Best Places to Visit in Japan

Explore a landscape embroidered with profound history, Zen Buddhism, and a combination of world’s cultures in the best places to visit in Japan.

best places to visit in Japan
Dive Into Japan’s Buzzing Cities

Neon-blazed skyscrapers soaring to the sky, a sensuous riot of colors and sounds taking over the streets, and nuggets of history popping at every corner… The best cities of Japan charm visitors with their bold and soulful character. In the frenetic Tokyo, you will find a slate of cultural attractions from cramped street-food bars to organic neighborhoods. They present the most intimate edges of Japanese culture wrapped in the city’s fresh-faced vibes. Beyond an unforgettable urban scene, it harbors some of the best places to visit in Japan, like the Imperial Palace Gardens and countless shrines. In stark contrast with Tokyo’s ever-expanding diversity, Kyoto lures travelers with its time-capsuled atmosphere. Famed as the most spiritual city in Japan, it has enough authentic temples and shrines for a lifetime. Zen Buddhism is the cornerstone of life and travel here, the influences of which concentrate around the culture ladened Gion.

Take a Moving Day-Trip to Hiroshima

Japan is much about profound history as it is about raw culture, and Hiroshima is the epicenter of it all. Anchoring the western end of the island like a pinpoint statement, it is the most iconic relic of the atomic bomb. The best places to visit in Japan to experience the memory of the catastrophe are the Peace Memorial and A-Bomb Dome. They pay tribute to the victims of the explosion and send out a message of peace to the world. You will be heartbroken by the recovered items displayed in the Peace Museum, while a walk in the park will raise your hopes for a better world. No matter where you go, Hiroshima is an overwhelming city to explore. Pockets of poignant history linger even in the most relaxed stretches in the city.

Welcome Spring in the Sakura Lands

If it is the quintessential Japanese nature you seek, head to the countryside where resplendent shrines and Zen gardens are a dime a dozen. In the Kansai region alone, Osaka awes with its luminous castle and surrounding gardens blanketed with Japanese cherry blossoms. Here, the ritual of introspection and boundless relaxation is essential to the fabric of local life. But the best places to visit in Japan for the ultimate rural experience are in Hakone, a natural landscape dominated by the pupil-dilating views of Mt Fuji. Lake Ashinoko offers a picture-perfect view embellished by the legendary Hakone Shrine. Further west, Koyasan takes over the scene by doubling the spiritual vibes and spicing up the landscape. You will only have time to visit some of its 100 dramatic shrines; still, it will capture your heart as the holiest site in all of Japan.

Dive Into Japan’s Buzzing Cities

Neon-blazed skyscrapers soaring to the sky, a sensuous riot of colors and sounds taking over the streets, and nuggets of history popping at every corner… The best cities of Japan charm visitors with their bold and soulful character. In the frenetic Tokyo, you will find a slate of cultural attractions from cramped street-food bars to organic neighborhoods. They present the most intimate edges of Japanese culture wrapped in the city’s fresh-faced vibes. Beyond an unforgettable urban scene, it harbors some of the best places to visit in Japan, like the Imperial Palace Gardens and countless shrines. In stark contrast with Tokyo’s ever-expanding diversity, Kyoto lures travelers with its time-capsuled atmosphere. Famed as the most spiritual city in Japan, it has enough authentic temples and shrines for a lifetime. Zen Buddhism is the cornerstone of life and travel here, the influences of which concentrate around the culture ladened Gion.

Take a Moving Day-Trip to Hiroshima

Japan is much about profound history as it is about raw culture, and Hiroshima is the epicenter of it all. Anchoring the western end of the island like a pinpoint statement, it is the most iconic relic of the atomic bomb. The best places to visit in Japan to experience the memory of the catastrophe are the Peace Memorial and A-Bomb Dome. They pay tribute to the victims of the explosion and send out a message of peace to the world. You will be heartbroken by the recovered items displayed in the Peace Museum, while a walk in the park will raise your hopes for a better world. No matter where you go, Hiroshima is an overwhelming city to explore. Pockets of poignant history linger even in the most relaxed stretches in the city.

Welcome Spring in the Sakura Lands

If it is the quintessential Japanese nature you seek, head to the countryside where resplendent shrines and Zen gardens are a dime a dozen. In the Kansai region alone, Osaka awes with its luminous castle and surrounding gardens blanketed with Japanese cherry blossoms. Here, the ritual of introspect and boundless relaxation is essential to the fabric of local life. But the best places to visit in Japan for the ultimate rural experience are in Hakone, a natural landscape dominated by the pupil-dilating views of Mt Fuji. Lake Ashinoko offers a picture-perfect view embellished by the legendary Hakone Shrine. Further west, Koyasan takes over the scene by doubling the spiritual vibes and spicing up the landscape. You will only have time to visit some of its 100 dramatic shrines; still, it will capture your heart as the holiest site in all of Japan.

