In 2023, Japan welcomed over 25 million international visitors, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. Despite its small size, each city in Japan boasts its unique charm, attracting many repeat visitors who come to enjoy the rich food culture, historical temples, and shrines. The high level of hospitality in Japanese restaurants and hotels is also a significant draw.
This article aims to guide those planning a trip to Japan by introducing ten cities that are a must-visit.
1.What are the best cities to visit in Japan?
Japan, located in Northeast Asia, consists of four major islands, including Honshu and Kyushu, along with over 14,000 smaller islands. Its territory stretches from the subarctic climate of Hokkaido to the subtropical climate of Okinawa, encompassing a wealth of stunning natural beauty.
This nation has long been a guardian of ancient traditions while continuously fostering new culture and technology. Cities like Tokyo, where cutting-edge trends are born, and Kyoto, renowned for its historic temples and shrines, are internationally recognized symbols of Japan.
Beyond the well-known Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan boasts a plethora of cities each with its own unique character. From Sapporo, where you can immerse yourself in magnificent northern nature, to Osaka and Nagoya, known for their distinctive culinary cultures, and Fukuoka, a bustling hub at Asia’s gateway – the list of captivating cities is endless.
We encourage you to experience for yourself these wondrous Japanese cities.
2.Top 10 Cities to Visit in Japan
Japan comprises a diverse range of places, from bustling global cities to rural towns where traditional landscapes still prevail. There’s an abundance of destinations catering to the varied interests of tourists. Below are 10 must-visit cities.
2-1.Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is an immensely popular city among foreign tourists.It boasts a plethora of tourist spots where you can discover both the old and new Japan, including Tokyo Tower, Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Toyosu Market, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
The city is also a haven for culture and arts enthusiasts, with numerous large and small galleries, museums, and theaters. For shoppers, Tokyo offers a wide array of destinations like Ginza, Shinjuku, and Harajuku, where you can find everything from traditional crafts to the latest fashion trends, making it a unique city that caters to all kinds of interests.
2-2.Kyoto
Kyoto, once the capital of Japan from the 8th century until the latter half of the 19th century, is now renowned as the country’s quintessential historic city, drawing countless tourists from both within Japan and around the globe. Its accessibility is a major draw, with easy connections available from Tokyo via the Shinkansen and from Osaka via JR or private railways.
The city is home to countless historical monuments, shrines, temples, and landmarks, including Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama. Kyoto also hosts grand events such as the Gion Matsuri, where magnificent floats parade through the streets, and the annual Aoi Matsuri, where people dressed in Heian-period costumes march in a grand procession.
2-3.Osaka
Osaka is a major city in western Japan that plays a central role in the region’s politics, economy, and culture. The area boasts an extensive network of railways and roads, making it easy to tour various attractions by train or car. Additionally, the presence of Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport facilitates both domestic and international travel by air.
The city is home to a variety of tourist destinations, including Osaka Castle, which is a registered national cultural property, Universal Studios Japan, and famed culinary district Dotonbori. Be sure to treat yourself to Osaka’s signature dishes, such as okonomiyaki and kushikatsu.
2-4.Nagoya
Nagoya, situated midway between Tokyo and Osaka, is a city renowned for its manufacturing prowess, particularly in automobiles and aerospace. In and around Nagoya, visitors can explore corporate museums such as the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. The recently opened Ghibli Park has become a favorite destination for anime fans and families alike.
For those interested in Japan’s history, Nagoya offers sites deeply connected to famous warlords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, including Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine. The city is also famous for its distinctive local cuisine, including miso katsu, a version of pork cutlet with a miso-based sauce, and hitsumabushi, a local style of grilled eel.
2-5.Yokohama
Yokohama is a city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, and is accessible in about 20 minutes from Shinagawa, Tokyo. It is home to Yokohama Port, one of Japan’s leading international trade ports, which has a history of welcoming diverse peoples and cultures from overseas. Yokohama Chinatown, with over 600 shops, is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Facing Yokohama Port, the Minato Mirai 21 area hosts popular attractions such as the Cup Noodles Museum, Yokohama Cosmo World amusement park, and the Landmark Tower. The observation floor on the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower offers vistors a magnificent panoramic view.
2-6.Sapporo
Sapporo, located in Hokkaido, is a city popular with tourists and the fifth most populous metropolis in Japan. Despite its urban size, it is surrounded by rich natural landscapes in the suburbs. The summers are refreshing with no rainy season, and the winters, with heavy snowfall, are perfect for various winter sports.
The city is replete with tourist attractions, including the Sapporo Clock Tower, the former Hokkaido Government Office Building, and the Sapporo Beer Museum. Among the various events held in Sapporo, the Sapporo Snow Festival is especially famous. It draws lively crowds with an array of snow and ice sculptures, snow sculpture contests, and enchanting nighttime illuminations.
2-7.Fukuoka
Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu and is known as the “Gateway to Asia” due to its proximity to the Korean Peninsula and the Asian continent. The convenience of reaching Hakata Station, Fukuoka’s main terminal, from Fukuoka Airport in just about 5 minutes by subway is one of its attractive features.
In the evenings, over 100 food stalls appear on the streets of Fukuoka, offering delicious and affordable local cuisine such as tonkotsu ramen, oden, yakitori, and gyoza. These stalls not only provide a taste of Fukuoka’s gourmet delights but also offer a convivial atmosphere akin to social gathering spots. Additionally, the city boasts a range of must-visit attractions, from the historical Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine to the modern Fukuoka Tower.
2-8.Hirosima
Hiroshima is globally recognized as a city of peace, famously known for being the site of the atomic bombing during World War II. Apart from the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which are dedicated to the memory of the bombing, the city offers a variety of other attractions, including Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, and Orizuru Tower.
The Itsukushima Shrine, located on a sacred island that appears to float in the sea and designated as a World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist destination. The shrine is famous for its grand main hall and the iconic “floating” torii gate, which stands just off shore. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a local specialty, is a savory pancake made with a batter of flour and water, layered with cabbage and other ingredients, and cooked to perfection.
2-9.Nara
Nara, alongside Kyoto, is one of Japan’s ancient capitals, boasting a history of around 1300 years and home to numerous temples, shrines, and historical sites. Among its most famous attractions is Nara Park, renowned for its resident deer which visitors can feed, as well as significant cultural landmarks like Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple.
Beyond the Nara Park area, visitors can explore significant historical sites such as Horyu-ji Temple and Toshodai-ji Temple, encountering important architectural works, statues, and paintings that have played a pivotal role in Japan’s history. Mount Yoshino, designated as a World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its cherry blossoms, with numerous temples dotting the mountain that can be explored on foot.
2-10.Kobe
Kobe is renowned for its fashionable port city ambiance and is also famous as the origin of Kobe beef. The area is filled with diverse tourist spots, including the seaside Meriken Park and Harborland, the Kitano district with its many Western-style buildings, and Nankinmachi, one of Japan’s largest Chinatowns.
Kikuseidai, accessible via cable car and ropeway from the city, is one of the popular spots offering stunning views of Kobe’s beautiful nightscape once the sun sets. For sake enthusiasts, the Nada district is a must-visit, and multiple breweries offer tours and tasting sessions.
Conclusion
Japan offers a variety of experiences, from Tokyo, where the latest trends emerge, to Kyoto, where visitors can enjoy ancient buildings and history. Each city has its unique traditional foods, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and history through cuisine.
The cities mentioned here are among Japan’s most popular with tourists. Besides these, Japan is home to many other captivating cities worth exploring. When you visit Japan, be sure to fully immerse yourself in the unique charms of each city.
*This article is based on information available as of March 2024.
