Best Places to Visit in Japan for Food, Culture, and More

There are so many incredible places to visit in Japan, it's impossible to fit them all into one trip.

If this is your first visit, the best places to visit in Japan offer a perfect mix of local culture, history, and cuisine - a chance to experience the country’s character in full. As you'll soon find out, each destination serves up something unique and unforgettable.

If you're not sure where to start, this is your guide to some of the top places to visit in Japan.

From weaving your way through the iconic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo and seeing geisha in Kyoto to visiting the "Seven Great Temples of Nara" and tasting street food in Osaka - Japan's undisputed foodie capital - every stop gives you a reason to fall in love with Japan.

Chances are, you'll be planning your next visit before you've even arrived home.

Serving as the imperial capital from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is Japan's cultural epicentre. With 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, there are so many fascinating things to see and do here that you'll want to spend at least three days in Kyoto.

Take your time exploring this history-laden city and you can see geisha walk down the cobblestone streets in Gion, hike through the red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, attend a Japanese tea ceremony in a centuries-old teahouse, take a contemplative stroll along Philosopher's Path, be dazzled by the Golden Pavilion, and sample street food at Nishiki Market. These are just some of the top Kyoto attractions and activities that make this one of the best places to visit in Japan.

For a truly local cultural experience, visit in July and partake in the street parties and float-filled processions of the Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri), one of the biggest and oldest Shinto and Buddhist festivals in Japan.

Located a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Mercure Kyoto Station makes a super convenient home base in Kyoto. The rooms are stylish and modern, and you'll get plenty of homely perks, from excellent buffet breakfasts to a buzzing bar and Italian restaurant.

Located 40 minutes by train from Kyoto and one hour from Osaka, Nara is a popular spot for day trippers. But it's well worth staying for a few days to truly appreciate the city's spectacular imperial relics.

Nara served as the country's first imperial capital from 710 to 784, and it's one of the best places to visit in Japan thanks to the "Seven Great Temples of Nara," all built during the Nara Period. At minimum, your Nara itinerary should include a lengthy visit to the five-storied Kofuku-ji Temple, a trip to see the stone and bronze lanterns of the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, and a stop at the 15-metre-tall "Great Buddha of Nara" inside the Todai-ji Temple complex.

Of course, no visit to Nara is complete without saying hello to a few of the 1,200 wild sika deer who reside in Nara Park. Simply purchase a package of shika senbei crackers (the only thing you should feed the deer) at the park, and you'll have a few friendly deer swarming around you in no time. Bring your camera because you will definitely want photo evidence of your visit.

There's a lot to love about Osaka. Even though this megacity tends to get overshadowed by Tokyo and Kyoto, those who take the time to explore Osaka will be rewarded with a more authentic and affordable glimpse of city life in Japan.

First and foremost, this is one of the unmissable spots in Japan for food. The city's motto is kuidaore, which loosely translates to "to eat until you drop" or "to eat oneself bankrupt." Must-try Osaka street food specialities include takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and kushikatsu (battered and deep-fried meat, veggies, or seafood on a skewer).

You'll find plenty of street food vendors selling these dishes in Dotonbori. The izakaya and sushi restaurants in this part of town are excellent and affordable, too.

With so many diverse things to do in Osaka, there's something to suit every type of traveller. If it's nightlife you're after, wander down the chaotic, neon-lit street of Dotonbori, which offers an endless selection of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Shopaholics will love picking out local creations along one of Osaka's many shotengai (arcade-style shopping streets), while history buffs won't want to miss out on a visit to Osaka Castle Park. Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan, which is always a hit with families.

Located in the centre of it all, Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba is a short walk from major Osaka attractions like Dotonbori, Midosuji Boulevard, and Kuromon Market, as well as the Namba and Shinsaibashi metro stations. The rooms here are artsy and modern. Plus, you can take advantage of extra perks like the daily breakfast buffet and on-site gym.

