Japan's best destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto & Beyond
If you are planning a trip to Japan, one of the most important - and challenging! - Steps is to decide where to visit
With so many amazing destinations to choose from, and as much information on the internet narrowing your ideal goals down can act as a deterrent (whether it's your first time, or a return visit.).
Miyajima
The good news is that Japan so has many incredible places (and bucket list worthy Japan experiences) to visit that you can not go wrong basically.
The "bad" news (if any) is that it is considered a no such thing is true "best places in Japan" list, since so much depends on the personal preferences and interests.
But they help to navigate the options and deciding where to visit, we share our own leaders of Japan put the best destinations.
Our Favorite Places in Japan
This guide is based on the years spent based live in and around Japan, for "work" (expeditions!) Travel and pleasure.
It is also designed to a large extent based and individual trips to Japan arranged for countless travelers from around the world, and includes not only our and your favorite places of our customers, but also some of the favorites from Japan and other travel experts we have come to know over the years.
So we hope that it will help you to decide where to go if you are most interested in the major highlights or off-the-beaten-path gems.
But first a bit of important background!
Japan is larger than it looks
Map of Japan
In addition to a huge country like China, Japan looks rather small at most cards, and in fact it is not a huge country (although it is larger than most people realize).
in terms of area, Japan is only slightly smaller than the state of California. But in terms of remarkable places and experiences, Japan is as close as Europe, where one or two hours, any direction in principle and come to a wonderful city or town and incredible food.
This density of incredible places and experiences what Japan can feel much larger than would otherwise be the case. Most travelers to Japan only fully recognize this for a first visit, often the desire to re-invited as soon as possible to further explore.
Thus, despite its apparent size, we strongly recommend that you "admit defeat" and accept from the outset that you will not be able to "do" Japan in just one trip (if you two weeks or 2 months).
Trust me. it is important to narrow the nearly endless list of ways I have spent years exploring Japan, and I'm not remotely near ready
For this reason, and try and determine your ideal targets
How long should you spend in Japan?
One of the most important factors in how many places you can visit during your trip, of course, is how much time you have available (not your ideal travel mentioning Tempo).
people often ask us: "how many days should I spend in Japan?" There is no simple answer to this, but my usual answer is that you should spend as long as possible!
In general, the more time you can continue your journey to dedicate the better. Aside from the fact that there is so much to see and do, it's well worth devoting extra time (if you can), because it is a relatively long journey for travelers from distant parts of the world such as the USA, Europe and Australia ,
7-10 days in Japan
Typically, the minimum that we recommend is about 7-10 days in Japan. 7-10 days gives you a good starting point, and a lot of time for at least an introduction to the country.
Our 8-day trip sample with Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone is a good example of how much you can with this amount of time.
10-14 days in Japan
with 10-14 days in Japan to see and do, you can, of course, can add on other objects, or simply spend more time at anywhere immersion visit
Our Itineraries below provide different examples of how much can be seen with about two weeks in Japan and to do .:
- luxury Japan: art, culture & culinary
- Japan cities, mountains & Art
- luxury ryokans & Japanese country
Onsen (hot sources)
3 weeks in Japan
While less common in our travelers from countries like the US, many of our Australian customers are happy enough to devote 3 or more weeks to around Japan travel.
With approximately 3 weeks Japan (or more) you have time for a relatively comprehensive itinerary, including a variety of regions and a significant degree of immersion.
[1945001Mit] 3 or more weeks, the possible route permutations almost limitless, so we hope our list of goals will help you down narrow things down to your personal wish list!
Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
less than 1 week in Japan
if you visit in less than a week think, make sure that our article about where to see you go, if you spent 5 days in Japan.
and if you're lucky to live near Japan and can stay for a long weekend to pop, you will find our posts on what to do if you have 3 days in Kyoto, or a day in Tokyo
Japan's best destinations. Our Picks
Now that we've covered some important background information, it's time for the fun part
, the following objectives are divided into two main areas: a
- brief overview of what we consider Japan's must-visit destinations
- , followed by a longer list of other amazing places in Japan [1945022sein]
- What do more if you have a day in Tokyo
- Tokyo Best Sushi Shops
- Tokyo Best off- the-beaten-path neighborhoods
- cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa
- Where to go about Kyoto
- , if you only 5 days in Japan
a traditional Ryokan Japanese country
a trip including Tokyo and Kyoto would be great, but the two cities, we often add at least one night trip to the country Japan recommend ,
Onsen in winter, Beniya Mukayu
in the countryside, stay in a beautiful ryokan and enjoy Onsen (hot springs) and Kaiseki cuisine.
Fortunately, this kind of experience is available in countless areas throughout Japan, including Hakone and Izu Peninsula (both presented below), along with many other (in our article on the best ryokans for a short visit to see)
a journey, including these three elements -. modern Tokyo, historic Kyoto, and to stay in a traditional ryokan in the country - is the perfect recipe for a rich and rewarding experience in Japan travel
The beautiful red torii of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
More amazing destinations in Japan
Now that we have dealt with our recommended "must-check" that we get in our long list of other amazing places in Japan.
we could not every single place that we love, in Japan, and it is important to note that these are not listed in any particular order!
Kanazawa
Kanazawa old geisha quarter, the Higashi Chaya
the main reason visitors Kanazawa herd is Kenrokuen Garden, the of as a three large gardens in Japan. Adjacent to Kenrokuen is Kanazawa Castle. Nearby are the beautifully preserved Higashi Chaya-gai, historic teahouse and geisha district of the city.
Kanazawa is also home to the DT Suzuki Museum of Buddhist philosophy, the Nagamachi Bukeyashiki Samurai District, the bustling market Omicho the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and Myoryu-ji (the Ninja Temple).
Naoshima
One of the best places in Japan for art lovers, art island Naoshima home to a large collection of contemporary art museums, galleries, exhibitions and installations.
Benesse House (also notable Hotel Home Naoshima) works from an impressive collection of artist features, including Hiroshi Sugimoto, Gerhard Richter, Shinro Ohtake, Richard Long, David Hockney, and many more.
Yayoi Kusama famous Pumpkin Carving, Naoshima
designed the magnificent Chichu Art Museum by Tadao Ando let in an abundance of natural light and has a small but fine collection of works by artists such as Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria
The Art House Project is a collection of abandoned houses and workshops -. as by a temple and a shrine -. which have been converted into venues and art installations for artists from Japan and around the world
Teshima
If you have the time to visit Teshima during visit Naoshima, it is worth a visit! just 30 minutes by ferry away, Teshima is a small island with three remarkable art sites.
In addition to the Teshima Yokoo House and Christian Boltanski "Les Archives du Coeur", the highlight of the island is the stunning Teshima Art. Museum
Osaka
takoyaki barn in Osaka Dotonbori
Osaka is a cosmopolitan city - famous for food and Nightlife - and home to Japan's best known distinctive citizens. Located just 30 miles from Kyoto, Osaka is often (unfortunately) skipped by first-timers, but very popular with returning visitors and Japan residents.
In addition to Osaka Castle (reconstructed with a beautiful exterior in a very quiet city park), Osaka's most famous destination is the Namba district, known for its streets foods (including takoyaki) and nightlife. Osaka is also the perfect place for a surprisingly relaxing urban bike ride, shopping, excellent hotels, and a visit to the world famous Osaka Aquarium.
Hiroshima, Miyajima & Onomichi
It is located in Hiroshima Prefecture, the city of Hiroshima, Miyajima Onomichi and are all very worthwhile stops.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima A-Bomb Dome
Hiroshima is famous as the site of one of two atomic bombs on Japan at the end of World War II , The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is located in the Peace Park, next to the sobering sight of the legendary A-Bomb Dome.
