Fukuoka
Although it doesn't compare in scale or offerings to larger food markets in Japan, Yanagibashi presents the opportunity to browse for fresh fish, seafood,…
Must-see attractions in Japan
Kumamoto
The castle's soaring black Tenshūkaku (main building, 29.5m tall) is today a historical museum with 6th-storey lookouts. The tower was closed at the time…
Beppu
Chi-no-ike is named for its photogenic waters, said to be red like blood (chi). The colour comes from iron oxide and magnesium oxide. This is said to be…
Kansai
Matsusaka's grand castle, constructed in 1584, was short-lived: a typhoon destroyed the five-storey donjon (main keep) in 1644, while fire and…
Fukuoka
This popular Shintō shrine is set right in the midst of the city, steps from Tenjin Station. While it's not as grand as some other religious sites in town…
Iwate Prefecture
About 5km east of the town centre is Denshōen, a traditional farmhouse, now housing a small cultural museum. The highlights here are the thousand Oshira…
Kagoshima
This statue and landmark commemorates the students from Satsuma (the feudal name for Kagoshima) who went to study Western technology in the UK in 1865…
Arashiyama & Sagano
By exiting Tenryū-ji via this gate and taking a quick left, you'll find yourself almost immediately in the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Kii Peninsula
This small lighthouse (c 1870) was the first of eight modern lighthouses to be built after Japan opened up to foreign trade. The building itself isn't all…
Western Honshū
There's not much of the old Hagi-jō to see, apart from the typically imposing outer walls and the surrounding moat. The castle was built in 1604 and…
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
This Nishi-Shinjuku landmark building (completed in 2008) is a 50-storey webbed tower designed by Tange Associates. Easily identifiable among the blockier…
Ginza & Tsukiji
Get an insight into how newspapers are produced on a free tour of the Tokyo headquarters of this national newspaper. Reserve two days in advance; English…
Hokkaidō
Tokachi wine is aged in this 'castle' – which looks a bit like a chateau-themed love hotel – set on a hillside overlooking the town. Samples and bottles…
Kagoshima
Kagoshima's most famous historical figure, Saigō Takamori has been called the 'last samurai' and was known as both a loyalist and a rebel. His statue is…
Tokyo
Built in 1636 (and partially restored after the Great Kantō Earthquake in 1923), this is one of the Imperial Palace gates that was part of the original…
Iwate Prefecture
With exhibits depicting some of Tōno's famous legends, this museum provides a good measure of background information and context for what's to come in the…
Fukuoka
There's no particular reason to visit Fukuoka's boxy skyscraper of a city hall, but the large building is good for orientation, just west of Tenjin-chūō…
Kagoshima
This monument honours the Kagoshima samurai turned statesman (1830–78) who helped overthrow the feudal regime and pave the way for the modernisation of…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
This collection of 10 kura (mud-walled storehouses) has been arranged as a small local museum, as well as the obligatory gift shop or two.
Beppu
Built in 1957, this erector-set-style tower near the bay has an observation deck with 360-degree views. It's a popular visit for couples.
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
This is a branch of one of Tokyo's more influential contemporary-art galleries, which shows both Japanese and international artists.
Nara
South of Nigatsu-dō and Sangatsu-dō is this historic shrine dedicated to the Shintō god of war and protector of Japan.
Kagoshima
This landmark church, originally built in 1908 but rebuilt in 1999, honors the first Christian missionary to visit Japan.
Ginza & Tsukiji
Linking Tsukiji to the island of Tsukishima, this was the first bridge to be built over the Sumida-gawa after WWII.
Kansai
At this very retro attraction, stand underneath the tower, hand-crank the wheel and watch what happens above.
Downtown Kyoto
Built in 1927, this imposing building takes up one block on the corner of Kawaramachi-dōri and Oike-dōri.
Fukuoka
Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, the church holds AA meetings and religious ceremonies.
Osaka
Built in 1911, this dramatic, red-brick neo-Renaissance building is an important cultural property.
Kōbe
Up a steep hill past the homes of Kitano-chō, this shrine has good views over the city.
Hokkaidō
See a few fluffy sheep outside, wool-spinning inside and a small shop of knitted goods.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima's large city hall, in a tan brick building, is a handy landmark.
Sado Museum of History & Tradition
Niigata Prefecture
Tireless robots and holograms illustrate Sado's history and festivals.
