Destinations in Japan

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Destinations in Japan
When we prepare a trip to Japan, we often have doubts about which destinations to include in our planning. And is that Japan is a country with a lot to see. To facilitate the selection of destinations in Japan we have created an interactive map; With it you can select each of the Japanese regions to access the content we have about them and know what to visit. You will also see that some important cities are marked on the map, in case you want to know more in detail everything that can be seen and done in them.

And after the map we include shortcuts to the main Japanese destinations and to all the regions, in case you prefer to access the content in another way … to enjoy planning!

Featured destinations
The two most visited cities in Japan, and by far, are Tokyo and Kyoto. At Japonismo we love to offer you information from all over the country but you have to be realistic. So if you want a simple way to find and filter all the information of each of these cities, you can do it from here.

Kansai

Kansai is the second most important region of Japan. And here we also find a coastal plain that has made it possible for many people to live here. In addition, since his departure is also to the Pacific, communication with the Tokyo area has always been a priority. Not in vain there were 5 traditional routes that connected the current Tokyo with the old capital in Kyoto, being two of the best known the Tokaido and Nakasendo routes.

The region is very large and consists of 7 prefectures: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hyogo, Mie, Wakayama and Shiga. Most tourists know Kansai by Kyoto and Osaka (especially if they arrive at Kansai airport, KIX). But here you can also find Nara or Kobe as well as some sacred places very popular with tourists such as Koyasan or the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. In addition, the most sacred sanctuary of Shinto, that of Ise, is also in this region.

Top Destinations & Activities in Japan

Major Cities & Attractions

  1. Tokyo

    • Shibuya Crossing: Iconic scramble crossing; visit Hachiko Statue.

    • Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.

    • Shinjuku: Nightlife, Golden Gai, and Shinjuku Gyoen Garden.

    • Akihabara: Electronics, anime shops, and themed cafés.

    • Harajuku: Takeshita Street for quirky fashion and treats.

    • TeamLab Borderless/Planets: Immersive digital art museums.

  2. Kyoto

    • Fushimi Inari Taisha: Thousands of vermilion torii gates.

    • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through towering bamboo.

    • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Gold-leaf-covered Zen temple.

    • Gion District: Geisha culture; visit during July’s Gion Matsuri festival.

  3. Osaka

    • Dotonbori: Neon lights, street food (try takoyaki).

    • Osaka Castle: Historic site surrounded by cherry blossoms.

    • Universal Studios Japan: Super Nintendo World.

  4. Hiroshima

    • Peace Memorial Park & Atomic Bomb Dome: Reflective WWII history site.

    • Miyajima Island: Floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.

  5. Nara

    • Todai-ji Temple: Houses a giant Buddha statue.

    • Nara Park: Feed friendly, bowing deer.

  6. Sapporo (Hokkaido)

    • Sapporo Snow Festival (February): Ice sculptures.

    • Skiing: Niseko for world-class powder snow.

  7. Okinawa

    • Beaches: Emerald waters in Ishigaki or Miyako Islands.

    • Shurijo Castle: UNESCO site reflecting Ryukyu Kingdom history.

Cultural & Natural Experiences

  • Mount Fuji & Hakone: Hike (July–September) or view from Lake Kawaguchiko. Relax in onsens (hot springs).

  • Onsen Towns: Kusatsu, Beppu, or Noboribetsu for volcanic baths.

  • Ryokan Stay: Traditional inns with kaiseki meals (e.g., in Hakone or Kyoto).

  • Tea Ceremony: Participate in Kyoto or Kanazawa.

  • Cherry Blossoms (Spring): Hanami picnics in Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path.

  • Autumn Leaves: Visit Nikko’s shrines or Kyoto’s Tofuku-ji.

Food & Markets

  • Tokyo Tsukiji Outer Market: Fresh sushi, uni, and tamagoyaki.

  • Osaka: Street food like okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and kushikatsu.

  • Fukuoka: Hakata ramen (tonkotsu broth).

  • Izakayas: Japanese pubs for yakitori and sake.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

  • Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Garden and samurai districts.

  • Takayama: Preserved Edo-era streets and morning markets.

  • Kumano Kodo: Ancient pilgrimage trails in Wakayama.

  • Naoshima Island: Modern art installations and museums.

Practical Tips

  • Transport: Use a JR Pass for Shinkansen (bullet trains).

  • Etiquette: Bow politely, remove shoes in homes/ryokans, and avoid tipping.

  • Language: Learn basic phrases; many signs have English.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Winter: Snow festivals (Sapporo), skiing.

  • Spring: Cherry blossoms (late March–April).

  • Summer: Fireworks festivals (July–August).

  • Autumn: Foliage (October–November).

Japan blends ancient traditions with futuristic innovation—whether you’re exploring temples, savoring sushi, or hiking alpine trails, there’s something for every traveler!

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