20 Best Instagrammable Urban Destinations in Japan
1. TOKYO TOWER
Japan is home to many urban cities and destinations. And there is no doubt that Tokyo is the country's most well-known city with the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, busiest train station in the world in Shinjuku, the center of culture, and so on.
This urban city is home to many popular attractions including Tokyo Tower itself. As a popular attraction, this tower is like the twin of Eiffel tower in Paris. It is one of the city's landmarks with observation areas and other fun attractions.
If the observation deck can give you the city view, at the lower floor you can stay busy with souvenir shops, few restaurants, and wax museum. The theme park is also a great recommendation to visit, you can enjoy the comic culture of Tokyo and there are many anime related things in the park to see.
Tokyo Tower
2. TOKYO SKYTREE
Take a trip to this incredible spot if you want to see the boasting 360-degree views of Tokyo. This observation deck is famously known as the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world with its full height of 634.0 meters.
At the base of the building, there is a big shopping center to see selling all kinds of Japanese goods and authentic products. If you need to sit back and get relaxed, there are restaurants for visitors to visit. Other cool things to do include, taking a stroll down Sumida River, being a part of the fun Tree Village, visiting the Sumida Aquarium while discovering marine life, drinking at the Sky Arena, and more.
Booking ticket in advance is very helping. We recommend this, because Tokyo Skytree can be very crowded that you have to wait for 3 hours for tickets.
Tokyo Skytree
3. TOKYO DISNEYLAND
Take a further step to this popular spot for another great experience with your travel buddies. This theme park is where you can be a part of all things iconic - rides, live shows, costumed characters, and more. This is the kind of place that'll bring endless fun to your trip. And the great thing is, it's very Instagrammable.
In this DisneyLand, Tripboba recommends you to take the double-decker bus to ride around the plaza through the Omnibus, enjoy the good old American arcade at Penny Arcade, explore the mysterious jungle through the Jungle Cruise, thrill yourself on a voyage full of adventure at Pirates of the Caribbean, and many other fun offers.
Tokyo Disneyland
4. SAPPORO ODORI PARK
Sapporo is another great city that offers many Instagrammable urban destinations. Among its most popular places is this urban and iconic park of flowerbeds and fountains. As the city's favorite spot, this park also hosts frequent events throughout the year including the popular Sapporo Snow Festival end of January to around February 11th, Sapporo Ramen Show around May 14th to May 26th, YOSAKOI Soran Festival second week of June, Summer Beer Garden at the 3rd week of July to mid of August, as well as Autumn Festival and Lilac Festival.
From food vendors to free ice rink, this park is definitely a perfect getaway for a family outing. If you want to get thrilled, you might as well want to try the ski on air.
Sapporo Odori Park
5. TANUKIKOJI SHOPPING STREET
While you are in Sapporo, this lively business park is where you can enjoy anything related to the city. This spot is apparently one of the oldest shopping streets dating back to 1868. Take a stroll and see why it is admired by many.
As a long street, this area has around 200 outlets that provides souvenirs, drugstores, duty free shops, gastronomic, restaurants, hotels, and many more. Continuous arcades are also available at the area. Just to let you know, weekends are the most crowded. We do have to mention that this area is so perfect for Instagram pictures. So, you definitely don't want to miss this one.
Tanukikoji Shopping Street
6. YOKOHAMA LANDMARK TOWER
Lies south of Tokyo, Yokohama is one of the best cities for an urban destination. The city is famously known as Japan's first port that officially opened to foreign trade in 1859.
Once you are in this city, you must be a part of the popularity of this Yokohama Landmark Tower. It is a huge tower completed with hotels, shopping malls, and offices. There is also an observation area with 360-degree views guaranteed. Head to the observation deck and witness the beauty of the city right in front of you. This is absolutely one of the best spots in the city for Instagram picture.
You can also take a ride at many rides it provides - there big Ferris wheel which lights up in the evening throughout the night is also available to try.
Yokohama Landmark Tower
7. 山下公園 (YAMASHITA PARK)
Whatever you're doing in Yokohama city, this iconic park is too good to miss. Since its opening in 1945, this park has drawn attention from the locals. And now, the park is among the city's top attractions and has been visited by various travelers across the country and even the world.
