Japan Travel Guide

Where Should You Go?

Destination 1: Tokyo
Tokyo is a fascinating and vibrant city that blends the old with the new, creating an exciting, fast-paced atmosphere. It's the capital of Japan and one of the most populous cities in the world. There are many famous districts and attractions to explore. This includes: Shibuya: Famous for shopping, youth culture, and nightlife. Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world, is a must see. Shinjuku: Known for its skyscrapers, entertainment, and the lively Kabukicho area, full of restaurants, bars, izakayas (pubs), and karaoke joints. Shinjuku also houses the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, offering panoramic views from its observation decks. Akihabara: The epicenter of anime, manga, electronics, and gaming culture. The mecca for anime, manga, and electronics, is a must-visit for fans of Japanese pop culture and technology. Harajuku: Famous for unique street fashion and quirky shops. It's a great spot for people-watching. Additionally, the Meiji Shrine is located close to Harajuku, offering a peaceful yet deep dive into Japan's Shinto traditions. Lastly, Yoyogi Park near Harajuku is great for picnics and casual strolls. Asakusa: Asakusa is where you'll find Senso-ji Temple, one of the oldest temples in the country, surrounded by a bustling market street filled with traditional shops, such as the traditional shopping street Nakamise-dori Ogasawara Islands: Tokyo is located close to UNESCO World Heritage Site Ogasawara Islands, home to many animal and plant species. Tokyo Disneyland: For a bit of magic, you can visit Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which are among the best versions of Disney parks in the world.

Destination 1: Tokyo

Tokyo is a fascinating and vibrant city that blends the old with the new, creating an exciting, fast-paced atmosphere. It's the capital of Japan and one of the most populous cities in the world. There are many famous districts and attractions to explore. This includes:

Shibuya: Famous for shopping, youth culture, and nightlife. Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world, is a must see.
Shinjuku: Known for its skyscrapers, entertainment, and the lively Kabukicho area, full of restaurants, bars, izakayas (pubs), and karaoke joints. Shinjuku also houses the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, offering panoramic views from its observation decks.
Akihabara: The epicenter of anime, manga, electronics, and gaming culture. The mecca for anime, manga, and electronics, is a must-visit for fans of Japanese pop culture and technology.
Harajuku: Famous for unique street fashion and quirky shops. It's a great spot for people-watching. Additionally, the Meiji Shrine is located close to Harajuku, offering a peaceful yet deep dive into Japan's Shinto traditions. Lastly, Yoyogi Park near Harajuku is great for picnics and casual strolls.
Asakusa: Asakusa is where you'll find Senso-ji Temple, one of the oldest temples in the country, surrounded by a bustling market street filled with traditional shops, such as the traditional shopping street Nakamise-dori
Ogasawara Islands: Tokyo is located close to UNESCO World Heritage Site Ogasawara Islands, home to many animal and plant species.
Tokyo Disneyland: For a bit of magic, you can visit Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which are among the best versions of Disney parks in the world.

Destination 2: Kyoto
	Kyoto is a great representation of Japan's natural beauty. From ancient temples to serene gardens all the way to tea houses, the stunning landscape offers a glimpse into the country's rich history and heritage. Some major districts and attractions include: Gion: Most notable for being Kyoto's geisha district, major attractions include the famous Senso-ji Temple, Tatsumi Bridge, Hanami-Koji street, and Shirakawa Canal. Additionally, Gion Corner hosts traditional Kyomai dances, while Kennin-ji Temple is known for its Zen garden and Yasaka Shrine has seasonal festivals in a lantern-lit courtyard. Higashiyama: A district known for it's more preserved cultural look, it hosts temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Shrine. It creates a traditional atmosphere with narrow streets and wooden buildings Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka: Much like Higashiyama, Ninezaka and Sannenzaka is filled with narrow streets surrounded by wooden buildings. Fushimi: Fushimi is home to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the most famous landmark in Fushimi renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that lead up the mountain. It also holds the Fushimi Momoyama Castle, which has a museum of the castle's history. Nijo: Nijo holds many attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle. Although not directly in Nijo, Kyoto Imperial Palace is extremely close to Nijo as well.

Destination 2: Kyoto

Kyoto is a great representation of Japan's natural beauty. From ancient temples to serene gardens all the way to tea houses, the stunning landscape offers a glimpse into the country's rich history and heritage. Some major districts and attractions include:

Gion: Most notable for being Kyoto's geisha district, major attractions include the famous Senso-ji Temple, Tatsumi Bridge, Hanami-Koji street, and Shirakawa Canal. Additionally, Gion Corner hosts traditional Kyomai dances, while Kennin-ji Temple is known for its Zen garden and Yasaka Shrine has seasonal festivals in a lantern-lit courtyard.
Higashiyama: A district known for it's more preserved cultural look, it hosts temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Shrine. It creates a traditional atmosphere with narrow streets and wooden buildings
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka: Much like Higashiyama, Ninezaka and Sannenzaka is filled with narrow streets surrounded by wooden buildings.
Fushimi: Fushimi is home to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the most famous landmark in Fushimi renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that lead up the mountain. It also holds the Fushimi Momoyama Castle, which has a museum of the castle's history.
Nijo: Nijo holds many attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle. Although not directly in Nijo, Kyoto Imperial Palace is extremely close to Nijo as well.

