Sitting just an hour and a half from Tokyo, I am often amazed at how many people pass Hakone by. Shimokitazawa is also another area you should check out if you are into vintage secondhand clothing; these clothes look unbelievably chic, which will showcaseyour fashion style at a steal of a price. If you are chasing culture and tradition, Kyoto is a great place to explore in Japan. Weekend Trip to Japan's Samurai Town Aizu-Wakamatsu. Located in the heart of the Kansai region and easily reached from Kansai International Airport, Osaka City attracts travellers who love the dynamism of big cities. Some of the highlights include Shibuya and Shinjuku, neon-soaked wards that promise nightlife, restaurants, and shops aplenty. When visiting Japan, more often than not, you will land in Tokyo first. If you want a spa getaway or just to experience the natural wonders in Japan, Beppu is worth visiting. Do read ourBest 5 Night Views in Hokkaido That You Won't Want to Miss! Beautifully located, surrounded by a mountain range and the sea, this city is worth a trip. Fukuoka is a definite metropolis. This is traditional Japan as you imagined. 1. The observatories offer 360-degree views of the city and visitors say on a clear . The real question is, which of the cities in Japan should you visit? Nagoya is known for manufacturing and shipping and is the capital of the Aichi Prefecture. While, if you want to embrace the water activities of the water city, you can take a sunset cruise on Lake Shinji. Learn all about what really happened in 2011, see first hand how much progress the area has made with the reconstruction process, and even have the chance to go into the nuclear power plant where the disaster took place! Japan Tourism: Best of Japan About Japan In the Land of the Rising Sun, ancient temples sit alongside neon wonderlands and shinto shrines offer pockets of peace amid metropolises. 14 Best Cities in Japan To Visit This Year, estimated population of around 14 million people, Traditional Japanese Food: 20 Dishes You Can Try in Japan or At Home, Things to do in Kamakura Japan The Ultimate Seaside Escape, Complete Nikko Japan Travel Guide 18 Things to do and Places to See, Things to do in Derry Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 12 Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park. The Top 15 Destinations to Visit in Japan - TripSavvy The fountain in front of Canal City is a must-see, and fountain shows are sometimes held there. Climbing Mount Fuji was once considered a pilgrimage, and as you climb up, you can see shrines and monuments dating more than a hundred years. Osaka has a strong character, and the port city has a commercial soul with lots going on at all hours of day and night. More well-heeled consumers will enjoy indulging in retail therapy at the sophisticated boutique stores in Omotesando. With over a hundred baths, this is one of Japans favorite onsen towns. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Visit 2-Day Tour from Tokyo, Tokyo Private Tour [Customizable, 7 Hours]. The top things to do in Nara are to visit Nara Deer Park, Todai-Ji Temple, and Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine. Tsurumi, where they will be rewarded with an unparalleled panoramic view of the mountainscape. Our guide will suggest the best itinerary based on your interests, with options like Zuihoden, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, Matsushima, whiskey and sake breweries, wineries, Shiogama Shrine, and more. International tourists can ride these trains for an advantageous travel pass called the Japan Rail Pass. At night, the beauty of Otaru is even greater, making it a romantic place to go on dates. Yokohama is famous for the Red Brick Warehouse, a major commercial facility which has a popular Christmas market each year. A metropolitan city with a striking resemblance to New York, Tokyo is a blend of urban modernity and traditional flair. Kurashiki, in Okayama prefecture is in the southeast of the central region of Japan, on the Seto Inland Sea. We hope that you have a wonderful visit toJapan. Osaka was the first city I visited in Japan and my overall favourite, its one of the best cities to visit in Japan. Aomori is known as a major producer of apples in Japan, and many varieties of apples are being grown there. In this section, you will find everything you need to know about the best cities to visit while in Japan. The capital is as bustling, busy, and bright as you might expectbut there are also quieter neighborhoods where you can still find the Tokyo of old. Walking Food Tour of Shibuya at Night. Kyoto; Hiroshima; Himeji; Best cities in Japan for urban travel. From the amazing food to the great world-class attractions come to Singapore now. a list of the 10 shopping streets you ought to visit, one of the many izakaya (Japanese-style bars), 7 Must-Visit Kumamoto Tourist Spots Recovering from the 2016 Earthquake, What's Hell? Sendai has a population of about 1.1 million and is full of attractive sightseeing spots. Moiwawhere you will be rewarded with a stunning overheadview of the city. Tsuruga Castle is the biggest tourist attraction in Aizu Wakamatsu City. Also not to be missed is Nankinmachi, which is a bustling Chinatown area. We have consolidated 11 of the best tourist spots in Kanazawa for you. Nara is most famous for its deer population. Then take a stroll along the Philosophers Path and bask in the areas serenity. When you visit Japan, where would you like to go first? Top Places to Visit in Japan 1) Kyoto. Theres also Hiroshima Castle to tour and Shukkei-en scenic garden to stroll. It is also regarded as the gateway city