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Everybody ought to discover Japan at the least as soon as of their lifetime. Japan has 1000’s of hidden gems and is a year-round vacation spot. You’ll be able to go to its ski resorts in winter or the attractive shoreline in summer season. And, regardless of the season, Japan’s cities are all the time able to welcome you with fascinating points of interest, scrumptious road meals, and bucket a great deal of tradition.
The actual query is, which of the cities in Japan must you go to? In a perfect world, all of them. Nonetheless, this information will slender it right down to the very best cities.
Discover Japan: The Prime Cities in Japan
Japan has some unimaginable cities. From Tokyo to Sapporo, these are the very best cities in Japan on your subsequent journey. Let’s dive straight in.
1. Tokyo
If you consider cities in Japan, it’s secure to say that Tokyo shall be in your prime three. Because the capital, Tokyo is likely one of the main Japanese cities and attracts tens of millions of vacationers a 12 months. It’s also the biggest metropolis in Japan, with an estimated inhabitants of round 14 million folks.
Assume busy streets, fast-paced leisure, and flashing neon lights – Tokyo is hectic however thrilling. Tokyo is the place to go to if you wish to be proper within the thick of all of the motion, with loads of museums to tour, buying to bag, and enjoyable available. The sheer dimension of town is thrilling in itself.
So, the place do you start? What are the finest issues to do in Tokyo? Nicely, after visiting town a number of instances we propose beginning with Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower could look acquainted, and it must be. The tower was closely impressed by the Eiffel Tower. In reality, the one distinction is that Tokyo Tower is 333 meters tall and pink and white.
Heading to the highest of the tower, you may find out about Tokyo’s architectural historical past en route, ending with a spectacular view of the attractive metropolis beneath. Close by, there’s additionally Tokyo Skytree which stands at a dizzying 634 meters and is the tallest tower on the earth – so be ready to spend at the least a number of hours amongst the clouds.
To understand Tokyo’s ambiance on the bottom, head to Golden Gai for a downtown vibe or Shibuya Crossing for a CBD expertise. Permit time to go to museums just like the Mori Artwork Museum, Japan Olympic Museum, and NHL Museum of Broadcasting.
2. Osaka
Osaka is one other considered one of Japan’s giant cities. Osaka has a powerful character, and the port metropolis has a industrial soul with heaps happening in any respect hours of day and evening. There’s all the time road meals to style, a bar to hop to, and points of interest to go to. Osaka is a good place to go to if you happen to love a combination of partying, stress-free, and sightseeing. Town has a lot of persona and a steadiness of all the pieces – like a compromise with no sacrifice.
To understand the historical past of Osaka, a visit to Osaka Fortress must be in your itinerary. The Sixteenth-century fort is surrounded by cherry timber and a moat, and Osaka Fortress is likely one of the prettiest locations to go to within the metropolis. Whereas, if you would like a day of light-hearted enjoyable, there’s Common Studios Japan to discover. The theme park has Hollywood-themed rides, and it’s conveniently situated simply exterior the middle of Osaka.
Lastly, Osaka is the well-known house of considered one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Sumiyoshi Taisha is a well-liked Shinto shrine to go to – on tourism or non secular grounds. We suggest visiting to completely expertise Japan’s stunning non secular tradition.
3. Kyoto
Tokyo is likely to be the capital at the moment, however Kyoto was as soon as the nation’s capital. Within the middle of the Kansai area, Kyoto is considered one of Japan’s most conventional cities. In Kyoto, you’ll discover traditional darkish wooden homes and loads of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. In case you are chasing tradition and custom, Kyoto is a good place to discover in Japan.
To expertise the normal streets lined by picket homes, head to Gion. You’ll be able to wander within the early morning for the quietest streets or at evening to see the cobbled roads lit by paper lanterns. Visiting the numerous temples of Kyoto can also be a must-do in your journey, particularly the Golden Pavilion. You’ll be able to admire the Golden Pavilion from throughout its pond, being wowed by the golden tint that offers it its title and recognition.
On the lookout for picturesque scenes? Head to the bamboo forest of Arashiyama or the pink columned walkways of the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Kyoto is stuffed with gorgeous surroundings and eye-opening cultural points of interest. You’ll be able to learn extra in our guides on the finest locations and issues to do in Kyoto.
4. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a reputation not many neglect. Sadly, the rationale behind Hiroshima being one of the well-known cities in Japan is the atomic bombing that occurred in 1945. The US dropped an atomic bomb on the massive metropolis, inflicting over 100,000 casualties. Guests to town can now pay their respects to the victims and destruction at many memorable points of interest, together with the Peace Park.
