Where To Experience Breathtaking Views In Japan

Japan itself is a breathtaking destination, filled with unlimited exploring to do. Timeless culture, the finest food, local beauty, hidden pockets along every street and every corner you turn there is something else to blow your mind with happiness.

Views are just one of the things Japan has to offer, and if you’re visiting you need to experience the magic of the country from a viewpoint like no other.

Listed below is just some of the best locations to experience pure breathtaking landscapes and views. Don’t forget your camera for these special places. 

Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture:

Famous for its floating torii gate, Mount Misen panoramic views and a cave you need to explore. Miyajima has some of the best views in Japan, so hike The Omoto Trail, through Omoto Park, an interesting ravine packed with enormous boulders.

Pass the ‘Fujiiwa’ Rock, ‘Iwayataishiryuketsu’ Cave and ‘Komagabayashi’ Forest and peak, before joining the main route at the Niomon Gate near the top to find the beautiful Misen Peak and observatory.  Don’t forget, to get the best views of Torii Gate, top tip is to go during high tide to get the most euphoric pictures of the ‘floating’ masterpiece. 

Where to eat & stay Miyajima: 

For the most delicious local food, you can visit Yakigaki no Hayashi (Hiroshima oysters and typical Japanese dishes), Sarasvati (café), Miyajima Coffee (café), or Kakiya (Hiroshima oysters) but really, along every street you’ll be spoilt for choice of deliciousness.

Once you’ve eaten, hiked and explored the streets, rest at ‘厳島いろは’ located in Miyajima’s Omotesando Avenue, with world-class service. For a more cultural experience, with a large public Onsen try Miyajima Morinoyado. 

Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture:

Shirahama Beach ranks as one of the top Japanese beach destinations and for good reason, particularly in the summer months. The dunes are soft and white, the surf is top, and the waters are crystal clear.

who would have thought you could have a Japanese adventure, with white beaches, and blissful Onsens all in one? Watch the sunset over the ocean at “Engetsuto” a small island in the ‘Rinkai-ura’ Ocean for a seriously breathtaking moment as the sun dips right through the tunnel of the island. 

Where to eat & stay in Shirahama:

Shirahama has plenty of places to pick from when it comes to eating,here are some suggestions if you can’t pick. Ikesu Warouda A celebration of the delicious longtooth grouper (a locally caught fish).

Sushi Kappo Kozushi, Kagerou Café (Local sweet treats with a terrace with great views), or Barley Shirahama. Places to stay include Musashi with stunning ocean views, or try Infinito Hotel and Spa with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

Mount Wakakusa, Nara Prefecture:

Imagine a breathtaking view with a firework display to create the most magical experience. On the fourth Saturday of every January, The Mount Wakakusa Yamayaki is an annual festival where the grass on the slopes of Mount Wakakusa in Nara is set ablaze.

The fire and fireworks from this event are visible across the entire city of Nara…The best viewing spots include, The mountain’s foot, Nara Park and The historic Heijo Palace site.

The festival’s main procession starts with yamabushi dressed in period costumes, some blowing conch shells, and musicians playing traditional court music, then they light the torches with sacred fire near Mizuya Bridge, then hold ceremonies at Nogami Shrine at the foot of the mountain before traveling up the mountainside to light a giant bonfire prepared for the festival. Just after dark, many fireworks are sent aloft. A real cultural experience. 

Where to eat & stay in Nara: 

For a more traditional experience in a Japanese style room, try the beautiful Hotel New Wakasa. Why not stay right outside a Japanese pond, with stunning historic architecture too at Sarusawaike Yoshidaya.

For food, Nara’s streets have endless hidden surprises. You will stumble across many little pocket restaurants, but for some suggestions you could head to some of these and see where you end up.

Shika no Fune (Japanese rice cooked in traditional oven), Awa Naramachi (Japanese multi-course meal), Tanaka – Irori Dining (Japanese Charcoal Grill),or Harishin – Kaiseki (Japanese multi-course haute cuisine).

Mt. Gozaisho, Mie Prefecture:

The versatile location, with views to match. Ski in the winter, hike in the summer, enjoy the delicious hot springs lower in the mountain at Yunoyama Onsen. The best part? No intense hiking required, to get to the top of Mt Gozaisho to enjoy the beautiful views, there is a gondola.

YES, you can sit back, relax and soak in the views of cities of Yokkaichi and Ise Bay as well as the Suzuka Mountain Range. At the top there is Gozaisho Nature School with exhibits on the local flora and fauna, and three observatories from which to take in the views, and you will not be disappointed. 

Where to eat & stay in near Mt. Gozaisho: 

Why not try something different and glamp in a beautiful location at リバーサイドグランピングNuts? If glamping isn’t your thing, the stunning Shikanoyu Hotel nearby features its own breathtaking views and some seriously good food too.

For food at the top of Mt Gozaisho, there are two restaurants with panoramic views to choose from, so you can soak in even more of those incredible scenes.

If you’re after more food options in surrounding areas, although everywhere you go you’ll find something new to try, here are a few suggestions: if you want to try some of the best Matsusaka beef in the region, go to Matsusaka Beef M.

For local dishes made fresh head to Sato No Eki Misugi. Located near the base of Mount Gozaisho – Suzunoya is known for its delicious soba noodle dishes. 

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