Japan
1. Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and one of the most populous cities in the world. It is a major global center for business, finance, technology, and culture. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, known for its unique blend of traditional and modern culture.
Tokyo is a city of contrasts, with towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, as well as serene parks and tranquil temples. Some of the city's most famous landmarks include the Tokyo Tower, a communications and observation tower that offers panoramic views of the city, and the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world.
The city is also home to many museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum, which has a large collection of Japanese art and artifacts, and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, which is a science museum featuring hands-on exhibits and interactive displays.
Another popular tourist destination is the Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest fish markets in the world, and where visitors can witness the early morning tuna auction and sample fresh seafood.
Additionally, Tokyo offers a wide range of shopping options, from high-end designer boutiques to traditional markets like the Ameyoko market, where you can find a variety of goods from clothing to electronics, and even unique Japanese souvenirs.
Finally, Tokyo is also famous for its nightlife, with a wide variety of entertainment options, including live music venues, clubs, bars, and traditional Japanese performances such as Kabuki and Geisha performances.
2. Kyoto
Kyoto is a city located in the central part of the island of Honshu in Japan. It was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, and as a result, it has a rich cultural heritage, with many temples, shrines, and other historical sites. It is also home to many traditional arts and crafts, and is considered one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Japan.
Some of Kyoto's most famous and popular tourist destinations include the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple with a golden leaf-covered top floor and beautiful gardens, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, the Gion District, a traditional geisha district with teahouses, ochaya, and shops, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a former residence of the Imperial Family.
Kyoto is also home to many museums, such as the Kyoto National Museum, which has a collection of Japanese art and artifacts, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum, which has a collection of manga comics and related materials.
Kyoto is also famous for its traditional arts and crafts, such as kyō-yaki and kiyomizu-yaki pottery, Nishijin-ori textiles, and kyō-mizu dyeing.
Kyoto is also known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly kaiseki, a multi-course meal featuring seasonal and local ingredients, and for its tea ceremony, the traditional Japanese ritual of preparing and serving green tea.
Finally, Kyoto is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima.
3. Yokohama
Yokohama is the second-largest city in Japan and the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture. It is located on the western coast of the main island of Honshu, just south of Tokyo. It was one of the first Japanese port cities to open to foreign trade in the late 19th century, and has since grown into a major industrial, commercial, and cultural center.
Yokohama is known for its historical sites and landmarks, including the Yokohama Chinatown, which is one of the largest Chinese communities in Japan and a popular tourist destination, and the Yokohama Marine Tower, an iconic observation tower with panoramic views of the city.
The city is also home to many museums, such as the Yokohama Museum of Art, which has a collection of Japanese and international art, and the Yokohama Port Museum, which has exhibits on the history of the port and the opening of Japan to foreign trade.
Another popular tourist destination is the Minato Mirai 21 district, an area of modern development on the waterfront with many shops, restaurants, and attractions, such as the Cosmo World amusement park.
Yokohama is also known for its seafood, particularly the famous dish of raw fish called Sashimi.
Finally, Yokohama is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as Tokyo, Kamakura and Enoshima.
4. Fukuoka
Fukuoka is the capital and largest city of Fukuoka Prefecture, located on the northern coast of the island of Kyushu in Japan. It is a major transportation hub, serving as a gateway to other parts of Kyushu and Asia. The city is known for its rich history, delicious food, and beautiful natural scenery.
Fukuoka is home to several historical sites and landmarks, including the Fukuoka Castle, a 17th-century castle with beautiful gardens, and the Kushida Shrine, a Shinto shrine that is the oldest in Fukuoka and one of the most important in Japan.
The city is also home to many museums, such as the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, which has a collection of Asian art from across the continent, and the Fukuoka City Museum, which has exhibits on the history of the city and the surrounding area.
Another popular tourist destination is the Canal City Hakata, a large shopping, dining and entertainment complex, and the Nakasu Island, a small island in the middle of the city's main river, the Naka River, known for its lively atmosphere and abundance of restaurants.
