With nearly 20% of people choosing Kyoto and 15% choosing Tokyo, it’s no surprise that these two cities are among the most popular places in Japan.

As Japan’s capital city, Tokyo is the country’s most populated and business center; many people rated it at the top of their list of places to see.

Within Tokyo, more specifically, some of the stand-out places people wanted to see were the areas of Shinjuku, Akihabara, Odaiba, and Marunouchi (where the Imperial East Gardens are). Many people hoping to visit Tokyo want to experience the hustle and bustle of the Shibuya intersection and check out famous tourist attractions like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Disneyland, and the teamLab Borderless exhibit.

Kyoto, which ranked the highest, is Japan’s old capital and the epicenter of traditional Japanese culture and history. With over 2,000 temples and shrines placed throughout the city and 17 Historic Monument World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO, it’s no wonder many people want to visit Kyoto.

Some of the most popular places in Kyoto that visitors hope to experience are prominent temples like Kinkakuji and Kiyomizu as well as the Fushimi Inari shrine, most commonly visited for its thousands of red torii gates, all arranged along a path that leads to Mount Inari. Responders also mentioned wanting to walk the streets of Gion as well as walk through the bamboo forest of Arashiyama.

Two contrasting places in Japan also ranked high: the tropical southern island beaches of Okinawa, favored by 5% of respondents, and the mountainous, nature-filled northern island of Hokkaido, chosen by 10%.

At opposite ends of Japan, these regions boast entirely different landscapes, cultures, cuisines, and lifestyles, yet their appeal is equally strong. Those who chose Okinawa were drawn by its stunning beach views and the unique food and lifestyle of the Okinawan people.

Originally part of the Ryukyu Kingdom until the Meiji era, Okinawa offers a distinct language, culture, and traditions. Local specialties include Okinawa soba, goya chanpuru, and umi budo – sea grapes, along with Awamori, a regional alcohol that even comes in a version containing a viper snake.

Okinawans are renowned for their health and longevity, with the region holding the highest number of centenarians in Japan. Beyond its beaches, Okinawa attracts many visitors to Japan’s largest aquarium, one of the few worldwide that houses whale sharks.

While Okinawa is Japan’s smallest main island, Hokkaido stands as the second-largest and northernmost. Similar to Okinawa, it was historically home to an indigenous people, the Ainu, before becoming part of Japan during the Meiji era.

The capital and largest city, Sapporo, hosts the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival every February, which drew 2.3 million visitors in 2024 and is one of Hokkaido’s biggest tourist attractions.

Hokkaido’s natural beauty also makes it a favorite among tourists. It has become one of the world’s premier skiing and snowboarding destinations, thanks to resorts like Niseko. The prefecture’s mountainous terrain also features numerous hot springs, such as Noboribetsu, one of its most famous onsen resorts.

With vast agricultural lands, Hokkaido is home to popular attractions like Farm Tomita, where international visitors flock to photograph the iconic lavender fields.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, camping, hiking, or fishing, Hokkaido offers a lush yet sometimes harsh climate and unparalleled natural beauty.

Some other popular places that kept popping up from responders were Osaka, Mount Fuji, Takayama, Nikko, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki.

Osaka, the third-largest city in Japan and located in the Kansai area, is quite popularly known for its food, fashion, and friendly people. Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan, huge underground shopping streets like Umeda, and Osaka Castle. The famous Dotonbori Street is also the culinary center of Osaka and has a variety of foods, including famous Osaka foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

The iconic tallest mountain in Japan is no doubt one of the places many respondents wanted to see or climb. Some wanted to see the mountain from the five great lakes that surround Mt. Fuji while others wanted to soak in hot springs located in Hakone that have a beautiful view of the mountain. And of course, some wanted to climb Mt. Fuji, which sees over 300,000 climbers each year.

Takayama is a small city in the Hida mountains of Gifu Prefecture that holds on to its preserved traditional state with ancient architecture and one of Japan’s most famous festivals, Takayama Festival, which brings in crowds of tourists who line the historic streets to watch the colorful and ornate lanterns and floats.

The streets of Takayama are also famous for a variety of craft shops, tea houses, sake breweries, souvenirs, and the famous Hida Beef. Close to the town, you can experience the Hida Folk Village and Gero Onsen, both of which are lesser-known attractions for tourists but are widely known and loved by the Japanese.

A popular destination just two hours from Tokyo, Nikko is a top choice for those seeking beautiful scenery, lush greenery, and a glimpse into traditional Japanese history.

Highlights include the vibrant and ornate Toshogu Shrine, stunning waterfalls, wild monkeys, hiking trails, and the picturesque Lake Chuzenji at the base of Mount Nantai. These attractions are particularly breathtaking during autumn, when the fall foliage is at its peak. With its temples, shrines, traditional restaurants, shops, and stunning landscapes, Nikko makes for an ideal day trip from Tokyo.

Both cities, forever marked by the tragic atomic bombings of World War II, have been rebuilt into destinations that honor history with memorial museums and peaceful parks that are both beautiful and educational.

Hiroshima offers a short boat ride to Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island, a serene retreat known for its friendly deer and the iconic floating torii gate. The city is also celebrated for its Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and fresh oysters.

Nagasaki, a picturesque port city, reflects a blend of Japanese and Western influences, as it was one of the few ports open to foreign trade during Japan’s period of isolation. Visitors can explore historical memorials, preserved settlements, and unique attractions like Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-inspired theme park, and the renowned Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island.

Some respondents obviously preferred hot springs or Japanese onsen as they listed places like Kusatsu Onsen, Hakone, and Beppu as the one place they would visit.

