Japan is a beautiful and fascinating country, full of unique cultural experiences and natural wonders. From sleepy beach-lined islands to bustling megacities, peaceful temples to mountainside onsen villages, Japan has something for everyone to enjoy. People are lured to Japan every year, and for good reason - the promise of incredible fresh sushi, amazing train rides, intriguing traditions, and quirky pop culture.
Here’s our pick of the 10 best places to visit in Japan.
No. 10 - Osaka
Osaka is a city located on the island of Honshu and is the third most populous city in Japan, with a population of over 19 million people. Osaka is known for its lively street food scene, historic landmarks, and modern architecture.
One of Osaka's most famous landmarks is Osaka Castle, which was built in the 16th century by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, but the current incarnation is a faithful reconstruction of the original structure.
Another popular attraction in Osaka is the Dotonbori district, a bustling area of the city that is famous for its street food and nightlife. Visitors to Dotonbori can sample local specialties like takoyaki (grilled octopus balls), okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
Osaka is also home to a number of modern architectural marvels, including the Umeda Sky Building, a unique high-rise structure that offers stunning views of the city, and the Abeno Harukas skyscraper, which is currently the tallest building in Japan.
No. 9 - Takayama
Takayama is a city located in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. It is known for its beautifully preserved old town, which has a unique atmosphere and architecture that gives visitors a glimpse into Japan's traditional past.
The old town, known as Sanmachi Suji, features narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses, many of which have been converted into shops, cafes, and museums. The area is particularly famous for its sake breweries, where visitors can sample local brews and learn about the traditional production process.
Takayama is also home to a number of other interesting attractions. The Takayama Jinya is a former government office that dates back to the Edo period and now serves as a museum, while the Hida Folk Village is an open-air museum that showcases traditional Hida architecture.
Takayama is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Kamikochi National Park and the Shinhotaka Ropeway, which offers stunning views of the Northern Alps.
No. 8 - Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a historic city located in Ishikawa Prefecture, on the western coast of Japan's main island, Honshu. One of the main attractions in Kanazawa is the Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. The garden features picturesque ponds, hills, and trees, and is especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
Kanazawa is also known for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. The Nagamachi Samurai District features narrow streets and old samurai houses, while the Higashi Chaya District is a beautifully preserved geisha neighbourhood with narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses.
In addition to its historic attractions, Kanazawa is home to several world-class museums and galleries, including the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, the D.T. Suzuki Museum, and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art.
Kanazawa is also renowned for its local cuisine, including seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan and traditional dishes like "Kaga cuisine," which incorporates local ingredients and cooking methods.
No. 7 - Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the northernmost and second largest island of Japan, located in the northern part of the country. The island is home to several national parks, including Shiretoko National Park, Akan National Park, and Daisetsuzan National Park, which feature stunning landscapes, including volcanic lakes, hot springs, and wildlife such as brown bears, deer, and foxes. In winter, Hokkaido is also a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Hokkaido's largest city is Sapporo, which is known for its annual Snow Festival and delicious local cuisine, including its famous Sapporo Ramen and fresh seafood from nearby ports. Other major cities on the island include Hakodate, a historic port city with a unique blend of Japanese and Western architecture, and Asahikawa, known for its zoo and winter festivals.
Hokkaido is also home to the Ainu, an indigenous people with their own unique language and culture. Visitors can learn more about Ainu culture by visiting the Hokkaido Ainu Centre or attending an Ainu cultural performance.
No. 6 - Okinawa
Okinawa is a group of islands located in the southernmost part of Japan, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the East China Sea. It is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and unique culture.
The main island of Okinawa, also known as Okinawa Honto, is the largest and most populous island in the group. It is home to several historic sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shuri Castle, which was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The island is also famous for its unique traditional music, dance, and martial arts, such as karate.
Okinawa is a popular destination for beachgoers, with its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters. Some of the most famous beaches include the white-sand beach of Naminoue and the picturesque Emerald Beach. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing.
Okinawa is also home to several distinctive food cultures, such as the Okinawan soba, a type of noodle soup, and the local alcoholic beverage, awamori. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and other local specialties.
In addition to Okinawa Honto, the Okinawa Prefecture includes several other islands, such as Ishigaki Island, known for its coral reefs and beautiful beaches, and Miyako Island, which is also famous for its natural beauty and marine life.
No. 5 - Nara
Nara is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan, near Kyoto and Osaka. It was the first permanent capital of Japan, and is known for its historic temples, shrines, and gardens.
One of the most famous attractions in Nara is Nara Park, which is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. The deer are considered sacred and have become a symbol of the city. Visitors can purchase special food to feed the deer and take pictures with them.
