Incredible Japan (Travel Guide 2025)

Japan fuses modernity with tradition. Skim the surface of its culture, the neon lights of Tokyo, and spend hours in the verdant and tranquil temples of Kyoto. This island nation’s cultural and natural beauty is unrivaled in all of Asia. Each of Japan’s towns and cities tells a story. Some focus on the history of the samurai and others on the technological and natural wonders of the contemporary world. Every traveler has the same questions: What is the most beautiful and most visited city in Japan? This guide addresses the most common queries posed while discovering the most iconic, culturally significant, and largest cities.

Get Free Consultation

What are the 5 most visited cities in Japan?

For such an extraordinary destination, Japan has a plethora of cities. However, just 5 are usually recognized, and these are the most common ones visited by international travelers.

Tokyo, The great City in Japan

While is the most populous city in Japan, with 13.52 million residents, it is also one of the most populous metropolitan areas throughout the world, being part of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area’s 38.74 million residents. In 2021, Tokyo received 7.8 million international tourists, the most of any city in the world. In 2022, Tokyo also hosted 55 million domestic tourists, the most in Japan. The blend between the ancient traditions and the high-tech frontiers of the modern world is the most captivating part of Japan’s capital. Having both the most skyscrapers and the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, it certainly is the most exciting city on the planet. As Japan’s capital, it is the world’s most exciting city and the most exhilarating place to visit in Japan. Tokyo is the world’s most populous city, and it is very exciting.

Kyoto - The Cultural Heart of Japan

Kyoto is called the ‘soul of Japan’ because of its connection with the arts and heritage. It is also home to an astonishing 1,000+ Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, the highlights being the golden pavilion Kinkaku-ji and the Fushimi Inari shrine with its thousands of red torii gates. In addition to being the former imperial capital, Kyoto is still the place where ‘real’ tea ceremonies, geisha, and zen gardens are. If anyone wants to see the elegance of Japan’s classical side, they cannot miss Kyoto, the country’s most beautiful city.

Osaka - The Food Capital

Osaka is vibrant, friendly, and renowned for its delectable street foods. Being Japan`s “kitchen,” it is the only city where tourists can enjoy takoyaki, eat octopus balls, and sip endless izakaya. Dotonbori is the entertainment district, and it is a must-see location in the country. The glowing neon lights and enormous billboards are a big attraction. And in addition to the food, there are places to indulge in history, like the Osaka Castle, and enjoy the modern marvels like Universal Studios Japan. The city is big, friendly, and famous for its hospitality; it is equally unforgettable.

Hiroshima - A City of Peace and Resilience

Hiroshima is a peace target and is most known for its heartbreaking past. The bomb blast and its consequences will forever live in history, and the city is a sign of modern-day and spellbinding revival. One of the country’s most emotionally powerful pieces is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the memorial park and museum. The city is contemporary and surrounded by plants, as Miyajima Island is one of the most photographed places in Japan, with the floating Senbon torii and the Itsukushima shrine. The city offers beauty and is a sign of modern-day hope.

Loved this post? Save it for later on Pinterest!

Pin the ultimate beach bucket list—come back anytime for coastal guides, travel hacks, and ocean vibes!

Sapporo - The Gateway of Hthe okkaido region, Japan.

Sapporo is the main city in Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island, and is one of the snow festivals, ski resorts, and beers. The winter season creates the best conditions in Asia for ice sculptures and skiing. The season also creates a wonderland for ice sculptures. During the summer season, the city is famous for its fields of lavender and fresh seafood. Sapporo is a remarkable city for its modern and urban position in Japan, for its convenient proximity to nature.

Which City is the Most Beautiful in Japan?

There are many beautiful cities in Japann, like Kyo, to which is known for its preserved samurai districts, ancient temples, and quiet, atmospheric streets. Many also argue that other cities like Kanazawa and Nara are rival cities to Kyoto, which beautiful and preserved samurai districts.

Which Place Is Most Visited in Japan?

Tokyo is the most visited place in Japan. It receives millions of tourists every year. It is the country’s entry point, serves as the capital, and has many attractions. In addition to all this, Tokyo is also a global hub. Even within Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara are heavily visited. Tokyo also has great day trips, which include Mount Fuji and Nikko. This provides added reason to visit Tokyo.

What are Japan's 5 Major Cities?

Japan’s 5 major and largest cities are Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo. Tokyo is the largest city, followed by Yokohama, which has a significant port. Osaka is next due to its economic power, Nagoya is the automotive manufacturing center, and Sapporo is the cultural capital of Hokkaido. These cities are and will always be the backbone of Japan’s urban and economic structure.

Which Part of Japan is Most Beautiful?

For unadulterated natural beauty, northern Japan, especially Hokkaido, is considered one of the beautiful areas due to its unspoiled mountains, national parks, and varied seasonal landscapes. For cultural and architectural beauty, the Kansai region Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka provides a rich contextual layer of temples, shrines, and bourgeois traditional towns. Visitors wishing for an interlacing of nature and culture often combine these regions to sample the full spectrum of beauty Japan has to offer.

How Far is Hiroshima From Tokyo?

One of the most common questions regarding travel focuses on the distance between Hiroshima and Tokyo. The answer is that the region revolves around a distance of 800 kilometers, which takes under five hours to travel by bullet train (Shinkansen). For these reasons, Hiroshima serves as an elegant destination for those wishing to travel slightly away from Tokyo and the Kansai, even on short trips.