right? Here are Japan's 3 peculiar festivals that have unique traditions.
Namahage Sedo Festival (なまはげ柴灯祭) in Akita. The Namahage Sedo Festival takes place at the Mayama Shrine on the Oga Peninsula, Northwest of Akita City. The festival is notable for Namahage Demons dancing around a bonfire and also descending down the mountain carrying a torch in hand.
When: Second Friday, Saturday, Sunday of February
Website: https://www.namahage-oga.akita.jp/english/sedo.html
Access: JR Oga Line from Akita Station to Oga City. From there, there is a paid shuttle bus that can take you to the festival site.
Onbashira Festival (御柱祭) in Suwa (Nagano). This is a festival that takes place once every 6 years at the Suwa Taisha Shrine. Suwa Taisha is a shrine with four shrines around Lake Suwa. Two 'lower" shrines (Harumiya and Akimiya) and two 'upper' shrines (Maemiya and Honmiya). The festival involves cutting down 16 fir trees called "Otashira" which are pulled by parishioners to the four corners of the Shrine. It is a notably dangerous festival and there have been deaths in the past.
When: April and May once every 6 years (Last: 2022, Next: 2028)
Website: https://onbashira.jp/en/
Access: Kamisuwa is about 2 hours and 35 minutes on the Limited Express from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station.
Yoshida's Fire Festival (吉田の火祭り) in Fujiyoshida (Yamanashi). The festival takes place at Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine which sits at the base of Mt. Fuji and marks the end of the climbing season on Mt. Fuji. Two portable shrines (omikoshi's) are carried throughout the town in the afternoon and at dusk, 70 three-meter torches are ignited to light up the street like an orange river.
When: August 26 and 27th
Access: From Shinjuku, there is a direct express train which takes you to Fujisan Station (1 hour and 50 minutes). From there, you can take a bus to the shrine which takes about 15 minutes.
10. 三名泉 (Sanmeisen)
3 Famous Onsens
Hot springs, or onsens, are deeply embedded in Japan's tradition and culture. With tens of thousands of onsens across the country, it's no surprise that Japan has its own 'Three Great' onsens.
Kusatsu Onsen
Arima Onsen (有馬温泉) in Kobe (Hyogo). Arima Onsen is regarded as one of Japan's "big three" hot springs and one of its three oldest onsens. Located on the other side of Mt. Rokko in Kobe, it is a popular getaway for locals from Kobe and Osaka.
Website: https://visit.arima-onsen.com/
Access: JR Arima Onsen can be accessed from Kobe Station and takes about 1 hour to get there.
Gero Onsen (下呂温泉) in Gifu. Gero Onsen, situated between Nagoya and Takayama, is a popular hot spring destination and an excellent stopover for travelers heading to Takayama.
Website: https://www.gero-spa.or.jp/lg_en/
Access: Gero Onsen is about 90 minutes from Nagoya on the JR Takayama Line.
Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉) in Kusatsu. Kusatsu Onsen is an onsen town in the mountains in Gunma Prefecture. It is known for the 'yubatake' or hot water field in the heart of the town.
Access: There are direct buses from Tokyo's Shinjuku bus terminal to Kusatsu Onsen. You could also take the express train to Naganohara Kusatsuguchi Station (2 hours and 30 minutes) and take the bus to Kusatsu (25 minutes).
11. 三古泉 (Sankosen)
3 Oldest Onsens
As the name implies, these hot springs have a long-standing history in Japan. There are two theories regarding the three oldest onsens in the country. One theory, based on the descriptions in the Nihon Shoki and Fudoki, includes Dogo Onsen, Arima Onsen, and Shirahama Onsen. The other theory, drawn from the Engishiki Shinmeicho, lists Dogo Onsen, Arima Onsen, and Iwaki Yumoto Onsen. Consequently, we feature four onsens in this section.
Dogo Onsen (道後温泉) in Ehime. Dogo Onsen is believed to have inspired the bathhouse in Miyazaki Hayao's movie 'Spirited Away.' The onsen is in the city of Matsuyama in Ehime, Shikoku.
Website: https://dogo.jp/en/
Access: The easiest way to reach Dogo Onsen is to fly to Matsuyama Airport, followed by a 45-minute bus ride to the onsen.
Arima Onsen (有馬温泉) in Kobe (Hyogo).
Website: https://visit.arima-onsen.com/
Access: JR Arima Onsen can be accessed from Kobe Station and takes about 1 hour to get there.
Shirahama Onsen (白浜温泉) in Wakayama. Shirahama Onsen, a seaside hot spring town in Shirahama, Wakayama, is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy both an onsen and the ocean.
Access: Shirahama Onsen is just a 10 minute bus ride from Nanki-Shirahama airport. The flight from Tokyo to Nanki-Shirahama is just one hour, making the onsen surprisingly accessible.
Iwaki Yumoto Onsen (いわき湯本温泉) in Iwaki (Fukushima).
Website: https://iwakiyumoto.or.jp/
Access: Iwaki Yumoto Onsen is a short walk from JR Yumoto Station on the Joban Line.
12. 三大桜 (Sandai Zakura)
3 Major Sakura Viewing Spots
The "Three Great Cherry Blossoms of Japan" refers to the three cherry blossoms: "Miharu Waterfall Cherry Blossoms" in Fukushima Prefecture, "Yamataka Shindai Sakura" in Yamanashi Prefecture, and "Neodani Tansumi Sakura" in Gifu Prefecture. All of them have been designated as national natural monuments.
Yamataka Jindai Zakura (山高神代桜). This cherry blossom tree blooms at Jissoji Temple in Takekawa-cho, Hokuto City. The tree is estimated to be 2,000 years old.
Access: The temple is a 30 minute drive from JR Kobuchizawa Station.
