The island is famous for its snow-capped mountains but Hokkaido also lays claim to a man-made mountain – or rather, hill – on the outskirts of Sapporo that’s a favourite with visitors. From a distance, Hill of the Buddha, designed by architect Tadao Ando, offers just a glimpse of the 13.5-metre-high Buddha that lies within, its head emerging from a hill planted with lavender. The approach, through a dark tunnel, adds a theatrical flourish before you come face to face with the colossal figure, bathed in natural light from above.

Founded on the site of a former silver mine in northern Japan’s rural Yamagata, Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town with a traditional atmosphere. The Ginzan River runs through the centre, its waters lit by gas lamps and lined with wooden inns, bathhouses, restaurants and other structures built in the Taishō era (1912-1926). Dozens of small bridges crisscross over the river, creating multiple vantage points from which to see the townscape with a mountain backdrop. Ginzan Onsen is beautiful in all seasons but particularly so on winter evenings, when the snow that dusts the eaves and rooftops is lit up by the street lamps.

Dotted with 260 pine-covered islets, Matsushima Bay has fuelled the work of poets and painters for centuries. Enjoy the view with a cup of matcha on the verandah of the 400-year-old Kanrantei Tea House. In 2011, when north-east Japan was struck by the devastating Tōhoku earthquake, a 10-metre tsunami flooded the bay. The islands broke the force of the wave but if you join one of the boat cruises that depart from Matsushima Sightseeing Pier, you’ll see islands.

Dating back to the Edo period (1603-1867), the Rikugien Gardens conjure scenes from famous poems of the time. Set in the middle of the frenetic Japanese capital, this serene oasis is meticulously landscaped with gentle hills, picturesque wooden tea houses and ponds filled with colourful carp – a world away from the breakneck pace of the city. Each season paints the garden in different shades, from pale pink cherry blossoms in spring to fiery ambers in autumn.

This shrine was founded in 864, following the eruption of Mount Fuji, in order to appease the volcano deity Asama. Its location – facing the mountain, across Lake Kawaguchi – affords breathtaking views, which are framed by a simple red torii gate. The approach is lined with cedars, some about 1,200 years old (predating the shrine). It’s less crowded than the nearby Chureito Pagoda, which has become a popular spot for selfies in recent years.

Before social media fans discovered it, the crystal-clear waters of the pond at Nemichi Shrine was nameless. However, a few years ago it was rather incongruously dubbed “Monet’s Pond” for its resemblance to the one that appears in Water Lilies, painted by French impressionist Claude Monet – though the artist never visited personally. The shallow pool, fed from a spring on nearby Mount Koga, is dotted with water lilies, while vividly coloured carp gently glide beneath the surface, creating a living canvas worthy of any frame.

In a city full of gorgeous temples, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple stands out as a testament to artistic expression. There are 1,200 whimsical stone statues representing Buddha’s disciples crowding the temple grounds, each bearing a unique facial expression. They were carved in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but a layer of moss gives them a deceptively ancient appearance. Various artists crafted the curious creations, conjuring an atmosphere of joy and introspection.

Terraces are dotted down a steep hillside towards the shoreline in a patchwork of more than one thousand rice fields on the Noto Peninsula. The fields have been cultivated by hand since the early Edo period. They’re planted in May and then, when flooded with water, reflect the changing colours of the sky. By September, the paddies are gold with rice sheaves.

A window into pre-industrial Japan, Ainokura village is a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in a secluded valley. With about 20 preserved gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses, it looks like something from a fairytale – especially so in winter, when the whole area is blanketed in thick snow. A few of the houses operate as traditional Japanese lodgings so you can stay overnight and experience the warmth of the local hospitality.

At high tide, the vermilion torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the water. It is the gateway to Miyajima, the “Island of Gods”. The whole isle is a Shinto shrine, with roaming deer adding to the mystical atmosphere. A cableway takes visitors to the highest peak, Mount Misen, which offers spectacular views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Spanning the Nishiki River in Iwakuni, the Kintaikyo Bridge is a marvel of engineering and grace. The five wooden arches of the original build are said to have been constructed without a single nail. In the centuries since, the bridge has been repaired and reconstructed four times, following the original 1673 design. The view in spring, with cherry blossoms in the foreground and lush green mountains behind, is particularly special.

Dominating the city’s skyline, the towers of Himeji Castle are a quintessential symbol of Japanese feudal architecture. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, this majestic fortress (also called “White Heron Castle” for its white exterior and elegant form) has survived centuries of earthquakes and wars. It was constructed as a fort in 1333 then rebuilt and expanded over the next 300 years by successive daimyo rulers.

White-walled warehouses, traditional dwellings and weeping willow trees line the banks of Kurashiki River, where small wooden boats cruise under elegant stone bridges. Once a wealthy merchant town in the 1600s, many of its warehouses and shops have been restored and are now stylish boutiques, galleries, and cafés. Brace yourself for a time warp as you hail a traditional rickshaw to carry you to your next destination.

Perched on a cliff, overlooking the ocean on one side and a powerful waterfall on the other, the three-storey pagoda of Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple is mesmerising. Follow a trail through the surrounding forest and to reach the base of Nachi Falls and you’ll appreciate why this water was once worshipped – at 133 metres high, Nachi is the tallest single-tiered waterfall in Japan.

The untamed coastline along the Sea of Japan has been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and ferocious crashing waves. North of Fukui City, the Tojinbo Cliffs is a kilometre-long stretch of dramatic columnar joints, made of a volcanic material known as andesite. The soaring rocks reach up to 30 metres high and while you can see them on a clifftop walk, the best views are from the tour boats that operate in the area.

The 10 Most Beautiful Places in Japan’s Nara City