Don't Miss These Highlights When You Explore Japan
Ancient tradition and modern innovation coexist beautifully in Japan. From futuristic cities and tranquil temples to unforgettable meals and scenic journeys, the country offers experiences that linger long after the trip ends. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to see, do and eat when you explore Japan.
Explore Japan’s Iconic Cities
Tokyo: Modern Energy Meets Deep Tradition
Tokyo dazzles with its blend of high-tech excitement and cultural heritage. A walk through Shibuya Crossing offers a taste of the city’s nonstop rhythm, while a visit to Asakusa introduces you to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Travelers looking for something unique often find themselves mesmerized by the immersive digital art installations at teamLab Planets. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Akihabara and Harajuku reveal subcultures, fashion, electronics and pop culture at every corner.
Kyoto: The Cultural Heart of Japan
Kyoto invites a slower pace. The vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari stretch into the mountains, creating one of Japan’s most iconic photographic scenes. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, shimmers above its reflective pond, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove surrounds you in a surreal, emerald-tinted world. Kyoto is also one of the best places to experience traditional tea ceremonies, kimono rentals or a multi-course kaiseki meal that highlights the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
Osaka: Food, Fun and a Friendly Vibe
Osaka is known as “Japan’s Kitchen," and for good reason. The Dotonbori district glows with neon and sizzles with street food: takoyaki, okonomiyaki and skewers grilled right in front of you. Beyond its food scene, Osaka Castle offers a glimpse into the country’s feudal history, and Universal Studios Japan brings blockbuster entertainment to life, including the wildly popular Super Nintendo World.
Hiroshima and Miyajima: History and Natural Beauty
Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum offer powerful reflections on the past. A short ferry ride away, Miyajima Island welcomes visitors with forests, friendly deer and the famous “floating" torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, a breathtaking sight at high tide.
Traveling Japan by Train
One of the joys of exploring Japan is traveling by train. The shinkansen, or bullet train, is fast, efficient, clean and remarkably comfortable. Journeys like Tokyo to Kyoto glide by in just over two hours, offering views of cities, countryside and—on clear days—Mount Fuji.
Travelers who expect to hop between multiple regions often benefit from the Japan Rail Pass, which provides unlimited rides on most JR trains for a set number of days. Even local trains are a delight, connecting small towns, hot spring villages and scenic countryside with ease.
Scenic Cruises and Waterfront Adventures
Japan’s coastal geography makes it a wonderful place to explore by water. In Tokyo, cruises along the Sumida River or Tokyo Bay offer stunning skyline views, especially at sunset. The Hakone region features peaceful lake cruises with Mount Fuji as a dramatic backdrop.
For travelers seeking multi-day sea journeys, Japan is an increasingly popular cruise destination, with routes linking ports like Yokohama, Kobe and Nagasaki. These cruises often combine modern Japanese cities with historic coastal towns and nearby countries, making them an excellent way to experience both Japan’s maritime culture and its diverse landscapes.
Unmissable Food Experiences
A trip to Japan is inseparable from its cuisine. The country’s food scene ranges from high-end sushi counters to humble street stalls that have perfected a single dish over generations. In Tokyo, savor fresh sushi at markets or cozy neighborhood shops. Ramen lovers will find regional variations everywhere—rich tonkotsu in Fukuoka, miso ramen in Hokkaido and soy-based broths in Tokyo.
Kyoto’s delicately prepared kaiseki meals showcase seasonal ingredients, while Osaka’s street food stalls offer bold, flavorful bites perfect for casual grazing. Don’t leave without trying wagyu beef, Japanese curry, tempura or a warm bowl of udon or soba. Convenience stores, surprisingly, are also part of the culinary adventure, with bento boxes, rice balls and desserts that are far better than you might expect.
Unique Experiences to Add to Your Itinerary
Japan’s magic lies in its variety. You can soak in a steaming outdoor onsen surrounded by snow, stay in a traditional ryokan with tatami mats and futons or wander through preserved Edo-era streets in Kanazawa or Takayama. Seasonal experiences, such as cherry blossom viewing in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in November, also make trips unforgettable.
Fans of Studio Ghibli can explore the Ghibli Museum or the new Ghibli Park, while nature lovers can hike in the Japanese Alps or visit the volcanic landscapes of Kyushu.
Enjoy Your Journey!
Japan is a country where every day brings something new: an unexpected flavor, a moment of calm, a neon-lit surprise or a piece of living history. Whether you’re riding the shinkansen across the countryside, drifting along a quiet bay, savoring world-class cuisine or exploring ancient temples, the journey is as memorable as the destinations themselves.
With rich traditions, modern wonders and endless opportunities for discovery, Japan promises a trip filled with experiences that stay with you long after you return home.