Japan Tourism, unlike anywhere in the world, is an exotic place with a history and a culture. Almost instantly, many people who visit Japan love it. History buffs can see all the castles and sites, spiritual walkers can visit the temples and the sites, and the traditional inns, tea house and sumo wrestling tools offer curious visitors an insight into the culture. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenes, touring towns like Tokyo is about to enter the future, this is innovation and technological know-how on show, there are something for everyone. Japan’s best cities that’s so incredible to explore.
What is the Best time to visit Japan?
It’s March through May, October and November that are the best time in Japan. Spring and autumn are the perfect time to get the best weather in the country. Japan has four seasons; the seasons can vary with temperatures according to the region you visit.
Spring in Japan is known to be the cherry blossom, and you can have haenami (cherry-blossom view) in all its glory if you’re happy and don’t mind crowded people. This year’s romantic season is popular for Japanese honeymoons.
Summer is perhaps the most festive year with its colourful matsuri festival, mountain hiking and beautiful coastal areas to enjoy the sea. Summer is probably the most festive time in the year.
Fall is yet another magical year in Japan, with brilliant colors in autumn and pleasant and crisp temperatures.
Winter in Japan offers fantastic seafood, unbelievable experience of onsens, not to mention some of the best ski and snowboard powder in the world.
How to Reach Japan?
By Air: The main airports of Japan are Narita Airport, Osaka International Airport, Kansai Airport, and Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Japan is well linked by air to almost every country in the world, and travelling to Japan is the most convenient way to get there. Airfares are at their peak during the Golden Week holiday season in early May, the Obon festival in mid-August, and Christmas and New Year, when seats are scarce. Prices fall during the “shoulder” seasons of April to June and September to October, with the best prices available during the low seasons of January to March and November to December.
By Water: Traveling to Japan by boat is a viable choice. Korea, China, Taiwan, and Russia all have international ferry services to Japan. Some of the major ferries are Busan-Osaka, Shanghai-Osaka/Kobe, Keelung-Ishigaki/Naha, and Russia to Japan via Sakhalin. Traveling to Japan by water, on the other hand, is inconvenient because it takes a long time and the tickets are costly, with schedules that are infrequent and often unreliable.
By Rail: As there are no land connections between Japan and any other nation. From the outside, you can’t take a train to Japan. Internally, however, Japan is well-connected, and getting around is simple once you’ve determined the best routes for your itinerary. The reliability and punctuality of Japan’s trains are legendary.
By Road: As there are no land connections between Japan and any other nation. From the outside, it is not possible to drive to Japan. Internally, however, Japan is well-connected, and getting around is simple once you’ve determined the best routes for your itinerary. Buses in Japan are just as effective and less expensive than trains, but they take longer to travel. A bullet train will complete a 10-hour bus journey in two hours. Another alternative is to rent a car. However, rentals are costly, and finding parking can be difficult. Taxis are available inside cities in Japan, but they are more costly than the excellent bus service.
Now Coming to top Cities, here are the must Visit cities in Japan
1. Tokyo
Tokyo, which is at the heart of the most populous place in the world, is home to 40 million people. There is therefore something to enjoy for everybody. As if the city’s bright array of skyscrappers are fascinating, looking even more impressive at night, from a science-fi film.
Although Tokyo is certainly a contemporary, prosperous city that sells the world a unique pop culture and fashion sense, the remainders of the historical city remain. You can walk paved alleys peacefully and find atmospheric bars and food stalls in an old way. In fact, the city has more Michelin stars than anywhere else in the world.
The Imperial Palace and the Sensoji and Ginza are not to be missed. The market of Tsukiji fish is a good place to enjoy local sushi fish. Try to put everything in and just watch the people until you get your belongings. Shibuya Yoyogi Park is great places for this in Tokyo.
Top Places to Visit in Tokyo:
- The Imperial Palace
- The Sensō-ji Temple
- The National Museum of Nature and Science
- The National Museum of Western Art
- The Meiji Shrine
- The Tokyo Skytree
- The National Art Center
2. Osaka
Osaka is an enormous corporate hub for Japan and home to numerous international companies and companies. However, even if you travel here for pleasure, this is a bizarre city which is also a favorite among foodies. If you are looking for a break from city life, the countryside around Osaka is really calm. Osaka’s Shinsaibashi, Video Game Bar Space, Kaiyukan Aquarium and Dontonbori Entertainment District are some of the places to check out.
Top Places to Visit in Osaka:
- Osaka Castle
- Shitennō-ji Temple
- The Kobe Port Tower
- Tsūtenkaku Tower
- Osaka Tennōji Zoo & Park
- Universal Studios Japan
- Tenmangu Shrine
3. Kyoto
Kyoto is the former capital of Japan and has a long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Byodo-in Temple on a 10 yen coin is to be seen, along with the huge samurai Nijo Castle and the iconic Kinkaku-ji Templo or Golden Pavilion with gold leaf walls.
Kyoto is full of quiet charm, shrines and gardens all over the place. Bamboo Forest Arashiyama is one of the most amazing and unforgettable sights in Kyoto. The Fushimi Inari Shrine has thousands of orange-red torian gates.
Visit the entertainment district Gion for an unusual tourist experience, where Geishas walk along the streets, lined with folk wooden houses. This is an excellent place to visit Ochaya and Kaiseki Ryori.
