Everybody must check out Japan a minimum of when in their life time. Japan has countless covert gems and is a year-round location. You can visit its ski resorts in winter season or the lovely shoreline in summertime. And, whatever the season, Japan’s cities are constantly prepared to invite you with interesting tourist attractions, tasty street food, and container loads of culture.
The genuine concern is, which of the cities in Japan should you check out? In a perfect world, all of them. Nevertheless, this guide will narrow it down to the outright finest cities.
Check Out Japan: The Leading Cities in Japan
Japan has some extraordinary cities. From Tokyo to Sapporo, these are the very best cities in Japan for your next experience. Let’s dive directly in.
1. Tokyo
When you consider cities in Japan, it’s safe to state that Tokyo will remain in your leading 3. As the capital, Tokyo is among the significant Japanese cities and brings in countless travelers a year. It is likewise the biggest city in Japan, with an approximated population of around 14 million individuals.
Believe hectic streets, busy home entertainment, and flashing neon lights– Tokyo is stressful however interesting. Tokyo is where to check out if you wish to be ideal in the thick of all the action, with a lot of museums to trip, going shopping to bag, and enjoyable to be had. The large size of the city is interesting in itself.
So, where do you start? What are the finest things to do in Tokyo? Well, after going to the city a couple of times we recommend beginning with Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower might look familiar, and it ought to be. The tower was greatly motivated by the Eiffel Tower. In reality, the only distinction is that Tokyo Tower is 333 meters high and red and white.
Heading to the top of the tower, you can learn more about Tokyo’s architectural history en path, ending up with an incredible view of the lovely city listed below. Close by, there’s likewise Tokyo Skytree which stands at an excessive 634 meters and is the highest tower on the planet– so be prepared to invest a minimum of a couple of hours among the clouds.
To value Tokyo’s environment on the ground, head to Golden Gai for a downtown ambiance or Shibuya Crossing for a CBD experience. Permit time to check out museums like the Mori Art Museum, Japan Olympic Museum, and NHL Museum of Broadcasting.
2. Osaka
Osaka is another among Japan’s big cities. Osaka has a strong character, and the port city has a business soul with lots going on at all hours of day and night. There’s constantly street food to taste, a bar to hop to, and tourist attractions to check out. Osaka is an excellent location to check out if you enjoy a mix of partying, unwinding, and sightseeing. The city has great deals of character and a balance of whatever– like a compromise without any sacrifice.
To value the history of Osaka, a journey to Osaka Castle must be on your schedule. The 16th-century castle is surrounded by cherry trees and a moat, and Osaka Castle is among the most beautiful locations to check out in the city. While, if you desire a day of light-hearted enjoyable, there’s Universal Studios Japan to check out. The amusement park has Hollywood-themed flights, and it’s easily situated simply outside the center of Osaka.
Lastly, Osaka is the well-known house of among Japan’s earliest Shinto shrines. Sumiyoshi Taisha is a popular Shinto shrine to check out– on tourist or spiritual premises. We advise checking out to completely experience Japan’s lovely spiritual culture.
3. Kyoto
Tokyo may be the capital today, however Kyoto was when the nation’s capital. In the center of the Kansai area, Kyoto is among Japan’s many conventional cities. In Kyoto, you’ll discover timeless dark wood homes and a lot of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. If you are chasing after culture and custom, Kyoto is an excellent location to check out in Japan.
To experience the conventional streets lined by wood homes, head to Gion. You can roam in the morning for the quietest streets or during the night to see the patched roadways lit by paper lanterns. Checking out the numerous temples of Kyoto is likewise a must-do on your journey, particularly the Golden Structure. You can appreciate the Golden Structure from throughout its pond, being wowed by the golden tint that offers it its name and appeal.
Trying to find attractive scenes? Head to the bamboo forest of Arashiyama or the red columned sidewalks of the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Kyoto has plenty of spectacular surroundings and mind-blowing cultural tourist attractions. You can learn more in our guides on the finest locations and things to do in Kyoto.
4. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a name few forget. Regretfully, the factor behind Hiroshima being among the most well-known cities in Japan is the atomic battle that happened in 1945. The United States dropped an atomic bomb on the big city, triggering over 100,000 casualties. Visitors to the city can now pay their aspects to the victims and damage at numerous unforgettable tourist attractions, consisting of the Peace Park.
