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Industry City Japan Village. Photo by Rhododendrites –

Best Japanese Cities to Visit for Culture

Japan is a country that boasts the contrasts of new and old in perfect harmony. In some cities, like Kyoto, you鈥檒l find yourself exploring the ancient Shinto and Buddhist temples, while in others, like Osaka, you鈥檒l be left in awe of the futuristic skyscrapers and amazing food options.

Although the experiences may vary from city to city, one thing is for sure 鈥� you鈥檒l find rich culture, tradition, and incredible food in all of them.

Japan caters to all travelers, from solo adventurers to large groups. There is something magical for everyone to discover in the diverse cities of Japan.

1. Tokyo is a thriving city with an energetic buzz of people

At the blue hour, the illuminated facade of a 3-storey restaurant with Japanese signs and red paper lanterns, in Y奴rakuch艒, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Basile Morin –

This wouldn鈥檛 be a list of the most popular Japanese cities without Tokyo being at the top. Tokyo is a thriving city with an energetic buzz of people roaming the neon-lit streets.

This metropolis brings modern pop culture and unique fashion trends like no other, making it one of the most popular cities in Japan.

While you鈥檒l have the bright and futuristic skyscrapers to gaze at (they鈥檙e especially beautiful in the evening), you鈥檒l also be exposed to the historic site of the city.

2. Kyoto was once the ancient capital of Japan

Kyoto, Japan (2019). Photo by Another Believer –

This city is well known for its long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kyoto was once the ancient capital of Japan and was dubbed as one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The city oozes charm and culture with over 2,000 shrines and numerous Zen gardens around the city.

Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in Japan and it鈥檚 not hard to see why. There are temples all over the city to see, you can join in a traditional tea ceremony, eat your way through Nishiki Market, and wander through Arashiyama Bamboo forest 鈥� a must-see when visiting the city and a great way to do it is with a customized rickshaw tour.

In the district of Gion, you鈥檒l find Geishas walking along streets populated with wooden houses. In the area, you鈥檒l have the chance to experience kaiseki ryori (traditional Japanese cuisine) and ochaya (teahouses).

3. Osaka is renowned for its food scene and love for all things delicious

Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Photo by jetsun –

Calling all foodies 鈥� Osaka is renowned for its food scene and love for all things delicious. So, you鈥檙e in for a culinary adventure from both the excellent restaurants and varied street food options. It鈥檚 also centrally located and a great base for different day trips.

Unfortunately, the city was largely destroyed during WWII and you won鈥檛 find as many historical sites as you do in some of the other must-visit cities in Japan. However, Osaka, which feels more like a small town with its rural Japanese charm, has a lot to offer.

One of the not-to-miss attractions is the gorgeous 16th-Century Osaka Castle. You can either explore the grounds up close or hop on a Gozabune boat and admire the fortress from the water.

You also must make time for an evening wandering around Dotonbori street, where you鈥檒l find a mecca of food stalls. Try the kushikatsu 鈥� deep-fried skewers of meat or vegetables 鈥� at Daruma with its huge signboard of an angry-looking man.

You could also try Chibo, a restaurant that specialized in Okonomiyaki. And try takoyaki at Kukuru.

4. Japan鈥檚 second-largest city is Yokohama

PL 62, a Hateruma-class patrol vessel of the Japan Coast Guard, and another Japan Coast Guard cutter were seen in Yokohama harbor on 10 November 2010. Photo by Chris Jantsch –

Yokohama is Japan鈥檚 second-largest city and despite being less than 30 minutes away from Tokyo (on the bullet trains), it鈥檚 a bustling metropolis of its own. Situated on a bay, Yokohama is home to a large foreign community.

You鈥檒l find the international influences in the architectural styles and culinary experiences. One of the most interesting attractions in the city is the Ramen Museum. Here you can learn everything there is to know about this noodle, and of course sample every type you can imagine.

After you鈥檝e filled up on ramen, head to the Kirin Beer Village. Here you can partake in a free tour of the brewing facilities as well as enjoy a free tasting at the end! There鈥檚 no better way to end off a day exploring the streets of Yokohama.

5. During winter, Sapporo city should be top of your list place to visit

Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara-20091013-RM-122400. Foyer of the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara. Photo by Ermell –

Sapporo is a top city to visit in Japan for winter activities. It鈥檚 famous for its many ski resorts that offer skiers perfect powder snow conditions as well as night-skiing activities.

The Sapporo Snow Festival, which happens at the beginning of February, is also an exciting thing to see. Sculptors from across the country carve ice statues and castles. These ice sculptors are illuminated at night with bright lights, making for a magical winter wonderland setting.

In town, stroll around the Historical Village of Hokkaido, and don鈥檛 miss the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. Their white chocolate specialty is to die for.

6. Nara city is populated with shrines and temples

Nara National Museum in Nara, Nara prefecture, Japan. Photo by 663highland –

This is one of the best cities in Japan for tourists looking for historic sites and cultural experiences. The walkable city is populated with shrines and temples that showcase stunning Japanese architecture and art.

The surrounding rolling hills also make for a picturesque backdrop to the city. The most impressive attraction in Nara is the Great Buddha statue located within the Todai-Ji-temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Once you have explored the temple, head to Nara Park, where over 1000 friendly deer roam freely (this is also a great spot for cherry blossom viewing in season).

If you want to take a day trip from Kyoto it will take you less than an hour to travel there on a high-speed train. However, if you want to immerse yourself in all this small town has to offer, spend a night at the Marriot Hotel Nara.  

7. The Kobe Fashion Museum and the Maritime Museum are sceneries to visit while in Kobe city

Night view of Rokk艒 Island and Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Japan from Mount Maya. Photo by Laitr Keiows –

Kobe is situated in a picture-perfect location with the sea on one side and the Rokko Mountains on the other. Great activities in the city include visiting the Kobe Fashion Museum and the Maritime Museum, which highlight the importance of the sea in the city鈥檚 development.

The all-marble Jain Temple is a sacred and religious sight worth visiting. After you have marveled at the temple, climb the Kobe Port for panoramic views of the city. It鈥檚 particularly beautiful at dusk when the sun starts to go down and the city lights begin to twinkle.

For adventure seekers, Mount Rokko is the perfect place for an afternoon hike. End off your day of adventures with a Kobe beef experience, arguably the best meat you鈥檒l ever taste.