Top 30 Cities to Visit in Japan & Top Attractions

Explore the best cities to visit in Japan : The country, Japan has a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. It’s a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With so many cities to visit and explore, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to the top 30 cities to visit in Japan. We’ll take you through the must-see places, the best things to do, and where to eat and stay.

Beautiful Tourist Attractions in Japan

1. Tokyo : Capital city of Japan

Tokyo, the nation’s capital, is a bustling metropolis that caters to the needs of its visitors in various ways. There’s always something to see and do in Asakusa, from the bustling streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya to the serene temples in the neighborhood’s center. Take advantage of the chance to see the Tokyo Skytree, which offers views of the city that are just spectacular.

2. Kyoto ( Best cities to visit in Japan )

Kyoto is often referred to as the cultural heart of Japan because the city is home to several of the most well-known temples and shrines in Japan. Some attractions, such as the Golden Pavilion, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Kinkaku-ji, should be noticed. Gion, located in Kyoto, is where you can see the traditional geisha performances that have made the city famous.

3. Hiroshima ( Popular places to visit in Japan )

Hiroshima, a city with a troubled history, has emerged in recent decades as a paragon of composure and resiliency. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum serve not just as a sobering reminder of the tragic events that occurred on August 6, 1945, but also as a call to action to achieve a more peaceful future.

4. Osaka ( Famous Cities to visit in Japan )

Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, is well known for its cuisine and vibrant nightlife. The neighborhood of Dotonbori is well-known for its delicious street cuisine, and the Osaka Castle is an absolute must-see attraction.

5. Yokohama

Yokohama is a city that is well recognized for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and its waterfront region. It is a port city that is located just south of Tokyo. With its cutting-edge design and plethora of retail establishments, the Minato Mirai 21 district is a delight to explore.

6. Kagoshima

Kagoshima is the city that is the southernmost point on the island of Kyushu, and it is famous for its gorgeous beaches and hot springs. Both the Sengan-en Garden and the adjoining Sakurajima Volcano should be noted. Sakurajima is remarkably breathtaking.

7. Fukuoka ( Best cities to visit in Japan )

Fukuoka is most populous city on the island of Kyushu, and it is famous for its delicious cuisine and exciting nightlife. The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is an absolute must-see, and the city of Dazaifu, located close by, is a beautiful destination to discover.

8. Sapporo ( Top Places to visit in Japan )

Sapporo is capital city of the island of Hokkaido and is famous for its beer and winter sports. The Sapporo Snow Festival is an event that should be noticed, and the ski resorts in the surrounding area are fantastic places to enjoy a day on the slopes.

9. Nara ( Historical places in Japan to visit )

An old city that can be found at the Temples and other historical landmarks can be found in Nara, which is located not far from Kyoto. The Todai-ji Temple, which houses the world’s most significant bronze Buddha figure, is an absolute must-see attraction. Nara Park is another popular destination since it allows visitors to converse with the pleasant Sika deer that graze free throughout the park.

10. Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a city on the west coast of Honshu that is famous for its historically significant district, which has been carefully preserved, and its traditional arts. The Kenroku-en Garden and the Higashi Chaya district are popular tourist destinations in this city, which is also known for the exquisite gold leaf crafts produced there.

11. Takayama ( Cities to visit in Japan )

Takayama, a relatively small mountain town in the Japanese Alps, is well-known for its traditional architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. The Old Town and the morning markets are both popular tourist destinations, and Shirakawa-go, located close, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12. Nikko

Nikko is a mountainous region to the north of Tokyo famous for its many shrines and temples. Both the Toshogu Shrine, where Tokugawa Ieyasu was laid to rest, and the Kegon Falls, located close to the shrine, deserve your time and attention.

13. Kumamoto

Kumamoto, a city on the island of Kyushu, is well-known for its castle and traditional arts and crafts. In addition to the Kumamoto Castle and the Suizen-ji Joju-en Garden, this city is renowned for its ceramics and lacquerware. Both of these attractions should be noted.

14. Matsuyama

Matsuyama is the most populous city on the Shikoku, and it is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and its castle. Both the Dogo Onsen and the Matsuyama Castle should be noticed, and the Iya Valley, which is close by, is an excellent location for activities in the great outdoors.

15. Miyajima ( Top Attractions in Japan )

Miyajima is an island close to Hiroshima that is well-known for the stunning natural scenery that surrounds it as well as its well-known torii gate. Mount Misen and the Itsukushima Shrine are two of the island’s most popular tourist destinations, and the island is also home to a sizeable herd of wild deer.

