Everybody ought to discover Japan at the least as soon as of their lifetime. Japan has hundreds of hidden gems and is a year-round vacation spot. You may go to its ski resorts in winter or the gorgeous shoreline in summer time. And, regardless of the season, Japan’s cities are all the time able to welcome you with fascinating points of interest, scrumptious avenue meals, and bucket a great deal of tradition.
The actual query is, which of the cities in Japan must you go to? In a perfect world, all of them. Nonetheless, this information will slim it right down to the best possible cities.
Discover Japan: The High Cities in Japan
Japan has some unimaginable cities. From Tokyo to Sapporo, these are the very best cities in Japan to your subsequent journey. Let’s dive straight in.
1. Tokyo
Whenever you consider cities in Japan, it’s secure to say that Tokyo will probably be in your high three. Because the capital, Tokyo is likely one of the main Japanese cities and attracts hundreds of thousands of vacationers a 12 months. It is usually the biggest metropolis in Japan, with an estimated inhabitants of round 14 million individuals.
Suppose busy streets, fast-paced leisure, and flashing neon lights – Tokyo is hectic however thrilling. Tokyo is the place to go to if you wish to be proper within the thick of all of the motion, with loads of museums to tour, buying to bag, and enjoyable available. The sheer measurement of the town is thrilling in itself.
So, the place do you start? What are the finest issues to do in Tokyo? Nicely, after visiting the town a couple of instances we recommend beginning with Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower might look acquainted, and it ought to be. The tower was closely impressed by the Eiffel Tower. In truth, the one distinction is that Tokyo Tower is 333 meters tall and crimson and white.
Heading to the highest of the tower, you possibly can find out about Tokyo’s architectural historical past en route, ending with a spectacular view of the gorgeous metropolis beneath. Close by, there’s additionally Tokyo Skytree which stands at a dizzying 634 meters and is the tallest tower on this planet – so be ready to spend at the least a couple of hours amongst the clouds.
To understand Tokyo’s environment on the bottom, head to Golden Gai for a downtown vibe or Shibuya Crossing for a CBD expertise. Permit time to go to museums just like the Mori Artwork Museum, Japan Olympic Museum, and NHL Museum of Broadcasting.
2. Osaka
Osaka is one other one in all Japan’s massive cities. Osaka has a robust character, and the port metropolis has a business soul with tons occurring in any respect hours of day and night time. There’s all the time avenue meals to style, a bar to hop to, and points of interest to go to. Osaka is a good place to go to when you love a mix of partying, enjoyable, and sightseeing. Town has plenty of character and a steadiness of all the things – like a compromise with no sacrifice.
To understand the historical past of Osaka, a visit to Osaka Citadel ought to be in your itinerary. The Sixteenth-century citadel is surrounded by cherry bushes and a moat, and Osaka Citadel is likely one of the prettiest locations to go to within the metropolis. Whereas, if you would like a day of light-hearted enjoyable, there’s Common Studios Japan to discover. The theme park has Hollywood-themed rides, and it’s conveniently situated simply exterior the middle of Osaka.
Lastly, Osaka is the well-known residence of one in all Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Sumiyoshi Taisha is a well-liked Shinto shrine to go to – on tourism or non secular grounds. We suggest visiting to completely expertise Japan’s lovely non secular tradition.
3. Kyoto
Tokyo could be the capital at the moment, however Kyoto was as soon as the nation’s capital. Within the heart of the Kansai area, Kyoto is one in all Japan’s most conventional cities. In Kyoto, you’ll discover basic darkish wooden homes and loads of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. In case you are chasing tradition and custom, Kyoto is a good place to discover in Japan.
To expertise the standard streets lined by picket homes, head to Gion. You may wander within the early morning for the quietest streets or at night time to see the cobbled roads lit by paper lanterns. Visiting the various temples of Kyoto can be a must-do in your journey, particularly the Golden Pavilion. You may admire the Golden Pavilion from throughout its pond, being wowed by the golden tint that offers it its identify and recognition.
In search of picturesque scenes? Head to the bamboo forest of Arashiyama or the crimson columned walkways of the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Kyoto is filled with beautiful surroundings and eye-opening cultural points of interest. You may learn extra in our guides on the finest locations and issues to do in Kyoto.
4. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a reputation not many neglect. Sadly, the explanation behind Hiroshima being one of the crucial well-known cities in Japan is the atomic bombing that occurred in 1945. The US dropped an atomic bomb on the big metropolis, inflicting over 100,000 casualties. Guests to the town can now pay their respects to the victims and destruction at many memorable points of interest, together with the Peace Park.