There may be a lot to understand about Hiroshima in its personal proper, although. Meals lovers ought to pattern the Japanese pancake, nicknamed Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. There’s additionally Hiroshima Fortress to tour and Shukkei-en scenic backyard to walk. Hiroshima’s tradition and historical past haven’t been tainted by the tragic atomic bomb, and also you’ll love town’s number of points of interest.
5. Nagoya
Nagoya is thought for manufacturing and transport and is the capital of the Aichi Prefecture. Have you ever heard of Honda? Toyota? Mitsubishi? All of those massive automotive manufacturers had been developed in Nagoya. Nagoya has an progressive, industrial ambiance, very best for these desirous to expertise the enterprise facet of Japan.
Guests ought to tour the Toyota Exhibition Corridor to get a greater concept of automotive manufacturing in Japan. Nagoya Fortress is nice for a historic introduction to Nagoya. There are additionally one-off occasions in Nagoya just like the Nagoya Sumo Event in July, the Nagoya Matsuri competition in October, and the World Cosplay Summit in July and August.
Nagoya has heaps happening, so don’t neglect to examine town’s schedule. And, in your downtime, be certain that to attempt some miso katsu – miso katsu is a regional specialty.
6. Saitama
Trying to go to the actual facet of Japan? Saitama is a primarily residential metropolis, good for getting a quieter expertise of Japan. Probably the greatest methods to expertise a rustic is by escaping its fundamental vacationer areas. In the event you desire this fashion of journey, Saitama is the place for you. Many residents use Saitama as a commuter city, touring to Tokyo for work through the week.
So, what’s there to see in Saitama? Hitsujiiyama Park is a beautiful place to go to and is famed for its carpet-like development of pink moss. For many who like tasting classes, you can even take a sake tour across the metropolis – sampling the normal Japanese alcohol. Saitama is a phenomenal place to go to, not too far-off from the opposite main cities however far sufficient away to flee the fixed buzz.
7. Fukuoka
One other of the foremost cities in Japan is Fukuoka. Fukuoka is known for its stunning islands and sits on the shoreline, surrounded by beautiful seashores good for a summer season getaway. The port metropolis is situated in Fukuoka Prefecture. The prefecture capital is in style amongst younger professionals, college students, and companies.
Town’s fundamental points of interest are Fukuoka Fortress, Kyushu Nationwide Museum, and Dazaifu Tenman-gu, a shrine to the god of schooling. Fukuoka is a particular metropolis. In the event you love an thrilling metropolis ambiance stuffed with motion, daring delicacies, and leisure, Fukuoka is ideal. It lacks the historical past of Kyoto and the recognition of Tokyo. Nonetheless, if you would like a enjoyable ‘second metropolis’, you’ll have a implausible time.
8. Nara
Nara is most well-known for its deer inhabitants. In the event you’ve seen footage of Nara on-line, likelihood is you’ve seen the idyllic temple scenes. The temples are surrounded by inexperienced house and Bambi-look-a-likes – cute, we all know. Like Kyoto, Nara was additionally as soon as a capital metropolis. Nonetheless, now, Nara is healthier recognized for its serene ambiance and regal historical past.
The highest issues to do in Nara are to go to Nara Deer Park, Todai-Ji Temple, and Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine. You would simply spend an entire day temple-hopping although, and Nara is stuffed with peaceable locations for guests to immerse themselves in Japan’s stunning tradition.
Nara can also be simple to mix with visiting different cities in Japan. Touring from Kyoto to Nara is only a brief prepare experience, taking round 45 minutes a technique.
9. Nagasaki
Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki was sufferer to an atomic bomb in 1945. The devastation was heartbreaking, and guests pays their respects at the moment at points of interest just like the Peace Park. Nagasaki has many different facets that make it an academic vacation spot although. Nagasaki is likely one of the largest port cities in Japan and has a protracted historical past of buying and selling with Europe.
The result’s a fusion of European and Japanese tradition and affect. You’ll discover Christian websites like Oura Cathedral amongst the gathering of gorgeous shrines and temples. To immerse your self within the historical past of Japan’s worldwide relations, you actually can’t discover a higher place.
Then, while you’re prepared, you may go to the Atomic Hypocenter Park and Peace Park to find the darker facet of Nagasaki’s historical past. Town has heaps so that you can study.
10. Sapporo
Do you acknowledge the title Sapporo? Town of Sapporo simply occurs to be the namesake (and birthplace) of considered one of Japan’s most well-known beer manufacturers. Sapporo is the capital of the Hokkaido Prefecture and is well among the finest cities in Japan. Located on Japan’s Northern Island, Sapporo is well-combined with a go to to Tokyo.
