If it’s your first time in Japan, one thing is certain: it won’t be your last. With a rich blend of ancient traditions, futuristic cities, mouthwatering cuisine, and jaw-dropping natural landscapes, Japan feels like a world unto itself. But where should you go on your first visit?
This guide breaks down the 12 must-visit destinations for first-time travelers to Japan, each offering a unique slice of Japanese culture, beauty, and experience. Whether you’re planning a 10-day whirlwind or a month-long immersion, these are the places you absolutely should not miss in 2025.
1. Tokyo – The Heartbeat of Modern Japan
No first trip to Japan is complete without Tokyo. This sprawling metropolis is a sensory overload in the best possible way—where ancient shrines hide behind skyscrapers, robots serve ramen, and each neighborhood feels like its own mini-city.
Explore Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world. Shop in Harajuku, feast in Tsukiji Outer Market, and find serenity at Meiji Shrine. At night, dive into the izakaya (Japanese pub) scene in Golden Gai or explore futuristic Odaiba.
Don’t Miss:
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TeamLab Planets (immersive digital art museum)
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Sushi omakase at a local counter bar
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A ride up Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views
Pro Tip: Get a Suica/Pasmo card to easily use trains, and download Google Translate + Japan Travel apps.
2. Kyoto – Japan’s Spiritual Soul
If Tokyo is the future, Kyoto is the past. Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, including the gold-leaf-covered Kinkaku-ji, the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, and the zen rock gardens of Ryoan-ji.
In Gion, you might spot a geisha slipping between tea houses. In Arashiyama, walk through the whispering bamboo forest and visit friendly macaques on Monkey Mountain.
Don’t Miss:
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Traditional kaiseki dinner
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Tea ceremony experience
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Kimono rental for a day of temple-hopping
Pro Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tourist crowds—especially at Fushimi Inari.
3. Osaka – Food Capital of Japan
Known as the kitchen of Japan, Osaka is where you go to eat your heart out. It’s gritty, loud, and bursting with flavor and personality. Wander through Dotonbori with its glowing signs, sample street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake), then head to Shinsekai for retro vibes.
Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, and the Osaka Aquarium are great for families, while nightlife lovers will enjoy the lively bar scene in Namba.
Don’t Miss:
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Kuromon Ichiba Market for food stalls
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Night views from Umeda Sky Building
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Day trip to Nara or Kobe (both under 1 hour)
Pro Tip: Osaka people are super friendly—don’t hesitate to chat or ask for directions!
4. Nara – Japan’s Ancient Capital (and Deer Paradise)
Just a short train ride from Kyoto or Osaka, Nara is the perfect day trip. It’s home to some of Japan’s oldest and most significant temples, including Todai-ji, where the world’s largest bronze Buddha sits inside a giant wooden hall.
But the real stars? The over 1,200 free-roaming deer in Nara Park. They’re considered sacred messengers of the gods—and they’ll bow for crackers.
Don’t Miss:
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Feeding deer (but protect your pockets!)
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Kasuga Taisha Shrine’s glowing lantern halls
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Mount Wakakusa for panoramic views
Pro Tip: Visit early morning before the tour buses arrive.
5. Hakone – Hot Springs and Mount Fuji Views
Need a break from the city? Head to Hakone, just 90 minutes from Tokyo, for fresh mountain air, soothing onsens (hot springs), and picture-perfect views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Take the Hakone Ropeway, sail on a pirate ship across Lake Ashi, and soak in open-air baths at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn).
Don’t Miss:
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Hakone Open-Air Museum
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Owakudani volcanic valley (black eggs!)
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Romantic train ride on the Hakone Tozan Line
Pro Tip: Book a private onsen room if you have tattoos, as some public baths restrict them.
6. Hiroshima – Peace, Resilience, and Remarkable Food
While Hiroshima carries the heavy history of the atomic bomb, it’s also a vibrant, hopeful city filled with culture and flavor. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to understand the past, then enjoy the energy of today’s Hiroshima with local food and art.
