places to visit in japan tripadvisor

Explore Japan

Plan Your Trip to Japan: Best of Japan Tourism

Essential japan.

Japan Is Great For

Art & history.

The great outdoors

Historic sites

Explore Japan

Plan Your Trip to Japan: Best of Japan Tourism

Essential japan.

Japan Is Great For

Art & history.

The great outdoors

Historic sites

Top Things to Do in Japan

Places to visit in japan.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Ginza / Tokyo Nihonbashi
• Shibuya / Harajuku / Ebisu
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Kyoto Station Building

2. Tenjin Underground Shopping Center

3. Roppongi Hills, Shop & Restaurant

4. Karuizawa prince shopping plaza

5. Canal City Hakata

6. AEONMALL Narita

7. TOKYO Solamachi

8. Ikspiari

9. Diver City Tokyo Plaza

10. Tokyo Midtown

11. Osaka Station City

12. Nakano Broadway

13. JR Hakata City Amu Plaza Hakata

14. Ebisu Garden Place

15. Lazona Kawasaki Plaza

16. MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU

17. Kitte Marunouchi

18. Umihotaru

19. Shibuya 109

20. Namba Parks

21. Grand Front Osaka

22. AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom

23. T GALLERIA BY DFS, OKINAWA

24. Aqua City Odaiba

25. Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima

26. Ashibina Outlet Mall

27. Harunire Terrace

28. AMU PLAZA KAGOSHIMA

29. Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens

30. Universal City Walk Osaka

What travellers are saying

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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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12 of the best places to visit in Japan

From Tokyo to Yokohama, these are the Japanese destinations to tick off your bucket list

There's plenty to see and do in Japan - from staring at the bright lights of Tokyo to finding peace in the scenic Japanese Alps . Many will agree that one of the best times to explore Japan is during the cherry blossom season . Its spectacular spring-time displays can be enjoyed around the country and are celebrated with picnics in the parks and seasonal parties.

While Tokyo and Kyoto are two of the most popular places to visit Japan (and rightly so as they are also some of the most beautiful destinations), there are many places beyond these hotspots, whether it's Japan's cities, islands or mountains you want to explore.

A cruise to Japan is an excellent way to visit multiple regions on one trip and can take you to some undiscovered places. If you're planning ahead for Japan's sell-out cruises, you'll want to check out Good Housekeeping's incredible spring 2025 sailing during the cherry blossom season . It's perfect for getting to know the lesser-known, underrated places, such as Niigata and Toyama.

For any traveller who has always dreamed of visiting Japan, now is the time to get planning and to help inspire your next trip, we've rounded up the best places to visit in Japan in 2024 and beyond.

Check out our favourite Japanese destinations below and visit the Japan National Tourism Organization website for more ideas on places to go.

The first stop for many foreign tourists is Japan's vibrant capital and it's not hard to see why. The world’s most populous metropolis, Tokyo offers tradition and innovation, and unlimited opportunities to eat, shop and explore.

Located on Tokyo Bay in the Kanto region of Honshu, Tokyo is known for its fashion and shopping, from the trendy shopping districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, to the luxury flagships of Ginza. Want to know where to go? Shinjuku is a thriving business district; a mix of gleaming skyscrapers and atmospheric back streets with tiny bars. Asakusa is the heart of Tokyo’s downtown, with ancient temples and traditional stores.

Tokyo is a foodie's paradise too, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, along with hundreds of cheap and delicious ramen shops. You'll want to explore Tokyo's dizzying array of restaurant and dining options, from themed cafés to haute cuisine.

EXPLORE TOKYO ON A 2025 JAPAN CRUISE

Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, Osaka is renowned as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the country. It's only a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, making it a great place to visit in Japan if the capital city is your base. Visitors can step off the bullet train and into a bright and enticing city. Osaka Castle is a must-visit and home to beautiful grounds you can wander through, especially during the cherry blossom season when the spectacular blooms appear.

You'll want to explore other areas in the city too, including the neon lights of Dotombori Bridge and Osaka’s Minami area. Foodies can indulge in the famous culinary delights found in neighbourhoods such as Tenma and Ura Namba. Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with shredded cabbage, flour, egg and dashi is either cooked at the table for diners or left for you to cook yourself.

Discover Osaka during a 17-day cruise holiday to Japan in spring 2025, when you might witness the spectacular cherry blossom displays in the city.

