15 Largest Cities in Japan, Ranked by Population
Japan, a country of rich tradition and cutting-edge modernity, is home to some of the most populous cities in the world. From the industrious metropolis of Tokyo to the cultural heritage of Kyoto, the largest cities in Japan offer a unique blend of history, innovation and vibrant local life.
Japan's urban centers are hubs of culture, technology and cuisine, attracting millions of visitors and residents alike. Here are the top 15, based on data from World Population Review.
The capital and largest city of Japan, Tokyo is a global hot spot for culture, business and technology. Known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets and world-class dining, the city offers endless attractions, including the historic Meiji Shrine, the densely packed Shibuya Crossing and the vibrant Akihabara district.
With over 8 million inhabitants, Tokyo's mix of tradition and innovation makes it one of the world's most fascinating cities.
Located just south of Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city and a major port. Known for its beautiful Minato Mirai waterfront district, Chinatown and the Cup Noodles Museum, the city combines modern attractions with a laid-back atmosphere.
Osaka, in the Kansai region, is known for its vibrant food scene (like many of the major cities in Japan), buzzing nightlife and welcoming culture.
Landmarks like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan make it a popular destination. The city's nickname, "The Nation's Kitchen," reflects its culinary prowess.
Nagoya, an industrial powerhouse, is Japan's automotive hub, home to Toyota and other major manufacturers. The city features attractions like Nagoya Castle, the Atsuta Shrine and the futuristic SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, showcasing its blend of history and technology.
The largest city on the northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is famous for its beer, ramen and annual Snow Festival. The city offers access to stunning natural landscapes and is a gateway to skiing and other outdoor adventures.
Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city known for its Kobe beef from Wagyu cattle and stunning views. Attractions like the Kobe Harborland, Nunobiki Herb Garden and the Ikuta Shrine highlight its charm.
Kyoto, Japan's former capital, is renowned for its traditional culture, historic temples and beautiful gardens. Landmarks like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion district attract visitors seeking a glimpse into Japan's past.
Located on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is a vibrant city known for its food stalls (yatai), historic temples and modern shopping districts. The city's close proximity to Korea and China has made it a cultural and trade gateway for centuries
Part of the Greater Tokyo Area, Kawasaki is known for its industrial base and cultural attractions such as the Kawasaki Daishi Temple and the Nihon Minkaen, an open-air museum with preserved buildings from the Edo Period.
Located north of Tokyo, Saitama is a growing city known for its cultural attractions, including the Railway Museum and the Saitama Super Arena. Its suburban feel and proximity to the capital make it a popular place to live.
Hiroshima is a city of history and resilience, known worldwide for its Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorate the 1945 atomic bombing.
The nearby Itsukushima Shrineon Miyajima Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Japan's enduring beauty.
The largest city in the Tohoku region, with a population of just over 1 million people, Sendai is known as the "City of Trees" for its lush greenery. Attractions like Zuihōden Mausoleum, Sendai Castle ruins and the Tanabata Festival highlight its rich culture and history.
Located in northern Kyushu, Kitakyushu is an industrial city with a rich history. Its attractions include the Mojiko Retro district, Kokura Castle and the Kanmon Straits, offering a mix of culture and stunning views.
Part of the Greater Tokyo Area, Chiba is home to Tokyo Disneyland and the Chiba Port Tower. The city is also known for its large convention centers and easy access to Narita International Airport, making it a key gateway for travelers.
