by Erin neverendingvoyage.com
Japan is a destination I believe everyone should experience. From futuristic skyscrapers to serene bamboo forests, neon-lit arcades to peaceful temples, it’s truly one of a kind.
The cuisine is outstanding, the locals are exceptionally courteous, and the public transit system ranks among the world’s most efficient. We adore the blend of smooth travel and delightful surprises.
Japan offers an incredible variety, but where do you begin? Here are our top picks for the absolute best places to visit in Japan, ideal for your first or second journey to the country.
1) Kyoto
If you can only visit one spot in Japan, make it Kyoto. This city embodies traditional Japan as you’ve dreamed it—geisha in vivid kimonos stepping out of wooden teahouses, bamboo groves, temples shimmering in gold, silver, and scarlet, meticulously raked Zen gardens, elaborate meals served on lacquerware, graceful tea ceremonies, and markets brimming with intriguing, unidentifiable ingredients.
The concrete high-rises of downtown Kyoto might underwhelm, so venture toward the mountains and surrounding neighborhoods where you’ll discover narrow stone streets, old wooden houses, monks in flowing robes, and the sounds of chanting and gongs drifting from countless temples and shrines.
Gion is prime geisha-spotting territory, Higashiyama offers many beautiful temples to explore, and Arashiyama in the western hills is one of the most traditional areas, home to bamboo groves, quirky temples, and monkeys.
We spent over three weeks in Kyoto and still didn’t see everything, so allocate as much time as possible for sightseeing and wandering. Kyoto ranks among Japan’s top tourist spots, so visit popular temples early in the morning to avoid crowds.
In Kyoto don’t miss:
- Strolling through the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari shrine
- Learning to cook traditional Japanese cuisine with Emi
- Getting your fortune from a vending machine at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Temple)
- Taking the train to Kibune village and hiking across the valley to the beautiful Kurama-dera temple
- Escaping the busy streets of Gion to the magical Yasaka-jinja at night
- Experiencing Zen Buddhist cuisine at Tenryu-ji temple
- Exploring the quirky Otagi Nenbutsuji temple off the beaten path
2) Tokyo
If Kyoto represents traditional Japan, Tokyo is its ultramodern counterpart. Here you’ll find skyscrapers, noisy arcades, bustling pedestrian crossings, eccentric youth fashion, and countless incredibly delicious restaurants. Even if all you do in Tokyo is eat, you’ll have a fantastic time—we ate wonderfully well as vegetarians.
Tokyo also hosts some of the weirdest activities we’ve ever tried. From themed cafes (cats, owls, maids, robots, goats—you name it, Tokyo has it) to sensory-overload shows and arcades to cosplay go-karting.
On my first trip, Tokyo overwhelmed me with its sprawl, and I couldn’t help comparing it unfavorably to Kyoto. On my second visit, I grew to love the city (the food certainly helped), and while it isn’t as picturesque as Kyoto, there’s so much to do that you won’t want to skip it.
In Tokyo don’t miss:
- Dressing up as a Mario character and driving a go-kart on real roads. Insanity!
- Eating in a tiny restaurant on atmospheric Memory Lane
- Gazing at the night skyline from the free Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku
- Walking across the famous Shibuya Crossing
- Gawping at the crazy fashions of Takeshita Street in Harajuku
- Visiting the brilliant DisneySea (one of our top two Disney parks worldwide!)
- Getting sensory overload at the bizarre Robot Restaurant show
3) Takayama
Takayama is an utterly charming small town on the edge of the Japan Alps and one of the best less-visited places in Japan. I loved wandering the historic center full of traditional wooden houses, colorful shrines, neatly shaped trees, and bright red bridges spanning the river.
There’s plenty to do in the surrounding countryside, and we could easily have spent more than the two nights we had here.
In Takayama don’t miss:
- Wandering the old town early in the morning before the crowds arrive
- Buying delicious fruit from the morning markets
- Snacking on mitarashi-dango (rice balls grilled in soy) from a street stall
- Seeing the extravagant floats at the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
- Visiting the Hida Folk Village to see traditional thatched houses
- Cycling through the countryside with Satoyama Experience
Where to stay in Takayama: We stayed at Super Hotel Hida Takayama, a good mid-range business hotel near the train station. On a budget, K’s House Takayama is an excellent hostel. For a traditional ryokan experience, Oyado Koto No Yume gets excellent reviews. Find more hotels in Takayama here.
4) Hakone
Mount Fuji appears on most travelers’ lists of places to visit in Japan, but this iconic landmark can be elusive, often hidden by clouds. Several spots offer views of the mountain, but we chose Hakone because it’s easy to reach from Tokyo and offers plenty of other activities in case we didn’t spot it.
Despite visiting on a cloudy, drizzly day, we were lucky—Mount Fuji emerged from the clouds above Lake Ashi, and it was magical!
Hakone is also fun to explore because you can do a loop of the sights using different modes of transport—train, bus, pirate boat (yes, really!), and cable car.
In Hakone don’t miss:
- Buying a Hakone Free Pass to hop on and off all transport options on the Hakone Loop.
