best tour places in japan

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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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21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Japan

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Mar 20, 2024

Japan is an enigma. It's the perfect juxtaposition of centuries-old traditions overlapped with lightning speed, cutting-edge technology. Many first-time visitors to Japan are often surprised to learn that, as one of the world's most advanced industrialized nations, this relatively small Asian country also boasts a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years.

Indeed, long before many of Europe's most spectacular cathedrals were built, Japan's Shinto and Buddhist temples were already well-established and drawing pilgrims and patrons to their elaborate designs and décor. At the same time, the country was already perfecting the skills and trades that would set it on the path to riches, from fine porcelains and ceramics to textiles such as silk.

Much of this rich tradition has, despite wars and natural devastation, been preserved (or rebuilt), and a visit to Japan is a memorable adventure. Boasting an endless list of top attractions, fun things to do, and points of interest to explore, a vacation in Japan is certainly a great investment of time and money.

Discover the best places to visit in the country with our list of the top tourist attractions in Japan.

1. Mount Fuji

2. imperial tokyo, 3. hiroshima peace memorial park, 4. historic kyoto, 5. the island shrine of itsukushima, miyajima, 6. temple city: historic nara, 7. osaka castle, 8. chūbu-sangaku national park and the japanese alps, 9. the atsuta shrine, nagoya, 10. fukuoka castle ruins and the city's ancient festivals, 11. sapporo, hokkaido, 12. fushimi inari-taisha shrine, kyoto, 13. koyasan okunoin, 14. kiyomizu-dera, kyoto, 15. shinjuku gyoen national garden, tokyo, 16. hakone open-air museum, hakone, 17. naritasan shinsho-ji, narita, 18. okinawa churaumi aquarium, 19. matsumoto castle, nagano, 20. arashiyama monkey park, kyoto, 21. kenrokuen garden, kanazawa, tips for making the most of your visit to japan, best time to visit japan.

Without a doubt Japan's most recognizable landmark, majestic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is also the country's highest mountain peak. Towering 3,776 meters over an otherwise largely flat landscape to the south and east, this majestic and fabled mountain is tall enough to be seen from Tokyo, more than 100 kilometers away.

Mount Fuji has for centuries been celebrated in art and literature and is now considered so important an icon that UNESCO recognized its world cultural significance in 2013. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park , Mount Fuji is climbed by more than a million people each summer as an act of pilgrimage, which culminates in watching the sunrise from its summit.

While some still choose to begin their climb from the base, the majority of climbers now start from above the halfway mark, at the 5th Station, resulting in a more manageable six-or-so-hour ascent. Those who do attempt the complete climb are advised to depart in the afternoon, breaking up the climb with an overnight stop at one of the "Mountain Huts" designed for this very purpose. An early start the next day gets you to the top for the sunrise.

Of course, for many, simply viewing the mountain from the distance, or from the comfort of a speeding train, is enough to say "been there, done that."

• Read More: Exploring Mount Fuji: A Visitor's Guide

Tokyo's most famous landmark, the Imperial Palace with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded by walls and moats, is a must-see when visiting the nation's capital. Don't be put off by the fact that the majority of the palace is closed to the public (it's still in use by the Imperial family), as there is still enough to see simply by strolling the grounds.

In addition to the many fine views of the palace from numerous points in the surrounding parkland, visitors are permitted into the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and other areas that are opened to the public as part of an organized tour. One of the most romantic views is of the famous Nijubashi Bridge , or "double bridge," so named for its watery reflection.

Another one of the must-sees for tourists visiting Tokyo is the famous Ginza shopping district. This always bustling area is home to the Kabuki-za Theatre with its Kabuki performances, as well as the Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre with its traditional Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances.

While little needs to be said here of the horrors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945, much can be said of the incredible efforts this vibrant city has made to commemorate the many victims of the world's first nuclear attack. Perhaps even more importantly, Hiroshima has become a symbol of lasting peace.

Visited by more than a million people each year, many from overseas, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Kōen) lies at the epicenter of the atomic blast in what was once a bustling part of the city. Here you'll find a number of important monuments, memorials, and museums relating to the events of that fateful day.

In addition to the grounds and gardens with their colorful cherry blossoms, the park is where you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, with its numerous exhibits dealing with the issue of world peace. It's also where you'll find the Memorial Cenotaph and the Flame of Peace , as well as the Atom Bomb Dome , the ruins of an administrative building that lay at the center of the explosion.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hiroshima

One of Japan's most visited cities, lovely Kyoto – one of the few cities in the country to be spared the devastation of WWII – attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. Most of them are here to explore Kyoto's fine old streets and architecture, much of it unchanged since the Imperial family took up residence here more than 1,000 years ago.

Even then, the city was Japan's most important cultural center. This legacy, in fact, continues to this day with its many museums and art galleries, each bursting with important sculptures, paintings, and other art forms.

Highlights of Kyoto's Buddhist-influenced architecture include its many well-preserved temples, 30 of which are still in use, and important structures such as the 14th-century Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), famous for its exquisite gold-leaf-clad exterior.

Be sure to also visit Nijo Castle , a 17th-century fortress that has retained its original walls, towers, and moat. Also worth seeing are the castle's beautiful gates, along with its palace with fine interior décor.

Another landmark to visit is the original Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto-gosho ) . Built in AD 794, it's one of the city's most visited historic sites.

Finally, no visit to Kyoto is complete without spending time exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove . This beautiful area of tall bamboo is just a few minutes' walk from the town center.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kyoto

Just a short ferry ride from mainland Hiroshima is the island of Miyajima , famous the world over as Japan's Shrine Island. Covering an area of 30 square kilometers in Hiroshima Bay, Miyajima is best known as the home of the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto temple dedicated to the Princess daughters of the wind god Susanoo.

Dating from the eighth century, the majority of the shrine's buildings rise out of the waters of a small bay supported only by piles. The effect at high tide is simply stunning, making these structures - including the famous Great Floating Gate (O-Torii) - appear as if they're floating on water.

Linked together by walkways and bridges, it's a fascinating place to explore, in particular its larger halls. These include the exquisite Honden (Main Hall), the Offerings Hall (Heiden), the Prayer Hall (Haiden), and the Hall of a Thousand Mats (Senjokaku).

Another notable feature is the shrine's stage, where visitors are entertained with traditional dances and musical performances. Also worth exploring are the island's exquisite grounds and gardens, home to wild deer and numerous bird colonies.

Please note: You can expect some interruptions and inconvenience from now until 2022 due to major renovations taking place at this historic site.

For centuries the hub of Japanese culture, the lovely unspoiled city of Nara is home to a large number of historic buildings, along with important national treasures and works of art.

In addition to its many historic streets, the city boasts numerous important old temples. These includ the magnificent seventh-century Kofuku-ji Temple , perhaps the best known of the Seven Great Temples of Nara; and the splendid eighth-century Todai-ji (Great East Temple), famous for its huge bronze statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), cast here in AD 749.

Also of interest in Todai-ji are its Great South Gate (Nandaimon). This spectacular two-story structure is borne on 18 columns, with two Nio statues standing eight meters tall, and it guards the temple entrance. Also of note here is the Hall of the Great Buddha, the world's largest timber building.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nara

Built in 1586 by famous Japanese warrior and politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi , Osaka Castle (Ōsaka-jō) was at the time the largest and most important fortress in the country. Although destroyed and rebuilt a number of times since, the present structure, built in 1931, remains true to the original.

Highlights of a visit include the huge five-story, 42-meter-tall main tower. Built on an imposing 14-meter-tall stone base, the tower is home to a number of displays detailing the history of the castle and the city. Be sure to visit the top floor for its superb views over Osaka, an especially attractive sight as the sun sets.

Also of interest in Osaka Castle Park is the Hokoku Shrine , while Osaka's best-known temple, Shitennō-ji , is also worth visiting and dates back to AD 59. Notable as Japan's first Buddhist temple, this lovely shrine features a five-story pagoda along with a number of other exquisitely decorated buildings. Among them are the Golden Pavilion (Kondō), with its fine statues and paintings; the Lecture Hall (Kōdō); and a lovely covered corridor linking three of the site's gates.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Osaka

Japan boasts a number of outstanding areas of natural beauty, many of them designated as national parks or, in some cases, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the country's most spectacular of these is Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in the center of Honshu. Located in the park's northern and central regions is the group of mountains collectively referred to as the Hida Mountains , or Japanese Alps.

This region contains some of the highest peaks in the country, including Hotaka at 3,190 meters, and Yari at 3,180 meters. Similar in many ways to the Alps of Central Europe - both in the character of the landscape and in its abundance of snow in winter - the Japanese Alps attract large numbers of walkers and climbers in summer and skiers in winter.

Of particular interest is the park's abundance of flora and fauna, including the rare ptarmigan and mountain antelopes found at higher altitudes. The park's many hot springs also draw visitors and led to the development of various spas and holiday resorts, the best known being Kamikōchi .

The Atsuta Shrine, in the heart of the city of Nagoya, is the most important Shinto shrine in Japan, and attracts more than five million visitors each year. Established in the first century, this religious site is famous for its preserved Imperial insignia, the "grass-mowing sword" (kusanagi-no-tsurugi), one of only three in the country.

Also of interest are its principal shrine, Hongu, surrounded by an enclosing wall, and the treasury with its numerous works of art, including old and modern paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional masks. While in Nagoya, be sure to also visit Nagoya Castle . This splendid moated complex was built in 1612 and boasts a 48-meter-high main tower that is famous for its two gilded dolphins (shachi). It's also a popular place to visit for its museum, containing art treasures from the former palace, and its spectacular views over the city and the Nobi Plain.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nagoya

The ruins of the once-grand Fukuoka Castle (Fukuoka-jō), built in the early 1600s, punctuate the middle of Maizuru Park. The castle was once a fine example of the prolific and majestic hilltop homes preferred by Shoguns and city rulers. But it was destroyed after the Meiji Restoration as a backlash against the feudal system.

Today, only the ruins of the castle remain, including the main gate and one of the turrets. Visitors mainly come here for the leafy walking trails and scenic lookouts, with beautiful views over the Naka River. If you climb to the top of the ruins, you can see views of the city beyond. The park is especially lovely in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Fukuoka is also well known for its many events and festivals. The best-known of these is Hakata Gion Yamakasa , a famous two-week long, 700-year-old celebration held each July that draws millions of visitors from across the country to its colorful parades, as well as its traditional races and costumes.

The city is not without its modern attractions, too. Most notable among them is Canal City Hakata , a-city-within-the-city complete with a canal running through the complex, along with great shops, hotels, restaurants, and a theater.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fukuoka

Located on Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido, the city of Sapporo offers many things to do for tourists . As the island's largest city, it's a hub of cultural activity, hosting many excellent events and festivals. It also has a distinctive culinary style; a rich theatrical history; and plenty of museums, galleries, and parks.

The focal point here is very much the city's attractive downtown area, the center of which is Odori Park, a large swath of green that's very pleasant to explore. From here, you can also access points of interest such as the Sapporo TV Tower , as well as the city's famous aerial tramway, an easy walk away. The Mount Moiwa Ropeway will eventually get you to the summit's Upper Station, from where you can enjoy incredible views over the city, a real treat at night.

The mountain is also the location of the Mount Moiwa Ski Resort, a popular winter destination, especially since the 1972 Winter Olympics were held in the city. And if you're arriving in winter, be sure to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival , held here each February and drawing in excess of two million revelers.

When you visit Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, you'll be seeing red – but in a beautiful way. One of the most important shrines in Japan, the Fushimi Inari shrine is found in southern Kyoto, made famous for the thousands (yes, thousands) of scarlet-colored gates that arch over a web of trails. These arch-covered trails command silence, so expect a very peaceful walk towards the forest around Mt. Inari.

Inari is the Shinto god of rice – one of the most important gods in Shintoism. Of the thousands of shrines dedicated to him, Fushimi Inari is decidedly the most important. Most travelers come to see the vermilion gates, but the shrine itself is also open for exploration, and the buildings are quite spectacular.

Visitors can also hike to the top of Mt. Inari, which takes roughly two to three hours round-trip. The route up the mountain is dotted with shrines and smaller gates, as well as spots to grab something to eat.

While a cemetery may not seem like an obvious top attraction, Japan's Koyasan Okunoin is a great exception. One of the most sacred places in the country, this popular pilgrimage spot holds the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

Daishi, also called Kukai, is one of the most important figures in Japan's Buddhist history. It is said that he sits in eternal meditation while waiting for the Buddha of the Future. Those who make the pilgrimage to his mausoleum do so to ask for salvation in this life.

Upon reaching the cemetery, visitors will cross the Ichinohashi Bridge, which is the first bridge into the cemetery. On the way to the mausoleum, visitors will pass more than 200,000 tombstones. The path leads to Gokusho Offering Hall, where visitors can make offerings, as well as pray for family members they have lost.

A second bridge, the Gobyobashi Bridge, is what separates the most sacred center of the site from the rest of the cemetery. Here is where you'll find the Miroku Stone, as well as Torodo Hall, which is a main worship hall just in front of the mausoleum. The hall is aglow with thousands of lanterns. Behind the hall is the mausoleum itself, and it is a most awesome experience to visit.

You'll feel the power of something – whether you believe or not – as pilgrims from all over the country have come to chant and pray in the presence of Kobo Daishi.

Kyoto is practically overflowing with gorgeous sites and landmarks. The city is a top attraction itself. But one can't come to Kyoto without visiting Kiyomizu-Dera, or the Pure Water Temple.

One of the most important temples in Japan, Kiyomizu-Dera was built in 780 CE on the grounds of the Otowa Waterfall. It was originally built to be part of the Hosso sect of Buddhism, but later formed its own sect in the mid 20th century.

Today the UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its wooden stage, which overlooks the beautiful rooftops of Kyoto, and the marvelous trees that always put on fantastic color displays in both the fall and cherry blossom season.

On the grounds, visitors will find other important sites, like the Jishu Shrine, as well as the Otowa Waterfall itself, which still gushes at the base of the monument's main hall.

One of Tokyo's most famous districts is the Shinjuku district, known for its electric nightlife, trendy restaurants, and upscale hotels. But the heart of the district is also home to one of Tokyo's most naturally beautiful attractions – the Shinjuku Gyoen park.

Within the park are sprawling green spaces and trails of walking paths that wind around stunning floral displays, ponds, and manicured shrubbery. Come cherry blossom season, the park is one of the best spots to catch the brilliant waves of powder pink.

The park was built during Japan's Edo Period (1603-1867) as the residence of a feudal lord. After that it became a botanical garden and then was an entertaining grounds for Japan's Imperial Family in the early 20th century. It opened in 1949 as a public park.

Within the park are three different styles of garden, including a Japanese landscape, English landscape, and French landscape.

The town of Hakone, located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park to the west of Tokyo, is known for its stunning mountains and tranquil hot spring resorts. That is reason enough to visit this stunning small town. But another top draw to this peaceful bit of paradise is the impressive Open-Air Museum.

True to its name, the outdoor museum is a sculpture park that spreads over 17 acres. Opened in 1969, it is one of the first open-air museums in Japan, featuring more than 100 sculptures all over the grounds.

One of the most impressive sculptures here is the Symphonic Sculpture, which allows visitors to climb a stained-glass tower to reach a viewing platform that overlooks the surrounding mountains, as well as the other works of art on the grounds.

In addition to the outdoor exhibits, the museum has an indoor exhibit, including one of the world's most impressive collections of Picasso . You'll find more than 300 of the great Spanish painter's works here, including his oil paintings, prints, ceramics, and sculptures.

Dating back more than 1,000 years, the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Japan. The purpose for the temple was to protect and pay homage to a statue of the Buddhist god, Fudo Myoo, which is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi. Within the temple grounds are several buildings, including several different style pagodas, a park, and the main halls.

Approaching the temple complex is like stepping back in time. The half-mile journey from the rail station to the temple complex is a road lined with restaurants and handicraft stores. The same has been true of this street for hundreds of years. While the stores themselves may have a 21st-century appeal, the arrival experience to the temple complex has remained unchanged for centuries.

Japan's Okinawa archipelago consists of more than 150 islands that speckle the area between Taiwan and Japan's mainland. This tropical environment is completely unique to other areas of Japan, home to beautiful beaches and swaying palm trees. The main island is also called Okinawa, and is home to several museums, as well as the Churaumi Aquarium.

The aquarium is widely considered to be the best in Japan, known for its Kuroshio Tank. Within this massive tank are about 60 different species of animals, but most visitors come to see the gigantic whale sharks and gliding manta rays.

Other attractions within the aquarium include a deep water exhibit, which shows off bioluminescent fish, as well as an area dedicated to tiger and bull sharks. Outside are a variety of pools that are home to dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.

Japan has hundreds of beautiful, historic castles. But none is as complete or mesmerizing as Matsumoto Castle. Built from 1592 to 1614, Matsumoto is located in the city of Nagano. Tip: One of the best times to visit the castle is in the spring , when the grounds of the castle are powdered a soft pink with the bloom of thousands of cherry blossoms.

Inside the castle, visitors have one of the best glimpses back into time. Matsumoto Castle has maintained its wooden interiors, giving a true historic feel to the experience. Matsumoto is considered to be one of five castles that are designated as "National Treasures of Japan." It is the oldest six-story castle tower that remains in the country.

Located in the Arishayama section of Kyoto, the famous Arashiayama Monkey Park is one of the best things to do both in Kyoto, as well as Japan overall. A short hike up a forest-covered mountain opens up to sweeping views over the city, as well as a troop of more than 120 Japanese macaque monkeys.

The macaques roam freely in the monkey park, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these energetic creatures. You can even feed them with food you purchase at the park. You'll find a small, wooden enclosure where you can feed the monkeys. Outside the enclosure the macaques roam freely, bouncing from branch to branch and scattering across the dirt trails.

The top of the peak also provides a great view of Kyoto and the beautiful mountain peaks in the distance. Visiting the monkey park is wonderful in both spring and fall because you'll have a bird's eye view of the cherry blossoms and the brilliant changing of the leaves.

Perfectly manicured with the highest attention to detail, the gardens in Japan are truly works of art. To visit a Japanese garden is to step into a painting. Arguably the most beautiful garden in Japan is the Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa. The grounds used to be a part of Kanazawa Castle and were opened to the public in the 19th century.

What makes the garden so special is that it was designed around what are known as the six essentials to make a perfect garden. These include spaciousness, seclusion, antiquity, abundant water, views, and artificiality.

While exploring the grounds, visitors will pass by beautiful pools, babbling brooks, bridges, teahouses, artfully placed stones and flowerbeds, as well as sweeping views and secluded pockets.

The park is a beautiful spot to witness the cherry blossoms in the spring, as well as the sweeping autumn colors that take over in the fall.

• Shoulder Season Travel : Due to its being blessed with so many amazing points of interest, Japan's top attractions can, during the peak summer months, get rather busy. If you can be flexible with your trip planning, create a sightseeing itinerary that will allow you to explore this beautiful country during the quieter shoulder seasons. You'll not only be rewarded by fewer lineups, but will be able to enjoy things other visitors will miss out on: spring cherry blossoms in places like Nara Park; amazing fall colors in the hillside spa destination of Jozankei Onsen; and historic structures such as Fukuoka Castle blanketed in snow.
• Faster Than a Speeding Bullet (Train) : Thanks to its superb modern and efficient public railway system, Japan is an easy country to get around. Japan Railways is responsible for more than 21,000 kilometers of rail lines, connecting all points to larger cities such as Tokyo. The best of these is the Shinkansen Bullet Train , capable of traveling 320 kilometers per hour, making a trip such as Tokyo to Fukuoka - some 1,170 kilometers away - doable in just over six hours. Be sure to pick up your Japan Rail Pass or book your rail tours before departure to ensure savings.

Despite its small size, Japan experiences almost every kind of weather you could imagine – from rainy typhoon seasons to snowy winters to hot humid summers. Whether you want to ski, hike, or explore the city, Japan has much to offer – and a perfect season for each of these activities.

For most tourists interested in sightseeing, the best time to visit Japan is during the months of March and April , as the weather is milder, the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in bloom, and the big summer crowds haven't arrived yet.

A land of contrasts and surprises, Japan has stunning springs, snowcapped mountains in winter, and plenty to do outdoors in the warmer months. The best time to visit Japan can be any time, depending on your interests.

Spring: Sakura (cherry blossoms) completely transform Japan during the months of March and April, making spring one of the most beautiful seasons in the country . Spring temperatures can vary widely depending on where you're heading, with the northern destinations seeing around 4 degrees Celsius in April, and the southern cities experiencing temperatures in the mid to high teens-in many places like Tokyo, temperatures are usually in the single digits in the early mornings and at night, but a comfortable 13 to 15 degrees during the day.

Summer: Japan's summers are hot, humid, and often wet . Temperatures in the cities often reach into the high 20s and sometimes 30s, but with high humidity present, it feels much hotter. Summer is a great time to head to the mountains and the countryside to escape the urban heat . Between July and October, the coast of Japan is under the threat of typhoons and heavy rains, although the wettest months are usually August and September .

Fall: Fall is a great time to travel around Japan , as you'll get cooler weather, great Autumn colors, and discounted prices. Although spring has similar temperatures, fall is drier , so you won't have to constantly carry an umbrella with you everywhere you go. Rikugien Garden in Tokyo and Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of Mt. Fuji are great places to catch the autumn colors.

Winter: Depending on your destination, Japanese winters can be very cold (as low as -10 degrees Celsius in Sapporo) or mild (Naha regularly sees January temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius). In most places, however, winters are dry-no humidity and very little rain, with snow mostly falling on the countryside but sometimes also blanketing the bigger cities. The alpine regions, including the ski resorts around Hokkaido, are among the best places to visit in Japan in winter. Slopes are great in January and February, with plenty of powdery snow for outdoor sports.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Endless Day Trip Options : Wherever you choose to visit in Japan, the country's fast rail services open up endless possibilities for day trippers. Even if you are only visiting one city, you may be able to see several important tourist attractions in the surroundings. For more detail in planning your trip, see our articles on day trips from Tokyo , as well as historic Kyoto , and Osaka .

More on Japan

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!

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 !

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!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Yes I have read this article and very informative article.

Glad you liked the article 🙂

My Granddaughter dream is to go to Japan since she was 11 years old, May 2022 she will be 18 and graduating High School. I want to take her there as a gift to her, because her dream has not wavered, Problem is, I am limited on income and terrified to go to another country, where I know nothing of culture or the language, I understand it is very expensive. Could you give me advice on what we could do to make this memorable for her..without it draining my bank account and where a lot of people speak English. We are country people dont know to much of the outside world, so this will be a culture shock for us. I want to respect their values as well. Any advice will be much appreciated. Food, Places to stay, Sightseeing, cherry blossom, I am leaning on traveling April 4th 2022.

Hi Connie, What an amazing gift. An experience of a lifetime. I am originally from country WA and know exactly what you mean. Japan can be expensive but it also can be reasonable on the budget side. We have an article that has a lot of information that may help you out but I will add a few more tips in. Travel Guide – https://www.nomadasaurus.com/travel-guides/travel-to-japan/ (at the bottom of this article is lots of other Japan posts) Budget – https://www.nomadasaurus.com/budget-travel-in-japan/

There are a lot of people that speck English in the major cities. But menus will be in Japanese sometimes you will find English but the prices may be more expensive. We recommend downloading Japan to English google translate. This will help you out so much. If you are connected to the internet you can hover your camera over a menu and it will translate the writing to English. You can pick up an internet dongle from the airport and have wifi where ever you go for your stay. They can be expensive. Another option is buying an international SIM card. Just check your plan and that there is no extra costs. Your phones plans may charge you international roaming and this will be very expensive. Happened to me in Ireland when I first travelled, costs nearly $1000. I had no idea. Lucky they cut it down but it was a wake up. Transport – I would look into the JR pass. This is a great way to get around the country and you can use it on local transport within the cities too. The train system is incredible and so comfortable. Stops are in English so you can read where you need to get off and at what stop. https://www.jrailpass.com/maps Getting around cities – I would recommend hopping on a city tour or do a free walking tour to get your bearings and ask advice from the guides. The guides would be able to tell you get (and cheap) local restaurants to try. We try to do this in a lot of cities when we first arrive. Getting the public trains are easy enough to get around the cities. Put some maps on your phone or print out a map before you arrive. Food – There are so many amazing stalls. These are the best local food options. They look a little questionable but if it is busy with locals then go there. We ate at a lot of machine meals. This is when you enter the restaurant and choose a meal off a machine, collect your receipt, sit down and a person will collect your receipt and then deliver your meal. These places were great. Do not miss Kyoto and Nara. We really enjoyed these places. The temples, gardens, traditional houses and the culture. When we got off the plane in Japan we went straight to Kyoto and we were so happy we did. Explore Tokyo at the end of your trip. Hope this helps. If you have anymore questions please don’t hesitate to message us. Japan is an amazing country. The people there are so welcoming and helpful.

These are great places for tourism. I must say, your post is like my tour guide now. Thank you for sharing this post with us. Thanks.

Hi Franca, glad you liked the post. Japan has so many wonderful destinations. Have a wonderful trip when you go. Take care. 🙂

Japan has been on our travel bucket list for years now but already planning to visit next year so this gave me a good idea where to go apart from Tokyo and Osaka.

You need to go Julia. I think you would love it. There is so many amazing places to see. We didn’t spend much time in Tokyo and Osaka as we are not city people. We loved Kyoto for the culture. I know it is a city but it did not feel like it. Stay in Gion District if you go. Was amazing. We would get up early and wonder around. Felt like we were the only people there sometimes. Happy planning.

I’m planning a trip to Japan and your blog has been very helpful so far! The first time I was there I mostly went from big city to city, so this time I would like to try smaller towns and your description of Shirakawa makes it sound so lovely. The problem is that Google Maps is showing me two Shirakawa towns! Did you visit the one in Fukushima or in Gifu? Thanks!

Hi Jennifer, sorry about the late reply. This is in the Gifu Prefecture. Thank you for this. I will note it in the paragraph. 🙂

We are heading to Tokyo for the Olympics in July of next year and have a little more than three weeks in Japan with 9 days at the Summer Olympics. We have been to Tokyo and Kyoto before and did most all of the sites that one would, so the timing of this article was perfect as we were looking for more to explore outside of Tokyo and Kyoto next summer after the hustle and bustle during the Olympics. Thanks for giving us a great starting point with the overview of these prefectures. Much Aloha and Kokua for the insight

Hi Dan, so sorry your comment was missed. I know your plans are obviously are cancelled as the Olympics are postponed til next year. I hope you have rescheduled and are still going. If you have time do check out Nakatsugawa. It has a traditional trail. It is beautiful and not far from Tokyo. Check out Sado Island. The coastline and hiking is so beautiful. You can catch a flight down to Oita Island and explore this off the beaten path area. Lots of onsens and great hiking. You do need to rent a car to get around as transport is very limited. Have a great time when you go to Japan.

Truly your shared all these fabulous places are the best for travelling and tourists can enjoy some time with buddies. I also enjoyed myself while I was visiting this kind of places.

So glad you enjoyed your time in Japan. Thanks for reading. 🙂

Thanks for sharing such a beautiful article. It packed of all the information required for the first time visitors and information mentioned above in the article are more than enough gain knowledge about Japan. The article has surely helped me a lot. It would be great if the images of the all places mentioned above were there. Thumbs up for the effort.

Glad we could help. All the best

Thanks for sharing this information regarding travel and tour. I really found this very interesting. And your blog is very useful for us.

Thank you so much. Glad you found the article helpful. Happy travels

I have visiting a few cities in Japan on my bucket list. I shared the blog. The pics are awesome and I enjoyed reading the brief overview of the different cities. I get excited about everything from historical areas, to scenic, and most of all the food. Thanks for the recommendations of Dotonbori and Yokohama chinatown for popular street food.

Thank you so much David. Natalia wrote a great article and made us very jealous. Japan looks like a wonderful place. We are heading there later this year. We can not wait. 🙂

I really like to share your all these adorable images which views very fabulous and cool. I also spent a really good time at ONOMICHI during my last journey and came back with great memories.

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Home | Travel | 25 Best Authentic Places to Visit in Japan 2024

25 Best Authentic Places to Visit in Japan 2024

• By Nagisa Tsuchida
• Last updated February 29, 2024

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Efforts are being made to change Japan into a more welcoming place for foreign tourists, with new English menus and English signs becoming more of the norm than not.

You have decided to visit Japan, but you don’t know where specifically?

I have traveled all over Japan, and based on my experiences, I will introduce you to some of the most popular tourist destinations, as well as some of the more obscure spots that I would highly recommend to tourists.

I will introduce them in order from the north of Japan to the south of Japan, I hope you will enjoy this list as much as I do!

1. Lavender fields and Aoi Ike in Biei 🪻(Hokkaido)

Lavender field

Biei is a beautiful town in Hokkaido and has several lavender fields.

⚠️ The lavender fields in summer are especially famous, and during the best season in July, the parking lot will be jammed with traffic.

The sight of the entire field of purple lavender swaying in the wind is breathtaking and attracts many tourists and photographers to take in the spectacular view. The fragrance is also pleasant and will provide you with a healing experience.

The lavender soft serve ice cream is a must-try here 🍦 It contains lavender extract and has a very refreshing taste. I have visited many places and have rarely found this. I think that there are many great strange/unique foods that are also delicious in Japan , and I think this is one of those foods that you can only have because you visited the lavender fields. You should not miss this opportunity!

About 30 minutes away by car is “Aoi Ike” (Blue Pond). The contrast between the deep blue color of the pond and the white birch trees standing in the background creates a mystical view.

Since these birch trees are only found in cold regions, this contrast can only be seen in a very limited number of areas in Japan.

However, the color of the pond varies depending on the weather and climate. In summer, the surface of the water is a bright blue.

Although it is possible to get around by bus or train, we recommend renting a car to get around Hokkaido, as it is a large island and each place is far apart from the others.

This is definitively one of my favourite nature spots in Japan .

2. Nyuto hot spring ♨️ (Akita)

Nyuto Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Akita Prefecture, surrounded by historic wilderness. It is characterized by its milky white hot spring water.

Visitors can bathe while enjoying Akita’s seasonal natural scenery, such as fresh greenery in spring, freshness in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.

When you arrive in Nyuto Onsenkyo, you will see a row of hot spring inns on both sides of the road. These are traditional Japanese-style inns, where visitors can enjoy the warmth of wood and the scent of tatami mats.

The inns here have an atmosphere similar to that of my Japanese grandmother’s house, making me feel nostalgic even though this was my first visit to this place.

At night, when the lights are lit and snow piles up here, you can feel the Japanese atmosphere even more.

3. Ginzan hot springs ♨️ (Yamagata)

Ginzan Onsenkyo is a historical hot spring resort in Yamagata Prefecture, characterized by streets that retain the atmosphere of old Japan. The cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and white-walled buildings evoke a sense of time, and the fantastic scenery at night will captivate your heart.

There is a ryokan that has been talked about for its resemblance to the oil house in the movie “Spirited Away,” the Notoya Ryokan, located right in front of the red bridge. You will feel as if you have wandered into an animated world. If you like these types of experiences then you can find more anime, manga and gaming places to visit in Japan here .

The atmosphere of this hot spring resort is also very interesting to me as a Japanese, because it is different from most of the ryokan I have seen in Japan in terms of architecture and atmosphere.

At night, guests walk around the onsen town in yukata (light cotton kimono) and geta (wooden clogs). This is a scene that can only be seen in a hot spring resort at night.

Reservations are hard to come by here due to the small number of rooms and popularity of the inn. Early reservations are essential.

In addition, ryokans that are representative of Ginzan Onsen are high-priced, with prices ranging from 150 euros or more per person at the lowest end, to 600 euros at the highest end. However, it is the kind of inn where you will want to splurge and stay at least once.

If you stay at a ryokan with a dinner plan, you can have this kind of meal in your room!

I did not stay overnight here, but stopped by to take in the spectacle. I visited in November and it was so cold that I had to bring a scarf, gloves, and a down jacket.

It is an inconvenient place to visit unless you rent a car.

4. Zao Juhyo ❄️ (Yamagata)

Juhyō in Yamagata Prefecture is known as a spectacular natural art created by the cold and humidity of winter. Trees covered with snow and ice glisten in the sunlight, creating a fantastic landscape.

With this beautiful scenery of tree ice as a backdrop, skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities are sure to be a great experience.

Winter temperatures in the mountains during this season are below minus 10 degrees Celsius, so you need to be well prepared.

5. Zao fox village 🦊 (Miyagi)

Zao Kitsune Village is a unique facility where you can see a very large number of foxes up close. This is the only place in Japan where you can play directly with foxes.

It is a sacred place for fox lovers. Visitors can observe the natural ecology and behavior of various foxes up close. The foxes here do not have to worry about echinococcus because they have been examined by a veterinarian.

In the mountains of Japan, red foxes are often seen, but in this fox village, you can meet six different species: the rare silver fox, the Arctic fox, the platinum fox, and the cross-shaped fox. It was like a dream come true to meet these foxes that I have only seen in picture books or on TV.

I had an image of foxes as gentle, but to my surprise some of the foxes could be quite aggressive which led to some funny encounters with playful biting and snarling sounds.

However, most foxes were not aggressive, they were napping comfortably or basking in the sun, and I am sure you will be captivated by their adorable expressions and actions.

You can also experience holding and feeding the foxes. It was so cute to see the foxes looking up and waiting for you that I bought food twice.

In the cuddle experience you will be surprised that the fox is fluffier than you ever imagined. The experience cost 600 yen. You will want to hug it all the time.

What’s more, to our surprise, the fox’s tail was as thick as our thighs. The foxes we held were very docile and it was a wonderful experience.

There was a limit on the number of people that can get in, so we recommend that you get in line early.

6. Hitachi seaside park 🌷 (Ibaraki)

A vast park, this place is famous for its seasonal flowers, which attract tourists from home and abroad. In particular, the blue carpet of nemophila in spring is breathtaking and causes a huge traffic jam early in the morning. Seeing the nemophila in this park is one of the things I want to accomplish in my life.

I visited in the fall to see the kochia fields. The red kochias were blooming all over the place and the contrast with the blue sky was amazing.

There is also a large cosmos field, and I was extremely fascinated by the sight of countless cosmos swaying in the wind.

The admission fee of only 450 yen allows you to view such a wonderful sight, so it is a very good value.

7. Nikko Toshogu Shrine ⛩️ (Tochigi)

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is known as an important shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of Japan, and is registered as a World Heritage site. The shrine grounds are lined with colorful carvings and gold leaf decorated buildings, most notably the “Sleeping Cat” and “Three Monkeys” sculptures.

The more than 5,000 sculptures, including monkeys, cranes, phoenixes, and dragons, are said to represent a world in which everyone can coexist.

As a Japanese person, we deeply value the lesson of the “Three Monkeys”, they have their eyes, ears, and mouths covered, which represent the saying “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” It’s a core belief for us to avoid noticing, hearing, or discussing the negatives of others to prevent conflicts.

There are “Three monkeys” in the part of the building pictured below.

Please check my guidance on how to behave at Shrines and Temples in Japan for tips on how to blend in with the locals at these sacred spots.

8. Senso Temple 🛕 (Tokyo)

Senso Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. Passing through the huge lanterns of the Kaminari gate, you will find the shopping street Nakamise Dori, where you can find many unique Japanese sweets and souvenirs, and even taste them freshly made.

After walking along this street for a while, I found a line of stores around the center of the street on the right.

These look like marshmallows, but they are sticky dango (rice cakes made from rice). Left one is a typical japanese dango flavor with sweet and salty taste. Right one is very tasty wrapped in seaweed and dipped in sauce. I preferred the right side because I am used to and like the taste of seaweed.

I know some tourists do not like the taste of seaweed, but this is a Japanese sweet i think you should give a try even if you are not use to eating seaweed.

Be careful not to chew it too much or it will get stuck in your throat.

Japanese people are very fond of omikuji, and many people tend to draw them, especially at the beginning of the New Year.

First, shake the tube as shown in the video, then turn it upside down and a stick will come out. Take out a piece of paper from the drawer that has the same letter written on it as the letter on the stick. That is the omikuji on which your fortune is written.

Omikuji are used to predict one’s fortune in terms of money, health, love, etc. I think this is one of the best places to visit in Tokyo for an authentic experience, even as a Japanese!

Omikuji here are also written in English and are inexpensive at 100 yen, so please give them a try!

9. Hakone ♨️ (Kanagawa)

Fuji and Lake Ashi, its spectacular natural scenery and natural hot springs attract tourists. The easy accessibility from Tokyo makes it a popular hot spring resort for tourists. A wide variety of accommodations, from luxurious resort hotels to traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inns), are available for tourists to choose from according to their needs.

Around Hakone Yumoto station

Around Hakone Onsen Station, various restaurants and souvenir shops are lined with beauty and crowded with tourists. You can eat your way through and fill up, or you can go to one of the restaurants.

I had a bowl of yuba rice here. Yuba is a healthy traditional ingredient made from soy milk and is high in protein and low in calories. The yuba is made with plenty of spring water and tastes the best, and furthermore, it was intertwined with the dashi broth and tasted extremely soft. There was a wait of over an hour, but time was not wasted as our turn came while we filled out a list and browsed the souvenirs on the main street.

