Japan is unique in its history, food, and geographic location, with a culture that combines tradition and modernity. It is a must-visit destination for all tourists! If you are planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, read on to find the 13 best places to visit in Japan. If not, who knows? Maybe you will end up planning a trip after reading this.
13 Best Places To Visit In Japan
1. Kyoto
Yes, Japan has many other lovely destinations, but what Kyoto provides cannot be experienced or found anywhere else. It is Japan’s last historical capital, with approximately 2000 temples packed into a valley surrounded by gorgeous mountains. It is rich in heritage and history and you can learn a lot about Japanese culture here.
Best time to visit: October/November and March/April/May
Places To Visit In Kyoto:
1. Kyoto Railway Museum (One of the best places to visit in Japan)
2. Kyoto Imperial Palace | Nijo Castle | Katsura Villa
3. Kyoto National Museum
4. Arashiyama District (One of the most famous places to see in Japan)
5. Numerous Temples – Nanzenji Temple | Daigoji Temple | Ryoanji Temple
2. Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s administrative, cultural, financial, commercial, and educational center, as well as the focal point of a vast urban complex. Tokyo is the country’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolitan region—–from old Japanese temples to the flashing neon lights of Shibuya, Tokyo has something for everyone.
Best time to visit: March/April and October/November
Places To Visit In Tokyo:
1. Hamarikyu Gardens
2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
3. Tokyo Skytree (Best view, dining options, shopping)
4. Asakusa (One of the best places to see in Japan for food, shopping and traditional markets)
5. Akihabara District (Famous for culture, anime merchandise)
6. Tokyo National Museum
7. Shibuya District | Ginza District (For nightlife experience)
3. Mount Fuji
Japan’s tallest peak, Mount Fuji, is renowned for its elegant conical shape and snow-covered peak, making it a must-visit site for both hikers and sightseers. It is the country’s sacred symbol, with temples and shrines all around and on the volcano. It’s a breathtaking sight that the eyes must witness.
Best times to visit: July to September (climbing season)
Places To Visit In Fuji:
1. Lake Kawaguchiko
2. Lake Yamanakako
3. Fujikawaguchiko Onsen (Hot Springs)
4. Hiroshima
We all know the history of Hiroshima—it was the first city ever to be struck by an atomic bomb. Despite being best known for having been destroyed by a nuclear attack at the end of World War II, the city actively fosters peace and understanding rather than being depressed or resentful of its past. Hiroshima’s lively metropolis is worth visiting because of its fascinating history, delicious cuisine, and welcoming residents.
Best times to visit: March/April and October/November
Places To Visit In Hiroshima:
1. Shukkei-en Garden
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
3. Okonomimura (One of the best places to see in Japan for food)
4. Sandankyo Gorge
5. Okunoshima Island (Rabbit Island)
5. Nara
From ancient temples and historical towns to sacred mountains and beautiful natural settings, the Nara region has a lot to offer but is frequently ignored by tourists. If you have the time to give in to your thirst for adventure, this place may be quite fulfilling. Famous deers can be seen roaming Nara Park, and the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world is located next to Todaiji Temple. The city is beautiful and serene.
Best times to visit: March/April and October/November
Places To Visit In Nara:
1. Nara Park (See and interact with Deers)
2. Yoshino (One of the most famous places in Japan for cherry blossoms)
3. The Manyo Botanical Garden
6. Osaka
The Japanese island of Honshu is home to the sizable port city and commercial hub of Osaka. Osaka is a relaxed, pleasant city that is well-known for its cuisine, entertainment, and nightlife, with hints of history and culture. Many amiable and calm people in Osaka feel comfortable hosting international guests. Compared to other Japanese cities, Osaka is perhaps the easiest place to have fun and relax.