Located near Osaka, Sakai is a city with deep historical roots, known for its kofun (ancient burial mounds) and traditional crafts like knife-making. The city's mix of heritage and modern development makes it an intriguing destination in the Kansai region.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Original article: 15 Largest Cities in Japan, Ranked by Population
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Forbes
29-05-2025
- Forbes
Summer Grilling And BBQ: The Best Mail-Order Meat And Seafood
Backyard barbecue season is here, and there are limitless choices of great meat and seafood you can ... More grill—if you know where to shop. It's not officially summer yet, but Memorial Day usually marks the start of backyard grilling season, and the holiday came about as early as possible this year. That means it is time to start cooking outside. But if you want to have the best possible home grilled foods, entertain friends and be the envy of your neighborhood, you need to start with better ingredients. The best meats and seafood for outdoor cooking are things you typically cannot get at your local gourmet store or butcher shop. The items below are all exceptional, hard to source, and all of them have been personally tested, tasted and approved by yours truly. This is a subject I have covered for years, I am a NY Times bestselling food writer, and these are truly the best mail-order meat and seafood for grilling and smoking this summer. No butcher offers the sheer selection of Chicago's famed Allen Brothers, with 10 options for rib eye ... More steaks alone! This is a 50/50 Wagyu/Angus version, naturally rasied by Texas' Rosewood Ranch. If I could order meat from only one place, it would probably be Allen Brothers, an acclaimed Chicago butcher shop founded in 1893 and tied to the history of American cattle drives and meat processing since the city's stockyards days. Allen Brothers supplies many top steakhouses across the nation, and if you go out to an expense account steak dinner you may well be having exactly the same meat you can get for your backyard—for much less money! They have also been doing consumer mail order meat much longer than most competitors and are excellent at it. Beyond beef, they carry a very full lineup of specialty lamb, pork, poultry, seafood, veal and would game, even exceptional prepared foods for parties. It's one stop shopping for protein fans. But today let's talk beef. While there are many places where you can get a great rib eye or porterhouse, no one has the range Allen Brothers offers. Do you want your porterhouse USDA Prime? Dry-aged? Angus? Do you prefer it extra thick? They have you covered. Ribeyes are an even broader array from bone-in to boneless to giant celebratory tomahawks worthy of any home steakhouse dinner. Just in this one hard to find cut, tomahawks, they have multiple choices including USDA Prime, dry aged USDA Prime and Australian wagyu. Wet aged? Dry Aged? For regular rib eyes they have more than ten options, cut differently, aged differently, from different kinds of cattle and different countries. They have things you can find virtually nowhere else, like USDA Prime rib cap spinalis steak, and if you don't know what that is you should probably order one because it is a top-secret butcher cut that may be the best meat on the entire steer. Speaking of 'Butcher's Selections,' they have an entire section of their site for that, and it has crazy hard to find items, like wagyu beef short ribs or wagyu beef back rib racks, Argentinian-style flanken cut short ribs, one of the best cuts for grilling but from Australian wagyu, something I have never seen sold elsewhere. Need a Brazilian picanha cut that is also USDA Prime? Wagyu beef cheeks? If you love red meat, this is the place. Nashville craft butcher Porter Road takes locally, naturally raised meats and turns them into ... More amazing hot dogs, sausages, burgers and much more. You do not have to be a skilled cook to enjoy grilling, and many folks like to keep things simple with the classic American backyard barbecue, but you can still be a backyard rock star if you start with the best products. Hot dogs and sausages are among the most processed meats you can grill, and are usually made with low quality ingredients—even simple ground beef can be suspect with fillers and commodity meat. Your family and guests deserve better, and you can elevate your grilling game way above mass-produced supermarket commodity brands by shopping at one of my favorite e-tailers, Nashville-based specialty butcher Porter Road. They are an artisan brick and mortar butcher that also ships nationwide, but their aesthetic is regional and they work with local family farmers in neighboring states to obtain high-quality, ethically pasture raised poultry, beef and pork, all without hormones or antibiotics. As a whole animal butcher, they focus on sustainability, and use everything, so in addition to great steak, chicken (one of the best places to buy whole birds for roasting) and pork chops, they stand out for their house-made products, including excellent ground meat using dry-aged beef, a rarity, hot dogs, sausages, salamis and even dried beef sticks, the best I have tried. After researching and writing my New York Times bestseller, Real Food, Fake Food: Why You Don't Know What You're Eating & What You Can Do About It (read an excerpt here at Forbes), I switched my personal consumption to almost exclusively drug free, naturally raised meat, but in that style, these are among the hardest product categories to shop for. However, Porter Road makes it easy, and carries purer links of chorizo, kielbasa, Italian, andouille, bratwurst or breakfast sausage made with such quality meat. Even their bacon is better. Yet their prices are very reasonable, especially compared to most mail order gourmet fare, and in most cases, less than you'd pay at local butcher, with free shipping over $125. The aptly named "Grilling Box" from Wild Alaksan Company with wild-caught salmon, halibut and ... More pollack. Seafood is tricky on the grill, but for backyards, salmon is everyone's favorite, and the world's best salmon comes wild from Alaksa. Another lesson from research for my book was learning a lot about aquaculture and imported seafood. Knowing what I now know, I try to eat only wild-caught domestic fish, which means mainly Alaska. Fish farming is illegal across the board in the 49th State, so it's all wild-caught, and it's one of the world's cleanest and most sustainable fisheries. Also, what many foodies do not realize, because they constantly see menus brag about Scottish or Icelandic or Faroe Islands salmon, is that Atlantic salmon is commercially extinct and all Atlantic salmon, no matter where it is from, or how fancy it sounds, is farmed (unless you catch it yourself). If you want wild caught, you want one of the five species of Pacific salmon found in abundance in Alaska: King (Chinook), Sockeye (red), Coho (silver), Pink (Humpy) or Chum (dog). Wild Alaskan Company delivers this sustainably-sourced seafood straight to your kitchen in individually vacuum packed, 6–8-ounce fillet portions perfect to get rubbed with extra virgin olive oil and go straight onto the grill. But it's not just salmon: these perfect sized packages can also contain wild caught Alaskan halibut, cod or pollock (the salmon is coho and sockeye). If you are an empty nester or live alone, these are also perfectly sized for dinner for one or two, thaw quickly and grill easily. It is tricky to find on the company's website, but they also offer several other great seafood choices, including salmon burgers, and wild caught shrimp, prawns and scallops, all great when grilled. Enjoy the world's finest pork, from Spain, 4-ways with Campo Grande's Grillmaster Box. Campo Grande is a specialty distributor focused on the best of Spanish meats—which means some of the best meat on earth, especially pork. Spain's claim to fame is the 100% Iberian Pata Negra (black paw) breed, generally considered the world's best. Because little actual meat is imported, it's better known here in cured meats, serrano ham and jamon Iberico, but if you can get your hands on it, you won't find better pork chops, roasts, tenderloin, ribs or butcher's cuts like very hard-to-find 'secreto,' a strip adjacent to the belly, combining the fatty rich deliciousness of pork belly with a meatier, steak-like texture. Campo Grande sells all of these cuts from the finest Spanish pigs, their stuff is just amazing, they specialize in curated sampler and gift boxes, including a couple specifically with a selection of cuts for grilling, making shopping easy. The Gunslinger, bone-in USDA Prime rib steaks with house seasoning and compund butter from iconic ... More Las Vegas steakhouse the Golden Steer. I have eaten at and written on the world's most famous steakhouses, from Spain to Buenos Aires to Kobe, Japan, and the Golden Steer in Las Vegas remains one of my all-time favorites (read more about it here at Forbes). While just about every other high-end red meat spot in Sin City is in a ginormous casino resort and relatively new, the family run spot is independent, free standing and one of the city's oldest eateries. History and tradition live on, with white-jacketed waiters making tableside Caesar salads and presenting tiered seafood towers. It was Sinatra's regular spot, to the point where he had his own meal, off-menu, and his own banquette (you can eat there now). All of the Rat Pack came regularly, Dean Martin also had his own booth, and one of the mail order packages is named for Sammy Davis Jr. But pretty much every star and celebrity who has visited Vegas in the past half century has eaten here, including Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali, Charles Bronson, Nicolas Cage, Mario Andretti, Bette Midler and the King himself, Elvis Presley. Presley was such a regular during his famed Las Vegas residency that they have two Gold Records on loan from his personal collection hanging on the wall. But for your grill, what's most important is that the Golden Steer is one of the best 'steakhouse at home' models available. Not only do they ship their first-rate USDA Prime 30-day wet aged steaks, but they include their signature seasoning, which I have used many times and is excellent, as well as their house made decadent maître d' butter. If you have never spooned a lump of seasoned butter on top of a hot steak, you do not know what you are missing! Too set the mood, each box even includes a customized Spotify playlist, and if you are not a great steak cook, they offer 'The Bambino Immersive Experience' that includes their two signature cuts, USDA