No doubt, Japan is one among the best holiday destinations in Asia. For us, coming to Japan has been a beautiful dream for the past two years. Now that Japan arranges to reopen the border for independent tourists, it is time to hunt for the best city to visit in Japan and make your itinerary!

Well, it will be really hard to decide which one is the best city in Japan, the most beautiful one, the most refreshing one, and more. In fact, the cities in Japan have their own characteristics. The best nature city might go to Kyoto, but it doesn’t mean that other cities don’t have nature destinations.

Although it will be easy to spot the best modern city in Japan. It goes to Tokyo, and following it is Osaka.

Map of cities in Japan

Maps of Japan - Best Cities in Japan

Here are some of the cities in Japan we recommend you visit on your next holiday!

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. When visiting Japan, more often than not, you will land in Tokyo first. The capital city of Japan is home to two international airports, Narita and Haneda. Set your foot outside the door and plenty of interesting attractions awaits.

Tokyo offers a beautiful blend of history and culture, both traditional and modern. It houses a number of historical sites, from Asakusa Kannon, the oldest temple in Japan, to the Imperial Palace, where the emperor resides. On the modern side of the spectrum, you’ll find the popular Shinjuku entertainment center and Ginza shopping district.

Kyoto, considered by many as Japan’s most beautiful city, was the Japanese capital until the government was moved to Tokyo in 1868. Japan’s former capital, Kyoto, houses hundreds of Buddhist and Shinto shrines. Each shrine has an interesting history and, very important for young travelers nowadays, an Instagrammable look.

Located northwest of Kyoto, the Kinkaku-ji shrine was built above a reflective pool and has a gold-plated wall. You can also find Fushimi Inari Taisha, which has a row of red temple gates (Torii) you’ve most definitely seen on various websites and social media. Also, don’t miss the chance to visit Kiyomizudera Temple which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and was the country’s first capital. As the second-largest metropolitan city after Tokyo, Osaka is the economic powerhouse and It is considered a vital economic center in Japan. Formerly known as Naniwa, Osaka houses one of the most important sites in Japan’s history, the Osaka Palace. The castle was built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the military leader who succeeded in uniting Japan.

Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan, a theme park from one of the major film studios in Hollywood. Another place that you should not miss while visiting Osaka is Shinsaibashi, which is an entertainment center and a great place to buy souvenirs for your loved ones at home.

Located south of Tokyo, Yokohama is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and the second-largest city in Japan by population. It houses an abundance of famous sightseeing sites like the seaside urban area Minato Mirai, the historic Red Brick Warehouse, and the Yokohama Chinatown.

Big fans of Japanese cuisine will get a kick out of their visit to Yokohama as the city has one of the most interesting museums around, the Ramen Museum. Aside from learning its history, you can eat, shop, and even try to make your own ramen there.

You are probably familiar with Hiroshima because of its history. Hiroshima is said to be the first city that is attacked by an atomic bomb in the world. Right now, Hiroshima is one of people’s favorite destinations, making it one of the best cities in Japan to visit during the holiday.

When you visit Hiroshima, it wouldn’t be gloomy at all due to the history of it. Although, there are some places in Hiroshima that will remind people of the story of the bombing. The Atomic Bomb Dome or also known as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is one of them.

The more heartbreaking place related to the 1945 tragedy is the nearby Children’s Peace Monument. It will makes you think about the children that died because of the bombing.

But, don’t worry, Hiroshima also has plenty of cheerful places. Get to know the culture more by visiting Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy its beauty. Get amazed by the castles in Hiroshima, like Hiroshima Castle and Fukuyama Castle.

Also, strolling around to get some delicious food would be a great idea!

The next best city to visit in Japan is Nara. Nara is close to Osaka and Kyoto. For those of you who love cultural trips, Nara is a must-visit city for you. It will greet you with their collections of temples.