Fukuoka is also famous for its regional cuisine, particularly the dish known as mentaiko, marinated roe of pollock or cod, and ramen, a type of Chinese-inspired noodle soup.
Finally, Fukuoka is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as Hiroshima, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki.
5. Osaka
Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and the capital of Osaka Prefecture. It is a major economic center and one of the most important ports in the country. Known as the "Nation's Kitchen", Osaka is renowned for its food culture and is considered the gastronomic capital of Japan.
Osaka is a city of contrasts, with modern skyscrapers and bustling streets, as well as serene parks and tranquil temples. Some of the city's most famous landmarks include the Osaka Castle, a 16th-century castle with beautiful gardens, and the Umeda Sky Building, an iconic skyscraper with observation decks offering panoramic views of the city.
The city is also home to many museums, such as the Osaka Museum of History, which has a collection of artifacts and displays on the history of Osaka, and the National Museum of Art, which showcases Japanese and international art.
Another popular tourist destination is the Dotonbori area, a lively entertainment district known for its brightly-lit signs, shops, and restaurants, as well as the Tsutenkaku Tower, an observation tower with panoramic views of the city.
Osaka is also famous for its street food, particularly takoyaki, a ball-shaped snack made of wheat flour and filled with diced octopus, and okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with various ingredients.
Finally, Osaka is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima.
6. Nagoya
Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the fourth-largest city in Japan. It is a major industrial and transportation hub, and home to many major companies and research institutions.
Nagoya is known for its historical sites and landmarks, including the Nagoya Castle, a impressive 16th-century castle with a golden dolphin-shaped roof and beautiful gardens. The Atsuta Shrine, one of the most significant shrines in Japan, is also located in Nagoya.
The city is also home to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, which showcases the history of the Toyota company and the development of Japanese industry, and the Nagoya City Science Museum, a popular science museum with interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
Another popular tourist destination is the Osu Shopping District, a lively area known for its shops, restaurants, and street vendors, as well as the Osu Kannon Temple, a Buddhist temple that is one of the oldest in Nagoya.
Nagoya is also famous for its regional cuisine, particularly the dish known as misokatsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet with a miso-based sauce.
Finally, the city is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as the Inuyama Castle or the Tokaido road, the main road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto.
7. Kamakura
Kamakura is a city located in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, about 50 kilometers south of Tokyo. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, as it was the political and cultural center of Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333).
The city is home to many historical sites and landmarks, including the Kamakura Great Buddha, a bronze statue of Amida Buddha that is considered one of Japan's National Treasures. The Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine, a Shinto shrine that is considered the symbol of Kamakura, is also a popular tourist destination.
Another important landmark is the Hasedera Temple, a Buddhist temple known for its beautiful gardens and its 11-faced Kannon statue. The city also has many other temples and shrines such as the Engaku-ji Temple and the Kencho-ji Temple.
Kamakura is also famous for its scenic beauty, including its beaches, such as Yuigahama Beach and Enoshima Island, and its hiking trails such as the one to the top of the hill to see the beautiful view of the city.
Additionally, the city is also home to the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures, which showcases a collection of art and artifacts from the Kamakura period, and the Kamakura Bamboo Grove, a beautiful grove of bamboo that is considered a symbol of the city.
8. Miyazaki
Miyazaki is a city located on the island of Kyushu in Japan, in the Miyazaki prefecture. It is the capital of the prefecture and it is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, including its beaches and hot springs.
Miyazaki is also known for its agriculture, particularly its production of fruits and vegetables. The city is famous for its high-quality beef and its delicious seafood, such as the squid, tuna and bonito.
The city is surrounded by natural attractions such as the Aoshima Island, a small island known for its beautiful beaches and subtropical plants, and the Takachiho Gorge, a scenic gorge with a beautiful waterfall. The Udo Shrine and the Miyazaki Shrine are also popular tourist destinations.