This popular seaside park features everything for Instagram material - from flowerbeds, iconic monuments, and a fountain. The sea vibe is definitely not to be forgotten. Walk through the rose garden and create some beautiful snaps to take away from this park. The iconic monuments are absolutely great to see.
Yamashita Park
8. TOYOTA COMMEMORATIVE MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
Now we're moving to another Japan's urban city, Nagoya. This incredible city has been long known as the center of Japan’s automotive and aviation manufacturing, as well as a technological hub with a growing robotics industry.
Attractions in this city, can be said, are dominated with urban and modern attractions - museums to be particular. Just like this popular technology museum. It is among the city's top attractions showcasing textile and car machinery.
This museum is a perfect destination to learn about the history of Toyota car manufacturing and the weaving loom. In the lobby of the museum, there is a ring-shaped loom that is dynamically exhibited as a symbol of the basic philosophy. Go there and find out more fun facts about the museum.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
9. NAGOYA CASTLE
But apart from automotive and aviation manufacturers, Nagoya city is also home to rare beauty like this classy Nagoya Castle. As one of the oldest attractions, this castle is known as the most popular attractions in the city and has been recognized internationally.
This restored castle was originally completed in 1612. Today, it features artifacts and exhibits on the Edo Period. Nagoya city is absolutely unique - it combines modern and ancient world very gracefully together.
In this area, you can explore Nagoya Castle's main attractions that are worth experiencing, such as the restored Honmaru Palace, the existing turret of the Edo period, and seasonal flowers and trees. You can also be a part of the iconic tea ceremony in the castle, as well as dining and souvenir shopping. The photo spots are totally unmissable.
Nagoya Castle
10. FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA
This list of Instagrammable urban destinations is definitely incomplete without including the classy Kyoto city. This city was popularly known as the official capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. And still remains as one of the best destinations to experience traditional Japanese culture.
While there are around 2,000 temples and shrines in the city, the popularity of Fushimi Inari Taisha is incomparable. This Shinto shrine dates back from 711 A.D. and known as one of Japan's top attractions. It features a path with hundreds of traditional gates that are perfect to photograph.
There are vendors at the area selling street food and make sure to grab some food before heading and climbing to the main temple. Tons of vending machines are available throughout the area if you need water. Your whole experience from the bottom to the top will be memorable as you will be served with stunning views. Also, there are few small shops and cafes along the way. So, you can definitely make a stop for shopping or a bit of rest with nice coffee and quick bites.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Kyoto
11. ARASHIYAMA
The combination of classic and beauty that Kyoto city has is very fortunate to experience. This popular landmark is where you can go back in time while keeping it touch with its stunning nature and bamboo forest.
In this area, you can wear your kimono and walk around while visiting many temples and taking pictures. The streets leading to the bamboo spot, you will see many shops full of souvenirs. Make a stop and find your favorite takeaways. Arashiyama is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots for great a adventure, as well as for Instagram pictures.
Arashiyama
12. NARA PARK
If Kyoto was the official capital of Japan back then, Nara was the very first capital of the country. This city is treasured with traditional culture and natural beauty.
Nature in this city is something else - it is very old with many classic buildings but also surrounded by lush nature. This popular park is a landscaped, public park that features ancient temples and the Nara National Museum of art. Tame deer can also be seen in the park which makes it a truly natural spot.
The highlights of the park you can be a part of include the Araike Garden, Kofukuji Temple, and Toto Tower Ruins Garden. Check out these incredible spots and many other spots for unforgettable experiences.
Nara Park
13. TōDAI-JI
Since we are talking about Nara, this famous Buddhist temple has to be included in this list. It is among Japan's most popular and oldest Buddhist temples that was built in the mid of 700s and conveniently located in Nara park.
It is home to Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue that's absolutely great to see. Take a walk in the area and you'll witness beautiful Sika deer that are perfect to photograph. Along your walk, you'll also see shops selling local souvenirs, you might want to make a stop and see the offers.
Tōdai-ji
14. OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN
Osaka's lively streets and urban lifestyle has brought itself to this list. It is the largest city in the Kansai region and one of the largest in Japan
As a city that's home to one of the world’s largest public aquariums, Osaka city offers Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan as its top attractions. There is nothing more iconic than being a part of one of the world's biggest aquariums like this. While the building itself is jaw dropping, this aquarium offer exhibits ranging from Arctic to tropical marine life.
