11 best places to visit in Japan

There are certain places to travel in Japan that need no introduction. The futuristic cityscapes of Tokyo and atmospheric red-and-white shrines of Kyoto earn these cities a place at the top of our list. Yet the country has many more locations that are worthy of inclusion on your itinerary.

To the north, you could hike through the raw wilderness of Hokkaido, or try your hand at artisanal crafts in Kanazawa. You might like to stay at an incense-shrouded Buddhist temple on Mount Koya, soak in the hot springs of Hakone, sample soul-warming street food in Fukuoka, or visit an entire island dedicated to art in Shikoku. And far to the south, the sun-drenched, white-sand beaches of Okinawa offer pure relaxation.

To help you decide where to go in Japan, we’ve curated a list of our specialists’ top recommendations. Whichever appeal to you the most, we can design a bespoke trip to get you there.

1. Tokyo

Why visit: neon-lit streets, pop culture & world-renowned food

You can’t write a list of where to go in Japan without including the country’s vast and fast-paced capital. But Tokyo isn’t all neon-lit skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology. Among the bright lights and trendy pop culture stores, you’ll find peaceful manicured gardens and timeless temples shrouded in incense. And we can arrange experiences that enable you to discover the sides of the city that best match your passions.

That might mean having a private guide show you around big-name sights like Sensoji temple with its huge red lanterns and the grand, tree-sheltered Meiji Shrine. Or joining a professional photographer to learn how to capture Tokyo’s glittering nightscapes on film. Or maybe exploring the youthful Harajuku district to see the array of subversive fashion subcultures on display.

Perhaps you’d like to sample delicious street food dishes, sake, and craft beer at an authentic izakaya (Japanese gastropub). Alternatively, you could visit the Studio Ghibli anime museum, Tokyo Disneyland, or a sumo training “stable”. This is Tokyo your way.

Dig deeper: To discover how to make one of Japan’s most famous dishes, you can take a private sushi-making class with a top chef in Tokyo. You’ll learn some of their expert techniques before enjoying a high-end sushi lunch you helped create.

Don’t miss: Step into the role of a samurai with a class in swordsmanship from the team who choreographed sword-fighting scenes for movies such as Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume One. You’ll learn to deftly draw and swing your sword, then put all the movements together in a dramatic choreographed battle.

Get me there: Japan’s cities: Tokyo & Kyoto

2. Kyoto

Why visit: classic culture, traditional teahouses & serene shrines

Tunnels of vermilion torii gates leading up a forested mountainside dotted with fox statues. A gilded temple gleaming in the sunlight, its reflection perfectly mirrored in the pond below. Kimono-clad geisha shuffling along narrow streets lit by lanterns. Kyoto is the photogenic embodiment of traditional Japan, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

To help you get the most out of your time here, we can arrange a private tour of headline spots like the intricately decorated Nijo Castle, the towering grove of slender bamboo trees in Arashiyama, or the elegant architecture and raked sand garden at Ginkaku-ji Temple (the Silver Pavilion).

For a more hands-on experience of Japanese culture, you could take a private lesson in one of the country’s traditional arts. Whether you want to learn ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), origami, or calligraphy, we’ll connect you with an expert local teacher. Alternatively, visit the Fushimi district to sample outstanding sake from some of its 40 breweries.

Dig deeper: Kyoto is the heart of Japan’s geisha (geiko in the Kyoto dialect) culture. To learn more about the art, we can arrange for you to have dinner with a maiko (apprentice geisha) and watch them perform a traditional kyomai dance.

Don’t miss: Kyoto is one of the best places to travel in Japan if you want to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. Within a traditional machiya townhouse, you’ll explore the intricacies of this centuries-old ritual, and enjoy a cup of freshly whisked matcha green tea accompanied by handmade wagashi confectionary.

Get me there: Luxury Japan tour

3. Hiroshima

Why visit: poignant history, vibrant nightlife & soul-warming food

History naturally takes center stage on a trip to Hiroshima, where the events of August 1945 are sensitively commemorated in the poignant Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. Yet the city has risen from the ashes, and transformed into a lively, cosmopolitan destination with lots more to offer.