If you're crazy about beer, ramen, or seafood, you're going to love eating and drinking your way around Sapporo. No visit to Hokkaido's capital city is complete without tucking into a steaming bowl of miso ramen in "Ramen Alley," the very place where this dish was born. Leave room for more because other must-eats are jingisukan (aka "Genghis Khan" lamb barbecue), meat and veggie-packed soup curry, and as much fresh seafood, crab, and sea urchin as you can handle.

Of course, you'll want to wash it all down with an ice-cold Sapporo.

But Sapporo isn't all about eating and drinking. Part of what makes Sapporo one of the best places to visit in Japan is the unique activities on offer. Attend the week-long Sapporo Snow Festival, tour the Sapporo Beer Museum, hit the ski slopes in winter and the hiking trails in summer, shop for trinkets along Tanukikoji Shopping Street, or take in bird's-eye city views from the Sapporo TV Tower, to name a few essential Sapporo activities.

Despite being the largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo is relatively compact. Stay at the Mercure Sapporo, and you'll be within walking distance of top Sapporo attractions, like Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower, and Hokkaido Shrine, and a quick drive to the Sapporo Beer Museum and Sapporo Beer Garden.

Okinawa is one of the best places to visit in Japan for a beach vacation. Located at the southern tip of the country, this chain of islands boasts white-sand beaches, coral-filled waters, and quirky cultural attractions.

The main island of Okinawa makes for the perfect road trip destination. Measuring just over 100 kilometres from north to south, it's easy to tick off the best attractions in less than a week, while discovering hidden gems along the way. From shopping and dining along touristy Kokusai-Dori in Naha to exploring the 14th-century Shuri Castle to getting a true taste of Americana in Mihama American Village, there's a surprise at every turn in Okinawa.

Want to stray off the beaten path? Okinawa is made up of roughly 160 wild and rugged islands. It's possible to bike through scenic sugarcane fields on Kohama Island, spot humpback whales in the waters off the Kerama Islands, experience world-class diving in the Miyako Islands, and lounge on tropical beaches in Taketomi - the list of bucket list experiences goes on and on.

No trip to Okinawa is complete without spending at least one night in the capital city of Naha. Mercure Okinawa Naha puts you within easy reach of the Naha Airport, Tsubogawa monorail station, the shops and restaurants of Kokusai-Dori, and Okinawa's famed 14th-century Shuri Castle Park. When you're not out and about, you'll appreciate the comfy and colourful rooms - try to get one with river views - and the truly excellent buffet breakfasts featuring traditional Okinawan dishes.

When it comes to truly unique destinations in Japan, a trip to Zao is a tempting choice, especially if you appreciate quaint mountain towns. Located on the border between the Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, Zao is a solid choice for nature and winter sports lovers.

Visit in the summer and you can go hiking on the volcanic mountain trails, take the cable car up to see the emerald green waters of Okama Crater, and see all of the adorable foxes at Zao Fox Village. Plan a winter getaway and you'll not only get to see the foxes, but you'll have the chance to hit the slopes at the many ski resorts, see the unique "snow monster" tree formations on Mount Zao, and warm up in the healing waters around Zao Onsen.

Zao is one of the best places to visit in Japan year-round. It all depends on what kind of vacation you're dreaming of.

Staying in an onsen hotel in Zao is always a fun idea. When it comes to local onsen hotels, Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa is a popular pick for its two outdoor onsens and large indoor onsen. Between the traditional "Japanese-Style" rooms and the local Japanese flavours at the resort's restaurants, this is a lovely place to get a feel for this unique Japanese town.

Have you always dreamed of visiting one of Japan's famous onsen towns? Then perhaps Beppu deserves a place on your bucket list. Located in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, the city of Beppu boasts over 2,000 hot spring sources, making this one of the most popular onsen destinations in the country.