Other activities in the Hakone area include cruising and hiking on Lake Ashi; hiking in February was very cold as there was still snow on the ground, but the air was very clear and pleasant.

At Owakudani, you can see Mt.Fuji and feel the white steam and smell the sulfur that rises from the volcanic activity. The sulfur smells like farts, but the sight of the rising steam is a sight unique to hot spring resorts. There is a 700m long parkway that takes you close to the fumarole. The smell of sulfur can be harsh, but you can learn more about the formation of the volcano through an explanatory plate.

Black eggs are a specialty here. Using geothermal heat and chemical reactions, the eggs are boiled to produce black boiled eggs. I have never seen such a black boiled egg. It is a black boiled egg as shown in the picture below. This means that you can enjoy boiled eggs only in a hot spring resort.

10. Around Mt.Fuji 🗻

In the Kawaguchiko area, you can relax and enjoy hot springs, specialty foods, and nature in the magnificent view of Mt.Fuji.

Arakura Fuji sengen Shrine

Arakura Fuji sengen Shrine is a place where you can view the shrine and the magnificent Mt. Fuji at the same time, and in spring, you can also see cherry blossoms , which is a spectacular view.

I passed by a private house, wondering if I was in the right place, and arrived at the parking lot of the shrine. From there, we had to climb 400 steps, which was tiring, but as soon as we saw the view at sunset, our fatigue was gone and we were filled with emotion. I forgot to talk and just gazed at it. Mt. Fuji can be seen from anywhere around the area, but the view from this shrine was something special.

On my way back from here, I happened to find the spot where this photo was taken, which is often seen. Despite the fact that it was an ordinary shopping street, many people were setting up their cameras. If you want to take this picture, you can see the location if you follow the link under the picture above 📷

Hottarakashi Onsen

Hottarakashi Onsen is located near the top of the mountain and requires a short drive uphill. Here, you can enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji while soaking in the open-air bath. If you go early in the morning, you can see Mt. Fuji at the moment of sunrise, and the view is breathtaking. Fuji was hidden by clouds when I visited, so I would definitely like to revisit.

Fuji was hidden by clouds when I visited, so I would definitely like to revisit.

Oshinohakkai

Oshinohakkai is a spring area consisting of eight springs and is characterized by the clarity and beauty of its water.

Mt.Fuji, melted snow water flows deep underground for several decades, and fish swim comfortably in the clear water containing rich minerals. It is recommended to take pictures with the mystical scenery and Mt.Fuji.

The photo above shows a pond called Naka Pond. The depth of this pond is 8 meters, but it does not look that deep because the bottom of the pond is clearly visible.

There are several spots where you can actually drink the natural spring water here. This water is rich in minerals and although Japanese water is soft, it was very soft and smooth. I think most people usually drink hard water, so you should definitely try it.

Local specialty: Hoto

Hoto is a specialty here. Whenever I visit Kawaguchiko, I always visit a restaurant called “Fudou”. Some stores have a modern design, while others look like Japanese houses.

Hoto is a noodle dish made with many vegetables such as pumpkin and miso, and the soup is so delicious that you end up drinking so much of it before eating the noodles that you end up being full from the soup alone. Served in an earthenware pot, hoto is so uniquely Japanese that one cannot help but take pictures of it.

For more great places, food and experiences around Mount Fuji, please check out recommended things to do around Mount Fuji .

11. Kusatsu hot spring ♨️ (Gunma)

Kusatsu Onsen is famous as one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan, and it is said that “a soak in Kusatsu Onsen will cure all illnesses except for love.” Kusatsu Onsen has a hot spring called Yubatake, which is a symbol of Kusatsu Onsen because it serves to lower the temperature of the hot spring water by pouring it into a wooden tub. At night, it is lit up and attracts many visitors.

The traditional performance of “yumomi” has become a tourist attraction. The source of the hot spring water is as hot as 50 degrees Celsius, but if water is added to the hot spring water to cool its temperature, the beneficial effects of the hot spring water will be diminished.

“Yumomi” is a traditional method of stirring the hot spring water to cool it down to the proper bathing temperature. The hot spring water is then stirred to cool it down to the proper bathing temperature. This process also helps to soften the strong smell of sulfur. Many tourists gather to watch this spectacle.

There are free public bathhouses around Yubatake. I actually visited a free public bathhouse called “Shirohata-no-yu” near the hot spring fields. It was a small bathhouse that could accommodate about four people.

I was surprised by two things: First, there was no need for shampoo or soap. What this means is that Kusatsu Onsen is highly acidic and has the strongest sterilizing power. All you need to do is soak in it.

Second, the water is unusually hot. The temperature is a staggering 47 and 44 degrees Celsius. Be sure to take your time getting in. It takes some time for your body to get used to the hot water, but once you do, it is very pleasant. It is a rare experience for me, even as a Japanese, to bathe in such hot spring water, and I hope that everyone will experience it.

You can also experience a free footbath in the vicinity of Yubatake. Footbath is a health practice that is believed to improve blood circulation throughout the body, improve fatigue, and have a relaxation effect by warming the feet, which are the extremities of the body. A footbath is a great way to refresh your feet and relieve travel fatigue.

⚠️ You need to bring your own towel for most foot baths.

12. Jigokudani wild monkey park 🐒 (Nagano)

Jigokudani Yaen-koen is a nature park in Nagano Prefecture where you can see the lives of wild monkeys up close. The monkeys I see in my daily life are very cautious and run away immediately.

Since it was summer when I visited, the monkeys were only licking the hot spring water, but in winter, it is very lovely to see them bathing in the hot spring.

However, the monkeys here are not so wary and run around very close by. I saw baby monkeys clinging to their mothers’ bellies as they moved about, and I saw monkeys standing in a line up close as they all fleeced each other’s bodies.

The road to get here is so narrow that only about one car can pass, and it is quite difficult when an oncoming car comes by, so we decided to go on foot.

There were two paths, one through a bamboo forest where no cars could pass, and the other through a mountain path with a very serene atmosphere that allowed us to enjoy the travel time.

13. Shirakawa-go 🏠 (Gifu)

Shirakawa-go is a historic village in Gifu Prefecture that was registered as a World Heritage site in 1995. It is characterized by its unique gassho-zukuri houses, which offer an original Japanese landscape.

This architectural style was designed to withstand the harsh winter snows, and the sloping roofs are unique. Houses of this construction can be seen only in a limited number of areas in Japan, which is very rare, even for me as a Japanese person.

The scenery of each of the four seasons is attractive, and the snowy landscape in winter is regarded as a spectacular sight, especially in summer.

Some of these houses are open to the public and can be toured inside. Inside the houses, there are hearths, which serve as a source of heating as well as a place to gather around and enjoy a meal together. It is constructed with wooden posts and beams, and these take on a deep hue over time, creating a historic atmosphere.

If you just want to see the whole village, you can do it in an hour, but if you want to visit and enjoy a meal, you will need three hours.

With inns of this construction, you will surely experience more of the historical architecture and atmosphere.

14. Kanazawa, Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi-chaya machi🌳 (Ishikawa)

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden is a historical Japanese garden, with large and small ponds, beautiful masonry, and tea houses arranged in the garden, providing a taste of good old Japan.

Taking a rest on a bench in the garden and admiring the scenery was so relaxing that the time passed so quickly. The illuminated garden has a different look from the daytime, so be sure to visit at night as well.

Especially during the snowy season, trees are protected by a traditional method called yuki-hanging. This technique is only practiced in areas of Japan where there is a lot of snow, and it is not seen everywhere.

Higashi-chaya machi

Nearby from Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi-chayamachi has a traditional historical landscape of cobblestone streets lined with unique wooden buildings. You will find yourself stopping to take pictures. You will experience as if you are traveling through time.

Kanazawa is famous for its gold leaf as a specialty, and sake and face packs containing gold leaf are famous as souvenirs.

You will often see people eating ice cream with a whole piece of gold leaf on it. Only in Kanazawa can you find such items sold with gold leaf, so be sure to get some items.

15. Fushimi Inari Shrine⛩️ (Kyoto)

This is the number one spot in Kyoto for foreign tourists and a must-visit destination. Fushimi Inari Shrine is a famous place in Kyoto and is a shrine known as the god of prosperity and good harvest.

Its distinctive feature is the thousands of vermilion “Senbon-torii” gates that line the approach up the mountain, whose fantastic scenery attracts visitors.

Red torii gates can be seen in many places in Japan, but as far as I know, only Fushimi Inari, Takayama Inari Shrine in Aomori Prefecture, and Motosumi Shrine, which will be introduced later on this page, have so many torii gates in a row, which is a rare sight even for Japanese people.

If you go there on a clear day, the red color of the Senbon-torii gateway reflects off the ground, making you feel as if you are walking through a tunnel of red. There are several observation decks from which you can look down on the city of Kyoto.

If you go to the Fushimi Inari Shrine during lunch time, it will be very crowded with people climbing up and down the torii, so I would recommend visiting early in the morning.

16. Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama 🎋 (Kyoto)

Bamboo Forest are a sight to behold, with towering bamboos surrounding both sides of the path in dense clusters. Walking along the paths, the sound of the bamboos swaying in the wind and the gaps where the light shines through them create a unique sense of tranquility and beauty.

The bamboo grove, which is very calming, has seasonal beauty, and is especially loved by many tourists for the fantastic atmosphere it creates when illuminated at night, which is held for a limited time in winter.

The autumn foliage of Arashiyama during the fall season is extremely popular as one of the most beautiful spots in Kyoto, and is very crowded.

The interior of the bamboo grove also stands out even more with its stately green bamboo in contrast to the background of the autumn leaves.

There is a sightseeing train called Sagano Trolley Train running from Arashiyama. The train runs 7.3 km from Saga Station to Kameoka Station, taking about 25 minutes, and offers views of the mountains and valleys along the line from the train windows.

You can fully enjoy the scenery in each of the four seasons. The autumn foliage season is especially popular, so early reservations are essential.

17. Kiyomizu Temple 🛕 (Kyoto)

Kiyomizu Temple, with a history of over 1,200 years, is a World Heritage Site.” The large main hall, known as “Kiyomizu’s Stage,” is built on a cliff, and its unique architectural beauty and the view from the stage are overwhelming to visitors. Not a single nail was used in the construction of this stage, and the Japanese building techniques of the time are also impressive.

The view of the city of Kyoto seen through the stage and the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are so well matched that one cannot help but admire them. At this time of year, the daytime view is of course wonderful, but both should be seen when the stage is lit up at night, as it has a different atmosphere!

In addition, the water that springs from the shrine grounds is special to those who wish for good health, love, and academic success, and people line up to drink this water.

This is not the only attraction of Kiyomizu-Dera. Kiyomizu-zaka slope on the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple is lined with stone pavement, old town houses, and traditional architecture, creating a timeless atmosphere just by walking along it.

Stores selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, traditional cuisine, and sweets are scattered throughout this area.

When returning from Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, it is recommended to take a quieter path down the hill, different from the main street, to experience a different atmosphere than on the way there.

The modestly illuminated paths and quietness lure you into the elegant atmosphere typical of Kyoto.

If you are lucky, you may also see maiko and geiko in this area in the evening or at night. If you want to be sure of seeing them, you should visit a place that offers dinner with a maiko in advance.

18. Kinkaku-ji 🛕 (Kyoto)

The word “kin” means gold. The second and third floors of Kinkakuji Temple are lavishly decorated with shining gold leaf, giving it an overwhelming presence.

The use of gold leaf is believed to have been influenced by the desire to recreate the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss on earth, the intention to show the authority of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the shogun of the time, and the active exchange with China.

The reflections of sunlight and ponds add to its beauty, and this kind of gold leaf decoration cannot be found anywhere else. The Japanese garden creates a spectacular view through the perfect harmony of the pond, masonry, and plantings.

19. Dotonbori 🏃‍♂️(Osaka)

Dotonbori attracts many people as the center of Osaka’s food culture and entertainment. Here, taking pictures with neon signs such as the one depicting the running man (this is actually an always running ad of Glico, a food/snack company) and enjoying Osaka’s gourmet food are a must.

Along the river that runs through the center and around Dotonbori, various restaurants line the streets, where you can enjoy Osaka specialties such as takoyaki, kushikatsu (skewered pork cutlets), and okonomiyaki.

I recommend the best restaurants for each Osaka gourmet on this page . Please take a look at them for reference.

There is a large shopping street in the immediate vicinity, where you can also enjoy shopping. There are also many nightclubs and bars in the vicinity, making it a popular area that is lively even at night.

20. Todaiji Temple 🛕 (Nara)

The presence of one of the world’s largest bronze statues of Buddha, measuring approximately 18 meters in height, deeply impresses visitors. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), where the statue is enshrined, is the largest wooden structure in the world, and its size will surprise you.

Inside the Daibutsuden, there is a challenge you must try. The challenge is to see if you can get your body through a hole in a pillar the same size as the nostrils of the Great Buddha. Although the Buddha is very large, his nostrils are not so big, so I gave up, but many children were lining up to try. It is said that there is a tradition to pray for health and safety by diving through this hole.

Another thing that visitors must do at Todaiji Temple is to feed the deer that abound on the temple grounds.

 As soon as you buy one and start walking, the deer will come rushing in and you will be surrounded by them in no time at all.

I was once surrounded by about 20 deer and was stuck in the middle, attracting the attention of the tourists around me.

Sometimes they fight among themselves and sometimes they attack us. It is a bit frightening, but it is not something that will cause injury, and it is quite a valuable experience.

You will surely witness children screaming and running away from being chased by deer.

21. Himeji Castle 🏯 (Hyogo)

Himeji Castle, listed on the World Heritage List, is called “Shirasagi-jo” (White Egret Castle) because of its white exterior. 2015 saw the completion of renovation work, and the castle has a very beautiful and unique appearance.

The collaboration of cherry blossoms and Himeji Castle is also beautiful.

Inside Himeji Castle, there are numerous exhibits that help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the background of the period. They explain the battles, construction techniques, and the defensive functions of the castle, and although it would take about three hours to go through them all, they are the most interesting castle exhibits I have ever seen.

22. Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum 🕊️ (Hiroshima)

The A-bomb Dome was hit by a blast and heat rays from the atomic bomb in 1945, but miraculously only the skeleton of the dome survived.

It was decided to preserve it through the efforts of peace-loving people in order to convey to future generations the horrors of war and the horror of nuclear weapons.

Nearby is the Atomic Bomb Museum. Here, visitors can see a great many exhibits, including the belongings and artifacts of A-bomb survivors, memoirs and audio guides showing what it was like at the time, the effects of radiation exposure, and the process of reconstruction after the bombing.

All exhibits are written in English. It will take about 3 hours to look through all of them, but we hope that you will take your time and learn about this history.

It makes you wonder hoe such a terrible thing could really happened on earth.

A friend of mine said that of all the museums he has visited, this was the most thought-provoking place he has ever been to.

If you plan on visiting, please check my itinerary for the perfect one day in Hiroshima for some great tips on surrounding activities.

23. Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima ⛩️ (Hiroshima)

Miyajima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Miyajima is best known for the Otorii, a large gateway built into the sea.

Its appearance changes with the ebb and flow of the tide, and when the tide is out, visitors can walk up to the gateway.

Itsukushima Shrine is also a unique structure built on the sea, and the combination of the red building floating on the sea and the green of the mountains seen from the ferry creates a mysterious atmosphere.

The torii gate seen from inside Itsukushima Shrine is also beautiful.

One of the best things to eat on Miyajima is momiji manju. Part of the many unique local foods in Hiroshima .

These buns are shaped like autumn leaves and come in a variety of flavors, including red bean paste, cream, and green tea.

Freshly made or deep-fried ones are also available, and at about 120 yen per piece, they are easy to try.

Wild deer inhabit Miyajima. They are accustomed to people, but will approach you if you have food.

But don’t worry, they are not as powerful as the deer at Todaiji Temple, which I introduced in the video earlier.

24. Mototosumi shrine ⛩️ (Yamaguchi)

Slightly similar to the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, this one is located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, further west from Hiroshima. It is a great deity for prosperous business, childbirth, and maritime safety.

The sight of 123 torii gates lined up over 100 meters is breathtaking, and the contrast between their red color and the blue of the sea is beautiful.

As already mentioned in the introduction to Fushimi Inari Shrine, it is very rare to find a place where so many torii gates are lined up.

There is something a little unusual about this shrine. Usually, shrines have a “money-offering box,” in which visitors express their gratitude to the gods and Buddha or pay money in appreciation for the fulfillment of their prayers.

In all shrines, these are placed on the ground, but in this shrine, they are placed about 5 meters above the torii (gateway to the shrine).

What this means is that worshippers must aim at the high positioned money box and throw their money. I finally got in after about five tries.

It is said that if you get into the box, your wish will come true. Please give it a try.

25. Takachiho Gorge 🚣‍♀️ (Miyazaki)

Cliffs and strange rocks stand around a clear stream, and the sight of water falling from a waterfall is extremely beautiful.

Boat rentals are very popular to see this scenery up close, and the view of the gorge from a boat is said to be spectacular.

Reservations can be made a week in advance. Previously, I went to the reception early in the morning without a reservation, but the boat was already sold out and I could not get on the boat. If you definitely want to ride the boat, you must make a reservation.

Depending on which season you visit, you will enjoy each tourist attraction differently. In particular, please note that spring and fall are the high season and reservations are required for some places.

On this page, I have introduced the best spots to visit in Japan, and on other pages, I have detailed recommendations for many of Japans cities and areas. Of course, there are many wonderful sightseeing spots that could not fit this list, but please have a look around this website for more!

And for more general Japan tips, please check my top picks for things to do and activities in Japan .

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Boutique Japan

30 Best Destinations in Japan

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, one of the most important, enjoyable, and challenging steps is deciding where in Japan to go.

With so many amazing places to choose from, and so much online content to sift through, figuring out your ideal destinations can seem daunting, whether it’s your first time to Japan or a return visit.

The good news is that Japan has so many incredible urban and rural destinations (and bucket list-worthy Japan experiences ) that you basically can’t go wrong. The “bad” news is that there may be no such thing as a true “best places in Japan” list, since so much comes down to personal preferences and interests.

To help you cut through the clutter and make informed choices for your Japan trip , we’ve compiled this in-depth curated guide to 30 of Japan’s best destinations.

Originally written in 2016, this post was updated and republished on October 14, 2021.

Your Guide to Japan’s Best Destinations

Our guide to the best places in Japan is based on our personal, firsthand experience living in and traveling throughout Japan. As Japan travel experts , this is our job!

Read more about our travel philosophy below, or jump straight into the destinations by clicking on one of the links below:

Best Cities in Japan

Most beautiful places in japan, how long should you spend in japan.

From our perspective, when it comes to something as personal as travel, there is no such thing as a true “must-visit.” It comes down to personal preference, above all. This is why we specialize in planning custom trips to Japan , so we can help our clients visit places that will be meaningful to them personally.

But we understand that “best of” lists can provide valuable inspiration, especially in the early stages of planning. So based on our travels — and our experience arranging custom Japan trips for travelers from around the world — we’ve compiled this “short” list of worthwhile and rewarding places to visit, both on and off the beaten path.

For most travelers, we suggest visiting cities and the countryside, for a varied and well-balanced experience. For example, even with as little as 1 week in Japan, you can get an introduction to the modern (and surprisingly peaceful) Tokyo, the historic (and surprisingly hip) Kyoto, and still have time for at least 1 night at a traditional ryokan in the Japanese countryside.

One final note: we couldn’t include every single place we love in Japan, and please also keep in mind that these are not listed in any particular order. Now that we’ve covered some key background, onto the fun part…

Japan is home to some of the world’s most dynamic and fascinating cities. While exploring Japan’s urban centers — from Sapporo to Fukuoka, and everywhere in between — you’ll be able to enjoy the best of Japanese food ; shopping, art, and design; some of Japan’s best boutique and luxury hotels ; and more.

Even if you’re the type of traveler who tends to avoid big cities, we recommend giving Japan’s cities a chance. Along with being worthwhile for so many reasons, they often surprise nature-lovers with how tranquil they can be. Yes, there are busy and hectic areas, but the peaceful backstreets of cities like Tokyo and Kyoto a totally different story.

Another thing that sets Japan’s cities apart is that, along with all the excitement they offer, they’re also incredibly efficient and safe. These are among the many, many reasons we love Japan so much.

If you can only visit a couple of Japan’s cities, you’ll probably gravitate towards Tokyo and Kyoto, for good reason. In many ways these are essential destinations, especially if it’s your first trip to Japan.

Tokyo needs little introduction, and while we typically recommend people spend at least 3-4 nights here, you can get a sense for how much there is to see and do in our mini guide to One Day in Tokyo .

One of the world’s most exciting and eclectic cities, Tokyo is full of amazing restaurants (with cuisine both high and “low”), beautiful gardens, cutting-edge architecture, charming neighborhoods , and a glittering neon-filled cityscape.

There are also countless great day trips near Tokyo, including Kamakura and Nikko (both featured below), among others .

Kyoto could not be more different than Tokyo, but is equally enthralling. One of the most culturally rich cities in the world, Kyoto is what many travelers dream of when envisioning Japan.

You could easily spend weeks exploring its backstreets, generations-old craft shops and restaurants , not to mention the ancient capital’s temples and shrines . For a sense of what the city offers, see our mini guide to 3 Days in Kyoto , but for a more comprehensive view don’t miss our Guide to Kyoto .

Day trip possibilities also abound, with options including Osaka and Nara (both featured below), Kibune and Kurama, Lake Biwa and Shigaraki, and more.

3. Kanazawa

Kanazawa is one of Japan’s loveliest traditional destinations, renowned for its beautifully preserved historical districts, elegant crafts, and some of the country’s best seafood and produce. Along with Kyoto, Kanazawa was spared air raids during World War II, leaving much of the historic city intact.

Along with its crafts and cuisine, highlights of Kanazawa include Kenrokuen (one of Japan’s best gardens ), the city’s lovely geisha and samurai districts, the colorful Omicho Market, the D.T. Suzuki Museum of Buddhist philosophy, the striking 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and Myoryu-ji (the Ninja Temple). See more in our Introduction to Kanazawa .

Despite its proximity to Kyoto, Osaka could not be more different from its more tradition-oriented neighbor. The rambunctious city of Osaka is best known for its culinary culture (see our guide to Osaka’s food ) and wonderfully friendly people.

For our clients, Osaka tends to be less about sights and more about tastes, but the city also offers plenty in the way of things to see and do, including the reconstructed Osaka Castle, the world-famous Osaka Aquarium, and Universal Studios Japan. For a deeper look, see our Introduction to Osaka .

5. Hiroshima and Miyajima

Most people associate Hiroshima with its tragic past, but the city — along with neighboring Miyajima — offers much more than history.

Hiroshima is best known as the site of one of two atomic bombs dropped on Japan by the US at the end of World War II. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is located in the Peace Park, adjacent to the sobering sight of the iconic A-Bomb Dome (see our guide to the best things to do in Hiroshima ).

The Peace Park and Museum are well worth visiting, but after reliving the horrors of 1945 you’ll see that Hiroshima’s present is much brighter. Hiroshima’s people are friendly and outgoing, and in addition to the famous local specialty, okonomiyaki , Hiroshima is full of bars and restaurants offering local sake (and, in winter, the amazing local oysters).

Miyajima, located just outside the city, makes for a perfect day trip, though some travelers choose to stay on Miyajima itself (instead of, or in addition to, a stay in Hiroshima proper).

Miyajima is famous for the picturesque Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a magnificent red torii gate that appears to be floating in the waters of the Inland Sea. But Miyajima is much more than simply Itsukushima Jinja: the island offers plenty to see and do, including sea kayaking, hiking, quaint streets offering tasty local snacks, and more.

Fukuoka is a cosmopolitan city at the northern end of the rugged Kyushu island. Also known as Hakata, the city of Fukuoka is one of Japan’s culinary capitals, and is also blessed by relatively mild weather, a buzzing energy yet laid-back feel, and access to Kyushu’s beautiful landscapes.

Fukuoka’s food is the draw for many travelers. The city is legendary for its tonkotsu ramen , and also one of few cities in Japan with a thriving yatai culture. Yatai are humble and casual food carts, where you can drink and dine among locals. In addition to its culinary highlights, Fukuoka is a magnet for creatives with a vibrant arts scene, attracting young artists and designers from throughout Japan (and Asia).

Most travelers visit Hokkaido (featured in the Most Beautiful Places in Japan section below) for its nature, and some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding. But the island’s food is also a huge draw, and one of the best places to eat is the island’s largest city, Sapporo.

In Sapporo you can sample the mouthwatering variety of Hokkaido’s cuisine, including top-quality sushi, sashimi, and seafood in general; some of Japan’s best dairy and baked goods; premium Japanese fruits; heartwarming specialties including miso ramen, soup curry, and jingisukan (“Genghis Khan,” a grilled mutton dish); and more.

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, the port city of Kobe boasts a relaxed yet refined and cosmopolitan atmosphere. For those who have not visited, Kobe may be synonymous with beef, but the city is much more than a place to eat top-grade wagyu (as a side note, see what many people get wrong about this and other myths and misperceptions about Japan ).

Despite being so near Kyoto and Osaka, many first-time visitors to Japan miss out on Kobe’s eclectic charms: scenic mountains and harbor views, fascinating history, fantastic food (including one of Japan’s best Chinatowns), and wonderful local sake.

Kobe is also a relaxing base for visits to the nearby Arima Onsen, and day trips to Himeji and Akashi. For those interested in Japanese baseball, the local Hanshin Tigers have some of the most enthusiastic fans you’ll find anywhere on Earth.

For travelers exploring Tohoku (featured below), Sendai can be a fun and memorable place to stop off for a night or two en route to more remote locations. The city has a lively nightlife scene, with countless izakayas offering up local specialties and nihonshu (sake) from around the region. Sendai is also a convenient base for exploring the nearby Matsushima Bay and the charming port town of Shiogama.

10. Takamatsu

Takamatsu is a pleasant city on the northeast coast of Shikoku Island, another of our favorite off-the-beaten-track regions.

Most travelers stop in Takamatsu en route to more out-of-the-way destinations, such as Naoshima and the Iya Valley (both featured below). But Takamatsu itself is worth a visit, with highlights including its renowned sanuki udon noodles, the gorgeous Ritsurin Koen Garden, and the serene Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum Japan .

Japan has no shortage of beautiful places, and below you’ll find some of our favorite villages, towns, and regions around the country. Even if you’re a hardcore city person, to complement your urban experiences we highly recommend at least one visit to the Japanese countryside.

Thanks to Japan’s world-class rail network (learn more in our Guide to Train Travel in Japan ), getting into rural Japan is easy, though in certain regions you may want to hire a private driver or rent a car, as some of the most remote areas are best explored with a vehicle.

For more rural travel inspiration, see our feature on Japan’s Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Places . Lovers of nature and relaxing rural escapes will also find inspiration in our 13-day Luxury Ryokans & the Japanese Countryside sample itinerary.

Even though we love telling people how beautiful Tohoku is, few people take us up on actually visiting! This is unfortunate for travelers who love unique destinations, but great news for people who are happy to get off the tourist track to spend time in relatively out-of-the-way locations.

The Tohoku region, located in northern Japan (just south of Hokkaido), is vast and about as remote as it gets on the country’s main island of Honshu. There are far too many highlights to list, so for a deeper look at this little-visited region see the Tohoku section of our article on Japan’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations .

12. The Kiso Valley and Nakasendo Road

One of the best places in Japan to experience a village-to-village walk, the Nakasendo Way in the Kiso Valley is a rewarding destination for travelers who love a mix of nature and tradition. The Kiso Valley is located just south of the Japan Alps (known for cities including Nagano and Matsumoto ) and north of the bustling city of Nagoya.

The best way to experience the Nakasendo Road is by spending at least a day or more walking between villages along the historic route, which was used by samurai to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period.

For a short trip, you can do the half-day hike between Magome and the stunning village of Tsumago, and spend the night at a quaint rural ryokan along the way. If you have the flexibility, consider spending 2 or 3 days along the trail, including stops in the more remote Kiso-Fukushima and Narai-juku village.

13. Izu Peninsula

Located just to the south and west of Tokyo, most visitors to Japan speed through Izu without even realizing it. The shinkansen (bullet train) traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto passes through the northern end of Izu, but the majority of its gems lie to the south.

Izu is overflowing with natural beauty, onsen (hot springs), and a few of our favorite spots in the peninsula include the quaint Shuzenji Onsen village, coastal Izu-Kogen, and historic Shimoda. Izu is home to several remarkable ryokans with hot springs, and is by far one of the best places to experience a luxury ryokan near Tokyo and Kyoto .

14. Koyasan (Mount Koya)

In recent years, Mount Koya has become more popular (and crowded), yet it’s still worthwhile for travelers with an interest in Buddhism and Japanese history. Approximately 2 hours south of Osaka (and 3 hours from Kyoto), it’s possible to visit Koyasan as a day trip, but for a deeper experience we recommend staying overnight in one of Mount Koya’s shukubo (temple lodgings). To learn more, see our Guide to Visiting Mount Koya .

15. Naoshima

Without a doubt one of Japan’s best art destinations , Naoshima is arguably a must for lovers of modern art and architecture. The island’s highlights include the museum-hotel Benesse House, Tadao Ando’s breathtaking Chichu Art Museum, and the quirky Art House Project. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind art island in our Guide to Naoshima .

16. Kurashiki

One of our favorite little places in Japan’s Chugoku region (partly because of our love for Ryokan Kurashiki ), Kurashiki is a small city best known for its beautifully preserved historical district, located along a picturesque canal. Kurashiki’s old merchant district, known as the Bikan Historical Quarter, is lined with attractive former kura (storehouses) that have been lovingly preserved and converted into charming galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

Located less than an hour from Kyoto, the rural city of Nara actually preceded Kyoto as Japan’s original ancient capital. Today the city is rightly renowned for its treasure trove of UNESCO World Heritage sites, most of which are within relatively easy walking distance of one another around the central Nara Park (home to the city’s famously outgoing deer). Read more in our Guide to Visiting Nara .

18. Kinosaki Onsen

A perfect destination for travelers who love old traditional villages and hot springs, Kinosaki Onsen has been delighting onsen enthusiasts for generations. The city is blessed with a wealth of historical ryokans and bathhouses, and it is a joy to stroll through the old-fashioned town in yukata (light Japanese-style robe) and geta (wooden clogs) to soak it all in.

19. Kamakura

Another gem for lovers of history and nature, Kamakura is a laid-back seaside town about an hour south of Tokyo. Historical highlights abound, but complementing Kamakura’s rich tradition you’ll also find young transplants from cities like Tokyo running stylish little cafes and shops. To learn more, see our in-depth Introduction to Kamakura .

A couple of hours north of Tokyo, in rural Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is a mountainous destination renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, surrounded by natural beauty. As a full-day trip from Tokyo, it is possible to take in many of Nikko’s highlights (which include Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the Kegon Falls), but Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen are also home to countless ryokans with hot springs for travelers who prefer to explore the area in more depth.

21. Onomichi

Along with Naoshima, the quaint port town of Onomichi is another of our favorite destinations in Japan’s colorful Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) region. Located on the southern coast of Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi charms travelers with its quirky atmosphere, a beguiling blend of retro and modern. Walking along its old-fashioned shotengai (central shopping arcade), you’ll encounter classic neighborhood mom-and-pop shops alongside tiny design-forward boutiques. To learn more about this offbeat town, see our Guide to Onomichi .

Onomichi is also the perfect jumping-off point for travelers looking to spend more time exploring the scenic Shimanami Kaido .

Hakone is no secret, but despite its popularity remains a worthwhile destination for travelers who love nature, art, and luxurious accommodations. Along with Izu, it is one of the best and most convenient places to experience a ryokan when traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto. To read more about this scenic onsen destination, see our Guide to Visiting Hakone .

Hakone can also be a great base for views of Mount Fuji, if the weather is clear. Fujisan is notoriously “shy,” as it’s often obscured by cloud cover, but when visibility is good the vantage point from Hakone can be stunning. If seeing Mount Fuji is a top priority for you, consider the town of Kawaguchiko as an alternative.

23. Yakushima

It doesn’t get much more beautiful than Yakushima, a subtropical island off Kyushu’s southern coast. The remote island offers miles of untouched coastline and some of Japan’s most rugged hiking, with trails winding through lush forests full of mossy rocks and ancient cedar trees (some as old as 7,000 years!). Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima remains largely untouched by tourism, and is a magical place to experience Japan’s natural beauty.

24. Hokkaido

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido is renowned for its cuisine, whisky , world-class winter powder, and wide-open landscapes. Traditionally the home of the indigenous Ainu people, Hokkaido was colonized by Japan in the 19th century. Sadly, Ainu culture has suffered greatly, though in recent years there have been increasing efforts to value the history and also present-day culture of the Ainu.

You won’t find many traditional villages in Hokkaido, unlike in most other rural parts of Japan. But you will find pristine expanses of nature, unique wildlife in isolated places like the Shiretoko Peninsula, some of the best skiing and snowboarding on the planet in places like Niseko, and astoundingly good food and drink.

For more on the northern island, see the Hokkaido section of our post on Japan’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations .

25. Kumano Kodo

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is one of Japan’s most enchanting walks. Deep in rural Wakayama Prefecture, just a few hours south of Kyoto and Osaka, the UNESCO-recognized Kumano region is filled with spirituality and history, as well as beautiful landscapes, charming villages, hiking, and onsen .

Walks along the pilgrimage route range from day hikes all the way up to challenging multi-day walks for the more adventurous. The Kumano Kodo is also part of a Dual Pilgrim program with its sister walk, Spain’s better-known Camino de Santiago.

26. Takayama, Shirakawago & Gokayama

Established in the 16th century, Takayama is a historic town in the Hida Mountains of the Japanese Alps renowned for its traditional atmosphere and culinary offerings, including the famous Hida-gyu beef, wonderful rice and mountain vegetables, and premium sake. While the town has become popular over the years, even when the town center is filled with day-trippers a stroll in most directions will reveal quiet backstreets.

Within easy reach of Takayama, deep in the Japanese Alps are the UNESCO World Heritage historic villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama , and the off-the-beaten-path Hida-Furukawa.

Matsue, located in western Japan’s beautiful but little-visited Shimane Prefecture, is one of Japan’s hidden gems. Most visitors travel to Matsue for the breathtaking Adachi Museum of Art . In addition to its impressive collection, the Adachi Museum is most renowned for its world-famous garden, which blends almost magically into the surrounding landscape.

In Matsue itself, enjoy excellent seafood and sake, and visit Matsue-jo (Matsue Castle), one of only a handful of surviving original castles in Japan. Matsue is also the ideal base from which to visit Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines, as well as the idyllic Oki Islands.

28. Noto Peninsula

Jutting out into the Japan Sea, to the north of Kanazawa, is the rugged Noto Hanto (Noto Peninsula). Made famous by the wonderful book Rice, Noodle, Fish (one of our favorite Japan travel books ), Noto Hanto makes for a great self-drive destination. Visit the Wajima Market, enjoy dramatic coastal scenery, have lunch at Flatt’s , and consider spending the night at one of Noto’s beautiful onsen ryokans.

29. Yaeyama Islands

Japan is not the first place that comes to mind when most people think of beaches in Asia. Yet it’s home to one of the region’s most beautiful subtropical destinations: the Yaeyama Islands.

The whole Okinawan archipelago is full of gorgeous little islands, but for one of the most unique experiences Japan has to offer, the remote Yaeyama Islands have no equal. Geographically closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan, the Yaeyama Islands feature not only picturesque beaches and lush jungles, but a rich Ryukyu heritage and culture, not to mention Okinawan food .

30. Iya Valley

The beautiful Iya Valley in Shikoku is one of Japan’s most hidden regions, and when you traverse the terrain you will appreciate why. It is made up of narrow river gorges and steep mountain peaks, covered in thick vegetation. Although now more accessible than in centuries past, the Iya Valley remains a fantastic place to experience rural and traditional Japan. Read more about the whole of beautiful Shikoku in our feature on Japan’s best off-the-tourist-track regions .

One of the most common Japan travel questions we hear is, How many days should I plan to spend in Japan?

Before we elaborate, the simple answer is: as long as possible! Next to a huge country like China, Japan may look small on the map, but it’s larger than it looks.

Purely in terms of area, Japan is slightly smaller than the state of California . But in terms of places and experiences, Japan is as dense as Europe, where you can travel an hour or two in any direction and arrive at a remarkable destination. This density of incredible places is what makes Japan feel larger than it otherwise might. Most travelers only fully grasp this after a first visit, which often prompts a desire to return again as soon as possible to explore further.

Thus, we recommend you “admit defeat” from the start, and accept that you won’t be able to “do” Japan in just one trip (whether you have 2 weeks or 2 months). Trust me: we’ve spent years exploring Japan, and are not remotely near “finished”!

This being said, here are some basic guidelines to give you an idea of the possibilities depending on how long your Japan trip will be:

Less Than 1 Week in Japan

While shorter than we might normally suggest, if you’re thinking of visiting Japan for less than a week, make sure to see our article on where to go if you have 5 days in Japan .

