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15 Best Cities to Visit in Japan

With its enormous cities and towering skyscrapers brightly clad in neon lights, Japan is a fun country to visit, full of history and with a rich cultural heritage. Temples and shrines dot its streets, while world-class restaurants rub shoulders with ancient castles and imperial palaces, and its cities bustle with life and energy.

Bordered by beautiful natural scenes, wandering around cities like Tokyo is akin to stepping into the future, such is the innovation and technological know-how on show. With something for everyone, the best cities in Japan are exhilarating to visit.

Charming and full of cultural sights, this samurai city is steeped in history and has a lovely castle for visitors to explore. Lying on the shores of Lake Shinji, there is an old-time feel to the place, as fishermen cast their nets in the lake and the lazy river flows by.

There are a few good museums to visit, and although the historic center is easily completed in half a day, Matsue´s peaceful ambiance means that visitors often end up staying longer than they intended.

The impressive, domineering, feudal-era fortress of Himeji-jo is reputed to be the finest castle in Japan, and is the prime draw in this quiet city. Nearby, there are some lovely samurai houses to explore, with their delightful traditional gardens.

Apart from a couple of museums, there is not much to do in Himeji, though there are the usual shrines, temples and restaurants that are not too dissimilar from other Japanese cites. An easy day-trip from a number of places, history lovers will love Himeji.

A charming and welcoming place, visitors to Beppu invariably stop by to relax and soak in the hot springs that populate the city. A popular ‘onsen’ (Japanese hot spring) resort, the city has over three thousand springs and life in Beppu is heavily geared towards the tourism sector.

The steam and mist that floats through the streets lends a magical air to the town, which is located on the coast and backed by mountains. With some impressive architecture on show and a quaint, laid-back feel to the place, Beppu is a lovely city in which to sit back and relax.

An attractive city set on a hillside next to the sea, Kobe is sandwiched between the water and Mount Rokko, which rears up behind it. A historic port, the city´s small stature belies the cosmopolitan feel about its streets. When wandering around, you can find religious buildings dedicated to every major religion.

With some excellent restaurants and cool cafes on offer, as well as lively nightlife, Kobe is great fun to explore. If you use the city as a gateway, many amazing sights are just a short train journey away.

11. Nagasaki

A picturesque place, Nagasaki´s lovely location nestled peacefully amidst hills overlooking a harbor, obscures the fact that the city was tragically devastated by an atomic bomb. While many visitors come to wander around the memorials and museums dedicated to the bombing, Nagasaki has much more to offer; it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with lots to see and do.

Once the only port open to foreign traders, this openness is still evident; there are a mix of Western and Eastern influences here, as demonstrated by the churches, temples and cuisine on offer.

10. Yokohama

Despite being less than half-an-hour away from Tokyo, Yokohama certainly has its own identity and, as Japan´s second largest city, it´s well worth checking out. Lying on a lovely bay, it is a cosmopolitan destination, as evidenced by its large foreign community, wealth of different architectural styles, and delicious cuisine from around the world.

With a lively arts and jazz scene, it is pleasant to walk along its spacious streets – despite being a major port, Yokohama feels uncluttered and clean.

The largest city in Kyushu, Fukuoka used to be two towns before the different areas joined to form the city we know today. A friendly, welcoming place, what Fukuoka lacks in terms of actual sights, it more than makes up for in its charm and pleasant atmosphere. With a couple of great museums, some great architecture, delicious ramen, and the chance to see their famous baseball team in action, Fukuoka is well worth a visit for all that it has to offer.

Lying on the banks of the river running through it, there are some lovely temples dotted around the city and its surroundings. Many people use Fukuoka as a base from which to explore the rest of Kyushu.

Home to one of the country´s most famous festivals, every year Sendai´s leafy streets are thronged with people who have come to enjoy Tanabata Matsuri. Located in the Tohuko region, it is the largest city in the area and offers an insight into the local culture, with many visitors stopping here on their way to the wilderness nearby.

With a lively nightlife scene and a delightful dilapidated castle with lovely gardens, Sendai is a pleasant place to visit and an even nicer place to live. From here, you can also head to the nearby hot springs or to Matsushima, which has one of the best views in Japan.

The capital city of the island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is a chilled-out place to visit, with all the trappings of a typical Japanese city. While most people see it as a stop-off point on their way to the island´s delightful mountains and hot springs, the city itself has more than enough to keep guests entertained for a while – with fantastic restaurants, gigantic shopping malls and lively nightlife.

While people often visit during the summer, when Sapporo has a number of great festivals, the highlight of the year is during the renowned Snow Festival, when hordes of tourists descend upon the city to see the amazing sculptures.

Although the endless concrete buildings do not make Osaka a pretty place by any means, the profusion of neon lights certainly adds color and life to the city. A bustling metropolis with a lovely river meandering through its heart, Osaka is a fun place to visit with a lively local arts and music scene.

Renowned for its fantastic culinary scene and love of food, here you can dine in excellent restaurants or pick up a wide variety of great street food.

Considered to be the birthplace of Japanese civilization, this ancient former capital has a wealth of historic sites for visitors to enjoy. Easily explored on foot, the city´s undoubted highlight is the impressive Great Buddha statue, located in the lovely Todai-ji temple.

Other temples delightfully showcase the best of Japanese art and architecture, while the surrounding hills – which add to the picturesque nature of Nara – have yet more shrines and temples worth visiting.

4. Kanazawa

With beautiful temples, ancient shrines and a range of fantastic museums, this charming city lying on the Sea of Japan is not to be missed. Wonderfully preserved, its ancient neighborhoods are lovely to wander around, with the old geisha and samurai districts being particularly delightful. In fact, Kanazawa rivals Kyoto in the number of historical and cultural attractions that it has on show.

Although seldom visited by westerners, Japanese tourists flock to this city. The highlight is undoubtedly Kenroku-en, an impressive castle with idyllic gardens surrounding it.

3. Hiroshima

Lying in western Honshu, Hiroshima´s history will forever be linked to the atomic bomb which flattened the city on August 6th, 1945. Almost completely destroyed, Hiroshima has remarkably been reconstructed and is now a bustling modern city, full of life.

While many visitors come to pay their respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and visit the chilling A-Bomb Dome ruins, the city has many other sights for visitors to enjoy. It also serves as a gateway to some beautiful nearby islands including famous Miyajima (shrine island).

The former capital of Japan drips with history and is reputed to be the nation´s most beautiful city. Upon arriving, however, many visitors are surprised to see Kyoto´s urban sprawl, which hides away its fantastic historical sites and rich cultural heritage. With over two thousand temples and shrines, as well as numerous Zen gardens, winding cobbled alleys and traditional teahouses, Kyoto is both the spiritual and cultural capital of Japan.

Home to a plethora of cool bars, atmospheric cafes and world-class restaurants, the city also has some fantastic palaces and villas for visitors to gaze upon. One of the best places to see the romantic cherry blossom trees, Kyoto is an amazing mix of modern and traditional influences.

Lying at the heart of the most populated place in the world, Tokyo has just under forty million people living within its metropolis. Consequently, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Appearing as if out of a sci-fi film, the city´s dazzling array of neon-lit skyscrapers are mesmerizing to behold – at night, they look even more impressive.

While Tokyo is definitely a modern, thriving city that sells a unique pop culture and fashion sense to the world, remnants of the historic city still remain. You can peacefully wander down cobbled alleys and find old-style atmospheric bars and food stands. In fact, the city is home to more Michelin star establishments than anywhere else in the world, and the food on offer is sumptuous.

Whether it is strolling around its cavernous shopping malls or exploring the different neighborhoods – each with its own vibe and identity – it would take a lifetime to see all that Tokyo has to offer.

Map of cities in Japan

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Reader interactions.

March 5, 2024 at 10:37 pm

I have visited 8 cities in 2023. Sendai, Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji. Next will visit Sapporo and Fukuoka.

December 13, 2020 at 2:55 am

I have visited 5 largest cities out of the 15 in the list. Eager indeed to travel to this lovely country again to fulfill my dream travelling from the southernmost city Okinawa to the Hokkaido’s most north tip in Wakkanai.

December 2, 2020 at 3:24 pm

If it were not so expensive, I could easily live in Japan.

October 30, 2020 at 12:26 am

Very good country indeed

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Best places to visit in japan.

Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan's civilization dates as far back as 30,000 years. Today, the archipelago seamlessly blends its rich history with its ultra-modern present. And while its capital, Tokyo, is a must-visit for first timers, Japan has so much more to offer travelers of all types, from cherry blossoms to white sand beaches to soothing onsen (hot spring spas). U.S. News took into account cultural attractions, culinary options and accessibility (among other factors) to bring you the best places to visit in Japan. Have a favorite? Vote below to help decide next year's ranking.

Izu Peninsula

This metropolis is a feast for the senses. Neighborhoods like Ginza and Akihabara buzz with flashing lights and larger-than-life shopping, while Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Imperial Palace give you a look into Japan's storied past. There are also a number of green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which acts as a place to escape from the chaotic, concrete jungle. What's more, Tokyo is regularly regarded as a top foodie city thanks in part to its abundant Michelin-starred restaurants (the most you'll find in any city in the world), so come hungry.

Travelers most interested in Japan's history and traditions should head to Kyoto. Centrally located on the archipelago, Kyoto has long been considered the cultural capital of Japan. Here, you'll find more than 1,000 Buddhist temples and 400-plus Shinto shrines (you can't miss the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha), including a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can also stroll through geisha districts like Gion and Miyagawacho, admire classic wooden architecture and visit traditional teahouses before checking out more modern attractions, such as the Kyoto Aquarium.

Nikko is the place to go to see lavish architecture surrounded by nature. Head to Nikko National Park, one of Japan's oldest national parks, to enjoy an up-close look at traditional structures situated alongside mountains, lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The park is especially beautiful in fall when its trees display vivid shades of yellow, red and orange. The 103 Edo-era (1603–1868) temples and shrines in Nikko include world-renowned sites like Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.

Situated about 35 miles southwest of Kyoto, this port city is worth a visit for its food alone. One of the city's most famous dishes, the tasty pancake-like okonomiyaki (which means "grilled as you like it" in Japanese), is made with batter, cabbage and your choice of meat and other toppings. After you've gotten your fill of the delectable local cuisine, explore the flashy Dotonbori neighborhood, check out the reconstructed 16th-century Osaka Castle or head to contemporary sights like Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

As Japan's second most populous city, Yokohama is often touted as a more approachable and more affordable alternative to Tokyo (located 22 miles northeast). As one of the country's first ports to open to international trade, Yokohama features unique culture fusions, including a sizable expat population, Western-style buildings in the Yamate area and the largest Chinatown in Japan (it has more businesses than residents). While here, visitors can explore Minato Mirai 21, the city's modern central district teeming with skyscrapers and shopping malls, and visit museums ranging from the Cup Noodles Museum to the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum.

More than 160 islands comprise Okinawa, a top destination for snorkeling and diving. The Japanese prefecture boasts proximity to multiple coral reefs teeming with fish, manta rays and hammerhead sharks that you can access from beautiful beaches like those found on Okinawa's Kerama Islands. These 20-plus islands are also ideal places to see migrating whales between January and March. Back on the main island, visitors will find one of the world's largest aquariums, several castle ruins and a museum that focuses on Okinawa's unique history and culture. And on the less developed Iriomote Island, adventurous travelers can hike to awe-inspiring waterfalls.

Spared from World War II air raids and the major natural disasters that have affected other Japanese cities, Kanazawa on the western coast is home to some of the country's best-preserved architecture from the Edo period. Sites like Kanazawa Castle, Seisonkaku Villa and Myoryuji temple are popular among visitors, as are the Higashi Chaya geisha district and Nagamachi Samurai District. Plus, no trip to Kanazawa would be complete without a visit to the resplendent Kenrokuen Garden. With its water features, bridges and a variety of flowering trees that add beauty to any season, Kenrokuen is often described as the perfect garden.

Nestled in the mountains of the Gifu prefecture, Takayama is ideal for visitors looking for a rural retreat with a dose of history. Start your visit with a rickshaw ride through the well-preserved old town, which features sake breweries, traditional residences and shops that date back to the feudal ages. Then, head to the Hida Folk Village, a former farming village with 30 gassho-style houses. When you've worked up an appetite, indulge in must-try local specialties including Hida beef and Takayama ramen. To further immerse yourself in Takayama culture, visit during the Takayama Festival, held for two days every spring and fall.

The country's tallest mountain and one of its most iconic landmarks is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. For centuries, Japanese artists and poets have been inspired by Mount Fuji's almost perfectly round form. The Fuji Five Lakes region at the foot of this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes a great base for the thousands of climbers who visit each year. Enjoy the area's museums and amusement park during the warmer months. Or, arrive in winter to soak in the onsen and ski Mount Fuji's slopes.

Located on Kyushu (Japan's third-largest island), Fukuoka offers travelers a mix of urban sprawl, sandy coastlines and ancient temples and shrines. Can't-miss sights include Tochoji Temple – home of the largest sitting wooden Buddha in Japan – and Nokonoshima Island, which features colorful flower fields and beautiful views of the surrounding bay. Fukuoka is also known for its incredible Hakata ramen, so be sure to try this tasty dish at one of the city's many food stalls. Plan your visit around one of Fukuoka's lively festivals, such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, which takes place throughout the first half of July.

Head to the smallest of Japan's four main islands if you're looking to get off the beaten path. Shikoku is best known for its 88 Temple Pilgrimage – a nearly 750-mile loop that covers sacred sites around the island. Whether you're trekking this path or creating your own, you'll encounter Shikoku's natural beauty (think: forest-covered mountains and an unspoiled coastline). Meanwhile, the city of Kochi features cheap eats and a well-preserved castle. If you're visiting in mid-August, add Shikoku's cultural pinnacle, Awa Odori, to your itinerary. One of the most famous festivals in Japan, this dance celebration in the city of Takushima is a must-do.

Mountainous Hakone is one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations. Nestled within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the town features 17 different hot springs, plus a hot spring theme park with unique baths like one with coffee and another with mulled wine. After you've dried off, visit one of Hakone's art museums, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Okada Museum of Art or the Hakone Museum of Art. No Hakone vacation would be complete without enjoying spectacular views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko and the Komagatake Ropeway.

After an earthquake caused significant damage to the city in 1995, Kobe rebuilt itself into a thriving cosmopolitan city. You'll want to remember to bring your appetite when you visit. Kobe is famous for its namesake beef, as well as its sake. It's also considered one of Japan's most attractive cities, with sleek architecture and beautiful green spaces like Sorakuen Garden. For some of the city's best views – especially at sunset – go to the top of Mount Rokko or ride the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway. End your evening exploring Nankinmachi (Kobe's compact Chinatown) or dining at one of Kobe Harborland's waterfront restaurants.

For many, Hiroshima brings up memories of war, as the city is where the world's first atomic bomb attack occurred in 1945. But today, Hiroshima is a city of peace, with the vast Peace Memorial Park as the center for monuments and memorials like the the Children's Peace Monument and the UNESCO-certified Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome). It is also a city of great beauty. Travelers can take a scenic stroll through Shukkeien Garden, peruse the exhibits at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art or visit Sandankyo Gorge to hike or boat past its beautiful waterfalls, caves and coves.

Tourists flock to the island of Miyajima (formally named Itsukushima) for its prime attraction: Itsukushima Shrine and its postcard-worthy torii gate. To see the shrine at its most picturesque, try to visit during high tide, when the gate appears to float on the water. Since the island is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima, it makes for a great day trip. However, visitors may want to stay the night at a charming ryokan (Japanese-style inn) to experience Miyajima at its most serene and walk by the illuminated shrine at night.

An outdoor-lover's delight, Matsumoto is just 22 miles east of Kamikochi, an awe-inspiring valley in the Hotaka mountain range. But though it serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps, this city in central Japan should not be skipped over. As the birthplace of contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, known for polka dots and pumpkins, Matsumoto pays her tribute at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Meanwhile, those who prefer more ancient masterpieces can visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest and grandest castles in the country.

Japan's first permanent capital is famous for housing the Great Buddha, a nearly 50-foot-tall bronze statue of Buddha. You'll find this jaw-dropping national treasure in Nara's Todaiji temple, which is the one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. While on the temple grounds, explore the deer-filled Nara Park and the ornate Kasuga Taisha shrine. Also save time for visiting Yakushiji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples that dates back to A.D. 730.

This peninsula situated 62 miles southwest of Tokyo makes a great getaway from the busy city. It is popular among locals and tourists alike thanks to its relaxing hot springs and stunning beaches. These, along with various museums and ryokans, can be found in cities like Atami and Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula's eastern coast. During spring visits, travelers will also want to check out Kawazu's vibrant pink blooms at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Meanwhile, on the southern and western coasts, vacationers will find more rugged yet equally scenic coastlines, such as Cape Irozaki and Dogashima.

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The 15 BEST Places to Visit in Japan (2024 Guide)

Last Updated: January 27, 2024

From seeing a geisha show or walking the famous Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto to exploring the bustling metropolis of Tokyo or staring out at Mount Fuji, here’s our list of the best places to visit in Japan.

Japan is a close-knit island nation that is known for its beautiful cities, unique food, amusement parks, temples, shrines, hot springs, and more.

Hidden gems and beautiful palaces are scattered around the country, from tiny villages right up to the commercial areas in Japan, such as Hiroshima, Osaka or Tokyo.

Travellers flock to Japan to see the beauty of cherry blossom season, or to hike Mount Fuji, ski in the Japan Alps, eat delectable sushi, and more.

But there are lots of unexpected things to do in Japan as well.

Character or animal cafés, vending machines offering a vast array of items, and aquariums showcasing rare and unique marine life are just a few of the best and most interesting things you can view while in Japan.

Don’t travel to Japan without reading our ultimate travel guide!

Places To Visit In Japan, Osaka, Crowd, Busy Street

Table of Contents

4) Yokohama

9) hiroshima, 12) fukuoka, 13) kanazawa, 15) okinawa, anything to add to this list of great places in japan, the best places to visit in japan.

Overall, there are so many must-see and must-experience places to visit in Japan due to the nation’s rich history, location, and culture.

If you’re planning a trip, make sure you use this list to make the most out of your travel to Japan.

Tokyo, the capitol of Japan, is obviously one of the best places to go in central Japan. While Kyoto is viewed as the spiritual center of Japan, Tokyo is seen as the most popular, busiest, and most significant city in the country, and there is no question why.

If you are wondering just what to do in Japan, it’s common knowledge that starting in Tokyo would have you covered as a perfect introduction to the country.

Of course, the city is largely commercialised and there are endless activities to do, especially if you are looking for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On a clear winter day it is even possible to have views of Mount Fuji in the distance!

It is important, however, to not forget the little things you can visit and explore – from simple and quiet parks to humble and interesting cafés or the occasional shrine or temple.

One unique place to visit in Tokyo would be Neko JaLaLa, a cat-themed cafe that offers more than your usual coffee destination in Tokyo.

There should be no question as to why Tokyo is famous and beloved for its several towers and overall interesting architecture. Buildings like the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree should definitely be places on your travel list.

Both structures are known as Japan tourist spots and two of the best places to visit in Japan.

A trip to the Tokyo Tower offers a beautiful and breathtaking view.

The tower lights up beautifully and elegantly throughout the night, which is also a nice touch and a perfect photo scene.

The Tokyo Skytree offers several experiences throughout its tiers, aside from observation and obtaining a beautiful view.

If you are looking for a less-commercialised and more cultural Japan attraction that is located in Tokyo, the Kaneji Buddhist temple is one of the best things you can do.

Complete with intricately designed gardens, hallways, and statues, this temple is ideal for anyone looking for some relaxation time while in Tokyo.

Also consider taking a day trip to see Mount Fuji, the iconic symbol of Japan.

It doesn’t matter if your stay in Japan is for 48 hours or two weeks, visiting Tokyo is a Japan must-see.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Tokyo .

Check out our Japan Vlog on going to a crazy robot restaurant in Tokyo in Japan.

Osaka is a port-based city that is full of interesting museums, attractions, and a fascinating variety of activities for any visitor to Japan.

No tour of the best places to visit in Japan would be complete without a trip to Osaka.

One thing to enjoy about this city is its versatile points of interest, and great opportunities for the Cherry Blossom season.

Whether it be the classic Osaka Castle or a fun amusement park such as Universal Studios Japan, Osaka really seems to have it all.

Dotonbori should ultimately be your first stop due to the influx of street food vendors, arcades, and shops.

After visiting the many wonderful fantasy worlds of Universal Studios Japan, you go go-karting around the streets.

Other popular attractions in Osaka are the beautiful and grand Tempozan Ferris Wheel, the peaceful Expo Commemoration Park, and the educational and intriguing Osaka Museum of History.

You haven’t completed Japan sightseeing until you’ve made your way to Osaka. And from here it is just a short train ride to the famous city of Kyoto.

READ MORE: Check out our detailed guide on the best things to do in Osaka .

If you are looking for elegant cherry blossoms, peaceful Buddhist temples or the occasional Shinto shrine, then Nara is the ideal travel location for you.

Just a short distance from either Kyoto or Osaka, Nara City is the capital of the Nara prefecture and is one of the most captivating and interesting places to visit in Japan.

Shrines surrounded by peaceful, well-kept canals and ponds are a popular sight. As are long the beautiful and friendly deer that roam freely throughout the prefecture – which are one of the most unique things to see in Japan.

It is apparent that Nara might truly be one of the most peaceful, down-to-earth cities in the world.

Nara Park is a central park located within the city that is full of deer that peacefully roam the park. They are a beautiful and adorable sight to visitors.

One staple of Nara would have to be the several palaces, temples, and Buddhist shrines. Todai-ji is a perfect example and is located right in the city of Nara.

This temple is one of the largest in the area, and plays a great role in its history.

Deer are frequently seen in surrounding areas around the temple, which is a nice touch.

By far, the greatest feature with Todai-ji, however, is the addition of the largest known bronze statue modelled after Buddha.

READ MORE: Here’s our ultimate list of things to do in Nara, Japan .

Yokohama is one of the more authentic places to visit in Japan if you would like a taste of Japanese culture, some history, and a tad bit of everything else.

One example of how Yokohama stands out against other popular cities and tourist spots in Japan would be the inclusion of Yokohama Chinatown.

Similar to Dotonbori, the Yokohama Chinatown area is ideal for those who love to experience street food as it is popularly offered and sold throughout the area.

If you are looking to take a quiet and enchanting walk, a stop at the Sankeien Garden in Yokohama couldn’t hurt as well.

A trip through this park can help relax you after a long day of exploring and visiting different streets and locations throughout the city.

The design of the garden is very traditional and reminiscent of older gardens and contains a beautiful pond surrounded by lush trees and shrubs.

One might enjoy viewing the Tempozan Ferris wheel light up at night. And Yokohama offers beautiful fireworks shows available during specific seasons.

Due to Yokohama being a port city for trading, these shows easily take place in Yokohama at the Yamashita Park, and are enjoyed greatly by both tourists and locals alike.

READ MORE: Here’s our brand new article featuring the best things to do in Yokohama .

As Okinawa is known for its glorious beaches, the small town of Hakone is known for the natural beauty of its mountainous terrain, waterways, and hot springs.

By far the most prominent and well-known attraction is Lake Ashi that makes Hakone one of the most fun places to visit in Japan.

The lake paired with other attractions makes Hakone one of the most beautiful and captivating cities to spend some time during your next vacation.

The picture-perfect and relaxing scenery also helps it make the list as one of Japan’s tourist spots. With views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is one of the best places to see and do it all.

Lake Ashi is surrounded by beautiful mountains, which help to compliment the glistening blue water.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is also another great reason to visit Hakone, as it compliments the feel and aesthetic of the place due to the large collection of creative artwork.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Hakone !

Lake Ashi, Japan, Boat, Nature, Lake, Hakone

The capital city of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is an absolute gem and one of the best cities on our list of Japanese tourist spots.

Whether it’s your first or fifth time to this fascinating country, make sure you spend some time in Sapporo, a metropolis that is buzzing with excitement and culture.

Whether you want to check out Japan’s biggest zoo or visit the marvelous winter snow festival, you’ll find no shortage of attractions here.

It’s also a great jumping-off point for exploring more of Hokkaido, so definitely use it as a base to plan your next moves.

READ MORE: Here’s our travel guide to the top things to do in Sapporo .

With destinations like the Nagoya TV Tower and the Nagoya Castle, this area can easily be compared to Osaka and Tokyo based on the famous and must-see landmarks.

There is even a museum dedicated to science: Nagoya City Science Museum.

This museum may sound a bit general. But its complex and interactive activities help engage and educate visitors and is home to what is known as the world’s biggest planetarium – making it a famous gem of Japan.

Perhaps the highlight of Nagoya and one of the best things to do is to tour the Nagoya TV Tower.

This tower consists of five floors and is a beautiful sight with its glowing appearance during the night.

The sky deck, which is at the topmost floor of the tower, offers a grand view of the city and famous mountains in the area.

The Nagoya Castle is the heart of Japan and another great symbol within the nation of Japan. You wouldn’t be able to miss this elegant structure in Nagoya.

This specific castle stems all the way from the Edo period and is lined with alluring Japanese artwork that is lit and brightened up greatly by the strategically placed windows and shading.

Be careful to not forget the entertainment halls and theatres, so you can enjoy a great concert or show while in Nagoya.

And if you’re looking for views of Mount Fuji then you can add this place to your list. Nagoya offers gorgeous views of the famous Mount Fuji!

READ MORE: Here’s our list of the best things to do in Nagoya .

While there is much to do on the island of Honshu, Kyoto is almost always at the top of the list of places to see in Japan.

Based on the prominent pagodas, the influx of cherry blossoms, and the rich history included, it is no wonder why Kyoto was once the capital of the great nation of Japan.

Due to the extravagant history Kyoto has throughout wars and harsh time periods, castles and unique Japanese structures have come to cover the region.

By exploring Kyoto , you have the choice to learn about Japan, its people and its culture in a very motivating, intriguing, and interesting way.

Geishas are also a prominent entertainment force in Kyoto, making it one of the best places in Japan to view a show.

The Sento Imperial Palace is a peaceful palace that offers a tour that is free and is a fantastic way to discover and learn about Japanese palaces and history while exploring the area.

If you are looking to buy some authentic and quality Japanese goods, Kyoto should also be in mind. Many tourists buy keepsakes or tokens from their trip here, as shopping is fantastic.

The Kitano Tenman-Gu flea market is the perfect shop for this as it offers a wide range of products such as intricately designed fans, umbrellas, and yukatas.

Of course, no trip to Kyoto is complete without visiting Fushimi Inari, an important Shinto shrine known for its temple and the thousands of brightly coloured torii gate.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our complete guide to the best things to do in Kyoto !

Recent history hasn’t been kind to Hiroshima, a city that is most famous for having the atomic bomb dropped on it during World War II, completely decimating the city.

But for such a tragic event, Hiroshima has fully rebuilt itself, and today is one of the top selections for where to go in Japan. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is one of the top Japan tourist attractions.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the main feature of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, is one of the best known places in Japan. Memorializing a terrible event near the end of World War II, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the more sacred places to visit in the city.

Nearby Miyajima Island is a fantastic place to spend a day and definitely worth a visit. The Hiroshima Castle is sure to wow you as well.

In terms of unique sights and tourist attractions, the Itsukushima Shrine really stands out, literally, by rising out of the water.

Don’t let the idea of a crumpled city stop you from visiting – Hiroshima is truly an incredible spot to explore.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Hiroshima.

When visiting Kobe, on the island of Honshu, trying their world-famous beef is a must. You can even have it along with Ramen or other traditional dishes.

Kobe could perhaps be the food destination highlight of your trip finding the best places to visit in Japan, aside from Dotonbori.

Another street to visit in Kobe would be their version of Chinatown, which offers another great opportunity to try street food.

The Kobe City Museum is also a great way to explore the great city of Kobe and its history.

Kobe’s most popular harbour known as the Kobe Harborland is the best outdoor hub for entertainment and shopping alike.

The harbour even boasts a beautiful Ferris wheel that adds a nice touch. If you are searching for a more scenic addition in Kobe, you must visit Mount Rokko. Although it pales in comparison to Mount Fuji, there are great trails and scenery to enjoy.

This landmark is favoured both by tourists and locals, and is unique in its structure when compared to various other mountains scattered throughout the great nation of Japan.

Kobe is also located near Himeji Castle, which in and of itself is a top location in Japan. Take a day trip from Kobe to the famous grounds of Himeji Castle!

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to all the top things to do in Kobe !

Otaru doesn’t always make the list of places to visit in Japan. But its canal scenery is so romantic it could even rival that of Italy.

Different vendors and stores offering a vast array of Japanese goods paired with various restaurants help to make the canal a must-stop destination.

Aside from the canal, be sure to enjoy a wonderful experience and performance at the Otaru Music Box.

The Otaru Aquarium can help finish off your trip with some educational facts and a great view of various marine life.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Otar u

Fukuoka is a fantastic city on the Kyushu island of Japan, and well worth a visit on your next trip to Japan.

With great surfing opportunities, a fascinating samurai history and plenty of sumo wrestling matches to check out, you’ll be amazed at all the great things to do in Fukuoka.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Japan

Kanazawa is located on Honshu Island and bordered by the Sea of Japan. Deriving its name from “marsh of gold” after legend claims a potato farmer dug up gold instead of potatoes in his field one year.

Kanazawa Castle is the city’s most notable feature and one of the best places to visit in the city. It stands tall among various other buildings that were surprisingly spared during bombings in WWII.

The original castle was destroyed in a fire in 1888. But the existing castle still stands after being rebuilt.

Kanazawa is also known for its Edo-period architecture, temples, geishas and cuisine. You can’t go wrong to add Kanazawa to your list of places to visit in Japan.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Kanazawa.

Tohoku is located northeast of Tokyo on the island of Honshu. Very much off the beaten track for most travellers, Tohoku makes the list of best places to visit in Japan for its simplicity and relationship with nature.

Those who travel here know Tohoku for its spectacular coastlines, inviting natural hot springs and intricate cave systems. It is also a great place to see some of the best cherry blossoms in Japan – without all of the crowds you will find elsewhere.

And if you are into studying where modern history meets science, Tohoku is the jumping-off point for exploring the impact of the 2011 tsunami, most notable for it’s destruction of the Fukushima nuclear reactor.

No doubt if you are looking for a place where fewer travellers visit, particularly in spring, then you absolutely must add Tohoku to your list of places to visit in Japan!

Okinawa is Japan’s most tropical island and definitely one of the more unique places to visit in Japan. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and crystal blue ocean water, Okinawa City is a paradise for people of all ages.

A variety of restaurants are scattered all throughout the city, which is perfect if you plan to have dinner and see a show.

Koza Music Town is perfect for those looking for supreme entertainment and shows.

Besides Koza, Okinawa is simply just a paradise for music lovers due to the many different venues and shows that are offered, especially with the famous bars and clubs scattered about.

The Shurijo Castle is a must-see if you are visiting Okinawa. This palace was dedicated to the Ryukyu Kingdom, and boasts a bright red colour and an intricately paved red walkway leading up to the grand entrance of the castle.

If you’re looking for adventure on your next travels to Japan as well, then Okinawa is the place for you. This island is definitely where to go for surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding and swimming with whale sharks!

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Okinawa .

In conclusion, Japan is a vast island nation that is known for its mountain scenery, unique architecture, cherry blossoms, and booming cities.

While travelling there are so many places to visit in Japan and experience on each island and in each city. But it is important to not overlook the small hidden gems in the rural Japan.

Sites and areas like small traditional villages and temples can really add to your overall experience. Whether you visit castles, Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, enjoy a hot spring or two or come to see the natural beauty of cherry blossom season you understand why the island of Japan and its people are so special.

Aside from trying food in Dotonbori and shopping in the popular streets and stores in Tokyo, be sure to mark the small villages, historic sites, and grand areas for.

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, stroll beneath the torii gate of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and find your favorite shrine or temple in any number of smaller villages and towns.

Do you have anywhere else you’d add to this list? Leave a comment below and let us know your favourite places to visit in Japan!

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15 Best Cities To Visit In Japan For Unforgettable Experience

Tokyo, the capital and the largest city of Japan, definitely holds the top position in the list of best cities to visit in Japan . Tokyo is a fast-paced and sprawling city, a mixture of the modern and the traditional. It offers tourists not only impressive buildings and luxurious stores but also the oldest shrines and temples and beautiful natural places. In addition, Tokyo is famous for the latest technology with electronic gadgets and modern applications. You can visit Yodobashi Akiba – the largest electronics store in Japan and this is also the center of otaku culture.

There are dozens of famous attractions in Tokyo you can visit: get a nostalgic feeling for the Imperial Palace, the Sensō-Ji Temple, The Meiji Shrine, etc; visit Ueno Park and Zoo to immerse yourself in nature, or go to The Miraikan and Edo-Tokyo Museums or The National Art Center to be awed by the ultra-modern and superb exhibits. There are many places worth visiting such as Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea, Kabukichō, etc.

Cuisine – the indispensable part, is also a feature that attracts tourists to visit Tokyo. There are numerous Michelin – starred restaurants in Tokyo, namely Kanda in Minato-ku, Joël Robuchon in Ebisu, etc. Those serve the most delicate cuisine, definitely satisfying all culinary connoisseurs coming to Japan.

