Lifestyle

The 10 Most Instagram-Worthy Spots In Japan You Need To See On Your Next Trip

by Shannon Ullman

Japan is famous for a whole collection of things, but one of the most well-known is its fantastic scenery.

Saying you visited Japan is envy-inducing enough, but having the stunning Instagram photos to match puts you over the top.

See this country in all of its glory from one of these fabulously Instagram-worthy places:

From the window of a Bullet Train

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Take a train ride to anywhere when you visit Japan.

The popular Japan Rail Pass lets you hop on one of the infamous Bullet Trains, where you can view the beauty of the countryside right from your window.

“Buy the ticket, take the ride.” This is some pretty great advice when it comes to finding beautiful photo ops around Japan.

The lake across from Kinkaku-ji

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Found on Kyoto's temple trail, Kinkaku-ji is that stunning, gold temple that you may have seen in photos.

In fact, it's one of the most photographed temples in the city not only because it's beautiful, but because it's framed perfectly for a photo.

With the sunlight just right, you can capture the perfect reflection of the temple on the surrounding lake as well.

The middle of Shibuya Crossing

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You may find yourself in the midst of one of the world's greatest human traffic jams here.

It's located in Tokyo, and when the light turns green, hundreds of people can be seen crossing all at the same time.

Capturing this moment on camera is no easy feat, but it can be done. And the result is totally worth it.

The center of Dotonbori

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This is one of Osaka's most photographed areas, as it's full of bright lights that are typical of Japanese cities.

The flashing lights, interesting advertisements and shopping scene make it a great place for a photo. It's one that really sums up the bustling night life in this city.

Plus, taking a photo here gives you a good reason to wander around and try all of the snacks being sold throughout the streets.

At a distance from Mount Fuji

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You can't visit Japan without getting a shot of Mt. Fuji, now can you?

Apparently, there are 36 distinct views of Mt. Fuji, so you will have plenty to photograph while you're there.

The lake at the base of it also makes a spot for capturing this majestic mountain's reflection.

On the streets of Gion

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Kyoto is a destination that is quintessentially Japan, and Gion is the district where old school culture still prevails.

A walk through the streets here will yield plenty of subjects to photograph, from traditional tea houses and paper lanterns to modern-day geishas.

In the cemetery of Koyasan

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Mt. Koyasan is an absolutely stunning destination for visitors who want to get away from the bustle of the city and experience some actual Zen.

A small train will take you up the mountain to a little town full of temples that accommodate visitors.

Aside from the excellent food and a chance to meditate with real monks, the mountain also offers a stunning cemetery that is both ancient and beautiful.

It's covered in moss, slightly crumbling and filled with stone sculptures that you probably have never encountered before.

Inside the Fushimi Inari Shrine

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It's one of Kyoto's most famous sites, and it is intriguing both inside and out.

In fact, it's actually the path that leads to the shrine that is most photogenic, as it's lined with thousands of red gates.

It's an iconic photograph from Japan, so make sure you get one of your own.

From inside a sushi restaurant

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These restaurants are just plain cool.

Pull up a seat next to the sushi bar, which typically is made up of a rotating conveyor belt, delivering plates of sushi right to your seat.

The atmosphere in these kinds of places is great for capturing if you can.

On Yakushima Island

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Oh, the natural beauty. You won't be able to take a bad photo in this moss-covered fantasyland.

The trees here are also known to be thousands of years old, making the whole experience even more magical.