Nearby, take a ferry to Miyajima Island, where Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on water during high tide—a true postcard moment.
Don’t Miss:
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Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-style)
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Atomic Bomb Dome (UNESCO site)
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Friendly deer and ropeway views on Miyajima
Pro Tip: Buy the Hiroshima One Day Pass for trams and ferry.
7. Kanazawa – Kyoto Without the Crowds
Kanazawa is often called “Little Kyoto” for good reason—samurai districts, tea houses, geisha quarters, and Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. The difference? Far fewer tourists.
The city blends traditional charm with modern art (check out the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art) and offers stunning seafood from the Sea of Japan.
Don’t Miss:
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Omicho Market
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Higashi Chaya District
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Gold leaf ice cream!
Pro Tip: The Hokuriku Shinkansen makes Kanazawa an easy, scenic ride from Tokyo in 2.5 hours.
8. Takayama – Old-World Japan in the Mountains
Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a beautifully preserved town of Edo-period streets, wooden buildings, and morning markets. It’s peaceful, atmospheric, and ideal for those wanting to step back in time.
Takayama is also the gateway to the Shirakawa-go village—known for its thatched-roof farmhouses and snow-covered fairytale winters.
Don’t Miss:
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Sanmachi Suji historic district
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Local sake breweries
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Day trip to Shirakawa-go
Pro Tip: Go in spring or autumn for the seasonal festivals and fewer crowds.
9. Nikko – Shrines, Waterfalls, and Sacred Mountains
A sacred site since the 8th century, Nikko is home to Toshogu Shrine, the lavish resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu (the shogun who united Japan). The town is surrounded by national parks, waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails.
Just two hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is perfect for an overnight stay or a long day trip.
Don’t Miss:
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Kegon Falls
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Lake Chuzenji
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Shinkyo Bridge at sunrise
Pro Tip: Bring layers—even in summer, the mountain air can be cool.
10. Naoshima – Japan’s Art Island
For something totally different, head to Naoshima, a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea transformed into an open-air art paradise. Here, museums and architecture by Tadao Ando blend into the natural landscape, and colorful Yayoi Kusama pumpkins dot the beaches.
It’s peaceful, quirky, and visually stunning—ideal for travelers who love art, nature, and quiet reflection.
Don’t Miss:
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Chichu Art Museum
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Benesse House
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I♥湯 art bathhouse
Pro Tip: Book lodging in advance—space is limited, especially in spring.
11. Fukuoka – Japan’s Friendliest City
Located on Japan’s southern Kyushu island, Fukuoka is laid-back, sunny, and bursting with amazing food. It’s famous for tonkotsu ramen, open-air yatai street food stalls, and being one of the most livable cities in the world.
If you want authentic, crowd-free Japan with warm hospitality, Fukuoka is the place.
Don’t Miss:
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Ramen Stadium
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Ohori Park
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Canal City shopping complex
Pro Tip: It’s a great gateway to Beppu (onsens) and Kumamoto (castles and mountains).
12. Mount Koya (Koyasan) – A Night in a Buddhist Temple
For a truly spiritual experience, head to Mount Koya, one of Japan’s holiest mountains. Here, you can stay in a real Buddhist temple, sleep on tatami mats, eat vegetarian monk’s cuisine (shojin ryori), and attend early morning prayers.
Wander through Okunoin Cemetery, lit with thousands of lanterns, and feel a connection to Japan’s spiritual side that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Don’t Miss:
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Danjo Garan temple complex
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Night tour of Okunoin
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Meditation sessions with monks
Pro Tip: Bring cash—most temples and guesthouses don’t accept cards.
✨ Final Tips for First-Time Travelers to Japan
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Cash is still king. Always carry some yen—especially outside big cities.
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Etiquette matters. Learn a few key customs like bowing, removing shoes, and being quiet on trains.
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Plan early. Hotels and transport can book up, especially during cherry blossom (late March–April) and autumn foliage (October–November) seasons.
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Buy a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to take multiple long-distance train rides.
