Where to go in Japan
While its cuisine, cool design aesthetic and zany pop culture are wildly celebrated around the world, many Australian travellers to Japan are still surprised by the sheer diversity of experiences on offer. As you delve into the culture in Japan, including its ancient customs, rich traditions and meticulous attention to detail, you’ll discover why there really is nowhere else in the world like Japan.
Thinking about the best places to visit in Japan or just trying to figure out where to go in Japan on your upcoming holiday? We’ve got the top 10 highlights of Japan below.
1. Tokyo
Wondering what to do in Tokyo? Dive headfirst into this bustling metropolis. Get your bearings by perching at one of Tokyo’s sky-high bars like the Two Rooms in Aoyama or the Park Hyatt Tokyo’s New York Bar for the best views of the city’s famous skyline.
Back on solid ground, have your own real-life Mario Kart race, be mesmerised by the locals at Takeshita-dori, shop at the insane multi-level Don Quijote store, have tea with a hedgehog at Hedgehog Cafe Harry or drinks with robots at the renowned Robot Restaurant. There are so many places to eat and drink in Tokyo that you could spend months without doubling up.
2. Kyoto
The Japan of yesteryear, Kyoto is a trip back to the imperial days and undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Japan. It’s a place of serene temples, perfectly manicured gardens and famed geisha. From quiet strolls along the Philosopher’s Walk, a cherry-tree lined canal running between the magnificent Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji temples, to meandering at dusk through the backstreets of Gion, Kyoto resonates old-world Japan at every turn.
Seeing the vermillion gates at the beautiful mountainside shrine Fushimi-Inari-Taisha is an experience not to be missed. Be sure to go either at sunset or sunrise to beat the considerable crowds.
3. Osaka
Good food, warm humour and an enterprising spirit radiate from Osaka. Perhaps a little quiet and reserved during the day, the city comes alive at night, where lights, tasty street food and entertainment quarters beckon.
Feast on local treats like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, then get a buzz walking through the blazing lights of entertainment district Dotonbori and take a peek at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
4. Nara
Step into the enchanting world of Nara, where time stands still amid its rich history and breathtaking beauty. As the first permanent capital of Japan, Nara showcases a remarkable blend of awe-inspiring temples, sacred shrines and tranquil gardens.
Be captivated by the iconic Great Buddha, encounter friendly deer that freely roam the city's streets, and wander through meticulously preserved traditional neighbourhoods. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in serene Japan tourist attractions like Todai-ji and Horyu-ji, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
5. Nikko
An easy day trip from Tokyo but well deserving of spending a night or two, Nikko is the gateway to Japan’s famed Toshogu Shrine. Marking the entry to the Nikko National Park, it’s around 140km north of the capital and is a serene mountain wilderness far from the city’s frenetic pace.
With postcard-worthy views around every corner, expect mossy, wooded hillsides, quaint hump bridges, towering cedar trees and glowing red lanterns – and don’t forget to visit Lake Chuzenji.
6. Hiroshima
The power of regeneration is all too evident in modern-day Hiroshima, a city forever linked to the devastating atom bomb that struck in 1945. Today, it’s a destination for millions of tourists who come to take in the highlights of Japan’s while taking a walk through history.
Spend time in the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, scour the Hiroshima Museum of Art and day trip to the nearby island of Miyajima to capture the majestic view of the orange gate standing proud in the ocean.
7. Hokkaido
Rugged and remote, Hokkaido is the country’s second-largest island and home to towering mountains and picture-perfect powder in winter. For those less inclined to ski, the city’s annual snow festival, 19th century Sapporo Beer Museum and bubbling hot springs are just a handful of attractions in Japan that make Hokkaido worth a visit.
Seafood lovers should visit Nijo Market to sample king crabs as big as your head, sea urchin, and all manner of weird and wonderful creatures from the deep.
8. Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is an iconic symbol of Japan's natural splendour and cultural significance. One of the most popular highlights of Japan, this majestic mountain stands proud at 3,776 meters tall and has inspired artists, poets and pilgrims for centuries.
You can climb to its lofty summit and get a panoramic vista of awe-inspiring landscapes, from lush lakes and forests, to rolling hills and busy cities.
9. Yokohama
Tradition seamlessly blends with contemporary flair in Yokohama. As Japan's second-largest city, here you’ll find a diverse tapestry of experiences that will enthral and excite you.
Take in the architectural wonders of the Sankeien Garden and the iconic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Treat yourself to a shopping spree in the lively Minato Mirai district, with its impressive skyscrapers and boutique stores. Cap off your visit with a culinary journey through Yokohama Chinatown, the largest of its kind in Japan.
10. Nagoya
If you are searching for something beyond just culture in Japan, Nagoya is a place that combines tradition with technological advancement. Here you’ll uncover a world of fascinating attractions in Japan.
Marvel at the grandeur of Nagoya Castle, a long-standing symbol of feudal power, then dive into the city's rich samurai heritage at the Tokugawa Art Museum. When it comes to indulging your taste buds, you can’t go past the renowned Nagoya-style miso-katsu and hitsumabushi grilled eel.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
The spring months of March through May are popular for cherry-blossom viewing. The warmer months of June to August are perfect for taking in vibrant festivals and pleasant weather, while winter (December through to February) attracts visitors keen on winter sports and snapping beautiful snowy landscapes.
It all depends on the Japan tourist attractions and specific activities you are interested in – so take time to build out your itinerary before choosing the best time to explore this remarkable country.
Now that you know the best time to visit Japan and where to go, it’s time to start prepping for your trip! Have you considered whether you want travel insurance to help protect your trip to Japan? Smartraveller advises if you’re going overseas, travel insurance is just as important as a passport. Make sure you also keep an eye on the latest travel alerts to ensure your Japanese adventure is everything you’ve dreamed about.