Prime Bone-in Ribeye and Filet Mignon, along with an 8-minute Masterclass video on how to cook steaks like the best chefs of the Vegas strip. The newest offering is 'The Gunslinger,' four 20-22-ounce bone in rib steaks plus seasonings. Whatever friends you invite for this feast will be overjoyed. Their Steer Setup Dining Experience is a complete dinner with two steaks of your choice (ribeyes, filets, one of each), or one giant tomahawk for two, plus the Steer's signature twice-baked potatoes, creamed corn and the usual seasoning extras. The way they package everything makes it easy to prep at home and tastes like you are eating out. World-class steakhouse dinner for two at home from legendary Tampa eatery, Bern's Steakhouse. Another big personal favorite of mine is Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa, and I'm not alone: few restaurants in the U.S. of any kind have received the acclaim and cult following Bern's has. While its food is amazing, it may be best known for having the nation's single best restaurant wine program, the largest cellar in the country, with an amazing selection by the glass, things you can taste this way no place else, and it is a perennial winner of the rarest Wine Spectator Grand Award of Excellence, the industry's highest honor. You'll have to buy your own wine, but now you can enjoy Bern's steaks and sides at home, through mail order food specialist Goldbelly. I'm not usually a big fan of the site, since much of the food is marked up way above what the restaurants they represent sell for, and shipping prices can be astronomical, but one of the things that is so impressive about Bern's—one of the hardest reservations in the country and always sold out—is that despite its popularity, prices are very reasonable, and it is probably the most affordable great steakhouses in America. The same is true with the mail order—like two extra-long dry-aged (5-6 weeks!) USDA Prime NY Strip steaks plus large sides of creamed spinach and Bern's famous sour cream mashed potatoes, for $139, shipping included. That's a great dinner for two for what you would easily spend on one person at a steakhouse—a steakhouse that is not nearly as good as Bern's. Force of Nature has grilling meats you will be unlikely to source elsewhere, such as regeneratively ... More raised elk, venison, bison, and wild boar. I have long been a fan of bison, which is almost always raised under better, more natural, free ranging conditions than beef cattle, is easy to find in a drug-free state, and is leaner and arguably healthier than beef, yet with the same robust red meat flavor. The biggest issue with buying bison is simply availability, and while many supermarkets now carry ground bison, getting steaks or other cuts is still quite challenging. But even harder to find than bison is grass-fed, regeneratively raised elk, venison or wild boar, all of which Force of Nature specializes in. Force of Nature is a mail-order specialist focused on regeneratively-raised meats produced with the highest quality farming techniques, and they offer things you'd be hard pressed to get anyplace else, like a grass-fed venison tomahawk steak! They have venison and grass-fed beef sausage, wild boar and beef sausage, and I have been using the wild boar sausage to make amazing breakfast sandwiches, unlike any you have ever tasted. They also sell ground meats from all of these meats so you can wow the neighbors with elk or wild boar burgers, something no one else in the neighborhood is likely to fire up. Colorado's regenerative Eagle Rock Ranch raises high-quality cattle in the most ultra-natural ... More fashion, then dry ages its great steaks. 'Our mission is to produce the highest quality beef possible—beef you can feel good about.' That is what they believe at Colorado's Eagle Rock Ranch, and it is music to my ears. They do things the old-fashioned way, open their ranch to visitors so you can see the cleanliness and high standards, but most of all they make superb natural beef in the most sustainable way. Like local CSAs, you can even buy a share of a whole animal, an eighth, quarter or half ($825-$1,525), but if you go this route make sure you have a big freezer. Even an eighth of a steer weighs in at 50-pounds of finished butchered beef, half ground half as steaks, roasts and short ribs. A more manageable order would be something like a box of NY Strip Steaks or Rib eyes, 21-day dry aged, each in three sizes. They offer a Caveman worthy oversized tomahawk, 3-inches thick and weighing in at more than 3.5 pounds. Beyond normal steaks, they carry specialty items like pot roast, short ribs, tri tip, beef osso buco, oxtails, and organ meats, all from the same meticulously cared for, drug free, grass-fed cattle. I love the way Eagle Rock does business. For amazing dry-aged and ultra-aged beef, it is hard to beat San Francisco's famous butcher to the ... More stars, Flannery Beef. The latest frontier of high-end steakhouse dining has been ultra dry-ageing, taking the industry standard 28-31 days and pushing it to 60, 90 or even 120 days, developing more nutty, intense favors. There are just a handful of standout steakhouses like James Beard-award winning chef John Tesar's Knife in Dallas, and one of my favorite restaurants in the world, crazy good fine-dining Italian Brezza in Las Vegas, where