Since it is a very big aquarium, you could spend 4-5 hours for a maximum experience. There are lots to see. The shark whale, squid, and MoraMora are absolutely fascinating. Take a part to the aquarium's favorites shows including the dolphin show. Be sure to also try the transparent ferris wheel that's stunningly illuminated at night, it is very popular and the one to look out for.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
15. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
The urban lifestyle of Osaka has to be blended with the popularity and the excitement of this theme park. As one of Japan's top attractions, Universal Studios Japan is a sprawling theme park where you can enjoy rides and many other entertainment.
There would be not one second you get bored in this park. It is so alive and full of attractions that all you do is screaming and exploring. Taking pictures should also be a fun activity here.
Universal Studios Japan is an all-age destination, children and adults can bond together in this place as it has so many offers. For younger kids, Tripboba advices to try the popular Minion section where rides and carnival games can be enjoyed. For the adults, we recommend you to try the ever popular Harry Potter, the Jaws Ride, and the SpiderMan Ride sections where all excitement gathered.
Universal Studios Japan
16. KOBE PORT TOWER
Kobe city has to be a part of this writing because of its unique self. It is known as a port city located roughly 30 km west of Osaka. In this city, you can expect to experience fun destinations with the company of water and sea vibes.
This popular tower is one of the best reflections of Kobe city. It is a decorative tower that reaches 108 meters featuring an observation deck. The panoramic city views can also be seen through the reflection of the water, which makes it a good object for photography.
At the top of the tower you have a drink at the bar lounge with while enjoying the stunning city view. Visiting during the sunset time is perfect if you want to see the gorgeous sky color. There's also a ferris wheel you can either take a ride on or just watch it move slowly. If you need shopping recommendation, there's a shopping mall nearby for a good shopping exprience.
Kobe Port Tower
17. NANKIN-MACHI
If you're wondering about what Kobe's lifestyle is like, this popular spot would be the perfect option for you. This Chinese cultural district has been established in 1868 and offers eateries, souvenir shops, and Mahjong clubs.
As a favorite destination, this area is where you can get away from the sun and the rain. Walk and stroll around this place and you'll find many cool items and great experiences. Your walk become more pleasant with the company of the music in the background. And for more excitement, head to the next level and you'll see hidden shops there.
Nankin-machi
18. HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL PARK
If you're expecting cultural trips, Hiroshima city is absolutely the best city for it. This city is known as the site where the first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park exists as the dedication to the victims of the atomic bomb and advocating incident. It became the symbol of the city since.
Visiting this iconic spot means you're being a part of one of the most important places in the history of Japan. You can walk peacefully in the Hiroshima Park without feeling bothered and tired. It is very magical and it has a special feeling to it. September to April are the best periods to visit where you can see lots of flower and the weather is pleasant.
Make a stop to see the details of the peace monuments related to the bombing. The peace memorial museum is among the spots in the park we recommend you to see.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
19. SOUTHEAST BOTANICAL GARDENS
This whole list can't be completed without having Okinawa city in it. This city's uniqueness become an interesting thing to explore. It is known for its subtropical climate that's home to many rare species of plants and animals. Not to mention its white sand beaches.
Take a tour to this stunning botanical garden and see it yourself why it's one of the city's best gems. This garden is blessed with native and non-native plants, as well as animal encounters and workshops. Fishing, animal feeding, and enjoying beautifuls are among the parts top activities you can try.
Southeast Botanical Gardens
20. ZANPA BEACH
Get inspired and pamper yourself with the beauty of this beach in Okinawa city. This popular beach draw crowds throughout the country with its incredibly stunning white sand beach with gorgeous crystal water. It become a popular spot because of its fun water sports like banana boat rides and swimming. This will totally add an unforgettable moment to your journey in Japan.
Umbrella and beach chair rentals are also available on the beach for relaxing and sunset gazing. Its facilities include a water playground, restrooms/showers, snack bar, and kayak. Zanpa Beach itself can be accessed freely. Even parking and the restrooms are also free to use.
Zanpa Beach
