Sapporo, the largest city in Japan’s northernmost prefecture, is famous for its cold climate and is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy winter. The world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival takes place here every February, drawing more than two million visitors with impressive ice and snow sculptures.

The Sapporo Winter Sports Museum, which displays memorabilia from the 1972 Winter Games, attracts many visitors, as do the ski resorts near Sapporo for skiing and snowboarding. Hokkaido is also well known for its seafood, and fresh local catches are a must when visiting Sapporo.

Although it is often associated with winter, Sapporo is also great in summer and autumn. In late July, many visitors will take day trips to the lavender fields in Furano as they reach full bloom, and the city’s mild summer temperatures make it comfortable compared to much of Japan. Autumn brings cooler weather, colorful foliage, and hot springs perfect for relaxing, while the area is also well-suited for road trips.

Otaru
About 30–40 minutes from Sapporo by train, Otaru is a romantic port town famous for its picturesque canal, historic warehouses, and fresh seafood. Visitors can enjoy local glassware, music boxes, and sushi made with the day’s catch. In winter, the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival turns the town into a magical scene of lanterns and snow sculptures.
Recommended: Otaru travel highlights

Asahikawa
Roughly 1.5 hours from Sapporo by train, Asahikawa is Hokkaido’s second-largest city. It is home to Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan’s most popular, and serves as a gateway to the Furano and Biei areas. Summer brings lavender fields and rolling hills of flowers, while winter draws visitors to nearby ski resorts.
Recommended: Asahikawa travel highlights

Furano & Biei
Around 2–2.5 hours by train and bus from Sapporo, Furano and Biei are must-visits in summer for their stunning flower fields, especially lavender in July. Biei is famous for its patchwork hills and the mysterious Blue Pond. In winter, Furano is also a major ski resort destination with excellent powder snow.
Recommended: Furano travel highlights

Noboribetsu
About 1.5 hours from Sapporo by limited express train, Noboribetsu is Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort. Known for its “Hell Valley” (Jigokudani), where volcanic steam rises from the ground, the town offers a variety of baths with different mineral waters. It’s the perfect day trip for relaxation and onsen culture.
Recommended: Noboribetsu travel highlights

With a population of about 1.09 million, Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and serves as a gateway to nearby areas such as Yamagata. Nicknamed the “City of Trees,” it is famous for the zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori avenue, as well as the Sendai Tanabata Festival—one of Tohoku's three great festivals. Known for its connection to feudal lord Date Masamune, the city blends rich history, vibrant culture, and distinctive local cuisine. As a hub of the Tohoku Shinkansen and the region’s economy and culture, Sendai is also a symbol of resilience following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Matsushima
About 40 minutes from Sendai by train, Matsushima is celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views. Over 260 pine-covered islands dot the bay, creating a breathtaking landscape. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, Zuiganji Temple, and Godaido Hall overlooking the bay.
Recommended: Matsushima travel highlights

Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Around 1 hour from Sendai by train, Yamadera is a historic temple complex perched on a mountainside in Yamagata. A climb of about 1,000 stone steps rewards visitors with sweeping views of the valley. The temple is especially popular in autumn for its colorful foliage.
Recommended: Yamadera travel highlights

Akiu Onsen
Just 30 minutes from central Sendai by bus or car, Akiu Onsen is a hot spring resort with a history of more than 1,500 years. Highlights include the scenic Akiu Otaki Falls, Rairaikyo Gorge, and a variety of traditional inns offering relaxing baths.
Recommended: Akiu Onsen travel highlights

Shiroishi
About 1 hour from Sendai by train, Shiroishi is known for Shiroishi Castle, reconstructed with wooden interiors. The city is also famous for Shiroishi umen, thin wheat noodles served in a light broth. In spring, the castle grounds and nearby Hitome Senbonzakura offer some of the region’s best cherry blossom views.
Recommended: Shiroishi travel highlights

Tokyo inarguably is Japan’s most well-known city. The Tokyo Metropolis is made up of 23 Special Wards, home to upwards of 35 million people. It is also known for having the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, known as Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and what many would say is the busiest train station in the world in Shinjuku.

Tokyo also is the center of otaku culture in Akihabara with a plethora of games, anime, and electronics shops; while the Harajuku and Shibuya districts are known worldwide for their contributions to fashion and kawaii (cute) culture.

However, traditional culture is still very much alive in Tokyo, with a number of shrines and temples throughout the city as in its historical Asakusa area, festivals held throughout the year, and also the world’s largest sumo stadium.

