These 9 Instagrammable Spots In Japan Will Make Your Trip Extra Memorable
Japan is teeming with Instagrammable spots. With an abundance of picturesque sites to choose from, how do you know which ones to visit? From Hokkaido to Saga, all over Japan discover 9 of the country’s most Instagram-worthy spots to add to your itinerary for a picture-perfect trip, guaranteed!
1. Unkai Terrace (Hokkaido)
©Hoshino Resorts Inc.
Located in Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, Unkai Terrace provides a heavenly view of the phenomenon known as the ‘sea of clouds’, which usually happens during the summer months. From this vantage point, visitors are greeted with the sight of the rolling clouds almost at arm’s reach and the breathtaking Hidaka Mountain Range at a distance.
Location Information
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Address: Naka-Tomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido Prefecture 079-2204 Learn more: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1873/ |
2. Hakkoda Ropeway (Aomori)
Be treated to a visual feast when you go aboard the Hakkoda Ropeway. The 2.5-kilometer stretch gives visitors an awe-inspiring view of the Hakkoda Mountain Range. If you schedule your trip around winter, you can witness the mountain slope transform into a snow wonderland with gigantic hoarfrosts, more commonly known as ‘snow monsters’, filling the scenery.
Location Information
| Address: 1-12 Kansuizawa, Arakawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture 030-0188 Access: 60 minutes by bus from JR Aomori Station. Learn more: https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/parks/towada-hachimantai/see-and-do/hakkoda-ropeway/ |
3. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
Leandro ERLICH, "The Swimming Pool", 2004
Collection: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Photo: WATANABE Osamu
Courtesy: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, which features impressive architecture and houses a vast collection of art pieces and installations, is one of Kanazawa’s most popular tourist attractions. Almost every spot in this location is worth a place in your Instagram grid, but one to not miss is The Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich. This mind-boggling installation uses optical illusion to intrigue visitors whether they are looking at it from the top or the bottom.
Location Information
| Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-8509 Access: From JR Kanazawa Station, take a bus to the Hirosaka· 21st Century Museum (Ishiura Jinja-mae) bus stop. From here, take a one-minute walk to the museum. Learn more: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1407/ |
4. Ryujin Suspension Bridge (Ibaraki)
Looking for a majestic way to see Japan’s colourful mountainscapes no matter what season you visit? Take a trip to Ryujin Suspension Bridge to experience a wondrous panoramic view of its surrounding mountains and forests. The foliage around the 375-meter-long bridge becomes a gorgeous sea of green during summer, whimsical pink in spring, and vibrant orange and red in autumn.
Location Information
| Address: 2133-6 Kegano-cho, Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture 313-0351 Access: From JR Hitachiota Station, take a bus bound for Shimotakakura and alight at Ryujin Suspension Bridge. Learn more: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/291/ |
5. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (Kanagawa)
©Yokohama Hakkeijima Seaparadise
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is one of Japan’s largest ocean leisure parks with tons of activities for the entire family to enjoy. One of its most photo-worthy attractions is the aquarium. At the Aqua Museum, you can observe 120,000 creatures of 700 species. Also, at ‘Dolphin Fantasy’, which features an arched aquarium, you can see the dolphins swimming leisurely from the top, bottom, left, and right.
Location Information
| Address: Hakkeijima, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture 236-0006 Access: A direct limousine service is available from JR Yokohama Station and Minato Mirai area. Learn more: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1576/ |
6. ACAO FOREST (Shizuoka)
ACAO FOREST is a captivating embodiment of your fairytale dreams. Each of its 13 themed gardens has its own magical charm filled with colorful flora of varying kinds. A wondrous display, one of the world’s largest bonsai featuring red pine, which is about 600 years old, can also be found in one of these gardens. Visitors are also treated to a clear overlooking view of Atami’s sky and sea from this location.
Location Information
| Address: 1027-8 Kamitaga, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0101 Access: From Atami Station, take the bus to Acao Forest bus stop and walk for one minute to reach ACAO FOREST. Official website: https://acao.jp/forest |
7. Umeda Sky Building (Osaka)
Apart from Umeda Sky Building’s Instagrammable exterior, the Kuchu Teien Observatory on the 39th and 40th floors are also great spots for picture-taking because they offer a great view of Osaka’s breathtaking cityscape, especially during sunset. The tunnel-like escalator leading up to the observatory is also a great photo spot here.
Location Information
| Address: 1-1-88, Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka Prefecture 531-6039 Access: From JR Osaka Station, take a seven-minute walk to Umeda Sky Building. Learn more: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1092/ |
8. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)
Kinosaki Onsen is one of Hyogo Prefecture’s most historic hot spring sites, dating back almost 1,300 years. This onsen town that’s surrounded by nature exudes an old-world charm. Its well-preserved architecture and laid-back ambience provide visitors a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. During winter, the town becomes even more serene and Instagram-worthy with its snow-covered traditional buildings and streets.
Location Information
| Address: Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, 669-6101 Access: From JR Osaka Station, take a train bound for JR Kinosaki Onsen station. Learn more: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2005/ |
9. Mifuneyama Rakuen (Saga)
teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live - GC, Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab
Created in 1855, Mifuneyama Rakuen is known as one of Japan’s most scenic nature spots. From April to May (or spring), the 500,000-meter site becomes picture-perfect as it is filled with azaleas. From July to November, you can witness the captivating installation called “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live - GC”. The event, presented by teamLab, combines Mifuneyama Rakuen’s natural charm with immersive technology.
Location Information
| Address: 4100 Takeo, Takeo-cho, Takeo City, Saga Prefecture 843-0022 Access: From JR Takeo Onsen Station, take a 25-minute walk to Mifuneyama Rakuen. Learn more: https://www.teamlab.art/e/mifuneyamarakuen/ |
Which of these spots are you most excited to add to your Instagram grid soon?
Whether you’re a solo traveller seeking solace in nature or a group going after new adventures in cities, Japan has all you need and more. Discover a Japan for You below.
