Best Landmarks in Aki
Planning a trip to Aki? Discover the best landmarks in Aki with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Aki
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- A–Z
33 landmarks
-
Shinto shrine4.6★70,318 reviews
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a captivating Shinto shrine in Kyoto, famed for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that wind up Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and prosperity, it offers a unique and enchanting cultural experience.
Open 24 hours
-
Observation deck4.4★89,852 reviews
Tokyo Skytree
Rising 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is Japan's tallest structure and a prominent symbol of Tokyo, offering breathtaking panoramic views from its two observation decks. Located in Sumida City, it also features a shopping complex and serves as a broadcasting tower.
Mon–Fri 10:00–22:00 · Sat–Sun 9:00–22:00
-
Observation deck4.5★75,522 reviews
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, completed in 1958, is a symbol of Japan's post-war rebirth and economic growth. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it stands 333 meters tall and offers stunning views of Tokyo from its observation decks.
Daily 9:00–22:30
-
Buddhist temple4.5★75,244 reviews
Sensō-ji
Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, is a vibrant and historically significant Buddhist site in Asakusa. Dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, it attracts millions annually with its iconic Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, and serene temple complex.
-
Castle4.4★71,661 reviews
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, a prominent landmark in Osaka, Japan, played a significant role in the country's unification during the 16th century. Originally built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, with the current main tower dating back to 1931. Today, it houses a museum with over 10,000 historical artifacts and offers panoramic views of the city.
Daily 9:00–17:00
-
Tourist attraction4.4★69,734 reviews
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a vibrant entertainment district in Osaka, Japan, known for its dazzling neon lights, extravagant signage, and diverse culinary scene. Historically a theater district, it has evolved into a popular nightlife and tourist destination, epitomizing Osaka's energetic spirit. The area runs along the Dotonbori canal, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and tantalizing aromas.
Open 24 hours
-
Park4.5★57,927 reviews
Nara Park
Nara Park, established in 1880, is a sprawling public park in Nara, Japan, famous for its free-roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods. Home to significant cultural landmarks like Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical treasures.
Open 24 hours
-
Buddhist temple4.5★53,219 reviews
Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera, or 'Pure Water Temple,' is a celebrated Buddhist temple in Kyoto, founded in 778. Known for its stunning wooden stage offering panoramic city views, the temple complex also features serene waterfalls, shrines, and pagodas, making it a must-see destination.
Daily 6:00–18:00
-
Castle4.6★48,672 reviews
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking example of traditional Japanese architecture, surrounded by stunning gardens and rich history. This magnificent castle, known as the 'White Heron Castle' for its elegant white exterior, is a must-visit for tourists seeking a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Explore its intricate design, impressive defensive features, and enjoy panoramic views from its highest towers.
Daily 9:00–16:00
-
Buddhist temple4.5★52,603 reviews
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was converted into a temple after his death in 1408. It's a stunning example of Muromachi period architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Daily 9:00–17:00
Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offers a tranquil escape from Tokyo's vibrant city life. Established in 1920 and rebuilt in 1958 after wartime destruction, it features a sprawling forest, traditional architecture, and peaceful gardens.
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a picturesque mountain village in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, famed for its unique gassho-style farmhouses. These traditional homes, with their steeply pitched thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer, have earned the village UNESCO World Heritage status and offer a glimpse into a bygone era.
Nijō Castle
Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, Japan, was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Serving as the Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa shoguns, it symbolizes the power the shogunate held over the Emperor. The castle features stunning architecture, intricate gardens, and historically significant sites.
Daily 8:45–17:00
Itsukushima Jinja
Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Miyajima Island, is famed for its iconic 'floating' torii gate. Built over water, the vermilion shrine complex appears to float at high tide, creating a mesmerizing scene that has drawn pilgrims and visitors for centuries.
Daily 6:30–18:00
Nikkō Tōshogū
Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Immerse yourself in its historical architecture, lush surroundings, and serene ambiance, making it a must-visit for any traveler in Japan.
Daily 9:00–17:00
Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is an architectural marvel in Osaka, featuring two interconnected towers and a rooftop Floating Garden Observatory offering panoramic city views. Completed in 1993, it's a symbol of Osaka's modern skyline and offers a unique blend of futuristic design and retro charm.
Daily 9:30–22:30
Matsumoto-jō Castle
Matsumoto Castle, also known as the 'Crow Castle' due to its striking black exterior, is a stunning example of a Japanese castle. Located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, it's one of Japan's premier historic castles and a designated National Treasure, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's feudal past.
Daily 8:30–16:30
Nachi Waterfall
Nachi Waterfall (Nachi no Taki) is Japan's tallest waterfall with a single uninterrupted drop of 133 meters. Revered since ancient times as a sacred dwelling of Shinto deities, it's a key spiritual site in the Kumano region and a stunning natural wonder.
Daily 7:30–16:30
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Step into a world of towering green stalks at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a serene escape on the outskirts of Kyoto. This enchanting grove offers a tranquil walking path through thousands of bamboo plants, creating a mesmerizing experience of light and sound.