to Seto Ohashi Bridge that connects Honshu and Shikoku regions to each other. If you would rather not sweat, well you can take the KintetsuBeppu Ropeway up and enjoy the feeling of being one with nature! Tokyo. The Hakata Station is lined with food stalls called yatai. Tijuana is located on the border between Mexico and the USA and is home to nearly 2 million people, with many more visiting each year. The city hosts a winter festival every February, The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, during which the streets are illuminated by glittering lanterns and small snow statues are popping up everywhere. Yokohama is arguably home to the most food museums in the country, one of which includes the ramen museum. To get off the beaten track and surround yourself with nature, look no further. Let us introduce you to the best of Japan through our free newsletter: sightseeing spots, delicious food, deep culture, best places to stay, and more! There are many places to go hiking at Mount Misen, where you can get spectacular views of the city. Besides the conventional hot water, the resorts here offer other bath types such as mud, steam or sand baths. Himeji Castle is also known as Shirasagi-jo (White Egret Castle), since the castle is as white and beautiful as an egret. Mount Fuji. After being healed by the Okinawan sea, you can have a fun shopping time there. While in Naha make sure to check out the Naminoue Beach for some sun, Shurijo Castle for some culture, and First Makishi Public Market for a bite to eat. And, if you get a chance, take a scenic boat tour down the Kinugawa River. In the southernmost part of Japan, the tropical islands of Okinawa are a popular weekend getaway. 16 Unmissable Places to Visit in Japan in 2023 - Never Ending Voyage Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO. Tokyo Tower may look familiar, and it should be. Often described as "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa largely escaped the bombings and so has retained most of its historic buildings and sites. If you've already visited the big ones, add the remaining 20 to add to your list. Have you heard of Honda? However, now, Nara is better known for its serene atmosphere and regal history. 8 most dangerous cities in the world - BBC Science Focus Magazine Take some time to wander the pedestrian street between Katsurazaka and Renchimon gates for regional crafts, restaurants, and cafs. There are a lot of exciting new tourist attractions that will be opening up in Japan in 2022! Tokyo might be the capital today, but Kyoto was once the countrys capital. Hence, watching a live sports event may just be the antidote for that. Tokyo also tops global charts when it comes to the world's best liveable cities - and no wonder. Japan is a country with a magnificent blend of traditional and ultramodern culture on display everywhere you go. Have you ever gotten tired of the city and wanted to stay out in the countryside of Japan? It certainly helps that Japanese cities tend to be extraordinarily safe. You must also visit KokusaiStreet, where you can continue to eat up a feast by trying out umibudo (sea grapes) and soki soba (noodle soup with pork spare ribs), among other dishes. 9. Nagasaki is one of the largest port cities in Japan and has a long history of trading with Europe. Table of contents. Akihabara Electric Town. From the heart of major destinations such as Tokyo to the smaller places to visit that tourists often skip, here's our list of the best cities in Japan. Tokyo Fish Market Tour @Tsukiji Enjoy Local Food and DrinkExplore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the locals favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! You're virtually guaranteed to stumble upon unique things to see and do (and revel in the discovery). The country is sure to inspire a return visit, so prepare to fall in love. Hiroshima is one of . Of course, the famous Geisha district of Gion is a must visit together with the bamboo forest in Arashiyama and the torii gates of Fushimi Inari. 10 Best Places to Visit in Japan in 2023 - Road Affair Visit Shikanoshima for historic monuments and shrines, or Nokonoshima, famous for its seasonal flowers. Nowadays it has a population of about 116,000 people but you wont find any samurai around.Aizu Wakamatsu is also known for its traditional handicraft of Aizu lacquerware with the iconic contrast of red and black, a perfect souvenir when you visit there. If youve seen pictures of Nara online, chances are youve seen the idyllic temple scenes. Beppu isnt always included in lists of the best cities in Japan. Its one of the best cities to visit in Japan (and in the world) if you are looking for some diversity. Aside from Tokyo, Osaka is another excellent city to enter Japan for the first time, especially for a backpacker as this is where many budget airlines fly to. Discover 11 Of Japan's Best Hidden Gem Destinations - Forbes A cable car over wakudani, the active volcano, is also included in the pass. Nowadays, the population is about 3,800,000, a small port town which used to have only 600 populations became famous worldwide, and many tourist attractions are waiting for you there. For example, you can have a romantic moment with your loved one at theTempozan Giant Ferris Wheelas you share things with each other while taking in the panoramic view of the Osaka Bay. Hello! Hike up Mount Rokko. Jessica has been a TripSavvy contributor since October 2019. Its also a popular shopping district and nearby the beautiful Ueno Park. Kyoto. 