Itay's classic steak dish bistecca Fiorentina is elevated to a whole another level (Brezza sells its dry aged, exception steaks for home use, but currently only in person in Vegas). If you want to try extra aged beef at home and see what all the fuss is about, the best place to get it is from San Francisco's Flannery Beef, opened in in 1963 by Bryan Flannery, Sr. after he spent decades training with and working for a high-quality French butcher. Still a third-generation family-owned operation, Flannery supplies many top California restaurants and celebrities, and specializes in selecting the best USDA Prime (less than 6% of all beef) beef available, mostly raised in California by farmers they know, butchering it themselves in house and running their own dry-ageing facility, which is unusual. But perhaps most unusual is that many of the cuts, such as rib eyes, come from Holstein cattle, normally known as a dairy breed. In other countries they often eat the meat of dairy breeds, which tend to be more marbled, but not so much here. In addition to higher marbling and flavor Holstein rib eyes are smaller in diameter so they can be cut thicker at the same weight, which cooks better. I have tried many Flannery steaks over the years and have always been wowed. In fact, their exceptional Jorge Rib steak is one of the best pieces of meat I have ever tasted. It is cut from the first few bones at the chuck end of the primal rib, which has a higher amount of the exceptionally flavorful spinalis dorsi rib cap. If you don't know who much just cutting a steak can affect quality, you need to try the Jorge, a perfect giant steak for the grill, bone-in and three inches thick. It's dry-aged for about 30-35 days, a bit longer than usual dry-ageing (which is the best ageing and unusual to begin with for any length of time), but Flannery also offers more unusual extra-aged cuts, such as a 55-day bone-in rib steak, and most notably, the signature 'California Reserve Dry Aged Rib Eye,' aka 'The Old Ones,' aged 45, 60, 75 or 90 days, almost impossible to find elsewhere. That is why Flannery makes this list of the best mail-order meat and seafood. Enjoy!
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Travel + Leisure
27-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Peaceful Hiking Route Has Been Walked by Samurais and Monks—and It's an Amazing Way to See Japan's Cherry Blossoms
For centuries, samurai, monks, and nobles journeyed between Kyoto and Tokyo along the Nakasendo—the 330-mile 'road through the mountains.' Once bustling with foot traffic and feudal drama, this ancient trail is now a quiet ribbon winding through forested hills and rural hamlets, far from Japan's well-trodden tourist paths. Today, a new kind of traveler walks it—those seeking something slower, quieter, and more immersive. To follow the Nakasendo is to walk in the footsteps of merchants and warriors, poets and pilgrims—and to write your own story into its centuries-old landscape. Walk Japan, a tour company known for its 'off-the-beaten-path' routes through Japan, leads a remarkable 11-day, 10-night journey along the most scenic and storied stretches of the ancient trail. Their Nakasendo Way tour winds through remote countryside, over the Alps of Japan, and into time-preserved villages. Along the way, travelers will learn about the role of the pathway in the Edo Period and the story behind important battles in Japanese history. And at the end of each day, walking shoes are removed and feet are elevated in traditional Japanese inns, which are renowned for their meals and care. Walking Nakasendo Way is, quite simply, one of the most peaceful—and spectacular—ways to see Japan. It is a route that is renowned for its cherry blossom trees, which bloom along the trail between March and May. Although Nakasendo Way is an 11-day journey, Walk Japan is clear that it is a walk, not a trek. It is suitable for anyone who can walk for four to six hours in comfort. Transportation is available for those who need a rest day and baggage is sent ahead to the next destination each morning. Nakasendo Way was rated an Activity Level 3 and Technical Level 3 on a scale of 1–6 by Walk Japan, meaning participants should be able to walk between 6.2 miles to 16 miles (or four to six hours) each day. The route includes some short ascents and descents and takes place on a variety of paths, including pavement, loose gravel, and forest trails. Walking poles are recommended. Walk Japan's Nakasendo Way is a small-group tour with a maximum of 12 participants and no minimum. It is available from March to June and again from September to November, but it's best done in the spring, when the cherry blossoms bring an added touch of beauty and color. In addition to Nakasendo Way, Walk Japan's original route, the tour company offers over 38 guided and self-guided tours that weave through rural Japan, including the five-day Kiso Road walk, which is an abridged version of Nakasendo Way. Pricing for the Nakasendo Way walking tour starts at 575,000 JPY (or just under $4,000 USD). More information on the route, as well as a map, can be found at
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Memorial Day weekend 2025: Best Arizona road trips to kick off summer