The powerful Peace Park and Museum are worth exploring, but is located after the horrors of 1945 relive you will see that Hiroshima exists much brighter.
Hiroshima people are friendly and outgoing, and next to the famous local specialty, okonomiyaki, Hiroshima is full of bars and restaurants with local sake (and, in winter, the amazing oysters).
Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine of the "floating" torii , Miyajima
Miyajima is a stunning outside Hiroshima world heritage Site by UNESCO. The island is home to the historic Itsukushima Shrine, originally founded in the 6th century and has long been one of Japan's most sacred sites.
Even if you have not heard of Miyajima, chances are you have seen photos have the legendary Shrine: it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Japan, thanks to its excellent red torii Goal which seems to float in the waters of the inland sea. The landscape changes dramatically too low flood.
Onomichi
in a local izakaya in Onomichi
Onomichi is a picturesque port city on the south coast of the prefecture Hiroshima. In addition to its attractive surroundings and pleasant atmosphere, is home Onomichi Onomichi U2, a renovated warehouse offers a unique collection of locally-oriented shopping and dining.
For a small town, Onomichi also has an unusually high concentration of temples, of which 25 make up the famous Temple Way. Art lovers will pay homage to the Onomichi City Art Museum, designed by the world famous architect Tadao Ando.
Mount Koya
Mount Koya of Okunoin Cemetery (Photo credit pay: alq666 over Compfight cc)
in a peaceful wooded area of the prefecture Wakayama south of Kyoto and Osaka area, Mount Koya (or Koya-san, as it is called in Japanese) is the headquarters of the Shingon school of Buddhism, and the home of more than 100 temples and monasteries.
Mt. Koya is one of the best places in Japan to experience a stay in a Buddhist temple. Apart from the possibility, in a shukubo (temple lodging), Koya-san's most famous landmark is the otherworldly Okunoin cemetery, a sacred of Japan's sites, and the location of Kobo Daishi Mausoleum to stay.
Nara
Deer in Nara, Japan
The hotel is located just 25 miles from Kyoto, Nara Kyoto as the ancient capital of Japan preceded , and today is home to a treasure trove of Japanese history (including the UNESCO world heritage historic monuments of ancient Nara).
Nara famous monument is the impressive 8th century Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world that Japan is home to largest Buddha, the Daibutsu. A nice walk from Todaiji - and also in Nara Park - Nara's most famous shrine, Kasuga
Further highlights in Nara are the 7th century Horyuji Temple (Japan's first UNESCO), Yakushiji Temple, Chuguji temple. Issuien garden and the charming Naramachi historical district.
Kumano Kodo
Hayatama Taisha Shrine, Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route which is one of the most beautiful hikes in Japan.
Deep in rural Wakayama Prefecture, but only a few hours south of Kyoto and Osaka, the UNESCO recognized Kumano region with spirituality and history, as well as beautiful landscapes filled, charming villages, hiking and onsen. challenging
walks along the row of pilgrimage day all the way up, or days spent hiking for the more adventurous. Kumano Kodo is also part of a dual Pilgrim program with his sister walking, Spain better known Camino de Santiago (St. James).
Kiso Valley
Traditional Landscape: Japan Kiso Valley
The Kiso Valley is located in the beautiful countryside between the central city Nagoya and Alpine towns Nagano and Matsumoto
in the heart of Kiso. Valley you can enjoy a walk along the old Nakasendo Way that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The well-preserved piece of Nakasendo motorway is between the villages of Tsumago and Magome.
Magome is easy to get a charming post city of Nagoya, and the perfect starting (or ending) for showing the way.
the way from Magome to Tsumago is approximately 8 km (3-4 hours) and ends with the arrival in Tsumago, on one of the most beautiful villages in Japan.
Izu Peninsula
Arai Ryokan, a traditional hot Inn sources in Shuzenji Onsen, Shizuoka
prefecture just to the west and south of Tokyo, most visitors to Japan travel without noticing it by Izu.
