If you ask the average person where the most scenic places in Japan are, I’m guessing they’ll say one of the following: Kyoto, Hakone, or Mount Fuji. Now, I’m not going to dispute how beautiful these places are, but I’m also guessing that if scenic beauty is your top priority, you’d rather avoid having thousands of other tourists interrupting the view.
Instead, I want to share with you the 13 most scenic places in Japan that are a bit more off the beaten track. These are the destinations that have genuinely taken my breath away with their natural beauty, and that I know you’re going to fall equally in love with.
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Japan’s Official “Three Famous Views”
There’s no way I could start this list without mentioning Japan’s Nihon Sankei (three famous views). These are the places that are officially designated as most scenic in Japan based on a national election that took place in 1915.
It might be surprising that the same title would remain 100+ years later. However, if you are lucky enough to visit any of the three, you’ll understand exactly why they’re so famously scenic. I do have to mention that, along with their official designation, comes a sizable number of tourists, so it might be difficult to get the view all to yourself.
Matsushima Bay, Miyagi
Surprise, surprise, Matsushima Bay is absolutely beautiful. The views of 260 pine tree-covered islands dotting the cerulean blue water are just spectacular, and in my opinion, probably one of the most romantic places in Japan. The Bay is in Miyagi, and during a visit, you can take a scenic cruise, hike, and visit the ancient island temples.
How to get there: You can reach Matsushima Bay by taking the JR Senseki Line from Sendai Station to Matsushima-Kaigan Station, which takes about 40 minutes.
Amanohashidate, Kyoto
Amanohashidate is a sandbar that runs between the tiny Asoumi Sea and Wakasa Bay in Northern Kyoto Prefecture. The snaking stretch is a stunning visual mosaic of blue water, golden sand, and rich green foliage, making it a completely unique sight in Japan. It’s sometimes referred to as the “Rising Dragon” or a “divine bridge”, and is so striking that ancient slabs of poetry even reference the view.
How to get there: Ride the Limited Express Hashidate train from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station, a scenic journey of its own accord which takes about 2 hours.
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Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima
This is probably the most famous of the three designated sights. The view of the red torii gate shrine resting in the ocean, surrounded by a backdrop of hazy mountains, is absolutely iconic, but it is also typically filled with a lot of other tourists hoping to snap the perfect photo. Is it still worth visiting? Without a doubt. I particularly recommend staying overnight on the island to experience Isukushima Shrine at its best and most peaceful hours.
How to get there: Catch a train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station, then get the 10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima Island.
The Unofficial 10 Most Scenic Places in Japan
Okay, now that the official list is out of the way, I want to share our choices for Japan’s most scenic places. As a travel agency, we’ve been all over Japan many, many times, and these are the places that we think have the most breathtaking views.
Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido
If I’m being honest, the entirety of Hokkaido could take up this list. Especially in summer, the island is just gorgeous. It’s the least populated part of Japan and overflowing with mountains, lakes, and forests.
That being said, Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido is a particular favourite. You can take ropeways up through the clouds to see the miles of scenic beauty in all directions, hike through the untouched forests, and even find an onsen town to recover in a natural hot spring bath.
How to get there: The easiest way to get there is to rent a car. However, it is possible to use public transport by taking a 90-minute train ride from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station aboard the Lilac or Kamui limited express train. From there, you can take a bus to different areas of the national park, which takes around 100 minutes.
Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido
My second most scenic choice for Hokkaido has to be the Shiretoko Peninsula on Hokkaido’s East Coast. The entire peninsula is a national park in an incredible landscape of oceanside mountains and forest.
Shiretoko is famous for its wildlife, with a large bear population on the peninsula itself as well as incredible ocean animals you can see on a sightseeing cruise (I saw three spermwhales and a pod of Dall’s porpoises). My favourite area in the Park was the raised walk just North of the visitor’s centre, which is completely protected from bears, with gorgeous ocean views on one side and mountains on the other.
How to get there: Driving is the recommended way to reach and explore Shiretoko National Park, as buses are infrequent. To arrive via public transport, take a train to JR Shiretoko Shari Station, then catch a bus to Utoro. From there, you can ride buses into the park depending on the season and time.
Yamadera, Yamagata
Yamadera literally means mountain temple, although the real name is Risshaku-ji Temple. It is a temple literally built into the mountainside, where stone steps lead between the traditional worship buildings. I think the area is most scenic in autumn as the bright orange and fiery red koyo (autumn leaves) make the perfect frame for the temple.
How to get there: You can reach Yamadera from Tokyo by taking the Yamagata Shinkansen for 2 hours and 45 minutes to Yamagata Station. Then transfer to the JR Senzan Line for a 20-minute ride to Yamadera Station.
Discover our other favourite autumn foliage spots
Kurobe Gorge, Toyama
I just adore Kurobe Gorge in Toyama. There is a wonderful little scenic railway that takes you through the incredible gorge, making even the sightseeing experience itself magical. There are stunning red bridges crossing the gorge, dense foliage, and aquamarine water in a hue that’s almost impossible to describe. Aside from the railway, you can also take in the views from one of the many onsen in the area.
How to get there: Starting from Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama Station (about 2 hours), then transfer to the Toyama Chiho Railway to Unazuki Onsen Station, which is the starting point of the scenic Kurobe Gorge Railway.