Neodani Usuzumi Zakura (根尾谷薄墨桜). Famous for it's old age, this tree is estimated at over 1,500 years old.
Access: From Nagoya, take the JR Tokaido Line to Ogaki (30 minutes). Then, transfer to the Tarumi Tetsudo Line and travel to Tarumi Station. The park is approximately a 15-minute walk from the station.
Miharu Takizakura (三春滝桜). Located in Miharu Town, Tamura District, Fukushima Prefecture, the tree is estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
Access: During the Sakura season, there is a temporary bus running from JR Miharu Station.
13. 三大紅葉名所 (Sandai Kouyoumeisho)
3 Major Autumn Foliage Areas
Japan is a treasure trove of autumn foliage, offering fantastic viewing sites across the country. Here are the renowned areas for observing the changing leaves.
Nikko
Arashiyama (嵐山) in Kyoto. Although Arashiyama is known for its famed bamboo grove, the area is also well known for its autumn colors.
Access: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (17 minutes).
Nikko (日光) in Tochigi. Nikko National Park is a mountainous, vibrant park providing abundant opportunities to admire the autumn foliage.
Access: From JR Utsunomiya Station, take the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station (1 hour and 40 minutes).
Yabakei (耶馬溪). Yabakei, situated in Nakatsu City, Oita, is home to the "Hitome Hakkei" viewpoint at the heart of Shin-Yabakei, offering a panoramic vista adorned with autumn hues.
Access: There are buses to Yabakei from Nakatsu Station.
14. 三大渓谷 (Sandai Keikoku)
3 Great Gorges
Kurobe Gorge
Kurobe Gorge (黒部峡谷) in Toyama. This canyon, located in Kurobe in Toyama Prefecture, features trolley trains that run through the gorge, offering stunning views.
Website: (Trolley): https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/en/
Access: From JR Unazuki Onsen Station, it is a short walk to Unazuki Station for the Kurobe Gorge Railway.
Osugidani Gorge (大杉谷) in Mie. Osugidani offers great trekking passing through 7 waterfalls and 11 suspension bridges. It's a must for those in Mie who want to immerse themselves in nature.
Access: From Misetaya Station, take the bus bound for Osugidani.
Kiyotsu Gorge (清津峡) in Niigata. This gorge features a 750 meter tunnel that offers viewpoints including a panoramic view of the gorge.
Access: Take a bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Kiyotsukyou-Iriguchi bus stop (30 minutes).
15. 三大鍾乳洞
3 Great Limestone Caves
Ryusendo Cave (龍泉洞) in Iwate. Ryusendo Cave, located in Iwaizumi Town in Iwate Prefecture, is a vast cave system estimated to stretch 5 kilometers in length, with 700 meters accessible to the public. It features eight freshwater lakes, three of which are open to visitors.
Access: The best way to get there is by taking the bus from Morioka Station.
Akiyoshidai (秋芳洞) in Yamaguchi. Akiyoshidai is Japan's largest limestone cave with 9 kilometers in length, of which about 1 kilometer is opened to the public.
Access: There are buses from Yamaguchi Station to Akiyoshidai (1 hour).
Ryugado Cave (龍河洞) in Kochi. Ryugado is a cave that is roughly 4 kilometers in length, of which about 1 kilometer is opened to the public.
Access: There are buses from JR Tosayamada Station which takes about 20 minutes.
16. 三大秘境 (Sandai Hikyo)
3 Great Secluded Regions
Although Japan boasts one of the best public transportation systems in the world, that doesn't mean there aren't difficult places to get to.
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go (白川郷) in Gifu. Shirakawa-go is perhaps the most popular of the three secluded regions and is a mountain village, known for its heavy snowfall. The town is distinguished by its Gassho-style houses, which feature steeply sloped thatched roofs.
Website: https://www.vill.shirakawa.lg.jp/en/
Access: There are a few ways to get to Shirakawa-go, all being a bit far.
By Bus: Take the express bus from Tokyo to Takayamanouhi bus center (5 hours) then take another bus to Shirakawa-go (50 minutes).
By Shinkansen: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama (2 hours 15 minutes), then take the bus to Shirakawa-go (1 hour 10 minutes.
By Plane: Take a flight to Toyama Airport (1 hour), then take a bus to Toyama Station (22 minutes) and transfer onto another bus to Shirakawa-go (1 hour 20 minutes).
Shiiba Village (椎葉村) in Miyazaki. Shiiba is a village in the mountains of Miyazaki in Kyushu. Shiiba village offers scenic hikes and farm stay programs.
Access: The easiest would probably be to rent a car and drive to Shiiba Village from Miyazaki City (3 hours) or Kumamoto City (2 hours and 15 minutes.
Iya (祖谷) in Tokushima. Iya Valley is a secluded gorge in Tokushima prefecture in Shikoku. Along with nature, you can enjoy hot springs and the famed Kazurabashi vine bridge.
Website: https://www.iyatime.com/
Access: Iya can be accessed by flying to Takamatsu Airport and from there there are buses that run directly to Iya Valley.
17. 三大がっかり名所 (Sandai Gakkari Meisho)
3 Most Disappointing Spots
Not quite up to expectations? Well, Japan has a 'Great 3' for that as well. Here are the 3 most disappointing spots in Japan.
Sapporo Clock Tower (札幌市時計台) in Hokkaido.
Access: Sapporo Clock Tower is just a ten minute walk south from Sapporo Station.
Harimaya Bridge (はりまや橋) in Kochi. Harimaya Bridge is a scarlet bridge located in Kochi City.
Access: The bridge is about a 10 minute walk from Kochi Station.
Dutch Slope (オランダ坂) in Nagasaki.
Access: Take the tram from Nagasaki to Shinichi China Town Station. From there, its a short walk to the slope.
Comments