Intro
Japan’s best places to visit include Tokyo for modern city life, Kyoto for temples and traditional culture, and Osaka for food and urban energy. Many travelers also add destinations like Hiroshima or Nara as short side trips. Most first-time visitors combine two major cities with one regional stop, all easily connected by Japan’s extensive rail network—often without needing domestic flights.
Must-Visit Cities and Iconic Landmarks in Japan
1. Tokyo — Kanto
Tokyo is worth visiting for its combination of modern city life, culture, and diverse neighborhoods. Top highlights include Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, and major museums. Tokyo Station is Japan’s main rail hub, served by multiple JR lines and all major Shinkansen routes. An overnight stay of several nights is strongly recommended.
2. Kyoto — Kansai
Kyoto is valued for its historic temples, shrines, and preserved streetscapes. Key highlights include Gion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Arashiyama. Kyoto Station is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo, with a travel time of about 2.5 hours. An overnight stay is recommended to allow time for sightseeing.
3. Osaka — Kansai
Osaka is known for its food culture and lively urban atmosphere. Top highlights include Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, and Umeda. Shin-Osaka Station is on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, about 15 minutes from Kyoto. An overnight stay is recommended, especially when using Osaka as a regional base.
4. Hiroshima — Chugoku
Hiroshima is worth visiting for its historical significance and waterfront setting. Major highlights include the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Hiroshima Station is reached via the Sanyo Shinkansen from Osaka in approximately 1.5 hours. An overnight stay or a long day trip is recommended.
5. Nara — Kansai
Nara is valued for its early Japanese history and compact sightseeing. Top highlights include Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park. Nara Station is about 45 minutes from Kyoto or Osaka via the JR lines. A day trip is recommended due to its size.
6. Hakone — Kanto
Hakone is known for hot springs and views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Highlights include Lake Ashi and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Hakone-Yumoto Station is reached in about 90 minutes from Tokyo using JR trains and local connections. An overnight stay is recommended.
7. Nikko — Kanto
Nikko is worth visiting for its ornate shrines set in forested mountains. Key highlights include Toshogu Shrine and surrounding nature trails. Nikko Station is reached from Tokyo in about two hours via the JR lines. A day trip is recommended, although an overnight stay allows more flexibility.
8. Kamakura — Kanto
Kamakura is known for historic temples and a coastal setting that offers a quieter contrast to Tokyo. Top highlights include the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple, along with walking routes between sites. Kamakura Station is reached from Tokyo in about one hour via the JR lines. A day trip is recommended due to its compact layout.
9. Kanazawa — Hokuriku
Kanazawa is valued for its preserved districts and traditional gardens that reflect regional history. Highlights include Kenrokuen Garden and the Nagamachi Samurai District, as well as nearby historic streets. Kanazawa Station is served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo in about 2.5 hours. An overnight stay is recommended to explore without rushing.
10. Takayama — Chubu
Takayama is known for its traditional streets and access to alpine scenery. Top highlights include the old town area, local markets, and surrounding mountains. Takayama Station is reached from Nagoya in about 2.5 hours via JR regional trains. An overnight stay is recommended due to travel time and regional excursions.
11. Shirakawa-go — Chubu
Shirakawa-go is worth visiting for its historic farmhouses and rural scenery. Highlights include the gassho-zukuri village area. Access is via bus from Takayama or Kanazawa train stations, with travel times of about one hour. A half-day visit or overnight stay is recommended.
12. Nagoya — Chubu
Nagoya is known as a major transportation hub with cultural attractions and regional history. Highlights include Nagoya Castle, local museums, and central shopping districts. Nagoya Station is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto, with frequent departures throughout the day. A short overnight stay or stopover is recommended for travelers passing through central Japan.
13. Kobe — Kansai
Kobe is valued for harbor views, hillside neighborhoods, and a more relaxed urban atmosphere. Highlights include the waterfront area, Mount Rokko views, and compact city districts. Kobe Station is reached from Osaka in about 30 minutes via the JR lines. A day trip or overnight stay is recommended, depending on pace and nearby travel plans.