It is time to discover numerous intriguing facts about Tokyo. Tokyo has the world’s most sophisticated railway system with more than 100 surface routes, the busiest street crossing (near Shibuya Station). In Tokyo, there is a vending machine every 12 meters. And many other weird yet wonderful things in Tokyo waiting for you!

2. Hiroshima

Hiroshima is famous for the nuclear bombing in 1945, yet it is more than that. Hiroshima has now become a modern and peaceful city with many attractions. People will give you warmest welcome here.

Hiroshima Castle is a treasure trove of Japanese traditions.

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Hiroshima Memorial Park appeals to thousands of people around the globe. Miyajima Island on which there is Itsukushima Shrine offers breathtaking natural scenes. Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival in summer on this island is an illumination event that you should never miss. The Itsukushima Shrine was recognized as world heritage by UNESCO. The “floating” torii gate of the Shrine is the very famous symbol of Hiroshima. In addition, Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden are other historical places people should visit.

Foods and drinks in Hiroshima are also delicious. Hiroshima is one of Japan’s three great sake-producing areas. There are many intriguing sake flavors depending on their ingredients. In regards to foods, oysters are a popular seafood which can be served in many ways such as raw oysters, grilled, deep-fried, etc.

Kyoto, the capital of Japan during the period from 794 to 1868, has a rich history and culture. You can find almost everything here: shrines, shops, restaurants, gardens, etc. Kyoto is one of the top cities in Japan and people should come here once in their lives.

Kyoto is reputed to be the “city of 1000 shrines”. Tourists will have an interesting experience on Japanese culture when visiting ancient shrines and temples in Kyoto, to name but a few Kinkakuji Temple, Kifune Shrine, Yasaka Pagoda, etc. In addition, there is Ine no Funaya – a charming village on the Tango Peninsula. It is known as “Venice of Japan” with more than 200 floating houses forming a picturesque and romantic scene.

Ine no Funaya – “Venice of Japan”

Kyoto is home to Matcha (Japanese green tea). There is even a town called Wazuka specialized in producing green tea. So it is undoubted that tourists can enjoy a wide range of best matcha – flavored desserts in Kyoto.

Sapporo is the capital city of the second largest island of Japan – Hokkaido. Sapporo itself is Japan’s fifth largest city. No words can describe the beauty and charm of this city. It must be on many people’s checklist of best cities to visit in Japan .

There are countless fascinating things to discover in Sapporo, the colorful and fantasy Ishiya Chocolate Factory for people having sweet tooth, Maruyama Zoo for animal lovers, the reputable Snow Festival with ice sculptures,…. It cannot go without saying that like other top cities in Japan there are many green spaces, temples, and museums in Sapporo.

Inside Sapporo beer museum where you can enjoy the Asian best – seller brew

The cuisine is another must-try in Sapporo. Besides the traditional foods of Japan (ramen, soup curry), a very famous drink here is beer. Sapporo beer has a long history that dates back to 143 years ago. The brand stands out as the Asian best – seller brew in the USA. There is even Sapporo Beer Museum where you can learn all about the history of beer making.

5. Yokohama

Yokohama is Japan’s second – largest city located on the southwestern coast of Tokyo Bay. Yokohama remains one of the best cities in Japan as it is the most famous port city open to foreign trade.

Harbor View Park in Yokohama (Source: Justgola.com)

Yokohama, originally a small fishing village, now become a modern and dynamic city. However, in Harbor View Park you can see the oldest houses in the old days or visit Yokohama Foreign Cemetery where many western traders were buried a long time ago. Sankeien Garden, a very beautiful green space, owns a number of inspiring historical architectures. Tourists should also experience Yokohama Chinatown, Zoorasia (one of the largest zoos in Japan), Yokohama boat cruise, Ramen Museum (for ramen lovers),…

There are some other interesting facts about Yokohama that certainly makes you surprised: Yokohama exports many commodities such as silk, steel, canned fish, etc; the climate here is diverse with humid, hot summer and chilly winter,…

Nara is the former ancient capital of Japan. As a result, it is the cradle of Japanese civilization, dipped in historical and cultural values. No wonder why it is also listed as one of the best cities to visit in Japan .

Get yourself a great day in historical attractions: Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Sangatsu-do Hall, Yakushi-Ji Temple … or go sightseeing to enjoy the breathtaking natural scenes in Yoshiki-en Garden, Kofuku-Ji Temple, Isui-en Garden, etc. Nara’s cuisine is famous for foods that originated from Nara period: somen noodles, manju (a steamed bun), narazuke (a kind of pickle since the 8th century), kakinoha-zushi (a type of sushi with salty mackerel fish), kuzu mocha (a very refreshing and sweet dessert)…

Todai-ji Temple is a famous landmark in Nara (Source of Image: klook.com)

Nara is really an interesting city. Did you know that there are about 150 accidents caused by deer? The city had to create “deer zones” on the road to help drivers notice and avoid. Another surprising fact is that many stores in Nara close very early, often after 6 p.m.

Osaka is also one of the largest and best cities to visit in Japan . The city located on the Honshu island impresses tourists with glorious neon lights, diverse local foods, historical places, entertainment centers,…

Osaka Castle nestles among cherry blossoms at the heart of the city, offering a very charming view. Shitennoji temple, Hozen-ji temple, Kasuga Taisha shrine, Sumiyoshi shrine,… are not only the best ancient places but also tell many mysterious folks and tales. There are more museums in Osaka than any other cities in Japan. Osaka Aquarium, universal studios, the pokemon centers, and Round 1 stadium are all celebrated entertainment centers in Osaka.

Osaka Castle offers tourists a very charming view (Source: https://www.jnto.go.jp)

Tourists can enjoy fresh seafood in Kuromon Market and other traditional foods of Japan like takoyaki (grilled octopus meatballs), okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake), ramen,… in Dotonbori street.

Okinawa is an island chain consisting of dozens of small islands spreading from Kyushu to Taiwan. Thanks to its terrain, Okinawa is known as a perfect paradise with sandy beaches in glorious sunshine.

Okinawa is known as a perfect paradise (travel.gaijinpot.com)

Miyako Islands and Yaeyama islands are beautiful natural places include beaches, greenery jungles,… perfect for swimming, diving and relaxing. You can enjoy the colorful hydrangea garden, explore the caves at Okinawa World or join a whale – watching tour.

Okinawa is home to very diverse cuisine from both sea and mountains: goya champuru (a popular vegetable), umibudo (a green pretty dish), awamori (a sugar – free alcohol drink),…

9. Kanazawa

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. It is one of the top cities to visit in Japan because of historical temples and museums, beautiful gardens and sophisticated crafts and arts.

Enjoy your holiday in Kenrokuen garden, Kanazawa castle park, Utatsuyama temple area (include more than 50 temples and shrines), Higashi Chaya area (with many geisha houses), Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art (the display of Japanese art), 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (collection of art produced in 1980s),…

Kanazawa is celebrated to be City of Crafts and Folk Art (Source: http://creativekanazawa.jp/)

Kanazawa is celebrated to be City of Crafts and Folk Art. It is the city of gold leaf and there is even ice cream cone served in real gold. The images of this sweet dessert are so eye-catching and widely shared on social media. In addition, you should experience the art of traditional handicraft: gold lacquer decoration, Kaga-Nui embroidery, Kutani porcelain and so on.

10. Nagasaki

Nagasaki is the port city located on Kyushu island. It is also an important city for foreign relations. Although the city was destroyed in the atomic bomb in 1945, it has been reconstructed and become a modern and vibrant city with amazing museums, delicious street foods,…

Walk around the Peace Park in Nagasaki (Source: thecrazytourist.com)

Visit Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum to relax in the peaceful atmosphere and pay tribute to victims in the bomb attack. For Christians, Ōura Cathedral is an ideal place that tells you every tale related to the history of Christianity in Japan. And if you are animal lovers, come to Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium to watch this cute fat animal swimming, eating and playing. There are many other places like Spectacles Bridge, Glover Garden, Suwa Shrine, etc.

Nagasaki is home to unique cuisine from both land and sea. Nagasaki Champon is a kind of noodles with the topping of vegetables and seafood. You can also try Guzouni – a dish made from mochi, over 10 ingredients (from meat, fish, vegetables,…) and soup, sea bream dishes (salty grilled fish mixed with rice), Nagasaki beef,… and a sweet drink called Milk Seki.

11. Kamakura

Kamakura is a small city located in the south of Kanagawa prefecture. Kyoto is famous for numerous shrines and temples, so it is also known as a historical city embedded with cultural values. In addition, tourists can go hiking, lie on the sandy beaches and enjoy a variety of seafood.

The famous symbol of Kamakura – the Great Buddha in Kotoku-in Temple (Source: gogonihon.com)

You definitely visit the famous symbol of this city – the Great Buddha in Kotoku-in Temple. There are many other shrines and temples like Megetsuin temple (with charming hydrangea blossoms), Hokokuji temple (to take a stroll in a green bamboo forest), Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, Yuigahama beach,…

Kamakura has so much street food like croquettes (a fried bread-crumbed roll), Dango (mochi sticks), fishcakes, matcha – flavored sweet desserts, and so on.

12. Fukuoka

Fukuoka is the largest city of Kyushu island. It is actually the combination of 2 towns: Hakata – the port city and Fukuoka – the castle town. Therefore, it is not only a modern and fast-paced city with open foreign relations but also a historical one with ancient castles and temples. Fukuoka is really one of the best cities to visit in Japan and you will know why.

The sightseeing spots in Fukuoka will never disappoint you: Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine (worship the god of learning), Canal City Hakata, Kyushu National Museum, Ohori Park, Nokonoshima island (with colorful blossoms), Marine World Uminonakamichi (more than 450 marine species),… and many other famous festivals.

Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine worships the God of learning (Source: travel.gaijinpot.com)

Experience the famous specialty of Fukuoka: ramen in 2 styles – Hakata and traditional Kyushu. The broth of Kyushu ramen has a stronger taste than that of Hakata one. Another delicacy of Fukuoka is Hakata Torimon – a toothsome pastry whose ingredients are butter, milk, and sweet beans. Hakata no Hito is another renowned pastry made from eggs and red bean jelly. Seafood in Fukuoka is also fresh and diverse: Karachi mentaiko (pollack roe seasoned in red peppers and sauce), gomasaba (mackerel soaked in sesame and soy sauce),…

Nagoya, located in Aichi Prefecture, is Japan’s fourth largest city. It is now a key city of Japan with world – class buildings, historical museums and temples, and many other things to see.

You can explore Nagoya Castle (the city’s gem), Atsuta Shrine, The Museum Meiji-mura (displays architecture duplicates from the Meiji period), Toyota Museums (as Nagoya is the birthplace of Toyota – the reputable car maker), Legoland Japan (a major theme park displaying miniature towns, Lego reconstructions of famous places…), the Temples of Ōsu, Tokugawa Art Museum, Shirotori Garden, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens,…

Food is also a feature that attracts millions of people to Nagoya every year. You should try Miso Katsu (a Nagoya version of Tonkatsu), Hitsumabushi (grilled eel mixed with rice), Kishimen (udon noodles), Tenmusu (rice balls mixed with shrimps then wrapped with seaweed), Tebasaki (fried chicken wings), Ankake spaghetti, Ogura toast,… and many other mouth-watering dishes.

Beppu, the city located on the island of Kyushu, is renowned for hot springs resorts. However, it is more than that. Surrounded by mountains and long coastal lines, tourists coming to Beppu city can relax on the beautiful beaches or go hiking. They can also visit many famous attractions in this city.

The first place in Beppu that people must visit is definitely onsens (hot springs): take a tour in Hell Circuit consisting of 8 stunning hot springs. You can experience the sand bath in Takegawara Bathhouse, walk around Beppu Park, visit Takasakiyama Monkey Park (monkeys are on the loose), etc.

Beppu is renowned for hot springs resorts (Source: Fredrik Rubensson)

One thing that distinguishes foods in Beppu from other cities is that foods are cooked with hot spring steam. Thus, come and try unique and healthy cuisine of Beppu.

Aomori is a small city on the Honshu island. The city is truly a hidden gem in Japan as it is full of natural landscapes and tranquil places.

You can relax in Fujita Memorial Garden, enjoy colorful Nebuta Festival, go skiing or snowboarding in winter, visit Nebuta Warasse (a cultural center of Aomori), Asamushi aquarium, Aomori Museum of Art, etc.

Nebuta Warasse is a cultural center of Aomori (Source: www.nebuta.jp)

In Aomori, you can eat apples everywhere and experience apple-picking. Other famous foods you can find in Aomori are Kenoshiru (Miso soup), Ginger-Miso Oden (best served in winter), Barayak (beef cooked with onions and a sauce called “tare”), Kaiyaki-Miso (a simple Miso soup with ingredients of scallops),…

To be honest, Japan has countless beautiful towns and cities for you to discover. Have you chosen your favorite city after reading through 15 best cities to visit in Japan ? If you have any question about location guides or things to do in Japan, feel free to leave a comment below and we will discuss further.

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30 Best Cities to Visit in Japan (New 2023)

What are the best cities to visit in Japan ? How do you find the best places?

Well, since you have landed here, you are off to a good start.

Japan is a country full of culture and history. We know the Japanese people for their hospitality and respect. Japan is a country that is full of natural beauty and new things to explore. For cultural heritage, it doesn’t get any better than Japan. There are so many things to see and do. If you are looking for a new culture to explore and some beautiful scenery, then you have to go to Japan.

And add this list to your japan travel tips , or your japan rail pass itinerary to make the most out of your trip to Japan.

And if you have limited time in Japan, some of these best cities are so close to major cities, like Tokyo, that they can be a day trip .

Best Places and Cities to Visit In Japan 2022

Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world . And the largest city in Japan. Like a little of Japan all in one city, Tokyo is both new and old, and it has many exciting places to visit. Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world. And known for its bright lights, vibrant neighborhoods, and great food culture.

It’s more than the political and economic center of Japan, it’s also a global economic powerhouse. It mixes tradition with modernity.

Tokyo is an enormous city that is full of excitement. As the center of Japan, it is packed with places to enjoy, such as wonderful shopping, beautiful parks, exciting sports, and interesting museums.

A few popular Tourist Attractions in Tokyo Include.

Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Tower
The Tokyo Bay
Tokyo Skytree
Shibuya Crossing
Contemporary Art Museum
Imperial Palace

Tohoku

The northeastern part of Japan is a rural wilderness. It is bound by mountains and rivers, and many visitors go to visit the hot springs there.

Ginzan Onsen has hot springs. Ginzan Onsen is near Tohoku. The hot springs are natural, and the water is clear. There are many possibilities for things to do in Tohoku, such as hiking and snowboarding.

Wakayama is a touristic place in Japan. Wakayama has great places to visit. Many people want to go to Wakayama because it has both temples and hot springs. And the town is near a big airport, so it’s easy to get there. You can see the best food and visit many hiking trails, or you can even go to an amusement park!

15 Amazing Cities to Visit in Japan Besides Tokyo

Kyoto is one of the country’s most famous cities. It has many gardens and historical buildings. There are a lot of museums there too. Kyoto is fun because you can visit temples and palaces there.

Kyoto is a city of temples, shrines, Buddhist statues, and gardens. It’s also home to some of Japan’s most famous tourist attractions .

But Kyoto has more to offer than just its historic attractions. The city has many other attractions that make it a worthwhile destination for both tourists and locals alike. It is easy to get to Kyoto Station by train. Making it a great place to visit with a rail pass.

Osaka is famous for food and fun. It is like Tokyo, but smaller, so it doesn’t cost as much. Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous buildings. There are lots of boats and Ferris wheels. There are also many temples and shrines to visit. Osaka is famous for its food and shopping. If you like ramen, there are lots of good places to eat it in Osaka.

Osaka also has Universal Studios Japan , which could be considered a day trip. Which will soon have its own Harry Potter World .

Sendai is famous for its festivals, just like Chiang Mai is famous for its Ping Lantern festival in Thailand.. Lots of people from all over the country visit Sendai for its festivals.

Sendai also has a grand castle. Next to it there are beautiful gardens and around it, there are many hills where you can see Mt. Fuji.

Next to the city of Sendai, there are many hot springs, which makes it an even more popular place to visit.

One of the top tourist spots in Japan is the Tanabata Matsuri in Sendai. People from all over come to enjoy it together.

Sapporo is a city in Japan. We know it for the Sapporo beer museum , noodles, and skiing. One interesting thing about Sapporo is that there are lots of flowers in the summer. Another cool thing about Sapporo is the Sapporo snow festival every year. Sapporo is a friendly city that I would recommend to anyone. It has lots of cool things to do and see, and the people are friendly. It is an iconic Japanese city .

A nearby city named Yokohama is fun to visit because it has a beautiful waterfront and gardens, art museums, and cup noodles. The city is also famous for its Chinatown and has fun festivals like the cherry blossom festival. The city is close to Tokyo, so it’s easy to visit both cities on one trip. Or just experience Yokohama as a day trip from Tokyo.

Nagasaki’s location overlooks the harbor, but it damaged many buildings in the war. Many tourists come to see the damage and to visit the memorial of that war. You have sites like the Nagasaki peace park . And peace memorial park commemorates the city’s tragic history.

Despite its tragic history. The city is beautiful and has become one of the best cities to visit in Japan.

Matsue is a peaceful place with a beautiful castle. Lake Shinji is close by and fishermen use it. There are many museums there, and most visitors stay longer than they planned to because it’s so relaxing and quiet. There are many temples and shrines in Matsue. The castle is the most popular attraction, but some temples date back to the Edo period (1603-1867). There is also a beautiful garden at one temple called Kairakuen.

Hiroshima is a city in Japan. The city was destroyed by an atomic bomb, but it has been rebuilt. Hiroshima is now full of life. The city has parks, temples, and museums. As well as the iconic Hiroshima Castle . There are also many restaurants and shops. Hiroshima is also a very modern city. There are many tall buildings and shopping centers. The people in Hiroshima are very friendly. And two of the most popular sites are the Hiroshima peace memorial park and the atomic bomb dome .

Toyama is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. It has mountains and oceans, so you can ski and hike at the same time. It is superb in fall when leaves are falling on the trees. Toyama is famous for its hot springs. It has many onsens, which are places where you can relax in hot water.

The best ones are at the top of Mt. Tateyama, a mountain with beautiful views of Toyama Bay and the city below. Toyama is a great place to visit because it’s not as busy as other cities in Japan. It also doesn’t have a lot of tourists, which makes it feel like home.

Nara is one of the oldest places in Japan. The ancient Japanese capital is like a museum. They have lots of old temples, including one that has an enormous Buddha statue. It’s very peaceful there because it’s located on the hills away from the city. From the old temple to the towering statue. This is one of the best cities in Japan.

Nara was very important to Japan in the past and has a lot of old buildings. Nara Park is also one of the most famous parks in the entire country. Known for its Nara Park deer .

Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a fun city in Japan. It’s not famous, but it has a lot to offer people who like traditional Japanese culture and modern amenities. The city features beach, water sports, hiking trails, and lots of delicious food.

Not very many people have heard of Fukuoka City, but it is a great place for travelers who want to experience Japanese life.

Kanazawa is a nice place to visit, even if it’s not as famous as Tokyo. In Kanazawa, you can see everything from beautiful temples and shrines, and some of them are old. The crowning jewel is Kanazawa Castle . There are lots of samurai houses, too. It’s a fun place to walk around and learn about the history of Japan.

Many tourists like visiting Kanazawa. It has a lot of temples, shrines, and museums. They’re ancient and exquisite.

A famous city in Japan, we know Kanazawa for its wonderful gardens with castles and temples.

If you love castles, you will love Himeji. Himeji Castle is one of the most popular in the country. And a UNESCO World Heritage Site . But not the only reason this is one of the best cities to visit in Japan .

There are even some samurai houses that have traditional Japanese gardens. But The major attraction in Himeji is the castle. It is a enormous castle with many floors. Other things to do in Himeji are see samurai houses, go to temples, and eating at restaurants.

Kobe is a small city with a cool feel. It is near the water, and there are mountains behind it. If you live in Kobe, there are lots of mountains you can climb to get a better view of the city. People can take trains to explore other cities nearby, like Kyoto and Osaka.

People go to Beppu, Japan to relax. And to soak in the hot water that is in the city. There are beautiful buildings in Beppu and lots of things to do that cost nothing. It is one of the best cities to visit in Japan .

Another perk of visiting Beppu is that many of the hotels have onsen (Japanese-style baths) from the hot springs. There are also many places to eat in Beppu, including teppanyaki restaurants, okonomiyaki shops, ramen shops, and more.

Best Places to Visit In Japan for First Timers

Of course, any of the above cities like Tokyo, Beppu, and Kyoto should be on the list. But since we have already discussed them, we will focus on alternative places.

Aomori, which is near Sendai, is full of beautiful mountains and national parks. The city is lively and scenic. And the mountains in Aomori are beautiful and exciting. People come from all over the world to see them. There are also lakes, rivers and forests. Aomori is just like a postcard. It has mountains, rivers and lakes.

Kochi has long stretches of the beautiful coast. This coast is popular with surfers and divers from all over Japan and the world. One very special place is Kashiwajima because it has amazing coral reefs.

On the southwestern coast of Kochi is a four-kilometer-long island that is warm and tropical. The waters are very blue, the coral is red and white, and there is much fish to see.

It has a beautiful castle, landscape, and rivers. And my favorite dish in Japan.

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba (For Mt Fuji photos)

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba is a village that is near Lake Saiko is a museum that looks like an old farming village. The museum is near the lake. The lake is one of the Fuji Five Lakes.

People love to take pictures of the nice, old buildings, which are surrounded by Mt Fuji. And is one of the most popular spots to take pictures of Mount Fuji.

Most Beautiful Places to Visit In Japan

Mount Rokko

There is a pretty mountain called Mount Rokko where you can see the complete city. We’ve made it easier to get to. It is the best place in the area to get a magnificent view of the area.

The highest point in the Rokko Mountains is a nice place to visit. You can see the cities of Kobe and Osaka when the sun is going down. There is a garden and sheep on top of the mountain.

Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko, also known as Lake Ashi , is an immense lake in the mountains outside of Tokyo, Japan. It’s really beautiful, and people go there to swim and sometimes to ride in boats that have views of Mount Fuji and the town around the lake. Lake Ashinoko is from a volcano that went off 3000 years ago. It is the symbol of Hakone, which means it is really beautiful.

Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its Torii Gate. The Miyajima Shrine is beautiful and popular because it has a gate that floats in the water and not on land. Thousands of people visit Itsukushima every year.

The Itsukushima Shrine is more famous than Miyajima Island .

Shirakawa-go

A great place to visit is Gassho-zukuriminka en, near Mt. Haku san. It’s a silent village in the Japanese Alps , surrounded by many ice fields, with a river running through it. If you go there in the summer, you can go to a festival where they make a kind of beer called doburoku. That festival is called Doburoku Fest.

In Japan, many people visit a place called Mount Koya .

In Japan, there are two important Buddhist temples. One of them is on the side of a mountain. There are hundreds of small temples around it.

Here, visitors can see many temples. The most important temple is Kongobuji. Daishi-sama is buried there in an enormous coffin.

List of Popular Historical Sites in Japan

Nagoya Castle – A historic castle located in Nagoya city, Aichi Prefecture, known for its unique architecture and significance in Japanese history.
Nikko National Park – A national park located in Tochigi Prefecture, famous for its ancient temples, shrines, and scenic natural beauty.
Kyoto – The ancient capital of Japan, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, with numerous historic sites such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Kiyomizu-dera temple.
Himeji Castle – An original castle located in Himeji city, Hyogo Prefecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most iconic castles.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park – A national park located in Yamanashi, Shizuoka, and Kanagawa prefectures, famous for its scenic beauty, hot springs, and panoramic views of Mount Fuji.
Hokkaido – The northernmost island of Japan, renowned for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historic sites such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Hakodate Historic District.
Hiroshima – A historic city known for its tragic history, symbolized by the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Todai-ji Temple – An ancient temple located in Nara city, Nara Prefecture, famous for its giant Buddha statue and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kanazawa – A historic city located in Ishikawa Prefecture, renowned for its traditional architecture, gardens, and historic sites such as the Kenroku-en Garden and the Nagamachi Samurai District.
Yokohama – A port city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, renowned for its international flavor, historic sites such as the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and the Sankeien Garden, and its proximity to Tokyo.

Best Places to Visit In Japan In April

Mountains of Yoshino

The Yoshino mountains in Nara are a popular destination to see the cherry blossom trees that cover the hillsides. The Yoshino mountains have the highest concentration of cherry blossom trees, with around 30,000 trees on the hills. It is easy to see how Yoshino has inspired Japanese waka poetry and songs for over a thousand years.

Shimanami Kaido

Shimanami Kaido is a popular cycling route that connects the southern island of Shikoku to the main island of Honshu. The 37-mile-long bike ride connects several small islands that are barely out of the water. Keep in mind that the weather in April is perfect for this bike ride.

Yamanashi’s Fuji Motosuko Resort

Yamanashi’s Fuji Motosuko Resort is a breathtaking, surreal landscape, with pink moss, sweeping hills, and stunning views. In Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan – this is a great place in Japan to visit in April. One of the major draws is the Moss Phlox Shibazakura Festival, which runs from mid-April too late May. This is the perfect time to get out and explore this resort.

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park , in the country-filled prefecture of Ibaraki, is a large public park in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. We know the park for its vast flower fields, which change with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy flower viewing throughout the year, with fresh flowers blooming at different times.

We can find the most famous flowers on Miharashi Hill. This is where the blue nemophila, a baby blue flower, covers the rolling hills.

Don’t forget to check out the amusement park as well. That has a 300ft high Ferris wheel. And over 20 attractions and rides.

Kawazu, Izu Peninsula

Each year, the Japanese people celebrate cherry blossom season with the hope of a new start. April marks the time of the year when many of the cherry blossom trees on the side of the river blossom.

But Kawazu is the perfect place to visit for those looking for an early way to enjoy the blossoming cherry blossoms.

This small town is home to over 800 cherry blossom trees that line its riverbanks. These are home to Kawazuzakura, the specific type of cherry blossom that begins blooming in early February.

These trees are owned by locals who care for them diligently and take great care to make sure that the trees continue to thrive.

Whether you are coming from New York City, the middle east, or South America. Japan is a county worth visiting. It is a country of amazing landscapes, wild areas, and great food. I am looking at you, Ramen.

These are the best cities to visit in Japan. And some of the best places to visit in the country. Adding any of these best cities to a japan itinerary will add to your trip! As far as the top tourist attraction . And the best cities to visit in Japan for you. That is something you need to find outside for yourself.

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The 10 best cities to visit in Japan in 2021

Japan’s diverse culture makes it somewhat of a paradox, with the entire country being a delicate blend of ultra-modern and beautifully traditional. A short trip along the winding alleys of the best cities in Japan unveils a labyrinth of endless activity and exploration.

The best cities to visit in Japan will vary depending on your interests, but luckily the country has something for everyone, ranging from beautiful beaches to modern metropolises.

What are the best cities to visit in Japan?

Top cities in japan to immerse yourself in culture and history, best cities in japan for urban travel, top cities in japan to experience nature, best city in japan for a gastronomical experience, best cities in japan to immerse yourself in culture and history.

Compared to some of the more modern cities in Japan, Kyoto feels more traditional, and that is precisely why you should visit. The former capital is dripping with history, and you will find numerous beautiful temples.

I recommend waking up early and heading up Fushimi Inari Shrine before the crowds come. Then take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path and bask in the area’s serenity. I rented a bicycle to explore the whole city and recommend it highly.

Kyoto’s biggest attraction comes to life in late March to early April, and the cherry blossom spots bloom and are indeed a sight to behold.

The food in Kyoto makes it one of the best cities in Japan. The ramen I had here was the best in Japan. You can find Kyoto GOGYO around Nishiki Market, but you’ll have to wait in line.

READ MORE: Kyoto is also one of the best romantic anniversary destinations in the world

Steeped in history from the infamous atomic bomb which destroyed the city in 1945, Hiroshima is one of the top cities in Japan for those seeking some history.

Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, commonly called the Genbaku Dome, Atomic Bomb Dome or A-Bomb Dome, and visit the area’s museum for a closer delve into the events of that fateful August 6th day.

The local speciality is okonomiyaki, a Japanese savoury pancake, and it is delicious. Nearby you can find Miyajima Island, which requires a short ferry ride to visit. There is a giant floating torii gate which is one of the largest in Japan. The island is also full of deer like at Nara, so if you are short on time, I’d recommend coming here because the island coupled with the city of Hiroshima means there is more to do.

READ MORE: When is the best time to visit Japan?

The serenity and accessibility of Himeji makes it the perfect destination for a 1-day getaway from the busy life in Osaka.

Be sure to visit the Himeji Castle, a UNESCO Heritage Site and a National Treasure of Japan. The magnificent white castle is the biggest and most visited castle in the nation and boasts a rich history and significance.

The entrance fee here is about $10 for adults and $3 for students. Expect to spend about 2 to 4 hours exploring the six levels of the Main Keep. If you are lucky, you could secure a ticket in the peak season and enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Don’t forget to visit Kokoen Garden or Engyo-ji Temple for some incredible views.

READ MORE: Himeji Castle is one of the most famous castles in the world

Top cities in Japan for urban travel

Osaka was the first city I visited in Japan and my overall favourite, it’s one of the best cities to visit in Japan.

The metro area is excellent to explore on foot, and the parks are beautiful. Make sure to visit Shirokita Park, which is near the waterfront and then take a stroll down the river and enjoy a drink at one of the many riverside bars.

Stepping foot into Dotonbori, the main tourist area, is an assault on the senses at first. But you’ll be left in awe as the chaotic nightlight makes way for neon lights and canal boats. Enjoy some food on one of the many nightspots that line the canal and soak everything in.

If you have time, the Osaka aquarium is also worth taking a visit too as it’s one of the largest in the world.

READ MORE: Did you know that Osaka is one of the largest cities in the world (although it’s not the largest in Japan)?

Tokyo has something for everyone. It’s one of the best cities to visit in Japan (and in the world) if you are looking for some diversity. It has Akihabara for all the diehard anime fans and more traditional spots like the cramped bars of Shinjuku Golden Gai for those wanting a taste of the city’s nightlife.

Simply walking the streets of Shinjuku and soaking up the atmosphere is an activity in itself. But be sure to check out Ameya Yokocho market in Ueno and stop at the host of incredible street food spots. It’s also a popular shopping district and nearby the beautiful Ueno Park.

I’d also highly recommend getting a free birdseye view of the city up the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building which is located in Shinjuku. For something unique, take a trip down to TeamLab Borderless for an immersive digital art experience.

READ MORE: Amazing Tokyo made our list of the top 10 best cities in the world

Home to Japan’s busiest airport and located about 60 kilometres away from Tokyo, tourists tend to leave Narita out of the itinerary. If you are lucky enough to get a long layover in Narita Airport, I recommend venturing out into the area for a few hidden gems.

For a day trip, you can check out Japan’s first aeronautical museum and experience a flight simulator. For some last-minute shopping, head to Aeon Mall or Shisui Premium Outlet and you could grab some really good deals. If you are travelling for business looking to just relax, get in an onsen fix at Yamato No Yu or have a quick stroll on “Plane-Spotting Hill” Sakura-no-Yama Park.

READ MORE: Discover why Japan is one of the best and safest places in the world for solo female travel

Best cities in Japan to experience nature

Sitting just an hour and a half from Tokyo, I am often amazed at how many people pass Hakone by. The mountainous area is one of the top cities in Japan for a retreat from the chaos of Tokyo and is well known for the abundance of onsens, the Japanese hot spring resorts.

Make sure to get a Hakone Free Pass which enables you to use all transport in the region under one travel card. A boat ride across Lake Ashi will give you a spectacular view of the famous red torii gate, and on a clear day, you’ll even get a glimpse of Mount Fuji. A cable car over Ōwakudani, the active volcano, is also included in the pass.

For the active among you, I highly recommend hiking up Mount Kintoki. At 1,212m above sea level, it takes a few hours to climb but will give you a perfect view of the snow-capped Mount Fuji. The hike alone made this one of my top cities in Japan. It’s also free.

READ MORE: Japan is home to one of the world’s best and biggest roller coasters

Naha is one of the best cities in Japan if you are looking for a beach break while on your Japanese adventure. It is the capital of Okinawa, a beautiful prefecture made up of an array of islands.

While in Naha make sure to check out the Naminoue Beach for some sun, Shurijo Castle for some culture, and First Makishi Public Market for a bite to eat. Naha acts as a hub for the other islands in the region. So take a boat tour to explore the variety of snorkelling, swimming, and other activities on offer.

READ MORE: While in Okinawa make sure you explore one of the largest aquariums in the world

The city of Beppu is the most popular hot spring resort in Japan – a title brought about by having over 2,000 hot springs vents that account for 10% of the vents in the country. Domestic and foreign travelers flock to Beppu just for its unbeatable range of onsen activities.