There is much to value about Hiroshima in its own right, however. Food fans must sample the Japanese pancake, nicknamed Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. There’s likewise Hiroshima Castle to explore and Shukkei-en picturesque garden to walk. Hiroshima’s culture and history have actually not been polluted by the terrible atomic bomb, and you’ll enjoy the city’s range of tourist attractions.
5. Nagoya
Nagoya is understood for production and shipping and is the capital of the Aichi Prefecture. Have you become aware of Honda? Toyota? Mitsubishi? All of these huge automobile brand names were established in Nagoya. Nagoya has an ingenious, commercial environment, perfect for those wishing to experience business side of Japan.
Visitors must explore the Toyota Exhibit Hall to get a much better concept of automobile production in Japan. Nagoya Castle is terrific for a historic intro to Nagoya. There are likewise one-off occasions in Nagoya like the Nagoya Sumo Competition in July, the Nagoya Matsuri celebration in October, and the World Cosplay Top in July and August.
Nagoya has lots going on, so do not forget to inspect the city’s schedule. And, in your downtime, make certain to attempt some miso katsu– miso katsu is a local specialized.
6. Saitama
Seeking to check out the genuine side of Japan? Saitama is a mainly property city, best for getting a quieter experience of Japan. Among the very best methods to experience a nation is by leaving its primary traveler locations. If you choose this design of travel, Saitama is the location for you. Lots of locals utilize Saitama as a commuter town, taking a trip to Tokyo for work throughout the week.
So, what exists to see in Saitama? Hitsujiiyama Park is a beautiful location to check out and is renowned for its carpet-like development of pink moss. For those who like tasting sessions, you can likewise take a sake trip around the city– tasting the conventional Japanese alcohol. Saitama is a lovely location to check out, not too far from the other significant cities however far enough away to leave the consistent buzz.
7. Fukuoka
Another of the significant cities in Japan is Fukuoka. Fukuoka is well-known for its lovely islands and rests on the shoreline, surrounded by beautiful beaches best for a summertime trip. The port city lies in Fukuoka Prefecture. The prefecture capital is popular amongst young experts, trainees, and organizations.
The city’s piece de resistances are Fukuoka Castle, Kyushu National Museum, and Dazaifu Tenman-gu, a shrine to the god of education. Fukuoka is a guaranteed metropolitan area. If you enjoy an interesting city environment filled with action, vibrant food, and home entertainment, Fukuoka is best. It does not have the history of Kyoto and the appeal of Tokyo. Still, if you desire an enjoyable ‘2nd city’, you’ll have a wonderful time.
8. Nara
Nara is most well-known for its deer population. If you have actually seen photos of Nara online, possibilities are you have actually seen the picturesque temple scenes. The temples are surrounded by green area and Bambi-look-a-likes– charming, we understand. Like Kyoto, Nara was likewise when a capital city. Nevertheless, now, Nara is much better understood for its peaceful environment and royal history.
The leading things to do in Nara are to check out Nara Deer Park, Todai-Ji Temple, and Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine. You might quickly invest an entire day temple-hopping however, and Nara has plenty of serene locations for visitors to immerse themselves in Japan’s lovely culture.
Nara is likewise simple to integrate with going to other cities in Japan. Taking a trip from Kyoto to Nara is simply a brief train trip, taking around 45 minutes one method.
9. Nagasaki
Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki was victim to an atomic bomb in 1945. The destruction was heartbreaking, and visitors can pay their aspects today at tourist attractions like the Peace Park. Nagasaki has numerous other elements that make it an instructional location though. Nagasaki is among the biggest port cities in Japan and has a long history of trading with Europe.
The outcome is a combination of European and Japanese culture and impact. You’ll discover Christian websites like Oura Cathedral among the collection of spectacular shrines and temples. To immerse yourself in the history of Japan’s worldwide relations, you truly can’t discover a much better location.
Then, when you’re prepared, you can check out the Atomic Hypocenter Park and Peace Park to find the darker side of Nagasaki’s history. The city has lots for you to discover.
10. Sapporo
Do you acknowledge the name Sapporo? The city of Sapporo simply takes place to be the name (and birth place) of among Japan’s most well-known beer brand names. Sapporo is the capital of the Hokkaido Prefecture and is quickly among the very best cities in Japan. Located on Japan’s Northern Island, Sapporo is well-combined with a check out to Tokyo.