, the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto goes through the northern end of Izu, but the majority of gemstones are in the south.
Izu is overflowing with natural beauty, onsen and remarkable seafood and produce, and are a handful of our favorite areas Shimoda (on the southernmost point of Izu), Shuzenji Onsen, Izu-Kogen and Yugashima Onsen.
Hokkaido
The Furano flower fields, Hokkaido
too large in a short article, Japan's northernmost island is known for its untouched nature and vast landscapes, incredible seafood and produce to describe, and - by many accounts -. the best skiing and snowboarding in the world
all Hokkaido is full of stunning natural beauty. Start in Sapporo or Hakodate (both wonderful culinary cities), then venture into the wilderness of.
Although it is not a must, one of the best ways to explore Hokkaido is by self drive. Renting a car is not always the best way to get to Japan's main islands around, but it is often a good option.
Yaeyama Islands Okinawa
Hoshinoya Okinawa to Hokkaido
When most people think "beach vacation" and "Asia" Japan is not the first place that comes to mind.
But Japan is home to one of Asia's most beautiful subtropical destinations, the beautiful Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa.
all the Okinawan archipelago full of wonderful islands, but for one of the most unique experiences Japan, the remote Yaeyama Islands have not has the same to offer.
Geographically closer to Taiwan and mainland Asia than on the mainland Japan have the Yaeyama Islands not only picturesque beaches and nature (including jungle), but a rich Ryukyu heritage and culture.
Takayama
cherry blossoms in Takayama Nakabashi Bridge over Miyagawa River
Takayama is a historic town in the Hida Mountains in Japanese Alps known for its traditional atmosphere, Festival, Sake, and beef (Hida-Gyu).
The city was founded in the 16th century, and the best place to begin is with a walk in Sanmachi Suji district where you will find well-preserved generations old inns, shops and taverns.
Takayama sake visit throughout Japan, owing largely to the area clear water is known, and we recommend one of the many sake breweries of the city for a taste of the local specialty. It is held a morning market in the town center Miyagawa River, and if you want to get out of town for a bit of exercise and activity, there are great opportunities for cycling in the beautiful countryside.
Hakone
private onsen at Gora Kadan, a well-known of Japan's luxury ryokan
Hakone is the most famous natural area Tokyo retreat. In addition to its onsen, it is best known for its views of Mount Fuji on a clear day (which admittedly rarely be frustrating).
For art lovers there is the Hakone Open-Air Museum, or take in the beautiful scenery of Hakone famous sightseeing loop.
, the circuit takes you around the region through a charming variety of traffic types including Hakone Tozan Railway, Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway and cruise on beautiful Lake Ashi.
Fukuoka
Hakata ramen, Fukuoka (Kyushu)
The city Fukuoka, also known as Hakata, is one of Japan's unsung culinary destinations, not to mention one of the country's most comfortable and livable urban centers.
Fukuoka is the largest city on Kyushu (one of the four main islands of Japan) and thus also the perfect starting point. for an adventure in the rugged Kyushu
Those who are lucky enough to have attended to Fukuoka usually know about it thanks to one of his most famous deals .: tonkotsu ramen
Hakata is relatively rare in Japan that they have a very vibrant and active street food culture, visible in its yatai (food carts).
. For a unique and luxurious take on Fukuoka and on the island of Kyushu, the Seven Stars cruise train is a tempting option
Kurashiki
Kaiseki cuisine at Ryokan Kurashiki
Kurashiki is a charming city best known for Bikan Historical District along the well-preserved channel region, which dates back more than 400 years.
, the channel is attractive former warehouses lined (Kura) which have been preserved and converted into charming galleries, boutiques and cafes lovingly. Kurashiki is known for its textiles and ceramics bizen, and you will find shops both in the city dotted dedicated.