FIND OUT MORE

OSAKA HOTELS

The capital of Kanagawa prefecture, Yokohama grew from a small fishing village during the Edo Period into Japan’s second largest city. A popular city among expats, Yokohama is also home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns, and preserves some former Western residences in the Yamate district. While here, you must visit one of the city’s traditional and serene Japanese landscape gardens, Sankeien Garden, where you'll find winding trails set among historic buildings.

Another highlight is the bustling new city centre, Minato Mirai, which sits along the water. There's something for everyone here, from shopping centres and an amusement park to museums and relaxing hot spring baths.

Visit Yokohama on the last day of Good Housekeeping's cruise around Japan during the cherry blossom season in 2025.

YOKOHAMA HOTELS

Japanese Alps

The Japanese Alps are a series of spectacular mountain ranges in central Honshu, which are perfect for those who wish to escape the buzz of the country's most popular cities. Think thick pine forests, snow-tipped peaks and teal rivers. Only two hours from Tokyo, this natural paradise offers an excellent place to explore rural Japan.

The Alps are just the place for climbers, skiers, hikers and nature fans. Yamanaka Onsen is set in the mountainous area of Kaga Onsen, situated along a beautiful gorge. The hot spring resort is not only a top-spot for wellness but for traditional crafts – it's Yamanaka lacquerware has a 400-year history in the region. You can discover the contemplative heart of Zen Buddhism's Soto sect at Eiheiji (pictured), a massive temple complex just outside the city of Fukui. Built by the Buddhist monk Dogen (1200-1253), it has over 70 buildings set amid cedars in the mountains.

Meanwhile, the city of Kanazawa offers rich cultural heritage and a history of artistic innovation and excellence. One of the most important centres for culture and art during the Edo period, it remains a superb place for art lovers and culture enthusiasts.

KANAZAWA HOTELS

See the stunning Japanese Alps on a Good Housekeeping tour from Tokyo to Osaka in 2024 or 2025.

EXPLORE THE JAPANESE ALPS

Ancient temples, traditional teahouses and peaceful gardens: Kyoto is all about exploring historic Japan. A city of nearly 2,000 temples and shrines, it's Japan's spiritual heart and a true embodiment of Old Japan. Beyond the futuristic Kyoto Station, modern shopping complexes and sleek luxury hotels lies a city with celebrated centuries-old wonders, breathtaking temples and serene Zen gardens.

Kyoto effortlessly blends the past and present and is a must-see destination for history buffs, art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

While here, you'll want to visit the grand temples, shrines, palaces and gardens in and around the city. Be sure to dine on delicious multi-course kaiseki cuisine and stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), too.

Visit ancient Kyoto as part of our Good Housekeeping 13-day tour across the Japanese Alps.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR JAPAN TOUR

KYOTO HOTELS

The vibrant city of Hiroshima has a complicated history, great food and friendly locals. While it's probably most famous for being devastated by a nuclear attack during World War II, Hiroshima as a city promotes peace and understanding.

Every year on 6 August, a memorial service is held to commemorate the victims of the 1945 attack. Thousands write messages of peace on paper lanterns that are lit at sunset to float down the river past the iconic remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome.

During a visit, be sure to check out the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. You should also taste Hiroshima's version of okomiyaki, a local delicacy. Another highlight is going to nearby Miyajima to see its deer and picturesque floating shrine.

Explore Hiroshima during a 2025 spring-time cruise to Japan, where you'll have time to visit the war memorials, shrines and temples.

HIROSHIMA HOTELS

Japan's Tohoku region is home to unspoiled rural landscapes and historical treasures. This northeastern wilderness is a huge region encompassing six rural prefectures that boast custom and heritage. The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck in 2011 brought out the resilient nature of Tohoku's people, and local passion and pride are putting the area back on its feet.

There's a lot to be proud of, too – dramatic landscapes, history-rich sites, craft sake and a host of outdoor activities like rafting, hiking and skiing.

During a trip to the region, you can enjoy the explosive sound, colour and drama of the Aomori Nebuta Festival in summer. Or wander the temples, gardens and archeological sites of World Heritage-listed Hiraizumi in Iwate.

Don't miss an adventure along Hachinohe's section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail and foodies will want to taste the sweet cherries of Yamagata and the juicy peaches of Fukushima.

