Japan, a country where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, offers a vast array of attractions for travelers. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan’s unique culture and natural beauty captivate visitors. Here are the top 30 tourist places in Japan, each with its unique specialties, ideal visiting times, and nearby attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
1. Tokyo
Tourism Specialty: Vibrant city life, shopping, and modern attractions
Locality: Kanto region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Tokyo Tower, Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing
Nearby Restaurants: Sushi Saito, Narisawa
Nearby Hotels: Park Hyatt Tokyo, The Peninsula Tokyo
2. Kyoto
Tourism Specialty: Historic temples, traditional tea houses, and gardens
Locality: Kansai region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Nearby Restaurants: Kikunoi, Yoshikawa Tempura
Nearby Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Hotel Granvia Kyoto
3. Osaka
Tourism Specialty: Street food, nightlife, and modern landmarks
Locality: Kansai region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Universal Studios Japan
Nearby Restaurants: Kuromon Ichiba Market, Kani Doraku
Nearby Hotels: Conrad Osaka, The St. Regis Osaka
4. Hokkaido
Tourism Specialty: Natural beauty, hot springs, and winter sports
Locality: Hokkaido region
Best Time to Visit: June to September, December to February
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Sapporo Snow Festival, Shiretoko National Park, Niseko Ski Resort
Nearby Restaurants: Hanamaru Sushi, Ramen Shingen
Nearby Hotels: Park Hyatt Niseko, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
5. Hiroshima
Tourism Specialty: Historical significance, peace memorials
Locality: Chugoku region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine
Nearby Restaurants: Okonomimura, Nagataya
Nearby Hotels: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
6. Nara
Tourism Specialty: Ancient temples, deer park
Locality: Kansai region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha
Nearby Restaurants: Maguro Koya, Kameya
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Nikko Nara, Nara Hotel
7. Nagoya
Tourism Specialty: Modern city with rich cultural heritage
Locality: Chubu region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, Toyota Commemorative Museum
Nearby Restaurants: Atsuta Horaiken, Yamamotoya
Nearby Hotels: Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, Hilton Nagoya
8. Okinawa
Tourism Specialty: Tropical islands, beaches, and unique culture
Locality: Okinawa region
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Shurijo Castle, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Nearby Restaurants: Makishi Public Market, Ryukyu Sabo Ashibiuna
Nearby Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa, Halekulani Okinawa
9. Mount Fuji
Tourism Specialty: Iconic mountain, hiking, and scenic views
Locality: Chubu region
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Fuji Five Lakes, Chureito Pagoda
Nearby Restaurants: Houtou Fudou, Oshino Hakkai
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Kaneyamaen, Highland Resort Hotel & Spa
10. Nikko
Tourism Specialty: Stunning natural landscapes, historic shrines
Locality: Kanto region
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls
Nearby Restaurants: Hippari Dako, Meiji no Yakata
Nearby Hotels: Nikko Kanaya Hotel, Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
11. Kanazawa
Tourism Specialty: Well-preserved Edo-era districts, gardens
Locality: Chubu region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle
Nearby Restaurants: Morihachi, Fuwari
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
12. Kamakura
Tourism Specialty: Historic temples and coastal scenery
Locality: Kanto region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Great Buddha of Kamakura, Hasedera Temple
Nearby Restaurants: Wakamiya Sushi, Kamakura Matsubaraan
Nearby Hotels: Kamakura Prince Hotel, Kamejikan
13. Takayama
Tourism Specialty: Well-preserved old town, traditional festivals
Locality: Chubu region
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Takayama Jinya, Hida Folk Village
Nearby Restaurants: Kyoya, Heianraku
Nearby Hotels: Hida Hotel Plaza, Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan
14. Hakone
Tourism Specialty: Hot springs, scenic views of Mount Fuji
Locality: Kanto region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Hakone Open-Air Museum, Lake Ashi
Nearby Restaurants: Gora Kadan, Itoh Dining by NOBU
Nearby Hotels: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa, Gora Kadan
15. Fukuoka
Tourism Specialty: Modern city with historical sites and vibrant food scene
Locality: Kyushu region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Ohori Park, Fukuoka Tower
Nearby Restaurants: Hakata Daruma, Ichiran Ramen
Nearby Hotels: Grand Hyatt Fukuoka, Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk
16. Sapporo
Tourism Specialty: Winter sports, beer, and snow festival
Locality: Hokkaido region