Open 24 hours
Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
Venture into the heart of Nagano to witness a unique spectacle: wild Japanese macaques, affectionately known as snow monkeys, bathing in natural hot springs. Jigokudani Monkey Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures up close in their natural habitat, particularly during the snowy winter months.
Daily 8:30–17:00
Kobe Port Tower
The Kobe Port Tower, an iconic landmark in Kobe, Japan, offers panoramic views of the city and harbor from its unique hyperboloid structure. Designed to resemble a traditional Japanese drum, the tower stands as a symbol of Kobe's port and resilience.
Daily 9:00–23:00
Akiyoshido Cave
Explore the breathtaking Akiyoshido Cave, a natural marvel in Yamaguchi, Japan, featuring stunning limestone formations, rich history, and captivating underground scenery perfect for adventurous tourists.
Daily 8:30–16:30
Arashiyama
Arashiyama, nestled on Kyoto's western outskirts, has been a beloved retreat for centuries. Known as 'Storm Mountain,' it offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural treasures. From its iconic bamboo grove to historic temples and the serene Katsura River, Arashiyama provides a tranquil escape from the city.
Akiyoshidai
Akiyoshidai is Japan's largest karst plateau, a landscape sculpted from an ancient coral reef over millions of years. The area features unique limestone formations scattered across a grassy expanse, creating a distinctive and mesmerizing natural environment. Beneath the surface lies Akiyoshido Cave, one of the country's largest limestone caves, adding another layer of geological wonder to this protected landscape.
Open 24 hours
Roadside Station Akitakō
Roadside Station Akitakō, also known as Port Oasis Akita, is more than just a rest stop; it's a vibrant tourist attraction showcasing Akita's coastal charm. Located on Route 7 in Akita City, it features local products, regional delicacies, and scenic views. Don't miss the Selion Tower for panoramic vistas.
Daily 9:00–21:00
Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park
Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a unique landscape in Japan, featuring a vast karst plateau dotted with limestone formations and home to the Akiyoshido Cave, one of the country's largest limestone caves. The park offers hiking, cave exploration, and seasonal beauty, making it a memorable destination.
Open 24 hours
Yushima Seido
Yushima Seido, a Confucian temple in Tokyo's Bunkyo ward, offers a serene escape from the city's bustle. Founded in the Edo period, it stands as a testament to Chinese philosophical influence on Japanese culture and education.
Daily 9:30–17:00
Kagekiyodo Cave
Explore Kagekiyodo Cave, a natural monument in Mine, Yamaguchi, steeped in legend as a refuge for the defeated samurai, Taira no Kagekiyo. Discover stunning limestone formations, ancient fossils, and a unique adventure course within this captivating subterranean world.
Daily 8:30–17:15
Turret of Kubota Castle
The Turret of Kubota Castle, located in Senshu Park, Akita, is a reconstructed corner tower offering insights into the region's history. As part of the former Kubota Castle, home to the Satake clan during the Edo period, the turret provides panoramic city views and a connection to Akita's feudal past.
Daily 9:00–16:30
Taishodo Cave
Taishodo Cave, nestled in Mine, Yamaguchi, offers a captivating subterranean adventure. This natural monument within Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park features a multi-layered cave system adorned with stunning speleothems, narrow passages, and intriguing rock formations, providing a thrilling exploration experience.
Daily 8:30–17:15
Kubota Castle Front Gate
The Kubota Castle Front Gate, located in Senshukoen Park in Akita, Japan, is a historical landmark that stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage. Built in the early 17th century, the gate served as the main entrance to Kubota Castle and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the stories of the feudal era.
Open 24 hours
Obake kaidan
Obake Kaidan, or "Ghost Stairs," is a peculiar stone staircase in Tokyo's Nezu district, known for having a different number of steps when ascending versus descending. With 40 steps going up and 39 coming down, it's a local oddity steeped in urban legends.
Open 24 hours
Japan Walking Produced by AKIZAKURA
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with Japan Walking Produced by AKIZAKURA. Located in Ota City, Tokyo, they offer kimono and yukata rentals, along with guided tours, allowing you to explore the city in traditional attire. Experience the elegance and history of the kimono while creating unforgettable memories.
Daily 7:00–21:00
Explore Aki on the map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Aki, mapped for you.
More about Aki

Aki travel guide
Explore Aki in Kochi for samurai-era streets, Iwasaki heritage, coastal scenery, local produce and quiet rural journeys through eastern Shikoku.
Tell me more about AkiMore to explore in Aki
Explore more

Explore more of Japan
Discover the harmony of tradition and modernity in Japan, where ancient temples and cutting-edge technology coexist in perfect balance.
Explore Japan
Getting your guide ready…
We are putting together a fresh copy of the Aki guide. This can take up to a minute.
This can take a few moments. If your browser asks, choose Allow so the download can start. You'll find the guide in your Downloads folder.
Nothing happened? Download it again
Sorry, the guide is taking longer than usual. Please try again in a minute, or get it by email instead.