Destination 3: Osaka
Osaka is a vibrant, modern city known for its energetic atmosphere, delicious food, and diverse entertainment options. Some key districts and their major attractions include: Namba: Namba holds major attractions like Dotonbori, which is famous for its neon lights, giant billboards (like the Glico Man), and bustling nightlife, Dotonbori is a must-visit for its street food, shopping, and entertainment. It also holds the shopping district Shinsaibashi. Umeda: Major attractions in Umeda include Umeda Sky Building, a large yet iconic skyscraper with panoramic views, Grand Front Osaka, a large shopping + dining complex, and HEP Five, a shopping district with a large red ferris wheel on top. Tennoji: Tennoji has a fine mix between industrialized and rural attractions. For example, the Shitenno-ji Temple, the oldest buddhist temple in Japan, as well as Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper in Japan from 2014-2023. Universal Studios Japan: While Tokyo holds Japan's Disneyworld, Osaka holds Japan's Universal Studios. Being the first location outside of the U.S., it offers many rides not available in the U.S.

Destination 3: Osaka

Osaka is a vibrant, modern city known for its energetic atmosphere, delicious food, and diverse entertainment options. Some key districts and their major attractions include:

Namba: Namba holds major attractions like Dotonbori, which is famous for its neon lights, giant billboards (like the Glico Man), and bustling nightlife, Dotonbori is a must-visit for its street food, shopping, and entertainment. It also holds the shopping district Shinsaibashi.
Umeda: Major attractions in Umeda include Umeda Sky Building, a large yet iconic skyscraper with panoramic views, Grand Front Osaka, a large shopping + dining complex, and HEP Five, a shopping district with a large red ferris wheel on top.
Tennoji: Tennoji has a fine mix between industrialized and rural attractions. For example, the Shitenno-ji Temple, the oldest buddhist temple in Japan, as well as Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper in Japan from 2014-2023.
Universal Studios Japan: While Tokyo holds Japan's Disneyworld, Osaka holds Japan's Universal Studios. Being the first location outside of the U.S., it offers many rides not available in the U.S.

Destination 4: Nara
	Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, is known for its historical sites, beautiful parks, and serene atmosphere. Some key districts and attractions in Nara include: Nara Park: Nara Park holds many of the famous attractions in Nara, such as Todai-ji Temple, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, Nara Deer Park, famous for the many deer visitors can interact and feed, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, with a beautiful forested setting. Kofuku-ji Temple Area: The Kofuku-ji Temple Area holds Kofuku-ji Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once one of the most powerful temples in Japan, with its five-story pagoda as a standout feature. There is also the Nara National Museum, which houses Buddhist art and historical artifacts. Higashimuki Shopping Street: Higashimuki Shopping Street is a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place for buying local souvenirs or trying traditional Nara snacks.

Destination 4: Nara

Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, is known for its historical sites, beautiful parks, and serene atmosphere. Some key districts and attractions in Nara include:

Nara Park: Nara Park holds many of the famous attractions in Nara, such as Todai-ji Temple, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, Nara Deer Park, famous for the many deer visitors can interact and feed, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, with a beautiful forested setting.
Kofuku-ji Temple Area: The Kofuku-ji Temple Area holds Kofuku-ji Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once one of the most powerful temples in Japan, with its five-story pagoda as a standout feature. There is also the Nara National Museum, which houses Buddhist art and historical artifacts.
Higashimuki Shopping Street: Higashimuki Shopping Street is a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place for buying local souvenirs or trying traditional Nara snacks.

Destination 5: Okinawa
Okinawa, a tropical island in the south of Japan, is known for its beautiful beaches, unique culture, and rich history. With many subislands containing various sites, here are some recommendations: Naha: Being the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, there are many landmarks to see, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shurijo Castle. This historic castle was the seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom and features impressive architecture and beautiful gardens. However, on October 31, 2019, the main courtyard structures were burned in a fire. Reparations are currently in action and it is expected to reopen by autumn of 2026. There are also many food and souvenir stalls. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Being one of the largest aquariums in the world, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu, Okinawa, is famous for its massive Kuroshio Sea tank, which houses whale sharks and manta rays. The aquarium houses 4 floors of sea creatures, and was the largest aquarium in the world until 2005, where it was surpassed by the Georgia Aquarium. The nearby Ocean Expo Park also has beautiful gardens and the historic Tropical Dream Center. Cape Manzamo: A scenic spot on the western coast of Okinawa Island in Onna Village, Cape Manzamo offers stunning views of the ocean and the iconic elephant trunk-shaped rock formation. It's a great spot for photos and enjoying nature. It's deemed one of the most popular tourist destinations in Okinawa. Ishigaki Island: Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Popular activities include snorkeling, diving, and exploring scenic spots like Kabira Bay. The island also offers hiking opportunities, such as climbing Mount Omoto, the highest peak in Okinawa. Ishigaki is rich in local culture and known for its unique cuisine, including Ishigaki beef.