Odawara
About 30–40 minutes from central Tokyo by Shinkansen, Odawara (Kanagawa Prefecture) is a historic castle town and the traditional gateway to Hakone. Odawara Castle, with its reconstructed keep and samurai exhibits, is a must-visit, especially during cherry blossom season when the grounds are covered in pink blooms. The city is also known for fresh seafood from Sagami Bay and local specialties like kamaboko (fish cake). Its convenient location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring Hakone’s hot springs and Mt. Fuji views.
Recommended: Odawara travel highlights

Kawagoe
About 30 minutes from Ikebukuro by train, Kawagoe (Saitama Prefecture) is home to around 350,000 people and is nicknamed “Little Edo.” Its preserved Kurazukuri Street features Edo-period warehouses, traditional confectionery shops, and charming stores. Popular as an easy day-trip destination from Tokyo, it is especially lively during the Kawagoe Festival in October, when ornate floats parade through the streets.
Recommended: Kawagoe travel highlights

Kamakura
Known to many for its link to Slam Dunk, Kamakura was the seat of Japan’s first shogunate from 1185 to 1333. Its historic treasures include the 13.35-meter Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and the bamboo forest of Hokokuji. Just about an hour from Tokyo by train, Kamakura combines seaside and mountain scenery with a wealth of cultural sites, making it one of the most popular day-trip cities from the capital.
Recommended: Kamakura travel highlights

Nikko
Around 2 hours from Tokyo by train, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most important cultural destinations. The ornate Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, is the highlight, surrounded by a cedar forest. The area also offers natural beauty with waterfalls, hot springs, and autumn foliage.
Recommended: Nikko travel highlights

Shizuoka
Shizuoka sits at the foot of Mt. Fuji and is Japan’s largest tea producer. Blessed with a mild climate, rich natural scenery, and historical landmarks, it’s also famous for tuna and wasabi. While it can be visited as a day trip, Shizuoka truly deserves at least 1–2 nights to enjoy its many sights and flavors, ideally with a rental car.
Recommended: Shizuoka travel highlights

Yokohama lies south of Tokyo, on the scenic western coast of Tokyo Bay. It is known for being Japan’s first port that officially opened to foreign trade in 1859. It’s not a stretch to say that international influences have shaped Yokohama’s character, from the city’s signature brick architecture to the famous Yokohama Chinatown that was formed by Chinese immigrants who settled in the 1800s.

Kanagawa is the city with the second largest population in Japan. Visitors to Yokohama can take in a scenic harbor view via waterbus or atop the iconic Ferris wheel, as well as enjoy various museums and shopping opportunities. Yokohama is also a great place to stay if looking for a change from Tokyo.

Nagoya has long been the center of Japan’s automotive and aviation manufacturing, as well as a technological hub with a growing robotics industry. Visitors can explore Nagoya’s tech-centric side by visiting the Nagoya City Science Museum, the SCMaglev and Railway Park, or either of the two Toyota museums. In recent years, Nagoya has also gained international fame for being the location of the World Cosplay Summit, where cosplayers from 20 nations worldwide compete in the World Cosplay Championship and participate in one of Japan’s most impressive cosplay parades. Just outside the city, Ghibli Park has become a new must-visit destination, bringing the worlds of Studio Ghibli’s films to life through immersive attractions and themed areas.

Gifu
Roughly 30 minutes from Nagoya by train, Gifu is home to Gifu Castle, perched on Mt. Kinka and accessible by ropeway. The city is also famous for traditional cormorant fishing on the Nagara River, a summer spectacle that has been practiced for centuries.

Ise
About 1.5 hours from Nagoya by train, Ise is the spiritual heart of Japan, home to the revered Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu). Visitors can stroll through Okage Yokocho, a lively district of traditional shops and eateries near the shrine, and sample local delicacies such as Ise udon.
Recommended: Ise travel highlights

Takayama
Around 2.5 hours from Nagoya by limited express train, Takayama is a beautifully preserved old town in the Japanese Alps. Known for its Edo-period merchant houses, morning markets, and the Takayama Festival, it offers a glimpse into traditional life. Many travelers also visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Recommended: Takayama travel highlights

Kyoto was the official capital of Japan for over 1,000 years and remains one of the foremost destinations to experience traditional Japanese culture. The city has around 2,000 temples and shrines, including the “Golden Pavilion,” Kinkakuji, Ryoanji known for its zen rock garden, and Fushimi Inari Taisha, the shrine with a tunnel of 5,000 vermillion torii gates.

