Japan's cities range from the dizzying scale of Tokyo to quiet shrine towns wrapped in cedar forest, and the best itineraries mix a few of them along the bullet-train lines. Here are the destinations worth building a trip around, ranked roughly by how essential they are for a first or second visit, with what each is best known for and how they fit together.
The Best Cities to Visit in Japan
Japan's electric capital and the natural starting point: distinct neighbourhoods from Shibuya and Harajuku to old-Tokyo Asakusa and Yanaka, the world's best concentration of restaurants, dazzling nightlife and shopping, and easy escapes to Hakone, Nikko, and Mount Fuji. Allow 3-4 days minimum.
The cultural heart of Japan, with more than 1,600 temples and 400 shrines, geisha districts, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, and the gate tunnels of Fushimi Inari. Compact, walkable, and the perfect base for the wider Kansai region. Plan for 2-3 days, more if you slow down.
Japan's kitchen and its most freewheeling city: neon-lit Dotonbori, the best okonomiyaki and takoyaki in the country, comedy, and warm, blunt locals. Great value and lively nights, and an easy hub for Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. A perfect 1-2 day counterpoint to Kyoto.
A moving and resilient city defined by the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paired with the unmissable day trip to Miyajima, where the great torii of Itsukushima Shrine floats at high tide. The western end of the Sanyo Shinkansen line and well worth the journey.
- 5Nara
Japan's eighth-century first permanent capital, home to the colossal bronze Great Buddha of Todai-ji and a deer park where tame sika deer bow for crackers. An easy half- or full-day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, packed with ancient temples in a single walkable park.
A refined, less-crowded alternative on the Sea of Japan coast, with intact samurai and geisha quarters, the celebrated Kenroku-en garden (one of Japan's three great gardens), and a strong craft and seafood scene. A rewarding detour off the main Golden Route.
A hot-spring resort town in the mountains southwest of Tokyo, prized for ryokan onsen stays, open-air art museums, lake cruises, and views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The classic overnight escape from the capital, easily reached by train.
A shrine town north of Tokyo where some of Japan's most ornate, gilded shrines (a UNESCO World Heritage site) sit among towering cedars, alongside waterfalls and mountain scenery. A spectacular day or overnight trip from the capital.
FAQ
- What are the best cities to visit in Japan?
- For most trips, Tokyo and Kyoto are essential, with Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nara the next tier. Add Kanazawa for a quieter alternative, and Hakone or Nikko as scenic escapes from Tokyo. Combine three to five along the bullet-train lines for a balanced itinerary.
- What is the best city order for a Japan itinerary?
- Most travellers fly into Tokyo, spend a few days, then take the Shinkansen west to Kyoto and Osaka, optionally continuing to Hiroshima. Day trips to Nara, Hakone, and Nikko slot in from those bases, following the Golden Route from east to west.
- Which Japanese city is best for first-time visitors?
- Tokyo is the best starting point for the sheer range of modern Japan, while Kyoto delivers the iconic temples and tradition. Pairing the two, with a side trip or two, is the most popular and rewarding choice for a first visit.