There’s a lot to understand about Hiroshima in its personal proper, although. Meals lovers ought to pattern the Japanese pancake, nicknamed Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. There’s additionally Hiroshima Citadel to tour and Shukkei-en scenic backyard to walk. Hiroshima’s tradition and historical past haven’t been tainted by the tragic atomic bomb, and also you’ll love the town’s number of points of interest.
5. Nagoya
Nagoya is thought for manufacturing and delivery and is the capital of the Aichi Prefecture. Have you ever heard of Honda? Toyota? Mitsubishi? All of those huge automotive manufacturers had been developed in Nagoya. Nagoya has an revolutionary, industrial environment, superb for these eager to expertise the enterprise aspect of Japan.
Guests ought to tour the Toyota Exhibition Corridor to get a greater thought of automotive manufacturing in Japan. Nagoya Citadel is nice for a historic introduction to Nagoya. There are additionally one-off occasions in Nagoya just like the Nagoya Sumo Match in July, the Nagoya Matsuri competition in October, and the World Cosplay Summit in July and August.
Nagoya has tons occurring, so don’t neglect to verify the town’s schedule. And, in your downtime, make sure that to strive some miso katsu – miso katsu is a regional specialty.
6. Saitama
Trying to go to the actual aspect of Japan? Saitama is a primarily residential metropolis, excellent for getting a quieter expertise of Japan. Among the best methods to expertise a rustic is by escaping its principal vacationer areas. Should you favor this fashion of journey, Saitama is the place for you. Many residents use Saitama as a commuter city, touring to Tokyo for work through the week.
So, what’s there to see in Saitama? Hitsujiiyama Park is a beautiful place to go to and is famed for its carpet-like progress of pink moss. For many who like tasting classes, you too can take a sake tour across the metropolis – sampling the standard Japanese alcohol. Saitama is an exquisite place to go to, not too far-off from the opposite main cities however far sufficient away to flee the fixed buzz.
7. Fukuoka
One other of the most important cities in Japan is Fukuoka. Fukuoka is legendary for its lovely islands and sits on the shoreline, surrounded by attractive seashores excellent for a summer time getaway. The port metropolis is situated in Fukuoka Prefecture. The prefecture capital is well-liked amongst younger professionals, college students, and companies.
Town’s principal points of interest are Fukuoka Citadel, Kyushu Nationwide Museum, and Dazaifu Tenman-gu, a shrine to the god of schooling. Fukuoka is a particular metropolis. Should you love an thrilling metropolis environment stuffed with motion, daring delicacies, and leisure, Fukuoka is ideal. It lacks the historical past of Kyoto and the recognition of Tokyo. Nonetheless, if you would like a enjoyable ‘second metropolis’, you’ll have a incredible time.
8. Nara
Nara is most well-known for its deer inhabitants. Should you’ve seen photos of Nara on-line, chances are high you’ve seen the idyllic temple scenes. The temples are surrounded by inexperienced area and Bambi-look-a-likes – cute, we all know. Like Kyoto, Nara was additionally as soon as a capital metropolis. Nonetheless, now, Nara is best identified for its serene environment and regal historical past.
The highest issues to do in Nara are to go to Nara Deer Park, Todai-Ji Temple, and Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine. You can simply spend an entire day temple-hopping although, and Nara is filled with peaceable locations for guests to immerse themselves in Japan’s lovely tradition.
Nara can be straightforward to mix with visiting different cities in Japan. Touring from Kyoto to Nara is only a brief practice trip, taking round 45 minutes a method.
9. Nagasaki
Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki was sufferer to an atomic bomb in 1945. The devastation was heartbreaking, and guests pays their respects at the moment at points of interest just like the Peace Park. Nagasaki has many different features that make it an academic vacation spot although. Nagasaki is likely one of the largest port cities in Japan and has a protracted historical past of buying and selling with Europe.
The result’s a fusion of European and Japanese tradition and affect. You’ll discover Christian websites like Oura Cathedral amongst the gathering of beautiful shrines and temples. To immerse your self within the historical past of Japan’s worldwide relations, you actually can’t discover a higher place.
Then, once you’re prepared, you possibly can go to the Atomic Hypocenter Park and Peace Park to find the darker aspect of Nagasaki’s historical past. Town has tons so that you can be taught.
10. Sapporo
Do you acknowledge the identify Sapporo? Town of Sapporo simply occurs to be the namesake (and birthplace) of one in all Japan’s most well-known beer manufacturers. Sapporo is the capital of the Hokkaido Prefecture and is definitely the most effective cities in Japan. Located on Japan’s Northern Island, Sapporo is well-combined with a go to to Tokyo.
