Best Landmarks in Iyo
Planning a trip to Iyo? Discover the best landmarks in Iyo with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Iyo
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- A–Z
36 landmarks
-
Shinto shrine4.6★70,318 reviews
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha, a captivating Shinto shrine in Kyoto, is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind through lush mountains, creating an enchanting experience for visitors. This sacred site, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, offers a spiritual atmosphere alongside stunning views, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Open 24 hours
-
Observation deck4.4★89,850 reviews
Tokyo Skytree
Rising 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is Japan's tallest structure and a prominent symbol of the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views from its two observation decks and housing a vibrant shopping complex at its base.
Mon–Fri 10:00–22:00 · Sat–Sun 9:00–22:00
-
Observation deck4.5★75,521 reviews
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, a prominent landmark in the Minato district, symbolizes Japan's post-war recovery and modernization. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it stands 333 meters tall and offers stunning panoramic views of the city 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 Buddhist site in Asakusa. Founded in 645 AD, it draws millions with its iconic Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, and the serene main hall dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion.
-
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. This bustling area along the Dotonbori Canal offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and flavors, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking an authentic Osaka experience.
Open 24 hours
-
Park4.5★57,927 reviews
Nara Park
Nara Park is a spacious public park in Nara, Japan, famous for its friendly wild sika deer that freely roam the grounds. Established in 1880, the park is also home to significant cultural landmarks like Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Open 24 hours
-
Castle4.6★48,672 reviews
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Japan's most spectacular castle, known as 'White Heron Castle' for its elegant white appearance. A masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture, it has survived wars, earthquakes, and fires, offering visitors a glimpse into feudal Japan.
Daily 9:00–16:00
-
Buddhist temple4.5★53,218 reviews
Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera, or 'Pure Water Temple,' is a renowned Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, founded in 778. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic city views and the Otowa Waterfall, whose waters are believed to have healing properties.
Daily 6:00–18:00
-
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. This iconic landmark reflects in the surrounding pond, creating a stunning scene.
Daily 9:00–17:00
-
Shinto shrine4.6★38,020 reviews
Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is a peaceful escape from Tokyo's bustling city life. Completed in 1920 and rebuilt in 1958 after WWII damage, it features a man-made forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. Visitors can experience traditional Shinto rituals and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the Gifu Prefecture mountains, famed for its unique gassho-style farmhouses. These iconic structures, with their steeply pitched thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer, offer a glimpse into a traditional Japanese way of life.
Nijō Castle
Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, Japan, was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. The castle showcases the power and wealth of the shogunate and is divided into the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and surrounding gardens.
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 and unique architecture built over water. Originally constructed in 593 AD, the shrine is a harmonious blend of nature and human creativity, offering breathtaking views that change with the tides.
Daily 6:30–18:00
Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building, an iconic landmark in Osaka, features two 40-story towers connected by the空中庭園 Observatory (Floating Garden Observatory), offering panoramic city views and a unique architectural experience.
Daily 9:30–22:30
Matsumoto-jō Castle
Matsumoto Castle, also known as the 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior, is a stunning example of a Japanese castle. Located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, it's one of Japan's few remaining original castles, boasting a history dating back to the Sengoku period. With its impressive keep and surrounding park, it's a must-see for history buffs and sightseers alike.
Daily 8:30–16:30
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most impressive fortresses, boasts a rich history dating back to 1607. Severely damaged in the 2016 earthquakes, it stands as a testament to Kumamoto's spirit, with ongoing restoration efforts and select areas open to the public.
Daily 9:00–16:30
Imperial Hotel Tokyo
The Imperial Hotel Tokyo, established in the late 1880s, stands as a symbol of luxury and hospitality, catering to Western visitors and playing a significant role in Japan's modernization. Located near the Imperial Palace grounds, it offers world-class service and a rich history.
Nachi Waterfall
Nachi Waterfall (Nachi no Taki) is one of Japan's most famous and tallest waterfalls, boasting a single, uninterrupted drop of 133 meters. Revered for centuries as a sacred site, it's part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls are easily accessible and offer stunning views, especially alongside the iconic Seiganto-ji Temple pagoda.
Daily 7:30–16:30
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, also known as Sagano Bamboo Grove, is a mesmerizing natural landscape on Kyoto's western outskirts. Towering bamboo stalks create a tranquil, otherworldly atmosphere, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in nature's beauty.
Open 24 hours
Kobe Port Tower
The Kobe Port Tower, a striking red hyperboloid structure, has been a symbol of Kobe since 1963. Inspired by a traditional Japanese drum, the tower offers panoramic views of the city, Osaka Bay, and the Rokko Mountains. Recently renovated, it features a new rooftop deck and refreshed interior spaces.