Kusatsu Onsen, located in Gunma Prefecture, is one of Japan's most renowned hot spring resorts. Known for its 100% natural spring water sourced directly from the earth, Kusatsu boasts the highest volume of free-flowing hot spring water in the country. The water’s high acidity gives it strong antibacterial and healing properties, adding to its appeal.

The resort town offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, shops, a shrine, and both indoor and outdoor hot spring facilities, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Hakone, a popular hot spring destination for both locals and tourists, is situated near Mount Fuji along the scenic shores of Lake Ashinoko. Known for its variety of hotels, ryokans, and hot spring resorts, Hakone is a year-round favorite.

Beyond relaxing in the hot springs, visitors enjoy taking the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the Owakudani Volcano, tasting onsen tamago (hot spring eggs), cruising on a sightseeing boat across the lake, and exploring Hakone Shrine. The shrine’s iconic torii gate at the lake’s edge is a popular spot for capturing stunning photos.

Beppu, located on the southern island of Kyushu, is famous for its eight geothermal hot spots, earning it the nickname “The Eight Hells of Beppu.” The city's charm lies in its diverse range of hot springs and baths.

Visitors can enjoy traditional hot springs for bathing, marvel at scenic hot springs meant for viewing, relax in therapeutic mud baths, or experience unique sand baths, where they are buried neck-deep in hot sand warmed by geothermal heat. Beppu’s variety of hot spring experiences makes it a must-visit destination for spa enthusiasts.

Some other places mentioned by a handful of respondents are places that are also quite popular with tourists including Yokohama, Nagano, Kamakura, Himeji Castle and Kanazawa.

Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city and a short distance from Tokyo, is renowned for its vibrant Chinatown, the largest in Japan, featuring over 600 shops and restaurants.

The city is also home to unique attractions like the Cup Noodle Museum and Ramen Museum, as well as Minato Mirai, a popular waterfront district known for shopping, dining, and entertainment. These highlights make Yokohama a favorite destination for couples, families, and tourists from around the globe.

Nagano, the mountainous prefecture that gained international fame as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, offers a wide variety of attractions, making it a top choice for many visitors to Japan.

For nature enthusiasts, the Kamikochi area in the Japanese Alps is a hiker's paradise, with a stunning mix of valleys and summits providing breathtaking views. Nagano also boasts numerous hot spring towns, the famous snow monkeys, world-class ski resorts, historic castles, temples, and remnants of Olympic facilities in Nagano City that are open to visitors.

With its perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, Nagano is an excellent option for those looking to explore beyond Tokyo.

Kamakura City, located in Kanagawa Prefecture just an hour south of Tokyo, is one of the most popular day trip destinations due to its traditional charm and proximity to the capital.

This coastal town is home to numerous shrines and temples, including its most iconic attraction, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the second-largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Beyond its historic sites, Kamakura offers beaches, scenic walking trails, and Komachi Dori, a bustling shopping street lined with restaurants, shops, and souvenir stores.

Himeji Castle, situated in the city of Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, is Japan’s largest and most iconic castle. Remarkably, it is one of the few original castles to have survived wars and natural disasters unscathed.

A designated National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site, this hilltop castle is the most visited in Japan. Its sprawling complex features winding corridors and beautifully landscaped gardens, which are especially popular during cherry blossom season.

The capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is a historical locale that has a variety of traditional and historical spots such as Nagamachi, the samurai district, where many samurai and their families once resided. Visitors can see the preserved estates and walk the narrow alleys. Fans of Geisha will also appreciate the Higashi Chaya District, which houses tea houses where Geisha performed. Kanazawa Castle and the Kenrokuen Gardens are probably the most popular attractions as the gardens are classified as one of the three most beautiful landscapes in Japan.

Finally, here are some places that popped up from some of the respondents but are not very popular among tourists but are definitely places worth checking out if you are the type of traveler who wants to go beyond the major tourist spots.

Miyazaki Prefecture is located on the southeast side of Kyushu Island and has a warm climate year-round, making it a great place to enjoy beaches, outdoor sports, and seaside activities. Filled with shrines, local festivals, and Miyazaki specialties like sake, grilled chicken, and beef, it is a nature lover’s fantasy.

A small island located in Kagawa Prefecture, the town is picturesque and artistically designed, with a variety of indoor and outdoor modern art museums, sculptures, and architecture. The famous artist Yayoi Kusama’s yellow pumpkin sculpture, which sits at the edge of Port Miyanoura, became one of the island’s iconic spots.

Yamagata Prefecture is located in the northeast Tohoku region of Japan along the Japan sea and is surrounded by mountains, forests, and national parks. The winter brings many tourists to enjoy the natural hot springs and skiing which have snowy hills with trees covered in snow that resemble “snow monsters” - known as juhyo.

Noto Peninsula, which is located at the top of Ishikawa Prefecture, is an isolated and scenic escape for those who are looking for a natural adventure. With few inhabitants and public transportation being sparse, the secluded area is popular for those who are hoping to drive around and enjoy the scenery and coastlines. Although natural beauty is the main draw to this area, there are temples, shrines, historic residences, and markets to explore as well.

For those looking for a beach resort town with white sandy beaches, Shirahama, which literally means “white beach,” is a good choice. Located in Wakayama Prefecture, this picturesque hot spring resort is great for families. It has a famous amusement park called Adventure World, as well as cliff and rock formation sites and fireworks.

With all the responses of places to visit in Japan, it was clear to see that there are so many options available when deciding on a Japanese adventure. Whether you are looking for temples and shrines, hot springs and natural beauty or modern urban neighborhoods, Japan has it all.

And unlike the people who were responding to choosing only one place, you can visit as many as you can fit into your budget and schedule!