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15 cities to visit in Japan: the must-sees to know

The Japanese archipelago stretches over more than 3,000 kilometres, offering a striking diversity of landscapes and urban atmospheres. Choosing one’s itinerary often requires making difficult choices between the electric modernity of metropolises and the discreet charm of feudal cities. Each region possesses its own identity, dialect and culinary specialities.

This selection presents the urban destinations that leave lasting impressions through their history or dynamism. For anyone wishing to discover Japan, these places constitute ideal anchor points. It’s not simply about tourism, but about understanding the human geography of the country.

The following list explores a variety of Japanese cities, from the snowy north to the subtropical islands of the south. Each entry details the name in kanji, a brief description of the local atmosphere and the reasons that justify the detour during a stay.

1. Tokyo (Tōkyō)

Japan’s capital is a fascinating megalopolis where each district functions like a small independent city. 東京 (Tōkyō), which literally means “Eastern Capital”, represents the political and economic centre of the country. It’s the landing point for the majority of international travellers.

The urban experience there is total, blending the skyscrapers of Shinjuku with the retro alleyways of Yanaka. Everything can be found there: from thousand-year-old temples like Sensō-ji to centres dedicated to pop culture and futuristic technologies.

2. Kyoto (Kyōto)

Former imperial capital for more than a thousand years, 京都 (Kyōto) embodies the historical soul of the country. The city was spared from World War II bombings, thus preserving thousands of temples, shrines and zen gardens.

It’s here that one plunges into the heart of the most refined Japanese traditions, such as the tea ceremony or the art of geishas in the Gion district. The wooden architecture of machiya (traditional houses) gives the city a unique aesthetic.

3. Osaka (Ōsaka)

Often called the “kitchen of the nation”, 大阪 (Ōsaka) is renowned for its warm atmosphere and street gastronomy. The inhabitants are known to be more direct and exuberant than in the rest of the country. The local dialect, Kansai-ben, is famous throughout the archipelago.

The Dōtonbori district, with its neon lights and giant signs, offers a vibrant nighttime experience. It’s the ideal place to taste takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury Japanese pancake).

4. Nara

Japan’s first permanent capital in the 8th century, 奈良 (Nara) is famous for its immense park where sika deer roam freely. These animals are considered divine messengers in the Shinto religion and coexist peacefully with visitors.

The site houses Tōdai-ji, a colossal wooden structure containing a giant statue of Buddha (Daibutsu). The atmosphere is more peaceful and rural than in the neighbouring major metropolises, offering a relaxing stroll through the country’s religious history.

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5. Hiroshima

Globally known for the tragic history of the 1945 atomic bombing, 広島 (Hiroshima) is today a city of peace, modern and verdant. The Peace Memorial Park and the Genbaku Dome constitute poignant and necessary places of remembrance.

Beyond its history, the city is dynamic and renowned for its local version of okonomiyaki. In the immediate vicinity lies Miyajima Island, famous for its torii floating in the sea, one of Japan’s most emblematic views.

6. Sapporo

Capital of the northern island of Hokkaidō, 札幌 (Sapporo) stands out for its grid layout and wide avenues, rare in Japan. The city is a major winter destination, particularly thanks to its snow festival (Yuki Matsuri) where giant ice structures are sculpted.

It’s also the birthplace of Japanese beer and miso ramen. Summer there is mild and less humid than on the main island, making it a prized destination to escape the heat and enjoy the surrounding vast natural spaces.

7. Fukuoka

Located on the northern coast of Kyūshū island, 福岡 (Fukuoka) is a historic gateway to continental Asia. This Japanese city port is renowned for its quality of life and its “yatai”, mobile food stalls that set up along the river at nightfall.

The city offers an interesting blend of urban modernity and accessible beaches. It’s famous for Hakata ramen, a variety of noodles in rich and creamy pork bone broth, appreciated throughout the country.

8. Kanazawa

Often nicknamed “little Kyōto”, 金沢 (Kanazawa) has preserved numerous districts from the feudal era, including samurai and geisha quarters. The city is an important centre for traditional crafts, particularly gold leaf and lacquerware.

It houses Kenroku-en, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. The arrival of the high-speed train (Shinkansen) has made this pearl of the Sea of Japan much more accessible from Tōkyō.

9. Kobe (Kōbe)

A cosmopolitan port city, 神戸 (Kōbe) was one of the first to open to foreign trade in the 19th century. This influence can be felt in the architecture of the Kitano district, where old Western residences can be found.

Globally famous for its high-quality marbled beef, the city is squeezed between the sea and Mount Rokkō. It offers spectacular night views and an elegant atmosphere, having magnificently rebuilt itself after the great earthquake of 1995.

10. Yokohama

Direct neighbour of Tōkyō, 横浜 (Yokohama) is the country’s second most populated city. Its waterfront, Minato Mirai 21, is an example of futuristic urban planning with its Ferris wheel and modern towers. It’s a city turned towards the ocean.

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Yokohama houses Japan’s largest Chinatown, a maze of colourful streets filled with restaurants and temples. The atmosphere is more spacious than in the capital, with wide waterfront promenades.

11. Nikko (Nikkō)

Although technically a small town, 日光 (Nikkō) is a major site for religious and political history. Located in the mountains north of Tōkyō, it houses Tōshō-gū, the mausoleum of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, richly decorated with gold leaf.

The Japanese proverb says “Don’t say ‘magnificent’ (kekkō) until you’ve seen Nikkō”. The site combines baroque architectural structures with luxuriant nature, waterfalls and a mountain lake, Lake Chūzenji.

12. Takayama

Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, 高山 (Takayama) is famous for its perfectly preserved old quarter, Sanmachi Suji. The dark wooden merchant houses dating from the Edo period now house sake breweries and craft shops.

The city is also known for its spring and autumn festivals, considered among Japan’s most beautiful, where floats adorned with mechanical puppets parade. It’s an immersion into rural and mountainous Japan.

13. Naha

Capital of Okinawa Prefecture, 那覇 (Naha) offers a completely different face of Japan, with its subtropical climate and distinct island culture. It’s the former capital of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, which had its own language and traditions before being annexed.

The main street, Kokusai-dōri, is lined with palm trees and colourful shops. One visits Shuri Castle (partially under reconstruction) and discovers unique local cuisine based on pork, sweet potato and goya (bitter melon).

14. Nagoya

Often overlooked by tourists as it’s considered industrial, 名古屋 (Nagoya) is nevertheless the country’s fourth city and a transport nerve centre. It houses Toyota’s headquarters and fascinating technical museums related to railways and automobiles.

Nagoya Castle, with its golden roof ornaments shaped like dolphin-tigers (shachihoko), is a symbol of the city. The local cuisine, called “Nagoya meshi”, is rich and flavourful, famous for its grilled eels and red miso cutlets.

15. Himeji

The city of 姫路 (Himeji) is inseparable from its castle, nicknamed the “White Heron Castle” due to its brilliant colour and elegance. It’s one of Japan’s twelve original castles that has never been destroyed by war or fires.

The complex defence structure, with its moats and labyrinthine walls, offers a fascinating glimpse into feudal military architecture. The site is particularly prized in spring when the thousands of cherry trees in the park are in bloom.