Visitors can explore the Sapporo Beer Museum or ride as much as the top of the Sapporo Television Tower. There’s a wonderful mix of tourist attractions in Sapporo. It has that city buzz, with great deals of big-city-style home entertainment and traveler facilities.
If you can, correspond your see to Sapporo with the Snow Celebration. The winter season celebration is among the very best on the planet, and the winter season wonderland spreads out 1.5 km– filled with ice sculptures, an ice skating rink, and sledding locations.
11. Kobe
Kobe is among Japan’s biggest port cities, starting to overflow with flashy high-rise buildings and modern-day living. This is not what got Kobe its location in this guide though; its food scene is what makes it differ from Japan’s other finest cities. Kobe is world well-known for its Kobe beef and renowned for its seafood. If you check out Kobe, be prepared to sprinkle out on day-to-day dining establishment meals, as its food is too appealing to go by.
We recommend checking out Kitano Town to see Kobe’s old-school architecture. Obviously, if you stroll by a steakhouse, make sure to appear and get a table for a taste of Kobe beef. Steak Aoyama is a little, family-run steakhouse with an outstanding credibility for tasty meals and quite sensible costs. Complete your day with a walk around the harbor, with views of the modern-day horizon illuminating after dark.
Got a little additional time? Raise Mount Rokko. Mount Rokko eclipses the city as a lovely however strong natural landmark. There are a series of path choices so have a look at which finest fits your physical fitness and technical capabilities.
12. Nikko
Nikko is among the tiniest cities in Japan. Located in the Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is surrounded by the Japanese Alps. It is among the most lovely locations to check out in the nation– not to mention simply among Japan’s finest cities.
You can check out Nikko itself or utilize the city as an entrance to Nikko National forest. You’ll discover temples, monkeys, and natural surroundings galore. Nikko is best for fans of the outdoors. Visitors can quickly stabilize treking days and outside activities with sightseeing in the Nikko town hall.
When it concerns things to do in Nikko, the Shinko Bridge is a must. The renowned red bridge is the postcard picture of Nikko, and you must include it to even the quickest of schedules. We likewise advise costs a minimum of a day temple hopping. Beyond Nikko, Kegon Falls is wonderful to check out. And, if you get a possibility, take a picturesque boat trip down the Kinugawa River.
Nikko is lovely. To leave the beaten track and surround yourself with nature, look no more. Nikko has a calmness that the significant cities in Japan simply can’t offer. We remained in a standard Ryokan in Nikko, and you can check out our experience here.
13. Matsue
Matsue remains in the Shimane Prefecture on the southwest coast of Japan. The big city is called ‘the water city’, thanks to its area in between the sea and Lake Shinji. Mastue is less popular than significant cities like Tokyo, however those who stray off the beaten course will be highly rewarded. Matsue has plenty of feudal history, archaeological sites, and lovely surroundings.
The very best things to do are to check out Matsue Castle, the Adachi Museum of Art, and among the shrines. The Yaegaki and Miho shrines are both well-known for their appeal. While, if you wish to welcome the water activities of ‘the water city’, you can take a sundown cruise on Lake Shinji.
Matsue has a peaceful environment and is an outstanding summertime location. It is among the very best cities to relax and discover on the very same journey.
14. Beppu
Beppu isn’t constantly consisted of in lists of the very best cities in Japan. Sure, Beppu isn’t among Japan’s significant cities. Nevertheless, it is among the nation’s most interesting locations to check out. Beppu is a geologist’s pleasure and the very best location for warm springs in Japan. If you desire a health club trip or simply to experience the natural questions in Japan, Beppu deserves going to.
Because Beppu has more than 2,000 warm spring sources, you’ll have great deals of spa-related things to do in the city. You can select heated mineral springs or shower in nutrient-rich heated mud or sand baths. You might even steam your own food over the onsen steam.
Want something absolutely various? Take a cable television cars and truck journey up the Beppu Ropeway or check out the Harmonyland amusement park. Beppe is among the very best cities in Japan for a brief trip and is absolutely worth an area on your schedule.
Last Ideas
There are numerous remarkable cities in Japan. The nation is a bonanza of interesting city scenes, and you’ll discover a distinct culture, customs, and tasty food. Whether you desire the neon lights of Tokyo or the blue waters of the sea by Fukuoka, you’ll rapidly discover a city to fit your requirements and interests. Besides, all of these cities in Japan deserve going to.
We hope that you have a fantastic see to Japan. The nation makes certain to influence a return see, so prepare to fall in love.