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Best cities to visit in Japan for tourists
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The nation's cities each have their own distinct character and offer unique regional experiences.
Best Japanese city for traditional culture: Kyoto
Kyoto stuns in autumn.
One of the miracles of modern history is that Kyoto was spared the most devastating ravages of World War II and as such it teems with history. You can barely turn a corner without running into a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are over 1600 shrines and temples here with heavy hitters including the Kiyomizudera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Kyoto is also home to Nija Castle, the Imperial Palace and stunning Japanese gardens like those at Kodaiji Temple and Heian Shrine. We'd even give it the edge over Tokyo in our list of best cities in Japan to travel to. Major festivals include the Aoi Matsuri in May and Gion Matsuri in July. In other words, you must visit Kyoto.
Best Kyoto alternative: Kanazawa
Gardens galore in Kanazawa.
Way less crowded than Kyoto, it has geisha districts such as Higashi Chaya and Kazuemachi, a Ninja Temple complete with traps and secret passages and the Nagamachi Samurai District. Gardenwise, the Kenrokuen is considered one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, complete with serene temples, historic treasures and tea houses.
Best day trip from Kyoto: Nara
Nara Park is famed for its friendly deer.
The first permanent Japanese capital is famed for the hundreds of tourist friendly deer roaming Nara Park but Japan's largest Buddha can also be found at Todai-ji Temple and the serene Kofuku-ji Temple is a stunner.
Best Japanese city for cutting edge modernity: Tokyo
If you've never been, Tokyo - Japan's largest city - it should absolutely be the place to start your Japan trip. The Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Crossing and quirky street style of Harajuku are just the start of this neon-licked behemoth. It's the contrast between the ultra contemporary and traditional Japan that make this such a beacon, so be sure to also check out the historical sites such as the Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine. Culturally, the Edo Tokyo Museum, Nezu Museum and modern art at Roppongi Hills should feature on your Japan itinerary as both are among Japan's tourist attractions of note.
In late August, the Koenji Awa-Odori dance festival features roughly 10,000 traditional dancers while early December heralds the arrival of Tokyo Comic Con for sci-fi, fantasy, and anime fans. And the locals commit big time. It's a no brainer but this is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Japan to travel to. Especially if you master all the details of the train stations.
Best Tokyo alternative: Nagoya
Streetside treats in Nagoya.
A centre for all things tech, it's home to Japan's automotive and aerospace industries. Rev heads will love the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park to sink into a speed fest of bullet trains. It's no slouch in the history department either with Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Art Museum, Osu Kannon Temple and Atsuta Shrine.
Best day trip from Tokyo: Tokyo Disney Resort
Say konichiwa to Mickey and Minnie.
The Japanese hold a special place in their hearts for Mickey and Co and it shows as this massive theme park about 30 kilometres from the city centre. International visitors throng here because it's just so much fun. Take the train to get there quick. If you want something more serene and slightly off the beaten path, try Nikko with its UNESCO World Heritage Park including the jaw-dropping gardens of Toshogu Jingu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple. Day trips to Mount Fuji are also an option from Japan's capital and should be on any Japan bucket list if you're up for a bento box of breathtaking scenery. An unforgettable trip. If the weather is clear at Mt Fuji that is.
Best Japanese city for food and nightlife: Osaka
Welcome to bustling Osaka.
Osaka positively thrums with crammed alleyways slinging the best ramen you've ever tasted - try Ramen Hayato in the Kita ward, pulsing nightclubs and oh my goodness, the shopping. Explore the street food and fashion scene in Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, Kuromon Market and Dotonbori. Universal Studios Japan and Nintendo World theme parks are major drawcards, but the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is also one of the best on the planet. A taste of traditional Japan in this modern city can be found at Osaka Castle, Yasaka Shrine and Hozenji Temple.
Best Osaka alternative: Kobe
Kobe is a cool alternative to Osaka.
A bustling Chinatown, pubs galore and some of the best beef in a country that takes marbling very seriously. Kobe is also home to the Ikuta Shrine which dates from the third century and the cable cars to Mount Rokko provide stellar views. Also check out the famed Arima Onsen.
Best day trip from Osaka: Himeji
Like something out of a film, Himeji Castle soars above the township. Known as the White Heron Castle, it is a prime example of 17th Century architecture and right next door is a virtual catalogue of Edo-era garden styles in the Koko-en.
Best Japanese city for snow sports: Sapporo City
Sapporo city is the hub servicing some of Japan's best ski fields.
Gateway to the ski fields of Hokkaido, Sapporo is about way more than snow though. The Sapporo Beer Museum attests to the city's love of a raucous night out and its umami take on curry is iconic. This is not just a winter destination. The summer landscapes around the Shiretoko Peninsula, Kushiro Marshlands, and Lake Toya are sublime while mid July sees the lavender fields in Furano and Biei explode into life - take the Lavender Express train to see the best of both. Want some autumn foliage pyrotechnics? Check out Sounkyo's Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls for extraordinary leaves.