One of the most talked-about areas of Kyoto is the “geisha district” of Gion. While geiko (the Kyoto term for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geiko) are known for being elusive, if you are lucky, you just may encounter one of the kimono-adorned beauties taking a stroll!

Art and history lovers will also not want to miss the Kyoto National Museum, which houses over 230 designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.

Nara
About 45 minutes from Kyoto by train, Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital and is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites. Highlights include Todai-ji Temple with its Great Buddha, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the friendly deer roaming Nara Park.
Recommended: Nara travel highlights

Uji
Only 20–30 minutes from Kyoto by train, Uji is famous for its high-quality green tea and the iconic Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured on the 10-yen coin. Visitors can enjoy tea shops, riverside walks, and seasonal flowers.
Recommended: Uji travel highlights

Omihachiman
About 40 minutes from Kyoto by train, Omihachiman is a picturesque merchant town on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa. Known for its Edo-period streets, canal district, and Hachiman-yama Ropeway, it offers a mix of history and scenic views. Local specialties include Omi beef, one of Japan’s top wagyu brands.
Recommended: Omihachiman travel highlights

Ohara
About 1 hour from Kyoto by bus, Ohara is a quiet rural town surrounded by mountains, known for its temples such as Sanzen-in and peaceful gardens. It is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn vivid red.
Recommended: Ohara travel highlights

Osaka is the largest city in the Kansai region and one of the largest in Japan, but what it’s really known for is its lively and colorful character, from its distinct dialect to its cuisine that has become popular throughout Japan. Osaka is a great place to experience a unique urban atmosphere, with entertainment for both adults and kids.

Osaka has one of the world’s largest public aquariums and is home to Universal Studios Japan. And no trip to Osaka would be complete without a visit to the entertainment district of Dotonbori, with its iconic neon signboards, countless restaurants, and amusement facilities.

Osaka also has places to enjoy traditional Japanese culture and history, such as Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and even Bunraku puppet shows.

Kobe
About 30 minutes from Osaka by train, Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city framed by mountains and sea. Famous for Kobe beef, the city also offers attractions like the Kobe Harborland waterfront, Ikuta Shrine, and the European-style houses of the Kitano district.
Recommended: Kobe travel highlights

Himeji
Around 1 hour from Osaka by train, Himeji is home to Himeji Castle, Japan’s most spectacular original castle and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The castle’s white plaster walls earn it the nickname “White Heron Castle.” Nearby Kokoen Garden adds seasonal beauty to the visit.
Recommended: Himeji travel highlights

Koyasan
Roughly 2 hours from Osaka by train and cable car, Koyasan is the heart of Shingon Buddhism and one of Japan’s most spiritual destinations. Highlights include Okunoin Cemetery, Kongobu-ji Temple, and the chance to stay overnight in a temple lodging with vegetarian monk’s cuisine (shojin ryori).
Recommended: Koyasan travel highlights

Kobe is a port city roughly 30 km west of Osaka. Just like Yokohama, it was one of the earliest cities that opened to foreign trade after Japan’s policy of seclusion officially ended. The name “Kobe” has become synonymous worldwide with the area’s high-quality Kobe beef. In fact, basketball superstar Kobe Bryant is said to have been named after the specialty!

The city also borders the Mount Rokko mountain range, which is a popular hiking spot and is next to one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, Arima Onsen. Another draw is the sake breweries in the Nada district, known for being among the best in Japan. Kobe was also one of the sites hit by the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. The city has since become entirely rebuilt and the event is commemorated in the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum.

Awaji Island
Accessible via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in about 1 hour, Awaji Island offers natural beauty and cultural attractions. Highlights include Hyogo Prefectural Park Awaji Hanasajiki, the anime theme park of Nijigen no Mori, the Naruto whirlpools, and onsen resorts. The island is also known for onions and fresh seafood.
Recommended: Awaji Island travel highlights

Arima Onsen
About 30 minutes from Kobe by train or bus, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, with a history stretching back over 1,000 years. Its unique golden and silver hot springs make it a perfect spot for relaxation after exploring Kobe.
Recommended: Arima Onsen travel highlights

Kinosaki Onsen
Around 2.5 to 3 hours from Kobe by limited express train, Kinosaki Onsen is a charming hot spring town famous for its seven public bathhouses, where visitors stroll the streets in yukata and geta sandals. The town also offers seasonal crab cuisine and traditional ryokan stays, making it one of Japan’s most atmospheric onsen destinations.
Recommended: Kinosaki Onsen travel highlights

Hiroshima is the site where the first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Soon after, the city was also devastated by the Makurazaki Typhoon. Despite this tragedy, Hiroshima has since been rebuilt.