One of the best ways to explore the varied sides of Hiroshima is with a private tour, and we’ll connect you with an expert local guide who can craft an itinerary that matches your passions. Depending on the season, you might also like to catch a baseball game. The sport is hugely popular in Japan, and even if you don’t know much about it, the enthusiasm of the local Toyo Carp fans is infectious!

To see the city from a different angle, take a guided hike up pagoda-topped Mount Futaba. At the summit, you could try a calming “forest bathing” session, then sip matcha tea and tuck into local sweets at the lookout point.

Dig deeper: When it comes to food, Hiroshima is best known for its variation of okonomiyaki — a moreish savory pancake made with noodles. A culinary tour of the city enables you to find out more about this classic dish and sample other mouthwatering local delicacies.

Don’t miss: A short ferry ride from the mainland brings you to tranquil Miyajima Island, worlds away from the bustling city. We can arrange for a private guide to show you its sights, from the deer-populated slopes of Mount Misen to the giant “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine.

Get me there: Classic Japan tour by train

4. Kanazawa

Why visit: traditional crafts, samurai history & an exquisite garden

A city of artisans and craftspeople, Kanazawa has a rich cultural heritage that’s still very much alive in its workshops and traditional architecture. Around 99% of Japanese gold leaf is made here, and you’ll see it everywhere — from temple pillars to the top of ice cream cones and specialist coffee.

This is one of the best places to visit in Japan if you’re passionate about traditional crafts, and we can arrange for you to go behind the scenes in working studios. Here, you’ll watch some of the city’s most celebrated artists as they create elegant gold-adorned shikki lacquerware or repair broken ceramics with gold-tinted glue in the art of kintsugi.

Kanazawa’s main draw is the classic landscape garden Kenrokuen. On a private tour, your guide will explain its history and features as you stroll over bridges and past neatly pruned trees. Afterwards, you might like to experience an meditative Japanese tea ceremony in the garden’s teahouse.

As evening falls, take a walk through the preserved streets of the Higashi Chaya geisha district to discover its hidden shrines and lattice-fronted teahouses in peace.

Dig deeper: Kanazawa was once home to many wealthy samurai, and you can explore this history on a guided tour of the Nagamachi Samurai District. You’ll wander through its winding lanes, and venture inside restored residences where these warriors lived.

Don’t miss: For a more hands-on encounter with Kanazawa’s artisanal side, you can take part in a private craft workshop. Here, you’ll have a go at adorning chopsticks or a lacquer plate with gold leaf and decorating a handkerchief using a traditional kimono-dyeing technique.

Get me there: Deluxe grand tour of Japan

5. Hokkaido

Why visit: abundant wildlife, raw wilderness & snowy winters

With its lofty mountains, serene caldera lakes, and vast swathes of untamed nature, Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido is one of the best places to travel in Japan if you want to experience the country’s wilder side. Its mild summers provide comfortable conditions for hiking, while the snow-laden winters attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

If you’re eager to lace up your walking boots, we’ll recommend the top trails to wear them on. From short circular strolls around reflective blue lakes to more challenging treks that will lead you to volcanic summits like Mount Asahidake, the options are almost endless.

Hokkaido isn’t all about the wilderness though. You’ll also find dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, such as the prefecture’s capital, Sapporo. Here, we can arrange for a private guide to show you around its parks, shrines, and markets, take you on a tour of the renowned Sapporo Beer Factory, or introduce you to delicious local cuisine.

Dig deeper: The elusive and elegant tanchōzuru (red-crowned crane) is a symbol of Japan, and in Kushiro you could spot them in the wild on a private tour of the region’s wetlands, where the birds head to find food in the winter.

Don’t miss: Known in the indigenous Ainu language as “the end of the world”, the Shiretoko Peninsula is about as far off the beaten path as you can get in Japan. We recommend taking a boat trip around its craggy coastline for the chance to spy minke whales, brown bears, eagles, and other endemic wildlife.

Get me there: Wildlife and hot springs of Hokkaido

6. Hakone

Why visit: volcanic valleys, soothing onsen & the chance to spy Mount Fuji

About an hour's drive southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is celebrated for its rejuvenating hot springs, excellent art museums, and forested mountain scenery. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, it’s easy to reach from the capital and a fantastic addition to a trip there.

