Translation guide
The activity of visiting interesting places, especially as a tourist. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with the noun 観光 (kankō) or the verb 観光する (kankō suru). There are also more specific terms for touring around or visiting famous spots.
Expressing the general concept of sightseeing, such as going sightseeing or doing sightseeing.
The most common and neutral word for sightseeing. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to go sightseeing'.
京都で観光を楽しみました。
I enjoyed sightseeing in Kyoto.
明日は一日観光する予定です。
I plan to go sightseeing all day tomorrow.
The verb form meaning 'to go sightseeing' or 'to do sightseeing'. Very common.
東京を観光しました。
I went sightseeing in Tokyo.
A sightseeing trip; emphasizes the travel aspect.
今度の観光旅行は北海道に行きます。
On my next sightseeing trip, I'm going to Hokkaido.
An old-fashioned, literary term for sightseeing or going out for pleasure. Rarely used in modern conversation.
物見遊山で京都を訪れた。
I visited Kyoto for sightseeing (pleasure trip).
Emphasizing the act of going around to see various sights, often with a set course.
Means 'sightseeing' or 'viewing' with a nuance of going to see specific things (temples, landmarks, etc.). Often used with する.
東京タワーを見物しました。
I went sightseeing at Tokyo Tower (I viewed Tokyo Tower).
市内を見物して回った。
I went around sightseeing in the city.
A verb phrase meaning 'to go around looking/sightseeing'. More casual and descriptive.
京都の寺を見て回るのが好きです。
I like going around sightseeing at temples in Kyoto.
To tour around, to go around (a circuit of sights). Often used for temple pilgrimages or set courses.
Referring to a person who is sightseeing or a tourist.
Tourist, sightseer. The standard word.
浅草は観光客でいっぱいだ。
Asakusa is full of sightseers.
Traveler, tourist. Broader than 観光客, can include business travelers.
観光 (kankō) is the general term for sightseeing as a tourist activity, often involving travel and visiting famous places. 見物 (kenbutsu) focuses more on viewing specific attractions or sights, and can be used even for local outings. 観光 is more common in tourist contexts.
観光バスで市内を回る。
Go around the city on a sightseeing bus.
花火を見物する。
Go to see the fireworks (viewing).
In English, 'sightseeing' is a common activity noun. In Japanese, it's often more natural to use specific verbs like 見に行く (go to see) or 訪れる (visit) instead of always saying 観光する. Use 観光 when you mean the general activity of tourism.
京都を観光しました。
We went sightseeing in Kyoto.
観光が好きです。
I like sightseeing.
ここには観光スポットがたくさんあります。
There are many sightseeing spots here.
To go on a pilgrimage to the 88 temples of Shikoku (sightseeing/tour).
Many travelers come to see the castle.