Japan is easily one of the most stunning places in the world. The country offers a full range of nature and culture, from subtropical beaches to snowy mountains, futuristic skylines to ancient temples. And while you could spend a lifetime exploring all of the splendidly whimsical islands and cities, we suggest you start with this list.

Ask anyone who has visited, and they’ll tell you: Japan is easily one of the most stunning places in the world. The country offers a full range of nature and culture, from subtropical beaches to snowy mountains, futuristic skylines to ancient temples. And while you could spend a lifetime exploring all of the splendidly whimsical islands and cities, we suggest you start with this list.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto	Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima
Mt. Yoshino	Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido
Gion Geisha District, Kyoto	Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashigaka
Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto	Nara Park
Meguro River, Tokyo	Shirakawa-go Village
Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Nachi Falls, Wakayama Prefecture	Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo
Blue Pond, Hokkaido	Himeji Castle
Miyako-jima, Okinawa	Imperial Palace Grounds, Tokyo
Benesse Art Site, Naoshima	Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto
Tama Art University Library, Tokyo	Oyama Rice Terrace, Kamogawa
Mt. Fuji	Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu
Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu	Daigo-ji Temple, Kyoto
Tottori Sand Dunes

Credits to: Conde Nast Traveler