The Olympics is a bucket-list travel experience for thousands of Brits and, although it's now been postponed to 2021, you can still explore Japan's beautiful landmarks from your sofa.
Virtual tours are a fantastic way to keep the wanderlust embers burning. Always wanted to see Japan? Now you can. With the world on lockdown, JRPass.com has compiled a virtual tour of Japan's top 20 most beautiful destinations to visit without having to leave your home, to keep globetrotters everywhere inspired.
From soaking up the sunrise on the summit of Mt Fuji and the majesty of the Golden Pavilion, to its iconic cherry blossoms in Sakura, discover the top 20 virtual spots you can visit in Japan right now below:
View the beauty of the Sakura
In Japanese, the term Hanami is used to mean “viewing the Sakura blossom”. Since 2012, it has been possible to see the yearly bloom of Sakura in Japan through Google Street view. Experience marvelling at Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, all without having to worry about social distancing. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Soak up the sunrise from the top of Mt. Fuji
Climbing Mt. Fuji is a tough ascent, that will take you to the 3,776m-high summit. The climbing season is normally from early July to mid-September. The price of the hike up is worth it to see the early sunrise over the land of Japan. With Google Street view you can do it any time of the year, without preparation and from the comfort of your own chair. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Explore Himeji Castle
The recently renovated Himeji Castle is considered one of Japan's most beautiful castles. Use Google Street view to see the castle, walk around the castle complex and explore Koko-en, the castle gardens. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Walk the Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is a world-famous and iconic intersection in Shibuya, Tokyo, just outside Shibuya station. During busier times of the day, approximately 2,500 people are thought to cross each time the traffic light turns green. Shibuya itself is famous for fashion, youth culture, many kinds of entertainment, and endless shopping opportunities. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Enjoy a Japanese Onsen bath
Visiting a Japanese bath is something everyone should experience at least once. There is a wide range of public and private Onsen throughout Japan and many can be seen on Street View. There are countless Onsen around Japan. As a starting point visit: Manza Onsen Nisshin Kan, Jinata Hot spring or Shirahama Onsen.
Go on a virtual train ride in luxury
With Google Street View it’s possible to walk through many trains in Japan. Some options include the famous bullet trains as well as more luxurious trains specifically designed for enjoyment.Have a wander around the most luxurious Shinkansen car class offered, the Shinkansen “Gran Class”. Then, walk down the train and compare it with how most people travel. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Attend the Saga Balloon Festival
Held every year for five days from late October to early November, the Saga Balloon Festival is the largest international hot air balloon competition in Asia. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Take a stroll around the Hitachi Seaside Park
About two hours north of Tokyo, Hitachi Seaside Park boasts a stunning array of flowers that bloom year-round, such as blooming narcissuses, flaming Kochia balls and baby blue eyes. The park has around 200 hectares that are open to the public, and makes for great hikes, that can also be done digitally. The colours of the park are completely different each season, so you’ll want to come more than once. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Visit Huis ten Bosch – a taste of Holland in Japan
Japan likes to bring the world to Japan. There is the Statue of Liberty in Tokyo and Swiss Alpine Village in Azumino, so why not build a Dutch city near Nagasaki? It is even complete with windmills and tulip fields. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
See the Adachi Museum of Art - the most beautiful zen garden in Japan
View the most picturesque Japanese garden at Adachi Museum of Art. Located in the upper regions of the Shimane region, the Adachi Museum of Art is not easy to visit during normal times, yet can be visited online with just a couple clicks. It’s possible to virtually walk both the Zen garden and the galleries that host most of the museum’s 20th century paintings. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Go urban exploring on the abandoned island of Hashima
Featured in the James Bond film Skyfall, the island used to be a base for mining activities. The island was suddenly shut down years ago has remained uninhabited. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Walk around Tokyo station
From the outside, Tokyo station looks like a 19th century station building, not unlike elsewhere in the world. Yet, within, it’s an entirely different beast. On an average day about 3.5 million people pass through and there is well-planned infrastructure to accommodate for such heavy use. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Discover the endless torii-gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha
One of the most iconic sights in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of the Kami Inari, Deity of Rice. Climbing up takes about two hours, though you can do so virtually without breaking a sweat from the comforts of your own home. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Wonder at the beauty of the Kyushu coastline at Sakurai Itoshima
Sakurai Futamigaura in Itoshima is famous for the two giant “married couple rocks” that are joined by a “Shimenawa” rope and the torii gate standing on the beach. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
View Fuji from the Chureito pagoda
Located in the Arakurayama Sengen park, the Chureito Pagoda is the most quintessential view of Japan, period. The view is often used on the cover of Japan travel guides and promotional materials and certainly does not disappoint. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Check out Shiroyama Park with Mt. Sakurajima in the distance
Shiroyama Park used to be where the local governor lived and with good reason. The view over the Kagoshima skyline is amazing, with the active volcano named Sakura-Jima in the distance. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Cape Nosappu – the most eastern point in Japan
Cape Nosappu, close to the sleepy town of Nemuro, is the most eastern point of Japan and where the sun rises earliest. It’s one of the most remote places of Hokkaido and, on a clear day, it’s possible to make out Russia in the far distance. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Immerse yourself in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most-visited attractions, and with good reason. There’s something magical about walking through the tall, swaying bamboo trees.If you do visit, digitally or in person, make sure to go further than just the bamboo forest; there’s a lot more to explore in the area such as temples, old trails and the nearby monkey forest. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Be wowed by the Kawachi Wisteria Garden
There are different places in Japan to see wisteria in full bloom, though the Kawachi Wisteria Garden is by far the best. Located about 30 minutes by bus from Kokura city, it’s a popular spot for visitors who are looking for the best Instagram moments in Japan. The downside of its popularity is that the garden has had to start implementing time slots for visitors. However, there’s no need to wait online. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Marvel at the majestic Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion is perhaps the best-known temple in Kyoto. It's famous for its top two floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