7 to 10 Days in Japan

This is typically the minimum timeframe we recommend. With 1 week to 10 days in Japan, you will have time for a well-rounded introduction to the country. Our 8-Day Japan Essentials: Tokyo, Kyoto & Hakone sample itinerary is a great example of how much you can see and do with about a week in the country.

10 to 14 Days in Japan

With a little extra time, you can include additional destinations, or simply spend more time immersing yourself in each place you visit. Our sample trips below provide some examples of how much you can see and do with about two weeks in Japan:

• Two Weeks in Japan: A Perfect Itinerary
• Luxury Japan: Art, Culture & Cuisine
• Japan Cities, Mountains & Art
• Luxury Ryokans & the Japanese Countryside

2 to 3 Weeks in Japan

With 2 to 3 weeks or longer in Japan, you begin to have more flexibility to visit a wider variety of regions, while also enjoying a significant degree of cultural immersion. While less common among our travelers from the US and UK, many of our Australian clients are fortunate enough to be able to devote 3 or more weeks to traveling around Japan. With this much time, the possibilities are virtually endless, so we hope our list helps you narrow things down to your own personal wish list!

Where in Japan Will You Go?

While we couldn’t include every single one of our favorite places in Japan, we hope our guide to Japan’s best destinations helps you decide where to go on your trip.

At Boutique Japan, our specialty is crafting completely customized trips for travelers seeking unique, authentic experiences. If you are interested in learning more about working with us, please feel free to explore our trip planning process .

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The Top 15 Destinations to Visit in Japan

There are so many fascinating cities and towns in Japan that it’s difficult to choose which one to visit. It’s a country with thousands of years of history and food culture, some of the best winter sports and diving in the world, and national parks featuring unusual and diverse landscapes. From northern Hokkaido down to the south in Okinawa, you’ve got sites worth making a trip for. Pick your base wisely and you might be able to visit more than one of these top destinations in Japan.

Matias Sanchez / Getty 

An easy day trip from Osaka or Kyoto, Nara is a compact city that feels like a step back in time. It was the first permanent capital of Japan and retains many of its historical shrines and temples. It’s often associated with the famous deer of Nara Park that bow to visitors and look for a delicious biscuit in return! From the park you can access Kasuga-Taisha Shrine—one of Japan’s most sacred sites—and Todaji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze buddha.

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Kyoto is everything you hope it’ll be and more. You can see thousands of years of history by exploring temples like the Kinkaku-ji and historic sites such as Kyoto Imperial Palace. Visit some of Kyoto’s beautiful shrines, including Fushimi Inari, before catching a maiko show in Gion, the city's geisha district. Aside from history, Kyoto is also a modern city filled with izakayas, wine bars, and art museums. There's so much to do, be sure to plan a few days here.

Matteo Colombo/ Getty  

There are endless things to do in Tokyo , so get ready to dig in. The capital is as bustling, busy, and bright as you might expect—but there are also quieter neighborhoods where you can still find the Tokyo of old. Some of the highlights include Shibuya and Shinjuku, neon-soaked wards that promise nightlife, restaurants, and shops aplenty. Nearby, Tokyo’s public gardens like Shinjuku Gyo-en offer a peaceful respite. Within the city, you can enjoy theme parks like Disneyland and Disney Sea, or celebrate Japan's animated film legacy by checking out Studio Ghibli Museum.

Nikko National Park

A picture-perfect and highly spiritual destination, centuries-old Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are surrounded by sweeping natural landscapes in Japan’s original national park. Some of the highlights include Toshu-gu, a lavish shrine and the final resting place of the first Tokugawa shogun, and the Buddhist temple Rinno-ji, founded in the eighth century. Don’t miss the Yomei-mon, also known as Sunset Gate, one of Japan’s national treasures featuring five hundred hand-carved figures. These exceptional sights are set within one hundred hectares of nature, where you’ll find waterfalls, over a dozen hot springs to sink into, and great lakes. One of the most iconic sights here is the red Shinkyo Bridge, which stretches across the Daiya-gawa River.

Amanohasidate

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Most people head to Kyoto city and don’t get a chance to explore the wider prefecture—but Amanohashidate is one of the most impressive sites in the area. Head over to the coast to see the famous three-kilometer sandbar, classified as one of Japan’s most scenic views. There are many viewpoints to enjoy here; for the best, meander over to the cable car and head up for a birds-eye view.

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Head up to Hokkaido to visit one of Japan’s most famous ski resorts , which receives the lightest, driest snow in the region and borders the breathtaking Daisetsu-zan National Park. Not just a winter destination, Furnao is famous for its wine production; thanks to the expansive lavender fields that cover most of the region, wine infused with the herb is popular here. Combine that with beautiful, rolling hills, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into southern France.

Chiara Salvadori/ Getty 

With over a hundred baths, this is one of Japan’s favorite onsen towns . Enjoy traditional Japanese accommodation by booking a stay at any one of the town's ryokan, some of which have been around since 1879. Each of the ryokan have their own private baths to relax in, with some offering special facilities including mud, sand, and steam baths.

But there's more to Beppu than bathing. Here, you can try unique food that’s been cooked in volcanic waters, making for interesting new flavors. Just 25 kilometers (about 16 miles) from Beppu you can reach Yufuin, a mountainous town that’s filled with boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Yiming Chen/ Getty

Fukuoka is a perfect city for foodies and is considered one of the major culinary destinations in the country. Make sure to try Fukuoka’s famous Hakata ramen, a form of creamy tonkotsu ramen that has made waves locally and internationally. Head to Hakata yatai stalls where more than two hundred vendors serve up the tastiest dishes in intimate lantern-lit surroundings. This is a great city to enjoy the coast, with beaches, water sports, and nearby island adventures. Visit Shikanoshima for historic monuments and shrines, or Nokonoshima, famous for its seasonal flowers.

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A convenient trip from Tokyo and Mount Fuji, Hakone has a lot to offer for those who love mountain views, hot springs, tea houses, and romantic ryokan . Yunessun and Tenzan are two of the most popular hot springs, but there are plenty of onsen to enjoy as well, including novelty baths with wine, herbs, milk, or coffee. There are more than a dozen art museums here ranging from the quaint (like the Museum of Saint-Exupéry and The Little Prince) to expansive (like the Open Air Museum). There are plenty of walking options, including routes up The Great Boiling Valley, where you can try Hakone’s signature black eggs; there’s also a gondola up for an easier ride.

Kerama Shoto National Park

 Ippei Naoi/ Getty

There are about two dozen islands surrounding Okinawa, Japan's favorite vacation spot. The Kerama Islands, an archipelago of approximately 30 islands, are surrounded by healthy coral reefs and a diverse ecosystem that makes for perfect diving and snorkeling adventures. With pine forests, sheer cliffs, and mountains, the landscape offers an endless amount of photo spots and hiking options. Many of the islands are inhabited, so you’ll find hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies in this subtropical paradise.

Miyajima Island

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Off the coast of Hiroshima, Miyajima Island has long been regarded as one of the most scenic spots in Japan. It’s often associated with images of the torii gate of the sixth century Itsukushima Shrine; during low tide, you can walk up to the gate, but when the tide is high, it appears to float. There are many places to go hiking at Mount Misen, where you can get spectacular views of the city. The Daisho-in Temple complex sits at the foot of the mountain and is just one of the spiritual sites you can see on the island. Omotesando shopping street attracts those looking for local handmade crafts as well as street food lovers.

 Aladimirzakharov/Getty

There’s a lot to see in Hiroshima even though it’s often associated with the atomic bomb that fell on August 6, 1945. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Parks is a must-visit for this reason; here you’ll find museums, various monuments honoring those that died, and the A-Bomb Dome that survived the blast.

Hiroshima is also famous for its ramen, particularly the Onomichi style; make sure you seek out some of these tasty noodles loaded with flavor. For a different side to Hiroshima’s history, pay a visit to the beautiful Hiroshima Castle and grounds, just a 15-minute walk from the peace park.

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Often described as "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa largely escaped the bombings and so has retained most of its historic buildings and sites. Here you can explore preserved Edo-period, geisha, and samurai districts as well as winding streets and beautiful buildings. Take some time to wander the pedestrian street between Katsurazaka and Renchimon gates for regional crafts, restaurants, and cafés. Later, take a stroll through what’s considered one of Japan’s three best landscape gardens. With its varied flowers and foliage, Kenrokuen, established in the 18 th century, is lush in any season. Follow the paths to higher ground to get views over the garden and visit nearby Kanazawa castle.

 Suttipongs Sutiratanachai / Getty

Whether you see the majestic Mount Fuji from afar or climb to the top of this famous peak, there’s nothing quite like seeing one of the world’s most famous mountains for yourself. Climbing Mount Fuji was once considered a pilgrimage, and as you climb up, you can see shrines and monuments dating more than a hundred years. There are four routes you can take to the top, but the Yoshida Trail is one of the most popular.

You can even hop on a bus at Shinjuku in Tokyo to get halfway up the peak. If you just want to see the mountain, then take the bus to one of the small towns beneath it like Fuji Yoshida, or get a look at it from Lake Kawaguchiko .

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A UNESCO World natural heritage site, this island nature reserve features Japan’s oldest Yaku cedar trees, mossy wooden bridges, waterfalls, and streams. The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine inspired parts of the animated film Princess Mononoke , and it’s easy to imagine forest spirits hiding within the dense woodland. There are many hiking trails and routes to choose from of varying difficulty. For a view of the island and a bit of challenge, you can hike up Taiko rock and see the trees spread out below you.

If you're not into hiking, head to the coast of the island to enjoy the hot springs and the beaches where loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs.

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17 Best Places to Visit in Japan

Japan is quickly becoming one of the top travel destinations in the world. More and more people are traveling to the island nation every year, lured by the promise of fresh sushi, amazing train rides, safe cities, intriguing traditions, and quirky pop culture. But there’s more to Japan than cat and robot cafes; its many islands are surprisingly easy to travel around and well connected by railways, ferries and bus services.

Japan is a warm, welcoming and endlessly interesting travel destination with something for everyone. Learn about Ainu culture in the cold, snow-coated northern island of Hokkaido and discover the often forgotten Ryukyu culture in the tropical islands of Okinawa.

and the ancient wonders of the Edo capital of Kyoto. Embark on temple pilgrimages in Shikoku, explore the peaceful streets of Hiroshima or get lost in the never-ending glittering delights in the buzzing streets of Tokyo.

Map of Places to Visit in Japan

Some of the most popular places to visit in Japan can be found in the Edo capital of Kyoto with its ancient wonders. Embark on temple pilgrimages in Shikoku, explore the peaceful streets of Hiroshima or get lost in the never-ending glittering delights in the buzzing streets of Tokyo.

17. Kinosaki Onsen

Famed for its fabulous hot springs, Kinosaki has been a popular onsen town since the eighth century. Set just inland from the Sea of Japan, its numerous bathhouses and traditional inns lie in the Kansai region of south-central Honshu.

Now considered to be part of the city of Toyooka, the small town is bisected by a lovely willow-lined canal, while the Maruyama River passes nearby on its way to the sea. In total, there are seven public onsen bathhouses for visitors to try out; their warm waters are reputed to have healing properties. With elaborate interiors, fine architecture, and pretty gardens, the hot springs are the main reason that people visit Kinosaki.

Staying in a ryokan is a quintessential part of this experience, and lots of the traditional inns can be found around town. In addition, Kinosaki also has lots of shops, cafes and restaurants that sell local handicrafts and tasty delicacies with the town being mainly known for its fresh seafood.

16. Naoshima

Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Seto Inland Sea, the idyllic island of Naoshima lies between the main Japanese islands of Honshu and Shikoku. Due to its lovely scenery, fantastic contemporary art museums, and numerous outdoor sculptures , it is a very popular tourist destination.

Before being chosen as the location for the Benesse Art Site in the late 80s, Naoshima was home to a dwindling fishing community. The Benesse corporation based in nearby Okayama then set up some world-class art galleries , such as the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum. Set amid some sublime scenery, these exhibit some exquisite architecture and house important art collections, while innovative outdoor installations are also scattered around the island.

While there is not all that much to do in the town of the same name, Naoshima certainly has enough arresting art, architecture, and scenery to keep visitors entertained. Thanks to the Benesse project’s success, art museums and installations have also popped up on the other islands lying nearby.

15. Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

Lying amid majestic mountains with sweeping valleys and verdant forests all around, Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama are two of the prettiest villages in the whole of Japan. Famed for their spectacular settings and traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, they count among central Honshu’s most popular tourist attractions.

While this means they can get quite crowded, particularly during Golden Week and the cherry blossom season , the villages really are a treat to visit. This is because the distinctive gassho-zukuri buildings that look so stunning surrounded by fertile farmland and magnificent nature lend them a very charming, peaceful and rustic feel.

Besides taking in the incredible scenery and historic farmhouses, visitors can check out the Jim Homura Art Museum, buy some local handicrafts, and stay in a traditional ryokan inn . In addition to this, the mountains and forests surrounding Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama are home to scenic hiking trails, twinkling waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Lying at the heart of one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the world, Osaka is set on the shores of Osaka Bay and is surrounded by more than ten satellite cities. The sprawling metropolis is the third-largest in Japan and has long been a major economic hub and important financial center.

While its endless concrete jungle is not all that pretty to look at, Osaka is considered the best place to eat, drink and party in Japan. Much of its nightlife is centered around the neon-lit Dotonbori district , which boasts plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. For shopping, Shinsaibashi is the place to go; endless department stores, boutiques, and malls line the covered shopping street.

Although most people visit for its thriving culinary scene and nightlife, Osaka does have some interesting historical sights and landmarks that are worth checking out.

Its reconstructed castle , for instance, lies in a lovely park in the city center, while the Umeda Sky Building and Tsutenkaku tower count among its most recognizable sights. In addition, it boasts Sumiyoshi Shrine and Shitennoji Temple – two of the oldest religious sites in Japan.

13. Kiso Valley

Once part of the historic Nakasendo trade route connecting Kyoto to Edo (present-day Tokyo), Kiso Valley is home to several charming old post stations as well as lovely scenery. Coated in thick forest and surrounded by steep mountains, the valley is centered around the Kiso River and lies in Nagano Prefecture in Central Japan.

Due to its well-preserved historical sights and dramatic mountain scenery , the valley is now a very popular tourist destination. One of its most famous and scenic stretches lies between the two Edo period post towns of Magome and Tsumago; many people choose to hike from one to the other. After strolling through verdant forests and crossing bubbling streams, there are plenty of atmospheric old buildings for you to take in and cozy ryokans for you to stay at.

Kiso Valley also has the charming post town of Nagai for visitors to check out, as well as delightful hiking trails that weave through the surrounding landscape.

12. Koya-san

Located just to the south of Osaka in Wakayama Prefecture, Koya-san is primarily known as being the center of Shingon Buddhism . Edged by eight prominent peaks, the gorgeous mount is home to an abundance of temples, shrines and pagodas, as well as pristine nature and scenery.

First settled all the way back in 819 CE, the original monastery has since grown to include over 120 temples. Of these, Kongobu-ji , the head temple, is undoubtedly the most important and impressive with its centuries-old ceremonial halls, traditional buildings, and idyllic rock garden . Konpon Daito is also worth visiting for its lovely pagoda – as is the large and atmospheric graveyard of Okunoin.

While many people visit Koya-san as a day trip from Osaka , staying over and sleeping in one of the temples is an amazing way to experience monastic life on the mount. Besides visiting its numerous sacred sites and historic temples and shrines, there are loads of wonderful hikes you can do around the surrounding mountains and forests.

11. Ishigaki

Located west of Okinawa, Ishigaki is Japan’s premier beach destination and makes a good base to explore the other islands in the Yaeyama archipelago . Blessed with Japan’s best beaches , it is particularly popular with families since the beaches at Fusaki and Maezato are net-protected.

Located 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) south of Tokyo, Ishigaki may not have the shrines and temples that other Japanese cities have, but it does have an exuberant nightlife for visitors who have the energy after a day of beachcombing, water sports or climbing Mount Nosoko.

10. Miyajima

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, the small island of Miyajima lies in the northwest of Hiroshima Bay , surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea. Besides boasting one of the famed ‘Three Views of Japan,’ it is also home to some lovely scenery and a number of temples and shrines.

Miyajima – or ‘Shrine Island’ – is just the popular nickname for the island of Itsukushima, which has long been considered a holy place. Dominating its interior are the scenic and sacred slopes of Mount Misen , where you can find various Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and a fantastic five-story pagoda. Its gentle hills and lush forests make for some excellent hiking, and you’ll often come across tame deer wandering freely around the island.

Miyajima’s main attraction, however, is the ‘floating’ torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine that lies just off its shores. One of the most renowned and recognizable sights in Japan, it makes for some fabulous photos and attracts hordes of tourists every year.

9. Kanazawa

Located in the northwest of Ishikawa Prefecture, the historic city of Kanazawa lies between the wild waters of the Sea of Japan and the towering Japanese Alps. Long overlooked due to its remote setting, it is an increasingly popular destination and boasts a rich history, culture and heritage.

In the center of the city, you can find a fantastic centuries-old castle to explore, as well as charming and well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. Their narrow alleys are lined by traditional houses, cosy tea shops, and a number of atmospheric temples and shrines. Kanazawa is also home to some great museums and the busy Omicho Market, renowned for its fresh seafood.

Its most famous attraction is the lovingly landscaped Kenroku-en, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Wonderful to visit at any time of year, it is home to a huge variety of trees and plants, with scenic ponds, bridges, and stone lanterns on display.

8. Hiroshima

Hiroshima, located on Honshu Island, is younger than many Japanese cities, less than 500 years old, but its fate was forever sealed in history on August 6, 1945, when it became the first city in the world to have an atomic bomb dropped on it.

Although more than 60 percent of the buildings in Hiroshima were destroyed, the city has managed to make an amazing recovery since that devastating blast. In fact, by 1974, the city had actually managed to double its pre-war population, and it has also become a popular tourist destination.

One of the most popular attractions in this city is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which was created in memory of all those who lost their lives or were injured by the atomic bomb. This large park is home to several interesting sites, including the Peace Memorial Museum where visitors can see the effect the bomb had on the citizens of Hiroshima.

Another must-see tourist site is the great Torii , a wooden shrine gateway that appears to be floating in the sea at high tide. The Torii is located on nearby Miyajima Island.

7. Kamakura

Set on the scenic shores of Sagami Bay, with forest-coated hills surrounding it, Kamakura is a top-rated destination and lies just an hour-long train ride to the south of Tokyo . As it was once the capital of Japan, the coastal city is home to many important landmarks and a plethora of beautiful temples and shrines.

Its defining symbol and most famous sight is the Great Buddha of Kamakura , which is 13.35 meters high. Made out of bronze, the mighty figure towers over its surroundings and is one of the city’s most famed and photographed attractions. The large Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine also attracts crowds of visitors, as do the pretty and peaceful zen temples of Kenchoji and Engakuji.

While Kamakura certainly has a lot of interesting historical and cultural sights on offer, the center of the city also boasts lots of fantastic shops and eateries. Many people also come to go hiking amidst its stunning nature or to enjoy sunbathing, swimming or surfing at one of its beautiful beaches.

Located at the entrance to Nikko National Park , Nikko is set in a spectacular spot amid the mountains, with lush forests lying around it. Besides being famed for its scenery, the city boasts a wealth of important Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples and is located in Tochigi Prefecture.

Impressively, Nikko is home to two mausoleums of Tokugawa Shoguns ; these can be found at the extensive and extravagant Tosho-gu complex. Surrounded by towering cedars, the site showcases wonderful Edo-era architecture, with countless shrines, temples, and pagodas.

While the complex is undoubtedly Nikko’s main attraction , two of its most famous and photographed sights are the centuries-old Shinkyo Bridge and twinkling Kegon Falls, both of which are rightfully lauded for their beauty.

In addition to this, many people visit Nikko for the lovely nature and scenery surrounding it. Tucked away among its endless mountains and forests, you can find sparkling waterfalls and lakes , as well as bubbling streams and boiling hot springs. Very easy to visit from Tokyo, all of Nikko’s historical, cultural, and scenic sights lie just a two-hour train journey from the nation’s capital.

5. Takayama

Nestled away among the northern Japanese Alps of Central Honshu, the small city of Takayama is a very picturesque place. Famed for its traditional townscape, stunning riverside setting, and unique culture and customs, it is fast becoming one of the region’s most popular attractions .

In its well-preserved historic quarter, visitors can find lots of exquisite architecture dating to the Edo period , as well as little sake breweries, boutiques, and fantastic old merchants’ homes. Shrines, temples and museums abound in Takayama, while numerous morning markets can be found near to the river.

At the Hida Folk Village , you can watch artisans make local handicrafts and wander around a recreated mountain village, full of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses.

Due to its isolated setting, Takayama developed its own rich culture and traditions, as evidenced by the two famous festivals of Sanno Matsuri and Yahata Matsuri. During the festivities, large and lavishly decorated floats parade through the city, which is magically lit up by lanterns. Many people visit during the festivals for the lively ambience and atmosphere.

Boasting beautiful mountain scenery, relaxing hot springs, and a number of world-class art museums, Hakone is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Located just a short train ride to the southwest of Tokyo, the town lies on the shores of tranquil Lake Ashi, with iconic Mount Fuji rising in the distance.

A pleasant and picturesque place, Hakone is home to many lonsens and ryokans, so visiting one of the bathhouses and staying in a traditional inn is a must when in town. In addition, exquisite sculptures and artworks can be found in its numerous galleries and museums, while small shops and boutiques sell locally made handicrafts.

One of the most popular things to do is take a boat ride on one of the pirate ships that sail around Lake Ashi . From aboard their decks, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake’s stunning scenery and majestic Mount Fuji in the distance.

While Hakone can get quite crowded, especially during weekends and holidays, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has loads of peaceful hiking trails for you to explore if you want to escape the crowds.

Nara, once known as Heijo, was the first permanent capital of Japan, established in 710. The capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784 when the government was threatened by powerful Buddhist monasteries. Located less than an hour from Kyoto , the city boasts a plethora of important and impressive historic sights, with countless temples and shrines.

Most of its main attractions can be found in the gorgeous, green Nara Park , also home to the city’s multitude of tame deer that amble about asking tourists for food. Here you’ll find the multi-storey pagodas of Kofuku-ji and splendid stone lanterns of Kasuga Taisha, as well as a couple of lovingly landscaped Japanese gardens.

The highlight, however, is Todai-ji Temple with its awe-inspiring architecture and enormous Great Buddha.

Besides its plethora of well-preserved historic buildings , Nara has a couple of excellent museums for visitors to check out, as well as the charming old merchant district of Naramachi. With so much history, art, and architecture on show, the former capital is certainly not to be missed out on.

Kyoto today is the capital only of Kyoto prefecture, but it once served as the imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years. If you’re interested in catching a glimpse of old Japan , Kyoto should definitely be on your itinerary.

Because of its historical significance, this city was largely spared much of the destructive bombing that occurred throughout the rest of Japan during World War II.

Located on central Honshu Island, this city of 1.5 million people, also boasts more than 1,000 temples and shrines, including one of the most photographed, the Golden Pavilion . In addition to the large number of religious structures, Kyoto is home to gorgeous Nijo Castle , the former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns.

Higashiyama, a well-preserved historic district and Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district are also must-visit attractions . But Kyoto is not just about history, this city also boasts a world-class aquarium and for fun, you can learn how to become a Japanese assassin at the Ninja Training Dojo.

Travelers who like to mingle with people will love Tokyo. The Japanese capital’s metropolitan area is the most populous in the world. From viewing spring cherry blossoms in traditional gardens to the fish market at Tuskiji. Tokyo blends the ancient with the new, from shrines to karaoke bars.

It’s hard to be bored in frenetic, fast-paced Tokyo where even a walk down the streets can be interesting. This city’s Shibuya intersection , for example, is famous for its controlled mob crossing. Another interesting neighborhood in Tokyo is Harajuku, known throughout the world for its amazing street fashion, including but definitely not limited to goth-Lolitas, punk or kawaii schoolgirls.

Tokyo is also home to several world-class museums and numerous shrines, including the most famous, the Meiji Shrine, and Sensoji Temple, one of its oldest.

Then there is the Tsukiji Fish Market . In most cities, a fish market wouldn’t be a tourist attraction, but this is the world’s busiest and largest, and it also happens to be on the itinerary of just about every visitor to Tokyo. Plus, it is one of the best places on the planet to get extremely fresh sushi. One caveat, because you’ll be visiting the fish market early in the morning, you’ll be having your sushi for breakfast.

Other interesting attractions in Tokyo include the Imperial Palace, the residence of the emperor, and Tokyo Tower. Fortunately, getting around Tokyo is easy as this city boasts a large and relatively easy-to-use transit system. If you have the time, you’ll definitely want to consider taking a day trip to beautiful Mount Fuji.

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Reader interactions.

July 31, 2019 at 7:26 pm

The article helped me a lot to gain information about the places. The map marked with the places from article made the work easy to know about the locations. Where to stay option was unique and will surely help while visiting there. Thank you for this amazing article.

June 1, 2018 at 12:48 pm

Hiroshima, but not Miyajima?

March 20, 2017 at 7:52 am

List is really fascinating, How much time would be needed to visit all the above mentioned places. planning a visit in november this year.

June 17, 2016 at 8:29 am

Been to Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura and Tokyo in the list. Really really love how you guys have ranked the top 10 by “areas” because most other websites ranks by “attractions” which really frustrates me.

I’ve been to Japan twice and I already visited the popular ones that people usually goes to like Osaka, Mt Fuji and Nagoya. I’m planning a third trip with the intention of visiting other areas like Takayama and Kanazawa but it’s really hard to find websites introducing the less visited areas. So REALLY REALLY LIKE how the less visited places were also included.

December 11, 2015 at 5:32 am

I have only been to 3 of the places mentioned,but many many others not mentioned. For me Kyoto beats,Tokyo and Nara…but then I have spent much more time in Kyoto and find it easy to get around.

Kyoto has so many beautiful temples,shrines and gardens and it is a relaxing place to walk around. I suppose a feature here is the Gion area,in the CBD,where you will certainly see the Maiko walking around in kimono, adding that special touch of old Japan. Of course, you find Tokyo exciting and Nara is well worth a visit;especially as it is so close to Kyoto. Visit all 3 if you can.

May 16, 2015 at 8:36 am

Japan, the only asian country in G7, great country also friendly people

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The 15 best places to visit in Japan

A trip to Japan will offer visitors unique experiences you’ll never find anywhere else. Japan seems to have it all, from the fast and furious streets of Tokyo to the holistic ethereal experiences of Kyoto, remote beaches with tropical climates, and fantastic ski resorts .

With its convenient public transportation and diverse regions, guests never run out of places to visit while traveling throughout this country. Add a polite local culture and one of the most efficient transport systems on the planet, and you’ve got yourself a dream holiday.

Ideally, spend at least two weeks to get a good taste of Japan. It’s a place definitely to be explored once in a lifetime.

The best places to visit in Japan

With nearly 10 million residents, Tokyo is the largest city in Japan. It’s unlike anywhere else on earth; a huge, busy metropolis with futuristic skyscrapers and a must for first-time visitors to Japan.

This enticing city has its hand on the pulse and is at the forefront of modern technological innovations. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for urban experiences, including contemporary art, shopping, and gastronomy. The city is mesmerizing to look at as it quite literally stretches upwards and sideways.

Head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, preferably at dusk when it’s at its busiest and the light is just right, to fully appreciate the effect of the lights and enormous video screens, flashing ads from the skyscrapers towering in every corner, to fully comprehend the pace and magnitude of Tokyo. You can get a bird’s eye view at the Shibuya rooftop observatory.

Where to stay : Ueno is a relaxed, affordable and friendly district of the city to stay, and near lots of major attractions.

When to go : During October and November the city is awash in color and shrines tend to stage beautiful fall festivals. The weather is lovely as well, and much more pleasant than summer when the humidity soars and public transportation can be hard to bear. Spring (March to May) is almost as appealing, not least because of the stunning pink cherry blossom.

What to eat : Tokyo is the birthplace of sushi so there is no place better in the world to eat it!

1a. Tokyo Skytree – Tokyo

Talking of views, they don’t come better than those at the Tokyo Skytree in Eastern Tokyo, the tallest tower in the world. A whiz to the observation deck at the top, at 2,080 feet, offers jaw-dropping 360 panoramic views of this gigantic metropolis and its skyscraper-filled skyline.

1b. The Imperial Palace

Like England has Buckingham Palace, Japan has the Imperial Palace, the royal family’s official residence in a large garden in the center of Tokyo. The inner grounds of the garden are rarely open to the public, but the East Gardens are open all year round and are a fascinating place to walk. The inner grounds open on two occasions in the year, the 2nd of January for the New Year greetings and on the 23rd of February for the Emperor’s birthday. Time your visit with these dates for a chance to experience the inner gardens.

2. Tsumagoi – Gunma

Step back in time at the village of Tsumagoi, in Kiso valley in Gunma Prefecture district, once a popular stop for travelers between Tokyo and Kyoto.

They have beautifully restored the town’s old wooden Inns, and you can find a hiking trail that leads to the village of Magome, part of the original route.

It has stunning views, but you need to catch it in the right season; otherwise, it’s impossible to walk there.

Where to stay : The Tsumagoi Prince hotel comes recommended and nearby the Joshin’etsu-kogen National Park.

When to go : June – August for the best temperatures but if it’s snow you’re after come in December or January as there are lots of fantastic ski resorts.

What to eat : Cabbage! Tsumagoi is the largest producer of the leafy, green vegetable in Japan.

3. Hakone – West Kanagawa

About an hour’s drive from Tokyo will bring you to Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park on lake Ashinoko, famous for its hot springs.

It’s also where you can catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a good day across the lake or from a cable car. With so many hot springs, the obvious thing to do is indulge in that ancient Japanese ritual of shared open-air bathing, called the “onsen”.

Of course, you’ll also find some hot springs with incredible views.

Where to stay : Guro Kansiro is a 15 minute walk from Hakone Gora Park and its array of hot springs.

When to go : Fall evenings are the perfect time to relax in the hot springs.

What to eat : A black egg! They are regular chicken eggs that have turned black due to be cooked in the black springs. You can purchase them in tourist areas. Local folklore suggests eating one egg will add seven years to your life!

Osaka , Japan’s third largest city and also a major port, is often referred to as Japan’s kitchen and has got to be at the top of any foodie’s tour of Japan.

Its street food market is epic, to say the least, and thought to be one of the best in the world. If you head to Dotonbori, in the city center, lined with eateries of any description and whose unofficial slogan is ‘eat until you drop’, you will be spoilt for choice.

A must-try is Kukury, famous all over Japan, but this is its original home. Another must-taste, Osaka’s signature dish, has got to be Takoyaki, which is grilled octopus dumplings. There’s a different pace to Osaka, intensified by its frenzied display of LED lights, animated 3D signage and flashing video screens, all part of the experience.

Osaka also has its own castle, the Osaka Castle dating back to 1583. The castle is totally worth exploring, along with the oldest of all the Sumiyoshi shrines, the Sumiyashi-Taisha.

Where to stay : If you enjoy food and lively nightlife we recommend the Namba district.

When to go : The spring or fall to experience the city in the most enjoyable temperatures.

What to eat : Takoyaki, which are grilled octopus dumplings.

5. Kyoto mountains

Kyoto is, without a doubt, the image you had in mind when you set out on your trip to Japan. It is simply the most beautiful place in Japan.

It’s here where you’ll find wooden teahouses and Geishas in brightly colored kimonos, Zen gardens and temples; it’s thought there are over a thousand here.

The city itself can be rather disappointing after the buzz of Tokyo or Osaka, but if you head out towards the mountains, you will get a truly authentic Japanese experience.

If you’ve ever wanted to see a proper cherry blossom in its full glory, aim to be here in late March or early April for that magical experience.

Where to stay : Try a traditional inn – a ryokan – for a unique Japanese experience for one night before moving to a cheaper hotel or hostel downtown.  A ryokan is quite pricey but it includes meals and is very authentic.

When to go : Late March/early April for the most amazing colors and photograph opportunities.

What to eat : Kyoto is famous for traditional dishes including the Kyoto Fire Ramen which is cooked right in front of you. Tofu is also synonymous with Kyoto cuisine.

5a. Kinkaku-ji Temple – Kyoto

Nothing epitomizes Japan more than the Kinkaku-ji Temple at the foothills of Kinugasa Hill. The temple is in the true Japanese architectural style, with the two top floors completely covered in gold and a bronze phoenix perched at the very top. You’ll find statues of Buddha and other Buddhist icons inside.

The temple grounds are wooded and can provide a beautiful space for meditation. They are incredibly stunning in the fall when the trees start to change color and in winter when snow blankets them. Of course, in such a revered place, one of the most fun things to do is get your fortune told by a vending machine.

6. Nikko – Tochigi

If it’s temples you are after, and there are many in Japan, then head to Nikko, a calming retreat a few hours’ drive north from Tokyo. The Shinkyo Bridge (Sacred Bridge), one of the three finest bridges in Japan, will lead you into the mountains dotted with various temples and shrines, notable amongst them the Toshogo Shrine.

It’s awe-inspiring, to say the least, and up there with the top must-see places in Japan. It’s a memorial of the founder of a dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years.

There’s a colorful complex of over a dozen red and black buildings lavishly decorated with wood carvings covering almost every inch, covered in copious amounts of gold leaf.

Where to stay : Try the Nikko Guesthouse , which is one mile from Shinkyo and Rinno-ji Temple.

When to go : As with any of the mountainous regions, it is best to visit during the Sakura spring season or during the fall foliage period.

What to eat : Soba (buckwheat noodles) and Yuba (tofu skin).

7. Kanazawa – the capital of the Ishikawa district

Not many visitors make it to Kanazawa, but it has to be one of the top places to visit in Japan. For a true Geisha experience, head to the Geisha districts of Higashi Chaya or the slightly quieter Kazeuemach and Nishi Chaya, where you will find preserved wooden buildings.

You will find one of Japan’s best gardens, the Kenroku-en Garden, with many art museums here. Don’t miss the castle while you’re there. One of the best experiences here is having a proper Tea Ceremony at the oldest Tea houses in Kanazawa at the Gyokusen-en Gardens.

Where to stay : Hotel MyStays Premier Kanazawa is within a short walk of nearby attractions, such as Ishikawa Ongakudo concert hall if you fancy some more culture.

When to go : Anytime, except the summer when it can be very hot and humid.

What to eat : The melt-proof ice cream! The locals consume more ice cream here than any other place in Japan.

8. Takayama – Gifu

Though the least visited, Takayama, at the foot of the Japan Alps, is one of the best places to visit in Japan. Get up early, before the crowds arrive, and grab some “mitarashi-dango”, rice balls grilled in soy, and take in the magic and charm of the old town.

The streets are lined with perfectly manicured trees, traditional wooden houses, and red bridges over a river. It’s also a good place for the Cherry blossom season.

Where to stay : The historic Sanmachi-suji district , with its narrow streets to get a glimpse into life pre-modern Japan.

When to go : October for sun and pleasant temperatures or the spring for the cherry blossom season.

What to eat : The delicious mitarashi-dango (rice balls grilled in soy).

8a. Hida Folk Village – Gifu

The Hida Folk Village is an open-air village museum with houses relocated from their original locations in nearby Shirakawago. It’s a World Heritage Site and exhibits tools used in everyday life as it was then.

9. Kamikochi – Gifu

If you are an avid trekker, then Kamikochi is the place for you.

It’s by the Japan Alps, on the Northern Japan Alps to be precise, where you will find the Kamikochi River, a highland river valley surrounded by soaring peaks and perhaps the most stunning natural vistas in Japan.

Moreover, Kamikochi is the gateway to the region’s tallest mountains and most taxing hiking trails, such as the Yari–ga-take.

Where to stay : In the Kamikochi Valley , with most accommodations lying along the Azusa River.

When to go : From April to November. There is heavy snow in the winter and the resort is closed.

What to eat : Salt-grilled trout grilled on a charcoal fire.

10. Mount Koya – Wakayama

Mount Koya or Koya-San provides one of the most genuinely spiritual experiences you will get in Japan, or perhaps anywhere else on earth. Your journey starts with a cable car that takes you up into the secluded and sacred temple town, home to some Buddhist monks found up in the mountains. One can’t help but feel transported into a different world.

If you can, stay here for the night for a fully immersive experience that includes an early morning rise for meditation with monks.

An onsen bath is all part of the experience whilst your accommodation will come in the form of a tatami room, complete with sliding doors and where you sleep for the night on a mat. Finally, take a tour of the temples. There are over 100 of them, including the Okunoin forest cemetery, the final resting place of the nation’s most important historical and religious figures.

Where to stay : Try and stay at a temple in the mountains for a unique experience.

When to go : Spring/summer.

What to eat : Mochi (Japanese rice cakes).

11. Hiroshima

Re-built entirely after the WWII bombing, Hiroshima has got to be on your list of where to go in Japan, if not just to pay respect to the victims of the devastating atomic bombing. The Peace Memorial Museum and its surroundings provide a peaceful if not poignant space for reflection and a chance to take a step back for a slightly slower pace of things in Japan.