We can arrange a full-day private tour of the area, planned around the aspects of Hakone that interest you the most. You might like to ride the funicular railway up to Owakudani, a rocky crater where steam billows from volcanic vents yellowed by sulphur. Here, you can try hard-boiled eggs cooked in the hot springs, their shells blackened by the bubbling sulphurous water.

You can also cruise across Lake Ashi on a replica pirate ship, where you’ll spy the red torii gate of Hakone Jinja shrine and — on clear days — the conical peak of Mount Fuji dominating the skyline. Alternatively, head to the Hakone Open Air Museum to view an array of impressive sculptures dotted around the grounds and a world-class Picasso exhibition.

Dig deeper: Follow in the footsteps of samurai on a guided hike along the Old Tokaido Road, through towering cedar trees and along the shore of Lake Ashi. En route, you’ll stop at a historic teahouse for tea and traditional sweets.

Don’t miss: Hakone’s volcanic landscape makes it one of the best places to visit in Japan if you want to soak in geothermically heated hot springs. Relaxing in these mineral-rich waters at a traditional ryokan (inn) is a quintessential Japanese experience — and a great way to soothe your muscles after a day of exploration.

Get me there: A privately guided tour of Tokyo, Kyoto & Hakone

7. Okinawa

Why visit: white-sand beaches, azure waters & distinctive Ryukyu culture

Sun-drenched shores of gleaming white sand, a balmy subtropical climate, translucent turquoise waters teeming with marine life… Okinawa is one of the top places to travel in Japan if you want some beach time during your trip. These islands also have their own cultural heritage distinct from that of mainland Japan, dating back to the prefecture’s time as the Ryukyu Kingdom.

You can find out more about Okinawan culture, cuisine, and history with a private tour of its capital city, Naha, and the wider island of Okinawa. Your driver-guide will take you to the places that best fit your passions, from the red-tiled buildings of Shuri Castle to the clifftop Naminoue Shrine and bustling Kokusai-Dori shopping street.

To find the best beaches, we suggest flying to one of the prefecture’s smaller islands, like Miyakojima. Here, the slower pace of life invites you to unwind on sugar-soft sands, stroll along coastal paths, or watch the sun set over a glittering ocean.

Dig deeper: A trip to Iriomote Island transports you to a world of primeval mangrove swamps and splashing waterfalls. We recommend taking a jungle cruise along the Urauchi River — keep an eye out for the extremely rare and elusive Iriomote wildcat amid the dense trees.

Don’t miss: Okinawa’s Ishigaki Island offers an array of spots where you can snorkel among coral reefs and spot kaleidoscopic tropical fish in crystalline waters. If you visit between May and October, you’ll have the exhilarating chance to swim with graceful giant manta rays in Kabira Bay.

Get me there: City & beach: Tokyo & Okinawa

8. The Japanese Alps

Why visit: dense pine forests, snow-tipped peaks & traditional towns

This mountainous region boasts meandering teal rivers, mirror-like lakes, and tree-covered slopes leading to sheer rocky summits often capped with snow. The Japanese Alps are also home to authentic onsen (hot springs) resorts and preserved historic towns, enabling you to blend outdoor adventure with a tangible sense of history.

The town of Matsumoto acts as a gateway to the area, and we can arrange a private guided tour to help you explore it. You’ll discover more about its past at the striking “Crow Castle” — so named for its distinctive black exterior — and see its contemporary side at the acclaimed Matsumoto City Museum of Art.

No trip to the Japanese Alps would be complete without spending time in its great outdoors. We can suggest the best hiking paths to suit your fitness levels and preferences. That might mean following the trail of merchants and samurai on a guided walk along the ancient Nakasendo trade route, or heading out on a bracing mountain trek in Kamikochi.

Dig deeper: To get a glimpse of life in Edo-period Japan, we recommend a visit to Tsumago. The narrow streets of this traditional post town are lined with preserved dark wooden houses, and all signs of the modern world are hidden from view.

Don’t miss: It’s not only humans who enjoy a soothing soak in Japan’s hot springs. At Jigokudani Monkey Park, you can see Japanese macaque monkeys relaxing in their very own pool. Winter is a particularly good time to visit, when snow blankets the area and the monkeys bathe to keep warm.

