I completed my destination certification for Japan last week! Take a little scroll through this “must-visit” cities overview if you want to spark some interest in traveling to Japan or find inspiration on what to do while you’re visiting! 

*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Must Visit Cities

These are the eight cities that I learned about in my training, think more common places you might find on someone’s bucket list 🙂

Tokyo

Tokyo is a combination of the past and future, think retro meets ultramodern. There’s shopping, ramen, ancient temples, traditional stores, Michelin Star restaurants to name a few. Listed below are some of the top attractions of Tokyo:

• Nakameguro: Iconic Cherry Blossom Viewing
• One Piece Tower: Amusement Park
• Harajuku + Shibuya: Trendy Fashion, Shopping + Events
• Ginza: Luxury shopping + fine dining
• Roppongi + Akasaka: night life and culture
• Akihabara: Electronic Wonderland
• Ryogoku: Sumo Tournament
• Ghibli: Animation Studio
• Miyake Island: Swim with Dolphins

Osaka

Nightlife in Japan is synonymous with exploring Osaka- wholesome foods, shopping, modern attractions, historical and cultural places. It’s known as the trendiest city in Japan! Here are some top attractions in Osaka:

• Neon Lights at Dotonbori Bridge + Minami Area
• Osaka Castle Park
• Universal Studios Japan: Anime
• Osaka Aquariam Kaiyukan
• Nambo: Kitchen of Japan
• Den-Den town: for anime collectibles
• Cup Noodles Museum Tour
• Hike Rokko Mountains in Ikeda

Okinawa

Okinawa is known for its tropical weather, beaches, islands, mangrove jungles, and coral reefs. Sounds a little bit like a spring break beach trip to me!

• Birthplace of Karate
• UNESCO Shuri Castle + Tamagusuku
• Okinawa Clauraumi Aquarium featuring whale sharks
• Miyako Island known for beaches
• Kerma Islands: snorkel, scuba dive, whale watching, beaches
• World Natural Heritage Site: Yanbaru + Iriomote Island

Kyoto

Kyoto is known for its unexplored escapes, history, culture, natural wonders, bamboo forests, breweries, and their traditional wooden townhouses called Machiya! Other highlights of Kyoto include:

• Ohara: mountain town; autumn leaves, temples, scenic gardens, and traditional culture
• Heritage sites including Nijo Castle, Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, Nishijin Textile District, and Kyoto Gosho
• Bamboo Forests in Sagano + Arashiyama
• By the sea: Tomari beach, Miyazu, Ine

Tokushima

Tokushima is perfect for adventure seekers! Find annual festivals, outdoor adventures, spring rafting, summer surfing, trek the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route, and sightseeing cruise to see Naruto Whirlpools.

• August: Awa Odori Folk Dance Festival
• Ohama Beach has loggerhead turtles
• Anan Coast is full of marine adventures
• Iya Valley: river gorges, rustic vine bridges, Japanese onsens (hot springs)

Sapporo

Sapporo is known for nature and delectable meals; think beer, seafood, and ramen to name a few. I would definitely keep Sapporo in mind for winter travels:

• Sapporo Snow Festival
• Sapporo Beer Museum + Beer Garden
• Odori Park
• Art at Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art + Sapporo Art Park
• Niseko: Ski Resort (winter)

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is the Cultural Capital with emphasis on the Edo period. Culture, art + history:

• Kanzawa Castle + Kenrokuen Gardens
• Gold Leaf Art at Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
• More art: Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, + DT Suzuki Museum
• Samurai Way of Life: Nagamachi Samurai District

Takayama

Takayama is known as “Hiking Heaven” with Japan’s Alps! There are various memorable events, traditional architecture, vintage streets, mountains + onsens:

• UNESCO Site: Shirakawa-go
• Sanmachi: old streets + craft shops
• History: Hida Folk Village
• Hiking: Kamikochi, Mt. Norikura, Mt, Hakusan
• Morning Markets: Miyagawa River + Takayama Jinya

Thinking About Planning a Trip?

If this gets you excited about traveling to and exploring all that Japan has to offer, fill out a quote request form here, via any of my social media, or via email and I’ll be sure to get you set with the  right itinerary for whatever it is that you hope to experience the Japanese way! 

Keep your eyes peeled for more information on Japan- things like best times to go, unique experiences, best things to eat, unique stays, best activities including nature, adventure, culture, festivals, art, shopping, and more!