Attractions to SKIP and DO in Japan 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto Things to Do in 2024

There are so many attractions you can do in Japan and I'm here to help you skip some of the one I think you can skip 😆 Just so you know, we still had a lot of fun on the attractions that I would skip, but if you don't have enough time (or it's not in your budget), it's totally ok to skip some of these attractions.

There are so many attractions I want to do but I have to skip because I didn't have time. BUT that means I get to add them on my to-do list for the next time I'll be in Japan!

If you've been to Japan recently, let me know in the comments if you agree on some of the skippable attractions on my list ⤵️

I'm also sharing some of the attractions I would highly recommend for you to do while you're in Japan. Tbh my favorite attractions in Japan are the castles you can visit.

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We went to the Osaka Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle 🏯 It was so intriguing to me visiting some of these castle and palaces. Because you got a glimpse of how royalties and emperors used to live back then.

And what impressed me most is how it's still standing today, and it's preserved so beautifully!

What are some of your favorite attractions in Japan?

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Hi, friends! 👋🏻 My name is Sarah and on my channel, I post travel tips and hacks videos that will help you travel more. I have a full-time job with limited paid time off (PTO), but I was able to travel more since 2022. If traveling more is one of your goals this year, I'm making it my mission to help you accomplish your travel goals!

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[Timtation]

The key word in enjoying all of these attractions is "GOING EARLY!" My Kyoto Starbucks, bamboo forest, Fushimi shrine, Disney Japan, Universal Studios, and various castles experiences were all "amazing" because I was early enough to beat the crowds. The lines and people in all your photos will be crazy if you wait till 1pm to do your attractions!

[fuscia]

I think we had the most fun just walking around and not trying to do anything with a scheduled time. Coming upon stuff rather than going someplace specific and exploring the train stations was more fun and less stressful. Walking down side streets and seeing school kids walking to school. Coming across a gatchapan store or a place that looks good to eat at feels more like exploring and less like being a tourist. We found Kyoto to be so crowded it was off putting. We like the small unknown shrines butter than the famous ones. Honestly, Japan is so fascinating if you are a foreigner you can’t go wrong just winging it.

[rochelleskipworth]

Fushimi Inari in Kyoto is absolutely beautiful and you can do the whole hike or just go partway. This would be a favourite place for me in Kyoto.

[peterobrien]

I don't know about some of the rest, but this girl is dead wrong about Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Maybe she doesn't like nature or walking? I don't know, and I don't care. This was a highlight of our last trip to Kyoto. It is beautiful, and the crowds are not that bad at all if it is not the weekend. If you go on the weekend, try to go a little earlier if possible. But DO NOT MISS IT —it is stunning!

[ilai]

Loved TeamLab in Tokyo!
Agreed that Arashiyama bamboo forest can be skipped if it's busy, you can hardly take photos and it's pretty pretentious when folks are taking the cab up just for an Insta pic
Yasaka Shrine in Gion at night is pretty, as a free 24 hour place to check out

[cesartolentino]

I highly recommend the Sagano Romantic Train, Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama and the Shigetsu Soba restaurant that the monks operate, the Saga-Toriimoto Town-scape preserved street near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and just strolling around Arashiyama to visit spots like the Arashiyama Electric Train station, the Kimono Forest, and the Observation Decks around Arashiyama Park.

[xXNekou]

The highlight of my last Japan trip was Nara - ancient forest, old-style Japan, friendly deer (that you can feed!!), beautiful architecture, chill quiet atmosphere ❤❤

[nimieeeeee]

The title is so general (clickbait worthy), but sharing is more towards only to your likings. Do not skip Arashiyama just because you're not a morning person. there is so much more than the bamboo forest. You can try the boat ride, the Sagano train ride and simply the hike is worthwhile. You can see man-made attraction elsewhere, but honestly this nature attraction for most places in Japan is something cannot be missed when you got the chance.

[lllenjolll]

I would not skip meiji jingu, It has interesting history in it. There's a reason why it's popular. Many go there because of the emperor who built it is very compatible to his wife, thus it became a place for people to wish for happy marriage and love fulfillment. Though thanks for telling people to skip some of these so it will be less crowded. lol.

[alphaxneo]

I lived a year in Kyoto so I might be a bit biased, but Arashiyama with good weather is defs worth it as are some temples nearby. Something to definitely not miss if you're in a healthy condition is Fushimi Inari, such a gorgeous shrine <3 Also the first temple I visited when I got there was Sanjusangendo - 1000 golden statues of Kannon. It's just so gorgeous, especially when the light hits them just right! The craftsmanship is just gorgeous and I think people ignore this one in favor of the golden pavilion and similar locations. If you're already in Kyoto I'd definitely recommend a day trip to Nara! The famous temples with the big buddha and Nio statues are so gorgeous, so many deer and the museum right next to it is also very nice <3 Again, beautiful craftsmanship all around and many cute streets and houses that are traditional and sell all kinds of things.
For Tokyo, I went to Fuji-Q around new year's and we had the best weather, very few locals (because of Hatsumode) and we could just hop on and off most rides with perfect view of mount Fuji :D

[dc]

I decided to pass through Yokohama on my last evening in Japan. Major regrets, wished I stayed a couple of days at least. I'm a solo traveller who enjoys walking cities and Yokohama was extremely enjoyable. More spacious and architecturally diverse.

[atsaichu]

Osaka Castle is a good photo op from the outside in the park if you don't have time. Instead definitely visit Himeji Castle or one of the 12 pre-modern tenshus that still stand today if you want to see the inside.

If you really want to sit down at the Starbucks at Ninenzaka in Kyoto, try visit really early or later in the evening. It's easier to find seats before tourists arrive or after most leave the area in late afternoon.

As a side note, I don't think it's just about time and money/budget. People have different interests and places they want to visit first. "Attractions to skip if you visit Japan for the first time..." could have been a better title, and hopefully viewers will have already picked up on what you like and dislike and then decide if they should skip too.

[Tuthmosis]

We are traveling to Japan in May, and your vlog is helpful - Thanks

[areasevenpro]

You can't completely skip Yokohama. Aside from the soon-to-be closed Gundam Factory Yokohama, there's Chinatown, Red Brick Warehouse, and the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum.

[chrisknowles]

Great video. There are many places that are key tourists spots but end up being a bit disappointing. I would add to your list a capsule hotel, not much fun.... I am considering going to Ginzan Onsen on my next trip but I feel that maybe overcrowded also...

[vc]

I am coming to Japan in January😊
Your info was so helpful
I have subscribed 👍

[Morenoto]

I disagree and agree with Meiji shrine and the bamboo forest, but you can avoid the bad experiences. Meiji shrine was the first shine that i was able to see in my first time in japan, so i really recommend it if you are in Tokyo for the first time and don't go to Kyoto in the first days. The bamboo forest it's not crowded in the morning, so you need to go before 10 or 9am and it will be perfect. Also, the monkey park it's a must do if you are in the area.

[Hhammer]

3:16 Yokohama has the two ramen museums and a huge Chinatown. For that I think worth the day trip.

[Schilddruse]

To me, Meiji Jingu and Sensoji in Asakusa are an absolute must. Something I felt could have been skipped was the Imperial Garden. It really wasn't too impressive. The most impressive thing about it was the moat around it.

[georgebenta]

Meiji Jingu is religious shrine is not a tourist attraction, treating it like any other attraction seems wrong. Tourist can go there but it's not meant for tourist. But you can skip Harajuku, Takeshita dori, and the Tokyo Imperial Palace area.