1. The sheer size of the city is exciting in itself. Within the city, you can enjoy theme parks like Disneyland and Disney Sea, or celebrate Japan's animated film legacy by checking out Studio Ghibli Museum. Family Friendly Itinerary in Japan for 10 Days. Lets dive straight in. 10 Real Life Locations From Sanctuary: Netflixs Sumo Drama, 15 Typical Japanese Meals at Home and How to Cook Them, 20 Popular Tourist Attractions in Kyoto An Overview Per Area, How to Get Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park Tickets in 2023, one of the best historical cities of Japan, tour of the disaster area and nuclear power plant, trading center with the Netherlands and Portugal during the Edo period, a beautiful emerald-colored, crystal-clear sea, Tokyo Fish Market Tour @Tsukiji Enjoy Local Food and Drink, Tokyo 1Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours). Sumiyoshi Taisha is a popular Shinto shrine to visit on tourism or religious grounds. Most of these cities can be reached by the superfast Shinkansen trains. Be sure to visit the Himeji Castle, a UNESCO Heritage Site and a National Treasure of Japan. July 24-25, Temmangu Shrine. 1. Outside of Nikko, Kegon Falls is fantastic to visit. 12 most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan: from Kyoto to Aomori Photo: Wipark Kulnirandorn/DreamstimeNaruko Gorge, Miyagi Previous Next /5 Photo: Tawatchai Prakobkit/DreamstimeArashiyama,. Some of the highlights include Toshu-gu, a lavish shrine and the final resting place of the first Tokugawa shogun, and the Buddhist temple Rinno-ji, founded in the eighth century. A must-visit place in the land of gastronomy is Canal City Hakata, the largest shopping complex in Fukuoka. Nara is also easy to combine with visiting other cities in Japan. Tokyo - The Most Popular City of Japan Tokyo, the capital city of Japan is the most populous city in the country with a population of over 14 million! Be sure to check out the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas whose dizzying range of eateries leaves you spoiledfor choice. The picturesque city is famous for its small rivers lined with weeping willow trees. Japan 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Experience the beauty and culture of Kyoto on our private full-day guided tour! One of the most famous tourist attractions in Nagasaki is Glover Garden, built by Thomas Blake Glover, an Englishman who came to Nagasaki from Shanghai for trade purposes in 1859. s.type = 'text/javascript'; In spring, beautiful cherry blossoms bloom under the castle, and the contrast between the pink cherry blossoms and the elegant white castle delights the eyes of each visitor every year. Gaze in awe at the splendor of Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) and Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion). It is one of the best cities to unwind and learn on the same trip. Nathan is happiest when tramping through the stunning hiking trails throughout New Zealand. 12 Best Cities in Japan | PlanetWare Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. Looking for picturesque scenes? 12 most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan - Time Out Japan is so much more than just Mt. Here are 10 of the best agritourism destinations in Japan. Omotesando shopping street attracts those looking for local handmade crafts as well as street food lovers. Perfect 10 Day Itinerary For Your Kyushu Trip. The Daisho-in Temple complex sits at the foot of the mountain and is just one of the spiritual sites you can see on the island. You can also shop local at the charming Komachi Dori shopping street. Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. And, in your downtime, make sure to try some miso katsu miso katsu is a regional specialty. The month of April offers reasonable temperatures, reduced humidity and especially the possibility of attending the cherry blossom, one of the country's must-haves. Continuing further south to Hiroshima prefecture in the Chugoku region of Japan, you will find the popular Hiroshima City. Bulacan execs visit Japan to learn best practices on solid waste management For a view of the island and a bit of challenge, you can hike up Taiko rock and see the trees spread out below you. For the active among you, I highly recommend hiking up Mount Kintoki. Head up to Hokkaido to visit one of Japans most famous ski resorts, which receives the lightest, driest snow in the region and borders the breathtaking Daisetsu-zan National Park. There are also one-off events in Nagoya like the Nagoya Sumo Tournament in July, the Nagoya Matsuri festival in October, and the World Cosplay Summit in July and August. History lovers will naturally gravitate towards Kobe City as its identity as a port city helped facilitate its development as a melting pot of diverse cultures. These Are the Most Beautiful Towns and Cities in Japan - Culture Trip Nikko has a serenity that the major cities in Japan just cant provide. The serenity and accessibility of Himeji makes it the perfect destination for a 1-day getaway from the busy life in Osaka. Best and popular Cities to Visit in Japan Here are some of the cities in Japan we recommend you visit on your next holiday! Kobe; Best cities in Japan to immerse . Nikko is one of the smallest cities in Japan. Like Kyoto, Nara was also once a capital city. Lets explore the best places to visit in Japan: 1. Matsue is full of feudal history, historical sites, and beautiful scenery. Theres a fantastic mixture of attractions in Sapporo. Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan. Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling. This is not what got Kobe its place in this guide though; its food scene is what makes it stand apart from Japans other best cities.