Miyazaki is also famous for its annual festivals such as the Miyazaki Kunchi Festival, a traditional festival that features colorful floats and performances, and the Miyazaki Aoshima Sunflower Festival, which takes place every summer and features over a million sunflowers in full bloom.
Finally, the city is also home to the Miyazaki Animation Museum, which showcases the history and art of anime, and the Miyazaki Science Centre, a science museum that features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
9. Nara
Nara is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan, in the Nara Prefecture. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, as it was the capital of Japan during the 8th century, when the country's first permanent capital was established in the city.
Nara is home to many historical sites and landmarks, including the Todai-ji Temple, which is one of the most famous and historically significant temples in Japan. The temple is also home to the Great Buddha Hall, which houses the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
Nara is also known for its parks, particularly Nara Park, which is home to many wild Sika deer that are considered to be messengers of the gods. Visitors can interact with the deer, which are considered to be a symbol of the city.
The Kasuga-taisha Shrine, another important historical site, and the Kofuku-ji Temple are also popular tourist destination in Nara. Additionally, the city has many shrines and temples that offer a glimpse into Japan's rich history and culture.
Nara is also famous for its traditional crafts such as the Nara-e, a type of traditional Japanese painting, and the Nara Sarubobo, a type of doll that is said to bring good luck.
10. Kumamoto
Kumamoto is a city located on the island of Kyushu in Japan. The city is known for its historical significance, beautiful nature, and delicious local cuisine.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kumamoto is Kumamoto Castle, also known as the "Black Castle" due to its black walls. The castle was built in the 17th century and is considered one of the most impressive castles in Japan.
Visitors can climb to the top of the castle to see the beautiful panoramic view of the city. The castle was damaged by a 2016 earthquake, but it has been partially reopened for visitors.
Another popular attraction is the Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a traditional Japanese garden built in the 17th century. The garden features a large pond, a tea house, and a variety of plants and trees. It is considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.
Kumamoto is also known for its natural beauty, such as the Aso Kuju National Park, a large volcanic caldera that is home to several active and inactive volcanoes, and the Mount Aso, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan.
Kumamoto is also known for its delicious local cuisine, such as karashi-renkon, a dish made with lotus root and mustard, and kumamoto-gyudon, a type of beef bowl.
Finally, Kumamoto is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as the Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center, which showcases the traditional crafts of Kumamoto, and the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, which exhibits the works of local artists.
11. Takamatsu
Takamatsu is a city located on the island of Shikoku in Japan. The city is known for its historical significance, beautiful gardens and scenic beauty.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Takamatsu is Ritsurin Koen, a beautiful Japanese garden built in the 17th century by a local lord. The garden features a large pond, a tea house, and a variety of plants and trees. Ritsurin Koen is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan and is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
Another popular attraction is the Takamatsu Castle, also known as Tamamo Castle, which was the home of the local lord. The castle is now a ruin, but visitors can still see the stone walls, moats and the beautiful view of the city from the top of the castle.
Takamatsu is also known for its traditional gardens, such as the Shikoku Mura, an open-air museum showcasing traditional houses and buildings from the various regions of Shikoku island.
Takamatsu is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as the Yashima Island, a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea known for its beautiful scenery, and the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a 1200km journey visiting 88 temples around Shikoku island.
Finally, Takamatsu is also known for its delicious local cuisine such as takamatsu-udon, a type of thick udon noodle, and takamatsu-sanuki-gyudon, a type of beef bowl originating from sanuki region which is Takamatsu.
12. Okayama
Okayama is a city located in the western part of Japan's main island of Honshu. The city is known for its historical significance, beautiful gardens, and delicious local cuisine.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Okayama is the Korakuen Garden, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The garden was built in the 17th century and features a large pond, a tea house, and a variety of plants and trees.
Another popular attraction is the Okayama Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black walls. The castle was built in the 16th century and offers a great view of the city. Visitors can climb to the top of the castle to see the beautiful panoramic view.
