The Most Famous Landmark in Japan, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the landmark you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:26

When planning a trip to Japan, the sheer number of iconic sites can be overwhelming. By creating a ranked list of the most renowned landmarks, travelers can prioritize their visits, ensuring they don't miss out on the best experiences the country has to offer. This list aids in optimizing travel plans and enhances the overall trip by guiding tourists to highly acclaimed destinations. As these rankings are based on public opinion, your votes play a crucial role. Each vote helps to refine the list, making it a more valuable resource for future visitors. Voting not only aids in navigating the top sights but also contributes to a community-driven guide, enriched by personal experiences and preferences.

What Is the Most Famous Landmark in Japan?

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71
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Akonnchiroll · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tokyo Tower

A 333-meter-high communications and observation tower in Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of Japan, providing a panoramic view of the cityscape.
Tokyo Tower is a prominent landmark and communications tower located in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It stands at a height of 333 meters, making it one of the tallest self-supporting steel structures in the world. The tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris and was completed in 1958. It serves as an essential communications hub and a popular tourist attraction with observatories providing stunning panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond.

Height: 333 meters

Construction Start Date: 1957

Completion Date: 1958

Type: Steel tower

Design Inspiration: Eiffel Tower
Tokyo Tower in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful place in Tokyo, Japan
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34
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名古屋太郎, (edited by Hannes_24) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Mount Fuji

A dormant volcano and Japan's highest mountain, standing at 3,776.24 meters. It is an iconic symbol of Japan and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mount Fuji is an iconic and active stratovolcano located on Honshu Island in Japan. It is widely regarded as one of the most famous landmarks in Japan and attracts numerous visitors each year. Mount Fuji is known for its perfectly symmetrical cone shape, which is covered in snow for several months of the year. The mountain stands at a height of 3,776.24 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. It has been the subject of numerous artworks and has great cultural significance in Japan, being considered a sacred place by many. While it is an active volcano, it has not erupted since 1707. Mount Fuji is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, with several official trails leading to the summit. The mountain is surrounded by five beautiful lakes, including Lake Kawaguchi, which offer stunning views of Mount Fuji's reflection.

Type: Stratovolcano

Height: 3,776 meters (12,389 feet)

Type: Stratovolcano

Location: Honshu Island, Japan

Shape: Symmetrical cone
Mount Fuji in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular hill
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25
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Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0

Himeji Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous castles. It is known for its beautiful white exterior and complex defensive systems.
Himeji Castle is a stunning feudal-era fortress located in Himeji, Japan. It is widely regarded as the most majestic castle in Japan and represents the pinnacle of Japanese castle architecture. The castle is an exquisite example of defensive design integrated with aesthetic beauty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a national treasure of Japan.

Construction Style: Feudal-era castle with traditional Japanese wooden architecture.

Design: A complex network of defensive systems, including multiple walls, gates, and stone-paved paths.

Size: The castle complex spans an area of approximately 107 hectares.

Main Tower: The main tower has six stories and stands at a height of about 46.4 meters.

White Facade: Its pristine white exterior is made of wood and plaster.
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16
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jreysp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Sensoji Temple

A Buddhist temple located in Tokyo's Asakusa district. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo and is popular for its vibrant red gate and bustling shopping street.
Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. Established in AD 628, it is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of the most significant and revered religious sites in the country. The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon, also known as the Goddess of Mercy, and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Location: Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan

Year Established: AD 628

Religion: Buddhism

Main Deity: Kannon (Goddess of Mercy)

Status: Active religious site
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14
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JordyMeow · CC BY-SA 3.0

Itsukushima Shrine

A Shinto shrine located on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Its iconic torii gate appears to be floating on the water during high tide, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the Itsukushima Grand Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Itsukushima in the city of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Japan, known for its unique floating gate (torii) that appears to be floating on the water during high tide. The shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a sacred place of worship dedicated to the Shinto deities of the sea and storms.

Location: Itsukushima Island, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan

Style: Shinto architecture

Design: Floating gate (torii), main hall, prayer hall, noh theater stage, other auxiliary buildings

Importance: UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Treasure of Japan

Floating Gate Height: 16.8 meters (55.1 feet)
Itsukushima Shrine in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular shrine in Japan
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9
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663highland · CC BY 2.5

Osaka Castle

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

A famous castle in Osaka, Japan. It played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period and is known for its towering stone walls and impressive architecture.
Osaka Castle is a historic Japanese castle located in Chūō-ku, Osaka. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. The castle played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century and has since become a symbol of power and resilience.

