Places to visit in Japan
There is no shortage of stunning cities and regions to visit in Japan with the likes of Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, and Mt Fuji all leading the way when it comes to must-see destinations. Deciding which places to visit on your tour of Japan may be entirely up to personal preference, however, there are a few cities that simply need to feature a spot on your itinerary from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the historic town of Takayama.Â
While we know it's not always possible to tick off every destination on your list (to do Japan properly you'd need weeks and who has that much annual leave time?), we've put together a guide on the places that simply have to be visited if you want to learn more about what the country is famous for, and about its rich culture and fascinating past.Â
1. HiroshimaÂ
There's plenty to do in Hiroshima including visiting art museums and wandering the city's lush, greenery-filled parks but it's Hiroshima's peace memorials that captivate travellers the most. From looking over the Cenotaph in the Peace Memorial Park and learning about the aftermath of the destruction during WWII at the Peace Memorial Museum to taking in the eerie Atomic Bomb Dome (pictured), this city remains a symbol of peace and aims to educate visitors on a challenging part of our universal history.Â
Visit this peaceful city on our Classic Japan tour
2. KyotoÂ
If you're looking to soak up as much Japanese culture as you can and visit as many traditional sites as possible, you can't go past Kyoto with its colourful shrines, Buddhist temples, and impeccable gardens. Boasting temples steeped in thousands of years of history and the largest collection of World Heritage Listed sites in the world, including Nijo-jo Castle and Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, this breathtaking city is full of astonishing places to visit. And if you're lucky, you might just spot a geisha or two.Â
Wander the streets of Kyoto on our Japan Express tour
3. TokyoÂ
Tokyo is perhaps Japan's most famous city (also the country's capital city)Â and is often at the top of travellers' must-visit lists. Once you get there and start exploring, it's not very hard to see why. From towering skyscrapers and streets glowing with neon to packed pedestrian crossings and stores filled with anime and manga merchandise, Tokyo is an exciting city that offers a little something for everyone 24/7. Whether you want to buy a hamburger from a vending machine or jump on a bullet train squished alongside hundreds of other passengers, Tokyo is an explosion for the senses in the best way possible.Â
Embark on an epic adventure on our Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak tour
4. Osaka
Known as the food capital of Japan, you simply can't visit the 'Land of the Rising Sun' without tasting your way through Osaka. Often overlooked in favour of more popular cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, Osaka promises plenty of Japanese culture and cuisine without the large crowds (unless you're planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan). With a vibrant street food scene that prides itself on offering cheap eats to travellers hungry for traditional dishes (takoyaki or fried octopus balls and Okonomiyaki or Japanese pizza are definitely on the menu), it won't take long for your tastebuds to start singing this city's praises.Â
Eat your way through Osaka on our Essential Japan tour
5. Mt FujiÂ
If you're visiting Kyoto and Osaka then you can't avoid the commanding sight of Mt Fuji, standing tall at over 12,000 feet. Boasting the title of Japan's highest peak and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, this stunning volcano is an impressive sight against the Shizuoka skyline and is at its most iconic when there's a dusting of snow across its summit. But this mountain isn't just stunning to look at or challenging to climb up. It's also one-third of Japan's Holy Mountains - a sacred collection of peaks that are all believed to have different powers.Â
Get a look at Mt Fuji on our Premium Japan tour
6. Japanese Alps
It's easy to get carried away with the bright lights of Japan's vibrant cities but this diverse country is also home to an alpine region that looks as if it's straight out of your favourite fairytale. Escape the urban hustle and bustle and venture to the peaceful Japanese Alps, a collection of peaks that rival the height of nearby Mt Fuji. With seven peaks in total, the Japanese Alps offer travellers the chance to embark on snow-sporting adventures such as skiing and snowboarding, as well as soak their tired bodies in traditional onsens or natural hot spring baths. For a little extra excitement, stop in at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in the Nagano Prefecture to see some Japanese Macaques in the wild.Â
7. Takayama
Takayama may not be the biggest or brightest city in Japan, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. In fact, Takayama comes out on top in terms of history as it's recognised as a beautifully preserved castle town from the Edo period (1603-1868). Nestled in the Hida Mountains as part of the Gifu Prefecture, Takayama exudes a mystical and traditional atmosphere thanks to its location among the clouds and features an Old Town that's bursting with craft shops selling traditional wares, restaurants serving local cuisines, and historic buildings in the classic Edo period architecture.Â
Visit Takayama on our Japan: Land of the Rising Sun tour
8. MiyajimaÂ
It's entirely possible you'll have seen pictures of Miyajima's most famous attraction long before you set your sights on it in real life but the Itsukushima Shrine is 10x more impressive when it's right in front of you. Don't just take our word for it though. Travel to Miyajima for yourself and marvel at the island's famous giant torii gate which appears to float on the water's surface during high tide. But Miyahima's natural attractions rival that of its manmade ones with the island providing the perfect, untouchable sanctuary for Japan's native flora and fauna.Â
Read more about Japan
Jun 30, 2022
What is Japan famous for? The 11...