Okayama is also known for its traditional gardens, such as the Okayama Prefectural Museum and Okayama Prefectural Art Museum.
Okayama is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as the Bikan historical quarter, the Okayama-kenritsu-kōrakuen-yakata, and the Okayama-kenritsu-hakubutsukan.
Finally, Okayama is also known for its delicious local cuisine such as okayama-gyudon, a type of beef bowl, and okayama-okayama, a type of local pickles.
13. Matsuyama
Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime prefecture, located on the island of Shikoku in Japan. The city is known for its historical sites, hot springs, and scenic beauty.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Matsuyama is Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The onsen, or hot spring, is said to have been in use for more than 3,000 years and is considered one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan, along with Arima Onsen and Shirahama Onsen.
Visitors can take a dip in the hot spring, or tour the Dogo Onsen Honkan, the main building of the onsen, which was built in 1894 and is considered an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Another popular attraction is Matsuyama Castle, a feudal castle built in the 16th century, which offers a great view of the city and the sea. Visitors can climb to the top of the castle to see the beautiful panoramic view.
Matsuyama is also known for its traditional gardens, such as the Isaniwa Shrine, and its streetcars, which are still in operation today. Visitors can take a ride on the streetcars to see the city from a different perspective.
Matsuyama is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as the island of Shikoku and the famous 88 temple pilgrimage route.
Finally, Matsuyama is also known for its delicious local cuisine such as matsuyama-udon and matsuyama-dango which are a type of noodle and sweet dumplings respectively.
14. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a city located in the western part of Japan's main island of Honshu. The city is known for its historical significance as the first city in the world to be targeted by an atomic bomb.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Hiroshima is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which was built on the site of the atomic bombing in 1945. The park contains the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which tells the story of the bombing and its aftermath, as well as the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is the remains of a building that was close to ground zero and was left standing as a reminder of the bombing.
Another popular attraction is the nearby Miyajima Island, which is known for its beautiful natural scenery and historic sites, such as the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island can be accessed by ferry from Hiroshima.
In addition, Hiroshima is also known for its traditional gardens, such as the Shukkei-en Garden, and its streetcars, which are still in operation today. Visitors can take a ride on the streetcars to see the city from a different perspective.
Hiroshima is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as the island of Miyajima, the Onomichi cycling route and the Iwakuni Castle.
Finally, Hiroshima is also known for its delicious local cuisine such as Hiroshima style okonomiyaki which is a layered savory pancake, and oysters which are abundant in the Seto Inland Sea.
15. Hakodate
Hakodate is a city located in the southern part of the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan. The city is known for its natural beauty and historical significance.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Hakodate is the Goryokaku Fort, a star-shaped fort that was built in the 19th century. Visitors can walk around the fort, which is now a public park, and enjoy the views of the cherry blossoms in the spring and the fall foliage in the autumn.
Another popular attraction is the Motomachi district, which is a historic neighborhood with well-preserved Western-style buildings from the 19th century. Visitors can stroll around the neighborhood and see the architecture, as well as visit the many shops and restaurants in the area.
Hakodate is also known for its seafood, particularly its squid and crab, which can be enjoyed in local restaurants and markets.
Hakodate also offers many scenic spots such as the Hakodate Bay Area, Mount Hakodate, and the night view of the city, which is considered one of the three most beautiful night views in Japan, along with those of Nagasaki and Kobe.
Finally, Hakodate is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as Onuma Park, the hot spring resorts of Yunokawa Onsen and Goryokaku Onsen, and the Onuma Quasi-National Park.
16. Shizuoka
Shizuoka is a prefecture located in the central part of Japan's main island of Honshu. The prefecture's capital is the city of Shizuoka, which is known for its proximity to Mt. Fuji and for being a major transportation hub.
The prefecture is famous for the beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, which is located on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can hike or climb the mountain, or take a bus or train to the 5th Station and enjoy the views from there.