Destination 5: Okinawa

Okinawa, a tropical island in the south of Japan, is known for its beautiful beaches, unique culture, and rich history. With many subislands containing various sites, here are some recommendations:

Naha: Being the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, there are many landmarks to see, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shurijo Castle. This historic castle was the seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom and features impressive architecture and beautiful gardens. However, on October 31, 2019, the main courtyard structures were burned in a fire. Reparations are currently in action and it is expected to reopen by autumn of 2026. There are also many food and souvenir stalls.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Being one of the largest aquariums in the world, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu, Okinawa, is famous for its massive Kuroshio Sea tank, which houses whale sharks and manta rays. The aquarium houses 4 floors of sea creatures, and was the largest aquarium in the world until 2005, where it was surpassed by the Georgia Aquarium. The nearby Ocean Expo Park also has beautiful gardens and the historic Tropical Dream Center.
Cape Manzamo: A scenic spot on the western coast of Okinawa Island in Onna Village, Cape Manzamo offers stunning views of the ocean and the iconic elephant trunk-shaped rock formation. It's a great spot for photos and enjoying nature. It's deemed one of the most popular tourist destinations in Okinawa.
Ishigaki Island: Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Popular activities include snorkeling, diving, and exploring scenic spots like Kabira Bay. The island also offers hiking opportunities, such as climbing Mount Omoto, the highest peak in Okinawa. Ishigaki is rich in local culture and known for its unique cuisine, including Ishigaki beef.

Destination 6: Kobe
	Kobe is the capital city of the Hyogo Prefecture, residing in Osaka Bay in Central Japan. Kobe is known for extremely high quality beef under the same name, as well as its scenic beauty and cosmopolitan feeling. Some major destinations and attractions include: Kobe Harborland: Opened in October, 1992, Kobe Harborland is home to many beautiful strucutres, such as Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Maritime Museum, Anpanman Museum, and Meriken Park. Sannomiya District: Known as Kobe's financial, commercial, and entertainment center, it is filled with busy streets flooded with stalls, like Sannomiya center street and Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street. The district also holds the Kobe City Museum. Arima Onsen: On the opposite side of Mount Rokko lies Arima Onsen. As one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, offering both "golden" and "silver" springs, it's a perfect place to relax and unwind in traditional Japanese ryokan inns with hot spring baths. Nankinmachi: Also known as Kobe's Chinatown, it is one of the most popular destinations in Kobe. Nankinmachi Main Street is packed with shops, restaurants, and food stalls selling traditional Chinese food with a Japanese twist. Additionally, there is the Kobe Chinatown Temple and on New Years Day, the Kobe Chinatown Festival. Kobe Beef: Kobe Beef is Kobe's "Holy Grail". Being Kobe's prized possession, Kobe is most known for their delicate and expensive beef.

Destination 6: Kobe

Kobe is the capital city of the Hyogo Prefecture, residing in Osaka Bay in Central Japan. Kobe is known for extremely high quality beef under the same name, as well as its scenic beauty and cosmopolitan feeling. Some major destinations and attractions include:

Kobe Harborland: Opened in October, 1992, Kobe Harborland is home to many beautiful strucutres, such as Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Maritime Museum, Anpanman Museum, and Meriken Park.
Sannomiya District: Known as Kobe's financial, commercial, and entertainment center, it is filled with busy streets flooded with stalls, like Sannomiya center street and Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street. The district also holds the Kobe City Museum.
Arima Onsen: On the opposite side of Mount Rokko lies Arima Onsen. As one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, offering both "golden" and "silver" springs, it's a perfect place to relax and unwind in traditional Japanese ryokan inns with hot spring baths.
Nankinmachi: Also known as Kobe's Chinatown, it is one of the most popular destinations in Kobe. Nankinmachi Main Street is packed with shops, restaurants, and food stalls selling traditional Chinese food with a Japanese twist. Additionally, there is the Kobe Chinatown Temple and on New Years Day, the Kobe Chinatown Festival.
Kobe Beef: Kobe Beef is Kobe's "Holy Grail". Being Kobe's prized possession, Kobe is most known for their delicate and expensive beef.

There are many more options to visit other than these few destinations. If you would like to learn about other locations, check out Japan Guide to learn more