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The best places to visit in Japan
From Tokyo to Yokohama, these are the Japanese destinations to tick off your bucket list
It's one of the most beautiful countries in the world and whether you're a first-timer or a returning visitor, our round-up of the best places to visit in Japan will inspire you to plan a trip.
There's so much to see and do in Japan - from staring at the bright lights of Tokyo to finding peace in the scenic Japanese Alps. It's no wonder this fascinating country is a bucket list trip for so many of us.
Many will agree that one of the best times to explore Japan is during the cherry blossom season. Its spectacular spring-time displays can be enjoyed around the country and are celebrated with picnics in the parks and seasonal parties.
While Tokyo and Kyoto are two of the most popular places to visit Japan (and rightly so as they are also some of the most beautiful destinations), there are many places beyond these hotspots, whether it's Japan's cities, islands or mountains you want to explore.
A group tour of Japan is an excellent way to visit multiple regions on one trip and can take you to some undiscovered places. If you're planning ahead for a once-in-a-lifetime Japan trip, you'll want to check out Good Housekeeping's incredible 16-day tour, with dates available until the end of 2027.
For any traveller who has always dreamed of visiting Japan, now is the time to get planning and to help inspire your next trip, we've rounded up the best places to visit in Japan in 2025, 2026 and beyond.
Check out our favourite Japanese destinations below and visit the Japan National Tourism Organization website for more inspirational travel ideas.
And for more long-haul adventures in other amazing parts of the world, check out Good Housekeeping holidays' full collection.
Tokyo
The first stop for many foreign tourists is Japan's vibrant capital and it's not hard to see why. The world’s most populous metropolis, Tokyo offers tradition and innovation, and unlimited opportunities to eat, shop and explore.
Located on Tokyo Bay in the Kanto region of Honshu, Tokyo is known for its fashion and shopping, from the trendy shopping districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, to the luxury flagships of Ginza. Want to know where to go? Shinjuku is a thriving business district; a mix of gleaming skyscrapers and atmospheric back streets with tiny bars. Asakusa is the heart of Tokyo’s downtown, with ancient temples and traditional stores.
Tokyo is a foodie's paradise too, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, along with hundreds of cheap and delicious ramen shops.
On good Housekeeping's excellent 16-day tour of Japan, you'll take in the high energy of Japan’s electrifying capital with two full days in Tokyo.
Osaka
Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, Osaka is renowned as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the country. It's only a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, making it a great place to visit in Japan if the capital city is your base. Visitors can step off the bullet train and into a bright and enticing city. Osaka Castle is a must-visit and home to beautiful grounds you can wander through, especially during the cherry blossom season when the spectacular blooms appear.
You'll want to explore other areas in the city too, including the neon lights of Dotombori Bridge and Osaka’s Minami area. Foodies can indulge in the famous culinary delights found in neighbourhoods such as Tenma and Ura Namba. Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with shredded cabbage, flour, egg and dashi is either cooked at the table for diners or left for you to cook yourself.
Discover Osaka during a 16-day holiday to Japan with Good Housekeeping and discover culinary delights at the city's street food markets.
Nara
As Japan’s first capital, Nara offers a unique glimpse at the county's ancient roots. A trip to this prefecture will have you feeling like you've stepped back in time to the reign of Empress Genmei, who established the capital of Heijō-kyō here in 710. As you'd expect, the region is full of ancient temples and shrines, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Todai-ji Temple is one of Nara’s must-see attractions, where you'll see the incredible 15-metre-tall Great Buddha statue. Another highlight is Kasuga Taisha Shrine, with its pathways lined with bronze and stone lanterns.
Nara is one of the best places to experience traditional Japanese culture, with centuries-old crafts still practised here today. You can experiment with Nara ink, used in calligraphy for over a thousand years, or have a go at Itto-bori, an ancient wood carving technique that's seen only in Nara.
And of course, you'll want to head to Nara Park, where you'll see the famous free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods. Join Good Housekeeping on a Japanese adventure and you'll spend a day in Nara, visiting Shinto shrines, Todai-ji Temple and the peaceful Nara Park.
