Top Historical Sites to Visit in Japan

Posted on: Oct 14, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Top Historical Sites to Visit in Japan

The rich history of Japan is one of the main reasons why this place is so popular today. From the castles of Feudal Japan to the samurai ages, and traces of the golden age of Heian, among many other historical sites. There are so many famous historical sites in Japan that you may want to explore.

Most of these historical sites in Japan are declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you want to experience the beauty of ancient Japan, you can still do so today. Before your visit, you can buy travel insurance online and be all set to tackle any emergency that may come your way.

List of famous historical places in Japan

The list of popular historical places in Japan is never-ending. Once you've grabbed your overseas travel insurance, you can apply for your visa and start preparing a list of all the places you'll be visiting. Some of the top historical monuments and places you should be visiting in Japan are as follows:

1. Grand Ise Shrine

Having been around for over 2,000 years, Grand Ise Shrine is a prominent historical place in Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the supreme deity of Japan. Every 20 years, the inner and outer shrines of the temple, along with the Uji Bridge, are brought down and then replaced. It is said that this tradition is a reflection of Shinto beliefs of rebirth and renewal.

2. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the top famous historical sites in Japan. This ancient Japanese castle is situated around 650 km west of Tokyo. The castle has around 83 sturdy buildings, which appear like a maze. Despite having gone through numerous wars, Himeji Castle has stood the test of time. You can explore the Himeji Castle carefree without any stress when you have Japan travel insurance.

3. Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is a significant historical place in Japan. This place houses the sacred shrine of Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan, after the fall of the Samurai and his wife, Empress Shoken. The temple is divided into three sections that have shrine buildings, inner and outer gardens, along with the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. The tori gate has an imperial seal and is around 1,700 years old.

4. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is also referred to as Genbaku Dome and A-Bomb Dome. Located in Hiroshima, Japan, this building was the only one that survived the tragic explosion of the atomic bomb. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an essential part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

5. Nara

Located in the Kansai region, Nara is one of the top destinations to visit in Japan. It was on the news because of the free-roaming deer. Numerous historic attractions of Japan are located in Nara. Nara was once the capital of Japan. You must visit Heijo Palace Site, Nara National Museum, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine for a comfortable atmosphere. Check the coverage provided in the overseas travel insurance so that you can roam around Nara with peace of mind. Therefore, if any mishap happens, you can get financial coverage to prevent any significant loss.

6. Edo Tokyo Museum

The Edo Tokyo Museum houses the history of Edo. The museum is divided into major sections referred to as Edo, Tokyo, and the Comprehensive History Zone. There are over 2,500 artefacts and objects in this museum reflecting the history of Edo and Tokyo. The museum highlights the economic, political, and social history of the region. The reconstruction of the Nihonbashi Bridge is one of the top attractions.

7. Nikko Temple Complex

Located in the Tochigi prefecture, you must take a trip to the Nikko Temple Complex. This temple complex houses one pagoda and two temples, namely, Nikko Futarasan temple, Nikko Toshugu temple, and the Rinno temple. Furthermore, the temple complex also has around 103 architectural buildings. The flowers keep blooming throughout the year around the temple complex, which is surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery.

8. Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum was originally known as Tokyo Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan. This museum has some of the top national and historical treasures from Egypt, India, and more. The Tokyo National Museum houses a collection known as the Horyuji Treasures, comprising 300 pieces of Buddhist art. All the structures at the Tokyo National Museum are arranged according to the category they belong to.

After listing all the places, ensure you have Japan travel insurance to explore freely. With sufficient coverage, you'll be protected against any medical emergency that may arise during the trip. You can explore more about the other places to travel in Japan in our blog 10 Most Important Shrines and Temples in Japan.

Conclusion

Japan is extremely rich in culture, which is derived from its past and history. You must plan your trip to Japan carefully so that you don't miss out on exploring any essential historical sites. While Japan is known for being futuristic, the old-world charm is still retained in the place. You must buy travel insurance online to safeguard your trip so that you can peacefully experience the true beauty of the region.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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