Shizuoka is also known for its tea production, particularly its green tea, which is considered to be some of the best in Japan. The prefecture is home to many tea gardens, and visitors can tour the gardens, learn about the tea-making process, and taste different types of tea.
Shizuoka is also known for its hot springs, or onsen, and there are many onsen towns and resorts in the prefecture, such as Atami, Shuzenji, and Kakegawa.
In addition, the prefecture has many scenic spots such as the Izu Peninsula, the Izu Ceder Avenue, the Shimoda Black Sand Beach and the Mishima Sky Walk.
Finally, Shizuoka is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as Hamamatsu, Numazu, and Mt. Fuji.
17. Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital and largest city of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. The city is known for its snowy winters, beautiful natural scenery, and delicious food.
Sapporo is famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, held annually in February, which features large ice and snow sculptures that draw visitors from all over the world. Another popular attraction is the Sapporo Beer Museum, which tells the history of Sapporo Beer, one of Japan's most famous brands.
Sapporo is also home to many parks, such as Sapporo Park, which has a large greenhouse, a zoo, and a botanical garden, and Moerenuma Park, which has playgrounds, sculptures, and other artworks.
Sapporo is also famous for its regional cuisine, particularly the dish known as Genghis Khan, a type of mutton barbecue and ramen, a type of Chinese-inspired noodle soup.
Finally, Sapporo is also a convenient location for day trips to other cities and tourist destinations in the region, such as Asahikawa, Otaru, and Noboribetsu.
18. Otaru
Otaru is a city located in the northwest of the island of Hokkaido, in Japan. It is a port city and it was an important center for trade and commerce in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The city is known for its picturesque canal area, which is lined with old brick warehouses that have been converted into shops, restaurants, and museums. The area around the canal is also popular for its charming atmosphere, especially at night when the buildings are lit up.
The city also has a number of historical sites, such as the former Hokkaido Government Office, which dates back to the late 19th century, and the Otaru Music Box Museum, which showcases a collection of music boxes from around the world.
Otaru is also known for its seafood, particularly its crab, and it's a popular destination for seafood lovers. The city also has some of the best Sushi restaurants in Hokkaido, and it's also famous for its ice cream, cheese and glassware.
The Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, a cable car that offers panoramic views of the city, and the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, a winter festival where the city's canal area is illuminated with candlelit snow sculptures, are also popular tourist destinations in Otaru.
19. Kobe
Kobe is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan, in the Hyogo Prefecture. It is located on the southern side of the main island of Honshu, and it's the capital of the prefecture. Kobe is known for its port, which is one of the major ports in Japan and has played an important role in Japan's foreign trade since the 19th century.
The city is also known for its beautiful landscapes, with the Rokko Mountains providing a scenic backdrop, and for its hot springs (onsen). Kobe is also famous for its beef, which is considered some of the best in the world. The city has a long history of foreign settlement and influence which is reflected in the architecture, food and culture of the city.
In addition to its delicious local cuisine, Kobe is also known for its attractions such as the Kitano-cho, a district with a European-style architecture and the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world. The Kobe City Museum and the Kobe Port Tower are also popular tourist destinations.
20. Nagasaki
Nagasaki is a city located on the island of Kyushu, in the west of Japan. It is the capital of Nagasaki Prefecture and it was one of the first Japanese ports to open for foreign trade in the late 16th century. The city has a rich history and cultural heritage, with a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences.
Nagasaki is best known for its tragic history as the second city in the world to be hit with an atomic bomb, on August 9th, 1945, near the end of World War II. The bombing killed tens of thousands of people and caused massive destruction. Today, Nagasaki is a symbol of peace and hosts the Nagasaki Peace Park, which was built to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing and to promote peace.
Additionally, Nagasaki is also known for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites such as the Oura Cathedral and Glover Garden, which is a collection of western-style houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nagasaki is also famous for its unique cuisine, such as Castella and Champon.