Beppu is one of the best places to visit in Japan because of the famous "Hells of Beppu." This attraction consists of seven "hellish" hot springs. While you can't swim in them - they are far too hot - it's worth visiting just to look at them. The two most-visited hot springs are Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), which is known for its mesmerising turquoise hue, and Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), which gets its name from its eerie red colour.

Other fun things to do in Beppu include stopping by Jigokumushikobo Kannawa to participate in a traditional steam-cooking workshop. Here you'll make your own steamed meats and veggies using nothing but geothermal energy.

After that, take in the sweeping panoramic views at the Yukemuri Observation Deck, ride the Beppu Ropeway cable car to the top of Mount Tsurumi, explore the narrow alleyways and cute shops in the historic Kannawa district, or seek out a unique sand or steam bath experience.

And when it comes to onsens, you'll be absolutely spoilt for choice in Beppu.

Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa is located right on Beppu Bay. With its blend of luxurious amenities and on-site onsen experiences, this five-star resort is an ideal choice if you're in need of a relaxing and pampering vacation.

What makes this resort unique is that it boasts a direct hot spring source, meaning you can either soak in the indoor bath or take in the views over Beppu Bay from the outdoor Hiji Onsen. If that's not enough, start the day off with the lavish buffet breakfast before spending the afternoon lounging around the outdoor swimming pool overlooking the bay and enjoying a fresh Beppu Bay seafood dinner at Le Sensoriel restaurant in the evening.

Last but not least, no list of the best places to visit in Japan would be complete without mentioning the wild and wonderful capital city of Tokyo. With a population of over 14 million people in the city proper, Tokyo is absolutely packed with things to do. You should spend a minimum of three days in Tokyo to pack in as many of the city's best attractions and activities as possible.

Every Tokyo bucket list should include contending with the crowds at the iconic Shibuya Crossing (aka the "Scramble"), playing pachinko with locals in Shinjuku, marvelling at the 7th-century Senso-Ji Temple, shopping and dining in Ginza, getting a fashion lesson from the Harajuku girls on Takeshita Street, and getting your fill of sushi, ramen, and yakitori at Tokyo's best restaurants.

But, really, this is just scratching the surface. The more time you can spend in Tokyo, the better.

Tokyo is a sprawling city, but if you're looking for a modern, locally-inspired hotel in the Ginza neighbourhood, you can't go wrong with Mercure Tokyo Hibiya. This four-star luxury hotel has it all, from sleek rooms and elaborate buffet breakfasts to a fitness centre and an on-site bar and restaurant. Plus, you'll be within walking distance of Shimbashi Station, Tokyo Imperial Palace, and all of the yakitori restaurants located under the railway in Shimbashi Gado‑shita.

The best places to visit in Japan for first-time travellers are Tokyo and Kyoto. Tokyo is a must-visit for first-timers looking to tick off bucket-list attractions like the Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kyoto offers a more traditional experience, thanks to its many historic Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, tea houses, and geisha districts.

The best time to visit Japan depends on where you're travelling and what you'd like to do. Spring is an amazing time to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo and Kyoto, while autumn brings spectacular fall foliage to places like Kyoto and Nara. Visit in winter and you can attend Sapporo's famous Snow Festival, or plan a trip for July and get a unique cultural experience at the Gion Festival in Kyoto.

Yes, it is easy to travel between Japan's major cities. Thanks to the country's excellent and efficient public transportation systems, it's possible to take bullet trains and regular trains between big cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. If you want to go further afield or off the beaten path, there are plenty of flights, trains, and buses that will get you where you want to go.

The best places to visit in Japan for food are Tokyo for sushi and ramen, Osaka for takoyaki and okonomiyaki, Kyoto for matcha and kaiseki, and Sapporo for miso ramen, jingisukan, and ultra-fresh seafood.

One of the best places to visit in Japan for culture and history lovers is Nara, home to the "Seven Great Temples of Nara." Another must for culture and history enthusiasts is Kyoto, where you can experience a traditional tea ceremony, hike to centuries-old shrines and temples, and see geisha walk through historic neighbourhoods.