Combine your visit with a trip to Miyajima Island, only an hour away, famous for the Torri Gates, which seem to float when the tide is high; the sight is ranked as one of Japan’s three best views. Spend the night at Miyajima to fully appreciate its romantic setting when the paths have emptied of day visitors and are replaced with deer settling in for the night.

Where to stay : Miyajima Island.

When to go : May-May for cherry blossom season.

What to eat : Okonomiyaki, a local delicacy which translated means ‘what you like’, typically made of batter, cabbage, pork, and optional items such as squid, octopus, and chees

12. Mount Fuji – Yamanashi and Shizioka

Fuji-San, Japan’s highest peak with its perfectly symmetrical cone, is probably on everyone’s must-visit list. Catching a glimpse of it from anywhere is breathtaking.

Lake Kawaguchiko offers some of the best views, especially during the Sakura season (cherry blossom) or autumn, when the turning leaves completely transform the landscape.

You can, of course, climb the mountain itself during the official season from July to September. Otherwise, it gets very wet or very cold. However, the views are truly spectacular at any point on the mountain, especially at dawn.

Where to stay : At the base of Mount Fuji ahead of your climb.

When to go : The Mount Fuji climbing season is from July 1 to September 14. From mid-April-start of June you can ski down Mount Fuji.

What to eat : Tempura wakasagi fish caught from the Fuji Five Lakes district is delicious.

13. Izu Peninsula – Shizuoka

The Izu Peninsula is on the Pacific Coast of Japan with a beautiful, rugged coastline and is famous for its hot springs with an abundance of onsens and white sand beaches. The beaches on the west coast are generally quieter in the summer than those on the east coast. Weather permitting, you can also catch great views of Fuji-San at Suruga Bay.

Head to the quaint town of Shimoda, a city port that was the landing place of Western ships to Japan. Here, you will find a canal lined with old houses under willow trees now occupied by cafes, jazz bars, boutiques, and restaurants.

The mood here is quite bohemian, and you won’t want to leave in a hurry. There’s a quaint cobbled walkway along the canal that leads to Ryosen-ji temple on one end and the Sawamura house on the east end of the canal.

Where to stay : Try the Shimoda View Hotel , right near the coast.

When to go : The summer for top beach action. The weather is pretty mild here compared to the rest of Japan between June and September.

What to eat : The area is famous for its world-class seafood and wasabi.

14. Okinawa island

Now, for a completely different experience, visit Okinawa and enjoy its semi-tropical vibes. Many don’t even realize these southern islands exist. The archipelago forms an arc between Kyusu and Taiwan and was once a kingdom until Japan annexed it in the 19th century.

As a result, the culture here is entirely different to the rest of Japan, including its architecture and spicier food. In addition, it has some of the best beaches in Japan, often bordered by palm trees and turquoise waters, which are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can also trek into the jungle if you fancy it.

Where to stay : Nago City – Hotel Yugaf Inn has direct access to the beach.

When to go : Spring or fall. Avoid the rainy season from June – August.

What to eat : The food is generally spicier here than mainland Japan – try the Okinawa Soba noodles

14a. Ishigaki Island – Okinawa

Ishigaki Island is one of the largest islands of Japan’s Okinawa archipelago. One of the Yaeyama Islands, it is the remotest place in Japan, and only 75 miles away from Taiwan.

The island has near-white fine sand beaches, luxurious beach resorts, and clear blue waters where you can scuba dive and swim with hammerhead sharks. One of the experiences to have here is an eco-excursion to the mangrove forests of Iriomate Island.

15. The Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands consist of 36 isles, with only four of them inhabited. The islands offer excellent hiking trails, whale watching, snorkeling, diving, or just lolling around on the beach.

The hunchback Whales arrive in the waters around Kerama from around January to March, so it is the best time to visit if you want to catch a glimpse of these magnificent animals.

Where to stay : Try the Kerama beach hotel.

When to go : January – March for whale watching.

What to eat : Gōyā chanpurū, a stir fry using the gōyā fruit is unique to the islands. Also, try sea-snake soup (irabu) if you’re feeling adventurous.

15a. Tokashiki Island and Zamani Islands

The largest of the Kerama isles is Tokashiki Island with two village ports, Tokashiki village on the northeast coast and Aharen on the southwest coast. There are many beautiful beaches on the islands, but this is where you will find the best snorkeling with sightings of the Takashi Sea turtle and an abundance of marine life.

You can find the best beaches on Zamani Islands. The Ama beach, with its shallow waters, is perfect for family holidays but means you have to swim further if you want to see any coral or sea life. Furuzamani beach, in the meantime, offers everything from swimming to diving and is great if you want to get up and close to tropical fish and coral.

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• 35 Best Places To Visit In Japan That Make It Look Right Out Of A Storybook In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Describing Japan as a ‘backpack filled with surprises for every type of traveler’ would just be the right thing to do, thanks to the thousand shrines & temples, gorgeous gardens & palaces, the spectacular mountains, and other major attractions. It’s not only the technological wonders, but also the best places to visit in Japan that have highlighted the island nation on the map. And believe us, exploring each one of them is worth every dime.

So, if you’ve never wondered about visiting there, it’s about time that you do because these must visit places in Japan  offer experiences, which you would have never had before. Get ready to impress yourself with one of the best destinations that give you a mesmerizing feeling. Known for its rich culture, you get to explore while on your trip to Japan.

35 Best Places To Visit In Japan In 2024

Are you looking for beautiful places in Japan? Here are the best places to visit in Japan that you should include on your itinerary to make the best of your trip. Scroll down to know what all awaits you in this scenic land!

• Tokyo – Essence Of Japan
• Kyoto  – Sacred And Serene
• Nara  – City Of Culture
• Mt. Fuji  – A Breathtaking Marvel
• Hokkaido  – Closer To Nature
• Ishigaki  – Exotic Destination
• Hiroshima  – Historically Significant City
• Sapporo  – Forget The Heat And Humidity
• Osaka – A Cultural Delight
• Yakushima – Naturally Gifted
• Hakuba – For Adventurous Activities
• Kamakura – Where The Buddha Resides
• Nagano – Great For Family
• Kawaguchi – Beautiful Landscapes
• Takayama – Away From City Life
• Shibuya – A Bustling City
• Naoshima – Lush-Green Island
• Asakusa – For Parties And More
• Akihabara – Perfect City Life
• Odaiba – For A Rejuvenating Experience
• Kabukicho – Nightclubs And More
• Ueno Park – For A Breath Of Fresh Air
• Yokohama – Charming And Vibrant
• Nikko – Historically Rich
• Tohoku – Relax In Nature
• Kawagoe – Revisit The History
• Nagoya – Traditionally Beautiful
• Kanazawa – For Food Culture
• Shirakawago – A Surreal Place
• Shikoku – Where Serenity Welcomes You
• Nagasaki – A City With Sad History
• Kobe – Surprisingly Attractive
• Fukuoka – Japan’s Oldest City
• Hitsujiyama Park – For An Enormous Sight
• Hakone –  Views Of Mount Fuji

1. Tokyo – Essence Of Japan

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Tokyo is the city that reflects the colors of Japan. In Japan, places to visit are endless, and exploring everything in one trip would always be impossible. But, the popular city of Tokyo still deserves the top spot in your itinerary, thanks to its anime culture and world-class attractions. And if the historical sites don’t impress you much, the city has also got a great culinary scene! This is undoubtedly amongst the best places to visit in Japan for first timers .

Top Attractions:

• Tokyo Disneyland
• Tokyo Skytree
• Tokyo DisneySea

Best Things To Do:

• Spend an evening near the Tokyo Tower in Japan
• Shop in Odaiba
• Witness the grandeur of the Meiji Shrine

Places to stay: 

• Guest House Trace
• Manga Art Hotel
• Khaosan Tokyo Samurai

Places to eat:

• Tapas Molecular Bar
• Ise Sueyoshi

How to reach: Tokyo is very well-connected by airways to the rest of the world, so plenty of airlines from India connect to the Narita Airport.

Must Read: Christmas In Japan

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2. Kyoto – Sacred And Serene

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The city of shrines, gardens & palaces! Of all the major Japan destinations, the sacred city of Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in Japan in spring irrespective of whether you are holidaying with your family or your partner. The iconic temples, shrines, palaces, gardens, and bamboo forests are a treat to the eyes, and you cannot afford to miss it on your first trip.

Top Attractions In Kyoto :

• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Philosopher’s Walk
• Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

Best Things To Do In Kyoto :

• Visit the Kiyomizu Temple
• Explore the Nijo Castle
• Visit the famous Kinkaku-ji
• Village Kyoto
• Downtown Inn Kyoto
• Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto

Places to eat in Kyoto :

• Samurai Juku
• Sugarhill Kyoto
• Saishuan Shiraki

How to reach: Osaka International Airport is the closest airport in Kyoto which is approximately 1 hour from the city.

3. Nara – City Of Culture

Home to adorable deers, temples & more! No list of the top Japan attractions can ever be complete without including Nara in it. Home to many shrines, monasteries, museums, and the famous Nara Park, this city is where you need to be to get familiarized with the famed Japanese culture and traditions. It definitely features on the list of unmissable places to visit in Japan.

• Kasuga-taisha
• Ninja Museum of Igaryu
• Visit the Isuien Garden
• Befriend the deers at the Nara-koen Park
• Explore the Nara National Museum
• Smile Hotel Nara
• Super Hotel Lohas JR Nara Eki
• Guesthouse Nara Komachi
• Tonkatsu Ganko Nara

How to reach: Kansai International Airport is the closest airport to Nara and it takes around 1 and half hours to reach Nara.

Suggested Read: Japan Travel Guide

4. Mt. Fuji – A Breathtaking Marvel

Image Credit: kimura2 for Pixabay

The paradise for adventure seekers! Renowned around the world for offering the most thrilling experience in Japan, Mt. Fuji is the ultimate place to visit and definitely one of the most romantic places in Japan. While the official climbing season begins from July and ends in September, you can witness the beauty from a distance throughout the year. It is one of the best  places to visit in Japan for young adults. Needless to say, this place ought to be on your list!

• Mount Tenjo
• Chureito Pagoda
• Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine
• Go for skiing
• Visit the Arakurayama Sengen Park
• Enjoy the views of Mt. Fuji from the Subashiri 5th Station

Places to stay:

• Hatago Ichiya
• Bself Fuji Villa
• Hotel Mount Fuji
• Tempura Restaurant Ninja

How to reach: The nearest airport to Mount Fuji is the Shizuoka Airport which is 83.5 km away. You can hire a cab or take bus to  reach Mt Fuji.

5. Hokkaido – Closer To Nature

Image Credit: fisag for Pixabay

The abode of natural hot springs! Popular for its volcanoes, hot springs, and ski areas, this gorgeous Japanese island looks right out of a picture book. And it is because of its various attractions & experiences that it is an impeccable place to holiday with both your kids and significant other. Be it the beauty of the Blue Pond or the Zoo, you’d be left mesmerized. It is one of the most ideal places to visit in Japan during summer.

• Asahiyama Zoo
• Farm Tomita
• Relax in the hot spring
• Treat yourself with scrumptious seafood
• Visit the famous national parks
• Yorkshire Farm
• Hotel Park Hills Hokkaido
• Puremiahoteru – CABIN – Obihiro
• Hokkaido Cafe
• Hokkaido Ramen Kyowakoku

How to reach: New Chitose Airport Sapporo is the closest airport to Hokkaido. You can find local taxis and cabs for a ride.

Suggested Read: 10 Most Alluring Homestays in Japan

6. Ishigaki – Exotic Destination

Image Credit: MarcelloRabozzi for Pixabay

The most trending travel spot in Japan! Voted as the most trending travel spot for 2024, the Ishigaki Island is definitely amongst the best places to visit in Japan. Despite its size, the island has no limit when it comes to offering unique experiences to its tourists, and glamming up their holiday in the Japanese land. It has been also voted as the best places to visit in Japan in cherry blossom season.

• Taketomi Island
• Ishigaki Limestone Cave
• Indulge in snorkeling
• Relax on the beaches
• Savour the Ishigaki Beef
• Ishigaki Guesthouse HIVE
• Blue Cabin Ishigakijima
• Ishigaki Seaside Hotel
• Sushi Taro 

How to reach: The Ishigaki Airport is the closest, just 18 km away. Local buses and taxis are available.

7. Hiroshima – Historically Significant City

Image Credit: chaliceks for Pixabay

The city that beautifies Japan’s landscape! In spite of being known around the world for being a victim of the horrendous atomic bombings, Hiroshima continues to be one of the major places to see in Japan. And believe us, apart from the dedicated monuments and sites that reflect the history, the city also has other spellbinding attractions like the Itsukushima shrine. This is the most popular places in Japan.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
• Hiroshima Castle
• Itsukushima
• Try Okonomiyaki, the local delicacy
• Visit the Mazda Museum
• Capture pictures at the Shukkeien Garden
• K’s House Hiroshima
• Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima
• Court Hotel Hiroshima
• Parco della Pace
• Guttsuri-ann

How to reach: Iwakuni and Matsuyama airport are located 70 km away. Hire a cab, taxi or local bus to reach your destination.

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8. Sapporo – Forget The Heat And Humidity

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A haven for beer and ski lovers! With cities like Sapporo, ‘what to see in Japan’ would never be your top concern. The city not only helps you escape the heat and humidity but also help you discover your winter wonderland during its famous Sapporo Annual Snow Festival. If not the gardens, then the huge snow sculptures would definitely steal your heart! This is one of the best places to see in Japan with family!

• Moerenuma Park
• Former Hokkaido Government Office
• Mount Moiwa Observation Deck
• Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum
• Party in Susukino
• Indulge in local delicacies at the Curb Market
• The Stay Sapporo
• Relief Sapporosusukino Hotel
• Tmark City Hotel Sapporo
• Gotsubo Oyster Bar
• Hyousetsu No Mon
• Sapporo Beer Garden

How to reach: New Chitose Airport Sapporo is the closest 53 km away. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

9. Osaka – A Cultural Delight

Image Credit: 663highland for wikipedia

With the best shopping arcades, eateries that offer incredible food, and the top nightlife hotspots in the city, Osaka is one of the major places to go in Japan. Believe us, it would not only pamper the foodie or party lover in you, but also the die-hard tourist who loves witnessing the wonders of every place he or she visits. This is most preferred places to visit in Japan for first timers!

Top Attractions In Osaka :

• Universal Studios Japan
• Osaka Castle

Best Things To Do In Osaka :

• Visit the Kaiyukan Aquarium
• Visit the Hozenji Temple
• Go beer tasting and partying at night
• Hotel Taiyo
• Hotel Fine Garden Juso
• APA Hotel Osaka Higobashi Ekimae

Places to eat in Osaka :

• Osaka Tacos
• Giga Rabbit
• Curry Yakumido

How to reach: Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport are the nearest airports to Osaka. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: This Hidden Forest House In Japan

10. Yakushima – Naturally Gifted

An island of magical waterfalls! An island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Yakushima is famous for its wildlife, cedar forests, and waterfalls. If you’re someone who loves venturing into the wild for an experience of a lifetime, then this best place to visit in Japan is absolutely worth your time.

• Senpirono Falls
• Mt. Miyanoura
• Kayaking or canoeing in Anbo river
• Witness the Oko-no-taki Waterfall
• Watch the Loggerhead turtles lay eggs
• Seaside Hotel Yakushima
• Guesthouse Yakushima
• Yakushima Curry House

How to reach: Tanegashima airport is the closest to the city. Hire a cab, taxi or local bus to reach your destination.

11.  Hakuba – For Adventurous Activities

The ultimate winter wonderland! Situated amidst the Japanese Alps, right outside the city of Nagano, Hakuba is a village cum famous winter sports hub. The various mountain resorts that offer incredible skiing, snowboarding, and hiking experiences make the city a perfect place for including it into your Japan sightseeing tour. Undoubtedly, it is considered to be one of the most famous places in Japan.

• Mt. Shirouma
• Hakuba Happoone Winter Resort
• Ski at the Cortina Resort
• Visit Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
• Hike to the Happo Pond
• Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba
• Morino lodge
• Hakuba Highland Hotel
• Raicho Lodge Madarao
• Izakaya Kaz

How to reach: Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda Airports are the closest international airports. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

Suggested Read:  Solo Travel In Japan

12. Kamakura – Where The Buddha Resides

Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures for Pixabay

The Kyoto of eastern Japan! In Japan, points of interest might vary depending on the type of traveller you are. But it’s quite the opposite when it comes to the seaside town of Kamakura. Boasting bamboo groves, ancient temples, vibrant beaches, great shopping alleys, and lip-smacking local delicacies, this town has everything that would amuse you. So, you must add this destination to the list of places to visit in Japan near Tokyo itinerary.

• Enoshima Aquarium
• Kamakura Museum of Literature
• Kannon Museum
• Witness the Great Buddha of Kamakura
• Go surfing at Shonan Beach
• Visit the Jufukuji Temple
• Kamakura Park Hotel
• WeBase Hostel
• Kebab Kamakura
• Miyoshi Udon-noodle & Sake

How to reach: Tokyo Haneda Airport is the closest to Kamakura. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

13. Nagano – Great For Family

Image Credit: Nihonsuku for wikipedia

You cannot miss one of the best places to visit in Japan on your vacation which is the tropical retreat to beat the heat. Located in the heart of central Japan, Nagano is home to a lot of hidden gems like the Ninja Village for kids, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, and Zenko-ji Temple which make it a perfect place for all the types of travellers. But, what makes it more exclusive is the pleasant breeze that surrounds the city throughout the year. You cannot miss one of the best places to visit in Japan on your vacation.

• Matsumoto Castle
• Visit the Zenko-ji Temple
• Enjoy winter sports at Shiga Kogen Heights Ski Resort
• Rejuvenate at Shirahone Onsen
• Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
• Hotel JAL City Nagano
• Hotel Mielparque Nagano
• Ramen Misoya
• Shinshu nagaya sakaba

How to reach: The nearest airport to Nagano is Matsumoto Airport which is 58 km away. Local buses and taxis are available that comfortably take you to your destinaion.

Suggested Read: Camping In Japan

14. Kawaguchi – Beautiful Landscapes

Japan’s most natural wonder! While this city in Japan is more famous for its Lake Kawaguchiko and the breathtaking views of Mt.Fuji in the front, it is equally known for being a paradisiacal gem for the culture vultures. The vibrant vibes and attractions of all types undoubtedly make it a great spot to tick off your bucket list.

• Lake Kawaguchiko
• Fujiten Snow Resort
• Oshino Hakkai
• Attend the Shibazakura Festival
• Paddle Around Lake Kawaguchiko
• Sip on Koshu Wine
• Smile Hotel Kawaguchi
• Wa Style Hotel Tokyo
• Kawaguchi Station Hotel
• Kaenzen Restaurant Kawaguchi
• Itsumo Korean Restaurant
• Pusan Korean Restaurant

How to reach: Tokyo Haneda Airport is the nearest airport. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

15. Takayama – Away From City Life

The town with an old-world charm! Nestled high up in the mountains of Gifu, Takayama is amongst the top 15 places to visit in Japan. If you’re looking for an ultimate retreat away from the bustling city life, this is where you need to go. With stunning attractions all around the city, you can experience the charm of old Japan quite easily here.

• Hida no Sato
• Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
• Sanmachi Suji District
• Go back in time at Takayama Jinya
• Stay in a farmhouse
• Attend the Takayama Festival
• Takayama Ouan
• Ryokan Tanabe
• Best Western Hotel Takayama
• Suzuya Restaurant

How to reach: The nearest airport to Takayama is Toyama Airport which is 57 km away. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

Suggested Read: 7 Best Indian Restaurants In Japan

16. Shibuya – A Bustling City

Image Credit: cegoh for Pixabay

It is said that Shibuya has an impressive 2.8 million footfall on a regular weekday. This is so because not only does this place have a spectacular crossing or as they say, ‘scramble crossing’ which is surely nothing less than a sight to behold, it also has multiple shopping places with really cool clothing brands of Tokyo. This makes Shibuya a top place for shopping in Japan . One of the main shopping places include the famous 109 shopping mall which is located in close proximity to the train station of Shibuya.

Top attractions:

• Meiji Jingu
• Yoyogi Park

Best things to do:

• Enjoy the nightlife at Roppongi
• Treat your shopping craving with Takeshita Street
• Witness mesmerizing views with Roppongi Hills
• Mustard Hotel Shibuya
• Shibuya Hotel En
• Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
• Ichiran Shibuya
• Hakushu Teppanyaki

How to reach: Haneda Airport is conveniently located from the city. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

17. Naoshima – Lush-Green Island

A tiny island beautifully set amidst the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima offers a perfect weekend escapade from Tokyo. There’s no shortage of art museums, sculptures and modern architecture woven into the various attractions of the island. Since it’s a long journey to the island, it is best if you plan to stay there overnight just to get enough of the bliss and peace that the place has to offer. Naoshima is also considered as one of the best destinations for camping in Japan . 

• Lee Ufan Museum
• Benesse House
• Naoshima Bath
• Get ready to witness the fine work of Tadao Ando at Chichu Art Museum
• Visit Kojin Island for some peace and quiet
• Witness the splendid nature’s charm in Labyrinth of Cherry Blossom
• SPARKY’s House
• Benesse House Hotel Park Building
• inn Hoshikuzu
• Cafe Salon Nakaoku

How to reach: The nearest airport to Naoshima is Takamatsu Airport which is 27 km away. Hire a cab, taxi or local bus to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: Kyoto Castles

18. Asakusa – For Parties And More

Crowned as the cultural hub of Tokyo, Asakusa has a combination of things to do and multiple places to go to for different kinds of travellers. One of the good places to visit in Japan includes the Asahi Beer Hall which is like a gem for all party-goers who wish to try amazing booze in Japan. You can also try the Nakamise shopping block for a wild shopping spree in Japan.

• Asakusa Shrine
• Amuse Museum
• Hanayashiki Amusement Park
• Experience blessed vibes at Sensō-ji
• Have a unique gaming time at Escape Game Nazobako Tokyo
• Visit Kappabashi-dori for the various topnotch restaurants
• Asakusa View Hotel
• Red Planet Tokyo Asakusa
• Smile Hotel Asakusa
• Ramen-tei Asakusa

How to reach: The nearest airport to Asakusa is the Tokyo Haneda airport. Keisei Skyliner operates a train from Tokyo Narita to Asakusa hourly.

19. Akihabara – Perfect City Life

Image Courtesy: goodfreephotos.com

Known as the ‘world’s geek capital’, Akihabara is famous for having a vast category of video and computer games on the planet. One of the main cafes of the like in this region is fantastical Akihabara, that will offer you a fun and engrossing gaming experience. Make sure you look out for the ones which are safe enough and not hoax in any form. You might not want to miss one of the best places to visit in Japan.

• Tokyo Anime Center
• Ryōgoku Edo Noren
• Ginza Line Crossing
• Shop at 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan
• Witness endless lush greenery at Chidorigafuchi moat
• Rent a bike and tour the place on your own
• APA Hotel Akihabaraeki Denkigaiguchi
• Akihabara Washington Hotel
• Keikyu EX Inn Akihabara
• Kyushu Jangara Ramen Akihabara
• Tempura Hisago
• Tonkatsu Marugo

How to reach: The nearest airport to Asakusa is the Tokyo Haneda airport. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: 7 Japan Hill Stations

20. Odaiba – For A Rejuvenating Experience

Further ahead of Rainbow Bridge, the magnificent island of Odaiba has exquisite shopping centres which also boast of a Ferris wheel inside. What else can you wish for in Japan? Another reason for the fame of this place is the installation of a Gundam statue right outside of Diver City Mall, which literally seems to be alive! Having a theme park on board, this place is nothing less than a perfect spot for your vacation in Japan!

• Daikanransha Ferris wheel
• Seaside Park
• Yurikamome train
• Indulge in a fine sushi experience at the sushi bars
• Shop at Aqua City for a unique experience
• Spot a few fun robots at Miraikan science museum
• Hilton Tokyo Odaiba
• Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
• Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside
• KUA`AINA Odaiba
• Gonpachi Odaiba
• Zest Cantina

How to reach: The nearest airport to Asakusa is the Tokyo Haneda airport. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

21. Kabukicho – Nightclubs And More

It is indeed not strange for a place to have several neon signs. So, when you plan to visit Kabukicho, don’t be surprised to spot a few too many here. One of the main red-light areas of Japan, this place is famous for various adult indulgences and has many pubs with the same themes for all tourists passing by. Make sure you visit Shinjuku for an extraordinary virtual gaming experience here.

• Robot Restaurant
• Shinjuku Golden Gai
• Museum of Haiku Literature
• Try various fun rides at VR Zone Shinjuku
• Watch a Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show
• Get to know more about Haiku at Museum of Haiku Literature
• APA Hotel Higashi Shinjuku Kabukicho
• Shinjuku Granbell Hotel
• Oedo Ayatori

How to reach: The nearest airport is located in Tokyo i.e. the Tokyo International Airport, 18 miles from the city. Local buses and taxis are available that comfortably take you to your destination.

Suggested Read: 25 Things To Do In Japan

22. Ueno Park – For A Breath Of Fresh Air

Having an array of diverse options in one place, Ueno Park in Tokyo is the place to be if you wish to visit a prominent tourist destination in Japan. Whether you’re an history buff or not, an ancient black market like the one found in Ameya Yokocho will give you chills down the scene due to its authenticity and extraordinary fun vibes. Don’t forget to tour Yanaka if you are looking for places to explore in Japan with cultural and historic past.

• Tokyo National Museum
• Kaneiji Temple
• Try Hanami to respect and experience one of the traditions of Japan
• Visit National Museum of Nature and Science
• Experience bliss and serenity at Ueno Toshogu Shrine
• Candeo Hotels Ueno Koen
• APA Hotel Keisei Ueno-Ekimae
• Khana Pina Ueno
• Izuei Umekawa-tei

How to reach: Tokyo Haneda Airport is the closest to Ueno Park. Hire a cab to reach the park.

23. Yokohama – Charming And Vibrant

Having so many thrilling adventures and simply fun things to do, it is slightly sad that Yokohama doesn’t attract as many visitors as Tokyo, even though it is located quite close to Tokyo. Having a charming Minato Mirai waterfront on board, along with one of the biggest Chinatown regions, this place will surely surprise you more than you’d expect. Get ready to have a warm welcome from the locals here as it is weaved into their culture. This will sort out your query for where to visit in Japan for a romantic night!

• Yokohama Chinatown
• Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
• Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
• Visit Enoshima Island for some bliss
• Witness a traditional Japanese garden at Sankeien Garden
• Enjoy a fun outing at Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
• The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
• InterContinental Yokohama Grand
• Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
• Charcoal Grill Green
• Azamino Ukai-tei

How to reach: The nearest international airport to Yokohama is Pohang Airport. Take a train from here or a cab if you want to reach Yokohama from here. 

Suggested Read: Exploring Japan In July

24. Nikko – Historically Rich

Image Credit: ArvidO for Pixabay

Called as one of the most important regions of Eastern Japan, Nikko is located in close proximity of Tochigi Prefecture and has various shrines to be visited by travellers. These include Kanmangafuchi Abyss and Toshogu Shrine. If you wish to try something different, pay a visit to Edo Wonderland which is a theme back takes you back to the ancient era. If you’re thinking, ‘places I should visit in Japan’, make sure you don’t miss out on this one!

• Kegon Falls
• Nikko Futarasan jinja
• Tobu World Square
• Dip your toes in the hot springs of Kinugawa Onsen
• Walk down the history with Rinnō-ji museum
• Go hiking through Senjōgahara
• Oku Nikko Hotel Shikisai
• Nikko Kanaya Hotel
• Nikko Park Lodge Mountain Side
• Hippari-Dako
• Gyoza no Umechan
• Meiji-no-Yakata

How to reach: Ibaraki and Fukushima Airport are the closest ones to the city. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

25. Tohoku – Relax In Nature

Wondering where to go in Japan? Also known as the hidden gem of Japan’s main island region, Tohoku has something for every kind of traveler planning to visit this place. But all that is just the tip of the iceberg, since the tourists from all over the world travel to this place exclusively for Aomori Nebuta Festival. Make sure to book in advance as the domestic travelers might make it a housefull!

• Lake Ogawara
• Hotto Plaza Suginoko Hot Spring
• Eboshi-dake
• Camp at Ogawarako Park
• Try a soothing nature walk at Komaki Onsen Shibusawa Park
• Indulge in a good dining experience at Onsen inn Matsuzono
• Hotel New Tohoku
• Almont Hotel Sendai
• Westin Hotel Sendai
• Restaurant Karinba
• Marche Restaurant
• Steak House Yoshino

How to reach: The best way to explore Tohoku is by buying a Japan Rail pass and visiting several attractions of the island.

Suggested Read: Japan In September

26. Kawagoe – Revisit The History

One of the surreal Japan points of interest , Kawagoe encompasses remnants of the ancient town from the Edo Period i.e. 1603-1867 and allows visitors to disapparate to the streets from past centuries. This tiny town is known as ‘Little Edo’ and is nothing less than a paradise for history buffs. Being one of the most important cities of trade, Kawagoe envelops an extremely rich history of Edo culture and architecture.

• Kitain Temple
• Warehouse District
• Honmaru Goten
• Candy Alley
• Visit the city museum to understand Kawagoe’s history
• Feel the essence of spirituality in Kitain Temple
• Explore the only remnants of Kawagoe’s palace from Edo Period
• Kawagoe Prince Hotel
• Kawagoe Daiichi Hotel
• Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
• Kawagoe Ichinoya Atre
• cafe torocco

How to reach: Kawagoe’s nearest airports are the Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Take an airport shuttle which takes about 2 hours to reach.

27. Nagoya – Traditionally Beautiful

Home to little hidden gems of Japan, Nagoya is one of the unique places to visit in Japan and is often treated as a layover en route to Kyoto from Tokyo. Being one of the biggest cities in Central Japan, Nagoya was the heart of castle towns in Japan during the Edo period. Nagoya Castle is undergoing reconstruction by using traditional methods at present and this gives the explorers and wanderers a perfect chance to be a part of the rebirth of one of the most important aspects of the ancient times.

• Nagoya Castle
• Atsuta Jingu
• Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• Tokugawa Garden
• Nagoya City Science Museum
• Stroll through the castle and take in the ancient vibes of this town
• Witness the serenity of Tokugawa Garden
• Get in touch with the scientific technologies at the science museum
• Explore the famous cherry blossoms and the stunning landscapes at Tsuruma Park
• Kyoya Ryokan Nagoya
• Hotel MyStays Nagoya Sakae
• Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel
• Atsuta Horaiken – Main Restaurant
• Midtown BBQ – Nagoya

How to reach: The Chūbu Centrair International Airport is the closest airport to the city. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: Spring Flower Cruise In Japan

28. Kanazawa – For Food Culture 

Serving as the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa blankets numerous historical attractions such as reconstructed residences and contemporary museums. One of the less popular tourist places in Japan , Kanazawa experiences less footfall, which makes this destination a perfect escape from the usually crowded world. Famous for its seafood, Kanazawa is a perfect jewel for those travelers who prefer taking the road less traveled.

• Kenroku-en Garden
• 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
• Omicho Market
• Kanazawa Castle
• Devour the famous authentic seafood
• Take a tour of the castle and explore the hidden passageways and tunnels
• Witness the beauty of the garden with three landscapes
• Emblem Stay Kanazawa
• Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa
• Hotel Trusty Kanazawa Korinbo
• Sushi Ippei
• Pizzeria e Trattoria Da TAKE

How to reach: The nearest airport serving Kanazawa is in the city of Komatsu from where Japan Airlines manages a few airplanes.

29. Shirakawago – A Surreal Place

Shirakawago is a cute little village in the valley of Ono District in Japan and it looks right out of a fairytale. With ‘gassho-zukuri’ buildings built by the inhabitants themselves, this destination is an epitome of the traditional village life of Japan. Shirakawago is famous for its residences that are crafted to shrug off the heavy snow from the roofs during winter months. For explorers seeking to learn about the authenticity of the Japanese countryside, Shirakawago will leave no stone unturned to help you get a glimpse of the same. This is one of the best places to go in Japan while on a solo tour.

• Fairytale Houses
• Gassho-zukuri Minkaen
• Hakusan National Park
• Get hands-on experience about the traditional life of Japan
• Witness the soul-soothing landscapes of the village
• Camp at the Hakusan National Park and satiate your adventurous inner self
• Onyado Yuinosho
• Shirakawa-go Terrace Hostel

How to reach: The nearest airport is Fukushima Airport which is 21 km away. Local buses and taxis are available that comfortably take you to your destination.

Suggested Read: 15 Haunted Places In Japan

30. Shikoku – Where Serenity Welcomes You

Still wondering best places in Japan ? One of Japan’s four main islands, the charming island of Shikoku reflects the perfect blend of nature, tranquility, culture, and cuisine. Home to one of the oldest Japanese spa’s, Shikoku is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine flowing rivers, and surreal Pacific coastline.

• Muroto-Misaki
• Ishizuchi-San
• Relax your mind and soul at the oldest spa in Japan
• Stroll along the pilgrimage route that connects around 88 temples on the island
• Hire a cycle and explore the city like a local
• Sunriver Oboke
• Kotohira Kadan
• Good food studio Cardamon

How to reach: You can travel by bus from Osaka Kansai to Shikoku via Takamatsu Chuo Interchange Bus Terminal in approximately 6 hours.

31. Nagasaki – A City With Sad History

Image Credit: Hruruk for Pixabay

This city of Japan too is one of the main ports lying in the southernmost region of the island. Just like the city of Hiroshima, Nagasaki is also known for its memorial of peace. You can also visit various temples as well as shrines here in order to be a witness to the cultural, religious, and historical aspects of Japan that are beautifully reflected. This is one of the most beautiful places in Japan .

• Nagasaki Dutch Slope
• Nagasaki Chinatown
• Kofukuji Temple
• Glover Garden
• Learn the historical facts at Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
• Witness the majestic species of penguins at Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
• Travel around the city in Nagasaki Electric Tramway
• Hotel Monterey Nagasaki
• Luke Plaza Hotel
• Casa Blanca Guesthouse
• Horaiken Bekkan
• Shippoku Hamakatsu

How to reach: Kumamoto and Fukuoka Airports are the closest ones. Hire a cab, taxi or local bus to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: 10 Tokyo Travel Tips

32. Kobe – Surprisingly Attractive 

This city lies between Mount Rokko and the sea. Although there’s a lot to see and experience here but Kobe is essentially known for its delicious beef. Therefore, ordering a burger in one of its restaurants or cafes is a must! The city comes in the way when you’re travelling from Osaka to Hiroshima via bullet train. If you want to witness the charm of this city, you should keep some extra time in hand when travelling between the two cities. This is among the best cities to visit in Japan !

• Wakamatsu Park
• Arima Onsen
• Kobe Oji Zoo
• Go for a leisure walk on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
• Try the scrumptious local delicacies
• Go for the Mount Rokko trek
• Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
• Kobe Sannomiya Union Hotel
• Hotel Plaza Kobe
• Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya

How to reach: Kansai International Airport is just 70 km away from Kobe and its the nearest international airport. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

33. Fukuoka – Japan’s Oldest City

Image Credit: Fg2 for wikipedia

Your answer where to go in Japan to explore the rich culture is Fukuoka. Known to be the oldest city in the country of Japan, a visit to this place is a must. Located in the southernmost island of Kyushu, the city is comparatively in close proximity to the mainland of Asia. Moreover, the city of Fukuoka is considered to be an imperative port since more hundreds of years. The food culture and the relaxed vibe of this place will make your travel experience simply worthwhile. So, make sure that you include this place in your itinerary as it is one of the best Japan tourist attractions. 

• Fukuoka Castle
• Canal City Hakata
• Go for an evening walk at Yusentei Park
• Pay a visit to Hakozaki Shrine
• Go for a karaoke night
• Plaza Hotel Premier Fukuoka
• Plaza Hotel Tenjin
• Yoshizuka Unagi
• Beef Taigen
• Hyotan Sushi

How to reach: The Saga airport is the closest one and you can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: 7 Best Gardens In Japan

34. Hitsujiyama Park – For An Enormous Sight

Cherry Blossom in Japan is an enormous sight to behold. The country is very famous for the spectacle and therefore visiting during this season is a must. Make Hitsujiyama Park as your next destination for a picturesque setting and get blossomed by the mesmerizing views. With a huge flora of over 400,000 trees of nine different varieties, it’s a perfect patchwork of red, white, pink, and violet. Also, the park is in close proximity to some fine dessert restaurants where you can taste the best Japanese desserts . Now, who would want to miss a visit to one of the famous places in Japan?

• Shibazakura Hill
• Catch the Chichibu Shibazakura Festival 
• Hike among the many trails 
• Buy festival snacks and souvenirs
• Hotel Route Inn Chichibu
• Araki Kosen Ryokan
• Guest House Nishiki

Places to eat: 

• Laboratorino
• Horumon Takasago

How to reach: From Ikebukuro, the Seibu Limited Express Chichibu train goes direct to Seibu-Chichibu station and the journey  takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.