Nara has plenty of temples! There are Todaiji Temple, Horyuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, Toshodaiji Temple, and more. Of course, each temple will have its own characteristic and story, so you can visit them one by one if you like.

Other than those temples, you can enjoy the outdoors hangout in Nara Park, where you can meet all the wild deers in it. A National Museum is available too in Nara, consisting of Buddhist arts. Well, Nara is one of the best cities in Japan that has a strong Buddhist background.

Who likes visiting Japan during winter? Well, if you are one of them, then Sapporo is your next best city in Japan. Sapporo has so many attractions related to winter themes, such as skiing and visiting winter festivals. But surely, Sapporo is not only nice during winter. You can visit this best city in Japan anytime you want and enjoy all the fun things to do there!

The next thing you should do is check out Sapporo Beer, if you are a fan of beer. Expand your knowledge about Sapporo Beer by visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum. Other than that, you can choose other things to visit. More museums available: Hokkaido Museum that will explain to you the history of Hokkaido or Hokkaido Museum of Art for all the art lovers.

You can take a walk and enjoy Sapporo while enjoying the street or the parks. Check the Clock Tower, stroll around at Moerenuma Park, or visit the 100th Anniversary Memorial Park.

Japan is strongly related to hot springs, or what they call “onsen” in Japanese. So, if you are looking for the best city in Japan with plenty of choices of hot springs or onsen, Beppu is your answer.

The location is very strategic for Beppu to own plenty of onsen. They even call the geothermal hot spots in Beppu as “eight hells of Beppu”. Pretty scary, but it is actually not. Beppu is what you are looking for when you need some relaxing time while soaking and enjoying the natural hot water.

It is very easy to find the hot springs in Beppu. Just search for Hells of Beppu, Umi Jigoku, and more. Other than being number one for onsen, you can hike on Mount Tsurumi, shop at Kitakoka Shotengai Shopping street, ride the Beppu Ropeway for the greatest view of Beppu, and the most unique one, visiting Beppu beach and try bathing in the sand!

The food in Beppu is spectacular too. Trying the Chicken Tempura and Chicken Karaage in Beppu is a must!

In the island of Honshu, you will find another best city to visit in Japan that is Kobe. If you crave for a place with a beautiful view of the mountains or the harbour, you can come visit Kobe while you are in Japan.

The most known and famous in Kobe is its memorial of the earthquake tragedy back in 1995. There is a Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park to commemorate the incident. It was a big earthquake, one of the biggest earthquakes that happened in Japan. Related to the incident, there is also a statue of the robot that helps rebuild the city. The robot is called The Tetsujin 28.

Anyway, there is still more of Kobe that you can enjoy. This best city to visit in Japan has a variety of destinations, starting from the Oji Zoo that you can visit with your kids, the Ikuta Shrine for a more cultural destination, Mount Rokko for those of you that love to hike, and a tour to the sake brewery.

Got bored of Tokyo? Visit Kanazawa. When you spend your holiday in Japan, don’t forget to take a day or two to stay in Kanazawa and enjoy all the things you get to see and try here.

You will be confused when you arrange your own Kanazawa itinerary because there are too many interesting places to visit! You can find almost everything in Kanazawa: modern museums, onsen, parks and gardens, temples, and plenty of food to try. Even the Kanazawa station itself is very aesthetic. You can take some mandatory pictures there.

From late March to April, Kanazawa is the best city in Japan to enjoy the cherry blossoms as well. But, if you are not going on the time where it blossoms, you don’t need to worry as there are more things to see and do.

The Hakusan National Park, for example, will refresh your sights and be your company when you want to hike. There are still more gems for your eyes: Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi, or the Kiso-Ontake Mountain Range.

Takayama is a city that feels like a peaceful retreat from Japan’s bustling urban hubs since it’s nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. Its Sanmachi Suji historic district is the star attraction, with narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved wooden merchant houses from the Edo Period. As you stroll these charming streets, you’ll find sake breweries, small museums, and artisan shops selling local crafts like lacquerware and pottery.

