Top 9 Best Japan Cities To Visit in 2022

Deciding on your ideal Japan trip can seem daunting, whether it’s your first time or return visit. But the good news is that Japan has a lot of great places to visit. So to help start planning your Japan trip again. Here’s a roundup of some of Japan’s top must-see attractions, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and other off-the-beaten-path destinations that will inspire your next adventure in Japan.

Tokyo: 

If Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan, Tokyo is a modern city. Here, you will find skyscrapers, noisy shop people crossing a busy street, crazy teenage fashion, and delicious restaurants. You will have a fantastic time. You can visit the best places to visit in Tokyo to enjoy the trip.

• Drive a real kart on the road by dressing up as your favourite character. 
• Dining in a small restaurant on atmospheric Memory Lane.
• Take in the night skyline views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku
• Walk across the famous Shibuya crossing
• Great visit to DisneySea 
• Immerse yourself in the colourful digital art museum TeamLab Borderless.

Kyoto:

These are the traditional Japan cities to visit you can imagine in colourful kimonos emerging from wooden teahouses, bamboo forests, temples and shrines adorned with gold, silver, and crimson pebble Zen gardens. An elaborate feast was served on a glazed plate, elegant tea ceremonies and markets full of exciting but unidentifiable ingredients.

• Walkthrough the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Get lucky with vending machines at Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Temple)
• Take the train to Kibune Village and walk across the valley to the beautiful Kurama-Dera Temple.
• Escape the busy streets of Gion to Yasaka-Jinja at night.
• Taste Zen Buddhist Cuisine at Tenryuji Temple
• Explore Kyoto’s beautiful cherry blossom spots if you come in late March or early April.

Takayama:

Takayama is the most picturesque little town on the edge of the Japanese Alps. And it is one of the best tourist attractions in Japan. You are wandering around the historic centre full of traditional wooden houses, colourful shrines, beautifully shaped trees and the scarlet bridge that spans the river.

• You can visit the old city early in the morning before the crowds.
• Buy delicious fruits from the morning market.
• Eat Mitarachi Dango (Grilled rice balls) from street stalls
• Watch the extravagant parade at the Loy Krathong Exhibition Hall
• Visit Hida Folk Village to see traditional thatched houses.
• Cycle through the countryside with the Satoyama Experience

Hakone:

There are several places where you can see the mountain, but Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo and other activities. It is the best Japan cities to visit.

• Buy the Hakone Free Pass to hop on and off all transport options on the Hakone Loop.
• See Mount Fuji from the lake or cable car.
• Eat black eggs cooked in sulfur hot springs at Mount Owakudani 
• Soak in an onsen
• Stayed in a tatami room in a ryokan and enjoyed an exquisite dinner.
• Take a walk through the open-air sculpture gallery at the Hakone Open Air Museum.

Kanazawa:

Kanazawa is one of the best Japan cities to visit as Kyoto became more and more popular. Switch to Kanazawa for a quiet place to experience the geisha district with its preserved wooden buildings. It also has one of the most beautiful gardens in the country, a beautiful castle and numerous art museums to explore.

• Wandering Kenrokuen Garden one of the three most famous gardens in Japan
• Explore the wooden teahouses in the geisha districts of Higashi Chaya and the quieter Kazuemachi and Nishi Chaya.
• Experience a traditional tea ceremony at the picturesque Gyokusenen Garden

Nikko:

Nikko is a temple town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a mountain just a few hours north of Tokyo. The area is famous for its bright autumn colours. Temples and shrines with scarlet gates and moss-covered stone lanterns are scattered on forested hillsides. The main attraction is Toshogu Shrine. It is a stunning cluster of more than a dozen ornately decorated red and gold buildings amid huge ancient cedar trees. Crowds can be overwhelming. So after that, head to one of the quieter shrines.

• Visit Toshogu Shrine early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Play games at Futarasan-jinja .
• Explore Taiyuinbyo
• Hike up the hill to the peaceful Takino Shrine.
• Photographing the bright red Shinkyo Bridge
• Eat Dango from street stalls.
• Eat Sushi at Komekichi Kozushi

Koya-san:

Koya-san is one of the most exciting places and best Japan cities to visit to experience the traditional side of the country. This peaceful and sacred temple town is located in the forest-covered mountains of Kansai. And it is one of the best places to experience life as a monk by staying in a shukubo or temple accommodation. Staying in a temple at Koya- san is an exciting experience and worth the detour from Osaka or Kyoto.

Tsumako:

Tsumako is a perfect traditional mountain village in the Kiso Valley and an attractive Japan cities to visit. Tsumako is the best-preserved post town in Japan. And you feel like you have stepped back in time on a less crowded street in a beautifully restored wooden hotel. You can hike part of this route to Magome Village in about a couple of hours. Unfortunately, the typhoon prevented doing this. But it should be a scenic and easy walk.

Hiroshima:

Pay tribute to the atomic bomb victims at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Park and stay to explore the almost modern city that was reconstructed after WWII. Hiroshima is often combined with a visit to the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine nearby Miyajima. You will also want to try local specialities such as pancakes, vegetables, and thick noodles.

Bottom line:

In summary, Japan is a vast island country known for its mountain peak, unique architecture and thriving city. Tokyo is the biggest cities in Japan. There are many places to visit in Japan and experience each island and city. Japan may be a small country. But there are big attractions to be seen from many islands.