Japan can feel intimidating for first-time travelers. From neon-lit city streets to imperial palaces, the country has something for everyone. So which places should make their way onto your itinerary?
Most first-time visitors begin with the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. If you have more time, Takayama, Nikko, and Hokkaido offer a glimpse of the quieter side of Japan that many visitors never see.
In this guide, we’re listing 10 of the best places to visit in Japan that cover a variety of travel experiences, from futuristic cities and historic temples to mountain villages and natural landscapes.
1. Tokyo
Tokyo is a must-visit for first-timers; think skyscrapers, neon signs, busy arcades, alternative fashion, hole-in-the-wall ramen shops, as well as traditional sights and temples. It’s a large city, so there’s no dearth of sights to see and activities to do.
The best way to experience Tokyo for the first time is by exploring its many neighborhoods: Asakusa, Ginza, Akihabara, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.
Don’t Miss
- A visit to Tokyo National Museum
- A visit to the four observation decks (Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills and Shibuya Sky), or just Shibuya Sky if you’re short on time
- Shopping and sightseeing in Harajuku, especially Takeshita Street
- TeamLab Planets, a multi-sensory interactive gallery
How To Get There
Flights to Tokyo operate primarily through Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Popular carriers include ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines (JAL), and Singapore Airlines.
2. Kyoto
If you’re interested in historical sites and temples, start your Japan trip in Kyoto. Kyoto’s appeal is its traditional buildings, temples, historic shrines, and old-world charm.
Kyoto is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and several historic temples. Many tourists head to Gion and Kiyomizu to spot geishas and visit iconic Buddhist temples.
Don’t Miss
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion)
- Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion)
- Ryoanji Temple
- Kozanji Temple
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Tenryuji Temple
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Nijo Castle
- Nishiki Market
- Kodai-ji Temple
- Red torii gates of Fushimi Inari shrine
- Walking the Philosopher’s Path
How To Get There
International travelers fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) which is serviced by airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Thai Vietjet, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines.
3. Osaka
Osaka, like Tokyo, is a sprawling modern city with plenty to see and do. It’s not as crowded or touristy as Tokyo and is home to some important Buddhist sites. While in the city, visitors can enjoy affordable street food, lively nightlife, shopping districts, and historical attractions.
Osaka is ideal for a short stay and also serves as an excellent base for day trips to Kyoto and Nara.
Don’t Miss
- Osaka Castle in Chūō-ku
- Shitennō-ji, a Buddhist temple
- Kuromon Market
- Sumiyoshi-Taisha Shrine
- Stroll through the neon-lit Dōtonbori
- Walking through Namba
- Try Osaka’s specialty, takoyaki (grilled octopus balls)
- Super Nintendo world at Universal Studios Japan
- The Harukas 300 observatory
How To Get There
While most travelers start their journey in Tokyo, Osaka is a great alternative especially if you’re flying in from Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is serviced by over 30 international airlines including All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL).
4. Nara
The city of Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. It is less than an hour away from Osaka and Kyoto. Nara’s main attraction is the hundreds of deer that roam freely in the National Park and are used to the presence of people.
The Nara citadel cluster includes many popular attractions such as the Nara National Museum, Todaiji, the Kasuga Shinto Shrine, and Kofukuji.
Don’t Miss
- Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) at Todaiji is the largest wooden building in the world
- Horyuji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest temples and a World Heritage Site
- Gallery of Temple Treasures at the Eastern Precinct
- Kasugataisha Shrine
How To Get There
Travelers flying to Nara must book flights to the nearby Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International (Itami) Airport (ITM). Nara is easily reached from Kyoto or Osaka by train in under an hour.
5. Nikkō
The temple town of Nikko is very small but contains some of the most beautiful shrines and temples in Japan. It is located at the entrance to the Nikko National Park, which is famous for its scenic views, hiking trails, hot springs, lakes, and waterfalls.
The Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a Shinto shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It is one of the best places to visit in Japan.
Don’t Miss
- Shinkyo Bridge and the Nikkō Futarasan Shrine
- Hiking up the mountain to the Takino shrine
- Nikkō National Park
- Taiyuinbyo Iemitsu Mausoleum
How To Get There
Nikko is perfect for a day trip or a visit on the way to the Kegon Waterfall. It is easily reached from Tokyo in about two hours by train.