- Seeing Mount Fuji from the lake or cable car
- Eating a black egg cooked in the hot sulfur springs at volcanic Owakudani (not really—they look gross, but the Japanese go crazy for them)
- Soaking in an onsen
- Staying in a tatami room in a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoying an elaborate dinner
- Wandering the outdoor sculpture gallery at Hakone Open Air Museum
5) Kanazawa
Kanazawa is one of Japan’s best cities to visit, yet few foreign tourists make it here. As Kyoto grows in popularity, consider turning to Kanazawa instead for a quieter experience of geisha districts with preserved wooden buildings. It also boasts one of the country’s most beautiful gardens, a stunning castle, and many art museums to explore.
In Kanazawa don’t miss:
- Wandering Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens
- Exploring the wooden teahouses of the geisha districts Higashi Chaya and the quieter Kazuemachi and Nishi Chaya
- Experiencing a traditional tea ceremony at the exquisite Gyokusen-en Gardens
6) Nikko
Nikko is a temple town and UNESCO World Heritage site in the mountains a few hours north of Tokyo, offering a cool retreat from the city.
The temples and shrines, with their vermillion gates and moss-covered stone lanterns, are scattered across the wooded hillside. The main attraction is Toshogu Shrine, a stunning complex with more than a dozen lavishly decorated red and gold buildings among huge, ancient cedar trees. The crowds can be overwhelming, so afterward head to one of the quieter shrines.
You could visit Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo, but it’s worth spending a night or two to explore one of Japan’s most beautiful areas, including hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs. The region is famous for its vibrant autumn colors.
In Nikko don’t miss:
- Visiting Toshogu Shrine early to avoid the crowds
- Playing games at atmospheric Futarasan-jinja
- Exploring Taiyuinbyo
- Hiking up the mountain to the peaceful Takino shrine
- Photographing the bright red Shinkyo bridge
- Munching on dango (grilled rice balls on a stick) from a street stall
- Eating sushi at Komekichi Kozushi
7) Koya-San
Koya-san (Mount Koya) is one of Japan’s most fascinating places to experience traditional culture. This secluded, sacred temple town lies in the forest-covered mountains of Kansai and is one of the best spots to get a taste of monastic life by staying in a shukubo (temple lodging).
After wandering through the otherworldly Okunoin forest cemetery, we checked into our simple tatami room at the temple, soaked in the communal onsen bath, and enjoyed a delicious shojin ryori vegetarian Buddhist meal. In the morning, we rose early for the chanting and meditation ceremony with the monks.
A temple stay at Koya-san is a fascinating experience and well worth the detour from Osaka or Kyoto.
8) Tsumago
Tsumago is a picture-perfect traditional mountain village in the Kiso Valley. It’s one of Japan’s best-preserved post towns, and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time on the traffic-free streets lined with beautifully restored wooden inns.
During the Edo period 300 years ago, Tsumago served as a stop on the Nakasendo Way between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). You can hike part of this trail to the village of Magome in about two hours. Unfortunately, a typhoon prevented us from doing this, but it’s said to be a scenic and easy walk.
9) Nara
Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital and is filled with historic treasures, including many UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s one of Japan’s top attractions and makes a rewarding day trip from Kyoto to visit the temples and wild deer in Nara Park.
The Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) at Todaiji is the main sight—it’s the largest wooden building in the world, and nothing prepares you for its immense scale. Inside stands the 15-meter-tall gold and bronze statue of Buddha, dating back to 751.
10) Hiroshima
Come to pay your respects to the victims of the atomic bombing at Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Museum and Park, and stay to explore the modern city that was almost entirely rebuilt after World War II.
Highlights include visiting the Itsukushima shrine on nearby Miyajima island and trying the delicious local specialty okonomiyaki, a thick pancake of batter, vegetables, and noodles.
More Amazing Japan Destinations
There are so many more places to explore in Japan. These Japan tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-path gems are on our list for our next trip:
- Osaka – We’ve spent a night here, but we’d like to explore more of this modern city known for its food and nightlife.
- Kamakura – Beaches, Buddhas, hikes, and vegetarian-friendly food.
- The Izu Peninsula – Rugged coastline, mountains, and hot springs not far from Tokyo.
- Shirakawa-go – A village of traditional grass-roofed houses in a scenic setting.
- Hokkaido – The northernmost island of Japan, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
- Naoshima Island – A small island full of modern art and outdoor sculptures.
- Takaragawa Onsen – A scenic onsen resort.
Best Places to Visit in Japan Map
Japan Travel Tips
Read our detailed Japan guides for everything you need to know to plan a brilliant trip.
- Planning a Trip to Japan: Dos and Don’ts
- Two Weeks in Japan: A Detailed Itinerary
- Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
- Where to Stay in Japan: The Ultimate Guide to Accommodation
- 15 Fascinating Books to Read Before Visiting Japan
- Vegetarian Survival Guide to Japan
What are your favorite places in Japan? Leave a comment and let us know so we can add them to our Japan bucket list.
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