Japan is full of wonders, both naturally and man-made. We've put together a list...
Oct 11, 2022
Now is the perfect time to visit...
After two and a half years of border closures, Japan is finally reopening its...
Jan 02, 2023
6 ways you can go beyond Asia’s...
The world’s biggest, most populous continent has so much to offer, it can be...
Nov 14, 2022
Japan or China: Where to travel next?
Sometimes the hardest part of travelling is choosing where to go...
Sep 05, 2019
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
From witnessing Bolivia's salt flats, to staring in wonder at the cherry blossoms...
Aug 08, 2018
What to expect on a Real Food...
What's your ticket for finding the tastiest meals in Japan? Travelling with a...
May 05, 2022
Convenience store food: Japan’s world...
Convenience store fare? Food from vending machines? Isn’t travel all about eating...
May 16, 2022
Why train travel is the one...
So what’s so good about Japanese trains anyway? Answer: just about everything.
Jul 23, 2022
The naked truth: a non-nudist’s guide...
Okay, I’ll admit it, I was nervous about using a Japanese onsen. I’m not a big...
Sep 20, 2022
Japan or South Korea? How to choose...
They might be next to each other but is one country actually better?
Jun 24, 2022
Try and spot these 8 native Japanese...
The vibrant culture and delicious cuisine aren't the only reasons to travel to...
Aug 07, 2017
A local’s guide to visiting Japan on...
After 8 years based here, I can say that Japan rivals many nations with its budget...
Jan 12, 2018
Why you should add Southern Japan to...
With vast, dramatic landscapes and dramatically fewer tourists than the rest of...
Jul 22, 2018
Vegetarian or vegan? Here’s how to...
Vegetarian and vegan travellers can have their yakitori, and eat it too. Here's...
May 01, 2017
5 traditional alleyways in Tokyo...
What many people don’t know is that behind Tokyo’s tall buildings and neon lights...
Nov 26, 2019
Things to do in Japan during summer
If you’re planning a visit to Japan, or have your travel plans locked in, here’s...
Jan 19, 2020
Hey kids! 10 awesome family travel...
On family holidays, it can sometimes be tricky finding fun things to do that...
Dec 17, 2019
Why I loved hiking Japan’s Kumano...
I’d count myself as more of an enthusiast than a hardcore outdoors woman. I tag...
May 14, 2018
How to eat and drink like a local in...
Combinis, depachikas, izakayas and restaurants in alleys off alleys off alleys....
Apr 30, 2018
Brunching in Asia: 9 delicious...
How would you like to swap your usual brunch favourites for something a little...
Jan 23, 2019
What a trip to Matsuyama taught me...
Perhaps that’s the part of a trip to Matsuyama that sticks with you most....
Jun 21, 2016
Flavours of Nikkei: lifting the lid...
When I think of Peruvian cuisine, I think traditional. Juicy lomo saltado spiked...
Aug 05, 2016
Why Japan does whisky bars better...
We’re in Kyoto’s Gion district, and the Geisha Hour is about to begin. Time to...