Japan is a hot destination for many reasons—the food, the iconic traditional culture, the ultra-modern technologies, and the stunning nature, to name just a few. With so many incredible cities and charming towns offering such a variety of personalities, sights, and activities, the question on the tip of everyone's tongues when it comes to planning a trip to this magical country is "Where should I start?" Everyone's got to start somewhere, and so we've trialled and tested all that Japan has to offer and come up with a list of the top 10 places that you MUST go to when you're visiting Japan. With many of the cities combining old traditional Japanese culture and modern life, we've selected some which give a mixture and some which offer one unique side. We've also picked places that are on the top of everyone's list and some more obscure locations, which are more often than not done as day trips but should be enjoyed to their fullest extent!

Want the top 5? Check those out here!

Kyoto

If you’re looking for maximum exposure to Japanese culture during your gap year, then Kyoto is the one for you. Considering that Kyoto was once the imperial capital of Japan, it’s unsurprising that when most people picture Japan, they’ll imagine the Japanese temples, the iconic red gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, geishas, and cherry blossom—all of which are symbols closely linked to Kyoto. Visiting Kyoto is like seeing how Japan used to be thousands of years ago before it became famed for its innovation and modern technology. Kyoto should be on everyone’s bucket list, and we’d recommend visiting some of the thousands of temples and shrines (including the famous Kinkaku-Ji Golden Temple and iconic Fushimi-Inari Taisha), wandering around the Gion district (aka the Geisha district—if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a Geisha in the flesh!), and marvelling at the beauty of the vast Arashiyama Bamboo forest. Other cool activities include visiting a Sake brewery and learning how to become a Japanese samurai master!

Tokyo

Tokyo is probably the only city in the world that has such a harmonious balance between ultra-modern city life and the country’s traditional culture. Want to find out some myths about Japan's traditional culture - check out this video! This means that visiting Tokyo is a very rich cultural experience because whether you’re hitting up the anime district (for all those die-hard manga and anime fans, they’ll be well acquainted with the Akihabara district) or wandering around the streets flooded with neon lights or visiting the world-famous Senso-Ji temple and Meiji Shrine, Tokyo will blow your mind! Tokyo is fast-paced and chaotic… but in a good way, and it’s impossible to ever be bored. You can spend hours watching people cross the famous Shibuya intersection or admiring the impressive Japanese street style. If you’re going to Tokyo, some things that you can NOT miss are having a karaoke party, watching a show at the robot café, and visiting the Imperial Palace.

Osaka

Similar to Tokyo, Osaka is pretty populated and is Japan’s third-largest city! It is also the place where we run our fan-favorite activity - the best Sushi Class in Japan! Osaka is a charming city that is a one-stop shop of all the best bits of Japanese culture… we’re talking the crème de la crème of Japanese food, incredible nightlife (more so than neighbouring cities like Kyoto, which tend to be a bit quieter), and famous castles. Considered by most as the home of the best places to eat, drink, and partaaaay in Japan, this city definitely shouldn’t be missing off anyone’s itinerary when planning a trip to Japan. Travelers who like to party (c’mon, who doesn’t?!) should hit up the Dotonbori district, which is flooded with shining neon lights. However, if culture is more your thing, then not to fear! Osaka is filled with historical sights—we’d recommend a visit to Osaka’s famous Castle, the Sumiyoshi Shrine, and Shitennonji Temple.

Mount Fuji & Hakone

Hakone is a small town located in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It’s famous for the natural beauty that surrounds it as it’s nestled in the foothills of snow-capped Mount Fuji and has incredible views of it across Lake Ashinoko, providing picture-perfect, postcard-worthy panoramic vistas of Japan’s tallest mountain and one of its most notable symbols. This iconic natural beauty is a MUST see and is a necessity for any trip to Japan, so Hakone is an obvious choice for a location when visiting this area of Japan. Other top attractions in Hakone are its hot springs, pirate ship trips across Lake Ashi, and the ropeway cable cart that provides unrivaled scenic views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji.

Koyasan

Koyasan is an important religious destination and, as such, is home to lots of temples and shrines! Many people visit Koyasan as a day trip from Osaka, but we’d really recommend staying over in one of the temples to fully experience and appreciate the monk’s way of life and to have the authentic Japanese experience of staying in a temple, which is something that not all travelers can say that they’ve done. It is a place like no other which combines religious monuments with an abundance of stunning nature. There are lots of hikes that can be done in Koyasan, but what is most impressive is how nature almost takes over the religious monuments to create a beautiful co-existence between mother nature and these man-made structures, meaning that the religious temples in Koyasan look nothing like temples that you can see in other areas of Japan.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a city with a poignant history, has transformed into a place of peace and remembrance. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum are must-visits to understand the impact of the atomic bomb and the city's resilience. The nearby Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, with its iconic floating torii gate, offers a serene contrast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth exploring.

Nara

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a treasure trove of ancient history and culture. The city is famous for Nara Park, where you can freely interact with friendly deer. The Todai-ji Temple, housing the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha, and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its lanterns, are among the top attractions that offer a glimpse into Japan's past.

Hokkaido

For nature enthusiasts, Hokkaido is a paradise. This northernmost island is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including national parks, hot springs, and ski resorts. In winter, the Sapporo Snow Festival features impressive ice sculptures, while in summer, fields of lavender in Furano and the scenic beauty of Shiretoko National Park provide breathtaking experiences.

Okinawa

Okinawa, a group of islands in the southernmost part of Japan, offers a unique blend of Japanese and Ryukyu cultures. The region boasts beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Shurijo Castle, and the traditional villages on Taketomi Island are just a few highlights that showcase the diverse attractions of this tropical paradise.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa, often referred to as "Little Kyoto," is a city rich in history and culture. The beautifully preserved Edo-era districts, such as Higashi Chaya, and the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens, are major attractions. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the traditional samurai district of Nagamachi add to the city's diverse appeal.

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Legend of Japan - 12 days

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The best of Japan in 12-epic days as we explore Tokyo City, marvel at Mount Fuji, and master the art of the Samurai on this legendary 12-day trip!

tokyo - tokyo

These are just the top 10 places in Japan that you really can't miss out on if you're going to travel to this incredible country, but the rest of Japan has lots to offer too! All we can say is that Japan is on our bucket list, and we want to get there ASAP! We can't wait to get out there, hopefully with you joining us on our Legend of Japan tour!