Kamikochi Alpine Valley, Nagano
Kamikochi Alpine Valley is a really special place. It’s a sacred highland that runs through the middle of the Japanese Alps with hotels, lodges, and campsites. You can trek or take the sightseeing bus and ropeway, and the open season runs from mid-April to mid-November.
How to get there: You should be aware that you’re actually not allowed to drive cars into the national park, so you will need to plan to take public transport. The simplest option is to take a 5-7 hour highway bus direct from Tokyo. Alternatively, you can take the JR Limited Express Azusa to Matsumoto Station (about 2.5 hours), then the Matsumoto Dentetsu (Alpico Railway) to Shin-Shimashima, and finally catch a 1-hour bus to Kamikochi (just make sure to reserve the bus in advance).
Echizen Daibutsu, Fukui
All of Fukui is pretty spectacular, but Echizen Daibutsu (or Great Buddha) is one of the most scenically incredible. The Buddhist temple complex is nestled at the foot of Mount Daishiyama and spans roughly 22 hectares of perfect forest and mountainous views. It is home to one of Japan’s largest five-tiered pagodas and Buddha statues, meaning there’s no shortage of amazing views to take in.
How to get there: This is another spot that is best visited by car, so you have the freedom to explore. Public transport is still an option, though. From Tokyo by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Fukui Station (about 3 hours), then a 30-minute local train ride to Katsuyama Station, followed by a short taxi ride to the temple.
Akigawa Valley, Tokyo
This is not only one of Japan’s most scenic places, but also happens to be close enough to Tokyo to make the perfect day trip. The valley runs along the picturesque Minamiaki River with towering mountains of lush foliage on either side.
Locals in Tokyo love to visit the area for outdoor BBQs or to hit the onsen, but I like it best for hiking. There are also some lovely local wooden tea shops and restaurants around, too. Just make sure to bring cash, as there isn’t an ATM around for miles.
How to get there: You can take the JR Chuo line for about 90 minutes to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, then catch a bus into the valley from in front of the station.
See some of our other top Tokyo day trip ideas
Kumano Kodo, Wakayama
Kumano Kodo is one of the great pilgrimage routes in Japan that connects the spiritual sites of Ise Jingu in Mie to Kumano’s three shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha). Trekking the full route takes several days, although you can also opt to hike only a portion of the trail.
The pilgrimage route itself is simply beautiful. The views are expansive and wonderful, taking you through forests, past waterfalls, under mountains, and along the coast.
How to get there: Starting from either Kyoto or Osaka, you can ride the Limited Express Kuroshio train for around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to Kii-Tanabe Station, then catch a local bus to one of the trailheads.
Interested in a hiking trip to Japan?
Sakurajima, Kagoshima
Visiting Sakurajima is one of my top recommendations for anyone in Japan. It is the country’s most active volcano, which smokes constantly and erupts hundreds of times a year. It was once an island, but about 100 years ago, a lava eruption formed a land bridge to the mainland, meaning it is now technically a peninsula.
The best views of the volcano are from Kagoshima City (specifically the Shiroyama Park Observation Deck) or from the deck of the ferry that takes you to Sakurajima.
How to get there: I flew directly into Kagoshima Airport from Tokyo, but you can also ride the Sanyo or Kyushu Shinkansen to Kagoshima-Chuo Station from most major cities.
Kabira Bay, Ishigaki
I’ll be honest, every single island I’ve visited in Okinawa has been indisputably gorgeous. You just can’t beat a tropical Pacific island with traditional Japanese and Ryokan architecture. If I have to choose the most scenic spot, though, it’s going to be Kabira Bay on Ishigaki.
The untouched blue waters surrounded by white sand and densely forested cliffs dotted with brightly coloured tropical flowers…the view is so perfect it almost seems fake. If you’re lucky enough to visit, you have to take a glass-bottom boat tour to get the extra views of what’s happening beneath the water!
How to get there: You’ll need to fly into Ishigaki Airport in Okinawa, then ideally rent a car to be able to drive to and around the bay. Without a car, there are a few buses that go around the island, but you’ll have to make sure to check the timetable (and return times) before going, as they can change daily.
So, Where is the Most Scenic Place in Japan?
You know I’m going to say it comes down to your personal opinion… But, to not be too wishy washy, I will say this. My personal top spots are:
- For hiking: Kumano Kodo
- For views: Daisetsuzan National Park
- For experience: Kurobe Gorge in autumn
And I’ll leave you with this: Japan is just a scenic country. Everywhere you go, from little side streets in Tokyo to ancient temples and untouched mountain ranges, you will find has its own magical scenic beauty. You just have to look for it.
Japan’s Most Scenic Places FAQs
What are Japan’s three famous views?
Japan’s three famous views are the three sights that have been officially designated as the most scenic in Japan by a national vote that took place in 1915. The three sights are Matsushima Bay, Miyajima, and Amanohashidate.
Which city in Japan is the most beautiful?
This really depends on your subjective opinion, but some contenders would have to be Kyoto for its traditional architecture, Kagoshima for its views of Sakurajima, and Nikko with the mountain and national park backdrop.
What’s the best time of year to visit Japan?
Every season in Japan has something special to offer, but if we’re discussing the most scenic time, I would argue it is autumn. Between October and November, the leaves turn astonishing shades of red, orange, and yellow, transforming the landscape into its most beautiful state.
Where is the most beautiful countryside in Japan?
Japan has many beautiful countryside areas. Some of the most scenic are in Hokkaido, Nagano, and Fukui, or the expansive countryside in Kyushu.
