What Are the Best Places to Visit in Japan?
In this article:
1. Best Places to Visit in Japan: But Why?
2. Best Places to Visit in Tokyo
3. Best Places to Visit in Kyoto
4. Best Places to Visit in Osaka
5. FAQ about the Best Places to Visit in Japan
One of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Japan captivates visitors with a wide variety of places to visit.
We’re often asked, “What are the best places to see in Japan?”
A lot of people, from Japan travel aficionados to content creators – will insist that Tokyo is the best place to go in Japan. Or that Kyoto is the top place to visit in Japan. Or that Osaka should be right up there on the list of Japan’s best places to visit.
They’re… not wrong. But it's not just about those three cities. Really.
And it’s not just the same old places in those cities, what’s become known as Japan’s Golden Route of Travel. There’s so much more to Japan than that.
You see, the best places to go in Japan for you might very well be different from someone else’s top places to visit in Japan.
That’s why, as you plan your trip, it’s essential to focus on the best places to visit in Japan to make the most of your time and, perhaps most importantly, best align with what you want to see, do, experience, eat, feel and remember about your trip to Japan.
By the way, if you’re traveling to Japan solo, we’ve got a whole destination guide for solo travel in Japan that you might want to check out. And if you’re on a senior tour (self-guided or package), take a look at our article on Japan travel for seniors.
This guide will help you navigate the top places to visit in Japan for you, steering clear of the usual tourist traps while ensuring you experience the true essence of this fascinating country that fits best with your travel dreams and goals.
Best Places in Japan You Have to Visit Right Now (#3 Will SHOCK You)
You probably already know from that headline right there, that we’re mocking.
And you don’t have to be a Japan travel pro (I mean, we are, but hey that’s us) to know that what follows that clickbait crap is going to be…, you guessed it, more crap.
There are people out there telling you – some even insisting on – the top places you need to go in Japan. Not so much why you should go, just where they think they’d get more clicks if they told you to go those places in Japan. And that you’ll regret it if you don’t.
But you know what they’re doing. They’re creating FOMO. And they’re doing so using the same click-count data & same clickbait techniques used by other content creators creating the same kind of content to send people to the same places over and over again in Japan. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Best Places in Japan? Or Best Hype & FOMO? Let’s Examine the Evidence!
How else do we explain people settling for inferior food in Japan – in the form of convenience stores aka konbini – being pushed by YouTubers and Instagrammers building hype for clicks
Admittedly, the bar is pretty low if you’re comparing Japan’s konbini to convenience stores in the US, Canada, etc. And you could get a decent snack there to eat on your first day, or after some late night fun. But, really, whatever you can find at a konbini, there’s a better version of it somewhere else.
While we’re on the hype train, let’s talk about those so-called “markets” – such as Kuromon Ichiba in Osaka, Nishiki Market in Kyoto or Tsukiji in Tokyo. They’re being sold as a supposed “street food” destination that absolutely must be on your list of best places to see in Japan?!
Sadly, travelers have been continually told a lie about these venues which (don’t take our word for it, go check it out for yourself) should NOT be on any trusted list of the top places to go in Japan. Look for the telltale signs:
how virtually every customer is also a tourist (fun fact: 80%+ of inbound tourists to Japan are from China & other countries in Asia);
how many staff aren’t Japanese (if you see katakana letters on a nametag, for example, that staff member is probably not Japanese);
and how most of the products are not authentic (neither sourced in Japan nor prepared/presented in ways that Japanese people would do themselves)
But the hype & FOMO are real. These and other tourist traps, the content creators will insist, are allegedly must-do & must-see items on your list of best places to see in Japan.
Meh.
You can do better.
Let’s take a look at how.
Tokyo: Japan’s Best Places to Visit Beyond the Tourist Traps
Tokyo is often the first stop for travelers visiting Japan, and for good reason.
It’s a city that offers an incredible array of experiences, from food and shopping to history and art. But with so much on offer, it’s easy to get caught up in the more touristy areas and attractions.
Shibuya: Always on the List of Japan’s Top Places to See
Shibuya and Shinjuku are must-visit areas if you want to experience the energy of Tokyo.
Well, that’s what they’ll tell you.
And I wouldn’t say that you should skip Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Take, for example, the famous Shibuya Crossing, often billed as the world’s busiest intersection. It’s a popular photo spot and a must-see for many, but be mindful that it’s often overcrowded, and its appeal wears off quickly.