Besides the conventional hot water, the resorts here offer other bath types such as mud, steam or sand baths. After you have pampered yourself with the abundance of thermal water that Beppu has to offer, check out some of the ‘hells”, which are hot springs for viewing only. I would recommend visiting Umi Jigoku or Chinoike Jigoku for a more interesting photo op.

Foodies can have a taste of fugu, or blowfish, in the various restaurants scattered in the area. For those feeling a little less adventurous, have a go at steam cooking at Jisokumushi Kobo Steam Cooking Center.

READ MORE: Japan regularly is at the top of the safest countries to visit

The Japanese have always been known for their precision, reliability and expertise in their craft. For food, Kobe is the perfect summation of gastronomical excellence. If there has to be a city that foodies cannot miss out, it’s Kobe – for Kobe beef, obviously.

The city is not just good for its famous beef. Indulge in sake at the breweries in Nada while checking out the various museums in Japan’s district with the top sake production – admission is free.

If you need to get in a good workout, a 40-60 minute hiking trail from Shin-Kobe Station will take you through some decent views of Nunobiki Waterfall and Nunobiki Herb Garden. The best view awaits you at the top station of Shin-Kobe Ropeway, where you can get an aerial view of the city at the observatory.

READ MORE: Are you a foodie? Would you dare trying the most bizarre and weird food from around the world ?

The beauty of Japan is that there is something for every traveler. Whether it’s taking in the breathtaking views of the skyline in the metropolis or stumbling upon a quaint eatery in a cobbled alley, Japan offers a truly unique experience for each visitor she welcomes.

Check out our Japan Travel Guide for tips on everything you need to know when planning your trip to Japan so you can make the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun!

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13 of the Best Cities to Visit in Japan

Pinterest Image: Best Cities to Visit in Japan: Tokyo with image of Akihabara and Tokyo Tower illuminated in the city skyline

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When I think of Japan, one of the first things that come to mind are sprawling cities combining futuristic technology with traditional Japanese culture.

Some of the best cities to visit in Japan include the megalopolis of Tokyo, beautiful and traditional Kyoto, and smaller, quaint cities such as Takayama.

No matter which amazing cities you choose to visit on your tour of Japan , you’re sure to have a great time full of exciting sights, activities, and delicious food.

Planning a trip to Japan? Keep reading for a list of the best cities to visit in Japan!

Table of Contents

The Best Cities to Visit in Japan: Getting Around

Japan is known for the shinkansen , the incredibly fast bullet train that runs from city to city. Many of the places on this list of the best cities to visit in Japan are connected by shinkansen lines, making it very easy to travel from city to city.

If you’re planning on traveling on the shinkansen during your visit to Japan, consider getting a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) , which includes either 7, 14, or 21 days of unlimited rail travel throughout Japan. With a JR Pass , you’ll be able to travel between the best cities to visit in Japan, as well as around the cities themselves on JR Line trains and buses. I used a JR Pass on my trip to Japan and it was a lifesaver – it was so nice being able to just hop on the train without worry!

Keep in mind that you must purchase your JR Pass BEFORE arriving in Japan. You will order your JR Pass to be delivered to your home address. Once you arrive in Japan, you can activate it at a JR Office, which can be found at airports and major train stations. Click here to order your JR Pass before your visit to Japan .

Read More: Japan Travel Tips: Everything to Know Before Traveling to Japan

The Best Cities to Visit in Japan: Tokyo

Not only is Tokyo is one of the best cities to visit in Japan, it’s also one of the best cities to visit in the world. If you’re planning your first trip to Japan , you need to make sure that Tokyo is on your itinerary. There are few cities where you can visit an ancient shrine, go kart through the city dressed as your favorite cartoon character , and spend less than $10 to eat at a Michelin-starred ramen restaurant – all in the same day!

Tokyo city view with Tokyo Tower - best cities to visit in Japan

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and largest city, and there’s no shortage of things to add to your Tokyo bucket list . Each of Tokyo’s districts offers something exciting to visitors: Asakusa is perfect for experiencing Tokyo’s historical side, while Odaiba will make you feel like you’re stepping years into the future. Akihabara is geek central, full of shops selling electronics and anime collectibles, arcades, and maid cafés, and Harajuku is Tokyo’s home to fashion and youth culture. All of these districts and more are full of fun things to do, securing Tokyo’s spot as one of the best cities to visit in Japan.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Tokyo Bucket List

Looking for a delicious spot to eat? You won’t have to look very far, as Tokyo is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. As of January 2021, Tokyo is home to 212 Michelin starred restaurants – and a meal at some of them won’t break the bank. Sample Michelin-starred ramen at Tsuta, where bowls of ramen start at just ¥800 (a little more than $7 USD). If you’re feeling like splurging, treat yourself to yakitori (meat skewers) at the Michelin-starred Toriki, where the set meal costs ¥5500 (about $50 USD), which is a bargain when compared to other Michelin-starred restaurants around the globe.

READ MORE: Exciting Day Trips from Tokyo, Japan

Find places to stay in Tokyo: Booking.com | Agoda

Explore things to do in Tokyo on GetYourGuide and Voyagin

Japan’s second largest city, Osaka, is known as Japan’s kitchen and is one of the best cities to visit in Japan for exciting foodie experiences. Many favorite Japanese foods like okonomiyaki and takoyaki originated in Osaka.

There is no shortage of exciting things to see and do in Osaka. Dotonbori, the “heart of Osaka,” is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Here, you’ll find bright neon lights, animatronic signs, and the famous Glico running man. Osaka Castle and its surrounding park are also worth a visit, as is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan , which is the largest aquarium in the world. Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan , which is a must-stop for amusement park fans.

You can’t visit “Japan’s kitchen” without sampling all of the local cuisine! Much like Tokyo, it will be difficult to find a bad meal in Osaka. No trip to Osaka is complete without sampling okonomiyaki, which is a type of savory pancake filled with vegetables, meat, seafood, and other delicious toppings. Locals and tourists alike flock to Yakizen to sample this famous Osakan dish. To sample an assortment of Osaka’s best dishes, consider taking a food tour of Osaka .

Find places to stay in Osaka: Booking.com | Agoda

Explore things to do in Osaka on GetYourGuide and Voyagin

Kyoto is the second most visited city in Japan for good reason: this former capital of Japan is full of culture and beauty around every corner. With so many amazing things to see and do, Kyoto is worth a spot on everyone’s Japan bucket list .

To feel like you’ve stepped back in time, take a walk around Gion, the city’s most famous geisha district. Here, you’ll find traditional wooden merchant houses and if you’re lucky, you might spot a geisha or a maiko (a geisha apprentice) walking to or from work. If you do spot a geisha or a maiko, make sure to treat them with respect and do not stop them for photos – only photograph them respectfully from afar.

Young women wearing traditional Japanese Kimono with japan umbrella at Yasaka Pagoda and Sannen Zaka Street in Kyoto, Japa

Kyoto is home to over 400 Shinto shrines and more than 1600 Buddhist temples. The most famous shrine in Kyoto (and possibly in all of Japan) is Fushimi Inari Shrine. This beautiful Shinto shrine is home to thousands of vermillion torii gates that wind along trails up the side of a mountain. This shrine is one of the most popular things to do in Kyoto and gets extremely busy during the day, so go during the early morning hours for a more peaceful visit (and better photos).

Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a Buddhist temple and another of Kyoto’s most beautiful religious sites. Other must-visit temples and shrines in Kyoto include Kiyomizu Temple and Heian Shrine.

If you’re spending at least two days in Kyoto , I recommend visiting Arashiyama, a district on the outskirts of Kyoto. Arashiyama is home to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest as well as the Arashiyama Monkey Park, where you can hike to the top of a mountain and see wild maqaque monkeys. There are plenty of attractions in Arashiyama to keep you busy for a day.

READ MORE: Free Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

Find places to stay in Kyoto: Booking.com | Agoda

Explore things to do in Kyoto on GetYourGuide and Voyagin

Hiroshima – Best Cities to Visit in Japan

Hiroshima is a Japanese city best known for its painful history: the atomic bomb that was dropped by the United States on August 6, 1945. Today, Hiroshima is one of the best cities to visit in Japan; despite its dark history, the city was rebuilt and is now thriving.

The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima Japan. Hiroshima is one of the best cities to visit in Japan for history buffs.

If you only have one day to spend in Hiroshima, spend it learning about the city’s history. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum, which will take you back through Hiroshima’s history before, during, and after August 6, 1945. The Peace Memorial Park surrounds the museum and is home to memorials dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb. Nearby the park is the Atomic Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Before the bombing, this building was known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall; after the bombing, it was the only structure near the bomb’s hypocenter that was still standing.

If you have a few days to spend in Hiroshima , take a day trip to Miyajima Island (the ferry is included with a JR Pass). Miyajima Island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine and torii gate, which seemingly floats on water at high tide.

Find places to stay in Hiroshima: Booking.com | Agoda

Explore things to do in Hiroshima on GetYourGuide and Voyagin

Contributed by Lena Yamaguchi of Nagoya Foodie // Instagram

Nagoya is Japan’s fourth largest city and is often overlooked by travelers only interested in the so called Golden Triangle consisting of Tokyo , Osaka, and Kyoto . But what many people don’t know is that Nagoya has a rich history, delicious food, and interesting and unique things to do .

Nagoya downtown skyline in Japan - best cities to visit in Japan

The area around Nagoya is the home of the famous 3 warlords who are attributed for the unification of Japan in the 16th and 17th century. The Nagoya Castle was founded as a second defense line between the forces in Tokyo (then Edo) and opposing warlords in Osaka.

People who are interested in Japanese history should check out Nagoya Castle with it’s beautiful residence building called the Honmaru Palace as well as the Tokugawa Art Museum where you will find a huge collection of old artifacts and relics from the founding of Nagoya. If you are more interested in technology, visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology or the SGMaglev Rail Park. Nagoya is the home of Japan’s biggest car maker Toyota.

Nagoya is famous for its cuisine in Japan, and if you have every complained that Japanese food is too bland, Nagoya is the place to go. Their local cuisine has strong flavors. I highly recommend Miso Katsu, a pork cutlet topped with a red miso sauce. You can try it at Yabaton . If you love food and unique experiences you could also join a food tour of Nagoya. This is the best way to explore the city as you experience not only its cuisine but also the culture and history.

Find places to stay in Nagoya: Booking.com | Agoda

Explore things to do in Nagoya on GetYourGuide and Voyagin

Nara – The Best Cities to Visit in Japan

Contributed by Claire of The Adventurous Flashpacker // Facebook

Nara is known for its friendly, free roaming deer who wander around Nara Park and weave in and out of Nara’s beautiful temples. In fact, with over 1200 deer calling Nara home, it’s impossible not to bump into Nara’s most famous locals!

Nara’s deer are very accustomed to people and aren’t exactly shy, so keep your food well under wraps lest it stolen by a sneaky deer. Instead, buy a packet of deer cookies from a street side vendor, and hold your ground while you’re surrounded by ravenous deer eating right out of your hand.

A deer eating a cookie at the Nara Deer Park in Nara, Japan

Even without the deer, Nara is one of the best cities to visit in Japan in its own right. Nara was the capital of Japan way back in the 8th century AD and is filled with ancient temples, making it extremely picturesque to walk around. Some of the most beautiful temples in Nara are the Kofuku-ji temple complex with its 5-storied pagoda and octagon shaped temple, Todai-ji temple with its imposing wooden gates, and Kasuga-taisha temple with its hundreds of stone lanterns lining the paths around the temple.

All templed out? Visit the traditional Japanese gardens in Nara like Isuien gardens and Yoshiki-en, and explore the historic streets of Naramachi where you’ll find traditional wooden houses, shops, galleries and restaurants. Sold on Nara? The good news is that it’s easy to take a day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto , as it’s a mere 35-50 minutes by train depending on what line you take.

Find places to stay in Nara: Booking.com | Agoda

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Contributed by Amber Hoffman of Food and Drink Destinations // Facebook

For most travelers to Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are the must-visit cities. While these are cities worth visiting, there is one particular Japanese city that gets overlooked: Sapporo.

Winter light up in Sapporo Japan - prettiest cities to visit in Japan

The capital city of the northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is often referred to as the “Wild West of Japan” and is one of Japan’s best cities to visit. A city of outcasts and wanderers, Sapporo is most famous as the jumping off point for Japan’s ski areas. Sapporo is a much more relaxed city compared to the likes of Tokyo. Wide, tree-lined streets, similar to Paris, run throughout the city, making it very pedestrian friendly. Odori Park sits in the middle of Sapporo providing a slice of nature among the city’s skyscrapers.

Characteristic of many Japanese cities, the food in Sapporo is unlike any other. Hokkaido is the dairy producing region of Japan. As a result, many dishes include dairy, which is unusual in Japan. This includes the beloved ramen in Sapporo, which includes a pad of butter and corn. Thanks to the cold waters off Hokkaido, snow crab and hairy crab is abound and can be enjoyed at restaurants all across Sapporo.

Sapporo ramen - Sapporo is one of the best cities to visit in Japan for foodies

Sapporo is also the home of the famous Japanese beer which shares the same name. The Sapporo Beer Museum showcases the history of beer brewing in Japan and is certainly worth a visit. Over the winter, Odori Park is lit up for a winter illuminations. Each February, Sapporo hosts a winter festival where larger than life ice sculptures come alive. Within a 45 minute drive of Sapporo, travelers can visit beaches in the summer and explore some of Japan’s natural beauty. A 90 minute flight from Tokyo, Sapporo is well worth the visit.

Find places to stay in Sapporo: Booking.com | Agoda

Explore things to do in Sapporo on GetYourGuide

Best Cities to Visit in Japan – Nagasaki

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As one of the closest Japanese cities to the Asian mainland, it has been that location that’s played a big part in Nagasaki’s history. Located on the northwest coast of Kyushu , Nagasaki might be most well known for being one of the two cities destroyed in the atomic bombings of World War II, but her history is much broader than that.

Nagasaki, Japan Cityscape - unique cities to visit in Japan

Come to Nagasaki to understand the Dutch and the Portuguese influence here – on house design, on food, and how Nagasaki was at one time the only port open to foreigners. Come to find a feeling of peace in the Atomic Bomb Museum and the peace park that you may not find in the crowds of Hiroshima. The museums here are in-depth, extremely balanced, and interesting, and the city is usually quiet.

Nagasaki is a historic city in Japan and one of the best cities to visit

There’s an excellent streetcar system that means that traveling around the city is very, very easy! There are interesting histories too, when it comes to religion, with monuments to Japan’s “26 Saints’, martyred at a time when Christianity was outlawed here.

There are seriously interesting foods to try here – with influences from the students in the city, in the cheap and filling Champon, the Chinese-influenced Shippoku Ryori, and fabulous cakes from Portuguese missionaries too! And when you tire of the city, it is easy to take a trip to Gunkanjima – or Battleship Island, an old coal mine that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site – and a seriously cool photo opportunity too!

Find places to stay in Nagasaki: Booking.com | Agoda

Explore things to do in Nagasaki on GetYourGuide

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Takayama, nestled in the Japanese alps in Gifu prefecture, is a great place to connect to Japan’s history and is one of the best cities to visit in Japan. The city itself has lots to see and do, and there are several amazing highlights nearby as well.

one of the best cities to visit in Japan is Takayama

The highlight of visiting Takayama is Sanmachi, the old town. The buildings here are dark aged latticed wood and really give a sense of age and history. It is fun to wander the narrow streets, but even more fun to stop in at the shops, restaurants, and sake breweries. Look for the picturesque barrels outside, then stop in to sample different types of sake. Hida beef – marbled with fat and so delicious it will literally melt in your mouth – is a local specialty.

Takayama is a great place to stay in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) and experience traditional Japanese hospitality firsthand. Don’t miss having an incredible multi-course haute cuisine kaiseki dinner.

Easy day trips include Shirakawa-go – an incredible village of gassho-zukuiri houses – traditional farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. There is a stunning lookout from the nearby mountain where you can see the entire village laid out below. Another day trip is Kamikochi, an adorable resort town in a stunning mountain setting that is a great place for hiking or soaking in an onsen (hot mineral springs). Finally, you can’t miss Hida Folk Village, a reconstructed village of traditional buildings set around a beautiful lake.

Takayama is not on the main tourist trail in Japan, but it absolutely should be!

Find places to stay in Takayama: Booking.com | Agoda

Explore things to do in Takayama on GetYourGuide

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Matsumoto is a fairly small and easily navigable city with one must-see attraction — its castle. Many of the castles that can be visited in Japan today, such as the castles in Hiroshima and Osaka, are unfortunately modern reconstructions. The Matsumoto castle, however, is the real deal. Built in 1614, it is the oldest Japanese castle still standing, and it’s one of four castles in Japan that have been designated as “National Treasures”.

Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto, Japan, one of the best cities to visit in Japan

I highly recommend joining one of the free guided tours offered by a local volunteer association. You should see their booth on the way to the castle entrance. Our guide Ito Yuki, an English teacher at a local elementary school, was very passionate and had a talent for explaining Japanese history in a way that was easy for outsiders with little background knowledge to understand. Matsumoto Castle is often called the Crow Castle because it is painted black, in contrast to the more famous castle in Himeji, which is white. As the Matsumoto castle is smaller than the Himeji one, it only takes about an hour to visit.

Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to spent a night here so that you can arrive when the doors open at 8:30 am and beat most of the crowds. And the city does have a few other attractions, such as the city museum right next to the castle, which is free when you show your castle entrance ticket. Nawate-dori is an old street filled with lots of cafés and cute shops, great for souvenir shopping. And be sure to try the local specialties, such as oyaki (a type of filled steamed dumpling) and soba noodles. Kobayashi Soba has been around since 1889 and is a great place to try soba noodle soup. They even have vegan and vegetarian versions, which is rare as the broth usually contains fish.

Find a place to stay in Matsumoto: Booking.com | Agoda

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Yokohama was once the expatriate hub in the region, long before Tokyo took its place. You will find this city is often overlooked, but shouldn’t be because it has some exciting little finds that you won’t find in other parts of Japan. Yokohama is the second-largest city in Japan, which makes Yokohama Station a great people-watching location during rush hour as it has been rated in the top 10 busiest stations in the world.

Yokohama, Japan city skyline from the bay at twilight - best cities to visit in Japan

Yokohama Chinatown opened in 1859 when the ports in Yokohama first opened for trade and has been a permanent fixture ever since. With over 600 stores in this area, it is currently the largest Chinatown in Asia. Lunchtime can be somewhat chaotic, but well worth the wait. You will find most people lining up for Panda-man buns; these are delicious buns filled with many things, including matcha, hot chocolate or pork.

The Cup Noodles Museum is a must if you are big into history. This museum brings to life the development of ramen noodles and the invention of the cup noodle. This place is a fun interactive museum for not only the kids but for the young at heart, with the opportunity to make your own noodles to take away.

Motmachi shopping street is a fabulous blend of European culture. Spending the day strolling down the cobblestone walkway, browsing in the windows of the little boutiques, and then stopping for a bite at one of the many cafes. You are forgiven for believing that you are somewhere in France rather than Japan.

The food in Yokohama like most of Japan is full of history; many places have been opened to the public for generations. Whether you choose to visit this fantastic city during summer, winter, or cherry blossom season, you will not be disappointed.

Find places to stay in Yokohama: Booking.com | Agoda

Explore things to do in Yokohama on GetYourGuide

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While the majority of travelers enter Hokkaido by the popular Sapporo, there is a lesser-known city that is laid-back, offers fewer crowds at its cultural experiences, and free sake at its brewery! Welcome to Asahikawa.

Asahikawa, Japan winter cityscape in Hokkaido.

This city in central Hokkaido is part of the Kamikawa subprefecture and the second biggest in the region. It is known for its winter sports and ice sculpture festival which takes place every February. During the festival, impressive ice sculptures in the shape of animals and mountains take over the streets to celebrate the unique theme of that year.

During the rest of the year, there are many things to do in Asahikawa such as visiting the Kamikawa shrine, learning about the Ainu history at the Asahikawa City Museum and testing sake at the Otokoyama brewery . Shoppers should migrate to Heiwa dōri kaimono kōen street and AEON Mall where you can also dine on cheap ramen and Taiyaki sweet snacks.

Kamikawa Shrine in Asahikawa, Japan, one of the best laidback cities to visit in Japan

A sleepy city during the day, the alleys become alive at night with locals spilling out of snack bars and traditional Izakaya restaurants.

Asahikawa is close to many of the photogenic locations in Hokkaido such as the flower fields of Furano, making it a great base for a day trips or a Hokkaido road trip! You can also get to Higashikawa, a hip village with many ex-pats, and Daisetsuzan National Park (Taisetsuzan) for hikes and skiing plus Japan’s excellent onsen hotels from the city. A trip to Asahikawa is more of a cultural experience than just a holiday!

Find places to stay in Asahikawa: Booking.com | Agoda

Nagano – Best Cities to Visit in Japan

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Nagano is a beautiful city nestled in the mountains of Honshu and it is a must-see destination during your trip to Japan. Nagano is easily reached by Shinkansen from Tokyo and the journey takes around an hour and a half.

Snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park near Nagano, Japan

Nagano is one of the best cities to visit in Japan for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, and the Winter Olympics was held here back in 1988. If you plan on visiting during the winter, make sure to stay in an onsen which is the perfect way to rejuvenate after a long day on the slopes!

Another famous thing to do in this region is to visit the snow monkeys at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park – while they can be visited year-round, it is best to see them in their natural habitat during the winter months. It is quite a trek to the park so make sure you wrap up warm and wear appropriate footwear!

There are plenty of other activities on offer in Nagano during the rest of the year such as a visit to Zenko-Ji, Japan’s most important Buddhist temple, walking the Togakushi shrine path, and hiking in Kamikochi which is at its most beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Find places to stay in Nagano: Booking.com | Agoda

Have you been to any of these beautiful Japanese cities? If so, which is your favorite?

Planning a trip to Japan? Read these posts next:

Unique Experiences to Add to Your Japan Bucket List
The Ultimate Tokyo Bucket List
Exciting Day Trips to Take from Tokyo, Japan
Free Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan
Japan Travel Tips: Everything to Know Before Traveling to Japan
Hiking Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail

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Kinkakuji, the Golden temple Kyoto, one of the best places to visit in Japan.

16 Unmissable Places to Visit in Japan in 2024

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Japan is somewhere I think everyone should visit. From futuristic skyscrapers to tranquil bamboo forests and neon arcades to serene temples, it’s like nowhere else on the planet.

The food is incredible, the people are ultra polite, and it has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. We love the combination of ease of travel and glorious bewilderment.

Japan has so much to offer but where should you start? These are our picks for the 10 best places to visit in Japan, perfect for your first or second trip to the country (plus extra suggestions for the repeat visits that are likely to happen!).

I’ve included our favourite things to do in each place, how long to spend there, and where we stayed. At the end of the post you’ll find a map of all these Japan destinations to start planning your route.

I recommend mixing a few of the popular cities (most people won’t want to miss Tokyo and Kyoto) with some quieter, more rural places in Japan to see a different side of the country and take a break from the crowds.

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Watch our short video for ideas on where to go in Japan for an amazing trip.

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Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto, one of the best places to visit in Japan

If you only have time for one Japan destination, make it Kyoto.

This is traditional Japan as you imagined it—geisha in brightly coloured kimonos emerging from wooden teahouses, forests of bamboo, temples and shrines in gold and silver and scarlet, raked gravel Zen gardens, intricate feasts served on lacquered plates, graceful tea ceremonies, and markets full of intriguing but unidentifiable ingredients.

The concrete high-rises of downtown Kyoto can be disappointing, so head out towards the mountains to the surrounding neighbourhoods where you’ll find narrow stone streets, old wooden houses, monks in flowing robes, and the sounds of chanting and gongs from the many temples and shrines.

Gion is the place to spot geisha, Higashiyama has many beautiful temples to explore, and Arashiyama, up in the western hills, is one of the most traditional neighbourhoods and home to bamboo groves, quirky temples, and monkeys.

Kyoto is one of the top Japan tourist spots, so try to visit the popular temples early in the morning as they do get crowded.

In Kyoto don’t miss:

Wandering through the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari shrine.
Drinking matcha in a traditional tea ceremony. We loved Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple.
Learning to cook traditional Japanese cuisine in a Kyoto cooking class .
Taking the train to the village of Kibune and walking across the valley to the beautiful Kurama-dera temple.
Retreating from the busy streets of Gion to the magical Yasaka-jinja at night.
Strolling the Philosopher’s Path.
Experiencing Zen Buddhist cuisine at the Tenryu-ji temple.
Getting off the beaten track at the quirky Otagi Nenbutsuji temple .
Exploring these magical Kyoto cherry blossom spots if you visit in late-March or early-April.
Enjoying the magnificent autumn colours if you visit in mid to late-November (Eikando and Enkoji are our favourite temples in autumn).

How Long to Spend: 3 nights minimum but 5 nights would be better. We’ve spent two months in Kyoto and still haven’t done everything! A longer stay also allows you to avoid the crowds more easily (you have more early mornings available) and take some of these wonderful day trips from Kyoto .

Read: Our post on the many amazing things to do in Kyoto (and how to avoid the crowds) and our guide to Kyoto’s temples and shrines and the best vegetarian restaurants in Kyoto

Where to stay in Kyoto: For a traditional ryokan, we loved our huge room with private bath overlooking the garden at Ryokan Yachiyo near Nanzenji temple (choose a suite not a standard room). At central Sora Niwa Terrace we enjoyed the amazing view from its onsen and rooftop bar. Or in a quiet part of Gion, Hotel The Celestine is stylish and close to temples. Find more accommodation in Kyoto here .

Sensoji Temple in Tokyo with SkyTree in the background, a top Japan destination

If Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan, Tokyo is its ultramodern counterpart.

It’s here you’ll find the skyscrapers, noisy arcades, busy pedestrian crossings, quirky youth fashions, and many many incredibly delicious restaurants.

If all you do in Tokyo is eat, you’ll have an amazing time—even as vegetarians we ate so well.

Tokyo is also home to some of the weirdest activities we’ve ever done. From themed cafes (cats, owls, maids, robots, goats—you name it, Tokyo has it) to sensory-overload shows and arcades to cos-play go-karting.

On my first trip to Tokyo I was overwhelmed by the sprawling city and couldn’t help comparing it unfavourably to Kyoto.

On repeat visits I’ve grown to love the city (the food certainly helped) and while it isn’t as attractive as Kyoto, there is so much to do that you won’t want to skip it.

In Tokyo don’t miss:

Driving a go-kart on the real roads while dressed as your favourite character. Insanity but so much fun!
Eating in a tiny restaurant on atmospheric Memory Lane in Shinjuku .
Gazing at the 360º skyline from the Shibuya Sky observatory (go at sunset for day and night views)
Walking across the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Gawping at the outrageous outfits on Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
Visiting the brilliant DisneySea (our favourite Disney park in the world!) or neighbouring Tokyo Disneyland (or both if you have two days spare).
Immersing yourself in the colourful digital art museum, TeamLab Planets (and don’t miss Uzu vegan ramen afterwards).
Watching sumo wrestlers train— we did this morning sumo stable visit and it felt such an honour to see these impressive athletes close up.
Drinking green tea at the relaxing Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience (the tea course is worth it).
Exploring the cool neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa for cafes, vintage clothes, and record stores.

How Long to Spend: 3 – 5 nights or longer if you want to take day trips (such as to Nikko, Kawaguchiko or Hakone (for Mt Fuji), and Kamakura). We’ve spent over 6 weeks here on various trips and still find new things to do. If time is limited, I would allocate more time to Kyoto than Tokyo.

Read: 23 cool things to do in Tokyo and the best vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo .

Where to stay in Tokyo: Read why I think Shinjuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo . My top pick is Hotel Century Southern Tower next to Shinjuku Station—our panoramic king room had an incredible view and was more spacious than most Tokyo hotel rooms. Or splurge on the luxurious Hotel Park Hyatt where the film Lost in Translation was filmed. Search for hotels in Tokyo here .

Top tip: Consider buying a Japan Rail Pass in advance as it’s so easy being able to hop on and off trains all over the country. Read our Japan Rail Pass guide for full details.

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3) Takayama

Takayama, one of the best stops on our Japan 2 week itinerary

Takayama is an utterly gorgeous small town on the edge of the Japan Alps and one of the best less-visited places to go in Japan.

I loved wandering the historic centre full of traditional wooden houses, colourful shrines, neatly shaped trees, and bright red bridges over the river.

In Takayama don’t miss:

Wandering the old town in the early morning before the crowds arrive.
Buying delicious fruit from the morning markets.
Snacking on mitarashi-dango (rice balls grilled in soy) from a street stall.
Seeing the extravagant floats at the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
Visiting the Hida Folk Village to see traditional thatched houses.
Cycling through the countryside with Satoyama Experience .

How Long to Spend: 2-3 nights. We had 2 nights and wished we’d had longer because there’s lots to do in the surrounding countryside. With a longer stay you could take day trips to the traditional thatched roof houses of Shirakawa-go and go hiking in Kamikochi in the Japan Alps.

Read: 54 Best Things to do in Japan for an Unforgettable Trip

Where to stay in Takayama: We stayed at Super Hotel Hida Takayama , a good mid-range business hotel near the train station. Next time I want to stay at Oyado Koto No Yume , a ryokan with onsen which gets excellent reviews. Find more hotels in Takayama here .

Top tip: See our Japan 2 week itinerary for more details on combining these top places in Japan for an amazing trip.

Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi in Hakone, one of the top places in Japan

Mount Fuji is on most people’s lists of places to visit in Japan, but this must-see Japan landmark can be rather elusive and is often hidden by clouds.

There are a number of places you can see the mountain from ( Kawaguchiko is another great option), but Hakone is easy to reach from Tokyo and there are lots of other things to do in the area in case you are out of luck with a sighting.

Despite visiting on a cloudy, drizzly day, we were lucky that Mount Fuji emerged from the clouds above Lake Ashi and it was magical!

Hakone is also fun to visit because you can do a loop of the sights on different modes of transport—train, bus, pirate boat (yes, really!), and cable car.

In Hakone don’t miss:

Buying a Hakone Free Pass so you can hop on and off all the transport options on the Hakone Loop.
Seeing Mount Fuji from the lake or cable car.
Eating a black egg cooked in the hot sulphur springs at volcanic Owakudani (not really, we skipped this, but the Japanese love them).
Soaking in an onsen.
Staying in a tatami room in a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoying an elaborate dinner.
Wandering the outdoor sculpture gallery at Hakone Open Air Museum .

How Long to Spend: You could visit on a day trip from Tokyo but I recommend 1-2 nights to experience a ryokan and onsen. We had one night and did part of the loop in the afternoon we arrived and the rest in the morning. While it was just enough for the main sights, we wished we’d had longer to enjoy our ryokan.

Where to stay in Hakone: Hotel Musashiya was one of the best places we stayed in Japan. It’s a modern ryokan on the shores of Lake Ashi in Moto Hakone. We loved our comfortable tatami room with lake views, the indoor and outdoor onsen baths (also with lake views), and the delicious vegetarian feast we were served in our room. It was wonderfully relaxing. Find more hotels in Hakone here .

5) Kanazawa

Kazuemachi geisha area in Kanazawa, one of the best cities to visit in Japan

Kanazawa is one of the best cities to visit in Japan, but few foreign tourists make it here.

Consider Kanazawa as a quieter alternative to Kyoto to experience geisha districts with preserved wooden buildings.

There is also one of the most beautiful gardens in the country, a stunning castle, and many art museums to explore.

In Kanazawa don’t miss:

Wandering Kenroku-en Garden , one of the top three gardens in Japan.
Exploring the wooden teahouses of the geisha districts Higashi Chaya and the quieter Kazuemachi and Nishi Chaya.
Experiencing a traditional tea ceremony at the exquisite Gyokusen-en Gardens.

How Long to Spend: 2 nights.

Where to stay in Kanazawa: We stayed in a standard business hotel in the centre—there are lots of budget options. Find hotels in Kanazawa here .

Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, one of the most beautiful places in Japan

Nikko is a temple town and UNESCO world heritage site in the mountains a few hours north of Tokyo and makes a cool retreat from the city. The area is famous for its vibrant autumn colours.

The temples and shrines with their vermillion gates and moss-covered stone lanterns are scattered on the wooded hillside.

The main attraction is Toshogu Shrine, a stunning complex with more than a dozen lavishly decorated red and gold buildings amongst huge, ancient cedar trees. The crowds can be overwhelming, so afterwards head to one of the quieter shrines.

In Nikko don’t miss:

Visiting Toshogu Shrine early to avoid the crowds
Playing games at atmospheric Futarasan-jinja
Exploring Taiyuinbyo
Hiking up the mountain to the peaceful Takino shrine
Photographing the bright red Shinkyo bridge
Munching on dango (grilled rice balls on a stick) from a street stall
Eating sushi at Komekichi Kozushi

How Long to Spend: You could visit Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo, but it’s worth spending a night or two to explore one of the most beautiful places in Japan including hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.

We had one night and wished we’d had two so that we could have visited Toshogu Shrine early on the second day.

Where to stay in Nikko: We stayed at Nikko Park Lodge Tobu Station , a good budget option conveniently located close to the train stations. For more character, you could stay in a traditional ryokan with views and outdoor onsen baths such as Nikko Hoshino Yado . Find more hotels in Nikko here .