Shirakawago & Gokayama
Blue light of the evening in the quiet village of Shirakawago (World Heritage Site)
Japan has no shortage of charming mountain villages, and one of the best places traditional rural Japan with a visit to the UNESCO world Heritage villages to experience Shirakawago and Gokayama.
of gassho-zukuri (praying hands) architecture set against beautiful nature makes it to the photogenic places in Japan, and the steeply sloping thatched roofs are able to withstand the heavy snowfall that the region receives each winter ,
Matsue
Adachi Museum famous landscape garden
Matsue, located in western Japan is beautiful, but Shimane Prefecture visited little, is a the hidden treasures in Japan.
most visitors come for the breathtaking Adachi Museum of Art to Matsue. In addition to its impressive collection of modern Japanese paintings (including works by Yokoyama Taikan) the Adachi Museum is most famous for its world-famous garden, which fits almost magically into the surrounding landscape.
In Matsue itself, (17th century) enjoy excellent seafood and sake, and visit Matsue-jo (Matsue Castle), an original by only a handful of castles in Japan to survive. Matsue is also the ideal starting point to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines, as well as the idyllic Oki Islands. to visit
Kinosaki Onsen
Nishimuraya Honkan, Kinosaki Onsen
is Kinosaki Onsen a epitomizes onsen destinations Japan.
In addition to the onsen at your ryokan, one of the highlights of a visit to Kinosaki found in your disposal for a walk through the city of Yukata heading (light Japanese-style robes) and geta (clogs).
The old-fashioned town features seven sento (baths) that. Under the charming streets of the traditional wooden houses and narrow bridges
Noto Hanto
sit Wajima morning market, Noto Peninsula (Photo by cotaro70s / CC BY)
jutting into the Sea of Japan, in the north Kanazawa, the Noto Hanto robust (Noto peninsula). known
by the wonderful book rice, pasta, fish, Noto Hanto makes for one of Japan's best self-drive targets
Visit the Wajima market, enjoy dramatic coastal scenery, lunch in Flatt and - , if you are lucky - the night in one of Noto beautiful onsen ryokans spend
Takamatsu
Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, Mure (Takamatsu)
Takamatsu. is a pleasant town on the northern coast of Shikoku. It is the largest city in Kagawa prefecture famous for its delicious udon noodles. A ferry also connects Takamatsu to Naoshima.
But the real highlights of any visit in Takamatsu are Ritsurin Koen, a beautiful landscape garden, and the mighty Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum.
Takamatsu is also a convenient starting point for Kotohira (home Konpirasan Shrine and the wonderful Kanamaru-za kabuki theater) and the Iya Valley in remote interior of Shikoku.
overlooking the Iya Valley of Iya Onsen Ryokan
Japan destination information: Additional Resources
We hope that our list can you decide where to visit
But if you are still not sure or easy! want to do some additional research, it may in a great leader or two investment worth
a few of our favorites are the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide :.
Have fun!
Of course, when it comes to the essentials, something like this:
panoramic view of Tokyo
"must-visit" destinations in Japan subjective as traveling, there is no such thing as a true "must-visit." It comes down to personal preference, especially.
But based on our and our travelers collective experience, we consider the modern capital Tokyo and the ancient capital of Kyoto to be essential objectives, especially if it is your first trip to Japan.
to supplement the two, we recommend at least a 1- or 2-day trip in the Japanese landscape (and a traditional ryokan experience) round out your itinerary.
Tokyo
Tokyo needs little introduction.
Map of Tokyo, Japan [1945002[
one of the world's most exciting and fascinating cities is Tokyo full of amazing restaurants (with kitchen high and "low"), beautiful gardens, modern architecture, charming streets and a glittering neon filled cityscape.
Read about Tokyo
Kyoto
Kyoto not help but could be Tokyo, but it is equally captivating.
Bamboo Forest in Kyoto Arashiyama district
One of the most culturally rich cities in the world, is Kyoto, which many travelers dream when Japan imagination. One could easily spend weeks its streets, generations migrate old shops and restaurants, old temples and gardens.
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