Takayama is also famous for its seasonal Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn. This isn’t just any festival, it’s considered one of Japan’s most beautiful, with ornate, gilded floats parading through the streets. Even if you visit outside the festival dates, the floats are displayed in local museums, giving you a glimpse of the artistry behind them. Don’t miss out on the culinary delights here and explore the Shinhotaka Ropeway too!

If you love nature, Nikko is a must-visit city. Kegon Waterfalls, one of Japan’s top three waterfalls is here. The 97-metre drop is especially breathtaking in autumn when the surrounding trees turn shades of red and orange. Nearby, Lake Chūzenji offers a serene escape. You can take a stroll along its shores or rent a boat for a relaxing ride. The combination of mountain views and the calm water makes it an ideal spot for unwinding.

Nikko offers the most iconic spott, which is Nikkō Tōshōgū, a grand Shinto shrine built in honour of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shrine is a masterpiece, with its gilded Yomeimon Gate, intricate carvings, and peaceful cedar grove setting. Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like walking through an open-air museum of Japan’s Edo Period craftsmanship.

However, if you are travelling with family or looking for something unique, head to Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura. This theme park recreates life in Japan’s Edo Period with live performances, traditional workshops, and even ninja shows.

Kamakura, just an hour south of Tokyo, offers a calm escape from the hustle of the capital. This historic coastal town was once the political heart of medieval Japan, and it’s now known for its serene temples, shrines, and beautiful beaches. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in Temple, a towering 13-metre bronze statue that has stood resilient for centuries, even surviving a 15th-century tsunami.

The town is also home to Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine. Located at the end of a picturesque tree-lined walkway, the shrine offers a glimpse into Japan’s samurai past and provides a beautiful view of the city from its main hall. If you’re more into relaxing by the sea, Yuigahama Beach is the place to be. It’s a popular spot for surfing or simply enjoying the coastal breeze.

Craving some downtime surrounded by nature? Head to Hakone. Located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this mountainous town is famous for its hot springs (onsen) and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. A must-visit spot is Lake Ashi, where you can take a leisurely boat ride while enjoying the backdrop of the iconic volcano. Don’t miss the Hakone Shrine also, with its striking red torii gate that seems to float on the lake.

The Hakone Ropeway offers an aerial view of the area, including the bubbling sulphur vents of Owakudani Valley. You can even try some black eggs boiled in the sulphuric hot springs. Locals say eating one adds seven years to your life! Hakone Open-Air Museum can also be part of your itinerary. This outdoor gallery features sculptures set against the lush mountain scenery.

Next is the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya. Start with a visit to the iconic Nagoya Castle, originally built in 1612. Its beautiful reconstruction offers insights into the Edo period, complete with historical displays and lush surroundings that are ideal for a relaxing stroll. The castle’s golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-headed fish) atop its roof is a symbol of the city’s rich heritage.

For a dose of modern fun, head to Ghibli Park, where fans of Studio Ghibli can explore enchanting exhibits dedicated to beloved films. If you’re travelling with kids or just enjoy theme parks, Legoland Japan is another must-visit, offering interactive attractions and displays made entirely of LEGO bricks. The Nagoya City Science Museum is also a great stop, boasting one of the world’s largest planetariums and hands-on exhibits that entertain while educating.

Nagoya is also known as the hub of Japan’s automotive industry, so a visit to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a fascinating way to learn about the city’s industrial roots.

Known as the “Roof of Japan” for its towering mountain ranges, Nagano is a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding, thanks to its 1998 Winter Olympics fame. If you’re visiting during winter, places like Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort and Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort offer powdery slopes and stunning alpine views. During the warmer months, these same mountains transform into hiking trails with breathtaking scenery.