7) Koya-San

Okunoin cemetery in Koya-san, a top Japan destination

Koya-san (Mount Koya) is one of the most interesting places in Japan to experience the traditional side of the country.

This secluded and sacred temple town is located in the forest-covered mountains of Kansai and is one of the best places to get a taste of life as a monk by staying in a shukubo or temple lodging.

After wandering around the otherworldly Okunoin forest cemetery , we checked into our simple tatami room at the temple, soaked in the communal onsen bath, and enjoyed a delicious shojin ryori vegetarian Buddhist meal.

In the morning we were up early for the chanting and meditation ceremony with the monks.

A temple stay at Koya-san is a fascinating experience and well worth the detour from Osaka or Kyoto.

How Long to Spend: 1 night.

Read: Sleeping with Monks: A Night in a Japanese Temple in Koya-San

Where to stay in Koya-san: We stayed in Haryo-in, the cheapest temple accommodation, but it’s quite basic and I’d recommend paying more to stay at one of the more traditional temples like 1000-year-old Eko-in which gets superb reviews. Find more temple lodgings here .

Tsumago village in the Kiso Valley, a must see in Japan

Tsumago is a picture-perfect traditional mountain village in the Kiso Valley.

It is one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time on the traffic-less streets of beautifully restored wooden inns.

During the Edo period 300 years ago, Tsumago was a stop on the Nakasendo Way between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo).

You can hike part of this trail to the village of Magome in about two to three hours. Unfortunately, a typhoon prevented us doing this, but it’s supposed to be a scenic and easy walk.

How Long to Spend: 1-2 nights. If you can arrive early enough on the first day to hike the Nakasendo Way in the afternoon, then 1 night is enough as it’s a tiny village.

Where to stay in Tsumago: In keeping with the Edo-era atmosphere, stay in a traditional ryokan or minshuku (a simpler family-run inn). We stayed at the basic Minshuku Shimosagaya . Neighbouring Magome has more choice including the budget Chaya Hotel or historic Tajimaya .

Todaiji temple in Nara, a must do in Japan

Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital and is full of historic treasures including many UNESCO world heritage sites.

It’s one of the top Japan attractions and makes a rewarding day trip from Kyoto to visit the temples and wild deer in Nara Park.

The Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) at Todaiji is the main sight—it’s the largest wooden building in the world and nothing prepares you for the immense sight.

Inside is the 15-metre tall gold and bronze statue of Buddha that dates back to 751.

We also love the forest shrine complex Kasuga Taisha.

How Long to Spend: Most people visit as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. You can see the highlights in half a day but a full day is better.

Where to stay in Nara: The advantages of staying overnight in Nara are avoiding the crowds with an early start and experiencing our favourite ryokan in Japan. Tsukihitei is a small traditional inn with a magical forest setting and delicious meals. It’s only a 15-minute walk to the Nara temples.

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10) hiroshima and miyajima.

Atomic Bomb Dome at Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Japan

Come to pay your respects to the victims of the atomic bombing at Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Museum and Park and stay to explore the modern city that was almost entirely rebuilt after World War II.

Hiroshima is usually combined with a visit to the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima shrine on nearby Miyajima Island.

You’ll also want to try the delicious local speciality okonomiyaki, a thick pancake of batter, vegetables and noodles.

How Long to Spend: 1-2 nights is enough to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Miyajima Island or you could visit as a long day trip from Kyoto, Osaka or Okayama. We spent 1 night in Hiroshima then 1 night on Miyajima.

Read: 14 Best Day Trips from Kyoto .

Where to stay in Hiroshima: The Sheraton Grand Hiroshima was the most spacious Western-style hotel we stayed in in Japan. We really appreciated the king size bed after a few weeks of small Japanese hotels. It’s right next to the station too. Find more hotels in Hiroshima here . Where to stay in Miyajima: While you could visit the island on a day trip, we loved seeing the top sights without the crowds at night and early in the morning. Iwaso Ryokan has the perfect location (secluded but central), beautiful meals, and our room had a view of the torii gate.

There are so many incredible places to explore in Japan. Here are some more destinations that we absolutely loved (and it was hard to leave them off the top 10 list!).

If any of these appeal to you more than the ones above (or fit into your itinerary better), then they will be just as enjoyable.

Busy streets and giant crab of Dotonburi in Osaka at night, a popular day trip from Kyoto

Osaka is a Japan must-see for many visitors. We love the neon craziness of Dotonburi, the amazing food ( for vegetarians too ), friendly people, affordable prices, and the scary rides and brilliant Harry Potter World at Universal Studios Japan .

But, if you have limited time on your first trip to Japan, I would probably say choose Osaka or Tokyo as they are both sprawling modern cities.

If you are flying into or out of Kansai airport then it makes sense to spend a night or two in Osaka. You could also visit as a day trip from Kyoto.

In Osaka, we loved staying in Shinsaibashi . The location is ideal—quiet but close to lots of cool shops and restaurants and within walking distance of Dotonburi. Hotel options include the stylish Hotel The Flag .

12) Kinosaki Onsen

Visitor to Kinosaki Onsen in kimono at night by the cherry blossom lined canal

On our first Japan trip we were terrified of getting naked in onsens, but on our latest visit we were brave enough to spend a few nights in an onsen town.

Onsen hopping dressed in a kimono in a traditional hot spring resort is a classic Japanese experience. Kinosaki Onsen is a great place to experience it.

It’s only a few hours from Kyoto or Osaka and the canal-side town is very pretty, especially in cherry blossom season.

We stayed in a traditional tatami mat room at Morizuya Ryokan . It’s ideal for first-timers as they speak English and are very friendly, walking you through everything you need to know. The epic meals served in your room are delicious too.

Read our Kinosaki Onsen guide for all the details including onsen etiquette and how to get over your fears.

13) Naoshima Island

The yellow pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima Art Island in Japan

Contemporary art fans will love Naoshima, a sleepy island in the Seto Inland Sea known for its art galleries and outdoor sculptures.

We visited on a day trip from Okayama and had a wonderful day cycling around and combining art with beautiful sea views and tiny fishing villages.

Read our Naoshima Island guide for a recommended one day itinerary.

14) Okayama

Cherry blossoms at Handayama Botanical Garden, one of the best things to do in Okayama Japan

If you are interested in getting off-the-beaten-track, Okayama is a great place to visit in Japan.

This modern city is home to one of the best gardens in the country and is especially beautiful in sakura season when you can enjoy the cherry blossoms without the crowds of Kyoto or Tokyo.

As it’s on a bullet train line, it’s a convenient and affordable base for exploring the area including the historic Kurashiki, Naoshima Island, Himeji Castle, and Hiroshima.

We also did a fantastic bike trip on the Kibiji Bike Trail through rice fields to untouristy temples.

Our post on the best things to do in Okayama has all our tips.

15) Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the few original castles in Japan (most were destroyed at some point and rebuilt). It’s well worth a visit, especially in cherry blossom season.

You can easily visit in half a day from Osaka, Kyoto, Okayama (as we did) or on the way to Hiroshima.

16) Kawaguchiko

Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko at sunrise from the north shore

For the best views of Mount Fuji, head to Lake Kawaguchiko. It’s especially lovely in cherry blossom or autumn leaf seasons.

You can enjoy the views by walking or cycling around the lake or taking a trip on a cable car or boat (we hired a panda pedal boat!).

The lake is also home to one of my favourite museums and tea houses in Japan.

Kawaguchiko Lakeside Hotel is an excellent affordable option here. Unusually for Japan, our room was huge, and it’s close to the lake with Mt Fuji views from some rooms.

See my Lake Kawaguchiko guide for more tips.

These Japan tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-path gems are on our list for our next trip:

Kamakura – Beaches, Buddhas, hikes and vegetarian-friendly food. You could visit as a day trip from Tokyo.
The Izu Peninsula – Rugged coastline, mountains, and hot springs not far from Tokyo.
Shirakawa-go – A village of traditional grass-roofed houses in a scenic setting. You could fit in a visit between Takayama and Kanazawa.
Takaragawa Onsen – A scenic onsen resort a few hours from Tokyo. It has a large mixed-gender onsen, so unusually you don’t have to be naked.
Hokkaido – The northernmost island of Japan known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Okinawa – A chain of tropical islands in the far south of Japan.

Read our detailed Japan guides for everything you need to know to plan a brilliant trip.

54 Best Things to Do in Japan for an Unforgettable Trip
Planning a Trip to Japan: Dos and Don’ts
Two Weeks in Japan: A Detailed Itinerary
Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
Where to Stay in Japan: The Ultimate Guide to Accommodation
20 Fascinating Books to Read Before Visiting Japan
Vegetarian Survival Guide to Japan

More Japan, Direct to your Inbox!

I hope this post has given you some ideas of where to go in Japan. Wherever you decide to visit you are sure to have an amazing trip.

What are your favourite places in Japan? Leave a comment and let us know so we can add them to our Japan bucket list.

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60 Comments

First of all – your posts are fantastic and so full of great detail. We are planning our first trip to Japan in November. First draft is 5 days Tokyo – 2 days Hakone – 5 days Kyoto – 3 days Hiroshima – 4 days Tokyo.

I was trying to see how to fit Lake Kawaguchi or Takayama or Kanazawa into the trip but they all seem to require quite the journey time given the other places we have picked. Wondering if it would be better to add some days to the end of the trip and just visit from Tokyo. So maybe do Tokyo to Kanazawa for a couple of days. Not particular keen on 5-6 hour trip from Takayama back to Tokyo so may have to skip that.

Reply ↓

Hi Kevin I would do Tokyo – Hakone – Takayama – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Tokyo.

We did Tokyo – Hakone – Takayama – Kanazawa on our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

I prefer Takayama to Kanazawa, especially as you already have lots of big cities on your itinerary. If you really want to fit it in, do so between Takayama and Kyoto.

Lake Kawaguchi is harder to fit in. You could do it as a day trip from Tokyo at the end if you didn’t see Mt Fuji at Hakone (due to clouds) and if you have the energy.

One thing you might also consider is reducing Hiroshima to 2 nights and adding a night on Miyajima Island. We did that last October (one night in each) and really preferred the island after the day trippers had left and early in the morning. You might catch the autumn colour on the island if you are visiting later in November. Again, it changes up the pace from the cities.

If you have big suitcases, you could use a luggage delivery service from Hiroshima to Tokyo and just take a day bag for the overnight (we decided against that but only had a carry on suitcase and laptop bag each).

Good luck with the planning and enjoy Japan!

Erin – Thanks for the advice – good to hear input from someone who has actually experienced it

Apologies for posting the reply so many times – i kept picking the wrong reply option

Awesome guide. Thank you. A lot of the accommodation is around $500aud a night! Extremely expensive. Is that normal around Japan? Me and my partner were wanting to travel around Japan in July this year but if the cost of accommodation us that expensive we might not be able to do the trip. I assume we will be able to find cheap accommodation at most places?

You can definitely find much cheaper accommodation. We did our first few Japan trips on much tighter budgets, but now have the ability to choose more special places to stay.

Your best bet is to look for business hotels in the cities – rooms are usually small but clean and well equipped. Have a browse on Booking.com and you should find plenty of options.

Planning trip(first time ever in Japan) arriving afternoon of December 18th and leaving evening of December 30th. I will be traveling with my 18 and 20 year old boys (privacy should be interesting in the tiny hotel rooms). Planning to stay in Tokyo either 5 nights with day trips to Hakone and either Kamakura or Yokohama OR 4 nights with day trip to either Kamakura or Yokohama and 1 night in Hakone. Is it worth staying the night in Hakone, or just day trip from Tokyo? Then we will spend 3 nights in Kyoto and 3 nights in Osaka (does it matter which order?) with a day trip from each city. One to Nara and one to Hiroshima and Miyajima. My 18 year old wants to have Kobe beef in Kobe, but don’t think it will happen as it’s likely not worth the time away from the other places. I’d love to be able to visit both Kamakura and Yokohama, but don’t think it will work. Likely choosing to go to Kamakura. We will return to Tokyo for the last night and spend the last day (really 1/2 day) in Tokyo before heading to the airport to fly home. Thoughts on the plan? Any specific recommendations?

I think it’s worth spending the night in Hakone if you stay in a ryokan as it will be a unique experience that you won’t get in the cities.

I would probably go to Kyoto before Osaka but it doesn’t make a huge difference. Your day trip choices sound good.

Enjoy Japan!

thank you very much for all the infos and the very beautiful photos!

Hello, Have you been to Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo? We have a lot of nature, local food, and cultures! Tamba black beans are famous local food and also you can experience a pottery making. I hope you will visit here one day;)

We haven’t but we’ll put it on our list for our next trip this autumn! Thank you for the recommendation!

Wow, this is such a great travel guide. Thanks a lot!

Odd how all of the “best places in Japan to visit” are all in central Japan near Tokyo and Kyoto. How disappointing the travels of the writers to these other parts of the country must have been.

Have you been to the Autumn Takayama Festival? 😊

We did not buy plane tickets yet, but we were going to land on Oct 22 to experience the Kurama Fire Festival in Kyoto. We heard about Takayama festival on Oct 9th and wanted to know if it’s worth changing our plans to fly in earlier for it, and if the weather will be horrible or not during that time? Thank you so mochi for your help! I’m so torn!

We haven’t been but it does look cool! I’m not sure it’s worth changing your plans for. Later in October you’ll have more of a chance of seeing fall colours in Kyoto. If you do decide to go, book your accommodation asap as it gets extremely busy during the festival.

What is the best way to get around these places? Train or car?

Train. You might find this post helpful: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/planning-a-trip-to-japan/

very nice good work

Thanks for the detailed post with nice photographs

I forgot to include in early to mid December.

I’ve been to all the tourist sites and a few others. Where would you recommend for an overnight not far from Tokyo?

Have you been to the Izu Peninsula? We haven’t yet but our friend who lives in Tokyo recommends it. The onsens would be nice in the winter.

planning on going japan next year, getting lots of ideas from these blogs

Beppu should be on this list!

Hopefully we’ll make it there next time!

nice one thank you i learn lot of things about this web site

what about Harajuku?

I included it in the Tokyo section :)

It’s definitely worth visiting!

Hello I am relooking at your Japan highlights. I had the most amazing trip in Spring 2020 many thanks to your post which seems now to have gone and been replaced by more posts. The one thing I would like to say is that you put before Miyajama on the one i read and i have to say that this was one of my favourite spots. I totally recommend it. We also did the two walks one of which was the edo trail and the other outside of Kyoto. We stayed in Koyasan too thanks to you. Thank you again.

Hi, I’m thinking of planning a trip for me and my daughter to visit Japan but haven’t any ideas of where to start. I was thinking a two week trip but maybe more time would be needed for the things we would like to do. If staying for longer than two weeks is there visas needed ect. I haven’t a clue where to start I’ve looked at your guide which is very helpful. Would I be better of speaking to a travel agent for help and advice ??? Many thanks Paul Miller.

It depends where you are from but many nationalities (including UK and US) can stay in Japan for 90 days without a visa.

Two weeks would give you a great overview (here’s a suggested itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/ ) but if you have more time (and the budget), there’s always more to see.

I think Japan is manageable without a travel agent. See our post on planning a trip for ideas to get started: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/planning-a-trip-to-japan/

We used this page during our six week Japanese adventure and it was brilliantly helpful! Thank you!

I’m glad it helped, Alex. I hope you enjoyed Japan as much as we do.

This page has been very helpful! I am planning a two week trip to Japan next year and this has helped break down each city and what to not miss. Thanks again!

I hope someday, I can visit Japan for some other reasons. As pictures shown, fantastic and very interesting places and educational as well.

Japan has always been a remarkable place for me. I think I missed those places you described about. I hope I can give a shot on my future trip if possible. Btw thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Japanese pachislot, mechanical games,are different from foreign slot machine and popular recently. From 2020 smorking will be prohibited in the pachinko parlors or pachislot parlors. Terefore more and more people will have a good time during playing games. If you come to Japan, you might want to play them.

We keep meaning to try pachinko! That’s good news about the smoking ban!

Hi Great website thanks. We are looking to travel to Japan (arrive Tokyo) in late January for about 14 days. This is our first visit and we don’t mind driving. I would be interested to know what places you could recommend to get a real feel of Japan. Thanks

I don’t recommend driving in Japan. The train system is so efficient and it’ll be less stressful than driving. Here’s our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

Thanks for the guidance. If you were going in November for 6 weeks what would you do with your time Cheers Walter

That’s a great amount of time and you should so some great autumn foliage. You could visit everywhere on this list so it really depends on your interests and what pace of travel you prefer.

On our latest 7 week trip we chose to base ourselves in Kyoto for a month then travel around for a couple of weeks and finish with a week in Tokyo. If you prefer to move at a faster pace you could cover a lot of ground.

Hi Guys, great site. I was wondering why you seem to spend so much time in the large cities? I’m planning my first trip and my initial thoughts were to spend just a few days in Tokyo and Kyoto? Arent the more remote sights more rewarding?

I was also wondering about a cherry blossom visit – when if the best time to see them but to avoid the worst of the crowds??

Thanks! Chris

We love the smaller places in Japan and think the ideal trip includes a mix of them with the big cities. I wouldn’t say they are more rewarding, just different. There’s just so much to see (and eat) in Tokyo and especially Kyoto that we keep returning to them.

If you’re not a big city person a few days in Tokyo would be fine. Kyoto has a lot of history, temples, and traditional architecture (and more tourists), so you’ll only cover some of the highlights in a few days.

The cherry blossom are only in full bloom for about a week so there’s no way of avoiding the crowds in popular spots then. It’ll be slightly less crowded at the beginning or end of the blooming period, but it’s hard to predict exactly when that will be (and it varies by location).

I would focus on visiting places that have cherry blossoms but fewer crowds. We were in Kyoto at the beginning of April when the blooms just started (and it was already quite busy) then moved on to Kinosaki Onsen and Okayama where we enjoyed the blossoms without many people around.

I’ve written more about it here (and will be doing an Okayama post at some point): https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/kyoto-cherry-blossoms/

hi guys really nice blog, could you itemize it, how many days you spent in each city, village? and if you would change something, where to stay maybe longer, where shorter?

regards tomek

That’s a good idea! We’re currently travelling in Japan and will update this post soon so I’ll add that info then. If you’d like to know about a specific place now just let me know. Usually we spend a week or more in Kyoto and Tokyo and only 1-3 nights in the smaller places.

My husband and I are interested in making a second trip to Japan in March with our 5 month old baby. This will be our second trip…we’ve done Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto previously (along with one night in Osaka). We LOVED Takayama for its food and quaintness. We liked Tokyo but got bored after a few days. Kyoto was probably our least favorite – too touristy, What should we do for our second trip??

It’s very difficult to make recommendations without having any idea of what you like to do, how long you plan to visit, or if your baby goes everywhere with you. Given that you liked Takayama, you might consider Kanazawa, Kurashiki, and Nikko. The first two are small cities of about 400,000 that have delightful walking areas and interesting sights in general. Nikko is very small but houses the shrines of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Iemitsu, who were the first and third shoguns of the Tokugawa Shogunate. These are UNESCO World Heritage and incredible.

You didn’t indicate when you visited Japan on your first trip. If you went to Kyoto during fall foliage you would have encountered a lot of tourists, most of whom are Japanese. Kyoto draws tourists because it is a world class city with a very large number of World Heritage sites in addition to spectacular fall color. I don’t want to sound rude regarding your Tokyo comment. I can understand not liking Tokyo because it is a bit overwhelming in size, although that is part of what makes it so enjoyable for us. However, I cannot comprehend getting bored there.

I wish you luck.

It sounds like you enjoy the smaller, more traditional places so I’d recommend Tsumago, Koya-san and Kanazawa (a bigger city but with some lovely traditional neighbourhoods). Nikko is also beautiful but we found it very crowded (it would have been quieter if we’d stayed overnight and arrived early though).

Your website is terrific. I was provided a link to a couple of regions in Italy for a major summer trip. Your comments, photos and recommendations were of such interest that my wife and I decided to completely change the first 10 days of our trip. Then I got so immersed in the various places you have gone, I decided to look at Japan. We spent a month there five years ago, and then we spent another month this December including Christmas. We have been to all but two of your 10 unmissable places in Japan and have used the trains and metros as our primary modes of transport. We would agree that Japan is a great place to visit and the people are terrific.

Since you asked for additions to your bucket list, I would like to suggest the following. Near Hiroshima is the island of Miyajima. This is the site of the great in the water torii gate, which is quite magical. The museum at the Hiroshima Peace Park provides an incredibly moving experience. Himeji Castle (White Heron Castle) is one of the original late 16th century castles and I believe the largest. It is on the route between Hiroshima and Osaka. It has been recently renovated. Osaka Station is beautifully done with some terrific surrounding buildings. The Dotonburi area is neon heaven with street food in abundance. Kyoto, as you stated, is amazing with probably more UNESCO World Heritage locations than anywhere else in the world. South of Kyoto in Uji is Byodo-in, a world heritage temple with a beautiful new museum.

I agree that Kanazawa is a really nice smaller city. Like Kyoto it was not bombed. The D.T. Suzuki Museum is an outstanding piece of architecture, although of primary interest to people steeped in Buddhism, philosophy. The Seisonkaku Villa is a 10,000 foot samurai home located at the edge of Kenrokuen Gardens and is very interesting. There are two places in Takayama you didn’t mention, each of which is very worthwhile. First, next door to the Float Museum and on the same admission ticket is the Sakurayama Nikkokan. This museum contains scale models of the shrines in Nikko. It took 33 master carpenters and 17 years to complete during the first part of the 20th century. It is incredible. Second, the Takayama Museum of Art houses an outstanding (Michelin 3 star) collection of art nouveau and art deco objects. We visited Matsumoto to see the Matsumoto Castle (Black Crow Castle). It is also one of the oldest castles in Japan.

I would also like to suggest Nagoya, which is one of Japan’s largest and most industrial cities. It is home to Toyota. Three recommendations. First, tour the Toyota Factory to get real insight into a truly sophisticated approach to assembly line manufacture. Second, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Science and Technology is phenomenal. Many demonstrations of working textile machines and auto robotics. Third, the Nagoya Palace has been rebuilt (just opened in 2018) to exact specifications of the original palace (early 1600s) including all the screens. Even though it is a replica, it’s incredible.

You covered the shrines in Nikko. I would only add that if one did nothing else but see the Nikko shrines, a trip to Japan is warranted. Finally, Tokyo is to us the most exciting city around. Never ending pleasure of wandering around. There are just too many places to enumerate. One little side note: the Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku has a roof garden. You can buy incredible take away food in the basement food halls and take to the roof to eat, if the weather is good. Better than either Harrod’s or Selfridge’s.

Thanks so much for the tips David! We are returning to Japan in a few weeks for two months so we’ll try to visit some of these places.

Hi! Thanks, I am definitely gonna copy your ideas! One question – is it worth to go to Hiroshima instead of Takayama? My husband and I are gonna visit Japan in March 2019 for 9 days. I think it is not enough to fulfil your itinerary and we have to shorten it a bit. Thank you for your blog ;)

Honestly, we preferred Takayama. It’s just so pretty with the traditional Japanese architecture and we like small towns. Hiroshima is more of a big modern city BUT of course, the peace memorial is very moving, so if you really want to see that then choose Hiroshima instead (which is actually what we did on our first trip to Japan).

My husband is wanting to visit , the place that his father served in Japen . He is not sure exactly where that is ?

Hi..!! the blog is very informative.Me and my wife would be visiting Japan in Mar’19 for 8 days.We have opted for a package tour.Based on your recommendations Kyoto & Tokyo seem the 2 top places.Can you please recommend us the third place to visit..??

We are going there on a tour to Himazi with 3 homestays & I want to visit a friend in Miyago. Can we still see Mt Fuji & Kyoto after the tour? Thank you for your wonderful blog. Lynne

If you have time I don’t see why not. You can check train times/distances on the Hyperdia site http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ . Have an amazing trip!

Interesting blog, thank you for sharing your experiences! We will have 9 full days in Japan and hoping to see Tokyo, Mount Fuji ( want to stay two nights there ) Takayama, Kyoto and Hiroshima ( as a one day trip from Kyoto ). We are flying back home from Osaka ( our arrival is at Haneda ).. do you think it is do-able or are we overdoing it? Maybe we should leave out Takayama? but since we are going middle of October we are hoping to see some of autumn there..any recommendations? Thank you!

Hi Nath I think it will be a busy trip but it’s definitely possible to do all that in 9 days. I love Takayama so it’s hard to recommend skipping it. It all depends on your energy levels! If you are up for busy days then go for it! Enjoy! Erin

Wooooow love this post!! I have always dreamed of visiting Japan and seeing real Cherry blossoms.. Though I was able to make one dream a reality – see real cherry blossoms in Atok, Benguet, Philippines (but just a few because we were told that it will took two years for the trees to bloom). They look lovely!! :) I’m still not giving up on the bigger dream which is to go to Japan :D And once I get there, I’d definitely visit Kyoto coz I find their culture very rich.. from geishas to kimonos, to sushi and temples! :) See you soon Japaaaaaaaaan!

Who knew there were cherry blossoms in the Philippines?!

We’re planning to go back to Japan next year for the cherry blossom season, although I’m a little worried the crowds will be crazy. Kyoto is a definite highlight of Japan – I hope you make it there!

12 Best Cities To Visit In Japan That Make Your Trip Worth It!

Japan is an attractive country to visit with its vibrant cities, advanced communication system, and rich culture.

Thousands of visitors come to this country every year to explore its natural scenes, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, tall skyscrapers, world-class food, and ancient palaces.

You will never get tired of traveling around, and even one trip isn’t enough to visit all the cities of Japan.

But, if it’s your first trip, you should go for the best ones.

So, here I am presenting you with the best cities to visit in Japan that have easy access across the country and are filled with loads of attractive spots.

Now, be prepared to explore each one cause you never know what specialty the next one offers you.

Here’s a quick glance on the best cities to visit in Japan

Top Cities To Visit In Japan

As Japan is a state where the new and old culture coexist side by side, often travelers get confused about which city to visit or not.

Some prefer to see the advanced side when few want to know about their ancient lifestyle.

That’s why I have listed down from major cities like Tokyo to small Japanese cities that tourists often skip as they don’t know much about those.

And, at the end of this writing, you will indeed find the answer to this question, “What city in Japan should I visit?”

Also, I will mention the approximate accommodation cost and meal price, which will help you estimate your tour budget.

Note that the prices may vary according to season and which region you choose to stay.

Let’s start with the heart of Japan, which is none other than Tokyo.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan, which offers captivating tourist spots and is also a great place to live as a foreigner .

It’s one of the most populated cities globally, with around fourteen million people living here.

But, what makes this place great is that it has everything to suit the taste of each type of traveler.

The moment you like to experience the dazzling city view, you may go to the Tokyo Tower, which is situated in the Shiba-Koen district of Minato.

The observation deck of this tower provides an incredible panorama of the city.

However, the night view is my favorite cause it shows how lively this place is with blinking light.

You can also visit the Electric Town (Akihabara) area, a significant shopping place for video games, manga, anime, electronics, and computer-related goods.

Akihabara photography pic.twitter.com/sMvlNdShEs — TOKYOLUV (@TokyoLuv) March 3, 2023

Hence, If you are a tech person, you will feel like entering into a dream paradise that can offer you vibrant technological stuff.

For those who wanna explore the ancient site, you may head to the Sensoji Shrine, the oldest shrine in Tokyo.

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Other worth visiting places are The Imperial Palace and the Museum of Modern Art, situated next to each other in Chiyoda City.

When you want to escape from the chaotic streets of the town, a green space like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden will make your mind and body peaceful.

However, what does this metropolis have to offer to the couples?

As I said already, it is equipped with every type of fun place, and there is also a romantic dating spot here called Chidorigafuchi Moat.

Tokyo is indeed the most visited city in Japan because of its diversity and easy accessibility.

You may spend some quality time with your partner by riding a boat on the lake.

This place looks straight out from a fairy wonderland during spring, with soft pink cherry blossoms covering up the whole area.

And, when you are hungry, you can taste some delicious food from restaurants and food stalls.

How about eating some mouth-watering dishes at an affordable price?

Although Tokyo is an expensive city, yet you will find some top-class Michelin stars restaurants that won’t even rob your pocket.

Katsuzen, Tsuta, Zuisetsu, Saito are some of the famous restaurants that you can consider visiting.

Things to do in Tokyo

Visit Sensoji Temple
Meiji Jingu
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo Disneyland
Ghibli Museum
Imperial Palace

Kyoto is surely one of the most beautiful cities in Japan as it is the home of a long-listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This city displays quiet charm with shrines and tranquil gardens everywhere.

Some of the must-see spots in Kyoto are Nijo Castle, Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, The Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Katsura Imperial Villa, and The Byōdō-in Temple.

However, if you ask for my personal favorite, I will say The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest .

It is one of Japan’s unique locations that provides the tourists with a spectacular view and a calming sound of clattering bamboo.

In case you choose to visit Kyoto, I will suggest you not miss this place cause it’s such a place that resembles earthly heaven.

For an exceptional sightseeing experience, you should go to the entertainment district of Gion.

There you will find geishas walking around the streets lined up with the wooden folk houses.

Kyoto is Japan’s religious center with over 1000 Buddhist temples.

Rather than spotting geishas on the street, you can also witness their dance performances during Miyako Odori, a traditional dance festival.

This feast occurs during spring, so if you are willing to come to Japan during this period, you should not miss this performance.

As this town has both traditional cafes and world-class restaurants, you can enjoy some traditional food as well as modern cuisine, whatever you prefer.

To name a few restaurants in Kyoto are Honke Owariya , Gozanbo , Gion Karyo , Ippudo Ramen, Den Shichi Sushi Saiin, etc.

In case you are a vegan, you may go to Ajiro, famous for its vegetarian Shojin cuisine.

Moreover, you don’t even need to worry about finding affordable accommodation within the town as Kyoto is one of the cheap cities in Japan according to living costs.

Things to do in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha
Nishiki Market
Nijō Castle
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Kyoto Tower
Kyoto National Museum
SAMURAI & NINJA MUSEUM with EXPERIENCE
Hokan-ji Temple
Kōdai-ji Temple
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Kyoto Aquarium

Nagoya, located in the largest city of the central Chubu region of Japan, is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country.

With its unmissable landmarks, unique attractions and remarkable shopping, it’s no wonder why it draws admirers from around the globe. For those who want to truly enjoy the vibrant city, here’s why Nagoya should be the next city you add to your bucket list.

As one of the prime ports in Japan, Nagoya can offer something for everyone. For those curious to explore, the city is home to two iconic landmarks. First, there’s the Nagoya Castle , with its imposing walls and white towers, a sight not to miss!

Then, there’s Atsuta Shrine , offering an air of spirituality and tranquility to visitors. Both are located in close proximity to each other, allowing sightseers to take in the wonders of these revered locations.

For families, the city’s kid-friendly amusement parks make it an ideal spot for an action-filled, fun-filled holiday.

Legoland Japan and Nagashima Spa Land promise a unique theme park experience. With their wealth of rides and activities, they’re sure to be a hit with children of all ages.

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Shopping fans can delight in Nagoya’s renowned shopping district. Its two covered shopping malls, Sakae and Osu , offer an unforgettable array of goods, from designer handbags to quirky souvenirs.

Adjacent to these is a bustling open-air shopping area which is especially popular during festivals.

As a hub for Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, you can travel to and from the city easily and conveniently. This makes it even easier to immerse yourself in Nagoya’s range of delightful attractions.

In a nutshell, Nagoya has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s culture, ride some thrilling rides or go on a shopping spree, you’re sure to have a memorable time in this unique destination.

Things to do in Nagoya

Nagoya Castle
Nagoya City Science Museum
The Tokugawa Art Museum
Legoland Japan Resort
Inuyama Castle
Miwa Shrine

Japan is an incredible nation known for its culture, rich history, modern life and stunning scenery. But, Japan is also home to some of the world’s most interesting and exciting cities to visit, with each offering something unique.

One of these cities is Yokohama, located in the Tokyo urban area and Japan’s second most populated city.

If you’re looking to explore the vibrant culture and splendid attractions that Japan has to offer, then Yokohama is well worth visiting.

Just a 20-minute train south of Tokyo Station , Yokohama is full of places to explore, experiences to enjoy and adventures to be had.

No visit is complete without experiencing Yokohama’s renowned bay , which is best seen from the many viewpoints and observation decks around this iconic port city.

Relaxing boat trips are also available around the bay, offering you superb views of the area.

Of course, one of the most popular attractions is Yokohama’s Chinatown with its bustling atmosphere, traditional temples and delicious cuisine.

Visitors can sample some of the many different types of food available in the area before spending hours exploring the vibrant streets and markets.

When you’re looking for something a bit more cultural, the Minato Mirai area of the city is a must. Here, you will find modern architecture, entertainment complexes, shopping centers, beautiful gardens, amusement parks, outdoor markets and many more.