Guests can tour the Sapporo Beer Museum or trip as much as the highest of the Sapporo TV Tower. There’s a incredible combination of points of interest in Sapporo. It has that metropolis buzz, with plenty of big-city-style leisure and vacationer infrastructure.
Should you can, coincide your go to to Sapporo with the Snow Pageant. The winter competition is likely one of the finest on this planet, and the winter wonderland spreads 1.5 km – stuffed with ice sculptures, an ice skating rink, and sledding areas.
11. Kobe
Kobe is one in all Japan’s largest port cities, starting to overflow with glitzy skyscrapers and fashionable dwelling. This isn’t what bought Kobe its place on this information although; its meals scene is what makes it stand aside from Japan’s different finest cities. Kobe is world well-known for its Kobe beef and famend for its seafood. Should you go to Kobe, be ready to splash out on every day restaurant meals, as its delicacies is simply too tempting to cross by.
We advise exploring Kitano Village to see Kobe’s old-school structure. After all, when you stroll by a steakhouse, make sure to pop in and seize a desk for a style of Kobe beef. Steak Aoyama is a small, family-run steakhouse with a superb popularity for scrumptious meals and fairly cheap costs. End your day with a stroll across the harbor, with views of the trendy skyline lighting up after darkish.
Bought a bit of additional time? Hike up Mount Rokko. Mount Rokko overshadows the town as an exquisite however fierce pure landmark. There are a selection of route choices so check out which most accurately fits your health and technical talents.
12. Nikko
Nikko is likely one of the smallest cities in Japan. Located within the Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is surrounded by the Japanese Alps. It is likely one of the most lovely locations to go to within the nation – not to mention simply amongst Japan’s finest cities.
You may discover Nikko itself or use the town as a gateway to Nikko Nationwide Park. You’ll discover temples, monkeys, and pure surroundings galore. Nikko is ideal for lovers of the good open air. Guests can simply steadiness climbing days and out of doors actions with sightseeing within the Nikko metropolis heart.
Relating to issues to do in Nikko, the Shinko Bridge is a should. The enduring crimson bridge is the postcard picture of Nikko, and you need to add it to even the shortest of itineraries. We additionally suggest spending at the least a day temple hopping. Outdoors of Nikko, Kegon Falls is incredible to go to. And, when you get an opportunity, take a scenic boat tour down the Kinugawa River.
Nikko is gorgeous. To get off the crushed observe and encompass your self with nature, look no additional. Nikko has a serenity that the most important cities in Japan simply can’t present. We stayed in a standard Ryokan in Nikko, and you’ll examine our expertise right here.
13. Matsue
Matsue is within the Shimane Prefecture on the southwest coast of Japan. The massive metropolis is known as ‘the water metropolis’, because of its location between the ocean and Lake Shinji. Mastue is much less well-liked than main cities like Tokyo, however those that stray off the crushed path will probably be richly rewarded. Matsue is filled with feudal historical past, historic websites, and delightful surroundings.
The most effective issues to do are to go to Matsue Citadel, the Adachi Museum of Artwork, and one of many shrines. The Yaegaki and Miho shrines are each well-known for his or her magnificence. Whereas, if you wish to embrace the water actions of ‘the water metropolis’, you possibly can take a sundown cruise on Lake Shinji.
Matsue has a calming environment and is a superb summer time vacation spot. It is likely one of the finest cities to unwind and be taught on the identical journey.
14. Beppu
Beppu isn’t all the time included in lists of the very best cities in Japan. Certain, Beppu isn’t one in all Japan’s main cities. Nonetheless, it is likely one of the nation’s most fun locations to go to. Beppu is a geologist’s delight and the very best vacation spot for warm springs in Japan. In order for you a spa getaway or simply to expertise the pure wonders in Japan, Beppu is price visiting.
Since Beppu has over 2,000 sizzling spring sources, you’ll have plenty of spa-related issues to do within the metropolis. You may select heated mineral springs or bathe in nutrient-rich heated mud or sand baths. You can even steam your personal meals over the onsen steam.
Need one thing completely totally different? Take a cable automobile journey up the Beppu Ropeway or go to the Harmonyland theme park. Beppe is likely one of the finest cities in Japan for a brief getaway and is unquestionably price an area in your itinerary.
Closing Ideas
There are such a lot of superb cities in Japan. The nation is a treasure trove of fascinating city scenes, and also you’ll discover a distinctive tradition, traditions, and scrumptious meals. Whether or not you need the neon lights of Tokyo or the blue waters of the ocean by Fukuoka, you’ll shortly discover a metropolis to fit your wants and pursuits. Moreover, all of those cities in Japan are price visiting.
We hope that you’ve got a beautiful go to to Japan. The nation is certain to encourage a return go to, so put together to fall in love.