35. Hakone – Views Of Mount Fuji

If you’re wondering where to go in Japan, then Hakone is a popular area with great views of Mt. Fuji. If the weather is on your side, it can be both a great day trip as well as an overnight destination. If you are looking for a break from Tokyo, then visit Hakone, which is also a great place for a solo trip in Japan . Get mesmerized by the surrounding beauty and get excited about your next getaway which includes all the top places to visit in Japan.

• Lake Ashinoko
• Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
• Open Air Museum
• Enjoy multiple hot springs
• Ropeway to the boiling sulphur pits
• Crisscrossing Lake Ashi on a pirate ship
• Kinnotake Tonosawa
• Hakone Senkei
• Okudo-Saryo Rikyu-an inn
• Hakone Karaage Karatto
• Gora Brewery & Grill
• 808 Monsmare

How to reach: You can travel to Hakone via Odakyu Railway, Japan Railways or through the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus.

Suggested Read: Robot-Run Hotel In Japan

Best Time To Visit Japan

To explore the major tourist attractions in Japan the best time to visit is from March to May during the late spring. You can also plan a visit during late autumn, especially in the months from September to November for the best experiences. The temperature remains mild during this time with very little rainfall.

Further Read: An Underwater Volcano Discovered In Japan

If the technological magic of the island nation couldn’t conquer your heart, we are sure that these best places to visit in Japan would! But which one would you visit first? Plan a  trip to Japan with TravelTriangle and have the best vacation! Make sure you pack a few extra clothes in case these places change your mind, and you decide to extend your amazing vacation in Japan!

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Cover Image Credit: Pxhere

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Japan

What is the smallest town in Japan?

The smallest city by population in Japan is Utashinai which is located in Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

What’s the oldest city in Japan?

The oldest city in Japan is Fukuoka which also happens to be the closest city to Korea.

Are there still samurai in Japan?

Samurai were abolished as Japan modernized. Although, Kanazawa still houses a samurai district and is the only city to preserve the samurai world.

What are the famous places in Japan?

The most famous places to visit in Japan are the following: 1. Mount Fiji 2. Kinkaku-Ji 3. Fushimi Inari Taisha 4. Kiyomizu-Dera 5. Arashiyama 6. Tokyo Skytree 7. Osaka Castle 8. Tokyo Tower 9. Meiji Jingu

Can I get vegetarian food in Japan?

Yes, you can get vegetarian food in Japan. The following are the best vegetarian food that you can eat in Japan: 1. Mochi 2. Nasu or Eggplant 3. Kushimono 4. Pickles or Tsukemono 5. Daikon

Is there any temple in Japan?

Yes, there are many interesting temples in Japan but the best amongst them are: 1. Kiyomizu-dera 2. Todai-ji 3. Kinkaku-ji 4. Horyu-ji 5. Senso-ji 6. Toji 7. Rengeoin Sanjusangendo 8. Higashiyama Jisho-ji

Where can I go free in Tokyo?

The most popular free places in Tokyo are the following: 1. Hanabi 2. Matsuri 3. Suntory Musashino Brewery 4. Public Parks 5. The Imperial Palace East Garden 6. Meiji Shrine 7. Harajuku

What is the most beautiful place in Japan?

There are various tourist sites in Japan that are considered to be quite beautiful. Some of them are: 1. Shirakawa-go 2. The Blue Pond 3. Fushimi Inari Shrine 4. Chureito Pagoda 5. Kanazawa

Is it expensive in Japan?

Japan is essentially expensive when it comes to travelling around, staying at hotels, or eating out. However, if you want to avoid spending too much here, you can plan your stay at a hostel or eat at less expensive food joints.

How much money do you need per day in Japan?

On average, it will cost you over INR 7,000 per day when you’re travelling in Japan.

Do I need a visa for Japan from India?

Yes, you need to get a single entry visa to visit Japan which will be valid for up to 30 days Per Entry. To get the visa you can visit Japan embassy or consulate and submit all the required documents and fees related to the visa application.

What is the best month to go to Japan?

To get the best experience of a Japan tour, you must plan your trip between March and May or September and November as the weather remains pleasant adding extra fun to your trip to Japan.

What is Japan famous for?

Japan is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional arts like tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arranging), and origami (paper folding). It's renowned for its cutting-edge technology, producing innovative electronics, robotics, and automobiles. Additionally, Japan is known for its delicious cuisine, featuring sushi, ramen, and tempura, as well as its stunning cherry blossoms during springtime.

Which month is the cherry blossom in Japan?

Cherry blossoms in Japan typically bloom in April, marking the arrival of spring. This beautiful natural phenomenon, known as the 'sakura' season, is celebrated with hanami (flower viewing) gatherings and festivals across the country as people enjoy the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Japan

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With its unique blend of traditional culture and dazzling modernity, Japan offers an incredible tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses and ignite the spirit of adventure. Yet, with so much to explore, planning a trip can feel overwhelming. Fear not, we’re here to help! Travel journalist Kevin Erickson has curated a list of the must-visit places in Japan that promise a truly unforgettable journey.

• Uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto
• Experience Tokyo’s electrifying cityscape
• Discover the cultural heartbeat of Osaka
• Immerse yourself in Hiroshima’s poignant history
• Explore the stunning wilderness of Yakushima

The Timeless Beauty of Kyoto

The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, is a living testament to Japan’s rich history and tradition. With over 1,600 temples, serene Zen gardens, and the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic torii gate pathway, Kyoto transports you back to Japan’s imperial past. A visit during the cherry blossom or fall foliage season will make your journey especially magical.

Tokyo: The City That Never Sleeps

Japan’s vibrant capital, Tokyo, presents an electrifying mix of neon skyscrapers, pop culture, high-tech innovations, and bustling street markets. From the fashion hub of Shibuya to the historic Asakusa district and the otaku paradise of Akihabara, Tokyo is a city of delightful contrasts that never fails to impress.

Osaka: The Nation’s Kitchen

Known as the “nation’s kitchen,” Osaka is a haven for food lovers. From street-side takoyaki and okonomiyaki to high-end kaiseki cuisine, Osaka offers a culinary journey like no other. Don’t miss the lively Dotonbori area and Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s historical heritage.

Hiroshima: History and Resilience

Hiroshima, though known for its tragic past, showcases remarkable resilience and peace. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum provide profound insights into the catastrophic impact of the atomic bomb, while the scenic Miyajima Island, just a short ferry ride away, offers a tranquil escape.

Yakushima: Island of Ancient Forests

A trip off the beaten path leads to Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its ancient cedar forests, which inspired the animated film “Princess Mononoke,” Yakushima is an enchanting realm of nature where you might even encounter the endangered Japanese macaque.

Nara: The Birthplace of Japanese Culture

Nestled in the Kansai region, Nara is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbors, Kyoto and Osaka. Yet, as the first permanent capital of Japan, Nara is brimming with historical treasures. It’s home to Todai-ji, the world’s largest wooden structure housing a towering Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha, a beautiful Shinto shrine surrounded by thousands of stone lanterns. But Nara’s charm doesn’t stop at its temples. The city’s park is famous for its hundreds of free-roaming deer, considered sacred and protected as national treasures.

Hokkaido: Nature’s Paradise

If you crave pristine wilderness, set your sights on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Here, you’ll find stunning landscapes, from volcanic hot springs in Noboribetsu to lavender fields in Furano. Daisetsuzan National Park offers incredible hiking trails, while the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts wildlife such as brown bears and sea eagles. In winter, the snow festival in Sapporo, the region’s capital, showcases spectacular ice and snow sculptures.

Nagasaki: A Tale of Triumph

Nagasaki’s past is imbued with foreign influences and a tragic history, making it a poignant visit. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum narrate the tale of its WWII devastation, while Glover Garden and Oura Church highlight the city’s close ties with the West during Japan’s period of national isolation. For a tranquil getaway, the nearby Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), an abandoned coal mining facility and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s industrial past.

From ancient traditions to futuristic cityscapes, Japan offers a unique travel experience that transcends the ordinary. As Chris Rowthorn, a Lonely Planet writer and Japan travel expert, aptly puts it, “Japan is a world apart – a cultural Galápagos where a unique civilization blossomed, and today thrives in delicious contrasts of traditional and modern.” So why wait? Begin your Japanese adventure today!

When is the best time to visit Japan?

The best time to visit Japan is in spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms, and fall (September to November) for autumn colors. However, Japan has something to offer in every season.

What should I eat in Japan?

Japan boasts a rich culinary tradition. Must-try dishes include sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori, and regional specialties such as Kyoto’s kaiseki and Osaka’s takoyaki.

How can I travel sustainably in Japan?

Embrace the Japanese concept of ‘mottainai’ (waste not, want not). Utilize public transportation, avoid disposable items, respect local customs, and consider staying in eco-friendly accommodations.

Is Japan expensive to visit?

While Japan can be pricier than other Asian countries, it offers a range of options for different budgets. Prepaid transportation cards, affordable eateries, and a variety of accommodations can make your trip economical without compromising the experience.

• Japan National Tourism Organization
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• Lonely Planet

This post is also available in: English

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One response to “The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Japan”

Kevin, your take on the changing dynamics of contemporary art really resonated with me. As an art enthusiast myself, I’ve noticed a similar shift, particularly in the street art scene. How do you see this trend impacting conventional galleries? Also, do you think this shift is empowering artists to break free from traditional constraints? I believe this is a game-changer, bringing art to the masses. I recall my visit to the Brick Lane in East London, a testament to this democratization process. Keep up the intriguing analysis! Looking forward to your insights.

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24 of the most beautiful places you should visit in Japan

Aside from culture and tradition, Japan also offers some of the world's most spectacular landscapes. Here's your Japan bucket list

It’s no secret that Japan has a stunning amount of beauty. From the lavender fields of Furano in Hokkaido down to the crystal clear beaches of Okinawa , this small country is filled with gorgeous nature , contemporary museums , mountainside temples and of course, those pretty springtime  cherry blossoms  and colourful autumn leaves .

With so much to see, it's impossible to do Japan justice with just one visit. This explains why people miss Japan  more than any other country in the world. So this extraordinary island archipelago definitely calls for repeats visits – how else are you going to see all these 24 beautiful sight in Japan?

Recommended: The most beautiful festivals in Japan  

Kiyotsu Gorge and the Tunnel of Light, Niigata prefecture

Niigata prefecture’s Kiyotsu Gorge is a massive natural marvel with volcanic columns, called columnar jointing, overlooking a dramatic river view. After the walking trails were deemed unsafe and closed to the public in 1988, Ma Yansong and the MAD Architects team built the Tunnel of Light , a 750m-long tunnel leading out to the gorge, so visitors can safely view its panoramic beauty. 

Kamikochi, Nagano

A lush green plateau on the Nagano prefecture side of the Northern Japanese Alps, Kamikochi offers some of Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal hiking effort. Most visitors just hover around Kappabashi (Kappa Bridge) and for good reason. For one, the bus stop is just nearby. But more importantly, here you get to take in the grand view: a wooded riverbank surrounded by a fortress of mountains, which in autumn blushes in shades of yellow, orange and red.

Beat the crowd by starting at the quiet Taisho Pond, whose pristine surface in the early morning mirrors its gorgeous surroundings. From here, it’s an easy hour-long hike through marshlands to Kappabashi, where you can break for a meal at one of several cafés and restaurants. For day trippers, you can then go further into the forest; another 90 minutes’ walk will take you to the atmospheric Myojin Pond.

Oirase Gorge, Aomori

This picturesque gorge in the mountains of Aomori is one of Japan’s top autumn destinations. The 9km-long trail from Ishigeo to Nenokuchi at the mouth of Lake Towada is breathtaking – not that it’s a strenuous hike but because of the gorgeous scenery all along the way. The gushing Oirase Stream snakes through a blazing red and orange forest studded with moss-covered boulders, with multiple waterfalls feeding into the running water. It’s Japanese autumn at its best.

Set aside three hours for a one-way trek, and you can hop on a sightseeing ferry at the end of the trail at Nenokuchi for more autumn foliage along Lake Towada. Though you’d need some good stamina, don’t worry if you can’t do the entire nine kilometres. There are bus stops on the road running alongside the stream, where you can catch a ride to any point on the trail. 

Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto

Otherwise known as the Golden Temple, Kinkakuji is a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold, a miraculous and shiny site in the middle of traditional Kyoto. In fact, the temple is so beautiful that a young monk attempted to burn it down in 1950, inspiring Yukio Mishima’s famous novel ‘The Temple of the Golden Pavilion’. First, you walk along a path to see the temple and its reflection before you eventually see it close up, so be prepared for multiple photo ops. Head there in the early morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds and less glinting from the gold leaf.

Mt Fuji, Yamanashi

Japan’s crown jewel and arguably the most beautiful place in the country, Mt Fuji is a must for any visitor. There are plenty of places to see the grand mountain, but the views from Arakurayama Sengen Park, which boasts the majestic Chureito Pagoda, and from Lake Kawaguchi best capture its beauty.

Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, has glorious views of Mt Fuji, especially in winter when the sky is mostly clear and you can see the volcano’s reflection in the water. Having said that, the near-perfect symmetry of Mt Fuji is a spectacular sight year-round, regardless of where you see it from.

Shirakawa-go, Gifu prefecture

Deep in Gifu prefecture lies Shirakawa-go, a perfectly preserved Japanese village and Unesco World Heritage Site, filled with traditional gassho-zukuri style farmhouses known for their thatched, triangular roofs that resemble praying hands. Now, most of the farmhouses have been converted into museums, restaurants and even hotels, but visitors can still explore the inside of the houses to admire the idiosyncratic architecture, held together by wooden beams. The houses are especially picturesque in winter – all covered in snow, they look like gingerbread houses. 

Motonosumi Shrine, Yamaguchi

Tunnels of vermilion torii gates are a common sight in Japan. There’s Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Nezu Shrine in Tokyo, but Motonosumi Shrine in the seaside town of Nagato is the most picturesque. A relatively new shrine, built in 1955, it consists of 123 torii gates that lead down dramatic cliffs, with spectacular ocean views to boot. Unlike most shrines where you just toss a coin into an offering box, here you’ll have to shoot your donation into a box at the top of the final torii gate, which stands six metres tall. If you make it, your wish might just come true.

Narai, Nagano

Along the historic Nakasendo, the mountainous route which connected old Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto, is Narai, a post town in the picturesque Kiso Valley. This is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of Edo-period (1603-1868) life, as most of this then-prosperous town is so well-preserved that its wooden buildings stretch for a 1km block. Many of the heritage houses have been adapted into restaurants, minshuku (Japanese bed and breakfast) and stores while two former residences – Nakamura Residence and Kamidonya Shiryokan – are preserved as they were back in the day. Narai is incredibly photogenic in autumn, when bright foliage lights up the surrounding Kiso mountain range.

Kumano Kodo, Wakayama prefecture

Unesco-designated pilgrimage trails make up the Kumano Kodo on the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama prefecture. The 70km route leads through dense, lush forest and stops by plenty of ancient shrines and temples. One of the most famous destinations is the Kumano Nachi Taisha, which boasts a three-storey vermillion pagoda and Nachi no Taki, which, at 133m, is the tallest waterfall in Japan. 

Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki

The breathtaking Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki is best seen from the water – you can rent a small rowing boat and take a romantic cruise down the calm Gokase River. This is no paddle in the park, though: the gorge is filled with natural wonder and you’ll be surrounded by lush maple trees and the dramatic 17m-tall Minai-no-taki waterfall. Prefer to stay on dry land? The gorge is still beautiful from above – hikers can walk along the 1km Takachiho Promenade for a landscape view, best enjoyed during the summer illumination or the vermillion autumn foliage.

Himeji Castle, Hyogo prefecture

Himeji is perhaps Japan’s most famous castle. It even served as the basis for this emoji: 🏯. Also known as the White Heron, Himeji Castle is a giant, stark white structure that has miraculously survived wars and natural disasters. The castle dates back to the 17th century but was restored in 2015, allowing visitors inside to admire the refurbished architecture. If you’re planning on visiting, bookmark the official website for live queuing times. 

The beaches of Ishigaki, Okinawa

Imagine a white sand beach with water so crystal clear you don’t even need snorkelling gear to see the fish. There’s no need to use your imagination in the tropical paradise of Okinawa, a string of islands between Japan and Taiwan. Of the 49 inhabited islands, Ishigaki is easily one of the most scenic, with a mix of mountains, jungles and sandy beaches to satisfy both the active and adventurous, and those who prefer lounging on the beach. Spend the day tanning and swimming at Yonehara Beach or have a look at sea critters in azure waters on Kabira Bay, where you can take a glass-bottom boat tour.

A Forest Where Gods Live at Mifuneyama Rakuen Park, Saga

The sprawling Mifuneyama Rakuen Park in Saga prefecture was created more than a century ago in 1845, but teamLab has taken it into the future with edgy, immersive digital art that changes the way we interact with nature.

As a whole, the grounds now look like an enchanted forest after dark, with different exhibits scattered across the property. There’s a surreal projection of a silent waterfall in a secluded part of a jungle. A rolling garden of azalea shrubs pulses with lights as if the plants were breathing. In the darkness of the night, trees take on an otherworldly glow, holographic carp swim across a lake, digital flowers bloom on rocks while strokes of calligraphy appear like a painting in formation across a sacred boulder. It’s magic and there’s nothing quite like it anywhere in the world.

Hill of the Buddha at Makomanai Takino Cemetery, Hokkaido

Leave it to starchitect Tadao Ando to create beauty out of loss and grieving. Ando designed Sapporo’s circular Makomanai Takino Cemetery around a giant 13.5m-tall statue of the Buddha, letting his head peak out from the top of an artificial hill. The industrial concrete, Ando’s signature material, contrasts with lavender surrounding the cemetery, and covers the Buddha’s body. The only way to see the full sculpture is by entering the hollow 40 metre ‘hill’ through a dark tunnel. When you reach the (natural) light at the end of the tunnel, you’ll see the ever graceful Buddha sitting before you. Jaw, dropped.

Yakushima, Kagoshima

Off the coast of Kagoshima prefecture is Yakushima, a nature lover’s paradise. The best way to see the small island, which inspired the setting of the Ghibli film ‘Princess Mononoke’, is through multi-day treks: you’ll forget about the absurdities of modern life as you hike the moss-covered dirt tracks and admire yakusugi, the oldest surviving trees in Japan, more than 1,000 years old. There are multiple trails catering to different experience levels, from an easy-peasy one-hour hike to an exhilarating 20-hour overnight journey. Highlights include the overnight trek to see the ancient Jomonsugi cedar tree, estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old.

Naoshima, Kagawa

Off the coast of Kanagawa prefecture, in between Okayama and Shikoku Island, the Seto Inland Sea is home to a row of small islands dedicated to contemporary art. The six ‘art islands’ are Teshima, Naoshima, Inujima, Megijima, Ogijima and Shodoshima – but if you’re short of time, Naoshima is the pick of the bunch.

A trio of Tadao Ando-designed museums on Naoshima – Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum and Lee Ufan Museum – were built in an industrial style, making them surreal sights in the midst of nature. Meanwhile, the Art House Project, which showcases Japanese and international artworks in refurbished traditional homes, preserves the charmingly rural and old-school vibe of the island.

No trip to Naoshima is complete without a photo in front of Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Pumpkin’, which sits against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and sea. This beautifully framed sight has become an endearing image of the ‘art islands’.

Zao Snow Monsters, Yamagata

Zao is not only one of the best ski resorts for those hitting the slopes, it’s also home to picturesque scenery straight out of a winter fairy tale – or a horror film. The slopes are lined with trees covered in snow and warped from the wind, so they look like gigantic, mutated snowmen. The monsters are even celebrated with their own festival in January, complete with illuminations and fireworks.  

Ogasawara Islands, Tokyo

Just a hop, skip and 24-hour ferry ride away from Tokyo, you’ll find the Ogasawara Islands, a group of islands sporting some of the best snorkelling, hiking and sandy beaches in Japan. Chichijima, one of the main islands, is a popular spot for dolphin and whale watching. The islands are truly remote, so you’ll get to relax, disconnect and enjoy the subtropical climate far from the bustling city. Minamijima, off the coast of Chichijima, is only accessible by tour guide, but the eccentric rock formations and white sand beach are definitely worth the extra effort.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Sure, Arashiyama can be touristy, but there’s nothing more soothing than the sound of bamboo slowly swaying in the wind. Head to the bamboo grove early in the morning (it’s open 24 hours) to avoid the crowds. Don’t miss out on Tenryuji Temple, a Zen temple with a relaxing landscape garden, and Nonomiya Shrine, which appeared in ‘The Tale of Genji’ – both are inside the grove. 

Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto

There are many hot spring towns in Kyushu but only Kurokawa Onsen makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You won’t find large hotels or tacky advertising hoardings here; the town has retained its original atmosphere with wooden ryokan in the valley around Mt Aso.

Unlike flashy onsen towns filled with tour buses and visitor attractions, the focus at Kurokawa Onsen is simply the baths. You can enjoy nature while soaking in the steaming water at the outdoor baths, called rotenburo . Or hop through three different public and private onsen with the wooden ‘Rotemburo Meguri’ pass for ¥1,300. The town is best explored in a yukata after sunset, once all the day bathers have left, especially during the winter bamboo illumination from December to April.

Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

This small island off the coast of Hiroshima is known for its deer, bright autumn leaves and Itsukushima Shrine, a large Shinto structure with a grand vermillion torii gate standing in the ocean. Spend the whole day on the island to see the torii gate in both high and low tides: at high tide, the entire shrine seems to magically float in the blue water, while at low tide, you can walk all the way up to the gate.

Long established as a place of Buddhist and Shinto worship, Itsukushima Shrine was founded in the year 593, and it is believed Miyajima is where the gods live. The island feels like a slice of paradise; you can spend the day frolicking with deer, hiking through maple leaves in the mountains or just sitting on the shore and watching the sun set behind the torii gate.

Yamadera Temple, Yamagata prefecture

A 30-minute, 1000-step uphill hike will lead you into the Yamadera Temple complex, a small collection of Buddhist halls on the side of a mountain. Climb a few storeys higher and you’ll find Godaido Hall, a small vantage point that looks out into the countryside of Yamagata. Especially picturesque in summer and autumn, you’ll see fog rolling through the hills as you gaze at one of the best hiking views in Tohoku. 

Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki

All flower lovers should add Ibaraki’s Hitachi Seaside Park to their bucket list. Best known for its blue sea of approximately 5.3 million nemophila in spring, and bright red kochia or summer cypress in autumn (pictured), Hitachi Seaside Park also grows California poppies, roses, daffodils and even sports a Holland-inspired tulip garden. The fun doesn’t stop with the flowers, there’s also an amusement park, a children’s adventure zone and 11km of cycling paths in the 350-hectare park.

Korakuen, Okayama

Korakuen in Okayama, along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito, is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, a traditional honour it has held since the 19th century. The rolling landscape, covering approximately 144,000 square metres, is a fine example of traditional Edo-period (1603-1868) beauty. While the garden was damaged by war and natural distasters in the past, it has consistently been restored based on historcal illustrated maps. As one of the larger landscape gardens in Japan, Korakuen is sprawling enough to boast large lawns, ponds, plum and cherry trees and Japanese cranes. The garden is incredibly picturesque in all four seasons, thanks to a well-curated selection of plants to make sure there are always flowers year-round. And that grand view of Okayama Castle in the background is the icing on the cake.

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14 of the best places to visit in Japan

Between its mountainous interior and island-dotted seas, japan packs in modern metropolises, ancient temples and mouth-watering cuisine – often all in the same place. here’s where to go.

I have been writing about Japan for a decade now, and visiting for even longer. But somehow, I never get tired of it. The more I learn about each facet of Japan’s deep, rich culture, the more I want to know. Take the national drink. I started with a saké sommelier tour in Tokyo. On my next visit, I toured a brewery or two. I’ve since visited them up and down the country, trying red-rice saké made by the country’s first female brewer in Ine, naturally sparkling nihonshu in Yamagata, and aged saké in Toyama, which was brewed when I was still a toddler. And there’s so much more I want to try.

The variety in Japan is dizzying. You can hike for days through its wild national parks, or follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and samurai on ancient highways. You can savour Michelin-starred cuisine, street eats and seafood fresh from the ocean. And you can walk straight from the bustle of some of the world’s most frenetic, exciting cities into the quiet of centuries-old shrines. These are 14 of the very best places to visit, with tips on how to make it happen and find your own Japan.

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue

If you only have . . .

One week The New Golden Route. The classic first-timer’s route takes you from Tokyo to the ancient capital of Kyoto , perhaps continuing on to Nara, Osaka or Hiroshima. For a different take on it, try the New Golden Route instead; this takes you from Tokyo to Kyoto via the mountainous Chubu region, and a new shinkansen line on the Sea of Japan coast.

Two weeks Tohoku and Hokkaido. Few visitors head north of the capital, but those who do are rewarded with spectacular landscapes, rich cultures and raucous festivals. And that’s before you even consider the winter, when the region enjoys some of the world’s most consistent powder snow.

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Three weeks The islands. Japan is made up of thousands of islands, with diverse landscapes, climates and cultures, but most trips only take in one or two. From the main island of Honshu you can easily fly down to Okinawa’s idyllic Yaeyama Islands, or take a ferry to the protected wilds of the Oki Islands. It’s easy to add on a trip to subtropical Goto and Ojika from Kyushu, while from Shikoku you can drive or cycle the Shimanami Kaido between several Inland Sea islands.

A tight budget Michinoku Coastal Trail. Tackle a section of this 637-mile walking route to immerse yourself in northeast Japan’s dramatic coastal landscape and welcoming communities, and learn more about the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. You can stick to your budget by staying at minshuku (traditional guesthouses) along the way, or opt for campsites to save even more.

1. Matsumoto

You might expect the birthplace of visionary artist Yayoi Kusama to be a frenetic, overwhelming place, but beyond the City Art Museum, where her eye-catching polka-dotted pieces spill out of the main entrance, Matsumoto is pretty laid back. At its heart is Matsumoto-jo, the oldest castle in Japan. Its austere appearance is offset by the serene peaks of Chubu-Sangaku National Park rising behind it, and the froth of pink blossoms surrounding it each spring.

Matsumoto’s easy access to Tokyo, combined with its thriving food and music scenes, have made it a favourite of young escapees from the capital, many of whom open chic independent businesses. Stroll through Nakamachi for upscale cafés and ryokan (inns) in elegant converted warehouses, or cross the river to Frog Street for shops and restaurants in traditional wooden buildings. Spend a weekend here and you’ll quickly understand the appeal of the artsy, relaxing Matsumoto lifestyle.

Make it happen

The city’s oldest hotel, opened in 1887, Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu is just five minutes’ walk from the castle. Rooms in the annex feature local folk-craft furniture and the dark wood of the communal areas feels pleasantly old-fashioned

With its seamless blend of tradition and modernity, Matsumoto makes a natural stop on Exodus’s 14-day Ancient and Modern Japan tour

2. Shiretoko National Park

In Hokkaido’s far northeast, the Shiretoko Peninsula juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk. Its steep mountains and dense forests look impenetrable at the best of times, and come winter the land is blanketed in deep snow and the shoreline jostled by drift ice. Here in its wildest reaches, it’s clear why the Ainu people named this place sir etok : the edge of the earth.

On a trip here, you can acquaint yourself with some of the most important deities in the Ainu pantheon. Take a boat trip to see orcas (Repun-kamuy; god of the sea) slicing through the cold waters, and brown bears (Kim-un-kamuy; god of the mountains) picking along the shore. Or go on a wildlife-spotting night drive for tanuki, foxes and deer. If you’re lucky, the world’s largest owl might even put in an appearance — Blakiston’s fish owl (Kotan-kor-kamuy; god of the village).

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort has impressive views of the sun setting over the Sea of Okhotsk, and warming cuisine focused on fresh, local fish. Some rooms have hot-spring baths directly overlooking the water

Along with Shiretoko, the nine-day Oku Japan Wild Lands of Eastern Hokkaido tour includes dramatic natural sights like volcanic Meakandake and Lake Mashu

Japan’s capital may be an obvious stop on a first-timer’s itinerary, but its sheer variety of experiences keeps people coming back time and again. In chic Daikanyama and Meguro, you can stroll along upscale streets with innovative architecture and trendy boutiques. Waseda has intriguing cultural attractions like the Haruki Murakami Library, Hotel Chinzanso’s traditional gardens and the stark brilliance of Tange Kenzo’s concrete cathedral. And down in Todoroki you can wander through a natural river valley, feeling a world away from the bustle of city life.

This is before we’ve even touched on the big hitters — Shinjuku’s skyscrapers, Shibuya’s nightlife, Roppongi’s galleries, Harajuku’s street fashion. Truly, you’d have to try very hard to get bored of Tokyo.

With its blend of understated luxury and traditional hospitality, Hoshinoya Tokyo is one of the most memorable places to stay in the capital. It somehow manages to carve out a bubble of calm in the middle of the city

Most tours of Japan include a couple of days in the capital; the Tokyo Welcome Package from Bamba Travel gives you a good introduction to the city over four days

• Best hotels in Tokyo • Best things to do in Tokyo

4. The Michinoku Coastal Trail

After the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, much of northeast Japan’s Tohoku coastline became the Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park. Running through it for over 600 miles is the Michinoku Coastal Trail, giving hikers access to not only stunning scenery, but also some of the communities that are still rebuilding over a decade after the disaster. By spending your yen here — perhaps having fresh-from-the-boat sashimi for lunch, or staying at a traditional ryokan — you’ll be directly helping that rebuilding effort.

Slowing down to walking pace also encourages you to connect with the people and places you’ll encounter. Whether at a museum dedicated to the disaster or over a glass of saké in the local izakaya, you’re sure to hear some deeply personal, moving stories of what happened in 2011.

The Tanesashi and Hashikami sections are gentle, making them ideal for beginners. For more experienced hikers, the towering Kitayamazaki cliffs and mysterious tunnels cut through the rock make the section between Tanohata and Kurosaki very rewarding.

Elegant Jodogahama Park Hotel is situated on high ground above its namesake beach, a famous beauty spot on Honshu’s northeastern coast. Rooms either look out over the sea, or the forest of pine trees surrounding the hotel

On G Adventures’ Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail tour you can spend a day hiking part of the coastal route in Iwate

5. The Yaeyama Islands

Okinawa, an archipelago in the far southwest of the country, exerts a strong pull on the Japanese imagination. The string of subtropical islands is seen as a paradise where you can recharge over your precious few days of annual leave — just white sand, turquoise sea and no emails.

To see Okinawa at its best, you need to go beyond the over-touristed main islands. This is surprisingly easy, with the far-flung Yaeyama islands connected to the Japanese mainland by plane. On Ishigaki, you can explore mangrove forests, while Taketomi is home to traditional Ryukyuan villages, where the neat square houses have red-tiled roofs and are guarded by shisa (mythical lion) statues. Finally, the elusive, endangered Iriomote Cat stalks the jungles of its namesake island.

Glamping Resort Yokabushi offers villa-style accommodation with an outdoor pool, bar and barbecue area. There’s free bike hire, and Tamatori Observation Platform is a few minutes’ walk away

Wild Frontiers’ Japan in Style tour includes three nights on Ishigaki-jima, giving you plenty of time to see the Yaeyama Islands

The ancient capital of Kyoto is the ideal place to immerse yourself in traditional Japan. Between the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, several major shrines and temples and an impressive range of other historic buildings, the city has more fascinating sights than you could see in a dozen visits.

To see Kyoto at its best, though, skip the most famous spots; unless you’re very canny about when you go, crowds are likely to spoil your experience. Instead of Arashiyama’s main street and river, visit the weaving workshops of Nishijin or take a boat along Fushimi’s picturesque canals. Swap Kinkaku-ji and the rock garden at Ryoan-ji for the serene temples and teahouses of Daitoku-ji. And in place of the palace grounds, wander Heian-jingu’s gorgeous gardens.

The jewels in Kyoto’s crown are sights like elegant Katsura Villa and the hushed grounds of Kokedera (Moss Temple), where the Imperial Household Agency strictly limits visitor numbers. You’ll need to apply in advance, but it’s worth it.

Opened in 2021, Tadao Ando-designed Shinmonzen combines modern sensibilities with the traditional Japanese aesthetics which help it blend seamlessly into its Gion surroundings

On Intrepid’s Japan Real Food Adventure, you can experience some of the highlights of Japan’s regional cuisines in Kyoto, Tokyo and Kanazawa

• Best hotels in Kyoto • Best things to do in Kyoto

Only 0.2 per cent of overseas travellers visited underrated Shimane prefecture in 2019, and those savvy few were rewarded with dramatic Sea of Japan scenery, fascinating museums and high-end onsen resorts.

In Matsue, you can admire both one of Japan’s best-preserved castles and, at the Adachi Museum of Art, one of its most spectacular gardens. Further west, impressive Izumo-taisha is thought to be the country’s oldest shrine, and is a popular place to pray for luck in love.

Mount Sanbe’s gentle slopes and scenic lakes are popular with cyclists, and at Sanbe-Azukihara Buried Forest Museum you can see vast cedars that were buried by a volcanic eruption 4,000 years ago. The beautiful nearby world heritage site of Iwami Ginzan includes an Edo-era silver mine and lovingly preserved townscape.

Tickets for the Sunrise Izumo sleeper train are snapped up quickly, but if you manage to get one you’re in for a relaxing, comfortable overnight trip from Tokyo to Matsue or Izumo — slow travel at its best. Add on a boat trip to Shimane’s Oki islands, a Unesco Global Geopark, for more slow-paced travel with an ecological focus.

Located on Shimane’s northern coast, Kai Izumo has spectacular views of the sea and Hinomisaki lighthouse. As well as its onsen and regional cuisine, the hotel is known for its outdoor performances of local kagura theatre

Explore Shimane and more of the San’in coast on two wheels on Spice Cycling’s Coastal Japan: San-in Explorer tour

8. The Kumano Kodo

Japan is full of ancient highways and pilgrimage routes, and the Kumano Kodo is among the most atmospheric. Weaving through the holy mountains of Wakayama, Nara and Mie prefectures, this network of trails has been in use for centuries.

There are several routes to choose from, but the Nakahechi offers the best balance of well-maintained, well-signposted trails and breathtaking scenery. If you have a few days to devote to it, you could walk from the trailhead at Takijiri-oji to ancient Hongu-taisha, one of the area’s three Grand Shrines and home to the world’s largest torii (shrine gate). Stay in the rustic hot-spring town of Yunomine Onsen to soak your (probably achey) legs before pressing on to one of the other Grand Shrines. Visit Nachi-taisha to marvel at a picturesque vermilion shrine building standing before Japan’s tallest waterfall, or enjoy a ride on a traditional wooden boat down the Kumano River to Hatayama-taisha.

Ryokan Adumaya is a perfect place to break up your hike. Located in Yunomine Onsen, the traditional inn serves food steamed over the hot springs, and can prepare you a bento lunch for the next day’s walking

The Natural Adventure’s Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail tour takes you along the Nakahechi route over the course of a week, visiting Hongū-taisha and Nachi-taisha

Only a couple of hours from Kyoto, Ine has one of the most unique townscapes in Japan. The village snakes around the edge of a bay, with its buildings jutting out over the water. Known as funaya , or “boathouses”, they were designed so boats could sail right into them, and many of them are still used in this way now. Several of the funaya are now holiday rentals, where you can gaze out over the bay while you eat mouthwateringly fresh fish for dinner, or get cosy in your futon for the night.

There’s plenty to do in the area, from kayaking and boat trips to e-bike tours. Be sure to drop by Mukai Shuzo, too. This historic, family-run saké brewery produces a range of traditional-style and innovative nihonshu, including a variety made from celebratory red rice. In 1999, it became the first brewery in Japan to have a female toji (master brewer), Kuniko Mukai.

In a convenient spot near the tourist information centre, Funayado Ichi is a converted funaya renovated in a clean, simple style which naturally draws your eye to the most important point: the view of the bay right outside

Starting with Ine, the Crooked Compass Sea of Japan, Temples & Mountains tour includes beautiful Sea of Japan scenery, craft experiences and hot-spring towns

10. Hiroshima

Hiroshima is an essential stop to understand one of the key moments of Japan’s 20th-century history: August 6, 1945, when the US dropped an atom bomb over the city, killing 80,000 people immediately. The Atomic Bomb Dome is a stark and powerful testament to the destruction, while the nearby Peace Memorial Museum and Park provide context, outline nuclear proliferation since the Second World War, and express hope for a more peaceful future.

While it gives the appropriate weight to its past, Hiroshima today is a thriving, colourful city. You can visit a castle and stroll through a traditional garden, admire works of Impressionism in the art gallery and take a tour on a retro tram. And of course, you have to try the local style of okonomiyaki, a delicious layered dish featuring batter, noodles, meat or fish, and a richly umami sauce.

Hiroshima is also a great jumping-off point for Miyajima, with its “floating” torii , as well as the Seto Inland Sea area. You could take a short cruise around the islands, or over to Shikoku, from where you can take the scenic route back to Honshu via the Shimanami Kaido.

