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Top 20 Coolest Attractions in Japan as Voted by Foreigners

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-24 — Where do you think the coolest sightseeing spot in Japan is? The global travel website "TripAdvisor" (www.tripadvisor.com) recently released a ranking — the Top 20 coolest attractions in Japan in the eyes of overseas tourists...

Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Ren Xiang

Where do you think the coolest sightseeing spot in Japan is? The global travel website "TripAdvisor" (www.tripadvisor.com) recently released a ranking — the Top 20 coolest attractions in Japan in the eyes of overseas tourists. This data was compiled by TripAdvisor based on evaluations marked as “Cool” given to tourist spots by foreigners between September 2010 and August 2013 over a three-year period. The top 20 “coolest” attractions include not only elements of Japanese pop culture and popular theme parks but also cover Japanese history and even food culture. Both Disneyland and the Ghibli Museum made the list.

The Senbon Torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine are a famous Kyoto attraction and also made this ranking. (Photo provided by MOOK Editorial Department)

1. Takeshita Street in Harajuku

Takeshita Street feels a bit like Ximending. From jewelry, clothing, and shoes to small toys and photo booths, all the things youngsters love are gathered here, and the prices are relatively low. Whether it’s food, fashion, or shopping — mainstream, quirky, or creative — this is the place to find it all.

◎ See Attraction →Takeshita Street

www.mook.com.tw/scenery.php?op=sceneryinfo&sceneryid=47078

2. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

The large and dazzling Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan at Tempozan is a landmark of Osaka Bay, along with the nearby Tempozan Ferris Wheel. This aquarium is considered one of the largest in the world. In fact, the design of the aquarium itself resembles a giant tower-shaped fish tank, with the main exhibition hall centered around an enormous tank that houses marine life from the Pacific Ocean and surrounding regions. Visitors enter from the third-floor entrance, first passing through an 11-meter-long blue underwater tunnel representing the subtropical ocean, where colorful tropical fish of all sizes swim overhead. Then, take the long escalator up to the eighth floor and walk down along a gentle slope circling the massive tank. This rich underwater journey will surely be a feast for your eyes.

◎ See Attraction →Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

www.mook.com.tw/scenery.php?op=sceneryinfo&sceneryid=48441

3. Dotonbori

Dotonbori refers to an artificial canal that flows into the sea. Not only are there sightseeing boats that let visitors enjoy the waterway scenery, but the newly redesigned riverside also attracts couples for romantic strolls. The most famous area around Ebisu Bridge features eye-catching signs and large billboards, including the running athlete “Glico Man” with arms raised, which have become iconic night views with strong local character. Dotonbori is also a paradise for food lovers — enjoy takoyaki, ramen, udon, okonomiyaki, and many other local delicacies. Previously, many foreign tourists came here mainly for street performances, but now it’s evolved into a place people visit just to soak in the lively atmosphere.

◎ See Attraction →Ebisu Bridge

www.mook.com.tw/scenery.php?op=sceneryinfo&sceneryid=55229

4. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

In Japanese, “Inari” refers to foxes, and Inari shrines are temples that bless bountiful harvests and business prosperity. Fushimi Inari Taisha is particularly remarkable — it is the head shrine of over 40,000 Inari shrines across Japan, so its popularity is understandable. Also, in China, foxes may not have the best image, but here they are quite majestic. Throughout Fushimi Inari Taisha, you’ll see foxes depicted with mouths holding sheaves of rice or grains, perched high above, receiving worship and reverence. Each fox deity has a different expression, making them — aside from the Senbon Torii gates — one of the most interesting and worthwhile sights to observe at Fushimi Inari Taisha.

◎ See Attraction →Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

www.mook.com.tw/scenery.php?op=sceneryinfo&sceneryid=48192

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