Other attractions in the vicinity include the huge Cosmo World amusement park , which contains a variety of thrill rides, the Museum of Yokohama and Yokohama Stadium – both of which are home to several different sports teams.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yusuke Nakano (@nakanocchipanda)

For an overview of the city, visitors can take the Yokohama Bay Cruise for a one hour journey around the port area.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Masami Sakaedani (@sakaedm)

When planning a trip to Yokohama, you should also remember that there’s a plethora of great accommodation options.

Whether you’re after a luxurious hotel or a cozy guesthouse, you’re sure to find something suitable. You can also explore the city using its highly efficient public transport system or by joining one of the many guided tours that are available.

With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise that Yokohama is one of the best cities to visit in Japan! Getting there is easy, and exploring this vibrant port city is an unforgettable experience.

From Chinatown’s traditional temples to views of world-renowned bay, Yokohama offers something for everyone.

Things to do in Yokohama

Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Cosmoworld
Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street
Kirin Brewery Yokohama Factory
Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum
Kanazawa Zoological Gardens
Hokokuji Temple
Isshiki Beach
Enoshima Iwaya Cave

Kobe is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan, providing visitors with stunning views of a mountain range one side and the sea on the other.

The city is the sixth-largest in Japan, encompassing the area between Osaka and Kyoto , making it an ideal location for travelers wanting to combine both excursions in one stop.

Kobe is also renowned for being the birthplace of one of the most famous Japanese dishes, Kobe beef .

Although it’s a little hard to find outside of Kobe, its intense marbling, robust flavor, and tender texture make it a truly unique culinary experience. It’s best to explore the city’s various eateries and vibrant atmosphere to truly savor this delicacy.

Other than Kobe beef, the city of Kobe is also home to many other cultural attractions.

Whether one enjoys strolling along the harbor or taking in the misty atmosphere of Nunobiki Falls , the city has a lot to offer.

Some popular sites include the Ikuta Shrine , Harborland, Kitano Ijinkan, and Meriken Park . All of these destinations showcase something beautiful and unique that guests are sure to enjoy.

Those who enjoy shopping and nightlife will find no lack of activities in Kobe. Around the harbor, there are many restaurants and venues designed to provide a pleasant atmosphere to grab a bite to eat or simply relax.

The many arcades, tourist attractions, and souvenir shops scattered around the city offer an excellent opportunity to explore and shop local goods.

Kobe is a vibrant city and a great place to explore for anyone visiting Japan. And with Kobe beef on the menu, the experience is even more memorable. So why not come and see what the city has to offer? Its stunning views, fascinating sites, and delightful cuisine await.

Things to do in Kobe

Ikuta Jinja
Kobe Harborland
Kobe Ōji Zoo
Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
Nunobiki Waterfall

Fukuoka is a bustling yet historical city that is one of the main tourist destinations for anyone visiting southern Japan. It is famed for its abundance of incredible restaurants, unique shopping experiences, and vibrant nightlife.

As the largest city on the island of Kyushu , Fukuoka is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a mix of traditional Japanese culture and urban exploration.

Fukuoka is renowned for its incredibly impressive culinary scene , with a wide selection of mouthwatering dishes available to sample. Freshly caught seafood is widely available in a variety of different flavors and styles.

Some of the most popular items include ramen and yakitori, but there’s also an abundance of traditional Japanese meals and even global cuisines. Fukuoka is a great destination for foodies looking for exceptional dishes.

The shopping in Fukuoka rivals that of any other city in Japan. It’s a great destination to stock up on souvenirs or find the perfect gift for any occasion.

Everywhere you turn you’ll find something you won’t be able to turn down. From traditional Japanese artwork to the latest fashion, there’s something for everyone.

Fukuoka’s nightlife is also renowned among tourists. There are ample bars and restaurants scattered throughout the city, ranging from prestigious drinking establishments to electrifying nightclubs.

A night on the town in Fukuoka promises never-ending fun and amusement, whether you’re looking for a place to chat with friends while sampling sake or a neon-lit club to hit the dance floor.

Whether you’re looking for amazing travel experiences or unique cultural encounters, Fukuoka is a great destination for all kinds of travelers.

From its hustling streets to its incredible food and nightlife, there is something for everyone in this city.

No matter what you’re looking for, Fukuoka is a fantastic place to explore and experience an amazing part of Japan.

Things to do in Fukuoka

Kushida-jinja Shrine
Fukuoka Tower
Marine World
Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Hiroshima is one of Japan’s must-see cities as it carries a sorrowful history.

On August 6 th , 1945, this town was almost totally destroyed by the atomic bomb.

This past history is perhaps the main reason why so many foreigners come to visit this place.

Now, want to know the dark memory of this city? Then, you should go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Here, you can watch the skeletal remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which documents the bombing of this city during WWII.

At the heart of this town, you will find the Hiroshima castle, covered in black glaze and ornate wood.

The castle is the home to a shrine and a Samurai museum.

A Samurai performance occurs right outside the palace walls every week, popular among locals and foreigners.

In case you are a car enthusiast, the Mazda Museum will let you experience some outstanding vehicle displays and an overview of Mazda’s history.

When talking about the food, you should try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a type of pancake stuffed with cabbage, a fried egg, bean sprouts, noodles, and sweet sauce.

In case you stay in this town for a day, I suggest you travel to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine and the well-known “floating” torii gate.

During high tide, the torii gate seems to float on the blue waters, and while the current is low, you can walk up to the gate.

Things to do in Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum – East Building
Atomic Bomb Dome
Hiroshima Castle
Children’s Peace Monument
Hijiyama Park

On a high-speed train from Kyoto, you can reach Nara in less than one hour.

So, if you are staying in Kyoto, you can easily have a day trip to this city. But, when you want to explore the whole town, stay at least one night.

It is one of the most interesting cities in Japan because you will find over 1,000 deer roaming freely in Nara Park, which is a rare sight.

Remember that these deer hold National Treasure Status, and you should not bother or harm them anyway.

After spending some time with these adorable animals, you can head to Tōdai-ji Temple, constructed in 752.

This shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has Japan’s most giant bronze Buddha statue, which is 15 meters tall.

Near the entrance of the temple grounds, you will find The Todaiji Museum that has a splendid collection of Buddhist art.

Another nearby temple is Kasuga Taisha, where you can arrive by walking on a stone lantern-lined path.

On the evening of 3 rd February and 14 to 15 August, a feast takes place in this shrine called Mantoro, which features around 3,000 lanterns placed along the pathways.

The effect is truly magical, and if you are in Nara on these dates, don’t miss it.

When you wanna enjoy a little hike, you may walk up to the summit of Mount Wakakusa.

It’s also this city’s top place for Sakura viewing. The grassy slope of this mountain is lined by cherry trees that start to bloom around early April.

Wanna flex some skiing & snowboarding techniques?

Well, coming to Sapporo will give you the opportunity to showcase your snow activity skills.

It is also one of the coolest cities in Japan, where you will find the finest snow powder in the country.

Sapporo, best known as the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics, is the capital of the northern island of Hokkaido.

But, what makes this city so special is the Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracts ice sculptors from everywhere in the country to build massive ice statues and castles.

At night, colorful lights illuminate the statues, which is one of the main charms of this celebration.

As it is held every February, if you come here this month, don’t forget to attend this celebration.

While in town, I will ask you to take some time to pay a visit to the Ishiya Chocolate Factory and try their special white chocolate.

Then, have a walk around the Historical Village of Hokkaido, which is an open-air museum presenting sixty-period structures, each of them showcasing what the initiated life was once in this region.

After that, you may head to Mount Moiwa and take a cable car to the top.

From there, you can see the open view of this city and other natural spaces surrounding it.

Compared to other cities in Japan, Osaka has the nicest foreigner-friendly atmosphere.

The locals are extroverted type, making you feel like you are in your home country.

Osaka is also renowned as Japan’s street food capital. Some famous snacks are takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

As it’s a small town, you will get to experience an almost rural Japanese charm here.

During WWII, this city was heavily bombarded, that’s why it lacks historical sight compared to the other cities in Japan.

However, the good thing is, you can buy some vintage clothes and electronics at better prices than in Tokyo.

Two must-see spots of this city include the Open Air Museum of Japanese Farmhouses and the National Bunraku Theatre, where you can watch the ancient art of Japanese puppetry.

Osaka Castle is another great place to visit. There you can take a Gozabune boat and admire the 16 th -century palace from the water.

This region is also home to many onsens (thermal baths), which some people think of as a spa, but trying it out will give a unique cultural experience.

Sendai is known for its different types of festivals. Among them, the most popular one is Tanabata Matsuri.

It is also recognized as the “star festival”, which is held on the 7 th day of the 7 th month of every year.

As stated by a Chinese legend, the two stars Vega and Altair, which are generally detached from each other via the milky way, can meet on this day.

Because the 7 th month of the year nearly matches with August instead of July, following the lunar calendar , that’s why Tanabata is still celebrated on 7 th August in some areas of Japan like Sendai.

On the other hand, in some regions, it is celebrated on 7 th July.

One trendy Tanabata custom is writing wishes on a piece of paper and then hanging them on a specially built bamboo tree, hoping for that wish to come true.

This city’s other attractions are the Museum of the Forest of Depths of the Earth, SS30 observation deck, Sendai Castle Ruins, and Zuihoden Temple.

From here, you can also head towards the nearby Matsushima that provides one of the best views in Japan.

Kanazawa has some fantastic ancient architecture, such as Kanazawa Castle and the attractive gardens surrounding it.

At the bottom of the castle, the Nagamachi Samurai district is located where you can catch a glimpse of the old lifestyle of samurai and their families.

In a different region of the town, the Higashi Geisha District will let you experience the chaya or teahouses where the geishas used to entertain the wealthy people once.

Here you can drop by the Ochaya Shima Museum to learn about how the geishas used to live.

Many of the former geisha houses have been transformed into guest houses or restaurants.

However, most of the houses are dedicated to the exhibition of past memories and are now a nationally assigned Important Cultural Asset.

You can also visit the Gold Leaf Sakuda Shop and buy a souvenir decorated with gold leaf, which is a traditional local craft.

Also, try some wagashi sweets and a cup of green tea at the nearby teahouse to refresh your mind and stomach!

Shortly, Kanazawa is one of the best cities in Japan for tourists who are fascinated to know about some past culture of this country.

Travelers often visit the major cities in Japan like Tokyo, Osaka, or Sapporo and miss out on something stunning like Takayama.

Situated deep in the mountains of central Japan, this city is prominent for the great preservation of its Edo Period (1603-1868) ancient center, known as the Sannomachi.

Long ago, this city was under the direct control of the shogunate .

Now, the town attracts visitors to see the Edo streetscape and buildings.

During the winter season, these ancient houses, the Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine look straight out of a picture while covered in soft snow.

If you stay in Takayama overnight, I suggest you sleep in ryokans, small inns that provide traditional accommodations, authentic local food, and tea ceremonies.

However, I like the Hida No Sato Folk Village most, which is only a 20-minute drive away from the city center.

It’s an open-air museum including over 30 historical thatch-roof houses.

Another world-famous village is Shirakawa-go that also has traditional houses which are over 250 years old.

But, you have to leave the city for a short day trip to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in Oita Prefecture, Beppu is Japan’s iconic Onsen region. There are hundreds of hot springs with diverse atmospheres in this city.

But, these onsens are divided into eight areas, and that’s why Beppu is also known as Beppu Hatto, which means 8 springs in Japanese.

You can choose to stay in an onsen ryokan and enjoy the warm spring.

To name a few such inns are Yamada Bessou, Kannawaen, Nagominoyado Mutsuki, Hotel Umine and Nogami Honkan.

After spending a hectic travel day, you may relax here and let all your worries wash out.

The steam and mist that floats throughout the streets will make you feel like flying on an Aladdin magic carpet as the air looks like drifting clouds!!

I believe coming to Beppu will be worth every sweat of yours as it has some impressive architecture and a quiet, laid-back feel to the place.

Himeji is placed in the Kansai region of Japan.

The top attraction of this city is the magnificent Himeji Castle. It’s both a designated national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nearby the castle, there are some samurai houses and Japanese-style gardens that you can explore.

As, in less than one hour from Osaka or Kyoto, you can reach this place, you don’t even need to stay overnight here to explore all the spots.

Hence, a short day trip to this city will be enough to visit all the attractions.

If you choose to eat your lunch here, you may try out some delicious food from a nearby restaurants like Yamayoshi, Iccyoura, Ju Ju, or Takopia.

Although the nuclear attack in WWII destroyed Nagasaki, it slowly rebuilt over the following few decades.

You can have a glance at that history in the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Also, a walk around Peace Park will let you see many memorials and monuments.

Mount Inasa stands in this city from where you can have a “10 million dollar view”!!

Well, don’t get panicked!!

As the view of Nagasaki is one of the prettiest in Japan, it has a nickname which is 10 million dollar view.

To experience it, you need to take a ropeway cable car up to Mount Inasa.

Once you climb to the observation platform, you will have a 360-degree view of the whole city and the port.

Off to the bay of Nagasaki, Hashima Island is located, which is an abandoned place.

Once, this land was used as a forced labor camp and to access undersea coal.

The scene of the destroyed structure of an island from the famous James Bond movie Skyfall was shot here, and now it’s open for visitors.

So, don’t miss out on going here anyway in case you are a big fan of this blockbuster movie.

Top Cities to Visit in Japan On Your First Trip

I know that it’s hard to visit all the cities I mentioned when you are in this country for a short vacation.

However, if you are in Japan for the first time, I suggest you plan a tour to the following cities at least because these have the most tourist attractions.

Also, these places are well-connected by the bullet train, so you can easily travel from one to another.

A 10-day trip will be enough to cover up all the locations of these cities.

In case you are on a long break, try to visit all the locations that I talked about.

I can ensure you that it will be worth spending every moment in this country and you will return home with utmost satisfaction.

Okay, dear, we are at the end of our journey.

Let’s wrap it up here.

Hopefully, you have no questions remaining in your mind regarding the best cities to visit in Japan after going through this writing.

Whether you come here with your family, friends, or alone, you will be able to have a great time here.

Lastly, have a good day.

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10 best cities to visit in japan.

Japan is a country that boasts the contrasts of new and old in perfect harmony. In some cities, like Kyoto , you’ll find yourself exploring the ancient Shinto and Buddhist temples, while in others, like Osaka , you’ll be left in awe of the futuristic skyscrapers and amazing food options.

Although the experiences may vary from city to city, one thing is for sure – you’ll find rich culture, tradition, and incredible food in all of them.

From cherry blossom viewing to izakaya hopping , the below list will take you on a journey to the 10 best cities to visit in Japan.

See the slideshow .

Table of Contents

Japan Itineraries

If you have longer to spend in Japan , you can expand this itinerary to any length you wish.

We have a 7-day itinerary and a 2-week Japan itinerary so you can choose which length of trip suits you best.
If you will only be visiting Tokyo, here’s a shortened 3-day itinerary for Tokyo .
Want to add more days outside of Tokyo? Here’s a 3-day Kyoto itinerary and a 2-day Osaka itinerary .

Planning Your Japan Trip?

Buy flights. We recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to find the best flight deals. Check out our guide to finding the best airfare for additional tips.

Get your Japan Rail Pass. You can buy it online here

In Tokyo: The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
In Kyoto: ACE Hotel Kyoto
In Osaka: Intercontinental Osaka

Best Tours to Book

Fully escorted 8-day Intro to Japan tour
Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day
Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

10 Best Cities in Japan for Tourists

Japan caters to all travelers, from solo adventurers to large groups. There is something magical for everyone to discover in the diverse cities of Japan . So, let’s take a look at the best Japanese cities to visit.

This wouldn’t be a list of the most popular Japanese cities without Tokyo being at the top. Tokyo is a thriving city with an energetic buzz of people roaming the neon-lit streets. This metropolis brings modern pop culture and unique fashion trends like no other, making it one of the most popular cities in Japan.

While you’ll have the bright and futuristic skyscrapers to gaze at (they’re especially beautiful in the evening), you’ll also be exposed to a historic side of the city. Experience a Tea Ceremony in Tokyo at Hamarikyu Gardens and then wander the cobbled streets and find an old-style bar to have a drink. Foodies should follow our 3-day itinerary to the sights and tastes of Tokyo.

Other interesting places worth visiting are the Tsukiji outer market , Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the Skytree . There is so much to see and do in Tokyo that it is worth spending a few days in Tokyo . If you are looking for a place to stay , the Tokyo Marriott Hotel is a wonderful option.

Tours we recommend:

Walking Food Tour of Shibuya at Night

Known for its long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites , Kyoto was once the ancient capital of Japan and dubbed as one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The city oozes charm and culture with over 2,000 shrines and numerous Zen gardens around the city.

Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in Japan and it’s not hard to see why. There are temples all over the city to see, you can join in a traditional tea ceremony, eat your way through Nishiki Market, and wander through Arashiyama Bamboo forest – a must-see when visiting the city and a great way to do it is with a customized rickshaw tour .

In the district of Gion, you’ll find Geishas walking along streets populated with wooden houses. In the area, you’ll have the chance to experience kaiseki ryori (traditional Japanese cuisine) and ochaya (teahouses).

» See our full 3-day guide and itinerary for Kyoto. Also see these day trips from Kyoto to extend your trip.

Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour Including Kaiseki Dinner
Kyoto Private Custom Walking & Sightseeing Tour
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Day Trip from Kyoto

Calling all foodies – Osaka is renowned for its food scene and love for all things delicious. So, you’re in for a culinary adventure from both the excellent restaurants and varied street food options. It’s also centrally located and a great base for different day trips .

Unfortunately, the city was largely destroyed during WWII and you won’t find as many historical sites as you do in some of the other must-visit cities in Japan. However, Osaka, which feels more like a small town with its rural Japanese charm, has a lot to offer.

One of the not-to-miss attractions is the gorgeous 16th-Century Osaka Castle. You can either explore the grounds up close or hop on a Gozabune boat and admire the fortress from the water.

You also must make time for an evening wandering around Dotonbori street , where you’ll find a mecca of food stalls. Try the kushikatsu – deep-fried skewers of meat or vegetables – at Daruma with its huge signboard of an angry-looking man. Try Chibo, a restaurant specialized in Okonomiyaki. And try takoyaki at Kukuru.

» See our full 2-day guide and itinerary for Osaka. Also see these day trips from Osaka to extend your trip.

Osaka Backstreet Night Tour
Private Local Tour Guide Osaka
Osaka Walking Tour

4. Yokohama

Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city and despite being less than 30 minutes away from Tokyo (on the bullet trains), it’s a bustling metropolis of its own. Situated on a bay, Yokohama is home to a large foreign community.

You’ll find the international influences in the architectural styles and culinary experiences. One of the most interesting attractions in the city is the Ramen Museum. Here you can learn everything there is to know about this noodle, and of course sample every type you can imagine.

After you’ve filled up on ramen, head to the Kirin Beer Village. Here you can partake in a free tour of the brewing facilities as well as enjoy a free tasting at the end! There’s no better way to end off a day exploring the streets of Yokohama.

Yokohama Private Food Tours with a Local
Yokohama Half Day Tour with a Local

Sapporo is a top city to visit in Japan for winter activities. It’s famous for its many ski resorts that offer skiers perfect powder snow conditions as well as night-skiing activities.

The Sapporo Snow Festival , which happens at the beginning of February, is also an exciting thing to see. Sculptors from across the country carve ice statues and castles. These ice sculptors are illuminated at night with bright lights, making for a magical winter wonderland setting.

In town, stroll around the Historical Village of Hokkaido and don’t miss the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. Their white chocolate specialty is to die for.

Sapporo Private Full-Day Tour with Local Licensed Guide
Private Market Tour, Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local in Sapporo
Explore Lake Shikotsu, Toya & Mount Usu

This is one of the best cities in Japan for tourists looking for historic sites and cultural experiences. The walkable city is populated with shrines and temples that showcase stunning Japanese architecture and art. The surrounding rolling hills also make for a picturesque backdrop to the city.

The most impressive attraction in Nara is the Great Buddha statue located within the Todai-ji-temple , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you have explored the temple, head to Nara Park, where over 1000 friendly deer roam freely (this is also a great spot for cherry blossom viewing in season).

If you want to take a day trip from Kyoto it will take you less than an hour to travel there on a high-speed train. However, if you want to immerse yourself in all this small town has to offer, spend a night at the Marriott Hotel Nara .

The Essence of Nara Cultural Tour: Big Buddha, Bambi and Backstreets
Nara – Highlights Bike Tour
Deer City Nara Walking & Izakaya Hopping Tour

Kobe is situated in a picture-perfect location with the sea on one side and the Rokko Mountains on the other. Great activities in the city include visiting the Kobe Fashion Museum and the Maritime Museum, which highlights the importance of the sea in the city’s development.

The all-marble Jain Temple is a sacred and religious sight worth visiting. After you have marvelled at the temple, climb the Kobe Port for panoramic views of the city. It’s particularly beautiful at dusk when the sun starts to go down and the city lights begin to twinkle.

For adventure seekers, Mount Rokko is the perfect place for an afternoon hike. End off your day of adventures with a Kobe beef experience , arguably the best meat you’ll ever taste.

Another great activity, especially for food and drink lovers, is to visit the many sake breweries just outside of Kobe in Nada. See our full guide to the sake breweries.

4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef
Kobe Half Day Tour with a Local
Sake Tasting at Local Breweries in Kobe

Fukuoka is home to Japan’s largest shopping center, Canal City Hakata. With over 250 stores, cinemas, a theatre, a games center, and even its own canal running through the center – there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

Outside of the mall, you’ll find Momochi Seaside which is a park and artificial beach next to the Fukuoka City Museum. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that overlook the ‘sea’.

Japan’s largest sitting Buddha statue can be found in the Tochoji Temples and is an iconic monument worth seeing.

For the outdoorsy, Fukuoka is also surrounded by stunning mountains perfect for hiking. Mt Hiko and Mt Shiouji are particularly beautiful trails.

Fukuoka One Day Tour with a Local
Certified by Fukuoka: Sake, Udon, Tea, Find Your Favorite Japanese Foods
Yamaguchi Highlights: Karato Market, Tsunoshima & Motonosumi Inari Shrine

9. Hiroshima

Hiroshima is worth a visit even if just to pay your respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Here you can learn more about the Atomic Bomb that flattened almost the entire city in 1945 and see the chilling ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome. If you’d like to see it with a guide, a walking tour is the best option.

The city has been remarkably reconstructed and is now a modern bustling metropolis of its own. In the heart of the city, you’ll find Hiroshima Castle. It’s covered in ornate wood and black lacquer and is really something to behold.

Inside the castle is a shrine and a Samurai Museum. There are weekly Samurai performances right outside the castle walls so be sure to check this out.

Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour
Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour
Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites

10. Nagasaki

Nagasaki is peacefully nestled between hills overlooking the harbor. This port city has a cosmopolitan feel and you’ll see a mix of Western and Eastern influences throughout the city.

Although also tragically affected by an atomic bomb in WWII, the city has been rebuilt and you’ll find a bustling city with international flair today. A must-do when visiting the region is a visit to Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and a walk around Peace Park. It’s home to many monuments and memorials including the Nagasaki Peace Statue.

The cuisine on offer in Nagasaki is probably the most varied out of all these Japanese cities. You can try anything from poisonous okoze fish dishes to Fujian noodles.

Taste Local Life: Nagasaki’s Historical Street Walking Tour
Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki

Discovering Japan’s Famous Cities

So there you have it, if you were wondering what cities to visit in Japan before this post, now you probably can’t decide which one to start with. Japan has so much to offer, from new trends and exciting neon-lit buildings to sacred temples and ancient cities filled with history.

A trip to Japan should be at the top of everyone’s travel list and the above guide should help you navigate your trip. For more things to add to your Japanese travel list, check out this 2 weeks in Japan itinerary .

Where to Buy Japan Rail Pass and Is It Worth It?

Planning a Japan Vacation? Try this 7-day Japan Itinerary

How to Travel in Japan on the Cheap

9 Great Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

One thought on “ 10 Best Cities to Visit in Japan ”

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14 Best Cities in Japan To Visit This Year

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

Updated On: February 19, 2024

Everyone should explore Japan at least once in their lifetime. Japan has thousands of hidden gems and is a year-round destination. You can visit its ski resorts in winter or the beautiful coastline in summer. And, whatever the season, Japan’s cities are always ready to welcome you with fascinating attractions, delicious street food, and bucket loads of culture.

The real question is, which of the cities in Japan should you visit? In an ideal world, all of them. However, this guide will narrow it down to the absolute best cities.

Table of Contents

Explore Japan: The Top Cities in Japan

Japan has some incredible cities. From Tokyo to Sapporo, these are the best cities in Japan for your next adventure. Let’s dive straight in.

When you think of cities in Japan, it’s safe to say that Tokyo will be in your top three. As the capital, Tokyo is one of the major Japanese cities and attracts millions of tourists a year. It is also the largest city in Japan, with an estimated population of around 14 million people .

Think busy streets, fast-paced entertainment, and flashing neon lights – Tokyo is hectic but exciting. Tokyo is where to visit if you want to be right in the thick of all the action, with plenty of museums to tour, shopping to bag, and fun to be had. The sheer size of the city is exciting in itself.

So, where do you begin? What are the best things to do in Tokyo ? Well, after visiting the city a few times we suggest starting with Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower may look familiar, and it should be. The tower was heavily inspired by the Eiffel Tower. In fact, the only difference is that Tokyo Tower is 333 meters tall and red and white.

Heading to the top of the tower, you can learn about Tokyo’s architectural history en route, finishing with a spectacular view of the beautiful city below. Nearby, there’s also Tokyo Skytree which stands at a dizzying 634 meters and is the tallest tower in the world – so be prepared to spend at least a few hours amongst the clouds.

To appreciate Tokyo’s atmosphere on the ground, head to Golden Gai for a downtown vibe or Shibuya Crossing for a CBD experience. Allow time to visit museums like the Mori Art Museum, Japan Olympic Museum, and NHL Museum of Broadcasting.

Osaka is another one of Japan’s large cities. Osaka has a strong character, and the port city has a commercial soul with lots going on at all hours of day and night. There’s always street food to taste, a bar to hop to, and attractions to visit. Osaka is a great place to visit if you love a mixture of partying, relaxing, and sightseeing. The city has lots of personality and a balance of everything – like a compromise with no sacrifice.

To appreciate the history of Osaka, a trip to Osaka Castle should be on your itinerary. The 16th-century castle is surrounded by cherry trees and a moat, and Osaka Castle is one of the prettiest places to visit in the city. While, if you want a day of light-hearted fun, there’s Universal Studios Japan to explore. The theme park has Hollywood-themed rides, and it’s conveniently located just outside the center of Osaka.

Finally, Osaka is the famous home of one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Sumiyoshi Taisha is a popular Shinto shrine to visit – on tourism or religious grounds. We recommend visiting to fully experience Japan’s beautiful religious culture.

Tokyo might be the capital today, but Kyoto was once the country’s capital. In the center of the Kansai region, Kyoto is one of Japan’s most traditional cities. In Kyoto, you’ll find classic dark wood houses and plenty of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. If you are chasing culture and tradition, Kyoto is a great place to explore in Japan.

To experience the traditional streets lined by wooden houses, head to Gion. You can wander in the early morning for the quietest streets or at night to see the cobbled roads lit by paper lanterns. Visiting the many temples of Kyoto is also a must-do on your trip, especially the Golden Pavilion. You can admire the Golden Pavilion from across its pond, being wowed by the golden tint that gives it its name and popularity.

Looking for picturesque scenes? Head to the bamboo forest of Arashiyama or the red columned walkways of the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Kyoto is full of stunning scenery and eye-opening cultural attractions. You can read more in our guides on the best places and things to do in Kyoto .

4. Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a name not many forget. Sadly, the reason behind Hiroshima being one of the most famous cities in Japan is the atomic bombing that occurred in 1945. The US dropped an atomic bomb on the large city, causing over 100,000 casualties. Visitors to the city can now pay their respects to the victims and destruction at many memorable attractions, including the Peace Park.

There is much to appreciate about Hiroshima in its own right, though. Food lovers should sample the Japanese pancake, nicknamed Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. There’s also Hiroshima Castle to tour and Shukkei-en scenic garden to stroll. Hiroshima’s culture and history have not been tainted by the tragic atomic bomb, and you’ll love the city’s variety of attractions.

Nagoya is known for manufacturing and shipping and is the capital of the Aichi Prefecture. Have you heard of Honda? Toyota? Mitsubishi? All of these big automotive brands were developed in Nagoya. Nagoya has an innovative, industrial atmosphere, ideal for those wanting to experience the business side of Japan.

Visitors should tour the Toyota Exhibition Hall to get a better idea of automotive production in Japan. Nagoya Castle is great for a historical introduction to Nagoya. There are also one-off events in Nagoya like the Nagoya Sumo Tournament in July, the Nagoya Matsuri festival in October, and the World Cosplay Summit in July and August.

Nagoya has lots going on, so don’t forget to check the city’s schedule. And, in your downtime, make sure to try some miso katsu – miso katsu is a regional specialty.

Looking to visit the real side of Japan? Saitama is a primarily residential city, perfect for getting a quieter experience of Japan. One of the best ways to experience a country is by escaping its main tourist areas. If you prefer this style of travel, Saitama is the place for you. Many residents use Saitama as a commuter town, traveling to Tokyo for work during the week.

So, what’s there to see in Saitama? Hitsujiiyama Park is a gorgeous place to visit and is famed for its carpet-like growth of pink moss. For those who like tasting sessions, you can also take a sake tour around the city – sampling the traditional Japanese alcohol. Saitama is a beautiful place to visit, not too far away from the other major cities but far enough away to escape the constant buzz.

Another of the major cities in Japan is Fukuoka. Fukuoka is famous for its beautiful islands and sits on the coastline, surrounded by gorgeous beaches perfect for a summer getaway. The port city is located in Fukuoka Prefecture. The prefecture capital is popular among young professionals, students, and businesses.

The city’s main attractions are Fukuoka Castle, Kyushu National Museum, and Dazaifu Tenman-gu, a shrine to the god of education. Fukuoka is a definite metropolis. If you love an exciting city atmosphere full of action, bold cuisine, and entertainment, Fukuoka is perfect. It lacks the history of Kyoto and the popularity of Tokyo. Still, if you want a fun ‘second city’, you’ll have a fantastic time.

Nara is most famous for its deer population. If you’ve seen pictures of Nara online, chances are you’ve seen the idyllic temple scenes. The temples are surrounded by green space and Bambi-look-a-likes – cute, we know. Like Kyoto, Nara was also once a capital city. However, now, Nara is better known for its serene atmosphere and regal history.

The top things to do in Nara are to visit Nara Deer Park, Todai-Ji Temple, and Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine. You could easily spend a whole day temple-hopping though, and Nara is full of peaceful places for visitors to immerse themselves in Japan’s beautiful culture.

Nara is also easy to combine with visiting other cities in Japan. Traveling from Kyoto to Nara is just a short train ride, taking around 45 minutes one way.

9. Nagasaki

Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki was victim to an atomic bomb in 1945. The devastation was heartbreaking, and visitors can pay their respects today at attractions like the Peace Park. Nagasaki has many other aspects that make it an educational destination though. Nagasaki is one of the largest port cities in Japan and has a long history of trading with Europe.

The result is a fusion of European and Japanese culture and influence. You’ll find Christian sites like Oura Cathedral amongst the collection of stunning shrines and temples. To immerse yourself in the history of Japan’s international relations, you really can’t find a better place.

Then, when you’re ready, you can visit the Atomic Hypocenter Park and Peace Park to discover the darker side of Nagasaki’s history. The city has lots for you to learn.

10. Sapporo

Do you recognize the name Sapporo? The city of Sapporo just happens to be the namesake (and birthplace) of one of Japan’s most famous beer brands. Sapporo is the capital of the Hokkaido Prefecture and is easily one of the best cities in Japan. Situated on Japan’s Northern Island, Sapporo is well-combined with a visit to Tokyo.

Visitors can tour the Sapporo Beer Museum or ride up to the top of the Sapporo TV Tower. There’s a fantastic mixture of attractions in Sapporo. It has that city buzz, with lots of big-city-style entertainment and tourist infrastructure.

If you can, coincide your visit to Sapporo with the Snow Festival. The winter festival is one of the best in the world, and the winter wonderland spreads 1.5 km – full of ice sculptures, an ice skating rink, and sledding areas.

Kobe is one of Japan’s largest port cities, beginning to overflow with glitzy skyscrapers and modern living. This is not what got Kobe its place in this guide though; its food scene is what makes it stand apart from Japan’s other best cities. Kobe is world famous for its Kobe beef and renowned for its seafood. If you visit Kobe, be prepared to splash out on daily restaurant meals, as its cuisine is too tempting to pass by.

We suggest exploring Kitano Village to see Kobe’s old-school architecture. Of course, if you walk by a steakhouse, be sure to pop in and grab a table for a taste of Kobe beef. Steak Aoyama is a small, family-run steakhouse with an excellent reputation for delicious meals and pretty reasonable prices. Finish your day with a stroll around the harbor, with views of the modern skyline lighting up after dark.

Got a bit of extra time? Hike up Mount Rokko. Mount Rokko overshadows the city as a beautiful but fierce natural landmark. There are a range of route options so take a look at which best suits your fitness and technical abilities.