Yokohama
The capital of Kanagawa prefecture, Yokohama grew from a small fishing village during the Edo Period into Japan’s second largest city. A popular city among expats, Yokohama is also home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns, and preserves some former Western residences in the Yamate district. While here, you must visit one of the city’s traditional and serene Japanese landscape gardens, Sankeien Garden, where you'll find winding trails set among historic buildings.
Another highlight is the bustling new city centre, Minato Mirai, which sits along the water. There's something for everyone here, from shopping centres and an amusement park to museums and relaxing hot spring baths.
Japanese Alps
The Japanese Alps are a series of spectacular mountain ranges in central Honshu, which are perfect for those who wish to escape the buzz of the country's most popular cities. Think thick pine forests, snow-tipped peaks and teal rivers. Only two hours from Tokyo, this natural paradise offers an excellent place to explore rural Japan.
The Alps are just the place for climbers, skiers, hikers and nature fans. Yamanaka Onsen is set in the mountainous area of Kaga Onsen, situated along a beautiful gorge. The hot spring resort is not only a top spot for wellness but also for traditional crafts – its Yamanaka lacquerware has a 400-year history in the region. You can discover the contemplative heart of Zen Buddhism's Soto sect at Eiheiji (pictured), a massive temple complex just outside the city of Fukui. Built by the Buddhist monk Dogen (1200-1253), it has over 70 buildings set amid cedars in the mountains.
Meanwhile, the city of Kanazawa offers a rich cultural heritage and a history of artistic innovation and excellence. One of the most important centres for culture and art during the Edo period, it remains a superb place for art lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Kyoto
Ancient temples, traditional teahouses and peaceful gardens: Kyoto is all about exploring historic Japan. A city of nearly 2,000 temples and shrines, it's Japan's spiritual heart and a true embodiment of Old Japan. Beyond the futuristic Kyoto Station, modern shopping complexes and sleek luxury hotels lies a city with celebrated centuries-old wonders, breathtaking temples and serene Zen gardens.
Kyoto effortlessly blends the past and present and is a must-see destination for history buffs, art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
While here, you'll want to visit the grand temples, shrines, palaces and gardens in and around the city. Be sure to dine on delicious multi-course kaiseki cuisine and stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), too.
Visit ancient Kyoto as part of our Good Housekeeping 16-day tour, where you'll enjoy a three-night stay and see some of its most iconic landmarks.
Hiroshima
The vibrant city of Hiroshima has a complicated history, great food and friendly locals. While it's probably most famous for being devastated by a nuclear attack during World War II, Hiroshima as a city promotes peace and understanding.
Every year on 6 August, a memorial service is held to commemorate the victims of the 1945 attack. Thousands write messages of peace on paper lanterns that are lit at sunset to float down the river past the iconic remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome.
During a visit, be sure to check out the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. You should also taste Hiroshima's version of okomiyaki, a local delicacy. Another highlight is going to nearby Miyajima to see its deer and picturesque floating shrine.
Travel to Hiroshima on the bullet train during Good Housekeeping's 16-day tour of Japan, where you'll have time to visit the war memorials, shrines and temples.
Tohoku
Japan's Tohoku region is home to unspoiled rural landscapes and historical treasures. This northeastern wilderness is a huge region encompassing six rural prefectures that boast custom and heritage. The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck in 2011 brought out the resilient nature of Tohoku's people, and local passion and pride are putting the area back on its feet.
There's a lot to be proud of, too – dramatic landscapes, history-rich sites, craft sake and a host of outdoor activities like rafting, hiking and skiing.
During a trip to the region, you can enjoy the explosive sound, colour and drama of the Aomori Nebuta Festival in summer. Or wander the temples, gardens and archaeological sites of World Heritage-listed Hiraizumi in Iwate.
Don't miss an adventure along Hachinohe's section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail and foodies will want to taste the sweet cherries of Yamagata and the juicy peaches of Fukushima.
