Japan: 13 Places to See from Kyoto to Mount Fuji
Explore 13 iconic destinations across Japan featuring Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Fushimi Inari Taisha, Mount Fuji's volcanic landscape, historic castles including Osaka Castle and Matsumoto Castle, and natural wonders like Nachi Waterfall and Tottori Sand Dunes.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- End
- Tottori Sand Dunes
- Stops
- 16
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Chureito Pagoda
- Nachi Waterfall
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Mount Fuji
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Botagi Nenbutsuji Temple
- Йокогама, Япония
- Mount Aso
- Osaka Castle
- Takeda Castle Ruins
- Matsumoto Castle
- Нагоя, Япония
- Сибуя, Япония
- Tottori Sand Dunes
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Chureito Pagoda in mid-April when cherry blossoms bloom for vivid pink scenery, or in the first half of November for beautiful fall colors.
- Tip
- Climb approximately 400 steps to reach Chureito Pagoda for amazing views and photography opportunities.
- Timing
- Visit Takeda Castle Ruins in October and November for the best 'Castle in the Sky' effect, most visible in the morning when clouds cover the ruins.
- Transport
- Access to Jigokudani Monkey Park is only through a forest path in the middle of nature.
- Timing
- Mount Fuji is easily visible from Tokyo on clear days and is snowcapped most of the year.
- Timing
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera in spring and fall when cherry blossoms and autumn leaves provide stunning views from the wooden stage.
- Avoid
- Wear strong shoes at Tsukazaki Tidal Pool due to sharp rocks in the area and be alert for local small animals.
- Tip
- At Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, view 1,200 rakan stone sculptures each with unique expressions, created by visitors and worshippers over time.
- Tip
- At Fushimi Inari Taisha, climb through thousands of red torii gates to reach the top for breathtaking views of Kyoto.
- Timing
- Visit Matsumoto Castle during cherry blossom season for excellent photography opportunities with the striking black and white walls.
- Tip
- At Tottori Sand Dunes, you can sandboard, ride camels, or paraglide across the dunes; relax at the Saku Center for views.
Video on this route
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