7 Live Streams of Japan to Watch From Home

Ah, Tokyo, Japan’s eclectic capital filled with quirky, traditional, and futuristic experiences. Iconic Tokyo sites on two sides of the spectrum that shouldn’t be missed on a (virtual) trip to Japan include the Shibuya Crossing and Sensoji Temple which both have live streams available.

Tokyo Live Streams

• Sensoji Temple—Asakusa’s iconic Buddhist temple
• Shibuya Crossing—One of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world
• Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from Odaiba – lit up at night in rainbow colors in December
• Rotating panoramic view from Tokyo Tower
• Chidorigafuchi Moat cherry blossom cam—Bookmark this one for 2021!
• Tokyo Skytree – the tallest structure in Japan

• Tip: Watch the Sensoji Temple live stream during the Sanja Matsuri, usually held in May but postponed to October 16 to 18 in 2020 due to the coronavirus

Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san, as it’s respectfully referred to by the locals, is the highest peak in Japan at 3,776m and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Fuji is praised for its beautiful symmetry and is the most picturesque in winter and spring when the triumphant peak is capped with snow. On days with fair weather, you can see Mount Fuji’s perfect reflection in any of the Fuji Five Lakes that surround the mountain.

Mount Fuji Live Stream

• See this magnificent mountain live on Youtube
• Mt. Fuji live images are available from a variety of different locations, including from Lake Kawaguchiko or Lake Yamanakako

Kyoto is another unmissable tourist destination in Japan, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage sites. Being known as the cultural capital of Japan is no small feat, but with over 1,600 temples, mystical zen gardens, historic castles, ryokan accommodation, and geisha, it’s no wonder people think of Kyoto when they think of traditional Japan. Live streams include Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion) for those feeling nostalgic about past trips.

Kyoto Live Streams

• Kyoto Tower – the tallest structure in Kyoto
• Kyoto Station’s Stairs, which have seasonal light shows in the evenings
• Live image feeds of the famous Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, and Ginkakuji Silver Pavilion, both UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Higashi Honganji Temple, a Buddhist Temple located north of Kyoto Station
• Neko Cafe Time, one of Kyoto’s Cat Cafes home to twelve friendly felines

Osaka is the Kansai region’s answer to Tokyo, over on the western side of the country. The bustling city’s many shopping streets like Dotonbori and Soemoncho are the place of foodie travelers’ dreams. With these live streams, you can watch the sunset over the city skyline and explore temples as if you were walking through them in person.

Osaka Live Streams

• Osaka skyline live stream – don’t miss the sunset in this one!
• Soemoncho shopping street, home to over 700 stores
• Isshinji Temple’s interior and exterior
• Osaka International Airport, the seventh-largest airport in Japan

With a plethora of hot springs, gorgeous mountains, and ski resorts, there’s plenty to see in Hokkaido any time of the year. Japan’s northernmost island is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone wanting to experience the best of Japan’s natural beauty.

Hokkaido Live Streams

• Hokkaido’s four major cities: Sapporo, Hakodate, Kushiro, and Asahikawa from the top left, going clockwise
• The Kiroro Hotel deck view of the mountains in Akaigawa, Hokkaido. Check out that 24-hour timelapse with clouds rolling by the snowy mountains!
• Niseko Ski Resort – Niseko is one of Japan’s Top 10 Sightseeing Destinations for 2020

Kyushu is Japan’s thunder down under, as the third largest of Japan’s islands down on the country’s southern tip. There’s much to see and taste in Kyushu from Fukuoka’s pork ramen to Nagasaki, where the second atomic bomb on Japan was dropped during World War II, and Beppu, with its rejuvenating hot springs. Much of Kyushu’s landscape is made up of a system of volcanoes including Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan which most recently erupted in 2016.

Kyushu Live Streams

• Kagoshima Coastline—a subtropical region of southern Kyushu
• Fukuoka Skyline—Japan’s fifth-largest city
• Nagasaki Port—a popular cruise ship port before the coronavirus hit

The red-faced snow monkeys that love to bathe in the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park are always a welcome sight. Live vicariously through them as they roam around freely in their natural habitat.

Jigokudani translates to “Hell Valley,” a name given to the area due to its volcanic activity, which we have to thank for the hot springs! The man-made pool in the live image feed of Jigokudani Monkey Park is visited by the snow monkeys year-round, but the most photogenic time of year to see them is when a blanket of snow covers the park (usually occurs between December to March).

Animal Live Streams

• Jigokudani Monkey Park
• Awaji Island Monkey Center—spot monkeys and deer here!