Japan is simply brimming with breathtaking beauty and unforgettable tourist attractions. If you are wondering which cities to visit when in Japan for the first time, we’ve done our share of research and can easily guide you on your journey.
It’s doubtful that you’ll be able to see all of Japan in one trip if you’re only going to be in Japan for a few days or a couple of weeks, so we’ve made a list of top cities to visit. So, let’s get started!
Tokyo
A trip to this vibrant city is a one-of-a-kind experience that gives tourists many well-known sites to discover and a ton of entertaining things to do, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family. Tokyo is also a perfect starting point for exploring Japan and its stark differences from the rest of the world.
Tokyo’s must-see attractions include the following:
- The Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree – the city’s tallest and second-tallest structures, respectively, provide excellent vantage points to capture breathtaking images of the city’s skyline.
- The oldest Buddhist temple in Japan and the most popular pilgrimage destination worldwide is Sensō-ji.
- Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland – no matter which of these colorful theme parks you choose to visit, you could easily spend a whole day there. And if you’re traveling with your family, your kids will love this!
- Exploring the city’s staggering array of top-notch eateries and exclusive shopping locales is sufficient for many first-timers. We highly advise having a trip through the Shinjuku neighborhood.
Tokyo is the ultra-modern counterpart of Kyoto, the center of traditional Japanese culture. Skyscrapers, loud arcades, crowded pedestrian crossings, outrageous youth trends, and several fantastic restaurants may all be found here.
Kyoto
You may easily complete a tour in a day. However, we recommend spending a few days in Kyoto to take advantage of everything the city offers.
Don’t miss visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a charming natural area.
We also strongly advise going to the adjacent Tenryu-ji Temple and the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its well-known scarlet torii gates if you have the time.
Make Kyoto your sole stop in Japan if you only have time for a one-stop visit. There are bamboo woods, gold, silver, and crimson temples and shrines. You will see raked gravel Zen gardens, enjoy elaborate feasts served on lacquered plates, beautiful tea rituals, and markets brimming with exciting but unidentified items. This is traditional Japan as you envisioned it.
The concrete skyscrapers of Kyoto’s central business district can be depressing, so venture outside to the mountainous neighborhoods. There, you’ll find winding stone streets, quaint wooden houses, monks dressed in flowing robes, and the sounds of chanting and gongs emanating from the city’s numerous temples and shrines.
Kyoto’s business district is not something that generally attracts tourists. However, according to mastermovingguide.com, many professionals from around the world decide to move to Japan and build successful careers there.
Arashiyama, up in the western hills, is one of the most traditional neighborhoods and home to bamboo forests, eccentric temples, and monkeys. Gion is the location to spot geisha, while Higashiyama has several lovely temples to visit.
Try to visit the main temples early in the morning as they might get busy because Kyoto is one of the top tourist destinations in Japan.
Osaka
We strongly advise taking a day excursion to Osaka if you’re staying in Tokyo and feel you’ve seen enough of the city.
Osaka Castle, a historic building that has endured several fires, battles, and natural calamities, should be the first thing you check off your schedule for the city. During cherry blossom season, perhaps the most wonderful time to visit Japan, the expansive palace grounds are a lovely spot to explore.
Miyajima and Hiroshima
Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass and venturing a little further afield if you plan a 10-day trip to Japan. Further south in the nation, Hiroshima, with its renowned Peace Memorial Park, is a worthwhile stop.
Visit the somber Peace Memorial Museum and Park in Hiroshima to pay your respects to the victims of the atomic attack, then stay to experience the contemporary city nearly fully rebuilt following World War II.
You can also visit the adjacent Miyajima island, which is the location of the floating Itsukushima Shrine if you have the time. If you visit the magnificent monument at sunset, you’ll understand why this ancient holy landmark is among Japan’s most popular photo spots.
When it comes to food that you must try in Japan, don’t forget to taste okonomiyaki, a thick pancake made of batter, noodles, and veggies, a regional specialty.
Hakone
Most people include Mount Fuji on their lists of places to see in Japan, although it may be challenging to find and is frequently obscured by clouds.
There are several locations from which you can see the mountain, but Hakone is simple to access from Tokyo, and the region is full of things to do in case you are not successful in spotting it.
And if you’re fortunate enough to see Mount Fuji emerge from the clouds over Lake Ashi despite weather conditions, you’ll find it’s simply breathtaking!
Witnessing such a spectacular view might make you consider making Japan your home. Perhaps you are one of the businessmen lucky to build their careers in Kyoto. Or maybe you are an avid world traveler who enjoys living in different areas of the world. Whatever the case, you will have to plan an international move. While it can be complicated, moving to Japan will allow you plenty of time to explore the mesmerizing places that make this country such an attractive tourist destination. And you can simplify the relocation so you don’t waste the time you can spend sightseeing. Hire an international moving company. With a team you can rely on, your move will be as stress-free as possible.
Tsumago
The picturesque traditional mountain town of Tsumago is located in the Kiso Valley. One of Japan’s best-preserved post towns, with its empty alleys lined with exquisitely maintained wooden inns, gives the impression that time has stood still there.
Tsumago served as a station on the Nakasendo Way between Kyoto and Edo during the Edo era 300 years ago (now Tokyo). In two to three hours, you may trek a portion of this path to the settlement of Magome.
Nara
The first permanent capital of Japan, Nara, is brimming with historical riches, including many UNESCO world heritage sites. A delightful day trip from Kyoto to see the temples and wild animals in Nara Park is one of the best things to do in Japan.
The major attraction is the Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) in Todaiji, the world’s largest wooden structure for which nothing can adequately prepare you. The Buddha statue inside is 15 meters tall and was made of gold and bronze in the year 751.
Which Cities to Visit When in Japan for the First Time Do You Choose?
We hope we have given you some ideas on which cities to visit when in Japan for the first time. Anywhere you choose to travel, you will without a doubt have a fantastic time and might even consider moving there. No matter how long you stay, Japan provides incredible tourist attractions that make every visit unique. And you’re bound to come back for more!
Author: Jassica Mendez