Daily 9:00–23:00
Arashiyama
Arashiyama, nestled on Kyoto's western edge, is a captivating district celebrated for its iconic bamboo grove, serene temples, and breathtaking natural beauty. A favored retreat since the Heian period, it offers a harmonious blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Hotel Century Southern Tower
Located in the vibrant Shinjuku district, Hotel Century Southern Tower offers stunning city views from its upper-floor guest rooms. With easy access to Shinjuku Station and nearby attractions, it's a perfect base for exploring Tokyo.
Daikanbo
Daikanbo is an observation deck offering stunning panoramic views of the Tateyama Mountain Range and the Kurobe Gorge. Part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, it's accessible via a unique series of transportation modes and provides a breathtaking perspective of Japan's natural beauty.
Daily 7:30–16:30
Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley
The Iya Valley Vine Bridge (Iya no Kazurabashi) is a captivating and historic bridge woven from vines in a remote valley in Tokushima Prefecture. Crossing this swaying structure offers a thrilling glimpse into Japan's past and the ingenuity of its people.
Daily 7:30–18:30
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 served as a training school for Tokugawa officials and is considered the birthplace of modern education in Japan. Its unique black exterior and historical significance make it a compelling cultural site.
Daily 9:30–17:00
Garyu Sanso
Nestled in the picturesque city of Ozu, Garyu Sanso is a historical landmark and garden that offers a serene escape into Japan's rich heritage. With its beautiful landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, it's a must-visit for any traveler seeking peace and culture.
Daily 9:00–16:30
Kyoto City Rakusai Bamboo Park
Escape the crowds at this serene city park dedicated to bamboo. Featuring a bamboo museum, ecological garden with 110 bamboo varieties, and peaceful walking paths, it's a calming retreat in Kyoto's Rakusai district.
Mon–Tue 9:00–17:00 · Thu–Sun 9:00–17:00
Joyato Stone Lighthouse
The Joyato Stone Lighthouse, built in 1859, stands as a symbol of Tomonoura's rich maritime history. This iconic landmark, one of the tallest Edo-period lighthouses in Japan, offers visitors a glimpse into the past and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Mon–Fri 8:30–17:15
Futami Seaside Park
Futami Seaside Park, located in Iyo, Ehime, is celebrated as one of Japan's top sunset viewing destinations. Featuring attractions like Lover's Cape, a wishing stone, and a bell of happiness, it's a popular spot for couples and nature enthusiasts alike.
Open 24 hours
Ripples of Ajiro
Ripples of Ajiro, located in Kamitsushimamachi Ajiro on Tsushima Island, Nagasaki, is a serene tourist attraction known for its peaceful atmosphere and connection to a small fishing village. It offers visitors a glimpse into the tranquil island life and coastal beauty of Tsushima.
Open 24 hours
Nyohō Temple.
Nestled in the verdant hills of Ozu, Ehime, Nyohō Temple offers a tranquil escape with its historic architecture and serene gardens. Founded in 1669, this Zen temple provides a unique glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage and the beauty of its natural landscapes.
Daily 8:00–17:00
Otain Monument
The Otain Monument, located in Habuminato on Oshima Island, offers scenic ocean views marked by a distinctive cross. This coastal landmark provides a tranquil spot to appreciate the natural beauty of the island and its rugged coastline.
Open 24 hours
Yuzuki Castle Moat Excavation Display
The Yuzuki Castle Moat Excavation Display offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the remnants of Yuzuki Castle's defensive moats. Located within Dogo Park in Matsuyama, it reveals the engineering and strategic importance of this former stronghold of the Kono clan.
Tue–Sun 9:00–17:00
Saihinkan
Saihinkan is a community center and museum in Iyo, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, offering a glimpse into local culture and history. Open daily, it hosts various events and exhibits, fostering community engagement and providing a space for learning and cultural exchange.
Daily 8:30–20:00
Tower of Winds / Toyo Ito
The Tower of Winds, designed by Toyo Ito, is a dynamic sculpture in Yokohama that embodies the integration of technology and urban life. By day, it reflects the city; by night, it transforms into a dazzling light display responsive to wind and sound.
Open 24 hours
Shoro
Shoro is a serene Buddhist temple nestled in the picturesque region of Ozu, Ehime, offering a tranquil environment for spiritual reflection and cultural immersion. Known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful Japanese gardens, it's a captivating destination for those seeking a connection to Buddhism and Japanese history.
Explore Iyo on the map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Iyo, mapped for you.
More about Iyo
Iyo travel guide
Explore Iyo, Japan’s hidden gem in Ehime Prefecture, offering serene landscapes, historic sites, traditional crafts, and delectable local cuisine.
Tell me more about IyoMore to explore in Iyo
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 Iyo 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.