14. Himeji — Kansai
Himeji is worth visiting for Japan’s best-preserved feudal castle and historic setting. The main highlight is Himeji Castle and its surrounding grounds, which are easily explored on foot. Himeji Station is reached via the Sanyo Shinkansen from Osaka in about one hour. A day trip is recommended due to the focused nature of sightseeing.
15. Fukuoka — Kyushu
Fukuoka is known for a relaxed city atmosphere and strong food culture. Highlights include the Hakata district and waterfront areas. Hakata Station is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen from Honshu. An overnight stay is recommended.
16. Beppu — Kyushu
Beppu is valued for its hot springs and geothermal landscapes. Highlights include multiple onsen areas across the city. Beppu Station is reached via JR trains from Fukuoka in about two hours. An overnight stay is recommended.
17. Sapporo — Hokkaido
Sapporo is known for its balance of urban life and easy access to the surrounding nature. Highlights include Odori Park, seasonal festivals, and nearby scenic areas outside the city. Sapporo Station is reached by long-distance rail or flight from Honshu, with rail journeys typically requiring transfers. A multi-night stay is recommended due to travel distance and regional sightseeing options.
18. Otaru — Hokkaido
Otaru is valued for its historic canal area and preserved port town atmosphere. Key highlights include the canal district, historic warehouses, and compact city center streets. Otaru Station is reached from Sapporo in about 45 minutes via the JR lines. A day trip is recommended because the main sights are concentrated in a small area.
19. Matsumoto — Chubu
Matsumoto is known for its well-preserved castle and mountain setting. The main highlight is Matsumoto Castle, along with surrounding historic streets and views of nearby ranges. Matsumoto Station is reached from Tokyo or Nagoya in about 2.5 to 3 hours via JR lines. A day trip or overnight stay is recommended, depending on travel pace.
20. Kagoshima — Kyushu
Kagoshima is worth visiting for views of an active volcano and its distinct southern culture. Highlights include Sakurajima views, waterfront promenades, and local historic areas. Kagoshima-Chuo Station is served by the Kyushu Shinkansen from northern Kyushu. An overnight stay is recommended to account for travel time and ferry connections.
21. Miyajima — Chugoku
Miyajima is known for its coastal shrine and scenic island setting. The main highlight is Itsukushima Shrine, along with walking paths and shoreline views. Access is via JR train and ferry from Hiroshima, with a total travel time of about one hour. A day trip is recommended due to limited accommodations.
Regional Highlights Across Japan
Japan’s regions offer distinct experiences shaped by geography and climate. Mountain areas provide cooler temperatures and scenic rail journeys, while coastal regions emphasize seafood and relaxed pacing. Northern areas feel quieter and spacious, while southern regions often have warmer climates and longer daylight hours. Seasonal differences further shape how each region feels at different times of year.
Exploring Japan by Train
Trains are the most efficient way to travel between Japan’s major destinations. High-speed and regional services connect cities directly, making distance less important than travel time. For visitors, rail travel simplifies logistics and allows flexible routing without needing domestic flights.
Regional Highlights You Can Visit by Train
Travel Planning by Rail
Rail passes add the most value when traveling between several cities in a short period. Travelers staying within one region may benefit more from regional coverage, while shorter itineraries sometimes work best with individual tickets. Choosing the right option depends on routing rather than the number of places visited.How to Choose the Best Places for Your Trip
FAQs
What are the must-visit places in Japan for first-time visitors?
Most first-time visitors include Tokyo and Kyoto, often adding Osaka or a nearby historic destination like Nara or Hiroshima.
Can I visit most of the top places in Japan by train?
Yes. Japan’s rail network connects nearly all major destinations, making train travel the standard choice for visitors.
Is the JR Pass worth it for visiting multiple cities in Japan?
The JR Pass often makes sense for multi-city trips covering long distances. Its value depends on how many regions you plan to visit.
How many places should I visit on my first trip to Japan?
Many travelers find that three to four destinations allow a comfortable pace without constant transit.
Are rural destinations harder to reach?
Some rural areas require regional trains or buses, but most are still accessible via rail hubs.
Do I need flights to explore Japan?
For most itineraries, trains are sufficient. Flights are usually only necessary for very long distances or remote islands.
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