Nikko is one of the smallest cities in Japan. Situated in the Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is surrounded by the Japanese Alps. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the country – let alone just amongst Japan’s best cities.

You can explore Nikko itself or use the city as a gateway to Nikko National Park. You’ll find temples, monkeys, and natural scenery galore. Nikko is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. Visitors can easily balance hiking days and outdoor activities with sightseeing in the Nikko city center.

When it comes to things to do in Nikko , the Shinko Bridge is a must. The iconic red bridge is the postcard image of Nikko, and you should add it to even the shortest of itineraries. We also recommend spending at least a day temple hopping. Outside of Nikko, Kegon Falls is fantastic to visit. And, if you get a chance, take a scenic boat tour down the Kinugawa River.

Nikko is beautiful. To get off the beaten track and surround yourself with nature, look no further. Nikko has a serenity that the major cities in Japan just can’t provide. We stayed in a traditional Ryokan in Nikko, and you can read about our experience here .

Matsue is in the Shimane Prefecture on the southwest coast of Japan. The large city is called ‘the water city’, thanks to its location between the sea and Lake Shinji. Mastue is less popular than major cities like Tokyo, but those who stray off the beaten path will be richly rewarded. Matsue is full of feudal history, historical sites, and beautiful scenery.

The best things to do are to visit Matsue Castle, the Adachi Museum of Art, and one of the shrines. The Yaegaki and Miho shrines are both famous for their beauty. While, if you want to embrace the water activities of ‘the water city’, you can take a sunset cruise on Lake Shinji.

Matsue has a relaxing atmosphere and is an excellent summer destination. It is one of the best cities to unwind and learn on the same trip.

Beppu isn’t always included in lists of the best cities in Japan. Sure, Beppu isn’t one of Japan’s major cities. However, it is one of the country’s most exciting places to visit. Beppu is a geologist’s delight and the best destination for hot springs in Japan. If you want a spa getaway or just to experience the natural wonders in Japan, Beppu is worth visiting.

Since Beppu has over 2,000 hot spring sources, you’ll have lots of spa-related things to do in the city. You can choose heated mineral springs or bathe in nutrient-rich heated mud or sand baths. You could even steam your own food over the onsen steam.

Want something totally different? Take a cable car trip up the Beppu Ropeway or visit the Harmonyland theme park. Beppe is one of the best cities in Japan for a short getaway and is definitely worth a space on your itinerary.

Final Thoughts

There are so many amazing cities in Japan. The country is a treasure trove of fascinating urban scenes, and you’ll find a unique culture, traditions , and delicious food . Whether you want the neon lights of Tokyo or the blue waters of the sea by Fukuoka, you’ll quickly find a city to suit your needs and interests. Besides, all of these cities in Japan are worth visiting.

We hope that you have a wonderful visit to Japan . The country is sure to inspire a return visit, so prepare to fall in love.

Plan Your Next Trip to Japan With These Resources:

The Best Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
Best Day Trips from Tokyo
The 17 Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan
Traditional Japanese Food: 20 Dishes You Can Try in Japan or At Home
Mind-Blowing Facts about Japan
Things to do in Kamakura Japan – The Ultimate Seaside Escape
Complete Nikko Japan Travel Guide – 18 Things to do and Places to See

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO .

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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The 4 Best Cities to Visit in Japan According to Locals

Japan is incredible—full of amazing food, striking historical sights, and compelling culture. It's hard to go wrong when deciding where to go. Still, we asked our Japanese locals about the best cities to visit in Japan and why. Here's what they said!

Get the most out of your Japan experience by having a local plan your trip. They'll design a custom guidebook that'll introduce you to a side of Japan that most tourists miss. Learn more .

#1: Tokyo: A dynamic combo of past, present, and future

Exploring downtown Tokyo is never dull—the city's 23 wards (neighborhoods) offer something for everyone. Here's what our Japanese locals love about Tokyo:

Tokyo is a whirlwind of constant sights and sounds

In Tokyo, you'll never lack for excitement. Things to do in Tokyo range from eating at the kaleidoscopic Robot Restaurant to exploring the peaceful cobblestone streets around the Meiji Shrine. And no matter where you want to explore, you can rest easy—Tokyo is one of the world's safest cities .

Locals suggest checking out the crazy (and we mean crazy) colorful fashion trends in districts like Harajuku and Shibuya . These areas can overwhelm, so benefit from local advice . In Harajuku, locals recommend grabbing a beer at Harajuku Taproom: "one of the best craft beer taprooms in the city!"

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Three words: world-class ramen.

Locals tell us that eating ramen is a definite must-do in Tokyo . According to them, it's popular to eat at Japanese chain restaurants like Yoshinoya and Ichiran Ramen —in fact, people from all over the world visit Ichiran to slurp pork bone broth ( tonkotsu ).

Hungry for more ramen recs? You'll have a lot of choices, but you don't have to travel blind . Locals in Japan suggest adding Ramen Street—an underground collection of ramen shops, located on B1F of Tokyo Station—to your Japan itinerary.

Incredible nightlife for all types

No matter how you like to party, you can find your people in Tokyo. What's your travel style ? Locals tell us that options range from rockin' at a karaoke bar to sipping sake at a stand-up pub ( tachinomi ) to exploring streetside beer shacks.

After a wild night out, resting your weary head in a capsule hotel makes for a unique experience. They're a good option for budget travelers.

It's easy to enjoy Tokyo on a budget

It's definitely easy to see Tokyo on a budget—major airlines fly to Tokyo on the cheap! Locals tell us that other good ways of keeping under budget include using the Tokyo metro to get around (day passes are about $15 USD) and seeking out off-the-beaten-path stops in Tokyo . Looking for more budget tips to save money in Japan ? Locals can help out.

#2: Kyoto: Classically beautiful with urban energy

Japan's capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto retains its striking beauty while embracing more modern trends. Here's what locals love about Kyoto:

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Kyoto is cool—and offers easy access to other great destinations

Beautiful and classic, Kyoto is an awesome city to explore. You'll find tons of uniquely Japanese adventures in Kyoto, like listening to the swaying trees of the Sagano Bamboo Forest or tasting new foods at Nishiki Market.

Kyoto is a great city to get local advice . One of our locals recently recommended visiting the Kyoto Station Building. She explained: "There are hundreds of restaurants in Kyoto Station building complex, and this is where locals, as well as travelers, enjoy lunch and dinner." (She went on to explain the nine sections of the station and what food you can expect to find—a real gem for navigating a busy place like Kyoto Station!)

If you opt to stay in Kyoto the whole time, that's chill—but the city is an awesome place to launch a day trip in Japan . Locals tell us it's easy to catch the train from Kyoto to Osaka (the train takes between 12-40 minutes depending on which one you catch). Once there, locals say you'll find tons of museums, cool shrines, and even a castle .

Kyoto is Japan's dessert capital: so you'll find some sweet sweets

It's good that calories don't count on vacation, because as Japan's dessert capital, Kyoto offers a wealth of sugary delights. Remember Kyoto Station? Well, it's home to the Pancake Room —which is exactly what it sounds like, and a locally-beloved spot for dessert. Locals also suggest trying unique Japanese candies while in town, like yatsuhashi (cinnamon-sugar rice bars) and niki-niki (sweet bean paste flowers) that you can find freshly made in downtown Kyoto.

For sweet souvenirs that won't get crushed in your luggage, bring home some konpeito , star-shaped hard candies with crazy flavors like yogurt, chestnut, tomato, and plum.

The nightlife in classic Kyoto is chic

Kyoto may be best known for its beauty, but beneath its classic veneer lies a wry grin—Kyoto nightlife is incredible. For the inside scoop about Kyoto , see what locals say. One recently called the Pontocho district, "The most interesting place for nightlife in Kyoto", citing the combination of good bars, the area's intense history, and the gorgeous river views.

Throughout the city, you'll find great places for Japanese ales, spots for sophisticated cocktails, and, yes, a number of clubs where you can go wild with the locals. If you're looking for something more chill, simply strolling around Kyoto's ancient streets is a lovely way to spend the evening.

Consider staying in Kyoto's temple lodgings , known as shukubō. Many are located near cool places to visit in Kyoto, like the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

Kyoto's public transportation is fantastic

Kyoto transit Best Cities to Visit in Japan

A big reason why locals love Kyoto is its ease of access. Public transit is well-loved in the city—locals tell us the buses are kept clean and run on a strict schedule. An all-day Kyoto bus pass is only $10 USD. Using public transit in a new city can feel overwhelming, but you can easily navigate with confidence to all stops on your Kyoto itinerary . Locals can provide detailed transit instructions.

If you visit Kyoto in the fall or spring, another good option is renting a bike.

#3: Osaka: The food capital of Japan

As Japan's food capital (need we say more) Osaka is a fun and dynamic place to visit. The city's intense energy and awesome selection of eats mean you'll leave oh-so-satisfied. Here's what locals love about Osaka:

Osaka has tons of amazing restaurants

Obviously, the thing to do in Osaka is to eat . The city is a foodie's paradise ! Locals tell us that Osaka is known for three types of food: okonomiyaki (Japanese style pancakes), takoyaki (fried balls of octopus), and kushikatsu (deep-fried meat, fish, and vegetables on sticks).

As to the best place to grab dinner in Osaka? This is a great place to get some local suggestions . Locals say the neighborhoods of Dotonbori or Shinsaibashi should make any foodie's bucket list. The Kuromon Ichiba Market is also fun to check out.

Osaka is known for " fugu fish ", or poisonous blowfish. It's totally safe to eat—as long as it's correctly prepared by certified chefs. Keep in mind that some restaurants only serve fugu fish when it's in season (October-March).

Aside from food, Osaka is full of cool attractions

Osaka itself may be less visited than Kyoto or Tokyo, but the city is an awesome place to explore. You'll find tons to do! Don't know where to start ? The Osaka aquarium comes highly recommended by locals—it's one of the largest in the world. Locals suggest visiting early in the day so you can spend a lot of time there. The Osaka Museum of History is also highly recommended—it's a great way to learn about Osaka—and locals tell us it offers a beautiful view of the nearby Osaka Castle.

Osaka is also a great home base for day trips . From the city, it's easy to get to Kobe, Himeji, and the Takeda Castle ruins (also known as Japan's "Castle in the Sky" ).

Many of Osaka's sights are free to visit

Some of the coolest places to visit in Japan are in Osaka, and many are free to check out—which makes Osaka a great stop for budget travelers. For example, Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of Japan's oldest shrines. Free to visit, the shrine's iconic red bridge is hard to miss.

Hotel Ichiei (inexpensive and close to the subway) is a solid spot for budget travelers. Check out our article on choosing accommodations in Japan for more on how to decide where to stay.

Osaka's foodie scene is matched by its nightlife

Osaka has great options for nightlife. Whether you want to check out local breweries or a cool cocktail bar, you'll find something great in Osaka. Looking for local advice ? Bar Freedom comes highly recommended—especially if you're hoping to spend the night sipping Japanese whiskey.

But if you came to Osaka to eat and not drink, keep in mind that many restaurants offer all-you-can-eat options (within a two-hour time limit).

Many places in Osaka only accept cash.

#4: Yokohama: Japan's city of lights

Yokohama | Best Cities to Visit in Japan

Yokohama has thrived following the difficult days of the Great Kanto Earthquake and the city's devastation during WWII. Today, it's a beautiful port city full of great eats, exciting nightlife, and fun stuff to do. Here's what locals love about Yokohama:

The views in Yokohama are beautiful

Whether you want to ride Cosmo Clock 21, Yokohama's massive rainbow Ferris wheel, or scale the Yokohama Landmark Tower (home to Japan's fastest elevator!) you'll find plenty of opportunities in town to snag an incredible view.

And once you're back on the ground, benefit from some local insights . Locals suggest checking out the Yokohama Brick Warehouse for a different kind of sight—they say that the warehouse is "unlike any other shopping center you will see during your time in Japan."

Want to explore outside of Yokohama? Catch the bullet train ( shinkansen ) for an easy day trip.

Yokohama's noodle game is on point

Yokohama Ramen Best Cities To Visit In Japan

In Yokohama, locals suggest prioritizing eating ramen and noodles. (To get an idea of how serious Yokohama locals are about their cuisine, consider that the city has a Cup Noodles Museum and a Ramen Museum —although this one is more of a food court.)

Locals tell us that another good spot to grab noodles is Yokohama Station, where the tradition of wa (group harmony) encourages beauty in public places. (In other words, it's nothing like Penn Station). Restaurants at Yokohama Station serve up all sorts of noodles—udon, ramen, soba—and for $3 USD you can pick up a pretty excellent lunch.

Yokohoma is also home to Japan's largest Chinatown. One of our locals noted: "Here you will find lots of delicious street food such as dim sum (steamed buns) and roasted chestnuts—try some!"

Nightlife in Yokohama ranges from romantic to roaring

Is there anything more romantic than sunsets on the water? One of our local trip planners recently recommended walking along the waterfront as the sun sets in Yokohama (this diligent planner even included the exact time of the setting sun). Yokohama is also home to classically Japanese bars, which are small, inexpensive, and embrace the tachinomi tradition of drinking while standing up.

Yokohama is a great stop for budget travelers

When it comes to saving money, locals tell us that Yokohama makes it easy. Cost of living is cheaper in Yokohama than other cities, which means that travelers will save money just by living their best lives—transportation and meals are cheaper here than Tokyo, for example.

Check out the 100-yen (hyaku yen) stores , where you can get anything from notebooks to windchimes for under $1 USD. It's a great way to save $$$ on souvenirs.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Best cities to visit in Japan

Best cities to visit in Japan

The Japanese archipelago consists of more than 6,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean, forming one of the most populated countries in the world with a population of approximately 127 million people. The four largest islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, and are divided into eight regions .

Japan is a country rich with tradition, culture, and technology. Each city offers visitors its unique take on Japanese culture. In this section, you will find everything you need to know about the best cities to visit while in Japan. What to do, where to eat, shop, when to go and how to use your JR Pass to move around from city to city.

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. It is one of the most captivating cities in the world, from the majestic temples of traditional Japan to the bright neon lights of Shibuya.

Tokyo has something for everyone and it is definitely a place to visit once in a lifetime. Plan your trip to Tokyo to perfection by reading our guides.

Kyoto is also home to some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, with some of the most sublime and exquisite gardens, temples and masterpieces you will ever see.

Osaka city is also deemed a culinary paradise: its nickname Tenka no Daidokoro means the nation’s kitchen.

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16 May 2023 - 8 min read

10 Best Cities Worth To Visit In Japan According To Tourists [with map!]

No doubt, Japan is one among the best holiday destinations in Asia. For us, coming to Japan has been a beautiful dream for the past two years. Now that Japan arranges to reopen the border for independent tourists, it is time to hunt for the best city to visit in Japan and make your itinerary!

Well, it will be really hard to decide which one is the best city in Japan, the most beautiful one, the most refreshing one, and more. In fact, the cities in Japan have their own characteristics. The best nature city might go to Kyoto, but it doesn’t mean that other cities don’t have nature destinations.

Although it will be easy to spot the best modern city in Japan. It goes to Tokyo, and following it is Osaka.

Map of cities in Japan

Best and popular Cities to Visit in Japan

Here are some of the cities in Japan we recommend you visit on your next holiday!

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. When visiting Japan, more often than not, you will land in Tokyo first. The capital city of Japan is home to two international airports, Narita and Haneda. Set your foot outside the door and plenty of interesting attractions awaits.

Tokyo offers a beautiful blend of history and culture, both traditional and modern. It houses a number of historical sites, from Asakusa Kannon, the oldest temple in Japan, to the Imperial Palace, where the emperor resides. On the modern side of the spectrum, you’ll find the popular Disneysea theme park, Shinjuku entertainment center, and Ginza shopping district.

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Kyoto, considered by many as Japan’s most beautiful city, was the Japanese capital until the government was moved to Tokyo in 1868. Japan’s former capital, Kyoto, houses hundreds of Buddhist and Shinto shrines. Each shrine has an interesting history and, very important for young travelers nowadays, an Instagrammable look.

Located northwest of Kyoto, the Kinkaku-ji shrine was built above a reflective pool and has a gold-plated wall. You can also find Fushimi Inari Taisha, which has a row of red temple gates (Torii) you’ve most definitely seen on various websites and social media. Also, don’t miss the chance to visit Kiyomizudera Temple which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and was the country’s first capital. As the second-largest metropolitan city after Tokyo, Osaka is the economic powerhouse and It is considered a vital economic center in Japan.. Formerly known as Naniwa, Osaka houses one of the most important sites in Japan’s history, the Osaka Palace. The castle was built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the military leader who succeeded in uniting Japan.

Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan, a theme park from one of the major film studios in Hollywood. Another place that you should not miss while visiting Osaka is Shinsaibashi, which is an entertainment center and a great place to buy souvenirs for your loved ones at home.

4. Yokohama

Located south of Tokyo, Yokohama is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and the second-largest city in Japan by population. It houses an abundance of famous sightseeing sites like the seaside urban area Minato Mirai, the historic Red Brick Warehouse, and the Yokohama Chinatown.

Big fans of Japanese cuisine will get a kick out of their visit to Yokohama as the city has one of the most interesting museums around, the Ramen Museum. Aside from learning its history, you can eat, shop, and even try to make your own ramen there.

5. Hiroshima

You are probably familiar with Hiroshima because of its history. Hiroshima is said to be the first city that is attacked by an atomic bomb in the world. Right now, Hiroshima is one of people’s favorite destinations, making it one of the best cities in Japan to visit during the holiday.

When you visit Hiroshima, it wouldn’t be gloomy at all due to the history of it. Although, there are some places in Hiroshima that will remind people of the story of the bombing. The Atomic Bomb Dome or also known as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is one of them.

The more heartbreaking place related to the 1945 tragedy is the nearby Children’s Peace Monument. It will makes you think about the children that died because of the bombing.

But, don’t worry, Hiroshima also has plenty of cheerful places. Get to know the culture more by visiting Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy its beauty. Get amazed by the castles in Hiroshima, like Hiroshima Castle and Fukuyama Castle.

Also, strolling around to get some delicious food would be a great idea!

The next best city to visit in Japan is Nara. Nara is close to Osaka and Kyoto. For those of you that love cultural trips, Nara is a must-visit city for you. It will greet you with their collections of temples.

Nara has plenty of temples! There are Todaiji Temple, Horyuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, Toshodaiji Temple, and more. Of course each temple will have its own characteristic and story, so you can visit them one by one if you like.

Other than those temples, you can enjoy the outdoors hangout in Nara Park, where you can meet all the wild deers in it. A National Museum is available too in Nara, consisting of Buddhist arts. Well, Nara is one of the best cities in Japan that has a strong Buddhist background.

Who likes visiting Japan during winter? Well, if you are one of them, then Sapporo is your next best city in Japan. Sapporo has so many attractions related to winter themes, such as skiing and visiting winter festivals. But surely, Sapporo is not only nice during winter. You can visit this best city in Japan anytime you want and enjoy all the fun things to do there!

The next thing you should do is check out Sapporo Beer, if you are a fan of beer. Expand your knowledge about Sapporo Beer by visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum. Other than that, you can choose other things to visit. More museums available: Hokkaido Museum that will explain to you the history of Hokkaido or Hokkaido Museum of Art for all the art lovers.

You can take a walk and enjoy Sapporo while enjoying the street or the parks. Check the Clock Tower, stroll around at Moerenuma Park, or visit the 100th Anniversary Memorial Park.

Japan is strongly related to hot springs, or what they call “onsen” in Japanese. So, if you are looking for the best city in Japan with plenty of choices of hot springs or onsen, Beppu is your answer.

The location is very strategic for Beppu to own plenty of onsen. They even call the geothermal hot spots in Beppu as “eight hells of Beppu”. Pretty scary, but it is actually not. Beppu is what you are looking for when you need some relaxing time while soaking and enjoying the natural hot water.

It is very easy to find the hot springs in Beppu. Just search for Hells of Beppu, Umi Jigoku, and more. Other than being number one for onsen, you can hike on Mount Tsurumi, shop at Kitakoka Shotengai Shopping street, ride the Beppu Ropeway for the greatest view of Beppu, and the most unique one, visiting Beppu beach and try bathing in the sand!

The food in Beppu is spectacular too. Trying the Chicken Tempura and Chicken Karaage in Beppu is a must!

In the island of Honshu, you will find another best city to visit in Japan that is Kobe. If you crave for a place with a beautiful view of the mountains or the harbour, you can come visit Kobe while you are in Japan.

The most known and famous in Kobe is its memorial of the earthquake tragedy back in 1995. There is a Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park to commemorate the incident. It was a big earthquake, one of the biggest earthquakes that happened in Japan. Related to the incident, there is also a statue of the robot that helps rebuild the city. The robot is called The Tetsujin 28.

Anyway, there is still more of Kobe that you can enjoy. This best city to visit in Japan has a variety of destinations, starting from the Oji Zoo that you can visit with your kids, the Ikuta Shrine for a more cultural destination, Mount Rokko for those of you that love to hike, and a tour to the sake brewery.

10. Kanazawa

Last but not least, the best city to visit in Japan is Kanazawa. When you spend your holiday in Japan, don’t forget to take a day or two to stay in Kanazawa and enjoy all the things you get to see and try here.

You will be confused when you arrange your own Kanazawa itinerary because there are too many interesting places to visit! You can find almost everything in Kanazawa: modern museums, onsen, parks and gardens, temples, and plenty of food to try. Even the Kanazawa station itself is very aesthetic. You can take some mandatory pictures there.

During late March to April, Kanazawa is the best city in Japan to enjoy the cherry blossoms as well. But, if you are not going on the time where it blossoms, you don’t need to worry as there are more things to see and do.

The Hakusan National Park, for example, will refresh your sights and be your company when you want to hike. There are still more gems for your eyes: Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi, or the Kiso-Ontake Mountain Range.

Also, when you plan to go anytime soon, you can pick December as you can enjoy checking out the ski resorts in Nagano.

So, now you already have 10 best cities to visit in Japan for the holiday. We are sure that you already miss the moment where you can go to Japan and spend a good time there. Well, the good news is that Japan will reopen its border to international travel again on October 11th 2022!

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25 Most Beautiful Places in Japan

By Caitlin Morton

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

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Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

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Mt. Yoshino

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Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido

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Gion Geisha District, Kyoto

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Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashigaka

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Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto

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Meguro River, Tokyo

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Shirakawa-go Village

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Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Nachi Falls, Wakayama Prefecture

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Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

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Blue Pond, Hokkaido

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Himeji Castle

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Miyako-jima, Okinawa

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Imperial Palace Grounds, Tokyo

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Benesse Art Site, Naoshima

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Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

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Tama Art University Library, Tokyo

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Oyama Rice Terrace, Kamogawa

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Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu

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Bioluminescent Rocks, Okayama

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Daigo-ji Temple, Kyoto

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Tottori Sand Dunes

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Five Of The Best Cities And Places To Visit In Japan

Japan is a country unlike anywhere else in the world. Famed for its wackiness, technological advancements, delicious food, and snowcapped mountains like Mount Fuji.

After your first vacation in Japan, you’ll keep going back for more. There’s something about this Eastern Asian country that pulls even the most reserved travelers in. Envision Cherry Blossom Season in the beautiful city of Kyoto or stepping foot on Tokyo’s hectic Shibuya Crossing for the first time. That’s what holidays in Japan are all about.

Follow through this article as we unwrap one of the best places to visit on our wonderful planet, intriguing Japan.

When Is The Best Time To Travel To Japan?

Choosing when to visit Japan will depend on what you plan on doing when you get there.

If you want to be in Japan for the famous cherry blossom season, the last week in March to the first week in April is the best time to fly there.

The rainy season in Japan runs from early June until mid-July (the summer months) throughout almost the whole county, with the exception of warm places like Okinawa, as the rain begins to fall there in May. Expect hot, humid weather during this period, with temperatures hitting 30°C.

As we all know, Japan is a costly country to travel through, so cutting costs where possible is a must. After Christmas, from mid-January to March, tourism tends to slow down in the country, allowing travelers to find cheap airfares. Be warned; temperatures drop as low as -4°C, but it’s the perfect time if you’re interested in skiing.

Japan in Autumn is gorgeous. The temperatures are cool but mild, and the weather rarely affects anyone’s plans, which is a massive plus. There might be an odd shower here or there, but nothing too extreme.

Top Five Beautiful Places To Travel To In Japan

Tokyo – The Largest City In The World

The wonderful Japanese capital of Tokyo is the largest city in the world, with a population of over 37 million people. It’s easy to understand why this might frighten the most experienced travelers. But if you can put the hustle and bustle to one side, you’re in for a fantastic trip to one of the top places on everyone’s radar at the moment. Check out temples like Sensoji at Asakusa, drink sake with locals at Izakaya Alley, and rent a go-kart to drive through vibrant areas like Shibuya.

Tokyo – What To Do There

Watch a live sumo wrestling match – Sumo is a sport that’s a huge part of Japanese culture. It’s a form of full-contact wrestling that originated during the Nara Period and has had a special place in Japan ever since. Only six sumo tournaments take place in the country each year, three of which are held in Tokyo. On average, they last for 15 days, giving you plenty of time flexibility.

Immerse yourself in the crowds at Shibuya Crossing – To experience the real chaos of Tokyo, you need to walk the Shibuya Crossing — famed for its bright lights, flashing billboards, and bustling crowds. Grab yourself a coffee at the side of the street and watch the mayhem unfold.

Admire the Sensō-ji – Arguably, the most famous temple in Japan is Sensō-ji in Tokyo. It’s the oldest temple in the capital, built in the year 645, and still holds its ancient beauty. It’s known that over 30 million worshippers visit Sensō-ji every year, so expect big crowds when you’re there.

Food And Drink You Have To Try When You’re In Tokyo

Sushi – Wherever you go in Tokyo, you’ll find restaurants selling sushi for all budgets. Tokyo is the world capital of sushi, so getting a bad batch is pretty much impossible. The cost of sushi varies from place to place, but on average, a portion costs 1000 yen. Conveyor belt sushi establishments are massive in Tokyo. Pay a set fee and eat as much as you like. What more could you want?

Sake – Every person in Toky drinks sake. It’s a traditional Japanese drink made from fermented rice with a bland fruity taste to it. Tokyo is home to some excellent sake bars. Whether you want a comfortable hole-in-the-wall establishment for a drink or want to try your first sake somewhere fancy, there’s something for everyone.

Tips For Visiting Glorious Tokyo

While Tokyo might seem extremely advanced, cash is still widely accepted everywhere and is the preferred payment method.
Be prepared to wait for cafes and restaurants to open late in the morning. Many places won’t open until around 11 am unless it’s somewhere that brands itself as somewhere that sells breakfast.
Make sure you fly into Haneda Airport rather than Narita Airport. Haneda is situated in the city center, whereas Narita is in the suburbs.
Experience the vibrant culture of Tokyo – fly from Seoul today!
Fly high with our Bangkok to Tokyo flights – book now!
Discover the wonders of Tokyo from Manila – book your flights now.
Take off to Tokyo from Madrid – book your tickets today.
Elevate your travel game: flights from Barcelona to Tokyo.

Kyoto – Japan’s Cultural Center

After experiencing the busyness of Tokyo, it’s time to unwind in one of the country’s iconic places, Kyoto. The cultural center is known for its charm, aesthetically pleasing temples, and spacious parks with tranquil lakes. The Japanese say if you want to experience the true side of Japan, you must go to Kyoto.

Attractions You Need To See In Kyoto

Wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – If you have done your research on Kyoto, you probably have stumbled across a photograph of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walk the peaceful 500-meter path lined with lush green bamboo stalks while listening to the sound of the wind blow and birds chirping away in the background.

Fall in love with the Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa – The Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa is a fabulous display of classic architecture, traditional gardens with pleasant ponds provided with water from the Katsura River, and picturesque tea houses. Free tours are available daily, but you must reserve your place in advance.

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine with your own eyes – After making an appearance in the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha,” the Fushimi Inari Shrine became exceptionally popular among tourists. The Shinto shrine stands out because of its striking vermilion torii gates suspended above several trails. After walking the trails, check out the nearby, equally beautiful shrine buildings.

Must Try Food And Drink In Kyoto

Yatsuhash – When diving into Kyoto’s street food scene, you can’t leave without trying out Yatsuhash. It’s a type of Japanese candy made with sugar, rice flour, and cinnamon and has a crispy texture. These famous sweets can be bought all over Kyoto at side street stalls, corner shops, and some restaurants.

Wasabi vodka – It may not be for everyone, but wasabi vodka is sold in some bars across Kyoto. Just imagine a fresh batch of vodka with the fire of wasabi, all in one glass. That will surely blow the mouth off you.

Tips For Visiting Kyoto

When in Kyoto, you’ll notice yourself taking off your shoes a handful of times throughout the day. It’s expected in a lot of places, so wear shoes that are easily put on and off.
Don’t try to tip in Kyoto or anywhere else in Japan. It’s seen as disrespectful, and more than likely will be handed back to you.

Osaka – A Vacation Idea For All Solo Travelers, Couples, And Families

The port city of Osaka sits on the bay of the Japanese island of Honshu and is best known for its vibrant shopping district, modern skyscrapers, and wild nightlife scene. Learn about the city’s interesting history at Osaka Castle. Get your hands on some peculiar souvenirs at Kuromon Ichiba Market. Don’t leave without dancing the night away to some Japanese techno music in one of the many top clubs in Minami.

Cool Places To Go And See In Osaka

Get your adrenaline fix at Universal Studios – Brave some thrilling rides and attractions at the most visited theme park in Japan, Universal Studios. Make your way through different zones, some named after popular destinations around the world like New York and others themed from movies like Minion Park. With over 60 amusements, you could spend days there and never get bored.

See the real side of Osaka at Shinsekai – The unique downtown district of Shinsekai is where you can see authentic Osaka. Walk past retro shops and discover the neighborhood that fell behind after the war while the Tsutenkaku Tower scrapes the sky in the distance.

Get tickets to see a baseball game – The professional baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers, have their home stadium 15 kilometers outside of central Osaka. Japan’s baseball league runs from March to September, and some games are held there, so you know where to go if you’d like to see a home run.

Food And Drinks Worth Checking Out In Osaka

Takoyaki – When you’re feeling peckish in Osaka, there’s only one answer, takoyaki. It’s a classic ball-shaped snack similar to dumplings, made with batter, eggs, spring onions, octopus, ginger, and tempura crumbs. Grab yourself a sauce of choice and get dipping.

Genmaicha – If you’re traveling to Osaka during the winter, you’ll need to stop for a pit stop every once in a while to warm up, and what better way to do so than with a cup of traditional Japanese tea known as genmaicha? It’s made with green tea leaves and brown rice. Find yourself a cozy corner in a teahouse and order some to try.

What You Need To Know Before Visiting Osaka

Osaka is an incredible city for shopping, from upper-scale malls to high-end designer arcades. Tourists who visit Japan are able to shop duty-free, so make sure you take advantage of it.
The road name system in Osaka is tricky. If the road goes north or south, it’s called “suji,” and if it’s east or west, it’s called “tori.”
Seoul to Osaka – book your Japanese adventure now.
Bangkok to Osaka flights – explore the city of food and fun.
Discover Osaka’s unique culture by flying from Manila today.
Taipei to Osaka – your gateway to Japan’s stunning temples and gardens.
Hong Kong to Osaka – experience the best of Japanese hospitality.

Okinawa – The Secret Tropical Getaway For Honeymoons

Okinawa is a stunning Japanese island situated in the East China Sea, offering visitors remarkable white sandy beaches, dramatic seaside cliffs, and fascinating history. If you want to fly to Okinawa, the island is well connected to Tokyo’s international airport and Seoul and Taipei.

Activities You Have To Do When In Okinawa

Learn something new at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum – Check out a center that prides itself on showcasing Asia-Pacific arts and cultural projects. Discover all the gallery has to offer through historical displays, fossil exhibitions, and folk custom presentations. The museum is best enjoyed with an audioguide which can be purchased beforehand.

Enjoy the nicest weather at Mibaru Beach – On the southeastern side of Okinawa hides the picturesque Mibaru Beach, the place to be for sun lovers and bathers. Quiet and secluded with soft sand that melts on your feet, paradise is the only word to some up Mibaru Beach. Some tour companies offer snorkeling experiences around the island, where you can deep dive to see some coral reefs.

Check out Shuri Castle – Back when Okinawa was its own independent country that went by the name of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Shuri Castle was used as the royal palace. You’ll find it in the capital of Okinawa’s prefecture, Naha City. Sadly in 2019, a horrifying fire burnt down nine of the castle’s buildings, but the Okinawa government has said they will be rebuilt by 2026.

What To Eat And Drink In Okinawa

Awamori – People from Okinawa take great pride in Awamori. It’s the oldest distilled alcoholic beverage in the whole of Japan, and it originated in Okinawa. It’s a liqueur made with long-grain indica rice imported all the way from Thailand. Awamori should always be drunk with ice and a drop of water. It will be served with that if you order it in a bar.

Beni Imo – Are you a fan of sweet potatoes? Beni Imo is a purple sweet potato that comes from Okinawa. They’re seen as extremely healthy, containing plenty of rich minerals and vitamins, and are often used in sweets and ice cream.

Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting Okinawa

Okinawa is one of the warmest places in Japan, with humidity levels averaging 60 to 80 percent for most of the year. Try to book accommodation with air conditioning and stay hydrated at all times.
Traveling to Okinawa is much cheaper than in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, so you won’t have to watch your spending as much.

Hiroshima – Learn About Japan’s Past

When people hear Hiroshima, they immediately think back to the atomic bomb that was dropped there during World War 2, but this Japanese city has since recovered and has a bright future ahead. It’s now a place of peace and incredible tourist attractions that attracts over 11 million tourists every year.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Hiroshima?

Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial – Also referred to as Atomic Bomb Dome, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the only building left in the city that was there before the first bomb was dropped. It’s a stark reminder of the damage that nuclear weapons can cause to society.

Take a day trip to the town of Onomichi – The pretty port town of Onomichi is situated in eastern Hiroshima. Much of Onomichi’s main attractions and sights are placed along mountain slopes, which adds to its beauty. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, though, as there will be a lot of uphill walking involved.

Brave the Miyajima Ropeway – Catch some jaw-dropping views of Hiroshima on the Miyajima Ropeway, the region’s aerial liftline that takes visitors up to Mount Misen. Once you get off, you can enjoy testing hiking trails, mesmerizing temples, and more.

Tasty Local Dishes And Drinks To Try In Hiroshima

Okonomiyaki – This pan-fried plate is a savory pancake-like dish containing cabbage, batter, and a selection of toppings, including meat, seafood, and sauces. Japanese people will tell you it’s best to go to a restaurant specializing in making the dish to get the most authentic version.

Lemon Sour – Hiroshima has a strong relationship with citrus and grows more lemons than anywhere else in Japan. All over the city, you’ll find bartenders acting creatively, offering an array of citrus-based drinks, including the lemon sour. It’s made with shochu, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and soda water and is a ubiquitous drink all over Japan.

Useful Tips For Visiting Hiroshima

The Hiroshima Omotenashi Pass gives you access to multiple discounts at tourist attractions and restaurants throughout the city. It’s worth investing in if you’ll be there for a few days.
First-time visitors to Hiroshima should stay in the Motomachi district. It’s central and connected to everything you need, such as convenience stores, coffee shops, malls, and restaurants.
Discover the charms of Hiroshima from Manila – book your flights with us today!
Take off to Hiroshima from Taipei – experience Japan’s history and culture.
Fly from Los Angeles to Hiroshima – explore the city’s landmarks and attractions.
Discover the best of Hiroshima from Singapore – book your flights now.
Escape to Hiroshima from West Palm Beach – let us take you there.

Want more interesting tips and information on traveling? Read more Kiwi.com articles!

Introduction

Paris on a Budget: 10 Ways to Save Money When You Visit

Frequently asked questions

The best months to travel to Japan are March, April, or May. Temperatures aren't too high or low, and the weather barely impacts your plans. Pack a light jacket in your suitcase, and you'll be fine.

Kiwi is your go-to website for finding the cheapest flights to Japan. The process is easy, you tell us where in the country you would like to fly, and we'll use some of our special travel hacks to find you low-cost fares.

You're only a couple of clicks away from making your dream trip to Japan a reality. Start your adventure over at our Japan destination page, decide where and when you want to fly and find the right deal for you.

Japan is seen as one of the safest places in the world. The crime rate is incredibly low. You'll often hear stories of travelers who have left their belongings behind by accident in public, and when they returned to retrieve them, they were still sitting there.

Most people immediately think of sushi when the topic of food in Japan comes up. Yes, sushi is great, but what about all of the other amazing Japanese food? From katsu curry to ramen to tempura, the options are endless.

Japan is quite small geographically, but there's still plenty to do there. Unfortunately, it's not the cheapest destination, so people tend to rush their vacation. Ten days is an ideal amount of time in Japan. That way, you can see a few spots and not spend too much money.

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Blacklane Blog

9 Best Places to Visit in Japan for Every Taste

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Discover the best places to visit in Japan, offering a blend of traditional culture, epic nature, and vibrant city energy.

A person stands amidst blooming cherry blossom trees, holding a smartphone to capture the serene beauty of spring in Japan.

For travelers who value a balance between authentic traditions and the hyper-modern, few destinations can offer more than Japan.

Whether it’s cultural experiences, nature, food, technology or urban adrenaline, The Land of the Rising Sun boasts enough amazing travel features to make a ‘best of’ list near impossible. Nonetheless, we’ve done our best. Read on for our selection of the best places to visit in Japan, curated to offer a unique adventure that combines the best of all vibes.

Kyoto, timeless beauty, tokyo, energetic megacity, kakunodate, samurai town, ise, sacred shrine, yakushima, fairytale island, jozankei, snowy springs, okinawa, sandy paradise, osaka, futuristic and full of choice, kobe, foodie hotspot, explore japan in style, when is the best time to visit japan, how long should i visit japan, what is the best time of year to visit japan for cherry blossoms, when is the best time to go skiing in japan, best places to visit in japan for first timers.

Once Japan’s capital city, Kyoto remains its epicenter for traditional culture. No visit to Japan in search of heritage would be complete without seeing it for yourself.

A serene bamboo forest with a stone staircase winding through it. The tall, green bamboo stalks create a natural canopy, and the ambient glow illuminates the path. At the top of the stairs, there’s a small wooden shrine. The overall scene evokes tranquility and natural beauty.

Perhaps most immediately striking is Kyoto’s time-capsule architecture. With a wealth of ancient temples and wooden features, the city is a carefully preserved gem that’s an absolute joy to wander through.

Presided over by the beautiful seventh century Yasaka Pagoda , the atmosphere here couldn’t be more different to the likes of Tokyo and Osaka. From the wide tree-lined avenues to the ryokan (traditional inns), sushi restaurants and craft shops nestled in the backstreets, Kyoto is a place you can happily get lost in – and are sure to find a wealth of authentic experiences as you do.

Kyoto is a treasure trove for shoppers. From the historic Nishiki Market to the modern Aeon Mall , there’s something for everyone.
When visiting a temple, try to find the hidden ‘Neko Jizo’ statues. These cat-like figures are believed to bring good fortune, and finding one is considered a special treat among locals.

What urban visit to Japan would be complete without exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo ?

The world’s most populous city is home to a mind-boggling 37.4 million people, and a dazzling array of sites, activities, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, shopping and culture. This truly is a metropolis that never sleeps, and no single trip could even scratch the surface of what it has to offer.

A person stands in a narrow Japanese alleyway, surrounded by buildings adorned with various signs. The individual holds a camera, their face obscured by a beige rectangle. The alley bustles with visual stimuli, including numerous signs displaying Japanese characters. The eclectic mix of traditional and modern elements is visible in the architecture and signage.

Travelers craving a taste of the modern Tokyo hustle must, of course, experience the notorious Shibuya scramble. Making your way across the world’s busiest road crossing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other pedestrians is a rite of passage, and a bracing introduction to the chaotic energy of this district.

Nearby you’ll also find the famous Harajuku fashion quarter. This super-trendy parade of boutiques and emporiums is a catwalk for many of Tokyo’s youth subcultures and their ambassadors. Gothic lolita, kawaii, punk, gyaru (gal, a hyper-feminine style), cosplay of all stripes… the tribes and their aesthetics are endlessly evolving, and this is a great place to catch a glimpse.

After all that fashion and movement, you might need some refreshment to recover – thankfully the Shinjuku district is just a short hop away. This part of town is positively bubbling with bars and eateries along its narrow, neon-soaked backstreets, famously the inspiration for the street set design in iconic sci-fi Blade Runner. An ideal patch for some late-night exploration.

Head east and you’ll find yourself in the heartlands of the Japanese otaku subcultures. Akihabara Electric Town is the vibrant stomping ground of all manner of geeks, nerds and enthusiasts of anime and technology. Immerse yourself in a heady mashup of tech and pop culture, from maid and robot cafes to video game arcades and comic emporiums. Get your geek on!

For an entirely different perspective, head up to the Shibuya Sky observation platform, where you can take in the mind-blowing reality of what a city of this magnitude looks like at scale.
For a serene contrast to Tokyo’s bustling energy, participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony . It’s a cultural experience that offers a peaceful respite and a deeper understanding of Japanese hospitality and aesthetics.

Best Places to Visit in Japan for Traditional Culture

If the hype is anything to go by, samurai TV epic Shogun will be one of 2024’s must-watch shows – and is sure to spark a renewed interest in the iconic figure of the samurai.

A serene autumn scene featuring a traditional wooden gate and fence in front of a house.

Situated in the northern prefecture of Akita, Kakunodate is one of Japan’s most well-preserved sites for samurai history. Two impressive areas of the town – the samurai and merchant quarters – will transport you back to Edo-period Japan circa 1620, with no less than six heritage houses open to visitors in perfect condition. This includes the Aoyagi House , also known as the Samurai Manor Museum, which boasts a remarkable array of feudal artifacts.

For history buffs, it’s hard to resist; soaking up the atmosphere in Kakunadote’s storied streets is worth the trip alone.

What’s more, if you visit in late April or early May, you’ll witness another archetypal feature of Japanese culture: Cherry blossom season . Thousands of weeping cherry trees line the samurai district, making it one of the finest hanami (cherry blossom viewing) sites Japan has to offer. The trees also reach along the peaceful waters of the Hinokinai River nearby, creating a magical picnic spot beloved of locals and travelers alike.

While exploring the samurai district, look for the secret gardens hidden behind the walls of the heritage houses. These serene spots are often overlooked but offer a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the private lives of the samurai.
Don’t leave Kakunodate without trying ‘kiritanpo-nabe,’ a local hot pot dish with pounded rice sticks. It’s a culinary experience that samurai might have enjoyed after a long day of training.
For a unique souvenir, seek out the cherry-bark crafts , a specialty of Kakunodate since the Edo Period.

Close to the coastal city of Ise in the central Mie prefecture, you’ll find a truly spiritual destination tucked away among thick greenery. The Inner Shrine , formally known as Kotai Jingū, is renowned as Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine . For travelers with an interest in the practice and expression of Shinto, this vital place of worship can’t be missed.

Dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Inner Shrine is over 2,000 years old, predating the arrival of Buddhism in Japan. This is accounted for in its uniquely native architectural style, which shows practically zero influence from other Asian countries.

Starting at the 100-meter long wooden Uji Bridge, you’ll make your way through two majestic torii gates and across the sacred Isuzugawa River.

Reaching the grand wooden facade of the main sanctuary, you’ll then arrive at the heart of this sacred site. The main hall, which houses the Sun Goddess, is submerged in partial darkness. Photography is not permitted here; rather, a pilgrimage or visit to the shrine should be one rooted in tranquil contemplation. Soak up the atmosphere around you and take notice of the space’s architectural features, such as chigi (forked roof finishings) and katsuogi (decorative wooden beams).

Fancy a spiritual souvenir? The nearby Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho shopping districts offer a myriad of traditional goods. Look out for the ‘Goshuincho’ – a book for collecting stamps and calligraphy from each shrine you visit. It’s the ultimate keepsake for any spiritual journey.

Best Places to Visit in Japan for Nature

Head to Japan’s southern tip and you can visit an emerald-green island paradise that feels like another world.

Yakushima island is one of the most captivating jewels in the country’s natural crown. Its abundance of beauty is carefully conserved, allowing biodiversity to flourish within the island’s array of interconnected landscapes. Perhaps the most striking of these is the forest, where cedars over 1,000 years old can be encountered. Dense green moss carpets the rocks and trees all around.

A serene forest scene featuring a large moss-covered tree trunk surrounded by lush green foliage and fallen leaves.

Out of the forests, the hiking trails will also lead you past glorious waterfalls, rocky outcrops, seashores and up to the heights of Miyanoura Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. For forest bathing , or freeform exploration, Yakushima is a remarkable find. Its fairytale quality even inspired Japan’s own modern storytelling, including the brilliant Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke .

Venture to the Oko-no-taki waterfall and make a wish. Local legend has it that the water spirits will carry your desires to the heavens.
For those who seek treasures, the island’s local markets offer unique crafts made from cedar bark. It’s a piece of Yakushima you can take home with you.

Best Places to Visit in Japan during Winter

Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido, is, for many, synonymous with snow – those iconic images of beautiful icy climes and steaming hot pools, perhaps complete with cheeky bathing monkeys, are hard to resist.

A snowy landscape with buildings nestled between snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky.

Located just an hour from the island’s capital Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is an onsen (hot spring) town tucked away in a mountainous region that offers particularly gorgeous vistas in autumn and winter. Just imagine taking a rejuvenating steamy bath outside while gazing out at the snowy peaks and valleys of the landscape around you. In Jozankei you can combine a traditional Japanese practice – that of hot bathing – with the rugged beauty of its northern nature.

Away from the bathing, there are also plenty of spectacular spots to explore. Jozankei is home to a petite Buddhist temple called the Iwato Kannondo , which throws expectations by linking up with a cave that plunges 120 meters into the earth.

If you’re visiting in summer, make sure you don’t miss the Jozankei Nature Luminarie event too. This illumination festival casts captivating colored lights over the forest and rivers, transforming the town into a kaleidoscopic merry-go-round of vibrant lumination.
Don’t miss out on trying the local specialty, ‘onsen tamago’ (hot spring eggs), which are eggs slow-cooked in the naturally hot waters of the onsen.
For the full experience, consider staying overnight in a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, where you can enjoy the onsen baths at your leisure and indulge in a multi-course kaiseki meal.

From the freezing cold slopes to a steamy subtropical enclave way down south; Okinawa’s reputation as a beautiful natural paradise precedes it, and a visit to this unique fragment of Japan is surely a must for beach lovers who appreciate biodiversity as much as white sands.

A breathtaking coastal landscape: turquoise sea, white sandy beach, and lush green mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

The Yanbaru National Park on the island’s northern side is truly remarkable when it comes to natural wonders. Around 1,250 plant and tree species call this patch their home, alongside a spectrum of unique animals such as the long-armed scarab beetle and Okinawa Rail bird. With forest covering nearly 80% of the area, it’s undeniably rich and inspiring.

Away from the forests, you’ll have to get wet to find another of Okinawa’s marvels. The Kerama Islands , among the most beautiful places in Japan, are bursting with marine diversity and an exceptional array of coral reefs. The incredible importance of coral to planetary stability is still being understood, but we know Okinawa boasts about 200 types of this miraculous creature. In turn, the coral sustains rich underwater ecosystems. Sustainable scuba and snorkeling are particularly popular off the shores.

Last but not least, don’t forget to relax. No trip to Okinawa would be complete without digging your toes into the pristine white sands and swimming in its trademark crystal blue waters.

Top tips:

Try wearing a traditional Ryukyu costume for a unique cultural experience and a great photo opportunity.
Don’t leave without trying Okinawa’s famous ‘goya champuru’ (bitter melon stir-fry) and ‘taco rice’, a local take on the Mexican taco filling served on rice.

Best Places to Visit in Japan for City Life

For a city of over 19 million, it can be strangely easy for visitors to overlook Osaka as Tokyo’s little sister. However, alongside its status as a longstanding hub of commerce and industry, Osaka offers a huge amount to explore that is distinctly its own.

A canal runs through the center of the image, reflecting the lights from surrounding buildings. A yellow boat labeled “DOTON” navigates the canal, carrying passengers. Pedestrians walk along both sides of the canal, and the buildings lining the waterway are adorned with colorful, illuminated billboards.

Let’s start by assuming you’re hungry. Dotonbori offers not only one of Osaka’s most famous vistas, with its hypnotic patchwork of neon billboards, but is also one of the city’s food hubs. Whether you’re craving sushi, ramen, takoyaki, udon or something else entirely, you’ll find no shortage of options among this buzzing commercial hotspot.

If you’re looking for a somewhat less polished cultural adventure, check out the Amerikamura district. Like Harajuku in Tokyo, this quarter is Osaka’s subculture hub – but with a scuzzier, more alternative edge. From grimy dive bars to cool coffee shops and record stores, this is the place for lovers of the underground, hip and definitely non-mainstream.

From the anarchic to the futuristic, head to Umeda for a dazzling slice of Osaka’s cutting-edge city energy. Underground, you’ll find an incredible selection of restaurants and bars; overhead you’ll be wowed by hyper modern skyscrapers like the slick Umeda Sky Building . As a transport and business center, Umeda has its finger on the pulse of Osaka’s unfolding future, making it ideal for those who appreciate quality, speed and choice.

Don’t miss the iconic Osaka Castle , surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach, and cherry-blossom trees.
For a panoramic view of the city, visit the Floating Garden Observatory at the Umeda Sky Building.

City travel doesn’t have to be relentlessly high energy – and visiting the smaller city of Kobe might be just the food-focused antidote your trip needs.

Easily accessible from both Kyoto and Osaka, Kobe is a less obvious – but just as interesting – choice for a Japanese city experience. With a downtown area also in close proximity to the mountains and sea, it’s easy to enjoy the best of all worlds here while winding down a little from the megacities.

Kobe is, of course, synonymous with beef, and foodies will find no better example of this super tender dish than here. The best Kobe beef restaurants place emphasis on their sourcing, freshness and high quality while offering myriad styles and variations for you to try.

Kobe’s Nada ward celebrates another Japanese classic – sake. This is one of Japan’s most prestigious and prolific sake production centers, with a long history and pedigree. Taking advantage of the area’s exceptional climactic and environmental conditions, a number of world-class sake breweries can be found here, with tours offering the chance to better understand and enjoy this tasty beverage.

Away from the table, Kobe also offers a variety of architectural styles, interesting history, amazing mountainside views of the city, heritage onsen bathing and plenty of gorgeous hiking trails, all close to the center.
Take a stroll in Nunobiki Herb Garden and enjoy the scenic beauty and fragrant herbs in this expansive garden, accessible via the Shin-Kobe Ropeway .

The list of best places to visit in Japan is extensive and diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes for every traveler. However, exploring a new city can pose challenges, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Taxis in Japan can be costly, making city navigation an expensive endeavor. That’s why we recommend booking a Blacklane ride in Japan for convenient transportation within town or to and from the airport. Your Blacklane chauffeur can assist not only with language barriers but also with navigating cultural and infrastructural differences upon arrival.

FAQs About Best Places to Visit in Japan

The best time to visit Japan is typically during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, with pleasant temperatures and lower humidity levels. Additionally, visiting during these times often means fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more enjoyable and relaxed travel experience.

The duration of your visit to Japan depends on your preferences and itinerary. Many travelers opt for 1-2 weeks to explore the highlights.

The best time of year to see cherry blossoms in Japan is usually late March to early April , varying slightly depending on the region.

The best time for skiing in Japan is typically from December to February, with peak conditions in January.

Nick Hagan is a freelance writer based in Oxford and Reading, UK. He runs Curio Books and Culture in Oxford, and enjoys writing about culture, travel, film, psychology and just about everything in-between.

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10 Japanese Cities To Visit That Aren't Tokyo But Are Just As Scenic

There are plenty of alternative scenic cities to visit in Japan besides Tokyo, each housing its own unique castles, temples, and urban sprawls.

Otaru, Hokkaido: A charming harbor city with canals, brick buildings, sake distilleries, and stunning Mount Tenguyama.
Yokohama, Kanagawa: Japan's second-most populated city with fancy department stores, a bustling Chinatown, and beautiful parks.
Nagasaki, Kyushu: A renowned international hub with stunning night views, attractions like the Atomic Bomb Museum, and historic sites.

Tokyo may have once been a modest fishing village, but now it’s Japan’s capital and largest metropolis, boasting about nine million inhabitants, an exciting nightlife, elaborate vending machines, Michelin-starred restaurants, metro stations with anti-suicide lights, innovative cafés that use robots to serve orders, and even a taller copy of the Eiffel Tower.

Still, Japan has so much more to offer, from traditional villages stuck in time, like Shirakawa-Go , to peaceful temple complexes and beautiful islands in Japan with snow-capped mountains and sandy beaches. There are also many bustling cities to explore that may not be as large or inclusive as Tokyo but are just as scenic; here is a curated selection of the best Japanese cities to visit other than Tokyo for scenery and other amazing attractions and experiences.

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10 otaru, hokkaido: one of the most scenic cities in japan's north, a small harbor city with dreamy canals in the center of hokkaido.

The Hokkaido region in northern Japan is famed for its seafood, dairy farming, and stunning national parks.

Out of all the cities in Hokkaido to visit, Otaru, with its well-preserved canal district , brick buildings, sake distilleries, and languid river is among the favorites; it makes for a relaxing and charming stop in the vicinity of the more touristic Sapporo.

Most Scenic Spots: Otaru Canal (10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station); Old Aoyama Villa ($10/adult); Mount Tenguyama (by cable car southwest of the main station)
Top Attractions: Herring Mansion ($3/adult; closed mid-November to early April); Historical Sakaimachi and Nichigin-dori streets for shopping and dining; Music Box Museum (free)
Best Time To Visit: June and September for pleasant weather; Otaru Snow Light Festival in February (free)
Getting There By Train: JR Hakodate line to Otaru Station from Sapporo Station (from $6.5/way)

Buying a JR Pass is recommended for extensive train travel across Japan.

9 Yokohama, Kanagawa: The Second Most Populated City & One Of The Great Alternatives To Tokyo

Home to japan’s largest chinatown and a popular christmas market during the holiday season.

Yokohama is Japan’s second most populated city , with 3.7 million inhabitants.

Its famous port is an international trading hub, but the area also offers a lot of tourist attractions, such as fancy department stores, a bustling Chinese town, and international gardens, parks, and districts that can easily rival Tokyo.

Most Scenic Spots: Yamashita Park in Kannai (free), Motomachi residential area, Yokohama Sankeien Garden (from $6/adult)
Most Touristic Area: Minato Mirai 21 (Landmark Tower and Red Brick Warehouse for shopping and dining); Chinatown
Best Time To Visit: September to November and March to May for less humidity

8 Nagasaki, Kyushu Island: Some Of The Best Night Views In The World

The iconic japanese city hosts the world’s longest relay race in november and was certified for its night views.

Nagasaki is the largest city of the Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, spanning an area of 156.70 square miles.

Despite its tragic history in World War II, it has become a renowned international hub and was certified in 2012 as one of the World’s Top Night Views, along with Hong Kong and Monaco.

Most Scenic Spots: Mount Inasa and Nagasaki Ropeway ($8/roundtrip); Dejima Wharf bayside for dining and night views
Top Attractions: Atomic Bomb Museum ($1.3/adult; 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.); Oura Cathedral; Peace Park; Sanno Shrine; Sofukuji Temple
Best Time to Visit: Nagasaki Lantern Festival (first 15 days of the Chinese New Year); Nomozaki Daffodil Festival in Suisen-no-Sato Park (early January); cherry blossom season (early spring)

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7 kyoto, honshu island: one of the most historic cities in japan & the ancient capital, the city of imperial palaces, buddhist temples, and shinto shrines.

Kyoto, the former capital , beautifully embodies the values of tradition and culture. It is highly recommended to explore the rural side of Kyoto on the scenic, 25-minute Sagano Romantic Train ride .

It regularly departs from Saga Torokko Station and treats guests with panoramic views of the Hozugawa River.

Most Scenic Spots and Activities: Sagano Romantic Train ($6/one way); Ginkaku-Ji Zen temple ($3.56); Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (free; open 24 hours); Fushimi Inari Shrine hike (free; 24 hours)
Top Attractions: Nijo Imperial Castle and gardens ($9.27/adult; $16.5 for English guided tour ); Kyoto Imperial Palace (free); Yasaka Pagoda near Gio District (free)
Best Activities: Kabuki performance at Minamiza Theater (from $13); Fufu No Yu Onsen public bath (from $7.13/adult); Nishiki Market for shopping (stalls open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Best Time to Visit: March, April, and October

Kyoto Imperial Palace visitors will be asked to provide a form of identification, and those who are under 18 need to be accompanied by adults. Also, tattoos should be covered in a public bath.

6 Naha, Okinawa: A Southern Tropical Island A World Away From Tokyo

The vibrant capital city of japan's premier tropical island.

There are so many things to do on the tropical island of Okinawa , from chilling on its white-sand beaches to exploring its lush jungles.

Naha, its capital city , is located in the south and offers numerous picturesque and fun attractions, from Shurijo Castle Park and Naminoue Beach to ferry rides, island hopping, and shrine tours.

Top Scenic Activity: Ferry or high-speed boat to Kerama Islands (departure from Naha’s Tomari Wharf; from $11)
Top Attraction: Shurijo Castle Park (from $2/adult)
Best Activities: Kokusai Street for shopping and dining; Naminoue Public Beach and Shinto Shrine (Buses 2, 5, 15, 45)
Best Time to Visit: March and April and October to December

5 Takayama, Gifu: A Historic Alpine City With Famous Festivals

Home to the biannual takayama festival.

Europe boasts many breathtaking alpine landscapes to explore , but Takayama is Japan’s indisputable base for alpine adventure and was selected as one of the top ten travel destinations in Asia by Lonely Planet Magazine in 2017.

Takayama is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Japan to visit and is perfect for outdoor adventurists, thanks to its alpine and historic appeal. Travelers shouldn't miss out on the Takayama Street Festival, either.

Most Scenic Activities: Mount Norikura for hiking; Shinhotaka Ropeway (from $12 one way)
Best Activities: Sanmachi District for historic buildings, sake breweries, and craft shops; morning artisanal and produce market on Miyagawa River; Hida Folk Village (Edo open-air museum; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $4.6/adult)
Best Time to Visit: April and October for the Takayama Street Festival (float parades and marionette shows; Tourist Information Office: +81-577-32-5328); October for fall foliage

Hotels in Takayama get booked out many months ahead of the festival dates.

4 Himeji, Kansai Region: The Official Sister City Of Phoenix, Arizona

Home to a majestic white feudal castle as well as stunning traditional gardens.

Nestled in the central-western part of the Harima Plain, Himeji is the second-largest city in the Hyogo prefecture and the sister city of Phoenix, Arizona’s capital and sizzling adventure hub .

Featuring Koko-en Traditional Garden, Harima Kokubun-ji Buddhist temple, Okioshio Castle ruins on Mount Ojioyama, and the iconic Himeji Castle all nearby, Himeji is easily one of the best cities to visit in Japan other than Tokyo when it comes to scenic, historic spots.

Most Scenic Spot: Koko-en Traditional Garden ($2/adult)
Top Attractions: Himeji Castle (from $6.6/adult; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); Okioshio Castle ruins on Mount Ojioyama; Harima Kokubun-ji Buddhist temple; Tegarayama Botanical Garden; Shoshazan Engyo-ji temple complex (from $3.3/adult)
Challenging Activity: Mount Seppiko for rock climbing
Best Time to Visit: Cherry blossom season (late March through early April)

Scenes from the movie The Last Samurai were filmed in Engyo-ji.

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3 nara, south-central honshu: a historic city with free roaming deer, the historic city where tame sika deer roam free in the famous nara park.

Nara , sitting on the border of the Kyoto Prefecture, is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Japan other than Tokyo. Also, Nara is one of Japan’s best places to visit for animal lovers .

Not only is it surrounded by majestic temples, but it also protects over 1000 sika deer, which roam the streets freely and are pet and fed by locals and tourists alike.

Most Scenic Spots: Isui-en Traditional Garden ($8/adult); Kasuga Taisha Shrine; Mount Wakakusa hike
Top Attractions: Nara National Museum ($4.6/adult); Todaiji Temple ($4/adult); Kofukuji Temple complex ($4.6/adult); Naramachi traditional neighborhood
Unique Activity: Nara Park for deer feeding and photos
Best Time to Visit: Cherry blossom season (end of March/beginning April); November for peak fall foliage; Nara Tokae Lantern Festival in August

2 Sapporo, Hokkaido Island: The Ultimate Foodie City In Japan

A northern japanese city famed for its beer, king melon, seafood, chocolate cookies, and ski resorts.

Some Asian cities are every food lover’s dream , and Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest metropolis , is the place to be to chug its titular, world-famous beer or bite into a Shiroi Koibito, its signature chocolate, finger-shaped cookie.

What's more, Sapporo offers a gateway to some of the best skiing in Japan; Hokkaido has the longest winter of all prefectures in Japan, and Sapporo is the perfect base for some of the country's top ski resorts.

Most Scenic Spot: Mount Moiwa ropeway ($14/roundtrip), forest, and The Jewels glass-walled restaurant
Top Activities: Nijo Fish Market; Shiroi Koibito Park and cookie factory tour (from $5.3/adult)
Best Time to Visit: Sapporo Chrysanthemum Festival (beginning November; from $5.3/adult for special areas); June and July

1 Kobe, Osaka Bay: Home To The Most Expensive Beef In The World

A vibrant port city renowned for its marbled beef, which costs over $200 for a single portion.

Kobe is Japan’s third-largest port city after Tokyo and Yokohama and the birthplace of the world’s most expensive beef, with single portions selling for more than $200.

Kobe is also one of the best cities in Japan other than Tokyo for its scenery, thanks to Mount Rokko nearby, which offers incredible views of both Osaka and Kobe.

Most Scenic Spots: Mount Rokko for panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka; Nunobiki Falls; Kitano-Cho for Victorian and Gothic residences
Top Attractions and Activities: Arima Onsen hot springs (from $4.3); Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial ($4/adult); Nada District for sake breweries; Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge ($2 for exhibition area); Port Tower in Meriken Park; Kobe Hankyu department store
Best Time to Visit: Late September to November and March to May

16 Charming Small Towns That Are A Must-Visit In Japan

The Japanese countryside offers unique landscapes, mountains, lakes, and temples, making it an excellent destination for an unforgettable vacation.
The countryside towns provide a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, and offer a chance to connect with nature.
The article features recommendations for small towns in Japan worth visiting, including Tsurui, Biei, Kitashiobara, Totsukawa, Shirakawa-go, Nara, Shodoshima, Ouchi-juku, Hida Takayama, Ine, Wazuka, Ainokura, Karuizawa, Tsumago, Taketomi, and Toyone-mura. The accommodations in these towns offer excellent amenities but should be verified before making a reservation.

Among people's top ten travel destinations, the Japanese countryside is an excellent destination for an unforgettable vacation. The country of contrasts boasts unique landscapes, mountains, beautiful lakes, lush forests, temples, farmlands, rich history, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites . People can choose between numerous activities, from high-tech cities to small peaceful villages in the countryside.

While visiting the countryside towns, travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy experiences worth skipping all the vibrancy and liveliness of the big cities in Japan. These big city experiences include all the iconic vintage shops in Tokyo , the vibrant nightlife, Japan's 7-11 stores , and all the fun and exciting things to do in Osaka , Japan's street food capital. Travelers will also meet people who have the wisdom to live so close to nature in quiet towns, full of greenery and free from the hustle and bustle of the city. These 16 are the best small towns in Japan worth visiting for multiple memorable experiences.

UPDATE: 2023/11/07 11:31 EST BY MARIAM ADAMA

16 Fascinating Small Towns In Japan That Are Worth Visiting

This updated article features additional small towns in Japan that are great for adventurous travelers to explore the countryside and its unique attractions and surprising offerings. With these options, travelers can enjoy colorful festivals and the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life to the breathtaking natural scenery for a relaxing nature retreat in some of the best small towns in Japan.

This article also includes some great accommodation options in each of the small towns in Japan. They were listed based on research and because of excellent amenities. It is, however, essential to verify details before making a reservation.

Related: 10 Of Japan's Most Beautiful Villages Worth Visiting

Tsurui, located on the outskirts of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, is a popular destination for those who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife photography because it is the home of the red-crowned crane, one of the rarest species of crane in the entire world. It is one of the least noisy areas in the nation and a location where one can get lost in the sounds of nature. Tsurui is also among the best small towns in Japan to visit in the spring when a variety of blossoming cherry trees burst into color, and in the fall, when it glows with a variety of orange and red hues.

Accommodation: La Vista Akangawa
Address: Okurushube Akancho 3-1, Tsurui 085-0468
Amenities: Spa and wellness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free WiFi

Biei, surrounded by majestic hills covered in vibrant flowers and imposing trees, transports visitors to a fairytale world, making it one of the best small towns to visit in Japan for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. Visitors are taken aback when they see the views from the Hokusei Hill Observatory or visit Patchwork Road and Panorama Road. Kanno Farm and Shirogane Blue Pond are other beauties that are near the town but add memorable delights to a Biei trip.

Accommodation: Pension Natsumi no Sato
Address: Genya 4-Sen, Biei 071-0239
Amenities: Restaurant, Free WiFi, Outdoor Onsen

Related: Explore One Of The Most Historic Cities In Japan: Top 10 Things To Do In Nara

Kitashiobara

Kitashiobara is a well-known resort town in Fukushima Prefecture, especially with skiers craving to hit the slopes during winter. It also draws hikers and nature lovers for its natural beauty, which is unlike any other. The Bandai-Asahi National Park, Lake Inawashiro, Lake Onogawa, Lake Akimoto, Lake Hibara, and Goshikinuma Ponds are some of the iconic Japanese locations that astound everyone. This town is also famous among art enthusiasts for housing the Morohashi Museum of Modern Art, which has the third-largest collection of Dali's works in the world.