Centrally located Kiro Hiroshima is a calm, peaceful and design-forward space, with exposed concrete, plenty of natural light and a profusion of plants in the communal areas.

The Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival tour from Trafalgar takes you across the Shimanami Kaido and on to Hiroshima, with a boat ride to Miyajima included

11. Fukuoka

On Kyushu’s northwestern coast is Fukuoka, its most populous city. It’s geographically closer to some cities in China and Korea than it is to Tokyo, and with its young and diverse population, it certainly feels cosmopolitan. This variety is reflected in the local food scene — be sure to try out the yatai , food stalls serving everything from local specialities like Hakata ramen (noodles in a pork-heavy broth) and mentaiko (cod roe, served various ways) to staples like yakisoba and Chinese steamed buns.

Beyond the cuisine, there’s plenty to explore in Fukuoka. The city is one of the centres of Japan’s tech industry, but also has some notable historic sights. Spend some time decompressing at Japan’s oldest Zen temple, Shofuku-ji, or explore the preserved Taisho-era houses of the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum.

There are regular ferries from Fukuoka out to subtropical Ojika and the Goto archipelago. As well as enjoying the laid-back island lifestyle here, you can delve into the fascinating history of Japan’s “hidden Christians”.

The five-star Miyako Hotel Hakata is located right by Hakata, the city’s bullet train station, and has sweeping city views from the bar and rooftop onsen-fed pool

The Through the Heart of Japan: Tokyo to Fukuoka Cruise — Premium Adventure trip from Exodus takes in several places in both Japan and Korea, including the Goto islands, before finishing in Fukuoka

12. Ginzan Onsen

Japan has been shaped by tectonic activity — from its dramatic rock formations to its fertile volcanic soils, and of course its 25,000-odd hot springs. A good 3,000 of these have been developed, ranging from rustic wooden huts clustered around a few pools to sprawling high-end resorts where each water’s mineral composition and effects are meticulously explained.

Ginzan Onsen in Tohoku’s Yamagata prefecture is one of Japan’s most charming hot-spring towns, and was an inspiration for the bathhouse in Spirited Away . Its waters were first discovered around 500 years ago, when the nearby silver mine was active. But its heyday came in the Taisho era (1912–1926), when large and elegant inns were built alongside its small canal.

Visit today and you’ll almost feel like you’ve slipped back 100 years — especially in the evening, when the cobblestone main street is lit by the warm glow of gas lamps. Stay overnight for the full experience: kaiseki meals served in your ryokan, a yukata-clad wander by the canal, and plenty of time spent soaking in the thermal waters. It’s sure to be a restorative experience.

Set right by the canal, Kosekiya Ryokan is a classic hot-spring hotel. Expect lavish meals, mineral-rich waters, and yukata laid out in your tatami-matted room, ready for you to wear around town

kosekiya.jp

Ginzan Onsen is best experienced with an overnight stay, which is included as part of Crooked Compass’s 12-day Tohoku — Uncharted Japan tour

Big, brash and bright — Osaka has a well-deserved reputation in Japan, and makes a perfect contrast to nearby Kyoto. Stop by the Dotonbori area in the evening to see the city at its high-energy best, with neon signs reflecting in the canal, music blasting from amusement arcades and bars, and groups of locals going “food-hopping”. The city is a gastronomic haven, so do as they do and visit multiple restaurants, food stands and izakaya over the course of your night to try as much as possible.

Osaka is packed with things to do beyond eating and drinking, too. The impressive castle is one of Japan’s most-visited destinations, and between its historical displays and great views, it’s well worth seeing. There are also several top-tier museums, covering subjects from contemporary art and east Asian ceramics to daily life in Edo-era Osaka and modern-day issues of human rights in Japan. But the city’s obsession with food comes up again for the most famous of the lot: the Cupnoodles Museum, dedicated to the invention of instant ramen right here in Osaka.

Lean into the colourful Osaka aesthetic at Cross Hotel, right in the heart of Dotonbori — some rooms even have direct views of the famous Glico man sign over the canal.

Join G Adventures’ Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food tour for an introduction to Osaka’s food and nightlife scenes, and plenty of free time to explore the city

14. Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a beautiful port city with a fascinating history. One of its unique attractions is Dejima, the artificial island that for over 200 years was the only place European traders could enter Japan. The nearby Chinatown is Japan’s oldest, showing this community’s lasting impact on the city.

Further up the Urakami River are the Atomic Bomb Museum and National Peace Memorial Hall, where you can learn about August 9, 1945. The bomb dropped here was even more powerful than the one used in Hiroshima, and only Nagasaki’s geography kept the day’s death toll to around 70,000, rather than higher. The hypocentre was over Urakami Cathedral, where people were at morning prayer; some of the building’s remains have been preserved, next to the rebuilt church.

Like Hiroshima, the city remembers its past but is also forward-looking, with a thriving arts scene and several excellent galleries, museums and gardens. Be sure to try its fusion dishes while you’re here, such as hearty kakuni manju (pork belly in a Chinese-style bun), toruko rice (a mix of rice, noodles, pork cutlet and curry) and Portuguese-inspired castella cake.

Garden Terrace Nagasaki, across the bay from the city centre, makes a special place to stay. Designed by Kengo Kuma, it’s a modernist oasis of calm, with a spa, ocean views, a rooftop infinity pool and several excellent restaurants.

Intrepid Travel’s Southern Japan Experience itinerary includes some of Nagasaki’s major sights, plus free time with a tram pass to explore further on your own

• Best Japan tours • Cherry blossom in Japan: where and when to see sakura

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Japan

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Japan. There are 282 trips to choose from, that range from 5 days in length, up to 28 days. The month with the most departures is October, making it the most popular time to visit Japan.

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250+ fully guided tour packages in japan with 4,138 reviews.

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Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

Sho the guide made it great. Some days I got tired of asking the traveling we did.

Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima end Tokyo

I highly recommend this tour for anyone who has never visited Japan or who wants to know more about the rich history and culture of this dynamic country. We saw and learned a whole lot more than we could have on our own. There was a lot of variety in the places we went and always a lot to see. It was nice to have everything set up for us every day, but still had time to explore on our own at least once a day. The tour guides were very informative and, at times, funny. The accommodations were decent with the last hotel being very nice! The only complaint I might have is that one or two of the restaurants where the tour set up meals was just so-so, but most of the meals were good to very good! I find that the Japanese pallete may not appeal to many people, however there was some western food available at many of the venues.

Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food

The itinerary needed to be more detailed, there was a lot up in the air as to what was happening each day. There wasn’t the greatest communication between the guide and the group, as to where we were meeting and such. The places we stayed were a great mix of different style of hostel and were close to most areas in the city with a few exceptions.

9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)

The 11 day Stunning Tour to Japan was exciting, educational and just the right length to see a little bit of everything. The guide Ayumi was generous with her time, knowledge and humor. I would recommend this trip if you like surprises, we got snowed on.

Japan Adventure

Had an amazing time exploring Japan with Intro! Huge thanks to our group leads Anna, Anna, and Jason for making the experience unforgettable ????????????????

Discover Japan

The tour guide was very friendly. The activities were very age-friendly.

Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)

Excellent trip, guides, well organized, and great choices on what to see and do, for a place we have never been. They really did a great job of catering to our preferences. The service level was excellent, and we were willing to do some extras for us. It might be the best trip we ever had.

• Food & Culinary

Japan: Castles & Cuisine

Izumi was the perfect CEO! She went above and beyond to make the tour the perfect experience.

Japan Real Food Adventure

Ōsaka hotel abysmal; ryokan bathes with privacy would be nice

• Coach / Bus

Contrasts of Japan

Wonderful coordination. Europamundo packs many sights in a short time for those of us eager to see as much of the world as posible. Guides were well acquainted with the culture and history being able to manage a balance between when to talk to the group and when to give some time to rest between destinations. Selected hoteles were high quality, as well as included meals. This is our third tour with Europamundo and we feel very comfortable travelling with them.

Epic 13-Day Japan Budget Tour: Odyssey Across the Land of the Rising Sun

The most amazing trip I have ever been on. I loved the other people and my tour guide. But the best part was by far the food.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Japan Delight with Hiroshima(private 3 star hotel rooms)

Stunning Tours was my first experience with group travel, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in trying it out. I just got back from the Japan trip, which was perfectly curated with a great array of cultural activities. The itinerary had a great mixture of unique cultural experiences, sightseeing, and relaxing vacation vibes. Not only would I recommend Stunning Tours, but I definitely recommend the Japan tour.

All Inclusive Japan Classics- 9 days

We had the most amazing time, cannot recommend this company enough! We will treasure the memories of this trip always

Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples

Tour was great! I had fun. CEO Sho and Tetsu were amazing in guiding us all over the locations and teaching the culture and history of shrines and streets. Catching trains & subways like ninjas, experiencing the bathing ways of japanese or using onsen is one of my favorite. Plus I’m with amazing young groups. I wish I had more time to discover more of places. I’l definitely come back!

Premium Highlights of Japan

What people love about fully guided tours in japan.

The guide was the best

3 different guides throughout who were all excellent. Really full of knowledge & also got to you know you so could tell some personal things you'd like about the areas

Japan was so fun! A looooooot of free time so do you researches about what to do and visit in every city. Would have love more ''organised'' activities (like a dinner every night with the group,...). Compared to other G Adventures tour I did in the past, I felt that this group was less stick together since there was only a few group activities.

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10 Best Japan Tours For an Unforgettable Experience

Misty Fujii is a Canadian who moved to Osaka, Japan, in 2019 and married her Japanese sweetheart. In 2022, they had a baby and moved to Fukui for the clean country air. She is a DJ who teaches English part-time and writes to share Japan with the world. She gets excited about collecting vintage vinyl records, food from all countries, travelling, and renovating her traditional Japanese house.

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It’s always an excellent time to come to Japan! Japan has so much to offer travelers that planning a trip can seem limitless. Sometimes you may want a more profound experience where you can travel with a tour guide who has a wealth of knowledge about a particular place. A guided tour can help you push the boundaries and venture further outside your comfort zone, bringing you closer to the rich culture and local customs. Here are 10 of the best tours in Japan, where you can make the most of your trip and explore Japan up close and personal . 

1. Tsukiji Fish Market Tour

2. tokyo sushi making experience + tsukiji fish market explore tour, 3. sumo morning practice tour, 4. tokyo 1- day highlights private walking tour, 5. asakusa local food bar hopping tour, 6. kyoto food and drink tour in arashiyama, 7. mt. fuji highlights private walking tour, 8. osaka highlights private walking tour, 9. fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant visit 2-day tour from tokyo, 10. hiroshima private tour, japan wonder travel tours , other articles you might be interested in.

Start in Tokyo and let Japan Wonder Travel take you on a tour of the world’s largest wholesale fish market! While the inner market moved to the Toyosu area in 2018, the exciting outer market remains in Tsukiji . With over 400 stores in the outer market, you can explore with a knowledgeable guide helping you overcome any potential language barriers. Foodies shouldn’t miss a chance to explore the “Kitchen of Tokyo,” where you can have an opportunity to try a variety of Japanese food, from snacks to local delicacies. The tour starts at Tsukiji Honganji Temple and wraps up with fresh sushi at a local restaurant, so you’ll be full of tasty food and culture. 

▼Book here!

Want to explore Tsukiji Fish Market and go one step deeper? There’s a perfect opportunity to take an in-depth market tour, the sample food throughout, and make sushi yourself. After touring Tokyo’s foodie paradise, you’ll meet with a professional sushi chef to learn how to make your own delicious sushi. And the best part? Getting to eat the sushi you just made! 

If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with sumo wrestlers, it doesn’t get any better than this! Sumo wrestling is one of Japan’s most famous sports , and different from anything you may be used to. You’ll meet up with a tour guide at Hamacho Station in Tokyo, and they will explain all about sumo wrestling and the rules on the walk to the stable. Once you reach the sumo stable, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind chance to see the wrestlers practice, with your guide explaining everything to you through your audio guide/earbuds. You’ll be so close you can hear them breathe! You may even have an opportunity to take some photos with the wrestlers, a memory you’ll be able to cherish forever. 

Tokyo is such a big city that exploring it can feel overwhelming. With a tour guide taking you on a private tour , you can spend a whole day visiting many of Tokyo’s top destinations. If you need help determining where to begin, leave it to your guide to take you to sights like Tsukiji Fish Market, Asakusa, and the historical Meiji Jingu Shrine to vibrant and exciting Harajuku and Shibuya . If you have a few of your own must-see spots, the tour is entirely customizable, so you can explore the places you’re most interested in. You’ll get a chance to have a Tokyo adventure with someone who knows the city like the back of their hand. 

With so many popular tourist spots in Tokyo, an unforgettable experience is eating and drinking with the locals. Step off the beaten track to taste real Tokyo soul food and delicious sake in places tourists typically don’t go. A tour guide is excellent for helping to navigate Japanese menus and teaching about different types of sake as you try them. You can also stroll through Asakusa and the beautiful Sensoji Temple to see what a Tokyo evening looks like for someone who lives there. 

Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo forest is both famous and beautiful. It’s the perfect scene for a food and drink tour where you enjoy nature while learning all about bamboo and the sights in this area. What makes this tour so special is that besides sightseeing in some popular spots, your guide will take you to some lesser-known places to experience the authentic charm that most tourists don’t see. With visits to a Michelin-starred restaurant in the garden and a UNESCO world heritage site temple, you’ll get a complete visual experience made even sweeter by tasting some of the best street food in and around Arashiyama. 

Visit Mt. Fuji without the climb on an adventure that gives you breathtaking views of Japan’s most famous mountain. Learn about the culture and history of Mt. Fuji while on a private and fully customizable tour around Lake Kawaguchi . You can feast your eyes on the Mt. Fuji Viewdeck, enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch and explore the Fuji Five Lake area. You can also tour a sake brewery, visit a shrine, or Aokigahara Forest – the choice is yours! But whatever sights you choose, you’ll have a brilliant guide. 

Osaka is a significant and exciting city with so much to see, do and eat ! A great place to get started is with a private walking tour to sightsee and eat your way through many of the city’s highlights. You can begin at Osaka Castle , enjoy lunch in the heart of a lively market, take in the bright lights of Dotonbori and explore some lesser-known spots. You can also take a trip to the futuristic Umeda area and visit one of Japan’s most unique towers, the Umeda Sky Building. You’ll have a knowledgeable guide to teach you about the true Osaka wherever you choose. 

On March 11, 2011, the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake shocked the world as Japan’s largest-ever recorded earthquake. With the massive tsunami that followed, the control of the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant was lost. This made for one of the greatest tragedies to ever occur in Japan. 

A two-day tour to this area will impact your life and give you new perspectives on what it means to experience and rebuild from tragedy. This one-of-a-kind tour will allow you to safely get up close to where it happened by visiting the power plant and exclusion zone. You’ll also get to meet and talk to people who had their lives directly affected and learn how they are rebuilding their communities. Visit the coastal areas, and you’ll learn about natural disasters as you travel with an informative guide. 

Want to know what the tour is like? Have a look at our article here .

Starting in Kyoto, you and your tour guide will take the bullet train to Hiroshima to visit two World Heritage Sites. On the island of Miyajima , you’ll see ancient temples, friendly deer, and the famous orange Great Torii Gate that sits in the sea and is sometimes submerged in water, depending on the tide. Then, visit the solemn but significant Atomic Bomb Dome, a powerful reminder of the war’s outcome. Tour the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and pray for a peaceful world. This eye-opening tour will show you the tragic effects of war and the beauty of resilience. 

Touring Japan with a guide is ideal for better understanding the history and significance of some of the country’s most important places. Which tour do you want to go on first?

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help! 

▶ Tokyo Fish Market Tour @Tsukiji – Enjoy Local Food and Drink Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! 

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

▶ Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.

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Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Once every two weeks we will introduce you to our latest content.

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Planning a Trip to Japan: DOs & DON’Ts (2024)

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This post is based on an amazing guide our friend Amy Dunn-Cham compiled us full of her Japan tips on how to plan a trip to Japan years ago. We have since visited Japan five times and update this post regularly with what we’ve learnt.

Ah Japan, irasshaimase! Welcome to the land where everything just works. The land of convenience, the land of delicious food, paradox, naked strangers, and where respect permeates through every part of society and culture.

In Japan the food can be described as clean and minimalist, but never simple, which probably sums up Japan as a whole. It’s a place that both lives up to, and out does, any expectation you have upon arrival.

Uh-huh, they have the fastest, sleekest, most efficient trains (ever!), but they still have paper posters pegged up on their Tokyo subway. Yeah, they have amazing futuristic architecture, but they also have countless traditional wooden buildings in amongst it all. 

Yes, they have the busiest people crossing in the world (Shibuya), but at no point is it ever chaotic, no need for anyone to bang on a cab screaming, “Hey, I’m walking here!”. 

Yes, they have scores of scarily trendy, funkily clad young people who like to cosplay on weekends, but they also have evening family outings to sentos (public bathhouses).

In this Japan travel guide, we’ll help you make sense of it all and share our best tips for planning a trip to Japan.

2024 Update: No Japan Travel Restrictions

When to visit japan, how long to spend in japan, video: best japan destinations, before your japan trip, general dos and don’ts in japan, what to book in advance for a japan trip, top japan destinations, more japan tips.

Japan reopened to independent international tourists on 11 October 2022.

Remaining restrictions were dropped on 29 April 2023, so visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

The government also dropped the indoor masking recommendation. Many Japanese people still wear masks (on our late 2023 trip, I’d say about 30-40% of people wore them), but you are unlikely to be required to.

With the yen at the lowest it has been for decades, now is a great time to travel to Japan.

Health care is expensive in Japan, so I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers Covid-19 medical expenses.  SafetyWing Insurance  is an excellent budget option, especially for travellers on longer trips and families (as children under 10 are free). It’s available worldwide.

If you want a more comprehensive policy with cancellation cover, check out Heymondo travel insurance , which we used on our last Japan trip (it came in handy when Simon broke his foot!). It’s also available worldwide and offers 5% off for our readers.

Back to Contents

We’ve visited Japan in all four seasons and don’t think there’s a bad time to go. 

In winter , it’s chilly and gardens are a bit bare, but crowds are lower, you’ll find great deals on accommodation, and you’ll really appreciate those onsens (hot springs). You can also go skiing or snowboarding and have the best chance of seeing snow-capped Mount Fuji.  

In summer , it is steaming hot and humid (and June is the rainiest month), but there are fewer foreign tourists around and lots of local festivals to enjoy. It’s also the best time to visit the many beaches and the only time you can climb Mount Fuji. 

The most popular and best overall times to visit Japan are spring (March-April) and autumn (October – early December). This is when you can enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms (sakura) or autumn leaves (koyo). It’s more crowded and expensive, but the weather can be ideal and it is just stunning. 

See our guide to visiting the Kyoto cherry blossoms for more information on the popular sakura season. 

On our recent autumn trip, we had warm weather (up to 77ºF/25ºC) with very little rain from October until mid-November, when the temperature in Kyoto suddenly plummeted ahead of the leaves turning colour.

Shoulder seasons May and late-September/early October  are also good times to visit with warm weather and lower crowds.

Two times of year I would avoid for a vacation to Japan are:

Golden Week in early May – In 2024, Golden Week is from 27 April – 6 May. This is a series of national holidays so many Japanese travel domestically, trains and hotels book up, and popular spots will be extra crowded.

New Year – Late December to early January. This is also a busy time with local travellers and most businesses close for up to four days.

How long do you need in Japan? As long as possible!

There is so much to see—we have spent months in the country and still have a long bucket list.

For first time visitors, I recommend visiting Japan for two weeks. This is enough time to see some highlights—Tokyo, Kyoto, and one or two smaller destinations. See our Japan two week itinerary for suggestions.

A week is the minimum time I recommend for a Japan trip. For a more relaxed Japan vacation, spend the whole week in Tokyo or Kyoto and take day trips. Or if you don’t mind rushing about, visit both major cities with an overnight stop on the way (such as Hakone).

Read our guide on the best places to visit in Japan to decide where interests you most and come up with an itinerary. You’ll find some suggestions at the end of this guide.

Watch this video for Japan trip ideas.

• Check if you need a visa . Visa-free travel is possible for citizens of 68 countries for stays of up to 90 days (including US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU). Do have a return or onward flight out of the country as they may grill you upon arrival. It was the nicest immigration interrogation we’ve ever had, though.
• Purchase your Japanese Rail Pass exchange order before you travel to Japan (if needed, more on that later).
• Learn some Japanese —numbers are especially useful! While you can get by with Google Translate, it’s much more fun to learn some Japanese (which isn’t as hard as you might think) and locals really appreciate it. We are currently learning with the comprehensive Rocket Japanese online course , which includes audio lessons with natural dialogue, grammar and culture tips, and voice recognition to test your pronunciation. It’s a little pricey but unlike most subscription-based courses, you get lifetime access and discounts are often available.
• Get an International Driving Permit . You’ll need this for go-karting on the real Tokyo roads dressed as your favourite character. Insanity but one of the most fun things we’ve done in Japan.
• Arrange travel insurance. Healthcare is expensive in Japan, so make sure you are covered in case the worst happens. We’ve used and recommend Heymondo and  SafetyWing (both available worldwide). 

• Apply for a Mastercard credit or debit card – If you don’t already have one. Some Japanese websites don’t work with Visa so it’s good to have a backup. We used a Starling Bank debit card (UK only), which has free international transactions and cash withdrawals.
• Walk as much as possible – You will walk a lot in Japan cities so it helps to get some training in beforehand (and wear in some comfy shoes).
• Practice using chopsticks – You’ll need them to eat in almost every restaurant (curry is the exception as it’s eaten with a spoon). Getting used to sitting on the floor is a good idea for some restaurants and experiences too.

• Buy a pre-paid transport IC card  for local trains, metro and buses. You just tap on and off and don’t have to worry about buying a ticket. In Kyoto and Osaka, it’ll be an ICOCA card, and in Tokyo, it’s a Suica or Pasmo, but you can use any of the cards all over the country. Physical cards are currently in short supply (due to a chip shortage), so I recommend adding Suica to Apple Wallet on your phone or watch. Visa doesn’t work as a payment method so use Apple Pay, Mastercard, or American Express to top up. We just tapped on transport with our Apple watch and didn’t even need to open the app. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work for Android phones bought outside Japan.
• Set up an Airalo eSIM – You’ll want affordable data on your phone as having access to maps and Google Translate makes life so much easier. A digital eSIM is simple to set up before you arrive and prices at Airalo start at just US$4.50. We used it on our last Japan trip and it worked great. If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, you can buy a physical Umobile SIM from a vending machine at Tokyo Narita Airport (make sure your phone is unlocked).
• Sign up to the Timeout Tokyo newsletter – To learn about special events during your stay.

• Buy tickets for Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park – If you are a Studio Ghibli fan, you might want to visit the museum in Tokyo or new park in Nagoya. It’s essential to book ahead. See below for details.
• Research what else to book in advance – Many attractions and restaurants in Japan require advance booking so decide what’s important to you (ideally at least three months ahead) and set reminders for when bookings are available. At the end of this post you can see the timescale for what we booked for our latest trip.

• Consider a Japan Rail Pass . The luxury of shinkansen (bullet train) hopping is exhilarating. No need to book seats in advance, just choose a train, wave your pass and hop on. These passes are only available to foreigners and you can order online from  JRailPass.com . Read our guide to whether a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for everything you need to know after the price increase in October 2023 (it’s still worth it for some trips if you are travelling a lot).

• Bow if you are being bowed to . If you can manage it too, don’t turn your back upon exit. Don’t overdo it though or you’ll be a total gaijin , no need to bow to the supermarket checkout person!
• Pre-book accommodation. Wise anyway as the more affordable accommodation fills up fast, but also in line with the whole respect thing, Japanese people like to be prepared for your arrival.  So don’t just randomly rock up at a ryokan for the night! Booking.com is our favourite site for finding hotels and guesthouses, and we also use AirBnb and Vrbo  to find apartments in the big cities (which are often cheaper than hotels). See our Japan accommodation guide for recommendations.

• Go onsening! You might want to skip this in summer as hot doesn’t even come close to describing the water temperatures! But soaking in a hot spring is one of the most typical things to do in Japan and is ultra relaxing once you get over your fears of public nudity (yep, no clothes allowed!). Best of all, visit an onsen town where you can onsen-hop dressed in a kimono. See our Kinosaki Onsen travel guide for details on this lovely onsen town as well as hot spring etiquette. 

• Stay in a ryokan (traditional inn). Pricey but worth it for at least a night or two for the unique experience and the amazing meals that are often included in the room rates (and many can cater for vegetarians/vegans). Our favourite ryokan is Tsukihitei in Nara, so traditional and with a magical forest setting. We also loved our private bath overlooking the scarlet maple trees at Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo in Kyoto (book a suite not a standard room). More budget-friendly options are Hotel Musashiya in Hakone, where our room and onsen had a view of Lake Ashi, and Morizuya Ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen, which is perfect for onsen-hopping.
• Stay in a traditional tatami mat room.  If you can’t stay in a ryokan, a much cheaper way to stay in one is a traditional room in K’s House hostels—they have branches in Hakone  (with onsen), Kyoto , Izu Peninsula (in a 100-year-old building with onsen), and all over the country. We never had a bad experience with this hostel chain in our budget travel days.

• Appreciate the zen-like calm on all modes of transport – no need for quiet only carriages here! Just remember that it’s rude to speak on your phone on trains in Japan.
• Use Google Translate . Many people don’t speak English, so the Google Translate app is helpful for communicating. Write what you want to say in English then show the Japanese translation to the person. Even more impressive is the feature to translate images—point your camera at a sign, menu, or food label and it translates the text instantly. It’s not perfect but when it works, it’s brilliant.
• Translate websites too – Many Japanese websites (especially restaurants) are only in Japanese so using Chrome or Safari, refresh the page and select the English option at the top. On Safari on my iPhone, I tend to select a block of text and tap translate from the popup.
• See some sumo . If you’re lucky enough to be in the country when one of the sumo tournaments is on, go! The pre/ post game rituals are fascinating to watch. If you aren’t there during a tournament, you can see a practice session at a sumo stable in Tokyo . It was one of our favourite experiences in Japan—it felt like such an honour to see these huge, impressive sumotori training so close.
• Expect bursts of freakery!

• Get your paper fortune at a Japanese Buddhist temple. Okay, we cheated and got an English one at the Golden Pavilion (see our guide on the best things do to in Kyoto ), but what the hell! You can also get one at the gorgeous Sensoji Temple in Tokyo . 
• Love the Japanese for their never-ending capacity to help you out , and they won’t stop until they do!
• Read these Japan books before you visit for a greater understanding of this weird and wonderful culture. 
• Have some sushi – Sushi is the essence of Japan, plus sushi-train/ sushi stand up bars are so much fun watching the chefs take your order, and all shout in unison, “samon!” or “tamago!” etc. Vegetarian sushi isn’t very common, but we did find some—see our vegetarian Japanese food guide .

• Appreciate the plastic food models as works of art!
• Pack slip-on shoes. You’ll be taking your shoes on and off a lot in temples and restaurants. I wear the comfy ballet flats Allbirds Tree Breezers in warmer weather and Allbirds Wool Runner sneakers (for men and women) in cooler weather—they keep your feet cosy but can be worn without socks and easily slipped off without untying the laces. See my detailed Allbirds review .
• Shop at the 100 Yen shops.  Like pound shops BUT BETTER! Daiso is a great one.
• Play in the arcades dotted around cities, the taiko drum game rocks! 
• Make use of the many vending machines EVERYWHERE . You will never go thirsty in Japan that’s for sure.  You can even get hot coffee…in a can! (Simon’s saviour when we had early morning trains to catch.) In fact, you can get friggin’ anything from vending machines from cheap 100 yen sake (yuk!) to hot chips (not surprisingly we did not try!) and SIM cards. In Tokyo you can use your Suica transport card to pay. 
• Press random buttons on the panel next to you on the loo . It will make you giggle ;o)!  Also, if it’s cold then appreciate the absolute miracle of heated toilet seats.
• Fall in love with seeing toriis (shrine gates) everywhere , especially small red ones in rows behind each other. Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is our favourite (but go early as it’s popular). 
• Love and appreciate the beautiful presentation of absolutely everything from the amazing architecture to the way bento boxes are wrapped in a napkin tied in a knot just so, to amazing manhole covers!
• Pack light.  It will be much easier to hop on and off trains while travelling around Japan if you pack light, and hotels have limited storage space for luggage. Best of all, travel with just carry-on luggage . The Away Bigger Carry-On was perfect for our trip and fit overhead in trains.

• Consider luggage shipping – We haven’t used this yet, but if you have large luggage, it’s common to send it between hotels (it takes a day, so pack essentials in an overnight bag).
• Withdraw cash from 7-11 ATMs.  They are the most reliable no-fee option for international cards and can be found everywhere. Make sure you always have cash on hand as many places don’t accept credit cards (although this is improving). Note that some 7-11 ATMs in popular spots (the airport, Gion), do now charge, so try to withdraw in less touristy areas.
• Use Navitime to check train times and prices (and to work out if a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for your itinerary ).
• Visit BIC Camera if you need any kind of electronics. These massive stores have everything you could imagine. Take your passport if you are making a large purchase (over 5000 yen) and get it tax free. I bought a camera here and ended up getting lots of extra discounts and free accessories. It’s also a good place to buy a SIM card if you didn’t pick one up at the airport.

DON’T:

• Rent a car – For most visitors the best way to travel Japan is by train. Elsewhere we love road trips, but renting a car in Japan is just not worth the hassle unless you are travelling far off the beaten track.
• Open the door if taking a taxi. They are either automated or the driver will open it for you. It’s also a good idea to have your destination’s address written down in Japanese to show the driver as most don’t speak English.
• Feel bad if you need to take a break from Japanese food – Japan isn’t always an easy destination and indulging in a comfort meal can be restorative (we’ve had some excellent pizza in Japan).

• Forget to check opening hours – Japanese restaurants aren’t usually open all day and both restaurants and attractions usually have a last order/entry 30 to 60 minutes before closing.
• Go whizzing around the country too much. It can save energy to base yourself in one place and take day trips as we did in Kyoto and Okayama .
• Wear holey socks. You’ll only be embarrassing yourself when you take your shoes on/ off constantly!
• Go into an onsen without washing first , that’s just dirty dude!  Also, don’t go into the bathing area with a towel wrapped around you, you’ll just look stupid. Embrace the nudity! Everyone’s naked so no-one cares. My Kinosaki Onsen guide has more etiquette tips for newbies.

Japan is a popular destination and many hotels, restaurants, and attractions book up in advance. While you can still have a wonderful last-minute trip, it’s worth researching what you’d like to do months in advance to see what needs reservations.

On our most recent trip to Japan (in the busy autumn October/November season), this is what we booked ahead:

5 Months Before

• Flights – This is personal preference and earlier or later could also work. Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), or Kansai International Airport in Osaka (KIX) are all good options to fly in to.
• Accommodation – Ryokans and hotels in smaller towns are most important to book ahead. Some hotels don’t take bookings more than 3 or 6 months in advance, though. We used Booking.com and almost all had free cancellation.

4 Months Before

• Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta – Our favourite place to stay in Japan is right inside the best Disney park in the world. Rooms go on sale 4 months in advance at 11am JST and sell out in minutes, so it’s essential to do some practice runs.

3 Months Before

• Harry Potter Studio Tour, Tokyo – We booked 7 weeks in advance and only got an afternoon slot, so earlier is a good idea. Check Klook and the Warner Bros Studio Tour website as they have different availability.

2 Months Before

• Ghibli Park , Nagoya – Tickets go on sale on the 10th of the month at 2pm JST for 2 months later (it changed recently from 3 months). So May tickets will be on sale on 10 March. These sell out quickly, so be prepared.
• Teamlab Planets , Tokyo – Book early if you want a specific time for this interactive digital art exhibition (we wanted the first slot). We booked on Get Your Guide . The new TeamLab Borderless is also selling out fast (tickets available on Klook or direct ).
• Some Restaurants – We booked Monk in Kyoto exactly 2 months in advance at 12pm JST (after five attempts) and Shigetsu in Kyoto (as we were visiting during peak autumn colour). Creating a Tablecheck account is a good idea as quite a few restaurants use it for bookings.
• Saihoji (Moss Temple) , Kyoto – It’s expensive and might not be a priority with limited time in Kyoto, but it’s our favourite temple. Reservations open 2 months in advance.
• Universal Studios Japan Express Passes – These are essential to skip the lines at this very busy park in Osaka, and they do sell out. We bought the Express Pass 7 – Backdrop and Spiderman on Klook (much easier than the official site which is in Japanese only). We bought our USJ entrance tickets on Klook at the same time. See our Universal Studios Japan guide for more tips.

1 Month Before

• Ghibli Museum , Tokyo – Available at 10am JST on the 10th of each month for the following month.
• Shibuya Sky , Tokyo – Bookings open 4 weeks in advance at midnight Japan time. Book fairly soon after that to get the peak slot (one hour before sunset).
• Tours – I booked a sumo stable visit (highly recommended) and Shinjuku bar hopping tour in Tokyo. Go-karting is another fun option we’ve done before. I used Get Your Guide for most tours. Klook is a good option for tickets and attractions too.
• Tea Ceremony Ju-an , Kyoto – Learn the traditions of tea in a temple. One of the highlights of our trip.
• Sakurai Tea Experience , Tokyo – If you love green tea, don’t miss the tea tasting at this modern tea room.
• More Restaurants – I booked Saido in Tokyo, Uzu Vegan Ramen in Kyoto (reservations essential), and Ristorante di Canaletto at DisneySea (one month in advance at 10am JST exactly).
• Tokyo DisneySea and Disneyland tickets – I booked on Klook. The parks probably won’t sell out, but we didn’t want to take the chance.
• Japan Rail Pass – If you decide to get one, allow plenty of time for your exchange order to arrive by post, just in case (you activate it on arrival).

2 Weeks Before

• Shinkansen Train Seat Reservations – We used the SmartEx website , which can be difficult to set up (use a Mastercard and keep trying to authenticate the payment method) but very handy. When booking a train from Tokyo to Kyoto, choose a seat on the right side of the train for Mt Fuji views (if clear). If you have large suitcases, you’ll also need to make an oversized baggage reservation .
• Airport Taxi Pickup – From Narita Airport we get the Narita Express train, but from Haneda Airport (which is closer to central Tokyo), we prefer a taxi for ease. We booked this Haneda airport pickup on Klook .
• More Tours and Restaurants – Book any more priorities as you finalise your itinerary.

Japan has so much to offer but here are a few places to get you started.

• Tokyo – The best of modern Japan. This huge city has incredible food, diverse neighbourhoods, and some unique experiences. Try these cool things to do in Tokyo and enjoy the best vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo . 
• Kyoto – The best of traditional Japan with many stunning temples to explore . Read the best things to do in Kyoto .
• Takayama – A smaller, quieter alternative for traditional Japan with a beautiful historic centre of preserved wooden houses. 
• Hakone – For the chance to see Mount Fuji, mountain scenery, lakes, onsens, and fun transport options (cable cars and pirate ships!). 
• Kawaguchiko – Even better views of Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko . 
• Nikko – Stunning temples in the forest. Could be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. 
• Hiroshima – Visit the moving peace memorial that commemorates the atomic bombing and don’t miss nearby Miyajima Island. 

See our Japan 2 Week Itinerary for a detailed guide to visiting many of these places including things to do, transport, and where to stay and eat.

Or our guide to the best places to go in Japan has more ideas.

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• Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
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• Where to Stay in Japan: A Guide to Accommodation Options
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164 Comments

Wow, an amazing blog, Erin. This is helping us so much plan our trip. It is great to see you updating it regularly too. It’s becoming a daily read.

Kind regards,

Reply ↓

Thanks so much for this post! As is often the case I am following you around the world and now I’m going to Japan. Look forward to reading everything you’ve written on it!

Good to hear you are going to Japan, Ruth! I hope you enjoy it as much as we always do!

We are a very active retired couple and love exploring different cultures, sights, and exploring nature. We are planning on going to Japan for the first time for 3 -4 weeks, around the third week or so in Sept to mid October or later. We will travel with just carry on luggage and backpacks. We love touring on our own, or booking individual tours at the different places. We are open to basing in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima(?) plus other places and doing day trips from these places. What would be a good itinerary for our 21+ day trip? Thanks so much! We love your website! Bunny

Hi, I lost my comment somewhere on your blog 😅 So, me and my partner are going to Japan for 4-6 weeks in sept/october. We want to travel in a slow pace and want to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, hiking around Kiso Valley (and Kumano Kodo?), Nagano, Kanazawa? We also want to explore some nice nature, visit onsen, sleep at a roykan etc. Hokkaido would be cool but i don’t know if we will have time with that. Do you have any tips where we must go? I think our plan is to be at least 7 days each in Kyoto and Tokyo, we want to stay for minimum 2 nights at each place. Would you recommend to start in Tokyo? Is it worth to start a week in a busy town with jetlag? Should we go somewhere else (where?) for a nice start on the vacation?

Thank you! /Johanna

Hi Johanna!

