Unveil the fantasy land of Japan, a captivating place for visitors both new and old. The list of the best places in Japan, created by TripAloud, intends to fulfill your wish to organize a successful trip.
Japan abounds in a plethora of attractions ranging from the bustle and brightness of Tokyo to the serenity provided by the Japanese Alps. Many say that the best time to come is during cherry blossom season when Japan simply warms up with colors, and all go out in the grasslands for picnics or parties.
Though Tokyo and Kyoto become so popular, there is a diverse set of lesser-known places from lively cities to wonderful islands and impressive mountains.
When you sail in Japan, you can explore other unknown places like Niigata and Toyama within one trip, providing a new angle to uncover the hidden parameters of life in Japan.
Now it’s the right moment to start your plans if you have always wanted to come visit Japan. Starting this guide from wherever you are reading it will spark your wanderlust.
Look below and spend a moment to marvel at our favorite Japanese destinations.
- Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital city, is a common destination for all travelers. This is obvious – the city with both classical and modern features offers endless options for dining, shopping, or leisure.
Tokyo, the capital city of Japan and situated at the shoreline of Tokyo Bay in Kanto region on Honshu Island is world-renowned for its fashionable boutiques and shopping areas. Whether it is the edgy corners of Harajuku and Shibuya or Ginza’s more upscale stores, there will be something for everyone.
Shinjuku is a busy commercial area with tall buildings and small bars hidden in cozy streets. Asakusa is a cultural facet of downtown Tokyo with ancient temples as well as other traditional vendors.
Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city. Alternatively, there are numerous inexpensive yet delicious ramen establishments. Tokyo’s choice of mad cafes and ideal restaurants cannot be forgotten, no matter if you are interested in fashion, history, or simply food – Tokyo has everything.
- Kyoto
Many Japanese cities soon became very modern, but Kyoto has managed to keep the confluence of tradition and ancient ways of life in it. Kyoto is marked as the former capital and has many strengths in its cultural legacy.
Kyoto is a calm city with three sides bordered by mountains and over one thousand temples, which helped to shape the cultural heritage of this place. The gardens even take their beauty according to the season.
Japanese buildings are beautiful, and traditional geishas and food varieties are available for the taste of everyone in Kyoto. The city is dotted with beautiful temples and every street appears to have its secrets, for instance, a ramen restaurant or an old Japanese house.
Kyoto is a popular biking city with hundreds of kilometers of developed paths and trails, where you can wander or run easily while visiting Japan’s old heritage. Adventurous individuals can check out the mountains to find hiking trails and places of exploration.
- Hiroshima
Hiroshima, which lies in the western part of Japan, is known for a sad event. This is the home of over a million people and an exciting place with quite a bit of history which attracts tourists from all over the world.
The Atomic Bomb Dome is another famous site that was not damaged but survived a near-devastating bombing in 1945. It is a trace of the tragedy and represents praying for peace. Another must-see spot is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which exhibits artifacts and stories from 1945.
A few more interesting spots to visit in Hiroshima are Shukkeien Garden, which is a mannered Japanese garden, the Hiroshima Castle, and the old fortress. Art lovers can go to the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Hiroshima Prefectural Arts Museum.
Tasty food is also in vogue in Hiroshima. Some restaurants provide a certain type of cuisine called Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki which is a pancake with cabbage, bacon, and noodles plus some sweet sour sauce. Other popular local treats are Hiroshima-style oyster dishes and yaki-soba.
Visitors should remember its sad history and visit the memorial sites. They can also go to see the city attractions and taste local dishes to feel complete variety.
- Tohoku
Japan’s Tohoku region possesses picturesque countryside and antique treasures. It is a big region. It has six simple provinces in the northeastern part, and they are very proud of their traditions. 2011 was an earthquake and tsunami, but then those people are strong, and they love that place very much so it is getting better.
There is much to be happy about in Tohoku – beautiful nature, historical landmarks, good-quality sake, and a lot of fun activities like rafting or hiking.
Visitors can also drop by during their lively Aomori Nebuta Festival in summer or see the temples and gardens of Hiraizumi, a gem belonging to Iwate.
Don’t miss an adventure on Hachinohe’s section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail and taste sweet cherries in Yamagata and delicious peaches, both are famous for their flavor.
- Hokkaido
In winter, Hokkaido is a cool place to ski, and some of the best places for it are Niseko and the city of Furano. The capital city is Sapporo, known for beer and ramen as well. In addition to the delicious food established in its name, the town hosts an annual event called Sapporo Snow Festival. But Hokkaido also has nothing to do with just winter fun.
In the not-so-hot summers, you can go hiking in national parks with volcanic lakes and natural spas with hot springs. Almost all of Hokkaido outside the cities is wild and natural, so you are always in nature.
Visitors can visit the culture of the Ainu people at Lake Akan and Shiretoko Peninsula to see bears, foxes, and deer roaming around easily. If you come in the summer, enjoy the stunning lavender fields in Furano. Your love for seafood will be sated with fresh crabs, salmon, and sushi from the land of Hokkaido.
- Osak
Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, is quite different from Tokyo and Kyoto. It has its own manner and even a kind of pronunciation. At first glance, it seems that Osaka is just another bustling city with a lot of high-rises and busy people, but upon closer inspection, many more offerings are waiting to be explored.
Osaka, once the economic heart of Japan, is currently a blend between modern fun and old traditions. Visitors can visit Universal Studios, arcades, etc., and relax on the beautiful riversides. But the real claim to fame of Osaka is its cuisine.
There is delicious Japanese food to taste everywhere, and Osaka was the birthplace of conveyor belt sushi. After all, food is a really big deal in Osaka, so if you want to have the best Japanese eating experience, this should definitely be somewhere that you become.
At sunset, Osaka is going to be a city that illuminates lights everywhere. It’s the ideal time to roam around streets, play games, or walk along pretty illuminated pathways. If you want a true taste of Japan, especially when the night falls, Osaka is the place to be.
- Sendai
Up north in Japan, Sendai is a bustling city for tourists to enjoy. It’s got some hip stuff, like Zuihoden, a special tomb for Date Masamune or Aoba Castle from the 1600s. Visitors must visit Osaki Hachimangu, a shrine that’s from the 1500s.
Sendai is different from all, because of its natural beauty. There’s Matsushima, one of the most scenic places in Japan, and the Shiogama Coastline, which gives you beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Or if you like activities, take a bath in hot springs or go hiking and skiing.
But aside from nature, Sendai also has city fun. Go shopping along Yanagimachi Street or in the AER Building.
Sendai is a big city, so getting around Sendai might need a little bit of planning. Also, don’t forget to visit Sendai City Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of Sendai city.