The city also has its most famous landmark, Zenkōji Temple, which dates back over 1,400 years and remains one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist sites. A visit here is as much about soaking up the ambience and admiring the temple’s ancient architecture. Nearby, the Matsushiro Castle Ruins offer a glimpse into the samurai era with well-preserved remnants and beautiful grounds that change with the seasons.

The next city is Akita, nestled in Japan’s Tōhoku region. Akita is home to soothing hot springs (onsen) that are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The city is also famous for its sake, brewed with pristine local water and rice, making it a must-try for international visitors. If you’re a dog lover, you’ll appreciate the Akita breed, a symbol of loyalty and strength that originated from this area.

A visit to Akita wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its unique festivals, one of them is the Akita Kanto Matsuri. The festival is held to pray for a good harvest of the five grains: wheat, rice, beans, foxtail millet, and Chinese millet. With roots believed to date back to the 17th century, the Akita Kanto Matsuri is both a cultural spectacle and a deep expression of the region’s agricultural heritage. The food scene here is another highlight, featuring dishes like kiritanpo, a rice-based delicacy, and local seafood that reflects the region’s coastal proximity.

Another city that is worth to visit while you are in Japan is Kurashiki, located along Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. The highlight of Kurashiki is the Bikan Historical Quarter, a beautifully preserved area that takes you back to the Edo period. Strolling along the canal lined with traditional white-walled warehouses and elegant willow trees feels like stepping into a postcard. Small shops, local cafes, and craft boutiques add a cosy touch to this small city.

If you love art, you will find the Ohara Museum of Art a true gem. As Japan’s first private museum to showcase Western art, it boasts works by renowned artists like El Greco, Monet, and Renoir. For something a bit more nostalgic, the Japan Rural Toy Museum features a quirky collection of toys spanning from the 1600s to the 1980s, sparking memories for some and curiosity for others.

Beyond its historical district, Kurashiki has a unique claim to fame as Japan’s denim capital. Kojima, a district in Kurashiki, is the birthplace of Japanese jeans and home to numerous denim workshops and boutiques.

In another Tohoku region, there is Yamagata, a city where nature and tradition blend effortlessly. The heart of the city is Kajo Park, home to the remnants of Yamagata Castle. In spring, the park transforms into a sea of cherry blossoms, drawing locals and visitors alike for peaceful hanami picnics.

A short journey northeast of the city takes you to the iconic Yamadera Temple, perched on the slopes of Mount Hojusan. Climbing its 1,000 steps may sound like a challenge, but the journey is worth it for the breathtaking views at the top. The temple’s Godaido observation deck offers sweeping panoramas of the lush valley below, perfect spot for photographers. There is also a literature museum called Yamadera Basho Museum nearby, celebrating the 17th-century poet Matsuo Basho, who penned some of his most famous haikus after visiting the temple.

Last but not least, still in Tohoku, visit Aomori. It offers a more laid-back and authentic Japanese experience compared to its more bustling counterparts. In the summer, the city comes alive with the famous Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, a festival featuring massive, beautifully illuminated floats parading through the streets, accompanied by energetic dancing and music. The festival is just one example of the region’s lively traditional celebrations, including the Hirosaki Neputa Festival and others in the Tsugaru, Shimokita, and Nanbu areas.

Other than festivals, Aomori has plenty to offer, including the Aomori Museum of Art, which showcases modern and traditional Japanese art, and the Seikan Tunnel Museum, providing insights into the world's longest underwater tunnel between Honshu and Hokkaido. For a deeper connection to the region's history, head to Hirosaki, where you can explore the historic Hirosaki Castle and enjoy the beauty of its surrounding park, especially during cherry blossom season.

So, now you already have the 20 best cities to visit in Japan for the holiday. We are sure that you already miss the moment where you can go to Japan and spend a good time there.

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With the exciting news about all the incredible destinations waiting for you in Japan, it's the perfect time to start planning your holiday itinerary! From the historic streets of Kyoto to the lively festivals of Aomori, there's a city to suit every traveler's taste.

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