Shikoku
Shikoku might be the smallest of Japan's four main islands, but there are plenty of natural and cultural sites to explore. Traditionally remote, Shikoku is now easy to access from Honshu.
The island offers a picturesque coastline on the glittering Seto Inland Sea, legendary udon noodles and picture-perfect onsen. Its stunning Iya Valley, Pacific coastline and free-flowing rivers are best explored on hiking, kayaking and surfboarding adventures.
While here, you can sample the famous udon noodles of Kagawa, take the first steps of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage at temple number one, Ryozenji, in Tokushima, and relax in the hot waters of Dogo Onsen.
Hokkaido
The island of Hokkaido is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter, thanks to top resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. Sapporo, its main city, is also famous for beer, ramen and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It's not all about winter fun here, though.
Hokkaido’s mild summers also provide relief from Japan’s humidity and offer ideal conditions for hiking and exploring the many national parks. Much of Hokkaido is wild and unspoiled, with hot springs and volcanic lakes, so you're never too far from nature.
While here, explore the culture and traditions of the indigenous Ainu people at Lake Akan, and journey to the Shiretoko Peninsula to see free-roaming brown bears, foxes and deer. Visiting in the summer? Everyone will be dazzled by the rolling hills of Furano's lavender farms, while foodies will love dining on fresh seafood including succulent crab, salmon and fresh sushi in Hokkaido, too.
Toyama
We love the distinct seasons in the Toyama region. It lies around two hours north of Tokyo, blanketed by snow in winter and blooming with cherry blossoms in spring. While Toyoma City is renowned for its fresh seafood, the wider region is particularly lovely. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given it's surrounded by rushing rivers and lush mountains.
This beautiful pocket of Japanese countryside is home to the UNESCO-listed area of Gokayama, which comprises the two villages of Ainokura and Suganuma, known for their carefully preserved thatched buildings called gassho-zukuri. The roofs are designed to resemble the hands of Buddhist monks’ pressed together in prayer. In winter, the snow-covered gassho-zukurie take on the look of a magical, fairy tale scene.
Eiheiji
A 2024 extension to Japan's bullet train network makes access to a beautiful region deep in the mountains of the Fukui Prefecture much more accessible for visitors. It offers the chance to visit locations where you can join in with traditional rituals and learn more about Japanese culture in more remote pockets of the country.
The new train journey whisks visitors to locations like Eiheiji, where you’ll find one of the main temples of Zen Buddhism, founded in 1244. It’s a spiritual place amid mountainous scenery and ancient woodland, and guests are invited to join the practice. On departure, guests are presented with a goshuin, a traditional document written in exquisite Japanese calligraphy to certify their visit.
Next to the temple is the Zen Village, where you'll find the beautiful Hakujukan hotel, a sustainably built ryokan. As part of their stay, guests can partake in Zen meditation, known as zazen, before soaking in an open-air bath.
Koyasan
Koyasan, also known as Mount Koya, is thought by many as the most sacred place in all of Japan. Home to the centre of Shingon Buddhism, a sect that was brought to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi, one of the country's most prominent Buddhist monks, this mountain settlement comprises over 100 monasteries and temples.
The Shingon headquarters sit within the Kongobuji temple, which is open to visitors. Here you can learn about how Daishi founded the settlement and visit peaceful Banryutei Rock Garden, Japan’s largest rock garden.
Thanks to its verdant peaks and winding valleys, Koyasan is a popular place for hiking and is the starting point for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a holy route that stretches roughly 750 miles and takes in 88 temples.
Koyasan is easy to access from Osaka via train for a day trip, but stay the night in shukubo (traditional temple lodgings) and you can enjoy a more immersive experience, interacting with monks and sampling their vegetarian cooking.
If you're feeling inspired to book the Japanese holiday of a lifetime, you'll want to check out Good Housekeeping's 16-day organised tour. The trip will take you from Tokyo to Osaka with a cruise on Lake Ashinoko, a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a day in Nara, and much more.
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