Top Places to Visit in Kyoto:
- Nijo Castle
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Sanjūsangen-dō Temple
- Nishi Honganji Temple
- The Byōdō-in Temple
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Katsura Imperial Villa
4. Hiroshima
The history of Hiroshima, located in western Honshu, was forever linked to the nuclear bomb which on 6 August 1945 flattened Hiroshima. Hiroshima has been remarkably reconstructed, almost completely destroyed and is now full of life and a lively modern city.
Although many visitors visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and visit the chilling A-Bomb Dome Ruins, many other attractions can be enjoyed in the city. It is also an entrance to some beautiful nearby islands, including the famous Miyajima (Sanctuary Island).
Top Places to Visit in Hiroshima:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Hiroshima Castle
- Memorial Cathedral of World Peace
- Mitaki-dera Temple
- Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park
- Mazda Museum
- Fudoin Temple
5. Sapporo
There are many reasons for visiting Japan, but beer does not always rank above that list. But beer fans simply have to visit Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and the most northern mountainous island of Japan.
The Winter Olympics of 1972 took place in this area and placed it on the map. But the ramen-themed park is one of Sapporo’s most interesting reasons Shoyu, shio, miso, and tonkotsu are the main types of ramen sauce you want to try and make sure you pick up your favorite one. If you visit the Sapporo Snow Festival in February you can also visit the famous snow sculptures.
Top Places to Visit in Sapporo:
- Mount Moiwa Ropeway
- Odori Park
- Jozankei Onsen Hot Spring
- Maruyama Park
- Shikotsu-Tōya National Park
- Sapporo Clock Tower
- Sapporo Science Center
6. Nara
Nara is best known for being home to Nara Park, where more than 1,000 friendly, curious deer walk freely, often approaching people close by. The wicked have a national treasure status and cannot be disturbed or damaged by the visitors to the park.
Take a look at the Temple of Todai-ji, which dates back to 752 AD and which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The shrine contains the large, 15 meter high statue of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha. The TodaiJi Museum has an impressive collection of Buddhist art in the proximity of the entrance to the temple area.
The Kasuga Taisha, the 8th century, is another temple worth visiting, which is accessed by walking along a lanterned road. When you have time to practice a little, you can walk up 343 meters to the summit of Mount Wakakusa this is the best place of sakura views in the city during spring.
Top Places to Visit in Nara:
- Kofuku-ji Temple
- Isuien Garden
- The Manyo Botanical Garden
- Yakushi-ji Temple
- Nara National Museum
- Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple
- Kasuga Grand Shrine
7. Takayama
Takayama is located in Gifu Prefecture in mountainous regions and is a perfect place to experience Japan’s rural life. This is an excellent place for shopping in traditional restaurants, sampling local sakes and restaurants. Check the local crafts sold in the traditional wooden houses and take a look at the detailed architecture around you.
In spring and autumn, one of the most beautiful festivals in the country occurs over twice a year. The Takayama Fountain Spring Festival takes place in April.
Top Places to Visit in Takayama:
- Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
- Takayama Jinya
- Shirakawa-go
- Hida Folk Village
- Hida Furukawa
- Kokubun-ji Temple
- Yoshijima Heritage House
8. Sendai
Every year, Sendai has leafy streets with people coming to enjoy Tanabata Matsuri, home to one of the country’s most famous festivals. It is the largest city in the area in the Tohuko region, with many visitors stopping to the wilderness nearby and offering a view of local culture.
Sendai is an even more pleasant place to visit with a lively nightlife and the beautiful and slumbering castle with lovely gardens. You can also go from here to the nearby hot springs or to Matsushima with one of Japan’s best views.
Top Places to Visit in Sendai:
- Zuihoden
- Nikka Whisky Distillery
- Akiu Great Falls
- Sendai Castle
- Sendai City Museum
- Miyagi Museum of Art
- SS30 Observation Deck
9. Kobe
Kobe’s picturesque location between the sea and the Rokko mountains is better known as a port city. Just steps away, Mount Rokko is an easy afternoon walk and in the hotter months, close by Nunobiki Falls is a great destination.
For a calm escape, go to the Jain Temple all-marble, then climb the Kobe Port, as the sun descend, overlooking the city’s lights in 360 degrees with a panoramic view. Kobe also has the Kobe Fashion Museum, Japan’s first fashion museum, and the Maritime Museum, which highlights the relevance of the sea for the development and growth of the city.
Top Places to Visit in Kobe:
- Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
- Oji Zoo
- Mount Rokko
- Fruit Flower Park
- Kobe Maritime Museum
- Nunobiki Falls
- Ikuta Shrine
10. Fukuoka
Fukuoka was the largest city in Kyushu before the various areas joined in forming the city that we know today. A friendly, friendly place that makes Fukuoka more than fit in with its charm and pleasant atmosphere, because of its real visits. Fukuoka is well worth a visit with several great museums, some excellent architecture, delicious ramen and the possibility to watch their famous baseball Team play.
Mitama is one of the best-known attractions in Fukuoka. It is held in the Sanctuary of Gokoku, where over 6,000 lamps lit to welcome the dead spirits in the rhythm of taiko drumming. While this famous festival is celebrated throughout Japan, in Fukuoka city, people from all over the country are dedicated to Japan’s death in war.
Top Places to Visit in Fukuoka:
- Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine
- Fukuoka Castle
- Ōhori Park
- Nanzoin Temple and the Reclining Buddha
- Fukuoka Art Museum
- Fukuoka Tower
- Kyūshū National Museum