Many demolished monuments were reconstructed, as well as new ones reflecting its status as a “City of Peace,” which was proclaimed by the Japanese parliament in 1949. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park has become a symbol of this reborn city. Other worthwhile spots to visit include Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, among many other locations dedicated to peace and harmony.

Miyajima (Itsukushima)
About 30 minutes from Hiroshima by train and ferry, Miyajima is world-famous for Itsukushima Shrine and its “floating” red torii gate, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island is also home to Mt. Misen hiking trails, wild deer, and seasonal maple leaves and cherry blossoms.

Onomichi
Around 1.5 hours from Hiroshima by train, Onomichi is a charming port town known for its hillside temples, narrow lanes, and retro Showa-era atmosphere. It is the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, which links Honshu and Shikoku across scenic islands and bridges.

Iwakuni
About 1 hour from Hiroshima by train, Iwakuni is best known for the elegant Kintai Bridge, a wooden arch bridge spanning the Nishiki River. Visitors can also explore Iwakuni Castle and enjoy local specialties such as Iwakuni sushi.

Fukuyama
Roughly 25 minutes from Hiroshima by Shinkansen, Fukuyama is home to Fukuyama Castle, Tomonoura Port town, and the Myooin Temple pagoda. Tomonoura in particular inspired Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo and remains a picturesque seaside stop.

Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu and the region’s main transportation hub, anchored by Fukuoka Airport. For most travelers, a Kyushu journey begins here before heading on to destinations like Yufuin or Beppu. The city itself is well worth a stay of 1–2 nights, offering vibrant shopping, lively nightlife, and world-renowned local dishes such as Hakata ramen.

Since flights to smaller regional airports can be limited, visitors often plan their trip by first spending time in Fukuoka before exploring Kyushu more widely. It’s a city that balances modern urban energy with easy access to historic sites, hot springs, and coastal scenery.

Dazaifu
Only 30 minutes from Fukuoka by train, Dazaifu is home to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of learning, attracting students from across Japan. The Kyushu National Museum and traditional sweets like umegae mochi add to the appeal.

Yanagawa
About 1 hour from Fukuoka by train, Yanagawa is known as the “Venice of Kyushu” for its network of canals. Visitors can enjoy leisurely boat rides, local freshwater eel dishes, and explore traditional riverside townscapes.

Itoshima
About 40 minutes by car from Fukuoka, Itoshima is a coastal getaway known for beautiful beaches, seaside cafes, and Instagram-worthy spots like the Futamigaura Couple Rock. It’s especially popular in summer for relaxing by the sea.

Because of its unique geography, it made sense to include Okinawa Prefecture as a whole, and not just its capital city of Naha. Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, made up of 160 islands. It is known for its subtropical climate that is home to many rare species of plants and animals.

White sand beaches and clear, blue waters of colorful fish make Okinawa the prime place to visit for those interested in swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, while still exploring Japan. This collection of islands, known also by its older name, Ryukyu, have a unique culture of its own, which has been integrated into the more typically represented traditional Japanese culture.

Kerama Islands
About 40 minutes by high-speed ferry from Naha, the Kerama Islands are famous for crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Zamami and Tokashiki are especially popular for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on pristine beaches.
Recommended: Kerama Islands travel highlights

Kouri Island
Around 1.5 hours by car from Naha, Kouri Island is connected by a scenic bridge and is known for its turquoise waters and “Heart Rock” formation. Visitors can enjoy beaches, local cafes, and breathtaking coastal views.

Miyakojima
About 50 minutes by plane from Naha, Miyakojima is one of Okinawa’s most beautiful islands, known for its white-sand beaches and brilliant blue waters. Highlights include Yonaha Maehama Beach, Sunayama Beach, and Irabu Ohashi Bridge. It’s a paradise for snorkeling, diving, and scenic drives along the coastline.
Recommended: Miyakojima travel highlights

So have you decided which city in Japan you would like to visit? Modern Tokyo? History-rich Kyoto? All of them? Whichever place you visit, you can be assured to find treasures in just about every corner of Japan!