Take a train to Shibuya station. Snap your picture with Hachiko. Do the crossing. A couple of times – first for the photo op, because hey, you’re here; and then to actually experience the scene. Even with all the tourists, this is a legit Tokyo experience, has been for many decades (back when a tourist really stood out here). It’s among people’s best places to see in Japan lists for good reason.
After that first 15 minutes or so, go explore the rest of this part of Tokyo.
Check out Miyashita Park. The side streets away from Shibuya Center Street. Go explore some local neighborhoods within walking distance. Later, walk up towards Minami Aoyama and then stroll the Omotesando. These last two have been standard Tokyo spots for food, fashion and more – for several decades.
Nearby, there’s Harajuku and its Takeshita Street. Well, this is another one that was always at the top of the Tokyo section on the best places to see in Japan lists. It used to be a hub of creativity, young fashion and something rather Japanese. Not these days, nah, it’s just another tourist trap now.
You can check it out for yourself, take the obligatory photo op if you please. Skip the crepes (hardly the best around anymore) or the “strawberry daifuku” (Instagrammable California strawberries on a stick). You’ve checked Harajuku off the list (not the one about top places to go in Japan, but a list nonetheless) and head over to a real gem of an attraction.
Meiji Jingu: Not Just a Shrine, This Park is Emblematic of Tokyo
Within a gentle walking distance of Harajuku station, between Shibuya and Shinjuku on the famous Yamanote Line that loops around Tokyo, is the real entry on the list of best tourist places in Japan.
Thing is, a lot of tourists don’t even come here. International tourists, anyhow.
But Japanese tourists do. Same for Tokyo locals. Meiji Jingu on the domestic lists for best places to visit in Japan. What do Japanese know that many visitors from abroad don’t? Let’s find out!
This sprawling park was originally built not just as a Shinto shrine dedicated to the emperor Meiji, but as an urban forest for the people of Tokyo. With 70 hectares (170 acres) of green space, and immediately adjacent to Yoyogi Park, this is a blessing for locals and visitors alike.
You can visit the sanctuary of the shrine itself, as well as the grounds which include a forest, a Japanese garden and more. If your timing happens to coincide with a festival, even better!
Standing (or sitting) in Meiji Jingu allows you to soak in a truly Japanese experience. Sure, check out Shibuya and Shinjuku nearby (with a strategy, of course). But do as the locals do and appreciate this urban oasis, a must on the set of best places to visit in Japan.
Shinjuku: A Must Among the Top Places to See in Japan?
Shinjuku is another lively area, perhaps the liveliest in Tokyo famous for its neon lights and entertainment districts.
Shinjuku station is the busiest train station in the world, with 3.5 million passengers transiting through Shinjuku every day (that’s well over a billion a year).
While Shinjuku is among the most popular tourist places in Japan, it can at times be a bit overwhelming. If you visit Shinjuku (and I hope you will), it’s best to do so with a strategy.
Looking to avoid the worst of the crowds? Well, avoid rush hour trains in the morning hours in particular, between say 7-9am – that’s when they have those scenes you’ve been asking us if it’s true (it is) of station attendants pushing people into train carriages before the doors shut. It’s… not for the faint of heart.
But if your hotel is in or near Shinjuku, there are many nice areas to walk here in the morning and throughout the day. Check out the department stores, such as Isetan, and their famous ”depachika” basement food halls. Get a view of the city from a high floor on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (aka “Tocho”). Stroll through the Shinjuku Gyoen, another great park that just might convince you that Tokyo is about more than neon lights and pulsating music (thanks, Lost in Translation).
Nighttime, though? Well that’s really when the notorious Shinjuku comes out. On the east side of the station and north of the main street is Kabukicho. While it’s been cleaned up over the years (not just in the literal litter sense, but more so figuratively), this area can change rapidly from block to block. Choose your destinations here wisely, be it a restaurant, a bar (be careful and never follow a tout into any establishment) or even a hotel (there are a few legit ones).
Still, I’ll go along with including Shinjuku on the list of top places to see in Japan. It’d be almost fair to say you weren’t really in Tokyo if you didn’t see Shinjuku at least once.
Other Tokyo Spots – Hit & Miss – Among the Best Places to See in Japan
There’s plenty more to see and experience in Tokyo than Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Some of it’s touristy, though some of that with good reason.
But a surprisingly vast amount of Tokyo, including the 23 wards that compose Tokyo proper, plus outlying areas in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures, are perfectly local, normal, everyday type places.