TOHOKU HOTELS

Shikoku might be the smallest of Japan's four main islands, but there are plenty of natural and culture sites to explore. Traditionally remote, Shikoku is now easy to access from Honshu.

The island offers picturesque coastline on the glittering Seto Inland Sea, legendary udon noodles and picture-perfect onsen. Its stunning Iya Valley, Pacific coastline and free-flowing rivers are best explored on hiking, kayaking and surfboarding adventures.

While here, you can sample the famous udon noodles of Kagawa, take the first steps of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage at temple number one, Ryozenji, in Tokushima, and relax in the hot waters of Dogo Onsen.

SHIKOKU HOTELS

The island of Hokkaido is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter, thanks to top resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. Sapporo, its main city, is also famous for beer, ramen and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It's not all about winter fun here, though.

Hokkaido’s mild summers also provide relief from Japan’s humidity, and offer ideal conditions for hiking and exploring the many national parks. Much of Hokkaido is wild and unspoiled, with hot springs and volcanic lakes, so you're never too far from nature.

While here, explore the culture and traditions of the indigenous Ainu people at Lake Akan, and journey to the Shiretoko Peninsula to see free-roaming brown bears, foxes and deer. Visiting in the summer? Everyone will be dazzled by the rolling hills of Furano's lavender farms, while foodies will love dining on fresh seafood including succulent crab, salmon and fresh sushi in Hokkaido, too.

Get to know Hokkaido on Good Housekeeping's 2025 cruise, which stops in the city of Hakodate, which is overlooked by the 334-metre Mount Hakodate.

HOKKAIDO HOTELS

We love the distinct seasons in the Toyama region. It lies around two hours north of Tokyo, blanketed by snow in winter and blooming with cherry blossoms in spring. While Toyoma City is renowned for its fresh seafood, the wider region is particularly lovely. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given it's surrounded by rushing rivers and lush mountains.

This beautiful pocket of Japanese countryside is home to the UNESCO-listed area of Gokayama, which comprises the two villages of Ainokura and Suganuma, known for their carefully preserved thatched buildings called gassho-zukuri . The roofs are designed to resemble the hands of Buddhist monks’ pressed together in prayer. In winter, the snow-covered gassho-zukurie take on the look of a magical, fairy tale scene.

Join a Japanese cruise departing in spring 2025, and you’ll call at Toyama as the cherry blossom emerges. On an excursion, you can make the scenic hour-long journey from the cruise terminal to Gokayama, passing through the Nanto area of Toyama, where the Shogawa River and Oyabegawa rapids flow.

VISIT TOYAMA ON A 2025 JAPAN CRUISE

A 2024 extension to Japan's bullet train network makes access to a beautiful region deep in the mountains of the Fukui Prefecture much more accessible for visitors. It offers the chance to visit locations where you can join in with traditional rituals and learn more about Japanese culture in more remote pockets of the country.

The new train journey whisks visitors to locations like Eiheiji, where you’ll find one of the main temples of Zen Buddhism, founded in 1244. It’s a spiritual place amid mountainous scenery and ancient woodland, and guests are invited to join the practice. On departure, guests are presented with a goshuin , a traditional document written in exquisite Japanese calligraphy to certify their visit.

Next to the temple is the Zen Village, where you'll find the beautiful Hakujukan hotel, a sustainably built ryokan. As part of their stay, guests can partake in Zen meditation, known as zazen , before soaking in an open-air bath.

Koyasan, also known as Mount Koya, is thought by many as the most sacred place in all of Japan. Home to the centre of Shingon Buddhism, a sect that was brought to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi, one of the country's most prominent Buddhist monks, this mountain settlement comprises over 100 monasteries and temples.

The Shingon headquarters sit within the Kongobuji temple, which is open to visitors. Here you can learn about how Daishi founded the settlement and visit peaceful Banryutei Rock Garden, Japan’s largest rock garden.

Thanks to its verdant peaks and winding valleys, Koyasan is a popular place for hiking and is the starting point for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a holy route that stretches roughly 750 miles and takes in 88 temples.

Koyasan is easy to access from Osaka via train for a day trip, but stay the night in shukubo (traditional temple lodgings) and you can enjoy a more immersive experience, interacting with monks and sampling their vegetarian cooking.

Visit serene Kōyasan part of Good Housekeeping's 13-day Japan tour.

EXPLORE KOYASAN ON A JAPAN TOUR

KOYASAN HOTELS

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