Year of Construction: 1597

Architectural Style: Azuchi-Momoyama

Height: 44 meters

Total Floors: 5

Total Rooms: 13
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11
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ja:Kyoto-u · CC BY-SA 3.0

Golden Pavilion

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu

A Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. It is known for its beautiful golden exterior and serene garden surroundings.
The Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan, admired for its exquisite architecture and serene surroundings. The temple is renowned for its top two floors that are covered in gold leaf, which give it a majestic and shimmering appearance. The Golden Pavilion is situated in a beautifully manicured garden, surrounded by a peaceful pond that reflects its golden facade. Visitors can explore the temple complex and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere it provides.

Location: Kyoto, Japan

Architectural Style: Zen Buddhist

Construction Period: 1397 - 1402

Main Material: Wood with gold leaf covering

Height: 12.5 meters (41 feet)
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9
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Kakidai · CC BY-SA 3.0

Tokyo Skytree

A broadcasting and observation tower located in Tokyo, Japan. It is the tallest structure in Japan and provides a stunning view of the city landscape.
The Tokyo Skytree is a notable landmark and broadcasting tower located in Tokyo, Japan. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in Tokyo, offering panoramic views of the cityscape. Standing at a height of 634 meters (2,080 feet), it is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world.

Height: 634 meters (2,080 feet)

Year of completion: 2012

Primary function: Broadcasting tower, observation deck

Observation decks: Two (Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria)

Highest point accessible to the public: Skytree Tembo Deck at 350 meters (1,150 feet)
Tokyo Skytree in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful place in Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Tokuzo in Edomura · CC BY-SA 4.0

Meiji Shrine

Yoshiro Taniguchi

A Shinto shrine located in Tokyo, Japan. It was built in memory of Emperor Meiji and is surrounded by a serene forested area.
The Meiji Shrine, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a serene and majestic Shinto shrine dedicated to the Meiji Emperor and Empress Shoken. It was established in 1920 to honor and commemorate their spirits, and it serves as a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual traditions. Nestled amidst a lush forested area spanning 175 acres, the shrine provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Establishment Year: 1920

Dedicated to: Meiji Emperor and Empress Shoken

Area: 175 acres

Architectural Style: Traditional Japanese
Meiji Shrine in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful place in Tokyo, Japan
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular shrine in Japan
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7
votes
Route275 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Fushimi Inari Shrine

A Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan. It is known for its thousands of torii gates that lead up to the top of Mount Inari.
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It is known for its iconic row of thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead up to the sacred Mount Inari. It is one of the most visited and recognized landmarks in Japan, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Location: Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Year of Establishment: 8th century

Main Feature: Row of thousands of vermilion torii gates

Gates' Length: Approximately 4 kilometers

Number of Shrine Buildings: Multiple

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Ranking factors for famous landmark

Historical Significance

Consider the landmark's role in Japanese history, whether it represents important events or is associated with significant figures.
Cultural Importance

Evaluate its significance in Japanese culture, such as religious beliefs, artistic influence, and traditions.
Architectural and Aesthetic Value

Examine the landmark's unique architectural styles and elements, its artistic beauty, and the overall visual appeal.
Popularity and Visitor Numbers

Consider the number of tourists the landmark attracts annually, as well as its popularity in Japanese society and worldwide.
Recognition and Reputation

Assess the landmark's recognizability, both in Japan and globally. Consider its prominence in literature, film, and other media, as well as its association with iconic images of Japan.
Preservation and Accessibility

Evaluate the state of conservation and preservation of the landmark, and how easily it can be accessed by visitors.
Educational Value

Consider the landmark's contribution to the public's understanding of Japanese history, culture, or natural environment.
Uniqueness

Evaluate the distinctiveness of the landmark compared to other similar landmarks in Japan or around the world.
Location

Factor in the landmark's geographical setting, its proximity to other significant attractions or sites, and its importance within a particular region or city in Japan.
Social and Economic Impact

Consider the landmark's role in driving tourism, job creation, and other economic benefits, as well as its influence on promoting awareness of Japanese culture and history.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous landmark in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or landmark is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2387 views
198 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each landmark once every 24 hours. The rank of each landmark is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous landmark in japan

Japan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. Among its many attractions, the country is home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks, each with a unique story and cultural significance. When it comes to identifying the most famous landmark in Japan, there are several contenders, each with its own loyal fan base. From the ancient temples of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Japan offers a wealth of fascinating destinations that have captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors from around the globe. In this article, we'll explore the most famous landmark in Japan and delve into the history and cultural significance that make it a must-see destination for travelers.