Nara also boasts several impressive historic sites, including the Todaiji Temple, which houses the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha. The temple is also home to several other important cultural assets, including the Nigatsudo Hall and the Sangatsudo Hall.
The Kasuga Taisha Shrine is another important religious site in Nara, known for its numerous lanterns and beautiful architecture. The shrine is also surrounded by a beautiful forest, which is home to several walking paths.
Nara is also home to a number of beautiful gardens, such as the Isuien Garden and the Yoshikien Garden. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremonies in these gardens, as well as admire the beautiful scenery.
No. 4 - Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is an active volcano located on the Honshu island of Japan. It is the highest mountain in Japan, with a peak that rises 3,776.24 metres above sea level. Mount Fuji has been considered a sacred site for centuries and is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and pilgrims.
Mount Fuji is located about 62 miles southwest of Tokyo and can be seen from the city on a clear day. It is an iconic symbol of Japan and is recognized worldwide for its distinctive symmetrical cone shape.
Mount Fuji is a particularly popular destination for hikers, with many people climbing to the summit during the summer months when the weather is mild. The climb can be challenging, but it is considered to be a rite of passage for many people in Japan.
Mount Fuji is also a popular subject in Japanese art, literature, and culture. It has been depicted in countless works of art, including woodblock prints, paintings, and photographs. In addition, many Japanese people view the mountain as a symbol of their cultural identity and have a deep spiritual connection to it.
Despite its popularity, Mount Fuji is an active volcano, and there is a risk of eruption. The last eruption occurred in 1707, and scientists monitor the volcano carefully for signs of activity. In 2013, Mount Fuji was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as a cultural site.
No. 3 - Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a city located on the western coast of Honshu, the main island of Japan. It is known worldwide for being the site of the first atomic bomb used in warfare, which was dropped by the United States during World War II on August 6, 1945.
The bombing of Hiroshima, which killed around 140,000 people and devastated the city, is widely considered to be a turning point in world history. The event brought an end to the war and highlighted the destructive power of nuclear weapons, leading to international efforts to prevent the use of such weapons in the future.
Today, Hiroshima is a bustling city that has been rebuilt and modernised since the war. It is home to over a million people and is an important centre for industry, culture, and education in Japan. The city is also known for its peace activism and is home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which includes the Atomic Bomb Dome, a preserved building that was one of the few structures to survive the bombing.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located in the park, is dedicated to promoting peace and educating visitors about the events of August 1945. The museum displays artefacts and photographs from the bombing and offers a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the bombing.
In addition to its history, Hiroshima is also known for its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. The city is famous for its Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with vegetables, meat, and seafood.
No. 2 - Kyoto
Kyoto is a city located in the central part of Japan, on the island of Honshu. It is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture and was the imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1868. Today, Kyoto is a major cultural and tourism hub in Japan, with a rich history and many world-famous attractions.
One of the most iconic features of Kyoto is its many temples and shrines, which reflect the city's long history as a centre of religion and spirituality. Among the most famous are the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji).
Another attraction of Kyoto is its traditional Japanese architecture, including beautifully preserved wooden buildings and gardens that showcase the country's distinctive aesthetic. Examples of this include the Gion district, where geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) can still be seen walking through the streets, and the Nijo Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kyoto is also renowned for its cuisine, which is characterised by fresh ingredients and a focus on seasonal flavours. Some of the city's most famous dishes include tofu, matcha (powdered green tea), and kaiseki, a multi-course meal that showcases the best of traditional Japanese cuisine.
No. 1 - Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan, located in the eastern part of the country on the island of Honshu. With a population of over 13 million people in the city proper, and over 37 million in the greater Tokyo area, it is one of the most populous cities in the world.
Tokyo is a major centre for business, finance, technology, and culture, and is considered one of the world's leading global cities. It is home to many of Japan's most important institutions, including the Imperial Palace, the National Diet, and the headquarters of many major corporations.
The city is known for its cutting-edge technology, fashion, and art, as well as its distinctive cuisine. Tokyo is famous for its many attractions, such as the Tokyo Tower, the Meiji Shrine, and the bustling shopping districts of Shibuya and Ginza. The city is also home to many world-class museums and galleries, including the Tokyo National Museum and the Mori Art Museum.
Tokyo is a city that blends traditional Japanese culture with modernity and innovation. Visitors can experience everything from ancient temples and traditional tea ceremonies to the latest fashion trends and cutting-edge technology. It is a vibrant and dynamic city that never fails to impress visitors from around the world.
For tickets to the best tours and attractions in Japan, click the button below:
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in Japan. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in Japan.
Comments