Best times to visit: March/April and October/November
Places To Visit In Osaka:
1. Osaka Castle
2. Minami (For nightlife)
3. Universal Studios Osaka
4. Aquarium Kaiyukan
Also Checkout – 8 Best Things to Do in Japan | More Than Cherry Blossoms
7. Hokkaido
The northern island of Japan is well-known for its stunning natural surroundings, world-class snowfall, mouthwatering seafood, and intriguing native culture. Hokkaido, only a short flight from Tokyo, is the ideal getaway destination all year round. Although there is snow all around Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival in February is particularly well-known to enjoy the snow.
Best times to visit: June to August (summer) and December to February (winter)
Places To Visit In Hokkaido:
1. Asahiyama Zoo (Penguins)
2. Furano (Lavender fields)
3. Rusutsu (One of the most famous places in Japan for ski resorts)
4. Jozankei Onsen (Hot spring resort in the mountains)
5. Daisetsuzan National Park (One of the best places to see in Japan)
8. Okinawa
Explore a unique island culture derived from the era of the Ryukyu Kings, white sand, mangrove forests, and the subtropical sun. Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, is a chain of islands that is home to karate and has a peculiar subtropical climate. It also had a history as an autonomous kingdom. The best thing is that Okinawa is a friendly place without complicated social customs.
Best times to visit: April to May and September to November
Places To Visit In Okinawa:
1. Cape Manzamo
2. Yonaha Beach
3. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
9. Kanazawa
Situated on Japan’s less-traveled west coast, Kanazawa is a historic town renowned for its well-maintained gardens and classic structures. Kanazawa’s cultural qualities have earned it the loving label “Little Kyoto.” It is a must-visit location because of its extensive artisan traditions, unique local food, traditional architecture, and innovative contemporary art.
Best times to visit: March/April and October/November
Places To Visit In Kanzawa:
1. Noto Peninsula (One of the best places to visit in Japan for scenic views)
2. Omicho Market
3. Kenrokuen Garden
10. Nikko
Since at least the eighth century, Buddhist and Shinto worship have taken place against the backdrop of Nikko’s serene surroundings and revered mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its most well-known shrines and temples rank among the most gorgeous in all of Japan. The neighboring national park is a popular hiking destination for people of all skill levels.
Best times to visit: October/November and May/June
Places To Visit In Nikko:
1. Nikko National Park
2. Kegon Waterfall
3. Lake Chuzenji
11. Takayama
The city is also well-known for its growing culinary scene, including its famous Hida beef and Takayama ramen. Outside of the city, travelers may reach some of Japan’s most rewarding sites, including World Heritage-listed towns. Takayama, tucked away in the mountainous Hida region, has history and tradition preserved beyond comparison.
Best times to visit: April/October (festival months)
Places To Visit In Takayama:
1. Hida Folk Village (Open-air museum)
2. Kamikōchi (Mountain range)
3. Shirakawa-go (Village)
12. Hakone
Hakone is located less than a hundred kilometers from Tokyo and is a component of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hakone is well-known for its hot springs, scenic surroundings, and a view of neighboring Mount Fuji across Lake Ashinoko. It is a top choice for both domestic and foreign travelers seeking a vacation from Tokyo.
Best times to visit: March/April and October/November
Places To Visit In Hakone:
1. Lake Ashinoko (Known for old pirate ships)
2. Hakone Ropeway
3. Hakone Museum of Art
13. Nagasaki
Situated on Kyushu Island’s western coast, Nagasaki is renowned for its hot spring spas, historical buildings, stunning outlying islands, and volcanoes. For hundreds of years during Japan’s period of national isolation, Nagasaki served as the sole significant port of entry for foreign nations. If you want to get away from the bustle of the well-traveled Golden Route of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Nagasaki is the ideal destination.
Best times to visit: March/April and October/November
Places To Visit In Nagasaki:
1. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
2. Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
3. Hashima Island (Abandoned village)
Conclusion –
This small and beautiful country is renowned for its cultural discipline. Although we’ve listed only “13 best places to visit in Japan,” the list could go on forever because of the rich culture and heritage of this amazing nation. A trip to Japan should be a priority on your travel list. We wish you a wonderful vacation!
Also Checkout – Visiting Japan: 7 Best Instagrammable Places In Tokyo
