Best Cities to Visit in Japan: Top 10 Picks & Why

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Written by Isabella Torres
Nov 19, 2024 4-min read

Japan is a kaleidoscope of experiences, where ancient customs meet modern marvels.

Meanwhile, Japan’s cities each have their own unique character, drawing in visitors with their own histories, cultures, and landscapes.

Before you go, don’t forget to bring your iRoamly Japan travel eSIM to stay connected effortlessly throughout your journey and share unforgettable moments online with friends and family.

Below, we highlight the top ten best places to visit in Japan. Enjoy!

Best Japan Cities You Must Visit Top 10

1. Tokyo

The Pulse of Modern Japan

As the capital and Japan's largest city, Tokyo is everything. Here, you can dine at a robot restaurant before immersing yourself in ancient kabuki theatre. Shop til you drop in high-end Ginza or browse the latest electronic gadgets in electronics hub Akihabara.

Don't Miss...
  • Shibuya Crossing: The busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

  • Tokyo Tower: Panoramic views of the city.

  • Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple.

Shibuya Crossing

2. Kyoto

The Heart of Japanese Tradition

Kyoto is a living time capsule of Japan's illustrious past, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies or overnight stays in temple lodgings. In autumn, the city is a riot of colour as people flock to see the vibrant leaves against the ancient settings.

Don't Miss...
  • Kinkaku-ji: The Golden Pavilion – a classic Kyoto image

  • Gion District: Explore the geisha culture of Kyoto

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A tranquil walk through bamboo

3. Osaka

A Culinary Adventure

Known for its ‘kuidaore’ attitude to food (loosely translated as ‘eat until you drop’), Osaka’s nickname speaks volumes about the city. Exploring the variety of things to do in Osaka, Japan will lead you to discover its vibrant marketplaces, such as the famous Kuromon Ichiba Market, where the city's boisterous merchant past is still very much alive.

Don't Miss...
  • Osaka Castle: step back in time once you step through the extensive walls.

  • Universal Studios Japan in Osaka: scream if you want to go faster on popular rides.

  • Dotonbori: find the true heart of Osaka—its food and drink.

Osaka Castle

4. Hiroshima

City of Peace

Once synonymous only with the atomic bombing of 1945, Hiroshima has grown from the rubble into a city of peace and culture, embracing its status as a survivor to promote peace education. It’s also a short hop to the Seto Inland Sea, a beautiful destination for seafood and cliffside views as the sun sets.

Don't Miss...
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: discover the history and the message of peace.

  • Hiroshima Castle: a painstakingly reintroduced relic of the past worth investigating.

  • Shukkeien: a historic garden in the heart of the city, perfect for meditation.

5. Sapporo

Winter Wonderland: 

The capital of Japan’s northernmost island is best known outside the country for its annual Sapporo Snow Festival, but the city is a great spot to visit in summer too, with cherry blossoms arriving and festivals celebrating each season. The city’s brew work is evident in historic breweries and the Sapporo Beer Museum.

Don't Miss...
  • Sapporo Snow Festival: you HAVE to see these snow sculptures.

  • Odori Park: the extensive centerpiece of the city’s events schedule.

  • Historic Village of Hokkaido: journey to the frontier past in this open-air museum.

6. Nara

Cradle of Japanese Culture

The first capital of Japan is a historic goldmine, with well-kept temples, beautiful gardens, and monumental statues. Nara is a quieter destination compared to nearby Kyoto, though no less culturally rich, and everything is close-knit enough to make a stroll between sites practical.

Don't Miss...
  • Todai-ji Temple: the landmark hall houses a gigantic bronze Buddha statue.

  • Nara Park: shake hooves with the local deer residents, and see cherry blossoms in season.

  • Kasuga-taisha Shrine: get to know your Japanese shrines via some lantern-lit paths.

Nara Park

7. Kanazawa

Preserved Edo Elegance 

Too often overlooked for its more famous siblings, Kanazawa is all about history and heritage, the vestiges of its samurai past visible in the residences and temples. Be sure to make time for the Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest.

Don't Miss...
  • Kenrokuen Garden: a gem of traditional garden design.

  • Kanazawa Castle: one more reminder of Japan’s feudal history.

  • Higashi Chaya District: one of Japan’s best preserved geisha districts.

8. Fukuoka

Kyushu’s Island Metropolis:

Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest city, is renowned for its ancient temples, ultra-modern shopping malls, and yatai—open-air food stands serving local delicacies such as Hakata ramen. The city thrives on a contrast of timeless beauty and a frenzy of capital life.

Don't Miss...
  • Fukuoka Castle: The castle’s ruins are a relic of the city’s samurai past.

  • Ohori Park: A scenic retreat perfect for walks, relaxation, and picnics.

  • Canal City Hakata: A shopping and entertainment hub bursting with life.

9. Nagoya

Innovation Central

Nagoya is all about progress - as the industrial heartland of Japan, and the cradle of its automotive industry, it boasts myriad institutions dedicated to science and technology. Its numerous museums reflect the country’s development of cutting-edge technology.

Don't Miss...
  • Nagoya Castle: Home to the striking golden shachihoko,  mytical beasts with the bodies of fish and heads of tigers.

  • SCMAGLEV and Railway Park: Museum showcasing method of transport with Maglev trains.

  • Atsuta Shrine: One of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan.

Atsuta Shrine

10. Kobe

Harbor Life

Kobe occupies the narrow strip of land between sea and mountain, its cosmopolitan atmosphere and reputation for style and taste reflecting its international community. The world-famous beef, however, can only be blamed on the city itself.

Don't Miss...
  • Kobe Harborland: A bustling waterfront development, with parks, shops, and views of the bay.

  • Ikuta Shrine: One of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

  • Kobe Animal Kingdom: An interactive zoo and botanical garden for all ages.

FAQs

What's Japan's most famous city?

Tokyo is Japan's most prominent city, known for its cultural attractions, technological wonders and a unique blend of old and new.

Can I visit Mount Fuji from a city, and which ones?

Mount Fuji isn't a city, but you can reach it easily from the surrounding cities. Fuji City in Shizuoka or Gotemba in Kanagawa are popular bases for exploring the iconic mountain.

What are some unmissable places to visit in Japan?

Aside from the major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, be sure to fit in a trip stag Yokohama's Chinatown and Harbor, Nagoya’s Toyota Museum and Nunobiki Herb Garden in Kobe. Also try to fit in a visit to Himeji Castle, near Kobe, for a taste of old world Japan.

Summary

All of these 10 cities offer their own distinct vision of Japan, from Tokyo's teeming streets to Nara's historical silence. 

Each can provide a term to every visitor's taste, and each is more than a destination, offering an opportunity to be truly immersed in Japanese culture and kindness. 

What's your next destination?