You’re planning to visit Japan during your next trip and you want to know what to do in this beautiful country ? So let’s dive into the 14 best places to visit in Japan:
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Hiroshima
- Mount Fuji
- Hakone
- Nara
- Fukuoka
- Kobe
- Nagasaki
- Nikko
- Kamakura
- Okinawa
- Sapporo
Tokyo
#1 of the best places to visit in Japan
Capital city of Japan, Tokyo is where you will find skyscrapers, busy pedestrian crossings, flashing lights and noisy arcades.
There are also a number of green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden or Ueno Park. Tokyo is the city that reflects the most the colors of Japan and a real feast for the senses.
From traditional shrines and temples to the weirdest attractions possibles (themed cafes or cosplay karting tours), Tokyo really deserve the top spot in your Japan itinerary.
Discover the 13 best places to go to in Tokyo.
Kyoto
#2 of the best places to visit in Japan
If Tokyo is the heart of modern Japan, Kyoto is its traditional counterpart. Kyoto has long been considered the cultural capital of Japan.
It is home to more than a thousand temples like Kinkaku-ji and Ryōan-ji. And temples are only the start of it.
Kyoto is traditional Japan as you imagine it. Wooden teahouses where geisha in brightly coloured kimonos emerge from, forests of bamboos and a rich food culture, including kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine).
Osaka
#3 of the best places to visit in Japan
Osaka is one of the most preferred places to visit in Japan for first timers! If you’re looking for a place to enjoy food, then this is the place you need to head to!
Don’t miss its most famous dishes, the takoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings) and the okonomiyaki (tasty pancake-like with batter, cabbage, your choice of meat and other toppings).
Once you’re done with the delicious local cuisine, make sure to explore the canalside strip Dotonbori with all its flashing video screens and LED lights.
Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan. But if you want more traditional sights, just head to the rebuilt 16th century Osaka Castle.
Discover the 14 best things to do in Osaka.
Hiroshima
#4 of the best places to visit in Japan
Hiroshima is known worldwide for being the city that was atomic bombed during World War II. It is nowadays home for many monuments and memorials like the Peace Memorial Museum and Park, the Children’s Peace Monument and the UNESCO-certified Atomic Bomb Dome.
While you explore Hiroshima, make sure to visit the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima shrine on nearby Miyajima Island.
Mount Fuji
#5 of the best places to visit in Japan
Mount Fuji is without a doubt, the most known landmark of Japan. With its 3,776 meters tall, it is also the highest mountain in the country.
Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji is climbed by more than a million people each summer.
If you feel adventurous, the best time to climb Mount Fuji is during its official season: from July 1 to mid-September, to avoid the rainy season and snowfall.
Hakone
#6 of the best places to visit in Japan
Hakone is one of the most popular hot springs (onsen) destinations in Japan. With more than 15 different hot springs (onsen) and a hot spring theme park.
Once you have enjoyed the baths, make sure to visit the famous Open-Air Museum. Complete your Hakone vacation by seeing amazing views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko.
Nara
#7 of the best places to visit in Japan
Nara is home to many temples, and famous for its adorable deers. The city was Japan’s first capital which explains that you’ll find historic treasures including many UNESCO world heritage sites.
The most famous one being Nara’s Todai-ji temple, which is the largest wooden building in the world. And inside is the 15m tall gold and bronze statue of Buddha that dates back to 751.
Nara is one of the best things to do in Japan, as it makes a good one day trip from Kyoto to visit the temples and wild deers in Nara Park.
Fukuoka
#8 of the best places to visit in Japan
Located in the southern island of Kyushu (the third largest island of Japan), Fukuoka is the oldest city of the country.
Make sure to visit the Tochoji Temple, home of the largest wooden sitting Buddha in Japan. Also don’t miss Nokonoshima Island, featuring colorful flower fields and beautiful views of the bay.
Fukuoka food culture is marked by its famous and delicious ramen. It would be a shame not to taste it.
Kobe
#9 of the best places to visit in Japan
Between mountain and sea, Kobe is essentially known worldwide for its delicious beef. The city is located between Osaka and Hiroshima when travelling with the Shinkansen (Japan bullet train).
If you want to enjoy the city’s best sights, just head to the Kobe Port Tower or ride the Shin-Kobe Cable car. It is particularly beautiful at night.
Nagasaki
#10 of the best places to visit in Japan
Just like Hiroshima, Nagasaki is known worldwide for being the second city that was atomic bombed during World War II.
It is also home for many monuments and memorials like the Nagasaki Peace Park and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.
Head to Glover Garden or Mount Inasa if you want to enjoy the nicest panoramas of the city and its surroundings.
Make sure to try some authentic Chinese food from Japan’s oldest Chinatown.
Nikko
#11 of the best places to visit in Japan
You’ll discover more than 100 UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and shrines in Nikko. These include Kanmangafuchi Abyss and Toshogu Shrine.
Nikko National Park is located a few hours north of Tokyo and makes a cool retreat from the city. It is one of Japan’s oldest national parks.
The best time to go to Nikko is during fall. It is especially beautiful when its trees display vivid shades of yellow, red and orange.
Kamakura
#12 of the best places to visit in Japan
Kamakura is home to a multitude of temples, shrines and monuments, including the 11m tall Great Buddha of Kamakura statue.
You can enjoy a large diversity of activities in Kamakura. Go surfing, paddleboarding or swimming in the beautiful beaches offered by the city. Or just go on a hike in a bamboo grove.
When it’s time to eat, head to Komachi-dori street to try local treats like shirasu (raw or boiled, salted and dried whitebait).
Okinawa
#13 of the best places to visit in Japan
Okinawa and the Southwest Islands offer a totally different experience from the rest of Japan. With more than 160 islands, Okinawa is considered a top destination for snorkeling and diving.
This is where you’ll find Japan’s best beaches and close to multiple coral reefs full of fish, manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
On the main island, you will find one of the world’s largest aquariums, several castle ruins and a museum telling Okinawa’s unique history and culture.
Sapporo
#14 of the best places to visit in Japan
Located in the northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo offers many things to do for tourists. Especially during winter.
The city is home for top-notch ski slopes, and hosts the Sapporo Snow Festival – with large, elaborate snow sculptures – every February.
Learn about the city’s beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum. Then, grab a bowl of ramen in the Susukino entertainment district.
Ride the Mount Moiwa Cable car to the summit’s Upper Station, from where you can enjoy awesome views over the city. If you can, go there by night, it a real treat for the eyes.
