Japan Animal, Art + Historic buildings pictures

• Asia
• World

Come for the entertaining winter penguin parade and spend time spotting birds, reptiles and majestic mammals at this zoological park.

One of the world’s largest and most cutting-edge cities is at the heart of this region that’s blessed with sacred shrines, gorgeous coastlines and lush mountain landscapes. 

Asahikawa is Japan’s saké-brewing, seafood and ramen noodle centre. Amuse yourself at its zoo, sculpture museum, pottery village, ski slopes and beautiful gardens.

Works of two of Japan’s best-known modernist sculptors and artists fill this private museum, making it feel a bit like entering their home, full of an easy intimacy.

Mind-bending optical illusions offer opportunities for photos, special events and good fun on rainy days right off Yufuin’s main tourist street.

Forested footpaths and a scenic ropeway lead up to Miyajima’s tallest peak, where you can spot wildlife and examine intriguing rock formations and Buddhist relics.

Bamboo folk art, antiques and wooden tools from a bygone era stand beside the modern works of art on display in this museum.

Relax at an island park decorated with cherry blossoms, admire a landscape of densely forested mountains and enjoy scenic riverside walks.

Most famous for its surprisingly relaxed hot-tubbing monkeys, the complex is also home to Japan’s biggest collection of tropical plants.