16. Sendai ( Beautiful cities to visit in Japan )

Sendai is the most populous city in the Tohoku area, and it is famous for its rich history and stunning natural scenery. It is strongly recommended that visitors visit the Zuihoden Mausoleum and the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine. Additionally, the adjacent Matsushima Bay is renowned for its beautiful vistas.

17. Kamakura

The small coastal town of Kamakura is located south of Tokyo and is famous for the many temples and shrines that can be found there. The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and the Great Buddha of Kamakura are attractions that should be noticed. The beaches in the area are an excellent spot to unwind and take it easy.

18. Obuse

Obuse is a historically significant and culturally significant town in the Nagano prefecture. It is most renowned for its traditional arts. The chestnut sweets made in this town are well-known, in addition to the Hokusai Museum and the Gansho-in Temple, which are all essential stops for tourists.

19. Shizuoka

Shizuoka is a city on the Pacific coast of Honshu that is famous for both the tea it produces and the views it offers of Mount Fuji. The Miho no Matsubara and Sumpu Castle are two attractions that absolutely cannot be missed, and the neighboring tea fields are an excellent resource for learning about the production process of tea.

20. Hakone

Hakone is a town located in the highlands close to Mount Fuji and is famous for its hot springs and beautiful scenery. The Owakudani Valley and Lake Ashinoko are both beautiful places to visit, and the town of Hakone is also home to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which showcases sculptures and other works of art created by well-known artists from all over the world.

21. Kurashiki ( Famous Cities in Japan to visit )

Kurashiki is a historic city that is found in the Okayama prefecture. It is famous for its canal region that has been carefully kept as well as its traditional warehouses. The Bikan Historical Quarter and the Ohara Museum of Art are excellent places to visit in this city, which is also well-known for its cotton manufacturing industry.

22. Beppu

Beppu is a city on the island of Kyushu that is well-known for the geothermal activity and hot springs that can be found in the area. The Beppu Onsen and the Jigokumon (also known as Hell’s Gate) are attractions that absolutely cannot be missed. The surrounding mud and sand baths are also very often visited.

23. Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a city that can be found on the west coast of Kyushu and is well-known for its rich history as well as its distinctive culture. The Nagasaki Peace Park and the Glover Garden are both popular tourist destinations in the city, which is also well-known for the Chinese and Dutch influences seen throughout the city.

24. Yakushima

Yakushima is an island that can be found off the coast of Kyushu’s southern tip. It is famous for the natural beauty of the area as well as its ancient cedar woods. The island’s most famous attractions are the Jomonsugi Cedar and the Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge. It is also a well-known destination for hiking and other outdoor recreation.

25. Himeji

Himeji is a city in the Hyogo prefecture well-known for its castle and traditional architecture. The Himeji Castle and the Koko-en Garden are two of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, and the city is also well-known for its large population of white herons.

26. Uji

Uji is a city just outside of Kyoto that is famous for both its tea and its history. Uji is a relatively tiny city. Both the Byodo-in Temple and the Uji Shrine should be noticed, and the neighboring tea houses and fields are excellent locations to understand the steps involved in tea production.

27. Iwakuni

Iwakuni is a historical town in Yamaguchi Prefecture famous for its castle and traditional bridges. Iwakuni is a very tiny town. The Kintai Bridge and Iwakuni Castle are popular tourist destinations in this town, which is also well-known for its goldfish breeding industry.

28. Matsumoto

Matsumoto, which can be found in the Nagano prefecture, is a city famous for its castle and traditional arts. The Matsumoto Castle and the Kaichi School Museum are two of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, and the city is also well known for creating washi paper.

29. Okayama ( Beautiful Tourist places in Japan )

Okayama is a city that is located in the Okayama prefecture. Okayama is well-known for its traditional arts as well as its gardens. The Koraku-en Garden and Okayama Castle are two attractions you should take advantage of, and Okayama is also well-known for its Bizen ceramics.

30. Hagi ( Best places to visit in Japan )

The Yamaguchi prefecture is home to the little town of Hagi, which is well-known for its rich history and traditional arts. In addition to its well-known traditional Hagi-yaki ceramics, Hagi is home to many fascinating attractions, including the Hagi Castle and the Hagi Uragami Museum.

Plan A Trip To Japan

These thirty cities are merely a sample of everything Japan has to offer; the country has a lot more to offer than what is presented here. In Japan, regardless of whether you are more interested in history, culture, or nature, you will find something that piques your interest. Start making your travel plans immediately so you can see the wonders of this great nation.