The must-see attractions across Japan, as voted by travellers
Japan is officially one of Australia's top tourism destinations, with over a million of us heading there for a holiday last year.
But once you're there, how best to fill your itinerary?
If you're in need of some inspiration for activities across Japan, travel experts at Iglu Cruise have compiled a list of the highest-rated tourist attractions.
The team used the top 60 most popular tourist attractions on TripAdvisor and calculated the percentage of "excellent" (5-star) reviews for each.
Read through to see them all.
10. Himeji Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, the 17th-century masterpiece is one of Japan's most visited castles.
It is recommended to spend at least two hours at the attraction, as the castle has seven floors and over 80 rooms.
9. Sanjusangen-do Temple
The Buddhist Temple is famous for its 120-metre-long hall featuring 1,001 golden, life-sized statues of Thousand-Armed Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, to represent the deity's infinite ability to save humanity.
8. The Hakone Open-Air Museum
This unique attraction is an outdoor art gallery, featuring 70,000 square meters of scenic landscapes with modern and contemporary sculptures, merging nature with art.
One of the most famous exhibitions features over 300 works by Pablo Picasso, including ceramics, paintings and photographs.
7. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
This shrine is world-famous for its thousands of vibrant torii gates along the trail to Mount Inari.
The iconic, photogenic pathway's orange colour is used because it represents the sun, vitality, and is believed to ward off evil spirits.
It is open year-round and has no entrance fee, making it perfect for those seeking budget-friendly activities.
6. teamLab Planets TOKYO
You've probably seen this one on Instagram.
This art museum offers an immersive experience where visitors can interact with sensory-driven art installations.
The museum is designed for visitors to enter barefoot, allowing guests to feel connected to the art, including one exhibit where you can walk through water.
5. Mount Fuji
One of the most recognisable mountains in the world, Mount Fuji is stunning whether you scale it or just admire it from afar.
It was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2013, and around 200,000 people climb the mountain each year, according to the Japanese Tourism Organisation.
4. Todai-ji Temple
This historic, UNESCO-listed Buddhist temple was built in 752 AD and, until 1998, was the world's largest wooden building.
One of the most famous parts of the temple is the 15-metre Buddha statue, which has become a cultural landmark in Nara.
You might also catch a glimpse of the famous deer that live all around the city.
3. Eikando Zenrinji Temple
Located in Kyoto, this 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple, famously known for its stunning maple foliage, is often referred to as Maple Eikando due to its beauty in the autumn.
The temple was founded in 853 AD, and features the iconic Gokuraku Bridge, which spans the Hojo pond that leads to a shrine.
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
This sprawling museum and memorial park educates visitors about the 1945 atomic bomb in Hiroshima.
It displays deeply personal artefacts, survivor testimonies, and exhibits detailing the devastation of the event, urging visitors to reflect on the importance of a nuclear-free world.
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