The Top Places to Visit in Japan in 2026

Japan is a truly unique country; the Land of the Rising Sun has much to offer the tourist, and in this article, we present useful information about some of the most visited places in this amazing land. Whether you are on a short stopover or you have a few months to explore the islands, one thing is for sure: you will certainly want to return.

Tokyo

Of course, the Japanese capital city is very popular with foreign visitors; there is much to see and do in this incredible metropolis, the city that never sleeps. Tokyo’s neon lights will leave a lasting impression, and if you are a Manga lover, shops are everywhere. The nightlife in Shinjuku is something else! Must-see attractions include the Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Ji Temple and Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can browse a vast array of seafood. Explore the cat cafes, immerse yourself in the arcade halls and sing your favourite songs in one of the many karaoke bars. Of course, you can’t miss Shibuya and Ginza. Other areas to explore include Meguro and Harajuku, which offer a unique experience.

Yokohama

A city very close to the capital, Yokohama, is only an hour from central Tokyo, and it has its own character and is the second-largest city in Japan. A modern city that was once a sleepy fishing village, it started a transition in the mid-19^th century into an international trading port when Japan began to open itself to the world. It is easy to become immersed in this unique place; many foreigners choose to live in Yokohama, partly because of its proximity to Tokyo, although some would say Yokohama has more going for it.

Osaka

You can enjoy a traditional Osaka spa in one of the top hotels for an amazing experience, something we thoroughly recommend. Staying at such an establishment brings you Japanese hospitality at its best, which you should experience during your visit, if only once. The ambience is definitely more relaxed than in the capital, and there are many fine eateries to explore for lunch and dinner; Japanese cuisine is most definitely up there with the best in the world. There is always something happening, no matter the time of day!

Mount Fuji

This scenic peak is on everyone’s must-visit list; how could you go to Japan and not witness this epic mountain? In many ways, Mount Fuji is unique as a mountain, with its shape and the fact that this splendid peak is held in high religious esteem by Japanese people. There are temples dotted around Mount Fuji, and it is seen as a very sacred place. While you could take a day tour to the mountain, we recommend spending at least one night in one of the stunning hotels that are not far away, giving you a great view of the majestic Mount Fuji. Of course, there are guided hikes which are very popular with foreign and local tourists alike, and you can climb to the peak. Fuji City is recommended as a place to spend the night; there are many fun things to do in this metropolis. Don’t forget to visit the World Heritage Centre, where you can learn many things about Mount Fuji. Remember to stay healthy by having a balanced diet, which is a critical aspect of good health and well-being.

Kyoto

This ancient city was the capital until the start of the 19^th century and is a great place for history buffs, with many fine museums dedicated to the history of Kyoto. Beautiful temples and shrines are everywhere, and the showpiece is the Imperial Palace, which is situated in the centre of Kyoto, a place not to be missed. The architecture is so abundant that it would take days to appreciate all the unique structures; make sure you take lots of images standing in front of each, which leaves you with an eternal memory. There are always cultural activities going on, so regardless of when you visit, you will be able to enjoy these.

Nara

Close to Kyoto, Nara has a character all of its own; in the 8^th century, this was Japan’s capital, and there are a few important heritage sites that should not be missed. While Nara is much smaller than Kyoto and there are not so many things to do, it is still worth taking the time to enjoy this pleasant town. Todi-Ji temple happens to be the largest wooden building in the world, so don’t miss that! There are stunning parks and forests for lovers of nature, especially attractive in springtime.

Kanazawa

This was a very important city during the 17^th and 19^th centuries; therefore, it has many heritage attractions, plus you can spend a morning at the 21st-century Museum of Contemporary Art, which should not be missed. The Ninja Temple in Teramachi is really worth spending half a day; you won’t find any Ninjas here, but there are some cool traps and hidden areas, great for the curious.

Nagamachi District

In the Edo Period, the Samurai were the nobles, and they lived in this district, right at the foot of the castle, which they protected. The homes here are luxurious and very large, making Nagamachi District rather special. There are fine museums where you can learn more about the Edo Period, which is regarded as Japan’s finest era. The Nomerake House is one of the best examples of Samurai homes, and they serve tea on the upper floors.

Geisha Districts

You would always find a Geisha District within a city in the Edo Period, and there are 3 in Kanazawa, all preserved just as they were when the high-class girls entertained clients. Many of the classic rooms have become tea shops and restaurants, with a few museums that are worthy of a visit.

Hiroshima

This city is best known for the terrible Atomic Bomb detonation in WWII, which killed hundreds of thousands of people and was the start of the end for the Japanese military. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is one place to see, which pays tribute to those who perished and is quite an emotional experience. The downtown area is always busy, as you would expect in a large metropolis; enjoy coffee or tea in one of the many cafes, then check out the stunning Japanese gardens and the reconstructed castle, where there are great photo opportunities.

Hokkaido

The skiing capital of Japan, this is most definitely a winter resort, where the skiing doesn’t get any better! Sapporo is the capital, with lively bars and a vibrant social scene with trendy cafes and modern art galleries. There are lush, green mountains around Sapporo, and you can enjoy guided hikes or go it alone, as they are well marked.

There is so much to see and do in Japan that we could never include everything in this article, so we tried to present you with some of the best attractions. We recommend using Google to help you decide where to spend your time during your Japanese holiday, which will ensure that you get the most out of your downtime.