Want to see some? Yeah, thought you might.
Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
Asakusa has traditionally been one of the best places to visit in Tokyo for a taste of the city’s history. The Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple, draws millions of visitors each year. The temple grounds can be packed with tourists at most hours it’s open. But if you go early in the morning, you’ll have a better chance to enjoy the temple in a relatively calmer atmosphere.
After visiting the temple, explore the surrounding streets, where you’ll find shops selling everything from kimonos to street food. Admittedly, a lot of these shops themselves have become touristy over the years, especially on the main street. But as you stray away further, off the beaten path, you might just start to see a side of Tokyo and Japan that’s more local, more authentic. If you do, why not linger for a while. If not, well, maybe best to move on to the next Tokyo destination.
Asakusa, when done strategically and with a purpose, can offer a glimpse into old Tokyo, making it still one of the best places to see in Japan.
Ueno, Ameyoko-cho & Yanaka Ginza
For a quieter, more authentic experience, head to Ueno and Yanaka. Ueno is home to Ueno Park and several top museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. While it’s purported to be “less flashy” than other parts of Tokyo, the park and museum area of Ueno is still pretty touristy. Especially at cherry blossom time, but practically year-round nowadays.
On the way from Ueno to Akihabara (more on the latter in a minute), you can walk through the Ameyokocho shopping street. While attention from YouTubers and other content creators has brought more inbound tourists to this once-purely-local street, you can still experience some of typical Tokyo “shitamachi” or “downtown” – not the downtown of high-rises and bankers, mind you, but down-market, everyday folks.
Even better, nearby Yanaka Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most typical local neighborhoods, with narrow lanes, traditional houses and a calm, laid back vibe. These “shotengai” or shopping streets are among the best places to go in Japan if you’re looking for something more off the beaten path in Tokyo.
Akihabara: Top Places to Visit in Japan? Or Tourist Trap?
Hmm, could go either way on this one.
Akihabara (or “Akiba” as it’s often truncated) has always been a big hit among otaku, for its manga and anime scene as well as blocks and blocks of electronics shops.
Well, big box stores and online ecommerce have shifted the buying patterns for electronics, of course. And while Akihabara has its share of anime and manga remaining, much of it has migrated elsewhere in Tokyo. Check out areas like Nakano Broadway, Tokyo Character Street, Pokemon Centers, Ghibli Museum, Toei Animation Museum, and DiverCity in Odaiba.
Odaiba is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay that was built as a hub for shopping, entertainment, and futuristic architecture. It’s said to be one of Japan’s popular places, especially for families and those interested in tech and innovation. The attractions here, like TeamLab Borderless, are visually impressive, but they can also get crowded. Visit during weekdays or outside of peak tourist season for a more relaxed experience.
Nearby Toyosu houses the new fish market for Tokyo. It’s worth checking out, just make sure to time your visit with the operating hours of the auction and visitor center itself. Next to the market is a purpose-built food court, catering largely to international visitors with inflated prices and hit-and-miss quality.
Speaking of which, if the fish is here, what happened to Tsukiji? Is that still a thing?
Well… yes and no.
The “outer market” of Tsukiji still exists, in its location not far from Ginza. The surrounding area is being redeveloped into condos, offices, a stadium (allegedly) and who knows what else. What’s left of the famous “Tsukiji market,” however, is really a shell of its former self.
You can come by Tsuiji to take a look if you like, especially if you’re going to Ginza anyway. We’re told there are a few vendors remaining from the old days that still offer legit seafood to go, as well as restaurants for sushi and other fish dishes. But the vast majority of what Tsukiji is hawking to visitors these days (and it’s really all visitors, as locals would not come here anymore) is overpriced, of questionable quality and much of it made for social media (and definitely not for Japanese people).
Shotengai Shopping Streets: Among the Best Places to See in Japan
Instead, as mentioned above, we’re big fans of local shotengai shopping streets. In addition to Yanaka Ginza, check out Koenji, Kichijoji, Nakano Sun Mall (aka Nakano Broadway), Sugamo Jizodori, Jujo Ginza, Musashi-Koyama, Akabane Lala Garden or Togoshi-Ginza, among other shotengai in the area. There’s bound to be a good, local spot near you, and these are great places to linger and soak in the ambience.
Shotengai as top places to see in Japan? Yes, please!