Best Time to Visit: June to September, December to February
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Sapporo Beer Museum, Odori Park
Nearby Restaurants: Sapporo Kani Honke, Soup Curry GARAKU
Nearby Hotels: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, Mercure Sapporo
17. Matsumoto
Tourism Specialty: Historic castle and natural beauty
Locality: Chubu region
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi
Nearby Restaurants: Kobayashi Soba, Yohei
Nearby Hotels: Buena Vista, Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu
18. Nagano
Tourism Specialty: Winter sports, temples, and nature
Locality: Chubu region
Best Time to Visit: December to February, June to September
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Zenko-ji Temple, Jigokudani Monkey Park
Nearby Restaurants: Misoya, Yawataya Isogoro
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano, Kokuya
19. Kobe
Tourism Specialty: Port city with delicious beef and beautiful scenery
Locality: Kansai region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Kobe Harborland, Mount Rokko
Nearby Restaurants: Wakkoqu, Steakland Kobe
Nearby Hotels: Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel, Hotel Okura Kobe
20. Sendai
Tourism Specialty: Historic sites and natural beauty
Locality: Tohoku region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Zuihoden Mausoleum, Aoba Castle
Nearby Restaurants: Gyutan Rikyu, Shiogama Sushi
Nearby Hotels: Westin Sendai, Hotel Metropolitan Sendai
21. Nagasaki
Tourism Specialty: Historic port city with unique cultural blend
Locality: Kyushu region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Nagasaki Peace Park, Glover Garden
Nearby Restaurants: Shippoku Hamakatsu, Yosso
Nearby Hotels: Hotel New Nagasaki, JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki
22. Beppu
Tourism Specialty: Hot springs and geothermal activity
Locality: Kyushu region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Beppu Jigoku, Beppu Park
Nearby Restaurants: Toyotsune, Kamesho Kurukuru Sushi
Nearby Hotels: Suginoi Hotel, Hotel Umine
23. Yokohama
Tourism Specialty: Modern port city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere
Locality: Kanto region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Yokohama Chinatown, Minato Mirai
Nearby Restaurants: Heichinrou, Yoshimuraya
Nearby Hotels: InterContinental Yokohama Grand, Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
24. Ishigaki
Tourism Specialty: Tropical island with stunning beaches and coral reefs
Locality: Okinawa region
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Limestone Cave
Nearby Restaurants: Funakura no Sato, Hitoshi Ishiganto
Nearby Hotels: ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort, Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima
25. Kumamoto
Tourism Specialty: Historic castle and beautiful gardens
Locality: Kyushu region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Nearby Restaurants: Ajisen Ramen, Sanraku
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Nikko Kumamoto, Dormy Inn Kumamoto
26. Shirakawa-go
Tourism Specialty: Traditional thatched-roof houses and rural scenery
Locality: Chubu region
Best Time to Visit: December to February, May to September
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Ogimachi Village, Wada House
Nearby Restaurants: Irori, Ochudo
Nearby Hotels: Shirakawago no Yu, Toyota Shirakawa-go Eco-Institute
27. Kagoshima
Tourism Specialty: Active volcanoes and hot springs
Locality: Kyushu region
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Sakurajima, Sengan-en Garden
Nearby Restaurants: Ajimori, Tontoro Ramen
Nearby Hotels: Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima, JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima
28. Hakodate
Tourism Specialty: Scenic night views and historic buildings
Locality: Hokkaido region
Best Time to Visit: May to September, December to February
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku Park
Nearby Restaurants: Hakodate Morning Market, Uni Murakami
Nearby Hotels: La Vista Hakodate Bay, Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
29. Otaru
Tourism Specialty: Picturesque canals and historical buildings
Locality: Hokkaido region
Best Time to Visit: May to September, December to February
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Otaru Canal, Otaru Music Box Museum
Nearby Restaurants: Otaru Masazushi, LeTao
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Nord Otaru, Grand Park Otaru
30. Nikko National Park
Tourism Specialty: Natural beauty and historical sites
Locality: Kanto region
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls
Nearby Restaurants: Kanaya Hotel Bakery, Meiji no Yakata
Nearby Hotels: Nikko Kanaya Hotel, Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
These destinations highlight Japan’s diverse attractions, from bustling cities and ancient temples to serene natural landscapes and vibrant cultural festivals. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a food enthusiast, Japan offers something for everyone.