Why battle airport chaos or long drives out of state when some of Arizona's most charming getaways are just a few hours away? This Memorial Day weekend, skip the stress and opt for an in-state staycation. Whether you're craving cool mountain air, red rock views, ghost town chills or artistic escapes, Arizona has you covered. From the historic allure of Prescott and Jerome to the starry skies of Flagstaff, the red rock magic of Sedona and the quirky charm of Bisbee, each destination offers something unique. With plenty of local flavor, these towns are perfect for a quick reset, full of fresh air, fun and a taste of Arizona's rich personality. Here are the best Arizona road trips to take on Memorial Day weekend. Once dubbed the 'Wickedest Town in the West,' Jerome was a booming copper mining town built into the side of Cleopatra Hill in the late 1800s. Today, it's a quirky artist enclave with haunted hotels, wine-tasting rooms and shops tucked into historic buildings that seem to defy gravity. Just about two hours north of Phoenix, the drive to Jerome winds through the scenic desert and twisting mountain curves. Whether you're chasing ghosts or admiring the views, Jerome is the kind of weird, wonderful place that proves Arizona's past is never too far behind. Here are the top things to do: Eat at Haunted Hamburger: Get a delicious burger with a priceless view at this favorite restaurant. Order a red wine Wagyu bacon burger and grab a seat on the patio, where you can savor your meal as well as a panoramic view of the Verde Valley and the red rocks of Sedona in the distance. Check out Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes: Considered one of the largest kaleidoscope galleries and showcasing handcrafted pieces from over 90 artists worldwide, this whimsical shop captivates visitors with its mesmerizing collection of optical art, ranging from playful toys to intricate, museum-quality designs. Stay at the Jerome Grand Hotel: If you're brave enough to check in and maybe never sleep again, the Jerome Grand Hotel is your kind of haunt. Perched high above the Verde Valley, this former hospital-turned-hotel is infamous for its paranormal activity. Guests have reported ghostly apparitions of doctors, nurses and patients, and mysterious sounds like footsteps. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just curious, the Jerome Grand Hotel offers a spine-tingling stay in one of Arizona's most haunted locations. Things to do: This metro Phoenix city has a new water park. Here's where you can slide, splash and swim Sedona is a stunning desert town known for its vibrant red rock formations and spiritual energy. Originally home to Native American peoples and then settlers who arrived in the early 1900s, Sedona became a hotspot for artists, hikers and healers drawn to its natural beauty and mysterious vortexes. Here are the top things to do: Eat at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill: The Food Network recently named Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona the most charming small-town restaurant in Arizona. Known for its breathtaking views and elegant architecture, the restaurant reflects Sedona's natural beauty and artistic spirit. Chef Lisa Dahl, who also owns five other restaurants and has competed on the Food Network's "Beat Bobby Flay," crafts a menu that combines Latin flair with upscale comfort. Guests rave about the churrasco grilled meats and the empanadas. Grab a treat at Sedonuts: Husband-and-wife duo Paul and Lynette Gilkey opened Sedonuts & Coffee with a commitment to quality and freshness that quickly made the shop a local favorite. Their menu features classic donuts and the signature Vortex cinnamon roll topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Many of their donuts are playfully named after famous Sedona landmarks, like the Red Rocks, adding a creative, hometown touch to every bite. Their dedication has earned Sedonuts a spot on Yelp's list of the Top 100 Donut Shops in the U.S. and Canada. Take a dip in a swimming hole: Sedona and the Verde Valley have numerous natural swimming holes, scenic gems carved by time and water. Slide Rock State Park may be the superstar, but savvy locals often head for Grasshopper Point, where you can leap from ledges into deep pools or lounge under sycamore shade. Another stunner is Crescent Moon Picnic Site, with mellow water and that iconic Cathedral Rock view that practically begs to be Instagrammed. If you're looking for a more rugged adventure, 'The Crack' at Wet Beaver Creek rewards hardy hikers with sun-drenched red rocks and plunge-worthy pools. Just don't forget a trash bag because these places should be treated with care. Bisbee was once a booming copper-mining town in the early 1900s, earning the nickname "Queen of the Copper Camps." Today, it's known less for its minerals and more for its quirky, artsy charm, with historic buildings nestled into the Mule Mountains and colorful staircases zigzagging through the hills. It's a fun destination for those who love a mix of Old West history, ghost stories, art galleries, and offbeat local shops. Here are the top things to do: Experience the Queen Mine tour: Journey into Arizona's rich mining heritage where you'll don hard hats, safety vests and miners' headlamps before boarding an original mine train that ventures 1,500 feet into the historic Copper Queen Mine. The tour provides insights into mining techniques, the daily