Best places to visit in Japan: 12 destinations not to miss

Choosing the best places to visit in Japan is hard, because every region has something special. This selection covers twelve destinations that suit a first or second trip, from megacities to island art museums.

1. Tokyo

A city of neighbourhoods: historic Asakusa, the youth culture of Harajuku, the lights of Shinjuku and the calm of Meiji Jingu. Museums, food and day trips could fill weeks. See the Tokyo guide.

2. Kyoto

Japan's former capital has more than 1,600 temples and 400 shrines, including Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. Gion's wooden streets and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama are best visited early in the morning.

3. Osaka

Known as the nation's kitchen, Osaka is the place for takoyaki, okonomiyaki and lively evenings in Dotonbori. Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan add variety.

4. Nara

Japan's first permanent capital is home to Todai-ji's giant Buddha and a park where deer roam freely. It is an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

5. Hiroshima and Miyajima

The Peace Memorial Park and Museum tell a moving story. Nearby, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island appears to float at high tide.

6. Mount Fuji and Hakone

Lake Kawaguchi offers classic views of Fuji, while Hakone combines hot springs, a ropeway over volcanic valleys and an open-air museum.

7. Kanazawa

Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three great gardens, preserved geisha and samurai districts, and fresh seafood make Kanazawa a favourite stop between Tokyo and Kyoto.

8. Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Old merchant streets in Takayama and the thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are especially beautiful under winter snow.

9. Nikko

Lavishly decorated shrines in a forested setting, waterfalls and lakes, about two hours from Tokyo.

10. Hokkaido

Sapporo's food, lavender fields in Furano in July, national parks and world-class powder snow in winter.

11. Okinawa

Turquoise water, coral reefs and a culture shaped by the former Ryukyu Kingdom, with a pace very different from the mainland.

12. Naoshima

An island of contemporary art museums and outdoor installations in the Seto Inland Sea, reached by ferry from Okayama or Takamatsu.

Combining the best places to visit in Japan

Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima form a natural route for a first trip. Kanazawa and Takayama add a mountain loop, while Hokkaido and Okinawa suit a dedicated second visit. See the day-by-day routes for ready-made plans.

Hidden gems to add

Kinosaki Onsen for hot spring hopping in yukata, Kurashiki's canal-side old town, the art and design of Kanazawa's craft districts, the pilgrimage trails of Kumano Kodo and the tranquil Iya Valley in Shikoku offer quieter alternatives to the most famous sites. They suit second trips or travelers who prefer slower days.

When to visit these places

Kyoto and Nara shine in spring and autumn, Hokkaido in summer and winter, Okinawa from April to June, and the Japan Alps from late spring to autumn. Mount Fuji is most often visible on clear winter mornings.

Official source: Japan National Tourism Organization

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