6. Hiroshima
Hiroshima was almost completely rebuilt after World War II. A large park was built in the city’s centre and dedicated to honoring and remembering the terrible and tragic events of August 6.
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome to pay your respects to the victims of the atomic bombing. Then head to downtown Hondori to try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a local specialty.
Don’t Miss
- Peace Memorial Museum
- Atomic Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima Castle
- Shukkeien Garden
- Mazda Museum Tour
How To Get There
Because international connections to Hiroshima are limited, many travelers prefer to fly direct to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita airports) and then take a domestic flight or the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Hiroshima.
7. Miyajima
A visit to Hiroshima is incomplete without a trip to the nearby Miyajima Island. This small island houses the Itsukushima Jinja, famous for its massive red torii gate that appears to float on water during high tides.
The island has several walking paths that tourists can stroll through for casual sightseeing and scenic views.
Don’t Miss
- Itsukushima Jinja
- Daisho-in Temple, a temple of Shingon Buddhism located at the base of Mount Misen
- Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street, which is lined with street food stalls and souvenir shops
- Miyajima Museum of History and Folklore
How To Get There
Miyajima is reached via ferry from Hiroshima. Most travelers take a train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi and then board a short ferry ride to the island.
8. Hakone
Hakone is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy views of Mount Fuji. It’s a popular location for a day trip from Tokyo via the “Romancecar” train, but there are several transport routes you can use to get there, including bus, cable car, and even a pirate boat.
Don’t Miss
- Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Pirate Ship from Togendai to Hakone
- Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu and its torii gate over water (a bit like the one in Hiroshima)
- Hakone Park
- Hakone Shrine
- Trying Kuro-tamago (black eggs of Owakudani)
How To Get There
Hakone does not have its own commercial airport. Travelers must fly into Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) and take a train or bus to Hakone.
9. Takayama
This charming small town at the edge of the Japanese Alps doesn’t get as many visitors as the big cities. Expect a peaceful time and a slower pace than other tourist areas.
One of the most popular tourist sites is the Sanmachi Suji historic district, sometimes called “Little Kyoto” for its old world resemblance to Gion. Here, you’ll find traditional wooden houses, craft shops, and sake breweries.
Takayama is also famous for Hida beef, one of Japan’s most prized regional specialties, and serves as an excellent base for visiting nearby Shirakawa-go.
Don’t Miss
- Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, a Shinto shrine in the Gifu Prefecture
- Takayama Jinya, which was a government office complex during the Edo Period
- Yoshijima Heritage House, a former traditional sake brewery
- Takayama Showa-kan Museum, which houses artifacts and daily objects from the Showa era (1926 – 1989)
- Day trip to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO-listed mountain village
- Hida Folk Village, an open air museum with traditional houses from the Hida region
- Workshops on traditional crafts at the Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Center
How To Get There
Flights to Takayama arrive at regional hubs like Toyama Airport (TOY) or Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), as the city itself does not have a commercial airport.
10. Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan. It’s quite far from Tokyo and so isn’t usually included in most first-time tourist itineraries.
Within the island, popular tourist spots include Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate. Expect scenic landscapes, fresh seafood, national parks, flower fields, ski resorts, and hot springs.
Hokkaido is particularly popular during winter for skiing and snow festivals, while summer brings mild temperatures, flower fields, and outdoor activities that are difficult to find elsewhere in Japan.
Don’t Miss
- Niseko, a famous ski resort
- Noboribetsu, a hot spring resort
- Matsumae, a former castle town
- Yoichi Distillery
- Flower fields in Furano and Biei
- Daisetsuzan National Park
- Shiretoko National Park
- Sapporo Snow Festival (seasonal)
How To Get There
Flights to the New Chitose Airport (CTS) operate via airlines including VietJet Air, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a one-week city break or a longer journey across the country, Japan offers an incredible mix of history, culture, food, and natural beauty. While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain the foundation of most itineraries, destinations such as Nikko, Takayama, and Hokkaido reward travelers looking to experience a different side of Japan.
