From the calmness of ancient temples to the excitement of urban exploration, it’s no secret that every corner of Japan gives you an opportunity to discover breathtaking beauty. Each city here leaps off the page with its own story. Known as the land of the rising sun, this civilization is more than 30,000 years old and it’s astonishing how seamlessly tradition intertwines with modernity in Japan. Although it’s a small archipelago, there’s a lot to explore.
Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Japan
1. Tokyo
A city which even makes time travel seem possible, Tokyo’s cutting-edge skyscrapers and shimmery nights will surely entice you to spend a weekend in the capital city marvelling at all that it has to offer. You can wander through the serene Meiji Shrine and feel centuries away from the neon buzz of Akihabara’s tech shops. The Imperial Palace, with its ancient walls and moats, sits at the city’s core, literally a stone’s throw away from the futuristic Tokyo Tower, both very famous places in Japan. This city is an amazing place to visit in Japan and will never cease to amaze.
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2. Kyoto
Whispering the tales of a bygone era through its cobbled streets and golden temples, is Kyoto, another great Japan spot to visit. The Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic torii gate trail, the serene Kinkaku-ji, and the sprawling Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are just the tip of the iceberg. With every temple and garden, there’s most definitely a story attached to the city’s imperial past, making it the cultural heart of Japan and a must-place to visit in Japan. To experience the true Japanese culture, dress up in a kimono and wander the old streets, or try your hand at traditional Japanese crafts.
3. Osaka
Osaka is where the locals live to eat, and the city’s motto ‘kuidaore’ (eat until you drop) is taken seriously. Osaka Castle, a famous place in Japan, is straight out of fairytales standing right in between cherry blossoms, while the neon-lit Dotonbori district buzzes with amazing food. March and April would be the best time to see Japan for cherry blossoms. The Umeda Sky Building offers a sky-high view of this foodie paradise. Osaka’s cultural significance lies in its down-to-earth charm and its historical role as a merchant city. Do not miss this Japan tourist attraction’s street food, we’d go ahead and suggest a literal tour. And more than food what else we might love? Comic shows. So, go and laugh out loud at the traditional rakugo, a comic storytelling performance.
4. Nara
In Nara, history greets you with a bow, quite literally, if you’re meeting the bowing deer of Nara Park. Nara was Japan's first permanent capital, a great Japan spot to visit for history geeks with its ancient architecture and artefacts.
The towering Todai-ji Temple houses a colossal Buddha that has been casting its peaceful gaze for centuries and is a famous place in Japan. The lantern-lined paths of Kasuga Taisha illuminate a city steeped in spirituality. To soak in the beauty fully, take a rickshaw ride through the historic streets to check out Japan's most scenic places and participate in a tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse.
6. Hiroshima
Another on the list of places to visit in Japan is a city that is now a symbol of peace and resilience due to its history and rose through the ashes. What is even more commendable is its commitment to peace education.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the haunting A-Bomb Dome stand as reminders and educators for future generations. The nearby Miyajima Island is another Japan spot to visit with its floating Itsukushima Shrine offering a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can reach this island through a scenic ferry ride. As for things to do in Japan for my fellow foodies, do try the city’s soul food, okonomiyaki, which is essentially a Japanese pancake.
7. Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a treasure chest of history and culture and it’s amazing how the Nagamachi Samurai District still holds onto the samurai stories. And Kenrokuen Garden? That’s just pure art, a real-life painting you can walk through. Plus, the 21st Century Museum isn’t just about looking at art – it’s about feeling it all around you. If you wander through the geisha districts, you’ll get a real sense of the city’s heartbeat. And while you’re at this amazing place to visit in Japan try your hand at gold leaf gilding. It’s one of those unique Kanazawa experiences you won’t find just anywhere.
8. Fukuoka
Fukuoka’s got it all, doesn’t it? It’s like this cool mix of different Asian vibes and its own unique style. You can almost hear the old stories of samurais when you’re near the Fukuoka Castle ruins in this Japan tourist attraction. And then there’s Canal City Hakata – that place is always buzzing with something fun to do. It’s no wonder the city’s known for being such a cultural hotspot; you’ve got all sorts of food to try and buildings that are a feast for the eyes. If you’re up for a bit of creativity, why not give Hakata doll painting a go? Or, if chilling is more your thing, Ohori Park is Japan's most scenic place to unwind in the middle of the city.
9. Okinawa
Okinawa offers a different rhythm than the other Japan tourist attractions, with its subtropical climate and laid-back vibe. The Shuri Castle stands as a monument to the Ryukyu Kingdom, while the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park tells a story of war and peace. The island’s really proud of its one-of-a-kind traditions and history. And the ocean life is just stunning – diving here is like entering another world with all the coral reefs and should be top on the list of things to do in Japan. Plus, if you get a chance, jumping into an Eisa dance is a blast – it’s the heartbeat of Okinawa’s culture.
10. Kamakura
Kamakura is a Japan tourist attraction where the shoguns once ruled, and their legacy lives on in the Great Buddha of Kotoku-in and the serene Hasedera Temple. The city’s not just about history though; it’s a perfect spot to just relax. Whether you’re catching waves at Yuigahama Beach or hiking up the trails to find those secret temples, you’re in for some awesome sights. Late June and July would be the best time to see Japan for hiking. It’s the kind of place where you can hit the beach in the morning and feel like a Zen master by the afternoon.