While Tokyo is packed with tourist attractions, the key is to be selective. Choose the places that truly interest you, and don’t be afraid to skip the more hyped-up spots if they don’t appeal.
Kyoto: Best Places to Visit Off the Beaten Path
While Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine are at the top of everyone’s must-see lists, a Kyoto tour offers many hidden gems for those willing to explore:
Katsura Imperial Villa: A masterpiece of Japanese architecture and garden design. Advance reservations are required, but the effort is worth it for the beauty and historical significance.
Kurama to Kibune Hike: Escape the Kyoto city crowds with this scenic hike between two charming villages. Visit Kurama-dera temple, then trek through beautiful forests to Kibune, known for its unique kawadoko (river dining) experience in summer.
Tofukuji Temple: While popular during autumn, this temple complex is often overlooked at other times. Its Zen gardens and the Tsutenkyo Bridge offer lovely views year-round.
Kyoto International Manga Museum: A paradise for manga lovers, this former elementary school houses a vast collection of manga and offers workshops on manga drawing.
Fushimi Sake District: Explore the traditional sake breweries, many of which offer tours and tastings. The area's old architecture and canals make for a picturesque walk.
Ohara: This rural town north of Kyoto center is home to the beautiful Sanzen-in Temple and offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese country life.
These are just a few of the many, many “best” places to visit in Kyoto and surrounding areas — some more off the beaten path than others.
Best Places to Visit in Osaka: More Than Just Dotonbori
Osaka is famous for its food scene and nightlife (Osaka food tour, anyone?!) — but there's much more to this vibrant city:
Shitenno-ji Temple: Often overshadowed by Kyoto's temples, this is one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, featuring beautiful gardens and a treasure house.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine: One of the top Shinto shrines in Osaka, Tenmangu shrine is a great way to see how locals pray. On the weekends, it’s common to see families coming to ask for academic success for their children.
Tenjinbashi Shotengai: This is the longest shopping street in Japan! And unlike touristy Kuromon Ichiba, this one is actually local.
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living: Step back in time to experience life in Edo-period Osaka through full-scale building recreations and interactive exhibits.
Nakanoshima: This island between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers is home to beautiful early 20th-century Western-style buildings, museums, and a lovely rose garden.
Tsuruhashi Korean Town: Explore Osaka's multicultural side in this vibrant district known for its authentic Korean cuisine and lively atmosphere.
Sumiyoshi Taisha: One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, known for its unique architectural style and relaxing vibe.
Spa World: For a rather unique and local experience, visit this multi-story bathhouse complex featuring themed baths from around the world.
Sakai City: Just south of Osaka, this city is famous for its knife-making tradition. Visit the Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko for insights into tea ceremony culture and to see master craftsmen at work.
Osaka Castle Park at Dawn: While the castle itself is a popular spot, visiting the surrounding park at dawn offers a peaceful experience with locals doing tai chi and beautiful morning light.
Remember, the best experiences often come from wandering off the beaten path, interacting with locals and being open to unexpected discoveries in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka — and (especially) outside of these three cities.
Coming soon on this Best Places to See in Japan article, we’ll explore different cities, regions and attractions elsewhere in Japan, both on and off the beaten path, that you ought to consider for your list of best places to visit in Japan. So check back on this page often!
Got a place you’d like to share – on the Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka Golden Route or somewhere else – that you’d like to share as being worthy of an entry on the list? Let us know in the comments below. Of course, that could be the list of the best places to go in Japan – or the ‘other’ list, you know the one, the list of overrated spots & tourist traps. No wrong answers here, no judging; as always, all opinions are welcome.
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Until next time, happy travels!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Places to Visit in Japan
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Many of these locations are accessible by public transportation. Research bus and train routes in advance, or consider renting a bicycle in cities like Kyoto. Some places, like Katsura Imperial Villa, require advance reservations.
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Japan is generally very safe - one of the world's safest countries - even in less touristy areas. However, always exercise common sense, be aware of your surroundings and respect local customs and rules.
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While knowing some basic Japanese can be helpful, many of the best places to visit in Japan have some English signage or staff who speak basic English. Carrying a translation app can be useful for more remote locations.
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Check official city tourism websites, local event calendars, and ask at your accommodation. Many of he best places to visit in Japan have seasonal festivals or special events that aren't widely advertised to tourists.
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Plan your itinerary to include a mix of both. When traveling in the cites, plan on visiting major attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds, then exploring off-the-beaten-path locations later in the day. That's a great way to see the best places in Japan!