Must-See Sights in Japan

The two most prominent buildings of the Garan are the Kondo Hall and the huge Konpon Daito Pagoda. The Hall is a large wooden temple hall where major ceremonies are held.

Hugged by Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi, Hakone is a scenic town in the Japanese countryside. It is most famous for its red torii gate and Shinto shrine.

Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji which is located in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan. It’s an increasingly popular spot.

A modern city on Honshu Island, was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event.

Spacious market with vendors selling street food, fresh produce & shellfish, plus souvenirs. An amazing place to spend splendid times in a peaceful area full of locals.

Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, brimming with Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and dazzling gardens and palaces. It is the best city to experience Japan’s cultural nuances.

A small island in Hiroshima Bay, it is known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide.

A Buddhist temple complex perched on Mount Koya, Koyasan is considered one of the most sacred sites in Japan. It is also a scenic retreat with its epic mountain views.

This sacred area is home to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. The cemetery is an important center for Japanese culture and a photogenic spot.

The large port city of Osaka is one of the trendiest cosmopolitan urban centers in Japan. It is a traveler’s hub with vibrant nightlife and top-notch international cuisine.

Once a significant military base, Osaka Castle is a historic landmark and graceful touch to the city’s skyline with brilliant architecture and beautifully manicured gardens.

This museum is dedicated to documenting the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II. The museum was established in August 1955 with the Peace Memorial Hall.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the only building that remains intact at the explosion site of the atomic bomb. It pays homage to the victims with its half-demolished state.

The mountainous Takayama town is an idyllic place nestling Japan’s age-old traditions and rural charm. Hida Folk Village is one of its highlight attractions.

Japan’s busy capital mixes the ultramodern and the traditional from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens.

Must-See Sights in Japan

The two most prominent buildings of the Garan are the Kondo Hall and the huge Konpon Daito Pagoda. The Hall is a large wooden temple hall where major ceremonies are held.

Hugged by Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi, Hakone is a scenic town in the Japanese countryside. It is most famous for its red torii gate and Shinto shrine.

Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji which is located in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan. It’s an increasingly popular spot.

A modern city on Honshu Island, was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event.

Spacious market with vendors selling street food, fresh produce & shellfish, plus souvenirs. An amazing place to spend splendid times in a peaceful area full of locals.

Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, brimming with Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and dazzling gardens and palaces. It is the best city to experience Japan’s cultural nuances.

A small island in Hiroshima Bay, it is known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide.

A Buddhist temple complex perched on Mount Koya, Koyasan is considered one of the most sacred sites in Japan. It is also a scenic retreat with its epic mountain views.

This sacred area is home to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. The cemetery is an important center for Japanese culture and a photogenic spot.

The large port city of Osaka is one of the trendiest cosmopolitan urban centers in Japan. It is a traveler’s hub with vibrant nightlife and top-notch international cuisine.

Once a significant military base, Osaka Castle is a historic landmark and graceful touch to the city’s skyline with brilliant architecture and beautifully manicured gardens.

This museum is dedicated to documenting the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II. The museum was established in August 1955 with the Peace Memorial Hall.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the only building that remains intact at the explosion site of the atomic bomb. It pays homage to the victims with its half-demolished state.

The mountainous Takayama town is an idyllic place nestling Japan’s age-old traditions and rural charm. Hida Folk Village is one of its highlight attractions.

Japan’s busy capital mixes the ultramodern and the traditional from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens.

Tours Visiting Japan

NEW TRIP

Highlights of Japan

8 Days

new trip

No reviews yet

from

$3799

$2089

NEW TRIP

Japan Explorer

10 Days

new trip

No reviews yet

from

$5259

$2892

NEW TRIP

Ultimate Japan

14 Days

new trip

No reviews yet

from

$6289

$3459

Why Book With Travel Talk

At Travel Talk our passion is providing unforgettable adventures and unique experiences for, and with, avid travellers like you. That’s why we only run tours to the most breath-taking destinations which we specialise in. Each tour is designed to take you to the heart of a new authentic culture.The wellbeing and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited have always been our utmost priority. We are committed to ensuring your peace of mind with our enhanced Safe Travels protocols and Special Flexible Conditions, so that you can book and travel with confidence.

Open until midnight

+44 20 809 995 96
[email protected]

Monday - Friday: 09:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
W. Europe