15 Must-Visit Places in Japan – Unusual Places

Japan is a country of astonishing order and precision. Every detail is thoughtfully designed: when it’s cold outside, public restrooms are heated; at the airport, there’s a luggage compartment inside the bathroom stalls; when you’re cycling, there are no curbs on the roads; and if you can’t adjust the shower temperature, there’s a marked “comfort setting.” From the very first moment, you feel how much people respect each other — no one pushes in the subway, everyone stands neatly in line. There’s almost no crime, so you can leave your phone or laptop unattended in public. Smoking on the streets is prohibited — instead, there are designated enclosed smoking areas.

Japan’s history is rich and layered. The imperial dynasty is over 2,600 years old. The country endured the era of shoguns, American occupation, imperial ambitions, and war. It was here that the first atomic bomb was dropped. There are about 80,000 Shinto shrines and 75,000 Buddhist temples across Japan — a blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation.

Here are 15 incredible destinations worth visiting — from Tokyo to Hiroshima — chosen for their color, character, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Tokyo

Meiji Shrine and Gardens

Address: 1-1 Kiyomizu, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557. Nearest station: Yoyogi Station.

This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who ruled Japan from 1867 to 1912. He’s still one of the country’s most revered historical figures, remembered for transforming Japan from a feudal society into an industrial state. Visitors can’t enter the shrine itself — it’s reserved for Shinto rituals and ceremonies — but you can stroll through the surrounding park and the Meiji Gardens, which cover about 173 acres (700,000 m²). Entry is free.

Takeshita Street

Address: 1 Chome-17-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001 — just a 5-minute walk from Meiji Gardens.

Takeshita Street is Tokyo’s famous pedestrian lane — often called the “Mecca of youth fashion.” You’ll find everything from luxury boutiques to street food stalls, tech shops, and quirky cafés with capybaras, mini pigs, or Samoyed dogs.