lives of miners and the challenges they face underground. Along the way, guests can disembark to walk through tunnels and explore the mine's depths, experiencing firsthand the environment where miners once toiled. Visit the Art Wall: The Art Wall is an ever-evolving outdoor gallery nestled between 24 and 26 Brewery Ave. in the Brewery Gulch area of Old Bisbee. This vibrant alleyway showcases a diverse array of artworks, from colorful murals to eclectic installations, reflecting the town's rich artistic spirit and community engagement. Open 24/7, it's a must-see for art enthusiasts. Get desserts at Patisserie Jacqui: Why get your typical bagel when you can get a little sweet treat? Owned and operated by chef Jackie Oatman, this charming spot has garnered national acclaim, earning a semifinalist nod for the 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bakery. Specializing in both sweet and savory pastries, the bakery is renowned for its flaky croissants, decadent tarts, and unique offerings like the Hatch chile croissant. Looking for the best things to do in Arizona? Sign up for our newsletter. Flagstaff, nestled at 7,000 feet in northern Arizona, began as a railroad and lumber town in the late 1800s. Today, it blends its Wild West roots with a mountain-town vibe. This high-elevation haven is a launchpad for outdoor adventures. The historic downtown is brimming with indie coffee shops, breweries and murals, while nearby attractions like Lowell Observatory and Walnut Canyon bring science and history to life. Here are the top things to do: See the stars at Lowell Observatory: The observatory's new Astronomy Discover Center has a 40,000 square feet center of interactive exhibits, a rooftop observatory with heated seats and the Lowell Universe Theater with a massive LED screen for immersive sky shows. Kids can explore the Orbits Curiosity Zone, while adults enjoy the Planet X Café and the Starry Skies gift shop. Located just a few hundred yards from the original Lowell Observatory visitor center, it builds on the legacy of discoveries like Pluto, while offering a modern, hands-on experience connected to real scientific research. For more planetariums around Arizona check out our guide. Grab a bite at Joejoebobs: Joejoebob's has become Flagstaff's main lunch spot since it opened its doors. Opened by Atmosphere Kitchen executive chef Joe Rodger, he is turning heads with its chef-inspired sandwiches and small plates. Using local ingredients and made entirely in-house, the menu features creative daily specials like Cola braised pork belly with blue cheese kale slaw or Fripper's bologna with Cheddar, romaine, and Dijonnaise. The rotating offerings keep things fresh, and you can check out what's new each day on Ride the Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Gondola: You don't need to go hiking to experience breathtaking views. Instead, the Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Gondola takes you on a ride to the summit of the San Francisco Peaks, elevating visitors to over 11,500 feet. From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of Coconino National Forest, the red rocks of Sedona and, on clear days, even the Grand Canyon. Each gondola cabin comfortably seats up to six passengers, making it an ideal activity for families and small groups. The ride lasts about 15 minutes each way. Prescott was founded in 1864 and served as the original territorial capital before Phoenix took the title. Steeped in Old West heritage, it's known for its well-preserved Victorian homes, Whiskey Row saloons and storied courthouse plaza. With its charming downtown, cool pine forests and seasonal events like the World's Oldest Rodeo, Prescott offers a perfect blend of nature, history and small-town vibes. Here are the top things to do: Browse the Western Art Show and Sale: Prescott's Memorial Day tradition returns May 24-26 with the 51st annual Phippen Museum Western Art Show & Sale at Courthouse Plaza. This free, open-air event showcases Western art, quick draw challenges, live auctions and kid-friendly art tents. Enjoy live demos from over 100 artists, with pieces in oil, watercolor, sculpture and more. Watson Lake moonlight kayaking: Have you ever kayaked under the stars? Moonlight kayaking at Watson Lake offers a serene experience, allowing paddlers to glide across calm waters under the glow of the moon. Born To Be Wild Adventures provides guided moonlight kayaking tours this summer on Watson Lake. These tours offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the lake's beauty in a tranquil nighttime setting. Eat at the Palace Saloon: Step through the swinging saloon doors of The Palace Restaurant and Saloon and you're instantly transported to the Wild West. Established in 1877, it's the oldest bar and business in the state, once frequented by legends like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The meticulously restored interior boasts a 24-foot hand-carved Brunswick bar, heroically saved from the Great Fire of 1900 by patrons who carried it to safety mid-blaze. With staff donning period costumes, walls adorned with historic photos, and tales of ghostly apparitions. Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Follow @tiffsario on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Memorial Day weekend 2025: Coolest Arizona getaways