Accommodation: Pension Buddy
Address: 1095-59, Soharayama, Kitashiobara
Amenities: Restaurant, Free WiFi, Tennis

Totsukawa, one of the remotest small towns in Japan's Nara Prefecture, is blessed with incredible natural scenery and a rustic ambiance. It is an ideal location for those looking for a nature retreat away from the city's crowd and bustle. With a range of exciting activities and attractions like the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tamaki Shrine, Tanize Suspension Bridge, Moriyama Observation Deck, Sasanotaki, one of Japan's most scenic waterfalls, hot springs, and Tosenji Onsen, this town can entice visitors to stay for days.

Accommodation: Kosenkaku Yoshinoya
Address: Hiratani 432, Totsukawa, 637-1554
Amenities: Free WiFi, Hot Tub, Meeting/Banquet facilities

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Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a traditional Japanese town and a UNESCO heritage site located in the heart of the Japan Alps and surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is one of the most picturesque villages in Japan, famous for its traditional Japanese gassho-zukuri farmhouses, resembling two hands joined in prayer. The best way to experience the village's beauty is to spend the night at one of the farmhouses, which have opened as guesthouses for visitors. This village is beautiful at all times, and people can catch sight of green fields in summer, whole bloom cherry blossoms in spring, orange leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.

Accommodation: Wat Hotel& Spa Hida Takayama
Address: 3 39 1 Hanasato Cho, Takayama 506-0026 Gifu Prefecture
Amenities: Free WiFi, Hot Tub, Spa

Located 40 minutes from Kyoto and Osaka by rail, Nara features shrines, temples, museums, Japanese culture, and history. Home to the oldest temples in Japan, Nara is also famous for its beautiful scenic park, featuring hundreds of deer, making it a paradise for animal lovers . People visit Nara during the cherry blossom season to see beautiful pint petals highlight many of the trees and in November when the autumn color emerges.

Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Nara
Address: 8-1 Sanjo Hommachi, Nara 630-8122 Nara Prefecture
Amenities: Free WiFi, Hot Tub, Conference Facilities

Related: Wandering Through Japan: A Serene Journey Through 10 Iconic Landscapes & Vibrant Cities

Travelers who want to experience island life in Japan and enjoy great opportunities for physical activities should head to Shodoshima, one of the islands in Kagawa. The island is famous for its noodles, stunning landscapes, modern art, and ocean views. For those seeking a thrilling experience, kayaking trips to the uninhabited islands surrounding Shodoshima offer a perfect opportunity to explore the waters . The tours are suitable for all skill levels and ages, with expert guidance from the island's kayaking instructors. Even inexperienced kayakers can get started with a few instructions and practice paddling before kayaking to Kojima Island's small beach.

Accommodation: Bay Resort Hotel Shodoshima
Address: 16-3, Furue Otu, Shodoshima 761-4422
Amenities: Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee shop, Free toiletries

Ouchi-juku is a traditional Japanese village that served as a small post station in the Edo period and boasted shops, traditional hotels, and restaurants for travelers. Located between the Nikko and Aizu regions in Fukushima, it is now famous for its numerous untouched buildings lining its main streets. People will look out over the charming village from the observation spot up on a hill, a popular tourist attraction.

Accommodation: Richmond Hotel Fukushimaekimae
Address: 1-15 Mikawaminamimachi, Fukushima 960-8053 Fukushima Prefecture
Amenities: Hot Tub, Restaurant, Free WiFi

Related: 14 Souvenirs You NEED To Bring Back From Japan

Hida, Takayama

Located in the mountainous Hida region in the northern part of Gifu prefecture , Takayama is a beautiful mountain town in the north Japan Alps, famous for its well-preserved old district, woodworking, and magical snow festivals . Famous for its high-quality timber and the skill of its carpenters, the old town district is a must-see, as it is one of the best-preserved districts in the country. People visit it for its three best parade float festivals in Japan, held in April and October.

Accommodation: Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan
Address: 1-34 Hommachi, Takayama 506-0011 Gifu Prefecture
Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Sauna

Ine - Kyoto

Located in the north of Kyoto prefecture, on a wild hillside surrounded by mountains and forests, Ine is a beautiful village in Japan , built by fishermen and featuring clear emerald water with marine life. Famous for its beautiful Funaya houses facing the sea, it features stunning landscapes and lush greenery. The beautiful town of Ine is a popular destination among the Japanese and a peaceful and happiest place in Japan.

Accommodation: Hotel Okura Kyoto
Address: Kawaramachi Oike, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-0924 Kyoto Prefecture
Amenities: Free WiFi, Hot Tub, Fitness Center

Located southeast of Kyoto in a quiet valley, Wazuka is a small tea farming village set in a peaceful valley, surrounded by mountains and covered in tea fields. This enchanting place with natural beauty, history, and rural charm features a pristine river running through the valley, providing natural drainage and irrigation and a mountain soil rich in a nutrient for tea plantation. People take rental bikes to explore Wazuka peacefully.

Accommodation: Kyoto Wazukaso
Address: 25-5 Shirasu Shishigaguchi, Wazuka-cho, Soraku-gun 619-1222 Kyoto Prefecture
Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Restaurant

Lying in the western Toyama Prefecture of Japan, in the Japanese Alps, Ainokura is a quaint little village that preserved its heritage and features 20 Gassho-style homes over 200 years old. Ainokura is famous for its Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is the calmest and most relaxed destination on earth. People visit it in summer and see the village covered in lush and green, and in winter, with snow.

Accommodation: Dormy Inn Toyama
Address: 4-8 Otemachi, Toyama 930-0084 Toyama Prefecture
Amenities: Free WiFi, Hot Tub, Sauna

Nestled in the mountains, the quiet town of Karuizawa offers a pleasing atmosphere with scenic nature spots, restaurants, and some of the most-visited tourist attractions . Lovely Karuizawa is blessed with stunning nature, waterfalls, and greenery. People make sure to visit the Kumobaike Pond, an open pond surrounded by lush green trees, and see the Shiraito Falls, the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, located in the forest north of the town.

Accommodation: The Prince Karuizawa
Address: Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 038-0193 Nagano Prefecture
Amenities: Free WiFi, Sauna, and Bicycles Available

Related: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Japan During Spring

In Kiso Valley , Tsumago is a well-preserved town in the Japanese Alps. It was built to accommodate commerce during the Edo period and connected the new capital city of Edo with the old capital, Kyoto. The village is a traditional group preservation area, providing visitors with an opportunity to be a time traveler and seek beauty and tranquility. History lovers will enjoy visiting Tsumago, a hiker's favorite destination in Japan.

Accommodation: Manza Kogen Hotel
Address: 2401 Hoshimata inside Manza Prince Hotel, Tsumagoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun 377-1595 Gunma Prefecture
Amenities: Free Parking, Table Tennis, Children's Activities

Taketomi is a small island near the coast of Ishigaki Island and the site of a well-preserved area, the Ryukyu Village. It is famous for its traditional Okinawan architecture houses featuring red tile roofs, culture, and special star-shaped sand. An enjoyable and exciting way to learn about the history of this place is on Taketomi's very popular water buffalo cart rides.

Accommodation: Hotel Peace Island Taketomijima
Address: 112-1 Taketomi, Taketomi-jima, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun 907-1101 Okinawa Prefecture
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Restaurant

Toyone-mura

Nature lovers, especially those visiting Japan in the winter, will find this snow village in Japan very fitting. Located at the foot of the Southern Alps, Toyone-mura is a fine place for travelers to enjoy exciting activities. These include festivals, attractions, and experiences that are a must-see for adventure seekers. In the colder months, travelers who visit Toyone-mura must stop by the Chausuyama Plateau.

The Chausuyama Plateau is the only ski area in Aichi, and it's a great place for travelers to enjoy skiing and other thrilling winter activities, such as sledding, snowboarding, and mountain biking. For those visiting the village between May and June, the Shibazakura Festival (Moss Pink Festival) is a must-see event . Tourists can witness the hillside come to life with the most beautiful and colorful flowers covering 22,000 square meters of the hillside. In addition to taking in the breathtaking views, visitors can snap beautiful pictures of the flowers or from the top while enjoying the sightseeing ski lift.

Accommodation: Kyukamura Chausuyama-Kogen
Address: 70-163, Goshodaira, Sakauba, Toyone-Mura, Kitashitara-Gun, Aichi, Toyone 449-0405
Amenities: Restaurant, Parking, Refrigerator

16 Charming Small Towns That Are A Must-Visit In Japan

Taking the train in Japan - all you need to know

Mar 28, 2024 • 11 min read

You will fall passionately in love with trains in Japan .

Japanese people didn’t invent rail travel, but they arguably perfected it. Whether you’re on the newest shinkansen (bullet train) zooming across the country at 320km/h (199mph) or an elderly regional railcar, you can count on your train being scrupulously clean, safely operated, highly reliable, famously punctual and generally a joy to ride.

You can see almost the entire country by train, and with a wide variety of rail passes — including the iconic Japan Rail Pass — you can travel across Japan for less than US$50 per day, including the shinkansen.

Signs are in English even at the smallest stations, translation apps and devices are widely used for complicated questions, and staff are genuinely happy to help travelers.

Japan has an enormous number of train lines and kinds of train, but don’t be put off by the sheer volume: it’s surprisingly easy to navigate , even on your first trip, with your phone’s maps app and a sense of adventure.

A woman stands at a bank of electronic ticket machines. Above her head is a color-coded map showing train lines

There are different services on the Japanese train network

Trains run almost everywhere in Japan. The main backbone of the network, and the fastest, is the shinkansen. These bullet trains run from Hokkaidō in the far north all the way to Tokyo Station , where you have to change for the shinkansen going to Nagoya , Kyoto , Osaka , Hiroshima and on to Kyushu. For travelers visiting Japan’s main sights , this will be the kind of train you take the most.

The next fastest are Limited Expess trains — “limited” as in “limited stops” — that run between cities and to rural areas on pre-shinkansen conventional lines (the non-high-speed ones). Many run through beautiful parts of Japan, so don’t count them out.

Local trains are the slowest and may even be as small as one single car. “Rapid” trains are fairly rare, and are essentially local trains that skip a few of the smaller stops.

Urban rail, commuter trains and subway lines are widespread in cities. These usually work very similarly to what you might be used to in your home country, although do watch out for limited-stop semi-expresses. The big picture transit maps can look a little intimidating, but most major cities now have a system of colors and station codes in place to help you navigate, and your phone's maps app is great for a quick idea of how to get from A to B.

Confident visitors outside major cities will love Joyful Trains, which are special tourist trains operated largely on weekends and holidays in rural areas. These might be renovated steam trains, or specially themed — JR East’s Koshino Shu’Kura is all about sake, including tastings, while the JR Kyushu A Train is jazz-themed.

Japan’s train stations are destinations by themselves, with larger and newer stations offering a huge range of restaurants for every appetite and budget, and shops ranging from high-quality handmade artisanal local goods to Japanese malls to 100-yen stores. Convenience stores and pharmacies are also often on hand.

Do look out for special local snacks in the omiyage souvenir shops (these are intended for Japanese travelers to take back to friends and colleagues as presents) and for ekiben, local specialty boxed bentō lunches.

A single-track train line heading towards the iconic shape of Mount Fuji

Travel short distances with a prepaid travel card

Coming from overseas, traveling short distances on Japanese railways often feels very inexpensive, while traveling longer distances without a rail pass can feel more costly. Let’s start with shorter distances.

Taking subways and urban rail is simple if you get an IC card – one of the many prepaid stored-value contactless cards – that works in a similar way to Oyster in London or Clipper in San Francisco: just tap on and tap off. Most rail operators across Japan will sell you their version, which are almost all interchangeable when it comes to loading and spending them — you can use an ICOCA card from the Osaka region in Tokyo , or a Pasmo from Tokyo in Sapporo . You can also use iPhones to get a virtual Suica card (JR East's version of a prepaid card) via the Wallet app and load it with money using Apple Pay. If you're using an international Visa card, be aware that JR East has had issues processing those payments in the past, so you may need to use a different credit card.

A hand holds up a Japan Rail Pass in front of the rounded nose of a bullet train at a station

Travel long distances with the JR Pass

Over longer distances, the Japan Rail Pass (¥50,000 or about US$335 for seven days – less than US$50 a day!) is generally a good deal if you are planning anything more than simply Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Tokyo, and the flexibility it gives you to take an earlier or later train is an added bonus.

You can either buy the ticket online or from an overseas travel agent. Note that you don’t actually buy the pass itself from overseas — you buy a voucher called an Exchange Order, which you then exchange at a major station (including all international airports) for the pass itself.

If you don’t have a pass, tickets cost the same no matter what time of day you travel, where you book, or how busy it will be — it’s not like airline tickets where that can change wildly. Most overseas travelers still use paper tickets for everything outside urban travel.

Long-distance travel fares are based on two elements:

Ticket price, essentially the distance you travel
Whether you want to reserve a seat or not, and in which class, if that’s available: Limited Express and Shinkansen trains will offer non-reserved seat tickets, a reserved seat in standard class, a reserved seat in the Green Car business class, or in some regions a reserved seat in Gran Class (first class).

Tickets can be bought at stations or at JR Travel Service Centers

Use Google Maps or the Japan Transit Planner from Jorudan to find fares, or for JR trains visit your local JR station (look for the “green window” ticket booking office or a JR Travel Service Center), where you can also reserve a seat. At major airports and in Tokyo, you can expect some basic train-related English to be spoken by "green window" ticket agents. JR Travel Service Center staff tend to be more multilingual. Elsewhere, if you speak no Japanese you may well get lucky with someone who speaks English, and you can always lean on your phone's translation apps. Write down (on a printout or even just on your phone's notes app) the dates, times, destinations and details of the train you want, for example: "12 April, Tokyo–Osaka, 12:00, window seat, Mt Fuji side please."

Unless you’re visiting during a major Japanese holiday or want to take a specific Joyful Train, there’s little need to book before arriving in Japan. You can in some cases book online, but it’s pretty complicated and I wouldn’t recommend it to first-time visitors. If you’re confused and want English-speaking advice, head to one of the stations that specializes in Japan Rail Passes . Only a few trains outside the JR network allow prebooking.

Three different trains cross bridges near each other in a city

There are many rail passes to choose from

Japan has a wide variety of rail passes available to overseas visitors, from the JR Pass valid across the JR network (with a few exceptions like the very fastest trains west of Tokyo) to regional and commuter passes.

The most useful is the Japan Rail Pass in its six variants: 7/14/21 days and standard car or Green Car business-class versions. This is probably what you should get your first time in Japan if traveling outside Tokyo.

Adventurous travelers and long-term visitors, or anyone wanting to go deep in a particular region, could also consider:

The various regional passes from JR East , including the very useful Hokuriku Arch Pass for traveling the slower way between Tokyo and Osaka via Kyoto and Kanazawa
The many JR West Passes , including the All Area Pass for most of western Honshu
The four JR Kyushu passes
The three JR Hokkaido passes
The JR Shikoku ALL SHIKOKU pass

You’ll usually need to be visiting with the “temporary visitor” stamp in your passport, and there may be a small discount (a couple of thousand yen or US$5–10) for buying it online or outside Japan. Otherwise, check out the details online or visit a large station, including those at airports: the bigger, the better, and the more likely to have English-speaking assistance.

Train etiquette means not disturbing fellow travelers

Japanese urban trains can be famously crowded during rush-hour, but by and large even Tokyo is no worse than any major global city.

Even if crowded, the etiquette on a Japanese train is to be as quiet as possible and disturb others as little as possible: headphones on quiet, very little chatting, backpack on your front, give up your seat to anyone who needs it more than you.

There is something of a stereotype of loutish tourists yapping away to their traveling companions on long-distance trains. Try not to contribute to it. Separate your trash according to the recycling bins, and always leave the seat as clean and tidy as you found it.

Eating and drinking is fine (even encouraged!) on longer distance trains. General rule: if the seats are subway-style along the sides of the car facing inwards then don’t, but feel free if the seats are airline-style facing forwards. If in doubt, follow the lead of the nearest senior Japanese person.

A beautifully presented box of food with each element separated into its own square

On-board facilities vary depending on the service

With the exception of the Joyful Train tourist excursion services, Japanese trains don’t have buffet cars any more, although you can see what they used to look like at several of Japan’s excellent railway museums. A shrinking number of trains still have a trolley service offering snacks, sometimes bentō and a variety of drinks.

Good news, though: any station smaller than the tiniest rural halt will have a convenience store inside or nearby, which will offer bentō , hot meals, snacks, drinks and essentials. Many larger stations have restaurant complexes, while some smaller ones will have delightful smaller options like a soba or ramen shop.

Long-distance trains will usually have toilet facilities, with newer ones (including all shinkansen and some Limited Expresses) having excellent facilities for disabled passengers, people with reduced mobility and often ostomy facilities too.

Shinkansen and newer Limited Expresses offer two-pin US-style 110V charging ports, while wi-fi is also increasingly available and easy to use.

Most Japanese trains are not set up for luggage bigger than a small carry-on — and “small” here does not include a US-sized rollaboard or anything like a bicycle. On some trains you have to pre-reserve anything bigger. Take advantage of the nationwide luggage shipping services like Yamato – known as Kuroneko Yamato for its black (kuro) cat (neko) logo – that ships larger bags for US$10–20.

These are the best seats for great views

Always take a window seat, whether you’re gazing out on Japan’s sprawling megalopolises from an urban train, watching the country fly by at 320km/h (199mph) from a shinkansen, or enjoying picturesque views from a slow rural train.

On the shinkansen, if you want the best mountain views — including the iconic Mt Fuji between Tokyo and Shizuoka — select a window E seat in standard class and a D seat in the Green Car.

Limited Expresses are wonderful for countryside views, with the Hida from Nagoya to Toyama through the Japanese Alps and the Inaho from Niigata to Akita just two great examples.

Ask for help when navigating busy city networks

Urban trains, commuter rail and subways may have a set of complicated and confusing names with different stopping patterns, especially during rush hour, but this is no worse than figuring out what a “Watford Semi-Fast” is on London’s Tube or how skip-stop works on the subway in New York. As a visitor, just ask station staff or, in a pinch, a fellow passenger — and be prepared to get on the wrong train with a confident smile and a sense of affable adventure.

The majority of trains are wheelchair accessible

A significant majority of intercity, urban rail and subway stations in most major cities (80–90% in Tokyo according to official numbers ) are accessible for wheelchair users, with elevators, stair-climber lifts, and ramps widespread.

Older stations, such as the main Tokyo Station, may be complex and accessible only from certain entrances. Tactile strips to assist blind people or those with reduced visual acuity are almost everywhere.

Accessible Japan is an excellent resource for information, while the very detailed For Safe and Convenient Accessibility website offers route and station search as well as contact details for further assistance. Station staff are keen to help wherever they can.

Many trains offer wheelchair positions, level boarding, with ramps available if you need them. Urban rail and subways have priority seating, and Japan developed the Help Mark badge system for people with invisible disabilities to easily signal their needs. The badge is free from a number of locations in Tokyo , under US$10 from Amazon Japan (consider having it delivered to your first night hotel), or you can DIY your own before leaving home.

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A wall surrounds a rectangle of raked gravel, with some rocks standing in various spots.

Gardens of Stone, Moss, Sand: 4 Moments of Zen in Kyoto

The city’s dry gardens seem timeless, but as these relatively new versions show, their design is still evolving. They offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed city.

Kyoto’s dry gardens forgo plants and flowers and instead use elements like gravel, rocks and moss to create contemplative environments. Credit... Andrew Faulk for The New York Times

Supported by

By Paula Deitz

March 26, 2024

Once, when the Buddha was asked to preach about a flower he was presented, he instead “gazed at it in silence,” according to the British garden designer Sophie Walker in her book “The Japanese Garden.” In this spiritual moment Zen Buddhism was born, inspiring the serene and eternal dry or rock gardens called karesansui.

Unlike a garden designed for strolling, which directs visitors along a defined path to take in scenic views and teahouses, a dry garden is viewed while seated on a veranda above, offering the heightened experience of traveling through it in the imagination, revealing its essence in meditation.

With rocks artfully placed along expanses of fine gravel raked by monks into ripples representing water, they are sources for contemplation, whether they refer to a specific landscape or are serenely abstract. Ryoan-ji, which dates to about 1500, is the supreme example of the latter among Kyoto temples, with its 15 low rocks in five clusters set in pools of moss within an enclosed rectangle of raked gravel. The puzzle is that only 14 are visible at any one time, no matter where you sit to view it.

People sit in a row underneath an overhanging roof. In front of them a corner of a rectangular space filled with gravel and isolated rocks can be seen.

Change in Kyoto, Japan’s major city of temple gardens, is a quiet evolution. But a tour of several dry gardens designed within the last century — and even within the last few years — demonstrates that the Zen tradition is timeless when it comes to landscape design, and that moments of contemplation are still possible, even as the crowds grow bigger.

Upon arrival at the Zen monastery complex Daitoku-ji, in northern Kyoto, I headed to Zuiho-in, one of its 22 subtemples. The temple was founded in 1319, and then in 1546, the powerful feudal lord Sorin Otomo dedicated it to his family. This was during the period of Spanish and Portuguese missionaries in Japan. Like others, Otomo converted to Christianity but remained inspired by Zen Buddhism.

I entered along angled walkways until I arrived at Zuiho-in’s temple veranda to view the main dry garden. Though the style may at first appear traditional, this garden was designed in the 1960s by Mirei Shigemori, a landscape architect whose training was in the Japanese cultural arts: conducting the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and landscape ink and wash painting. As the Western Modernist movement entered Japan, he adopted it in combination with traditional arts and became determined to revolutionize a garden aesthetic that had remained fixed for hundreds of years. He succeeded in designing more than 200 gardens in Japan and even worked with the Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi on a UNESCO garden, collecting stones in Japan that Noguchi set in the garden at the organization’s Paris headquarters.

In the Zuiho-in garden, the gravel swirls are raked into high peaks as if far out at sea, with a chain of jagged pointed rocks like islands leading to a mossy peninsula crested by a massive stone representing Mount Horai, where, according to Taoist mythology, the heroes called the Eight Immortals, who fought for justice, reside. Referring to Otomo’s Christianity, rocks in a second garden define a cross, and three rows of squarish stones embedded in sand elsewhere in the garden could be seen as Shigemori’s Modernist signature.

Across town, in the Higashiyama district, the Philosopher’s Walk is a pedestrian path along the picturesque Lake Biwa Canal. First opened in 1890, it is believed to be named for a Kyoto University philosophy professor who strolled there while meditating. As you walk along it, depending on the season, the swift current below carries brilliant autumnal leaves or delicate cherry blossoms shed from trees lining the banks.

Honen-in, one of several Buddhist temples along the Philosopher’s Walk, is particularly popular in autumn, with its grand staircase and entry gate framed by vast canopies of fiery red Japanese maple trees. Two large, rectangular white-sand mounds along the central path are periodically raked by monks into new designs; last fall, a maple leaf was outlined on one and a ginkgo leaf on the other against backgrounds of ridges.

The high priest, Kajita Shinsho, who lives there with his family, had a private courtyard with a veranda that needed a garden, and last March he engaged Marc Peter Keane, an American landscape architect now living in Kyoto, to design it. A graduate of Cornell University, Mr. Keane has lived in Japan for almost 20 years and specializes in Japanese garden design. Like Shigemori, he has immersed himself in Japanese culture. His home and studio are now permanently in Kyoto.

Only three old, gnarled camellia trees remained on the rectangular site, with blossoms in season ranging from dark rose to pale pink and white. Mr. Keane’s idea was to represent the constant flux of nature, exemplified for him by the carbon cycle — the process by which carbon travels from the air into organisms and back into air. His garden, titled “Empty River,” creates what he described as “a physical expression of this invisible cycle through a river of pure carbon charcoal.”

He traced by foot a narrow serpentine “river” that winds around the roots and trunks of the camellias, and with the short charcoal sticks he placed in the long groove, it cuts a strong black line through a blend of fine brown and white gravel. There are no rocks, only small stones framing the courtyard and plantings, with Andromeda ferns in the corners. Its starkness is its beauty, softened only when camellia petals are strewed across the gravel in April.

Mr. Keane compares this distillation of design and materials to a haiku, the Japanese three-lined poem. But like the gardens of old, it also expresses the Buddhist concept of emptiness.

At Tofuku-ji , a temple, in the city’s southeastern district, Shigemori designed the garden of the Hojo, the Abbot’s Hall, as early as 1939, using materials found on site. His avant-garde vocabulary of straight lines and grids may have seemed sensational then, but it is beloved now for its harmonious vitality.

From the first veranda, you overlook the southern garden, with clusters of mostly jagged vertical rocks and ripples of raked gravel radiating out, terminating at the far end with five mossy mounds like sacred mountains in the sea. In the western garden, squarely trimmed azaleas alternate with square fields of white gravel, reflecting ancient land-division customs. Azaleas in Japan are closely clipped, so these bloom in gorgeous flat surfaces of deep pink.

Next, a vast checkerboard field of leftover square paving stones embedded in a carpet of moss seems to dwindle off to infinity in the northern garden. And finally, to the east, a pattern of stone pillar foundations recreates the Big Dipper constellation, with gravel raked in concentric circles around each pillar to emphasize its individuality.

Ukifune Garden

Mr. Keane’s 2022 Ukifune Garden (Drifting Boat Garden) is an allegorical interpretation of the chapter by the same name from “The Tale of Genji,” Murasaki Shikibu’s 11th-century novel about Prince Hikaru or “Shining” Genji, and his tempestuous romantic and political life at court.

Mr. Keane designed it as the Zen courtyard garden of the Genji Kyoto hotel, opened in April 2022, on the banks of the Kamo River, near where Genji builds his own grand estate and gardens in the book. Designed by the American architect Geoffrey P. Moussas, who also lives in Kyoto, the hotel’s plan incorporates the indoor-outdoor characteristics of Kyoto’s old merchant houses.

Mr. Keane was inspired by the “Genji” scene in which one of two powerful dignitaries vying for the favor of Ukifune, a woman of 22, travels through a snowstorm and absconds with her by boat on the Uji River. As they pass the Isle of Orange Trees, she recites a poem in which she likens herself to the drifting boat: “The enduring hue of the Isle of Orange Trees may well never change,/ yet there is no knowing now where the drifting boat is bound.”

Mr. Keane consulted with John Carpenter, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s curator of Japanese art, who told him of the late-16th-century “Genji” screen painting by Tosa Mitsuyoshi in the museum’s collection illustrating this famous scene. A copy of the panel now hangs in Kyoto next to the garden.

Mr. Keane installed a swerving “river” with gray river stones set ingeniously on edge rather than flat, giving the flow a greater sense of direction. The garden is set between two wings of the hotel, and the “water” appears to tumble down like a waterfall from one building into the next with a wide, flat steel bridge above, a viewing platform bringing the design to life. The banks on either side are densely planted with maple trees, lady palms, ferns and ground-cover moss. And a boat-shaped stone carries a large patch of moss, which Mr. Keane interprets as Earth drifting through the galaxy.

The gardens at Zuiho-in and the Tofuku-ji Abbot’s Hall garden require tickets. The entrance fee at both is 400 Japanese yen for adults (about $2.65) and 300 yen for children (about $2).

General admission to Honen-in is free, except for during the spring and fall opening weeks, which usually fall during the first week of April and the third week of November and cost 500 yen for spring and 800 yen for fall. The Empty River garden can be visited during those weeks.

The Genji Kyoto hotel garden is free to visit.

If you get hungry while touring gardens, Izusen , a restaurant in the Daiji-in subtemple of the Daitoku-ji monastery complex, offers multiple local specialties in set menus beautifully presented in mostly lacquered red bowls, which nest when empty. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. by reservation; 4,370 to 8,050 yen. It is near Zuiho-in.

Also by reservation, Yudofu Kisaki, a restaurant between the entrance to Honen-in and the Philosopher’s Walk, has vegetarian and tofu specialties. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., last order at 6 p.m.; 4,370 to 8,050 yen.

For a companionable book to read on your tour, the Nobel Prize-winning novelist Yasunari Kawabata’s post-World War II novel “The Rainbow” is newly available in English. Several chapters take place in Kyoto, and it can feel as though you are traveling together, often in the same gardens. Kawabata’s knowledge of plants was formidable, and the simplicity of his descriptions both natural and direct: “On the lawn in front of the gate, in the shadows of the pine trees, dandelions and lotuses were in bloom. A double-flowered camellia had blossomed in front of the bamboo fence.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy : Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California : Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania : Timisoara may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Latest Headlines | Name Dropping | Student delegation visits…

Latest Headlines

Latest headlines | name dropping | student delegation visits sister city in japan.

A delegation of Santa Cruz students departed last week to visit Shingu, Japan. Shingu is Santa Cruz’s Sister City.

This fall will mark the 50th anniversary of Santa Cruz’s friendship with Shingu. Through the years the program has experienced many youth and adult exchanges.

The program selects 14 Santa Cruz city school student applicants to form a youth delegation to Shingu. Pairs of students stay in Japanese homes, and each day, the city of Shingu hosts cultural activities for them, such as visits to UNESCO world heritage shrines and temples. This year, the Santa Cruz students will also get to experience kimono wearing as well as making mochi, bento lunches and traditional Japanese sweets at local businesses in Shingu.

The mission of the Santa Cruz Sister Cities Committee is “To promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation — one individual, one community at a time.”

Later this year, Shingu will send a delegation of students to Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz delegate families will host them.

This year’s selected Santa Cruz delegates are Amara Anderson, Avery Schromm, Daisy Harlan, Daphne Bingham, Eliza McGuinness, Gillian Hull, Ginger Maxfield, Gradyn McKee, Joaquin Cervantes-Brewer, Layla Pasquini, Logan Franks, Marina Tucker, Matthew Salas and Nyaumi Duryea.

The chaperones are Adrienne Harrell, Chandra Donohue and Linda Snook.

Aptos High team dances to awards

The Aptos High School Dance Team continues to collect trophies and awards from its most recent competitions.

At the recently completed USA Nationals in Anaheim, the team placed in all five divisions and ranked second in the nation. The team took a sixth in Lyrical, a fourth in Pom, a fourth in Extra Small and a third in Hip Hop.

Individuals also were honored.

In Super Dance, Senior Amelia Valoroso placed 11th and sophomore Zoey Williams placed ninth. In the Solo Champion division, Bella Garvey placed seventh.

The awards keep coming for Garvey. The Aptos senior committed to dance next year for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats dance team. It was one of Garvey’s three Division I dance team offers this year.

On Feb. 17 at the Northern State Championship in San Jose, the team won all five categories it entered. The soloists also shined. Freshman Bryanna Diaz-Vasquez earned a first, sophomore Zoey Williams earned a first, Valoroso earned a second and Garvey took first.

On Feb. 3, the team won all five categories it competed in, earning them the first “clean sweep” in Aptos High history. The team’s soloists also had an amazing weekend. Valoroso earned a third place, Williams a second and Garvey took a first place.

Tanee Taylor and Alexis Valoroso coach the team.

Bank recognized

Independent Banker Magazine featured Santa Cruz County Bank as a Trailblazer, a designation given to community banks on the forefront of industry advances, according to a release from the bank.

The March issue spotlights the technology innovations, initiatives and upgrades implemented by the bank’s Digital Transformation Team, led by Krista Snelling, president and CEO.

With a deposit market share of 15.5%, the bank ranks fourth in Santa Cruz County, trailing only megabanks. Snelling noted that the bank’s strong performance reflects its strategy of investing in up-to-date technology to serve and therefore strengthen customer relations.

• Olivia Palma, of Aptos, has been named to the provost’s list for the fall 2023 semester at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

• Aerin Rumrill, of Watsonville, has been named to the provost’s list for the fall 2023 semester at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

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November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)

The last sumo tournament of the year

Visitors to Fukuoka City will be in for a treat as the city gears up for the annual Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament every autumn.

2024 November Grand Sumo Tournament information

Check the official website for more details about the tickets and schedule .

Report (2018)

The sixth and final professional sumo tournament of the year will feature Mongolian grand champion ( yokozuna ) Hakuho. Fresh off the back of his stunning tournament victory in September, Hakuho will be looking to make it back-to-back titles for the first time this year.

The successful return from injury by Japanese-born yokozuna Kisenosato, as well as the appearances of powerhouse sumo stars Takayasu and Tochinoshin and the ever dangerous yokozuna Kakuryu, will only add to the drama and tension of the event.

The 15-day tournament will be held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center between 11th and 25th November 2018. Check the official website for ticketing information.

Getting there

Fukuoka Kokusai Center is about a 15-minute walk from Gofukumachi Station (Exit 4) on the Hakozaki Line . Buses from JR Hakata Station to the center are also available.

Find out more about Fukuoka Kokusai Center .

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By Sleiman Azizi

Community writer

Information

November Grand Sumo Tournament (大相撲十一月場所)

November 10th - November 24th 2024

Google Calendar

Fukuoka Kokusai Center

2-2 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka 812-0021 ( Map ) ( Directions )

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November Grand Sumo Tournament (大相撲十一月場所) November 10th - November 24th 2024. Fukuoka Kokusai Center. 2-2 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka 812-0021 ( Map ) ( Directions ) sumo.or.jp. ›. Professional sumo's final tournament of the year will be held in Fukuoka City in western Japan.

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