Japan, a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. With its millennia of history, beautiful vistas, and signature architectural style, Japan certainly has an abundance of must-see locales. While you could certainly take in several of the below recommendations in a single trip, they span the entire country and provide a great excuse to travel to Japan more than once. Starting in the north and moving south, we hope the Best Cities To Visit in Japan inspire you.
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The capital of Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo is close to Russia and displays Russian traits alongside Japanese culture (for example, the Historical Village of Sapporo, located an hour from the city, and the Clock Tower). Sapporo is easily navigated by subway, bus, or train, and can be reached via airplane or train. There are many parks for casual strolling, and those looking for a more modern cultural experience may be interested in the Susukino entertainment district.
Sapporo is the perfect place for a winter getaway; it was the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics. If you enjoy skiing, you can ski at the “Olympia Zone” of Sapporo Teine and see the original Olympic Cauldron. Make sure to schedule your winter visit to catch the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Sapporo Snow Festival), which includes hundreds of snow and ice sculptures.
Whether you visit in the winter or not, be sure to visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, which is connected to the Sapporo Beer Garden. The museum is free and contains artifacts from the history of Japanese brewing and beer advertising. For fans of ramen, check out Ramen Alley or Ramen Republic, both convenient places to find many options for the Sapporo version of the famous noodle soup, miso ramen.
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Tokyo makes a great first trip to Japan because of the huge number of options available. You can experience traditional Japanese culture, stroll through scenic gardens, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife. It is easily possible to spend an entire week in the city and still have more to see on your next trip.
Perhaps one of the most iconic day trips from Tokyo is to Mount Fuji. Although you can see Mount Fuji from the city on some days (the best view is, of course, from high atop Tokyo Tower), there is nothing like climbing to the summit. The official climbing season is July and August, so plan accordingly.
In Tokyo, your itinerary can be based entirely on your interests without running out of options. Those interested in Japanese culture may enjoy Asakusa Jinja, a large, popular Buddhist temple in the Asakusa district. As a side note, if you are in Asakusa, check your guidebook for a great okonomiyaki restaurant called Sometaro, which is near the temple. The Meiji Jingu, a shrine for the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, is also interesting.
One must-see stop is the Tokyo National Museum, which displays tens of thousands of objects from Japan’s history. While you’re in Ueno Park, check out the Ueno Zoo as well. If shopping is your thing, head to the district of Ginza (for upscale shopping), the district of Shibuya (a fashion center for the younger crowd), and/or Harajuku (a section of Shibuya devoted to Lolita and other unique fashion trends). In the evening, relax at a bar in Roppongi or hit up a nightclub in Shibuya.
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The cultural center of classical Japan, Kyoto was the seat of the imperial government until 1869 when the newly-restored Emperor Meiji moved the capital to Tokyo. Kyoto was left was a historical legacy evident in its many temples, shrines, and museums. Not everything in Kyoto is old, however: Kyoto has an exceptional subway system.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine to the deity Inari, is a neat place to start your tour of Kyoto's religious and cultural sites. Take the time to hike even a little bit up the mountain behind the main shrine area and see the torii gate-lined paths and small shrines dotted around the mountain. You can schedule a meditation session at Myoshin-ji, the largest Zen temple in Kyoto. While you’re in the area, hop on a bus and see Kinkaku-ji, a Zen temple with shining golden walls. One of the most popular sites is Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, which was built on the side of a hill with a viewing platform to look down on the landscape.
Two former government residences, Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace, offer interesting tours. Nijo Castle, the shogun’s home in Kyoto, allows visitors on a self-guided tour to view living areas and administrative offices preserved with their traditional decorations, along with beautiful gardens. The corridors were made with “nightingale floors,” which squeak when you walk on them. The former Imperial Palace has English-language guided tours twice a day, except Saturdays (although you must register in person or over the Internet in advance). The grounds have been preserved, and there are extensive gardens for strolling.
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Nagasaki has retained much of its traditional character but with a more casual feel than imperial Kyoto. After the Tokugawa shogunate came to power, the government banned all foreigners. The only merchants allowed to remain were the Dutch, who were limited to an island in Nagasaki Bay called Dejima. Nagasaki was one of two targets of atomic bombing during World War II, and the Atomic Bomb Museum is an emotional record of the event and an effective plea for peace.
Due to its history of cross-cultural exchange, Nagasaki has several fascinating examples of Japanese interpretations of foreign influences. Chinatown in Nagasaki provides a take on Chinese food different from that of Western countries but also different from the original cuisine (make sure to try some fried rice). Another neat site with Chinese influence is Fukusai-ji, a temple with a giant turtle and statue of Kannon (the goddess of mercy) on the roof. To learn more about Chinese history, you can visit the Confucian Shrine and Museum of Chinese History, located near Chinatown.
Western influences abound as well, with the most obvious being Dejima. The bay around the island has been filled in, and the former trading post has been preserved and turned into a museum. The Glover Garden comprises the house and grounds once owned by Thomas Blake Glover, a Scot who assisted in the modernization of Japan after the Meiji Restoration.
The Nagasaki Ropeway will take you to the top of Mount Inasa, where you will have a brilliant view of the city and the bay. The view at night is particularly famous. The Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, with its theme of “overseas exchange,” offers a chance to see a broad collection of artifacts from all the phases of Nagasaki’s history. Wrap up your trip with a fun day at the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium.
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Originally an autonomous nation called the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Ryukyu islands are now known as Okinawa Prefecture and are part of Japan. The capital city is Naha. Known for its beach resorts, Okinawa is a great summer getaway with lots of educational opportunities as well.
For those interested in local culture, a good starting point is Okinawa World, a theme park with displays and tours focusing on Okinawan history, including a traditional village and the unique ecology of Okinawa. The park encompasses Gyokusendo Cave, a large natural cave accessible via well-lit paths. You can also visit Shuri Castle, a restored version of the Ryukyu palace that offers traditional dance demonstrations as well.
If you want to do some shopping, you can pick up traditional pottery in Naha’s Tsuboya district, which is also home to the Tsuboya Pottery Museum. For a more metropolitan feel, check out the bustling International Road (Kokusaidori) in Naha, which includes several shopping arcades.
You can get back to nature by hiking to Hiji Waterfall, and then stop off to visit the nearby Ufugi Nature Museum. One of the largest aquariums in Japan is in Okinawa, the Churaumi Aquarium in Ocean Expo Park. The large tanks contain a wide variety of species, including whale sharks and manta rays. The ruins of Zakimi Castle and Nakijin Castle are accessible for exploration and certainly don’t forget the quirky little Nago Pineapple Park.
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From the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where neon lights illuminate towering skyscrapers and centuries-old temples coexist, to the serene beauty of Kyoto, renowned for its traditional wooden architecture and exquisite gardens, Japan has something to enchant everyone. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage by visiting ancient shrines and participating in traditional tea ceremonies. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Fuji, the serene waters of Lake Kawaguchiko, and the vibrant cherry blossom-filled parks during spring. With its impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and a fascinating blend of history and modernity, Japan is a destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
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