Popular spot

Here are the top five most popular tourist destinations among foreign visitors to Japan.
Based on reviews from April 2014 to March 2015, global travel website giant TripAdvisor released a ranking of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan for foreign tourists in 2015.
We used those results to compile this list of the top five most popular tourist attractions in Japan for foreign visitors.

• Zenrin-ji Temple, Eikan-do(Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)

  This temple is famous for its maple trees. It became well known among foreign tourists as the best place in Japan to look at autumn foliage.

• 

• Todai-ji Temple(Nara, Nara Prefecture)

  In part due to the fact that it is the oldest wooden building in Japan, this temple is a popular destination for Japanese tourists and foreign tourists alike.
  According to the data, Todai-ji is particularly popular among visitors from Asia.

• 

• Itsukushima Jinja Shrine(Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture)

  This is the first spot that comes to mind for many foreign tourists when they think of tourist attractions in Japan.
  Japan’s unique architectural torii gate appears to float on the water during high tide, creating a mysterious atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression of Japan.

• 

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum(Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture)

  The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum ranked second place despite the list being dominated by shrines and other nature-based tourist sites.
  Perhaps this is a sign that while Japan is an attractive destination for those looking for some enjoyment, many foreigners also come to visit this country, the only country in the world to be the victim of a nuclear bomb, to give thought to the gravity of nuclear weapons and wars.

• 

• Fushimi Inari Taisha Grand Shrine(Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)

  Known for the magnificent rows of over ten thousand torii gates by even the people of Japan, this Inari shrine is the head shrine of some 30,000 Inari shrines that exist throughout Japan.
  The seemingly unending path lined with torii gates creates a striking atmosphere of dignity which leaves a powerful impression on visitors regardless of their nationality.
  The Fushimi Inari Taisha Grand Shrine is also one of the few tourist attractions with no admission charge, which may be one reason for its popularity.

• 

Surprisingly, the TripAdvisor ranking does not feature any Tokyo attractions among the Top 5, or even the Top 10 best destinations.
From this, we can see that regions with rich cultural aspects such as temples and old architectures enjoy more popularity than Tokyo, the center of Japan.