I still remember the exact moment I landed in Japan for the first time.
It was late spring, and the air had that crisp, fresh quality that makes you feel like anything is possible. I had a list of must-see places, a backpack full of snacks, and way too many expectations. Spoiler alert: Japan still managed to exceed them all.
If you’re wondering about the best places to see in Japan, whether you’re a first-timer or returning for another round of ramen and shrine-hopping—this guide’s got you covered. I’ll walk you through the spots I personally loved, the ones I wish I had more time for, and even a few I stumbled upon by happy accident.
Tokyo: Chaos, Culture, and Convenience Colliding
I kicked things off in Tokyo. If you’re asking “What is the no 1 tourist destination in Japan?”—this city probably wins by a landslide. It’s intense. Neon-drenched streets in Shibuya, serene moments in Meiji Jingu Shrine, and sushi that made me question everything I thought I knew about raw fish.
Best places to see in Tokyo? Here’s what stood out:
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa): Tokyo’s oldest temple. Touristy, sure—but the vibe is electric.
teamLab Planets TOKYO: A digital art museum that’s part light show, part fever dream.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Peaceful enough to make you forget you’re in one of the world’s busiest cities.
I also recommend catching the view from Tokyo Skytree or even hopping on the Tokyo Tower if you’re more into retro aesthetics. Either way, the skyline at sunset? Pure magic.
Kyoto: Temples, Tranquility, and Timelessness
After Tokyo, I took the bullet train (which, yes, really is that fast) from Tokyo to Kyoto. And let me tell you, Kyoto hit me differently. The air felt older. Slower.
For those asking “What is the most beautiful part of Japan?”—Kyoto would be my honest answer.
Highlights from my stay included:
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: You’ve probably seen it on Instagram, but walking under thousands of torii gates? It hits differently in person.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Literal gold. Literal jaw-drop.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Go early. Like, sunrise early. Otherwise, it’s selfie-stick city.
Kyoto is a great fit if you’re a first-timer wondering about the best places to visit in Japan for first timers—it gives you history, food, and scenery without overwhelming you.
Osaka: Flavor, Fun, and Flash
Osaka was my next stop—and it was love at first bite. If you ask me, the best places to visit in Japan for young adults probably include this loud, friendly, food-obsessed city.
The main draw?
Dotonbori District: A sensory overload of neon signs, takoyaki stalls, and laughter echoing off the canal.
Osaka Castle: Beautiful from afar, peaceful within.
Universal Studios Japan: If you’re into Harry Potter, Nintendo, or just thrill rides—don’t skip it.
Pro tip? Eat everything. Try okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that made me rethink what pancakes could even be.
Hiroshima: Sobering, Surprising, Strong
I wasn’t prepared for how Hiroshima would affect me emotionally. Visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome shook something loose in my chest.
It’s quiet there. Respectful. Powerful.
But Hiroshima isn’t just its tragic history. Miyajima Island is nearby—home to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, where the torii gate seems to float on water.
Also: don’t miss Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki—yes, it’s different from Osaka’s. Yes, you should try both.
Hokkaido: Wild Beauty Up North
When people say “Japan has it all,” I didn’t really get it until I went to Hokkaido.
I visited during winter. Snow blanketed everything. It was quiet. Peaceful. And I finally understood why people consider this one of the top 10 places to visit in Japan.
Key highlights:
Sapporo Snow Festival: Ice sculptures, hot drinks, snowball fights with strangers.
Hakodate Night View: Hands down the best view I saw in Japan—no exaggeration.
Niseko Ski Resorts: Even if you’re not a pro, try the slopes. Or just chill in a hot spring with a beer.
Okinawa: Japan, But Make It Tropical
If you ever feel like Japan can be a little… too much, go to Okinawa.
It’s warm, slow, and filled with blue water and sandy beaches. I went snorkeling and swam with more colorful fish than I could name. The culture here? Way more chill. It feels more like Hawaii than Tokyo.
It’s not on every list of the top 15 places to visit in Japan, but it should be.
Also read: First Time in Japan? Best Japan Travel Guide for Beginners!
Kanazawa, Nikko, and Hidden Surprises
Okay, confession time: I didn’t plan to go to Kanazawa. But a local I met in a Kyoto coffee shop swore it had the best sushi outside Tokyo. So I went.
And wow. Between the Kenroku-en Garden and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, I ended up staying three nights instead of one.
Other gems I found:
Nikko: Feels like stepping into a fantasy film. Huge cedar trees. Ancient temples.
Naruto Onsen: Because nothing beats soaking in hot water with mountain views after a long hike.
Mount Fuji: The Iconic Climb (or View)
You can’t talk about the best places to see in Japan without mentioning Mount Fuji.
I didn’t climb it—too ambitious, not enough snacks—but I did visit Lake Kawaguchiko for views. It was cloudy, and I couldn’t see the summit for the first two hours. Frustrating. But then the clouds parted, and there it was.
Postcard-perfect. Worth the wait.
Shirakawa-go & Gokayama: Like Stepping Into a Fairytale
These villages? Straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie. Thatched-roof houses. Snow up to your knees in winter. Locals who’ll offer you hot tea and conversation without a common language.
It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Japan, and easily one of the most memorable.
Logistics: Maps, Money, and Mistakes I Made
If you’re planning to bounce around like I did, here’s a few practical things to keep in mind:
Map of Japan: Use Google Maps, but also pick up a physical map if you plan to hike or visit remote areas.
Tokyo to Kyoto: Shinkansen (bullet train) takes about 2.5 hours. Get the Japan Rail Pass—it pays for itself fast.
Yen to AUD: I blew too much money not tracking currency conversions. Use apps like XE or Wise. Exchange rates sneak up on you.
Also read: 7 Day Japan Travel Itinerary: Maximize Your Adventure Now!
So… Is $5000 Enough for a Week in Japan?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Depends how you travel.
If you go bougie, stay at luxury hotels, and shop like crazy—maybe not. But I traveled comfortably (mid-range hotels, convenience store meals, lots of walking) and spent about $3200 for 10 days.
So with $5000, you’re more than covered—even with souvenirs.
Japan isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. That’s what makes it so good.
Whether you’re chasing temples in Kyoto, eating your way through Osaka, or snowboarding in Hokkaido, there’s something here for you. I’ve been twice and I’m already planning my third trip.
My advice? Don’t try to do it all. Pick your top 5 places to visit in Japan, stay longer in each, and leave room for the unexpected. That’s where the real magic is.