I’m planning a solo trip from ~May 21-June 21, but i’m worried i’ll hit the rainy season and humidity. What to you advise? I’m limited to May 21st as my earliest trip start date due to school!

I think it makes sense to start with Tokyo if that’s where you are flying in to. That way you don’t have to worry about travelling elsewhere and you have enough time there that you can plan for the first few days to be pretty relaxed – wander some neighbourhoods, eat etc.

Sounds like you have plenty of time to do everything you want. You could easily use that time in central Japan, but you could add in Hokkaido if you really wanted (we still haven’t made it there). Enjoy!

Hi Erin, is it advisable to visit Lake Kawaguchiko in November? And, do you think it is possible to do a day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko having Tokyo as the base?

We haven’t been in November but we definitely would. You will likely see the autumn colours too (generally peak around mid-Nov), which would be beautiful.

It will likely be colder than Tokyo, but as long as you are prepared with warm clothes it should be enjoyable.

And yes, it is possible as a day trip from Tokyo – many people go by train or on bus tours. Just be aware that Mt Fuji is often hidden in cloud, so if you stay overnight you increase your chances to see it. But you could also try to choose a clear day for your day trip. Enjoy!

Our Lake Kawaguchiko travel guide has more details.

Thank you for creating this! I’m making my way through reading all of your posts. I will be visiting Japan for 14 days for the first weeks in April with my husband, a 7 year old, 10 year old and my two of my adult siblings. We’ll be a big group but I’m very excited as this is my first time and have always dreamed of going. Wondering if you have any advice for the younger kids or any kid entertainment? Thanks again!

Travelling with kids isn’t our area of expertise so I don’t have any specific recommendations except for Tokyo Disney, which we love. Tokyo DisneySea is our favourite park—it’s the only one in the world and has plenty to offer for kids and adults. Enjoy!

Absolutely love this perspective on travel! It beautifully captures the essence of what it means to explore the world. Travel isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s about slowing down, immersing yourself in new cultures, savoring moments, and absorbing the rich tapestry of life that the world has to offer. 🌍✈️🌏

Thank you so much for this! I have started notes and saved the page so that I can come back and check out all the links. :) I am wanting to take my 14 (would be 15 then) daughter alone (we do girl’s trips every year without dad) to Japan. She loves all things Cherry Blossoms! We try and do her spring break time (next year will be the first week of April), but I am concerned about that being too short of time period. Could we do it? If that is all the time you had, would you have a ‘base in Tokyo and then do some excursions from there (which is how we like to travel)? I am also worried about the language barrier and us being able to navigate since sometimes Google translate will not work. Thanks again!

Hi Jennifer, With one week I would focus on Kyoto, which is a better location for cherry blossoms and also has so many beautiful temples and gardens. It’s more traditional Japan (although there is a modern part too). Ideally, you’d fly into Kansai Airport which is closest.

If you have to fly into Tokyo, you could spend a few nights there before taking the shinkansen train to Kyoto (the quickest one is just over 2 hours).

If you really want to see the more modern side of Japan or don’t want to take the train, then Tokyo would be a great base. You can still see plenty of cherry blossoms there.

We don’t speak Japanese (although we are trying to learn this year) and have always managed. The Japanese are very helpful and will always try to help you out, even with a language barrier. And there are an increasing number of signs in English. Just make sure you have data on your phone as Google Translate and Maps are super helpful (you can download Japanese offline in Translate too).

Be sure to book accommodation far in advance for the cherry blossom season (ideally 6 months+).

Enjoy Japan! Erin

Hi Erin, My husband & I are travelling to Japan in August as he is competing in the world masters swimming competition. We have to be in Fukuoka for the competition and then he have 9 days to explore the country ending up in Tokyo for our flight home. Could you advise what we should do at this time of year. Do you think it is sensible to base ourselves in Kyoto and then take daily trips from there using the JR Pass, (do you recommend we get the Green pass). Your advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance.Pia

Hi Pia, that’s exciting!

If you don’t want to move around too much then I do think Kyoto is a great base. There’s so much to do (including festivals in August) and lots of possible day trips. You could finish up with a couple of nights in Tokyo.

If you want to add some extra places you could stop in Hiroshima on the way to Kyoto for the peace memorial and nearby Miyajima Island. It’s a quick journey on the bullet train from Fukuoka.

You’ll need to work out your route first to see whether a rail pass is worth it. It probably won’t be worth it for day trips but could work out worthwhile including the shinkansen up from Fukuoka and on to Tokyo.

We’ve never used a green pass but if you want a bit more space you could consider it.

Also bear in mind that around the Obon holiday (13-16 August) the trains will be busier than usual so book your seat in advance.

Enjoy Japan!

Hi Erin – great post, thanks for your comprehensive insight! My partner and I are heading to Tokyo for NYE and planning on heading from there to Kyoto around the 2nd for a couple of nights. I understand that Japan can be very quiet during the first week of January. Do you have any experience travelling at this time? If so, do you have any suggestions about how to make the most of the trip while the country is a bit quieter? Thanks in advance :)

Hi Sarah, We haven’t been to Japan at New Year. The important thing to bear in mind is that many businesses will be closed on some or all days between 29 Dec and 4 Jan. So make sure you look at the hours of any restaurants and attractions you want to visit and work around them.

I think Kyoto will be lovely at a quieter time of year especially as it does get so busy. There are so many temples and shrines to explore and they stay open over NY. Enjoy!

Wonderful website and tips. I know one of your dont´s is rent a car, but we are hoping to visit Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Takayama, and have found no easy way to get there from Tokyo or Kyoto on train. Do you have any recommendation on how to do that?

Many many thanks¡

Hi Natalia. You can get to Takayama from Kyoto or Tokyo easily by changing trains in Nagoya. The journey from Nagoya to Takayama is beautiful.

The other villages can be reached by bus from Takayama (Shirakawa-go is easiest), but yes, a car would give you more flexibility to explore the countryside around here.

Maybe look into renting a car for a few days in Takayama? Just remember you’ll need an international driving licence, which you’ll need to get in your home country.

While a car could be useful in the countryside, I wouldn’t want to drive in the cities and the train between cities is probably quicker.

I’ve written a bit about Takayama in our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

Have a wonderful trip to Japan! Erin

Hello Enrin, your tips makes me very enthousiatic to plan a 4week trip to Japan. Is that a good way to tour? (Will be half september-half oktober).

forgot to say ;-) we plan to travel with a campervan: is that a good way to tour?

That’s a great time to visit and a nice amount of time to explore. I don’t think a campervan or any rental car is the best way to travel though. Driving (and finding parking) in the cities is a challenge and it’s much easier to travel by train.

A campervan would only be advisable if you want to focus on rural areas like Hokkaido.

Remember you’ll need an international driving licence, which you’ll need to get in your home country.

Hello Great Blog. full of advices How do you suggest to travel the “alps” from Kanazawa that one can reach by train to takayama and around ? would that be the place where you rent a car?

You can visit places like Kamikochi by bus from Takayama so a car isn’t essential.

Hi Erin, would like to ask is hiring tour guide better or do it yourself to see all nice place in Japan?

It depends how you prefer to travel. I definitely think it’s possible to travel by yourself. A compromise might be to hire a guide for a day (or join a tour) in Kyoto and/or Tokyo.

Good Day Erin. Just doing beginning research for our yearly trip this year, and we are considering Japan. Your excellent article is the first I started with. We like to spend minimum of 2 weeks, usually longer at our destination. You suggest that using public transportation throughout the country and not to rent a car. My husand and I are seniors. My husband has difficulty (pain) after walking a short distance (100 yards). Would this destination be a wise choice for us? Before going further in my research an answer to this question is most appreciated. Regards

Hi Diane, yes, trains are definitely the best way to visit Japan’s cities. You could hire a private driver for day tours within places like Kyoto, though, which could minimise the need to walk as much when sightseeing.

It would probably be best to minimise the places you visit (such as Tokyo and Kyoto or even just Kyoto) as train stations are quite large and do involve walking. If you fly into Kansai airport you could take a taxi to Kyoto and see a lot based there.

Perhaps renting a wheelchair is worth considering. There is also an overnight luggage delivery service where you can send your bags between hotels to make train travel easier.

As we don’t have any experience of travelling Japan with mobility issues, I would look for advice from those who have. Here’s one post that might be useful: https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+132386

Diane: As someone who recently travelled to Japan having had double knee replacement surgery less than 12 months previously, I can offer a little insight! While I agree that travelling by train is a fantastic way to get around Japan (I covered a LOT of miles!) you should be aware that not all train stations have lifts or escalators. Many stations in Tokyo have quite long flights of stairs which can be a challenge to anyone less able or in pain, especially when you have luggage. Even when there is a lift, it’s typically right at the end of the platform (often the “wrong” end for where you want to be), so I would do some research before deciding how much urban train travel you will do; it’s less of an issue when taking the shinkansen to cover a reasonable distance. I much prefer trains to coaches, but I did use buses in places and that was fine. On the topic of car hire, I probably wouldn’t bother myself but I know someone who travels widely across Japan with a couple of kids and she swears by it, not least because they can easily reach locations that would otherwise be a hassle to get to. She doesn’t use one in the cities though. Lastly, I don’t think you should be put off going to Japan – it’s an amazing country and I found everyone to be unfailingly helpful. No problem is insurmountable!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Sue.

Hello Erin,

Would you recommend visiting Jaoan with a 1.5 year old? Do the onsens have babysitters?

We don’t have any experience travelling with kids but our friends took their toddler and loved it. The onsens don’t have babysitters as far as I know.

Thank so much for all the amazing info! Heading to Japan in June for two weeks with my daughter. It’s especially wonderful to know there are some great vegan/vegetarian options.

Hi Erin… I stumbled onto your website as I’ve started looking into planning for a trip in 2024 for my daughter’s High school Senior trip. Is Mid June a good time weather wise? Super hot? Also, are there food/restaurants that are gluten free for Celiacs? You mentioned beaches are those places more expensive than the cities? I will check out all your links too. TY for all the info, this will truly help.

It will be hot but if that’s the only time you can go, I wouldn’t let it stop you and it’s cooler than July and August.

I don’t have any experience being gluten free in Japan but our friend has written this guide: https://www.legalnomads.com/gluten-free/japan/

Beaches shouldn’t be more expensive than the cities but it depends where you go. We haven’t spent much time at the beaches.

Have a wonderful trip!

hi Erin, lovely website with a lot of good information. Do you list of places to visit / see – for a 4 week trip. We wanted to do the North part of the country as well. thanks for any tips and help. We are vegetarians as well but saw that you all managed to get delicious looking vegetarian food : ).

We haven’t actually made it very far north as there’s always so much to do in the central part. See our guide to the best places to visit in Japan for our favourite places: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/best-places-to-visit-in-japan/

And yes, vegetarian food in Japan is great if you plan in advance (use the Happy Cow app).

Thanks for the info Erin. Cultural.differences are amusing at least.

Thank you so much for this guide Erin! It’s really helpful. I’m planning a 2-3 week trip to Japan around September. However, I’ve read and seen a lot of people saying to avoid this time of year due to typhoon season. Would you recommend visiting Japan around this time despite the typhoons that might hit?

We’ve been in September and enjoyed it. We did get some rain but nothing that disrupted our trip. I wouldn’t let it stop you visiting.

Hello Erin! Great information. Thank you! What percentage of small businesses (resturants, clubs, rooms, etc) are open this month (March)? What percentage may be open in May? Should I wait until September to experience Japan? Take care,

Everything should be open now so any month this year is good to visit!

How easy is it to navigate in Tokyo and Kyoto with a group of 8? We’re concerned about everything from attractions to train travel to being able to eat together. This is a trip to celebrate our friends’ 40th birthday and logistics just seem to be overwhelming!

Hi Laurie We’ve only visited Japan as a couple, but I’d say it might be a bit challenging in a big group. Many restaurants are quite small and trains can be crowded (although you can book seats together for the longer trip between Kyoto and Tokyo).

I’m sure it would be possible if you plan in advance (book some restaurants etc) and maybe break into smaller groups for some of the time. Perhaps discuss what everyone definitely wants to do and do those things together, but then have some time doing your own thing.

Good luck with it and enjoy Japan!

I’ll be visiting Japan for 10 days in March! Could you give me a little insight on the paying methods there? How much cash should I bring/have on hand? Do they mostly accept cash or do most places accept credit cards?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Susan When we visited Japan previously we needed cash for most places. We just withdrew from an ATM (the ones at 7-11 were most reliable for foreign cards) when needed so we didn’t exchange any cash in advance. Just make sure you use a card that doesn’t charge international transaction fees (this will depend which country you are from).

But I have heard that since Covid more places accept credit cards and contactless payment methods, so I’m really hoping there’s less of a need for cash now. I would still recommend always having some with you just in case.

Hello . I want to visit Japan with my 13 year old granddaughter in June. I have never been in Japan, but have traveled widely. We plan to visit Kyoto and its environs mostly but want to spend couple days in Tokyo. We do not speak Japanese but will find a way to learn some. We are coming from the US, but my home country is Finland (very Japan friendly :)). We definitely want to get bullet train passes and need to learn about cell phone communication. And we are both into adventure and are looking forward to seeing Japan. Thank you for any advice you can give us.

I plan to visit Japan soon, spiritualy a home I have never been to yet. This is due to my work and my partners need for beach and sun. I’m hoping I can convince her soon to travel with me there. Or it’s over… the Japanese have a way of life with nature that we miss here in the UK….. I have so much respect for the people of Japan. We could learn a thing or two….. I plan to beg konami tsukamoto to mentor me in order I can preserve British trees as she does her native species…… much respect.

Excellent post Erin. You’ve included some great examples of things specific to Japan that it would be great to know in advance for new travellers.

I especially liked your recommendation not to try and cram too much in and whiz around the country. This is a common mistake people make when visiting Japan. Also, not wearing socks with holes in! Once you’ve done this in Japan, you’ll never do it again LOL!

Also, an upvote for your suggestion to visit Takayama – a wonderful place that has a charming historical district that’s like stepping back in time.

Good information given u

I’m doing a project on Japan for school, your posts on Japan were all SUPER helpful- thank you so much!

Glad it helped!

Hello We are looking to travel to Tokyo with out 2 year old in October. We were told that we would need to book travel guides for us to have a visa to enter in Japan. As great as that all sounds, it’s also more then we intend to spend for our trip. How true is needing the visa to enter Japan? Should we do a tour guide for a couple days? If that is allowed.

Hi Vee, As things currently stand, Japan’s borders are still closed to independent travellers. You can only enter the country as part of a package tour that is very restrictive (you can’t do any exploring alone), and, yes, it would be expensive. You would need a guide for the whole trip.

There is a chance borders will reopen by October but really there’s no way of knowing right now. If you decide to go ahead and book in the hope they do reopen, I would make sure everything has free cancellation.

So I’m trying to plan a trip to Japan with my family next year July (4kids) but I keep hearing super expensive, anyways nanny suggestions on where or how to plan n book.? Also my chance do you have any info on Tokyo Disneyland?

yes, japan can be quite expensive but if you plan your stay well and get a rail pass if you’re hopping between cities then you should be able to manage it :)

Should we rent a car or is public transportation the preferred mode of transportation for tourists?

Public transport is easier to deal with. I wouldn’t rent a car unless you are going somewhere remote.

Is it better to custom plan everything? Like book 2-3 week stay and go whichever places we want to visit ourselves or get a package that offer planned trips?

I think it’s best to book everything yourself, but it really depends on how much experience you have travelling and how much time you have to plan it all.

I’m going to Shinjuku. Next year in June this has really helped thank you

This helped so much, im going to Japan in 2 years with my dad (to film a documentary) and this helped so much

Thanks Lillee and have a great trip!

I’d love all the great tips, but should add make sure that you keep eyed out on your train timetable…I’d went to the Takayama Festival and didn’t watch my time. I’d miss my train and got stuck in Nagoya for six half hours trying to get back to Asakusa. (Never again?)…watch your JR Rail or Metro timetable. Japan trains are on point.

Oh no, what a nightmare!

Bravo, your article full of good advice with beautiful pictures. A small precision for foreigners who wish to drive in Japan, they have to translate their driving license at a JAF center.

Now this I call a detailed guide! We are hoping to visit Japan next year so I am gathering all the info I can before I start any serious planning. This post was really helpful!

Thanks Julia! Good luck with your planning!

Hi thanks for sharing this Me & my nephew are planning to visit japan for the 1st time this September can you pls recommend any place to stay or eat and should we do tour or should we go on our own ? We kinda nervous abt the trip .

You should be fine without a tour. The train system is very comfortable and efficient and if you buy a rail pass, you don’t even have to worry about buying tickets for each trip. If you ever get confused, the Japanese are very friendly and will help you out.

Here are a few posts that should give you some ideas on where to go with accommodation and restaurant recommendations: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/ https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/best-places-to-visit-in-japan/

Good luck and enjoy!

Wonderful and very Insightful Information.

I am a solo traveler from India, planning to travel to Japan for this first time, this summer for about 7-8 nights (June’2020), do you recommend going through some tour company or going on my own. How difficult is managing through Japan, without any knowing any Japaneses. Would you have a recommendation for a tour company.

I think Japan is fairly easy to manage without a tour company. The trains are a great way to travel and with a rail pass you don’t even need to worry about buying a ticket each time.

It helps to buy a local SIM card so you can use Google Translate on your phone. The Japanese are also usually very helpful even if they only speak a little English. We only speak a few words of Japanese are always manage fine.

Hello Erin, this is very useful. Thank you for sharing. Can you suggest us an 8 days itinerary for Japan. We’re visiting Japan for the first time and wish to enjoy the natural beauty and culture.

I would probably just focus on Kyoto and Tokyo in that time, perhaps with some day trips. Enjoy!

Hi! I’ve already been to Japan 2 times in the summer. The first time I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and the Island of Shôdoshima. The second time I browsed a bit more around Tokyo and in the countryside (mainly in the Gunma prefecture – gorgeous landscapes!). I am going back in February. Two places I will visit for sure are Yokohama (first stop) and Sendai (2nd stop). And I and am wondering if there are “musts” I should not miss at that time of year (are snow festivals worth it? Or anything else?) and if it would be worth it to go as far south as Hiroshima? I should have about 12 days for Sendai onwards. I haven’t decided yet if I am going to fly back to Canada out of Tokyo (I could fly out from elsewhere too). Many thanks for your help and for sharing all of this! You’re doing a tremendous job!

Honestly this guide is incredible. I’ve booked marked this as I’m currently planning my things to do for March/April 2020! Any website booking recommendations?

Thanks Alyssa! Spring is such a lovely time in Japan.

Do you mean websites for booking accommodation or tours? We use Booking.com for hotels, Airbnb for apartments (in the big cities like Tokyo), and Voyagin for tours. You might find this post helpful: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/things-to-do-in-japan/

Good afternoon! I’m planning a 1-month trip to japan in two years and would like to know how much money you think I should save up. I already have the places I wanna visit in mind and would just like some bit of info.

Thank you. :)

That’s a difficult question to answer as it depends so much on your travel style. Do you want to stay in hostels or fancy ryokan or a mix of both? Do you want to do expensive tours and activities or are you happy just wandering? Are you happy with cheap ramen or do you want to try a pricey kaiseki meal?

As a rough idea, on this two week itinerary ( https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/ ) we spent about US$120 per person a day which I’d say is a mid-range budget. There is more info in the itinerary post.

“Well there it is” I shouted as I scrolled through this fantastic information resource. An superb honest, unbiased view and answer to all, yes all, my questions. Except one…. Did you get to visit Okinawa? I desperate to get there… I will have 3-4 weeks….

Thank you so much Brian!

Unfortunately, we haven’t visited Okinawa yet. You’ll have plenty of time to add on a flight down there though. Enjoy Japan!

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work.

Thanks Brian!

Those photos of the dog pulling the mans underpants!?! My child was looking at this with me and now he is scarred for life!

Oh dear! You do find some very strange things in Japan.

I really enjoyed the detail you gave on your trip to Japan! This is 100% helpful as someone planning a trip there for the first time.

Thanks and enjoy Japan!

Hi Erin, thank you for taking the time to put all this great info together. One question I have is in regards to Takayama. Did you like it more than Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, if you went? We originally planned to stop for a night in each place, however, because of availability in Shirakawa-go, we had to switch up our itinerary a little bit. To adjust, we have considered skipping Takayama and just doing Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, but this makes me think twice. We also have the option of leaving Tokyo a day early (currently booked for 4 full days there) to keep all 3 places in the line-up. Would love to hear your input! Thank you!

I did like Takayama more than Kanazawa. It’s smaller and cuter and is surrounded by countryside. But then I do prefer small towns to big cities so it depends on your preferences. If you can fit it in I would.

We didn’t visit Shirakawa-go in the end. We were thinking of visiting as a day trip on the way between Takayama and Kanazawa but it would have meant having to use buses rather than take the train which we prefer (and we had a rail pass). If we had had time for a night’s stay there it would have been better I think.

Whatever you choose you’ll have an amazing time though!

Thank you so much for your post! It’s incredibly informative :)

I have one question, I am a woman traveling alone is there anything I need to consider? I have heard that Japan is a safe country, as you have the real-life experience, I’d love to hear what you think!

Thank you for your time, and excellent blog post!

I don’t think you need to worry – Japan is a very safe country. Have a great trip!

Nice list, and pretty accurate- thanks for sharing all the info!

I have to say though- DO try non-Japanese food. Things off the top of my head: bread from the local bakeries, 600¥ cake from fancy department stores, Starbucks (the seasonal things!). Pork buns in Yokohama, Pirozhki in Kamakura… The list is endless. Of course eat all the Japanese food too, because it’s amazing too.

But, I’m also so sorry you had such a bad experience (I’ve been there too)! The size of the nan though? Oh-my-god, right? :)

I do think non-Japanese food has improved a lot in recent years. We had some fantastic Italian food on our last trip (as vegetarians it’s a good backup option for us!).

Which places do you wish you would have stayed longer?

Kyoto (even though we had three weeks there!) and Tokyo.

Great list! It’s made me even more excited to get to Japan now!

I love saying ‘moshi moshi’ – i used to hear it when I worked in an international call centre – it’s so much better than plain old ‘hello’!

Excellent post – interesting, funny and very informative! Currently planning my Japan trip, this was a lot of help :)

Have an amazing trip to Japan!

I am visiting my daughter in Singapore and on the way back to the US my wife and I are visiting Japan (3Jun-8Jun). It is only for 5 days so unfortunately our time there will be very short. Originally I wanted to climb Fuji but the guided trip company I emailed claimed they only had a 1 day guided trips and crampons were required. Although we love to hike this may be too much for such a short trip. If anyone has hiked Fuji in crampons in 1 day I would love to hear about the experience. I still want to see Fuji up close, Kyoto, old family member used to live in Nagoya so would like to stop by there and perhaps Hakone. I just started looking for any special events that take place in the first week of June. Looking forward to this trip and a longer one next time.

Hi there :) Loved your post. I’m from Portugal but I’m a Japan fan. Went to Tokyo las year on March but this time I’m planning on 3 weeks travel around Japan. Can you help me? I already have the places to visti but I need help spliting the time… Oh and if yo see any of the plaes below that arenot woth to visit or less mportant please I’d aprreciate if you tell me: – Chiba – Nikko – Nagano and Matsumoto – Kawagoe – Kanagawa – Mt. Fuji (just planning on going near to have a view – Lake Kawaguchiko) – Magome – Takayama – Nagoya – Kyoto – Nara – Osak – Himeji – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Tokyo (and surroundings)

Thank you so much if you can help me.

Kind regards

Hi guys! I’m planning a trip to Japan in January with mum (I know it’s cold over there, but that’s the only break we’ve got!). We’re planning for a stay for around 8 days, any tips on where to go? I heard that an ideal short trip will consist of arriving at Tokyo and departing at Osaka, is that true? I really don’t know much about Japan so any advice is appreciated!

I would focus on Kyoto and Tokyo and take the train between them. Maybe include a day in Osaka if you can get a flight out from there.

We’ve written lots more about Japan: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-round-up/

Good advice. I hope to use this on my up come trip.

This is a great post! It is very helpful. I am planning to go to Tokyo this June. I will be staying in Shibuya/Shinjuku area. I don’t know which hotel to stay in and where to go first. Do you have any advice for the first time traveler? Thank you very much! :)

I am planning a trip in March 2015. Reading your website has got me extra excited already

Hi Matthew, I’m planning to travel to Japan at the beginning of March 2015 as well. If you got any great idea, we can discuss. Thanks

I am planning a trip to Kyoto to see where Reiki was started, your insights are great. Thank you

Are you house sitting for a friend or do you use a website to find/sign up for sitting jobs?

We used mindmyhouse.com

Hi guys, great blogs-thank you for sharing it. We’re planning to do a trip in December 2013 14-27/12.

Could you advise which cities we should visit using the shinkansen. We have 14 days to spend with the first 3 days in Tokyo, so it’ll leave us with 11 days in other cities.

I am confused with the the shinkansen map and which one we should take and which cities we can visit that is on the way. We are targetting to return to Tokyo on the last 3 days to do some shopping.

It is basically that 8 days, we need to use to the cities that can be visited using the shinkansen line.

Thank you in advance for your help

Hi Hemmy. I wrote up an itinerary I followed with a one-week JR Pass that might be of some help. It includes other useful tips for planning as well. Find it at:

http://www.lengthytravel.com/saving-on-travel-in-japan-with-a-jr-rail-pass-my-itinerary-tips-and-cost-savings/

Hi Jeff, thank you for your prompt reply. I really appreciate it. You’re really helpful

This site is really helpful about Japan and shows a route map: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html

I would definitely recommend Kyoto and probably Hiroshima as well. These are the details of where we visited: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-round-up/ .

Have a great trip!

Hi I was wondering if you could help. Basically I want to pay my mum and dad back for being such brilliant parents and helping me bring up my little boy. My dad went to Japan about 40 yrs ago he has always wanted to go back. I want to plan a surprise trip next year to Japan. I’m planning about 10 or 14 days away but not too much travelling maybe a few days in 3 places and ending up in Tokyo for 4 days to finish . Can you recommend anywhere that would be a must. I am completely lost as am not familiar with hotels or places etc. Any help would be brilliant Thanks nadya :)

It really depends what you are interested in but I’d definitely recommend Kyoto as well as Tokyo. Have a read through our Japan posts and see what you like the sound of. Good luck with it.

Thanks had a look and they’re into history so definitely Kyoto . Cheers for ur help Nadya

I going to Japan next year and through out my researches I always came across those dos an don’ts and I have to say this is really nice and short one but has a lot of information in it, which is something I really like! Keep up the good work ;D

Thanks and have a great trip.

Hello, i am starting a trip around the world in february. I start in Tokio and end in Canada in december. How many days do i need to see Tokyo and are there some real good hidden secrets? Gr. Bert

That’s a difficult question. There is so much to do in Tokyo you could spend a few days or months. We didn’t spend that much time there so can’t really advise.

Hello, with one of your Dos its not mushy mushy its moshi moshi aka (もしもし). I’ve been leaning japanese for about 9 years now i was wondering id you could correct it please

ありがとうございます　（＾＿＾）

Done. Thanks for letting us know.

Your topic is amazing, I learned a lot but can you tell me what money should i required for 1 month to travel in Japan.

It’s hard to say but you can see our budget post for an idea of what we spent: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-japan/

Very nice and interesting article plus points. Japan is a place I really have wanted to go forever!

I am planning a 10 day trip with my two teenage girls. We really want to see Tokyo well. I keep hearing about Kyoto is it worth seeing, it seems far from Tokyo (8hrs) and expensive to get to?

I don’t think it’s that far if you get the bullet train. You can look up train times and prices on this website: http://www.hyperdia.com/ . You might also want to consider a rail pass if you are planning to visit other places. Compare the prices on that site with the rail pass.

Great Post. I lived in Japan for a few years and loved it. I would suggest going to any matsuri (festival) that are going on during your stay. There is lots of culture to be seen at those events. Plus there is good food. Depending on the location you’re at in Japan, during August or September, there are festivals for Obon.

In the planning stages for 9 days in Japan during June 2012 (flights booked). Can anyone help me with how long to see Hiroshima/Miyajima and whether we should base in Osaka or Kyoto to do the Osaka / Kyoto / Nara and possibly Takayama?

Hi Leonie, Two days would be enough for Hiroshima/Miyajima. I would chose Kyoto as a base as we much preferred it to Osaka and there’s more to see there. You can easily visit Osaka and Nara as day trips. We didn’t go to Takayama but it is quite a bit further away so it’s up to you how much you want to rush around. You could definitely find enough to do in Kyoto with a week.

Very useful! I wish I could go soon!!! Do you recommend any specific time in the year?

We were there in summer which suited us as we like hot weather. It is more scenic in the spring or autumn as you have the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. The spring is peak season though. My friend went in the winter and loved it as the snow is beautiful, you can ski, and you can warm up in onsens (it was too hot for those when we were there). It really depends what you are looking for but anytime has something to offer.

I think Japan is going to be my next trip abroad, and this list is extremely helpful. I love that it addresses those smaller opportunities and moments and not just the big sites to see. Bookmarking right now!

Glad you found it helpful. Yes, for us travel is always more than just about the big sites. So far we are really enjoying Japan and soaking up the cultural differences.

Oh I forgot one of the highlights of Kyoto (besides the monkey park) is a trip on a little train that takes you outside of Kyoto and up into the mountains to Kurama and Kibune. You can then do a walk up over the hills from one village through to one of the big shrines at the other village. There are onsens at the end to rest in. A really lovely walk out in the countryside and the train trip is so much fun.

Sounds wonderful!

We stayed in Kyoto in 2008 for a week and went back there last year for a quick day during a week long trip to Osaka. The best thing about Kyoto is it’s location to other places for day trips – Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himiji (although the castle is covered in scaffolding). You can get a cheaper Kansai Japan rail pass for four days (about $80?) to get to all these places.

Make sure you get to the Nishiki Market for fresh food – our post at is a big band width one with loads of pictures and we have more posts on our trip last year. Also, the rice burger at MOS burger is vegetarian and yum.

We will be in Tokyo from Sep 23 for a week of exploring Tokyo and surrounds. Thanks for the onsen tips nearby, will be looking for some there.

Thanks for all your tips Alison. Your post on the Nishiki market is fantastic – we will definitely visit although I’m not sure I’ll know what most of the things are! Looks like we’ll be in Tokyo around the same time as you!

Oh yeah, JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) has an excellent series of booklets on different topics. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to have Kindle versions, but probably worth the price to pick up one or two. For example: http://www.amazon.com/Look-into-Japan-Your-Pocket/dp/4533013813/ref=pd_sim_b_1

I love Kyoto though it has been years since I was in Japan and longer since I was specifically in Kyoto. My recollection is that it was easier to find English speakers there, though I tend to agree the not speaking the local language is harder in Japan than many places. To make up for that though, the people are probably more willing to be helpful than anywhere else I have ever traveled. Anyway, the number of incredible temples in Kyoto is impressive. Also, if you will be there for the fall foliage (Kouyou in Japanese) you will indeed be fortunate as it is incredible in Kyoto.

I would also point out that Japan is definitely one of the safest places in the world to visit.

Also worth mentioning is that Japan is a country where many towns and cities are famous for something very specific (knives, a certain type of food, pottery, etc.) so always try to find out what a place you are visiting is famous for.

I can’t recall how far away it is from Kyoto, but I think not too far is a place called Takayama which is one of my favorites. Especially if you can make it to the Fall festival which is one of the most impressive festivals in all of Japan, though there are many all around the country and throughout the year. Good festival street food is always available too, though I can’t recall if any of it is vegetarian friendly.

Many famous things in Japan come in 3s – 3 famous gardens, 3 famous shrines, etc. One of the 3 famous shrines is Ise Jingu which is a bit south of Nagoya and one of my favorites if you get a chance to see it. Nara is also quite special and not too far from Kyoto.

Speaking of food, you’ll have no trouble satisfying a sweet tooth as there are many good bakeries to be found, especially in the train stations. And, a popular chain of restaurants called Mister Donut is good and ubiquitous. You may also be surprised by how many people get a quick meal at the local convenience store.

If I think of anything else I’ll add it later. Ganbatte ne! (“good luck”)

Thanks so much for the advice Jeff! Unfortunately we are only in Japan until the end of September so I think we’ll miss the foliage. I had been considering Takayama though so glad to hear you like it.

Great post and very informative. The Japan Rail pass is a must if you plan to to a lot of traveling and the 100 yen shops are great for souvenirs.

Japan Australia

Am really hoping to make it to Japan sometime in the next 12 months – bookmarking this!

Hopefully we’ll have lots more posts about Japan when we get there next month.

Hi, it’s Mariko, came to check out your blog. Interesting article but I can’t keep my mouth shut on a few things. Please DO try non-Japanese food in Kyoto… we have such a great selection of Brazilian, Nepalese, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian restaurants it would be a shame if you stuck to only Japanese food. Also, Kyoto is probably the vegetarian capital of Japan if there ever was one. There are a lot of veggie and vegan places as well as a special kind of buddhist vegan meal that you have to pre-book, but is very nice.

A lot of people speak English here (not necessarily GOOD English, but…) . Almost everywhere in Japan there are English translations of Japanese signs (subway, trains, buses etc. ).

….I swear I’m not a jerk! I just want your information (and the info for anyone else who reads this) to be up to date. Don’t hate me, Amy!

It sounds like Kyoto is a lot more cosmopolitan than other parts of Japan. We are really looking forward to trying the vegetarian food, especially the Buddhist meals.

Thanks for your comment and of course you’re not being a jerk, :o)! The post is based on our 3 week experiences in Japan so obviously would never be definitive in anyway. I’m sure that other non-japanese food is great (apart from the Indian curry we had in Fukuoka!) but I guess my point for fellow travellers is that Japanese food is so delicious why waste your stomach and yen on other food during your stay!

I’m sure too that many people do speak english, in our encounters this was rare even in Tokyo, but again Japanese is such a beautiful language why not go ahead and dive in and try to speak it!

Lastly too, in our 3 weeks there were indeed occasional english transport signage to be found, but we also had many experiences standing at a bus/ subway terminals not having any clue as to where to go or what to pay. Again though, this isn’t a bad thing, sometimes the best thing about being intrepid travellers is being able to figure things out!

I certainly don’t hate you (!), in fact I apologise if you found anything in the article to be of offence. I certainly did not mean to, and again after only 3 weeks in your amazing country, the list was only ever meant to be a broad guide to anyone else going to visit.

All the best,

Totally agree about the non-Japanese food!! I loved Japanese pizza so much I would go back just for that :D

Awesome Amy my husband and I who have never been overseas before have chosen Japan as our first overseas destination for our honeymoon and soaking up any information we can get ?

Glad everyone likes the post! Love your story too Erin! I remember our friend Noriko said that, after living in Manchester for awhile, she was glad to return to her homeland of convenience!

Oh, how I want to see Kyoto! Bamboo grove, old temples, aaaah…

I know about this website: http://www.vegietokyo.com/info4vegie/articles/article2.html Though it’s for Tokyo mostly. Hope it’s helpful :) Have fun on your trip!

Thanks for that – the article is really useful.

100 Yen shops are soooooo brilliant. Get some tabbi socks too. Shinkansen, though expensive, are so worth it – you can travel vast distances so quickly and it is a breath of fresh air to use any Japanese public transportation after the British version! Gavin and I were due at Tokyo airport one cold wintery day. Woke up at 4.30am to catch our bus to Tokyo (4 hours away) to find snow knee deep. Freaked out, how would we get to Tokyo now? Needn’t have worried – Japanese workers were all out clearing the roads and our bus rolled in right on time.

Really good post, Amy you sure squeezed a lot into your 3 weeks! Erin x

I love that story! I can’t wait to try the bullet trains and enjoy everything being super-efficient and on time.

Really great posts, I have been to Japan several times and you are spot on!

Oh I love Japan so much and I haven’t even been there yet! This is a great list – it solidified everything I was thinking about our upcoming trip to Japan. My 3 years of Japan in college might finally pay off…haha.

I’m excited to hear about your 3 weeks in Kyoto too!

When will you be in Japan Ashley? We can’t wait for our trip too. Kyoto seems like the perfect place to base ourselves.

Won’t be there until January! But super excited cause I’ve wanted to visit fooooorever.

Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

GREAT post – you’ve got a little bit of everything here =) Let me know if you need any ideas on Tokyo – I spent about 10 days in and around that area last year =)

Any highlights of your trip in Japan that you can share would be much appreciated!

Toni, I am going to Japan for 10 days at the end of June. Can you give me the scoop of MUST SEE sites that you really liked?

I DO :) would love some recommendations if still relevant

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The Most Beautiful Places in Japan, from Castles to Floating Shrines

The beauty of visiting Japan is that you can truly find almost anything you’re looking for, whether you’re seeking to explore a concrete jungle or an untouched wilderness. Its relatively compact size means much of it is an easy drive or bullet train away , allowing you to hit white-sand beaches and snow-capped mountains alike. To help beautify your dreams, we've rounded up some of the most awe-inspiring sights to see around the island nation. No matter where your travels take you, you’re sure to be dazzled.