Guests can tour the Sapporo Beer Museum or experience as much as the highest of the Sapporo TV Tower. There’s a implausible combination of points of interest in Sapporo. It has that metropolis buzz, with a lot of big-city-style leisure and vacationer infrastructure.
In the event you can, coincide your go to to Sapporo with the Snow Competition. The winter competition is likely one of the finest on the earth, and the winter wonderland spreads 1.5 km – stuffed with ice sculptures, an ice skating rink, and sledding areas.
11. Kobe
Kobe is considered one of Japan’s largest port cities, starting to overflow with glitzy skyscrapers and trendy residing. This isn’t what received Kobe its place on this information although; its meals scene is what makes it stand other than Japan’s different finest cities. Kobe is world well-known for its Kobe beef and famend for its seafood. In the event you go to Kobe, be ready to splash out on each day restaurant meals, as its delicacies is just too tempting to go by.
We advise exploring Kitano Village to see Kobe’s old-school structure. After all, if you happen to stroll by a steakhouse, remember to pop in and seize a desk for a style of Kobe beef. Steak Aoyama is a small, family-run steakhouse with a wonderful fame for scrumptious meals and fairly cheap costs. End your day with a stroll across the harbor, with views of the trendy skyline lighting up after darkish.
Received a bit of additional time? Hike up Mount Rokko. Mount Rokko overshadows town as a phenomenal however fierce pure landmark. There are a selection of route choices so check out which most accurately fits your health and technical skills.
12. Nikko
Nikko is likely one of the smallest cities in Japan. Located within the Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is surrounded by the Japanese Alps. It is likely one of the most stunning locations to go to within the nation – not to mention simply amongst Japan’s finest cities.
You’ll be able to discover Nikko itself or use town as a gateway to Nikko Nationwide Park. You’ll discover temples, monkeys, and pure surroundings galore. Nikko is ideal for lovers of the nice open air. Guests can simply steadiness climbing days and out of doors actions with sightseeing within the Nikko metropolis middle.
Relating to issues to do in Nikko, the Shinko Bridge is a should. The long-lasting pink bridge is the postcard picture of Nikko, and you need to add it to even the shortest of itineraries. We additionally suggest spending at the least a day temple hopping. Exterior of Nikko, Kegon Falls is implausible to go to. And, if you happen to get an opportunity, take a scenic boat tour down the Kinugawa River.
Nikko is gorgeous. To get off the overwhelmed observe and encompass your self with nature, look no additional. Nikko has a serenity that the foremost cities in Japan simply can’t present. We stayed in a standard Ryokan in Nikko, and you’ll examine our expertise right here.
13. Matsue
Matsue is within the Shimane Prefecture on the southwest coast of Japan. The big metropolis is known as ‘the water metropolis’, due to its location between the ocean and Lake Shinji. Mastue is much less in style than main cities like Tokyo, however those that stray off the overwhelmed path shall be richly rewarded. Matsue is stuffed with feudal historical past, historic websites, and delightful surroundings.
The perfect issues to do are to go to Matsue Fortress, the Adachi Museum of Artwork, and one of many shrines. The Yaegaki and Miho shrines are each well-known for his or her magnificence. Whereas, if you wish to embrace the water actions of ‘the water metropolis’, you may take a sundown cruise on Lake Shinji.
Matsue has a calming ambiance and is a wonderful summer season vacation spot. It is likely one of the finest cities to unwind and study on the identical journey.
14. Beppu
Beppu isn’t all the time included in lists of the very best cities in Japan. Positive, Beppu isn’t considered one of Japan’s main cities. Nonetheless, it is likely one of the nation’s most fun locations to go to. Beppu is a geologist’s delight and the very best vacation spot for decent springs in Japan. If you need a spa getaway or simply to expertise the pure wonders in Japan, Beppu is value visiting.
Since Beppu has over 2,000 scorching spring sources, you’ll have a lot of spa-related issues to do within the metropolis. You’ll be able to select heated mineral springs or bathe in nutrient-rich heated mud or sand baths. You would even steam your personal meals over the onsen steam.
Need one thing completely completely different? Take a cable automotive journey up the Beppu Ropeway or go to the Harmonyland theme park. Beppe is likely one of the finest cities in Japan for a brief getaway and is unquestionably value an area in your itinerary.
Last Ideas
There are such a lot of superb cities in Japan. The nation is a treasure trove of fascinating city scenes, and also you’ll discover a distinctive tradition, traditions, and scrumptious meals. Whether or not you need the neon lights of Tokyo or the blue waters of the ocean by Fukuoka, you’ll rapidly discover a metropolis to fit your wants and pursuits. Apart from, all of those cities in Japan are value visiting.
We hope that you’ve an exquisite go to to Japan. The nation is certain to encourage a return go to, so put together to fall in love.
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