Best Sapporo alternative: Niseko
If you want to sample the best of Sapporo but want to be closer to the slopes where skiing is the main priority, Niseko is a snow lovers smorgasbord.
Best day trip from Sapporo: Noboribetsu
Onsen heaven in Norobetsu.
Get your onsen on at this bathing paradise - try the Daiichi Takimotokan - in the middle of volcanic landscapes. This is one seriously rewarding day trip.
Most moving Japanese city: Hiroshima
Hiroshima Castle has endured the city's tragic history.
Having rebuilt after the devastation of a nuclear bomb this modern city carefully calibrates tragic history with a positive and modern outlook. Hiroshima Peace Park is must visit in Japan. Once you've paid your respects at the Atomic Bomb Dome, check out the Shukkei-en Garden with its traditional ponds and teahouse, the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium for a baseball game (the season runs from April to December) and wander the hiking trails on Mount Misen. You can also explore the Seto Inland Sea from Hiroshima. Here, you'll find the famed Naoshima Island, also known as Art Island, which filled with sculptures, installations, museums and galleries. It is legit one of the most interesting places on the planet.
Best Hiroshima alternative: Nagasaki
Mountains meet the water in Nagasaki.
Less busy than Hiroshima, it too was levelled by an atomic bomb but has recovered profoundly to boast a unique food scene - try the 'washikan kamaboko' fish cakes at the Momokawa restaurant which was established in 1931. Also sip some sake at Tatanbaa.
Best day trip from Hiroshima: Miyajima Island
The Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed wonder.
Aside from the UNESCO World Heritage listed Itsukushima Shrine with its famous floating gate, the island is populated by wild deer and the Omotesando covered shopping street teems with local crafts and restaurants.
Best Japanese city for nature: Nagano
Nagano is close to Narai-juku, a historic post town along the Nakasendo route.
With the Japan alps at its doorstep, Nagano is one of the most captivating cities in the country. As far as Japan destinations go, you've got the 10 kilometre ancient pilgrimage route of Togakushi Kodo to hike, the Jigokudani Monkey Park with its Japanese macaques (AKA snow monkeys) bathing in the hot springs, the off the beaten path Nagano Art Museum with its dynamic Mist Sculpture and a Ninja theme park. It's not one of the big cities of Japan but it's certainly one of the most popular cities.
Best Nagano alternative: Matsumoto
Matsumoto Castle dates from 1594.
The Matsumoto City Museum is a culture lover's slice of heaven with Yayoi Kusama's Giant Pumpkin taking centre stage. From the contemporary to the past, the Matsumoto Castle is one of the largest wooden buildings in the region with fortifications dating from between 1467 and 1600. You can also take a day trip from Nagano and on the way get a glimpse of rural Japan and its traditional thatched houses.
Best day trip from Nagano: Zenkoji temple
Zenkoji Temple is a striking shrine.
Said to hold the first Buddhist icon brought to Japan via China, this 7th Century temple complex offers temple lodging for an overnight stay that will be a highlight whether it's your first trip or your tenth. Be sure to pop into nearby 2nd street for some of the best thrift shopping in Japan.
When is cherry blossom season?
Generally speaking, you are looking at the last the last week of March to the first week of April for Kyoto, Tokyo, and surrounding regions for sakura season. It's crazy, crowded (especially in early April) but crowds aside it will forever be an excellent reason to visit Japan.
What are the best places to see cherry blossom and autumn foliage in Japan?
Public parks and gardens in Japan are specifically geared for flower viewing known as hanami. Try Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Osaka Castle Park, Matsumae Park and Goryokaku Fort in Hokkaido, Himeji Castle grounds, and Kawachi Fujien Garden in Kyushu for wisteria flowers (closer to May). Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Osaka Castle Park, Matsumae Park and Goryokaku Fort in Hokkaido, Himeji Castle grounds, and Kawachi Fujien Garden in Kyushu for wisteria flowers (closer to May).
What island are the Japanese alps on?
Honshu. In summer they offer excellent hiking trails that have become tourist attractions in themselves.
When was the Edo period?
From 1603 to 1868. The Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is the slightly off the beaten track in the western suburbs of Tokyo and features exquisite gardens among the thatched buildings that characterised this period.
What are the best hot springs to visit in Japan?
For a spread of experiences that go from uber luxe resorts through to traditional onsen towns through to public baths (please read the rules first), try Kinosaki Onsen, Kusatsu Onsens, Beppu Onsen, Hakone Onsen and Yufuin Onsen.
Where is Kyushu island?
Kyushu is the southernmost Japanese island. It has a subtropical climate and its main city of Fukuoka is home to a sparkling blend of top notch shopping, museums and shrines. Bit of everything with the beach an option too.
Originally published as The best cities to visit in Japan on holiday