Takeda Castle, Asago, Hyogo Prefecture

Meoto iwa, mie prefecture, sagano bamboo forest, arashiyama, kyoto prefecture, senso-ji temple, tokyo, motonosumi inari, yamaguchi prefecture, lake kawaguchiko, yamanashi prefecture, kabira bay, ishigaki island, okinawa prefecture, tsutenkaku tower, osaka, osaka castle, osaka, biei blue pond, shirogane, hokkaido prefecture, itsukushima shrine, hiroshima prefecture, shikisai-no-oka, hokkaido prefecture, nara deer park, nara prefecture, fushimi inari, kyoto, jigokudani wild monkey park, nagano, kiyotsu gorge, niigata prefecture, shirakawa-go, gifu prefecture, kumano kodo, wakayama prefecture.

Tanner Saunders is a contributor for Thrillist who would rather be a hot spring monkey.

• Things to Do

10 Best Travel Destinations in Japan 2024

Where to Go in Japan 2024

Where to go in 2024? For those considering traveling to Japan, we have carefully selected places to visit in 2024. You might be surprised to find that the most famous spots are not included, but that’s because this is the most up-to-date list (For classic tourist attractions in Japan, check this 30 Best Things to Do in Japan ).

Should you visit Tokyo, Kyoto, or Hiroshima in 2024? Indeed, these cities are justifiably famous for their diverse and satisfying attractions. However, they might be too crowded for some, or lack novelty for those who are experienced visitors to Japan. Therefore, we have chosen Japan’s destinations for 2024 based on our original research.

This list contains many hidden gems that are not widely known to foreigners but are truly wonderful. Of course, it also includes places that were already popular, but we have selected those that have a special reason to be visited in 2024. Reflecting the ever-changing situation in Japan, this travel guide also incorporates the latest trends.

Check out the coolest travel destinations in Japan for 2024 and make your next trip to Japan a fresh and fantastic experience!

10. Naoshima (Kagawa)

In the remote region of Shikoku , Naoshima (直島) , or the regional name of Setouchi, has been relatively well-known for some time, especially among art-loving travelers. In 2024, it remains one of the best places to visit in Japan. Although Naoshima belongs to Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku, it is geographically closer to Okayama Prefecture in Chugoku Region.

Naoshima is famous for Yayoi Kusama’s objects located at the edge of the port. The spotted yellow and red pumpkins are must-see pieces for art enthusiasts. The island hosts various art spots worth visiting, including Chichu Art Museum designed by Tadao Ando, Lee Ufan Museum , and Benesse House Museum .

Every three years, the islands in the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima, host the Setouchi Triennale , an international contemporary art festival. The next event is scheduled for 2025, but Naoshima is always a place where you can enjoy the fusion of art and nature.

For those visiting Naoshima, a side trip to the neighboring island of Shodoshima is also recommended. Though less known, it offers fantastic tourist attractions such as Angel Road and Olive Park. Combining this with visits to places like Hiroshima can make for a wonderful itinerary.

9. Yutoku Inari Shrine (Saga)

Located at the westernmost part of the Japanese archipelago, Kyushu Region , far from central areas like Tokyo, is still an unexplored territory for many international tourists. Despite its rich nature, unique food culture, and impressive historical buildings, Kyushu is mostly known for its hot springs. In Saga, located in the north of Kyushu, you can find Yutoku Inari Shrine (祐徳稲荷神社) , offering a unique and breathtaking view.

Shrines with Torii gates and main halls where people pray are among the most interesting tourist attractions for international travelers. Yutoku Inari Shrine is notable not only for its splendid Romon gate welcoming visitors but also for its bright red hanging structures that function as scaffolding for the buildings located on high ground. Moreover, Yutoku Inari Shrine is counted as one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, along with Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki.

In Saga, you can also witness mystical sights like Ouo Shrine , floating in the Ariake Sea in Tara Town. With its many hidden gems, Saga could be a great focal point for a trip to Kyushu in 2024.

For more information about Saga, check these lists!

▶️ 10 Best Things to Do in Saga

8. Ikebukuro (Tokyo)

Tokyo remains the gateway and the most popular tourist area for trips to Japan, and its charms seem almost fully explored. However, tourism trends in Tokyo continue to evolve year by year. What should you do in Tokyo in 2024? Explore pop culture in Shibuya or Harajuku? Experience the nightlife in Shinjuku? Shop for anime and manga in Akihabara? Enjoy high-end sushi in Ginza?

What I’d like to introduce this time is Ikebukuro (池袋) . It’s a well-known district domestically, famous for its large electronics stores and department stores near the station. However, the reason to focus on Ikebukuro now is that it’s becoming a new hub for pop culture. While Akihabara is often associated with otaku culture like anime and manga, Ikebukuro has been gaining renewed attention, especially with the major anime store Animate having its grand reopening in 2023. There are also stores themed around Studio Ghibli, Pokémon, One Piece, and Evangelion in Ikebukuro.

Moreover, Ikebukuro offers affordable hotels and hostels, and a wide variety of easy-to-enjoy Japanese foods like ramen and conveyor belt sushi. Geographically, Ikebukuro is centrally located in Tokyo and serves as a hub for many JR lines and subways. Experience a Tokyo closer to the daily life of the Japanese in Ikebukuro.

For more information about Ikebukuro and Tokyo, check these lists!

▶️ 10 Best Things to Do in Ikebukuro

▶️ 30 Best Things to Do in Tokyo

7. Awaji Island (Hyogo)

Are you satisfied with just visiting Osaka and Kyoto when you travel to the Kansai area? I want to avoid such typical answers in this latest Japan travel guide. The place to visit in 2024 is Awaji Island (淡路島) , known domestically as Awajishima, in Hyogo. While Hyogo is famous for the port city Kobe , Awaji Island is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, roughly the same size as Guam or Singapore.

So, what to see in Awaji Island? Awaji Island is a land of significant importance in Japanese mythology, featured in Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. There are many sacred spots, such as Izanagi Jingu Shrine , Onokoro Island Shrine , and Eshima Island . Hyogo Prefectural Park: Awaji Hanasajiki , with its colorful seasonal flowers, is also a must-see.

Opened in 2022, Zenbo Seinei offers a Zen experience while enjoying the great nature of Awaji Island. Naruto Strait is famous for its whirlpools, and a whirlpool cruise could be a special experience for you. Additionally, Awaji Island, aiming for local production for local consumption, offers fresh food utilizing local ingredients.

Awaji Island is a nearby island to the previously mentioned Naoshima and Shodoshima, connected to Kobe City by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and to Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, by the Naruto Kaikyo Bridge. Therefore, access from the main island and Shikoku is good.

▶️ 10 Best Things to Do in Hyogo

6. Hiraizumi (Iwate)

Hiraizumi (平泉) , located in Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan, is a historically rich and beautiful area not very well known to foreigners but holds great potential to gain global recognition in the future. The Tohoku region, being the true northern end of the Japanese archipelago, sees fewer tourists compared to urban areas, despite its convenient transportation options like the Shinkansen, making it a treasure trove of hidden gems.

This town of Hiraizumi, situated in the southernmost part of Iwate Prefecture, is known as the base of the Oshu Fujiwara clan during the late Heian period. It flourished as a major city next to the then-capital, Heian-kyo (present-day Kyoto). The most important historical sites in this town brimming with history are Chusonji Temple  and Motsuji Temple , both founded around 850 AD. Chusonji Temple is known for its Golden Hall, which encapsulates the essence of Heian period art, crafts, and architecture, along with many other cultural properties. It’s arguably the most famous temple in Tohoku Region.

Furthermore, Motsuji Temple hosts a Jodo garden centered around a large pond and almost perfectly preserved Heian period temple remains. An event called Gokusui no En, which recreates the elegant traditional Japanese Waka poetry games of the Heian period, is held in the beautiful gardens of the temple every fourth Sunday of May, offering a unique experience. Each season offers its own charm, making it a great destination any time of the year.

For more information about Iwate, check these lists!

▶️ 10 Best Things to Do in Iwate

5. Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route (Toyama)

The Tateyama-Kurobe area in Toyama Prefecture has long been a favorite among both domestic and international tourists, particularly known for its towering snow walls and breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Why is Tateyama-Kurobe a must-visit destination in 2024? It’s because the new Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route (黒部宇奈月キャニオンルート) will finally be opened to the public that year.

The Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route is a new 18-kilometer path connecting Keyakidaira Station in the Kurobe Gorge to the upstream Kurobe Dam. It intersects vertically with the classic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route . Initially developed as a construction route for utility projects like the construction of the Kurobe River Fourth Power Station, this route will be open to the public from 2024. Many yet-to-be-seen attractions of Kurobe await discovery. First, you’ll have the opportunity to ride on vehicles uncommon in daily life, such as construction trolleys and vertical shaft elevators. Additionally, stunning natural scenery awaits, including panoramic views of Mount Okugane and Mount Hakuba Yarigatake.

Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route and Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route are also close to prime tourist destinations such as the mountainous regions of Nagano , Hida Takayama in Gifu, and Kanazawa in Ishikawa. Thus, including these new spots in your itinerary can make for a fulfilling journey.

For more information about Toyama, check these lists!

▶️ 12 Best Things to Do in Toyama

4. Chichibu (Saitama)

Saitama, a vast prefecture adjacent to Tokyo, is still not widely recognized internationally as a tourist destination. Moreover, the abundance of natural beauty in Saitama is not very well known. Among its regions, Chichibu (秩父) , located at the westernmost end of Saitama, offers encounters with historical buildings and somewhat unusual natural landscapes.

Mitsumine Shrine , Chichibu Shrine , and Hodosan Shrine are collectively known as the Chichibu Sanja (Three Shrines of Chichibu). Particularly noteworthy is Chichibu Night Festival held by Chichibu Shrine in early December, a tradition boasting 350 years. The festival reaches its peak on December 3rd, featuring numerous festival floats parading all day and a fireworks display.

In Hitsujiyama Park , during spring, you can enjoy a landscape of about 1,000 cherry trees and ground-covering Shibazakura (moss phlox), creating a pink scenery that fills both the ground and the sky. In winter, a visit to the Icicles of Misotsuchi is recommended, where you can admire the art of ice created by the harsh winter conditions in Chichibu.

Although it takes about two hours from Tokyo, the Chichibu area is accessible by train, making it a suitable destination for day trips for travelers starting from Tokyo.

For more information about Chichibu and Saitama, check these lists!

▶️ Best Things to Do in Chichibu

▶️ 13 Best Things to Do in Saitama

3. Niseko (Hokkaido)

Niseko (ニセコ) in Hokkaido is now one of the most famous tourist areas in Japan, attracting not only short-term travelers but also many long-term visitors from all over the world. And still in 2024, it remains one of the top destinations to travel to in Japan. Niseko is located slightly west of Sapporo, the central city of Hokkaido, and New Chitose Airport.

The main attraction of Niseko is undoubtedly its high-quality snow, which is called powder snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Niseko United , comprising Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, Niseko Village Ski Resort, Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort, and Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort, is well-known. The nearby Rusutsu Resort Ski Area is also popular.

Even outside of winter, visitors can enjoy the natural blessings of Mount Yotei , towering over the Niseko area. Fukidashi Park in Kyogoku Town is famous for its delicious water, a natural creation of the park and Mount Yotei. The cleanest Shiribetsu River, flowing at the base of the Niseko mountain range, offers enjoyable river activities. Of course, Niseko also offers the abundant fresh seafood commonly known in Hokkaido and high-quality natural onsen (hot springs).

For more information about Niseko and Hokkaido, check these lists!

▶️ 7 Best Accommodations in Niseko Ski Resorts

▶️ 25 Best Things to Do in Hokkaido

2. Beppu (Oita)

Throughout this article, we’ve introduced several hot spots in Kyushu Region, but if you haven’t been there yet, Beppu (別府) is currently one of the best places to visit in Japan. Beppu offers an authentic Japanese cultural experience and remains largely untouched by globalization, allowing visitors to see an untouched Japan.

Located in the central eastern part of Kyushu, in Oita Prefecture, Beppu is nationally recognized as one of the most famous onsen destinations among the Japanese. While hot springs are found throughout Japan, for a genuine onsen experience, Beppu is the place to go. The area, stretching from Beppu Bay through Aso Kuju, and to the Shimabara Peninsula, is blessed with hot spring waters heated by underground magma from past volcanic activities. The history of Beppu’s hot springs is profound, as they are even mentioned in ancient Japanese texts dating back to the 8th century.

Beppu is home to eight hot spring towns, known as Beppu Hatto . These towns boast over a hundered hot spring facilities, offering a variety of onsen experiences. At Beppu’s Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) , visitors can see the natural hot springs up close.

Although many tourists from East Asia start their journey in Fukuoka, a major city in Kyushu, for those entering Japan through airports in Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) or Osaka, Kyushu can seem a bit distant. However, Kyushu has been gaining recognition recently, especially among younger generations, partly as it was featured as the setting for the famous anime director Makoto Shinkai’s 2022 anime movie Suzume and has statues of characters from the popular series One Piece.

For more information about Beppu and Oita, check these lists!

▶️ 10 Best Things to Do in Beppu

▶️ 10 Best Things to Do in Oita

1. Ishigaki Island (Okinawa)

The island that shone as Japan’s best travel destination in 2024 is Ishigaki Island (石垣島) , an island prefecture at the southernmost tip of Japan in Okinawa. Okinawa itself is the most popular beach resort in Japan, attracting tourists year-round for its beautiful seas, unique culture, and tropical cuisine. Following the main island, the allure of Okinawa’s numerous remote islands stands out. Okinawa has over 100 remote islands, with more than 30 inhabited.

Among these, Ishigaki Island is one of the largest, along with Iriomote Island and Miyako Island , and is already well-known domestically. Located significantly southwest of the main island, Ishigaki is accessible not only via Naha on the main island but also by direct flights from Tokyo.

First and foremost, Ishigaki Island offers a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists than the main island. It’s known for sights like Kabira Bay with its emerald green waters and the Kabira Ishizaki Manta Scramble , a diving spot famous for manta rays. Exploring hidden beautiful beaches or enjoying local foods like Ishigaki Beef are also great options.

A trip to the neighboring Taketomi Island by ferry is highly recommended for a different natural experience. A visit to Ishigaki Island and its neighboring islands allows for an encounter with different nature and culture, arguably offering a more unique experience than the main island of Okinawa. It’s best to visit before it becomes the most famous beach resort.

For more information about Ishigaki Island and Okinawa, check these lists!

▶️ 10 Best Things to Do in Ishigaki Island

▶️ 25 Best Things to Do in Okinawa

Here is the list of the best places to visit in Japan for 2024, based on current trends. You may have encountered many names that are not widely known. However, these places hold the true charm of Japan. Please do find your own wonderful experience there.

If you’re looking to delve deeper into Japanese travel information and tips, the following articles should also be of help to you. Be sure to check them out.

▶️ A Comprehensive Guide to Trains in Japan: Including Shinkansen and Japan Rail Pass

▶️ Japanese Currency: A Guide for Travelers

▶️ Which Pocket WiFi Rental is the Best in Japan?

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▼Editor’s Picks▼

I'm writing by my motto: helping travelers spend their limited time experiencing something priceless in Japan. My articles won't let you down! Living in Tokyo and traveling many popular and hidden sites all over Japan, I deliver well-selected and latest tourist information to you from the perspective of “100% Japanese local”. My specific interests are island hopping, eating countless bowls of ramen, watching anime and reading manga. Enjoy Japan Web Magazine for recommended food spots, hidden gems Japanese Otaku (geek) culture, and everything about Japan :)

Best Things to Do in Tokyo in April 2024: Events, Festivals & More

Spring brings a fresh start in Japan as April marks the beginning of the new academic and fiscal year. Packed with events, including cherry blossom festivals and traditional ceremonies, April culminates in the Golden Week holiday from April 27 to May 6 . Enjoy indoor events celebrating sakura and gourmet fairs, alongside vibrant spring flowers like azaleas and tulips. Use this curated guide to fun events in Tokyo and its surroundings for April.

Events Held at Popular Theme Parks & Tourist Spots

Traditional festivals, seasonal flower events, food & gourmet festivals, hunt for unique goods at japan's largest antique market, donald duck's quacky duck city at tokyo disney resort (maihama).

"Disney Palooza" is a special event series designed around the joy of having a blast with friends, filled with laughter and play. Kicking off with Minnie Mouse, the series passed the baton to Donald Duck for its second installment. The highlight of the event is the "Quacky Celebration: Donald The Legend!" entertainment program. Set in Donald's dream city, Duck City, it features a festival-like celebration where Disney characters gather to honor superstar Donald Duck. The performance, a vibrant spectacle of about 35 minutes, occurs once or twice daily along the parade route and in front of the castle ( Castle Forecourt). Transforming for the occasion, the entrance's flowerbed transitions from Mickey to Donald themes, and a Donald Duck monument takes center stage in the World Bazaar, immersing the park in Duck City decorations. Inspired by the world of Duck City, special merchandise and themed menus are available for purchase.

• Venue: Tokyo Disneyland
• Dates: April 9 - June 30, 2024
• Time: Refer to the official website as they vary depending on the period
• Price: Refer to the official website as they vary depending on the period
• Closed: Open daily during the event period
• Official website: Tokyo Disneyland Special Event "Disney's Palpalooza: Donald's Quacky Duck City

• Address 1-1, Maihama, Urayasu-shi, Chiba, 279-0031 View Map
• Nearest Station Maihama Station （JR Keiyo Line） 4 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0570-00-8632

Tokyo Skytree Town® Spring Event 2024 (Oshiage)

Tokyo Skytree Town® is hosting various spring events until April 7th, featuring cherry blossom decorations throughout to create a springtime feel. At the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck Floor 350, visitors can find a photo spot designed to simulate the experience of viewing cherry blossoms from above. After sunset, the Tokyo Skytree® lights up with a special lighting display named Mai, turning it into the world's tallest cherry blossom through shades of pink and sparkling whites to capture the beauty of swirling cherry petals. Furthermore, artificial cherry blossoms set up at Solamachi Square on the first floor enhance the cherry blossom viewing atmosphere. The event also includes cherry blossom-themed limited menus and sweets , Solamachi Bread Marche 2024 featuring around 30 popular bakeries, and YORIMICHI CAFE STREET, where about 25 popular stores from the surrounding Oshiage area gather.

• Venue: Tokyo Skytree Town®
• Dates: March 1 - April 7, 2024
• Times: Refer to the official website as they vary depending on the event
• Price: Refer to the official website as prices vary depending on the event

• Address Oshiage 1-1-2, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 131-0045 View Map
• Nearest Station Tokyo Skytree Station （Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Sky Tree Line)）
• Phone Number 0570-55-0634

NAKED SAKURA AQUARIUM (Shinagawa)

The Maxell Aquapark Shinagawa is hosting a spring limited event, "NAKED SAKURA AQUARIUM ", created by the creative production known as NAKED, pioneers in projection mapping. The concept invites visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a sea world alongside marine life, starting right from the entrance adorned in cherry blossoms. Featuring digital art inspired by a spring Japanese garden , "Sakura News" allows visitors to interact with cherry blossom-colored walls where flowers bloom at the touch of a hand. The event includes immersive experiences like "Dancing Sakura Garden " where fish swim among blossoms and "Spilling Sakura", an aquarium exhibit area themed around Japanese landscapes with cherry blossoms, offering engaging content that captivates all who visit. Also, a must-see is the "Dolphin Performance Night ver. Sakura Story", where dolphins perform dynamic jumps against a backdrop of a "Sea of Cherry Blossoms".

• Venue: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
• Dates: March 2 - April 19, 2024
• Times: 10 AM - 8 PM (Last admission at 7 PM)
• Price: Adults (High school students and above): 2,500 yen, Children (Elementary and middle school students): 1,300 yen, Toddlers (4 years and above): 800 yen
• Official website: NAKED SAKURA AQUARIUM
• Address Shinagawa Prince Hotel, 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8611

PuroSpringParty (Tama Center)

Sanrio Puroland is launching its first special event themed "Fresh," titled "PuroSpringParty." A highlight to look forward to is the "Ultra FRESH SAKURA PARTY!" where popular characters like Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Hello Kitty, and My Melody don vibrant new costumes in fresh pink and green, inviting guests to actively sing, dance, and enjoy in an interactive show . Additionally, there will be a limited-time photo spot where pressing a button plays the characters' voices, and the "PuroSpringParty Special Greeting," allowing guests to take photos with characters in their new costumes (this is a paid experience requiring prior reservation). The event will also feature a spring -themed menu, including cherry blossoms made of fish paste and vibrant orange slices.

• Venue: Sanrio Puroland
• Dates: April 12 - June 4, 2024
• Price: Refer to the official website as they vary depending on the date and time

• Address 1-31, Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo, 206-8588 View Map
• Nearest Station Tama-Center Station （Tama Urban Monorail） 5 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 042-339-1111

Super Sakura! 2024 at ART AQUARIUM (Ginza)

The Art Aquarium Museum in Ginza presents a spring exhibition that showcases beautiful swimming goldfish with the enhancement of sound, light, and scent. The aquarium area is adorned with cherry blossom-colored lights, scents that evoke cherry blossoms, and cherry blossom flowers for a complete thematic experience. A standout feature is the "Lanternium," inspired by traditional Japanese festival lanterns, designed to mimic cherry blossoms falling from above. Special attention is given to spheres that act as magnifying lenses, making the goldfish appear larger. Other exhibits include artworks representing cherry tree-lined paths and "Weeping Cherry × Waterfall," capturing the essence of Japanese spring . The "New Goldfish Evaluation" showcases goldfish with "Sakura" in their names. Additionally, extending business hours until 8 PM on Wednesdays (with some exceptions) makes it a recommended post-dinner destination.

• Venue: Art Aquarium Museum GINZA
• Dates: March 1 - April 24, 2024
• Times: 10 AM - 7 PM (Subject to change); On March 6, 13, 27 and April 3, 10, 17, until 8 PM (Last entry at 7 PM)
• Price: Web ticket: 2,300 yen ( https://ticket.artaquarium.jp/ ), Same-day ticket: 2,500 yen (Available on the 9th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi's new building)
• Closed: Follows the closing days of Ginza Mitsukoshi

• Address Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building 9th floor entrance, 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8212 View Map
• Nearest Station Ginza Station （Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-3528-6721

The 66th Kamakura Festival (Kamakura)

Since 1959, events have been held around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and various locations throughout the city. The opening event is the "Processional Parade" scheduled for April 14, 2024, starting at 10 AM. Participants, including the Kanagawa Prefectural Police Band, four portable shrines from the city, and groups performing traditional Japanese festival music, will march approximately 1 kilometer from Shimomaruko to the precincts of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine . This year, voice actors from the anime "The Elusive Samurai," airing in July 2024, will also participate. A must-see is the "Dance of Tranquility" performed at the shrine 's dance hall (April 14, from 3 PM). It's a dance dating back to the Kamakura period, performed by Shizuka Gozen , a court dancer, in memory of her beloved Minamoto no Yoshitsune, as ordered by Minamoto no Yoritomo. The dance is accompanied by a Japanese explanation. Additionally, on April 21, from 10 AM to 3 PM, outdoor tea ceremony seats, "Nodate seats," will be set up at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Kamakura 's Great Buddha Hall, Kotoku-in, where visitors can enjoy matcha on chairs prepared for them.

• Venue: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and various locations in the city
• Dates: April 14 and April 21, 2024
• Times: Refer to the official website as it varies by event
• Closed: Open daily during the event
• Inquiries: Kamakura Tourist Association, 0467-23-3050 (Operating hours: 9 AM - 5 PM)
• Details: Kamakura City Tourism Association website

• Address 2-1-31, Yukinoshita, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa, 248-8588 View Map
• Nearest Station Kamakura Station （JR Yokosuka Line / JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / Enoshima Electric Railway Line） 10 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0467-22-0315

Asakusa Yabusame (Asakusa)

Originally held as a New Year event at Asakusa Shrine during the Edo period, Taito Ward revived it in 1980 as a tourist attraction. Archers on galloping horses aim and shoot arrows at three sequential targets. The tense atmosphere, with the audience watching as the archers shoot targets from horseback, is truly spectacular. The Kamakura -era hunting attire worn by the archers is also worth seeing. Viewing the event requires a paid reservation in advance. Before the Yabusame (horseback archery) event begins, a "Kusajishi" (grass deer) archery, where archers shoot at deer-shaped targets made of grass bundles from about 20 meters away and approximately 110 meters high, is also held (free to view). The "Shiroku-no-gi" ceremony rewards archers who hit all three targets, evoking a trip back to the Edo period. The attire of the Kusajishi archers, featuring traditional eboshi (a type of headgear) and hitatare (a type of clothing), is also a highlight.

• Venue: Kusajishi at Sumida Park, Yamanohori Plaza; and Asakusa Yabusame at Sumida Park - between Sumida River Walk and Genmaku Bridge, both located in Taito Ward.
• Event Date: April 20, 2024
• Time: Kusajishi from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM and Asakusa Yabusame from 1 PM to 2:30 PM.
• Admission: Kusajishi is free, while Asakusa Yabusame costs 3,000 yen per seat with advance reservation, inclusive of commemorative merchandise
• Details: Asakusa Yabusame (Taito City Website)

• Address Sumida Park, 7-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032 View Map
• Nearest Station Asakusa Station （Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line / Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Sky Tree Line) / Tsukuba Express） 5 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-5246-1111

Kawasaki Kanamara Phallus Festival 2024

The Kanamara Phallus Festival, a celebration of fertility, is one of Japan's most iconic festivals and has been popular in the Kawasaki area for centuries. The main parade is held on April 7 in and around Kanayama Shrine , and the event has gained significant attention in the past decade. During the festivities, a mikoshi (portable shrine ) is hoisted, which is a surreal sight to behold. It's no wonder that the festival draws around 30,000 international visitors each year, who join the local crowd in the festivities and are probably surprised by all the attention!

• Venue: Kanayama Shrine (near Kawasaki Daishi Station)
• Event Schedule: April 6 - 7 and April 13 - 14, 2024.
• April 6: Daikon radish shaving ceremony (2 - 3:30 PM) and Yoimiya Festival (5 - 6 PM).
• April 7: Sacred fire event (10 - 10:15 AM), Main ceremony (10:15 - 10:45 AM), Mikoshi enclosing ceremony (10:45 - 11 AM), Mikoshi parade (11:30 AM - 2:30 PM).
• April 13 - 14: Kanamara Market and mikoshi displays (10 AM - 5 PM).

• Address Wakamiya Hachimangu and Kanayama Shrine, 2-13-16 Daishi Ekimae, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-0802 View Map
• Nearest Station Kawasaki-Daishi Station （Keikyu Daishi Line） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 044-222-3206

The 53rd Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Nezu)

Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo Ward hosts a flower event in its Azalea Garden , which is only open during this season . The garden features early, mid, and late-blooming azaleas, which bloom in succession. No matter when you visit in April—early, mid, or late—you'll find unique charms. Early April showcases the striking contrast between the budding flowers and fresh greenery, with no flowers yet fallen. Mid-April offers the peak viewing period with the most varieties in bloom. By late April, while some flowers have faded, late bloomers can still be enjoyed. On weekends, food trucks and stalls are available. While the garden can be toured in about 20 to 30 minutes, be prepared for potential waits of up to an hour just to purchase entrance tickets, especially during weekends in mid-April. Please plan your visit with time to spare.

• Venue: Nezu Shrine
• Dates: March 30 - April 30, 2024
• Times: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
• Admission: 500 yen
• Azalea Festival Details ( Nezu Shrine website )

• Address 1-28-9, Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0031 View Map
• Nearest Station Nezu Station （Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line） 5 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-3822-0753

Sakura Tulip Festa 2024 (Sakura, Chiba)

Located on the southern shores of Lake Inba, the Sakura Furusato Square, known for its iconic Dutch windmill, hosts an event where approximately 800,000 tulips bloom, transforming the area into a vast field of tulips. About 700,000 tulips of roughly 100 varieties in colors like red, pink, and orange are planted, including early and late bloomers, ensuring visitors experience different charms whenever they visit. The event features unique and rare tulip varieties, including fragrant, color-changing, and variegated types, some of which are making their debut in Japan. During the event, visitors can enjoy tulip bulb digging for sale (13 for 600 yen on weekdays during the event period, otherwise 10 for 600 yen), and on weekends, performances by a small street organ that plays automatically when the handle is turned. Food trucks are available daily, and the shop sells tulip-themed souvenirs along with Sakura local souvenirs.

• Venue: Sakura Furusato Square
• Dates: March 27 - April 21, 2024
• Times: 9 AM - 4 PM
• Admission: Please refer to the official website for event-specific pricing
• Official Sakura tulip festival site
• Address 27147, Usuida, Sakura-shi, Chiba 285-0861

Kameido Tenjin Shrine Fuji (Wisteria) Festival 2024

Wisteria flowers typically begin to bloom in late April. These violet flowers are a source of fascination for many Japanese people due to their abundance when in bloom. The wisteria is also a prominent theme in Ukiyoe, a traditional Japanese style of art. The contrast of colors is very striking, as the Wisteria flowers reflect on the water of the pond below. We also recommend experiencing the illuminations at night for an unforgettable viewing experience.

• Venue: Kameido Tenjin Shrine
• Event Schedule: April 6 - 30, 2024
• Illumination from sunset until 9 PM
• Admission: Free

• Address 3-6-1, Kameido, Koutou-ku, Tokyo, 136-0071 View Map
• Nearest Station Kameido Station （Tobu Kameido Line / JR Sobu Line） 14 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-3681-0010

CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2024 at ROPPONGI HILLS (Roppongi)

The CRAFT SAKE WEEK at Roppongi Hills Arena is Japan's largest sake event, featuring 120 carefully selected breweries from over 1,400 nationwide. This selection process involves meticulous tasting by experts, including former professional soccer player Hidetoshi Nakata, sake specialists, and top chefs, allowing visitors to sample exquisite Japanese sake from across the country without the need to travel. In addition, 15 popular restaurants, some of which have earned Michelin stars and are usually difficult to book, will offer specially developed original menus at reasonable prices exclusively for this event. The venue, designed by one of Japan's leading architects, will be enhanced with music selected by popular DJs, creating an exciting atmosphere. Not just the sake and food, but the event also celebrates Japanese culture with uniquely Japanese sake vessels and dishes used for serving, offering an immersive experience into Japanese traditions.

• Venue: Roppongi Hills Arena
• Dates: April 18 - April 29, 2024
• Times: Noon - 9 PM (Last Order: 8:30 PM)
• Admission: Starter Set 3,600 yen (Includes original sake cup and 11 food/drink coins) (*For subsequent visits, entry is possible by purchasing additional coins with the starter kit glass.)
• Official website: CRAFT SAKE WEEK

• Address 6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6108 View Map
• Nearest Station Roppongi Station （Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Toei Oedo Line） 0 minute on foot
• Phone Number 03-6406-6000

Craft Gyoza Fest TOKYO 2024 (Komazawa)

At the Gyoza Festival, craft gyoza are on full display, showcasing dumplings meticulously crafted at every stage from the dough and filling to the dipping sauce, with each element carefully selected to create a distinctly Japanese twist on the traditional dish. This year, out of 28 diverse gyoza menu items, 18 are new. The lineup includes not just pan-fried gyoza but also boiled, fried, steamed varieties, and even soup dumplings, bringing together a wide array of gyoza variations. From innovative offerings like "Cheese-topped Burst Juice Round Gyoza " and "Coriander Walnut Gyoza " that challenge traditional gyoza concepts to local ingredient-utilizing varieties like "Little Edo Black Pork Winged Gyoza " and "Tokachi Rich Miso Butter Beef Cutlet Gyoza ", each vendor brings their unique twist and dedication to their creations (all priced at 700 yen per plate). The festival also features festival-exclusive fruit beers such as "Niagara Honey" and "Fuji Sakura Highland Beer Pilsner" among the craft beer selections.

• Venue: Komazawa Olympic Park Central Plaza
• Dates: April 26 - May 6, 2024
• Times: 10 AM - 8 PM (Weekdays: 11 AM - 8 PM)
• Admission: Free entry (*Food and drink purchases available (food tickets, electronic money accepted))
• Official website: Craft Gyoza Fest TOKYO

• Address 1-1, Komazawakouen, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 154-0013 View Map
• Nearest Station Komazawa-Daigaku Station （Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line） 15 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-3421-6199

Oedo Antique Market

Held once or twice a month at Yurakucho's Tokyo International Forum, this is Japan's largest outdoor antique market. The event began in September 2003 to commemorate 400 years since the establishment of the Edo shogunate and currently takes place on the first and third Sunday of each month. About 250 stores participate, offering a wide range of items from fine art and antiques to everyday vintage goods.

The selection includes Japanese antiques dating back approximately 300 years as well as recent American vintage items, providing a rich assortment that offers a glimpse into Japanese history and culture. Its location is also a draw, being just a crosswalk away from Yurakucho Station and a five-minute walk from Tokyo Station .

• Venue: Yurakucho / Tokyo International Forum
• Dates: March 24, April 7, April 28, 2024
• Official website: Oedo antique market

• Address 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005 View Map
• Nearest Station Yurakucho Station （JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line） 1 minute on foot
• Phone Number 03-5221-9000

The array of events in April this year spans from historic festivals held annually to the latest food festivals and open-air antique markets. Under the gentle spring skies, these events offer plenty of opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation. Be sure to check them out! (*Note: The information in this article is as of March 2024. Please check official websites or sources for the latest updates.)

Written by:

Kaori Kimura

Kaori Kimura is a Japanese travel writer with roughly 20 years of experience in editing and publishing travel guides. After graduating from university, she worked at a publishing company for about 10 years, specializing in travel guides. She has undertaken numerous assignments both internationally, including in places like Paris, France, and Taiwan, as well as domestically in areas such as Hokkaido and Kyushu. Following this, she lived in Guangzhou, China for about two years as an expatriate spouse and contributed to local media, writing on economics and travel guides. Upon returning to Japan, she gained experience in editing and writing for web media. A key strength of hers is her involvement in creating travel guide articles for both inbound and outbound tourism. She possesses the highest level (HSK-6) of the standardized Chinese language proficiency test, level 2 in Japan's French language test, and EIKEN Grade Pre-1.

• Area Ryogoku / TOKYO SKYTREE(R)
• Category Spring

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Taking the train in Japan - all you need to know

Mar 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Find your way in Japan with our ultimate guide to rail travel © Chay_Tee / Shutterstock

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

South London park voted best place to see cherry blossom in the capital

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Spring is almost upon us and one of the most jaw-dropping signs of the new season is cherry blossom.

Although the stunning pale pink petals are typically associated with Japan , where a festival dedicated to them attracts millions of tourists, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of these wonderful flowers in London .

So, if you’re unable to travel to Japan for sakura season this year, catching a train down to Greenwich Park in South East London will give you amazing photo opportunities.

In a list of the best places to see cherry blossom in the big smoke, compiled by Time Out , Greenwich Park took the crown – beating the likes of Regent’s Park and Kew Gardens. 

‘The tangled branches create a candy floss arch that makes every pic look like the backdrop of a Lawrence Alma-Tadema painting,’ the publication said about the blooming brilliant views.

Greenwich Park is worth a visit because it’s not only soaked in cherry blossom petals, but also history. It’s the home of the Royal Observatory – where Greenwich Mean Time was born. 

The National Maritime Museum is a three-minute walk away from the park – plus Greenwich Market and the Cutty Sark are well-worth a visit.

Commenters on Tripadvisor have also left glowing reviews.

‘Beautiful skies and sakura tunnel,’ Elasong3 shared. ‘Great for picnics. Greenwich typically blooms a bit later than other areas like Regent’s Park.’

Best places to see cherry blossom in London:

• Greenwich Park
• Regent’s Park
• St James’ Park
• Kew Gardens
• Kensington Gardens
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Kyoto Garden, Holland Park
• Alexandra Palace

Although the UK will never replace Japan as the top destination for sakura, the journey to Greenwich Park is a lot quicker, compared to the 14 hours it takes on average to get to Kyoto from London.

And it might be worth staying in London if you want to see the flowers this spring, after a new warning was shared for those heading to Kyoto, Osaka or Nara for the pink flowers.

Latest London news

• Exact date the UK is set to be hotter than Los Angeles revealed
• M25 shut by crash while faulty train causes severe delays on London Underground
• There are some secret ancient ruins hiding in a London car park

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

While Japan’s annual cherry blossom event brings in visitors around the world every March to April, this year things are likely to be different.

Usually the blooming of the pink sakura happens in late March – but in 2023, this appeared ten days earlier than predicted.

This early debut was not a fluke and experts predict this is likely to happen again this year. 

According to historical documents from Kyoto , 2023 was tied for a record-early bloom, the earliest since records began in 1953.

But the early blossoms are not a good thing and indicate a response to global warming.

The season begins on the island of Kyushu, southwestern Japan, in March, when daily updates begin to track the sakura front as it progresses north.

While usually the average tourist might plan a trip from the end of March to mid April, future travel may look different.

Current trends show the season moving up by 11 days.

Your Weekly Horoscope

What does the week have in store? Your tarot horoscope reading for April 1 to April 7

The dramatic shift is expected to continue and future visitors may be seeing the sakura spectacle as early as February.

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Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

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