Get me there: Central Japan tour: Tokyo, Kyoto & the Japanese Alps

9. Fukuoka

Why visit: delicious street food, lively nightlife & nature on the doorstep

With its laidback attitude and youthful population, Fukuoka offers visitors relaxed days and fun-filled nights. Plus, its proximity to the Asian mainland and history as a key port give the city a decidedly international feel.

To help you get to know it better, we can arrange a private tour of both the highlights and lesser-known spots that match your interests. That might mean strolling around the pond in Ohori Park, exploring the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, or climbing to the observation deck of Fukuoka Tower — the tallest seaside tower in Japan.

As well as being close to the beach, Fukuoka provides easy access to hiking trails on peaks like Mount Homan and Mount Tenpaizan. The city also serves as a gateway to the rest of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands. For example, we could connect you with a local guide to take you on a day trip to explore the historic and vibrant streets of Nagasaki.

Dig deeper: From fresh seafood to regional ramen noodles, Fukuoka’s culinary scene is renowned throughout Japan. A private evening tour of the city’s yatai (open-air food stalls) lets you sample a selection of dishes while chatting with local people over a drink.

Don’t miss: To explore Fukuoka’s spiritual side, head to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. You’ll wander through expansive grounds dotted with plum trees, crossing arched red bridges over a koi-filled pond. At the main hall, you can buy a wooden ema charm to write your wishes on and hang up for the gods to receive.

Get me there: Best of Kyushu Japan self-drive tour

10. Shikoku

Why visit: classic castles, secluded gorges, & an island full of art

The smallest of Japan’s four main islands, Shikoku offers a captivating mix of rural landscapes and traditional culture. From watching classic bunraku puppet theater to treading part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage route, we can suggest plenty of ways for you to experience both.

In Matsuyama — home of the 19th-century poet who coined the term “haiku” — you might like to tour the mountaintop Matsuyama Castle to learn more about the city’s history. We could also arrange for you to stay in an authentic ryokan (inn) at Dogo Onsen. This hot-springs resort has roots that date back over 3,000 years and is believed to have inspired the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s anime film Spirited Away.

Moving east, in Takamatsu you can glide across the pond of Ritsurin Koen — one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens — in a traditional wasen boat. Or, attend a cooking class where you’ll be taught how to create delectable udon noodles under the guidance of an expert.

Dig deeper: You can discover the scenic secrets of Shikoku on a private tour of the remote Iya Valley. Here, there’s the chance to explore hiking trails that lead you past emerald rivers and across gorge-spanning kazurabashi bridges, constructed using woven vines.

Don’t miss: If you’re passionate about contemporary art, we recommend putting Naoshima high on your list of places to visit in Japan. This small island houses a wealth of art, including an underground gallery featuring works from Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” series, plus striking outdoor sculptures like Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin.

Get me there: Japan’s hidden island: Temples and festivals in Shikoku

11. Mount Koya

Why visit: temple lodgings, Zen rock gardens & an ethereal cemetery

Mist curls around lofty cedars and curved temple roofs. Robed monks weave their way through the streets. The scent of incense hangs in the air. This is sacred Mount Koya, a monastic complex founded by Kobo Daishi in the peaks of the Kii Peninsula. And it’s where to go in Japan if you want a glimpse into life as a Buddhist monk.

Here, you can stay in traditional shukubo (temple lodgings) and take part in spiritual practices such as Ajikan meditation and calligraphy. We also recommend joining the early morning prayer sessions, where monks chant rhythmic sutras in the temple hall. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay, with guests dining on delicious Buddhist vegan cuisine called shojin ryori.

The head temple of Mount Koya is Kongobuji, where you can wander through halls decorated with carved ceilings and ornate painted sliding doors. Then, head outside to the immaculately raked gravel of Banryutei Rock Garden, which represents two dragons emerging from a sea of clouds to protect the temple.

Dig deeper: As a historic pilgrimage destination, Mount Koya is laced with a network of hiking trails that snake up and around its densely forested slopes. Not many visitors explore these, so you can find true solitude on the well-marked woodland paths.

Don’t miss: Mount Koya is home to Japan’s largest cemetery, Okunoin, where Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum is located. To experience it at its most atmospheric, take a guided tour of the winding, lantern-lit paths at night. You’ll hear stories about its history as you stroll past towering cedar trees and moss-covered tombstones.

Get me there: Grand tour of Japan