[Japan Travel Guide] Must-See Classic Spots and Food to Enjoy on Your First Trip

Kyoto is in the Kansai region, slightly west of central Honshu.
Since it was once Japan’s capital, it has many historic structures, including numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and properties designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Another highlight is the harmony between its beautiful seasonal landscapes and streetscapes filled with a distinctly Japanese atmosphere and sense of elegance.
Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine), developed over Kyoto’s long history, features dishes flavored with dashi broth and seasonal ingredients—one of the pleasures of sightseeing in Kyoto.
While you’re there, be sure to try Kyo-ryori and enjoy classic Japanese flavors to the fullest.
If Kyoto is on your list, the article below is also a helpful reference for classic sightseeing spots.

Tokyo is located in the southern part of the Kanto region and is also close to central Honshu.
It’s Japan’s capital, with a population of Approx. 14 million. It’s the country’s center, home to businesses, institutions, and countless commercial facilities.
With so many people, a diverse culture has formed, and Tokyo is also a place that sets cutting-edge trends.
There are bustling districts known for being trend hubs, where you can enjoy shopping and food as well.
At the same time, Tokyo also has “shitamachi” neighborhoods where traditional Japanese culture remains strong—one of the city’s charms is being able to experience modern Japan and old Japan in one trip.
The article below features a carefully selected list of spots you won’t want to miss when sightseeing in Tokyo.
If Tokyo interests you, be sure to read it too.

Osaka is in the Kansai region on the western side of Honshu.
It’s the largest city in Kansai and the second-largest city in Japan after Tokyo.
Osaka is famous as a food city, where you can enjoy local specialties born from its unique food culture, including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.
Beyond food, Osaka also offers plenty of attractions, from theme parks such as Universal Studios Japan and an aquarium to places where you can experience history and culture, including Osaka Castle.
The article below introduces must-visit spots for sightseeing in Osaka, so use it as a reference as well.

Yamanashi borders Tokyo and is located in the southern part of the Chubu region.
Its biggest draws are natural landscapes such as the surrounding mountains, Mt. Fuji—Japan’s symbol—and Lake Yamanaka.
From fall foliage to the changing scenery of each season, the views are beautiful, and they’re even better with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Thanks to its basin climate, Yamanashi is known for fruit cultivation, and you can enjoy delicious seasonal fruit throughout the year.
Grapes are another specialty, and Koshu wine made in Yamanashi is popular nationwide.
If you’d like to learn more about Yamanashi, check out the article below, which introduces a carefully selected list of sightseeing spots.

Nagoya is a city in Aichi Prefecture in the Chubu region, near the center of Honshu.
In addition to leisure facilities such as an amusement park, aquarium, and science museum, it also has plenty of spots where you can feel culture and history, including Nagoya Castle and various shrines and temples.
Local specialties such as miso katsu, hitsumabushi, and chicken wings are well known and form Nagoya’s unique food culture.
These are called “Nagoya-meshi” and are extremely popular nationwide.
For those who want to enjoy both food and sightseeing, the article below introduces carefully selected picks for both. Read it along with this one to learn more about what makes Nagoya so appealing.

Nara is in the southern part of the Kansai region and, in terms of Honshu overall, it’s located in the west.
It’s rich in national treasures and Important Cultural Properties recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Todai-ji Temple, and it’s also known for preserving many Buddhist statues in addition to architecture.
Nara has a longer history than Kyoto and was once Japan’s capital as well.
It’s an appealing place where you can feel a uniquely Japanese atmosphere and history. Because it shares the advantage of easy access, many visitors pair it with a trip to Kyoto.
The article below compiles sightseeing spots where you can fully enjoy the charm of historic Nara—be sure to take a look.

Fukuoka is located in the northern part of the Kyushu region.
With Fukuoka Airport serving as a gateway to Kyushu, it’s extremely convenient to reach by plane.
It also offers international flights, so it’s widely used by travelers from overseas, including Taiwan.
Fukuoka is known for great food such as ramen, motsunabe, and mentaiko.
Beyond food, highlights include sightseeing spots like Fukuoka Tower and an aquarium, as well as shrines and temples such as Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
With both the sea and mountains nearby, you can also enjoy abundant nature.
Fukuoka packs diverse attractions into a compact area.
If you’re interested, check out the article below, which introduces carefully selected sightseeing spots to help you enjoy Fukuoka to the fullest.

Located southwest of Honshu, Okinawa is made up of around 150 islands and is a resort destination known for its clear waters.
With a warm climate year-round, it also has a distinctly tropical feel.
In Okinawa’s biggest draw—its beautifully blue sea—you can enjoy a wide range of marine sports.
Okinawa has a history as the Ryukyu Kingdom, once an independent state separate from Japan.
Starting with Shuri Castle, one of Okinawa’s symbols, there are many places where you can catch a glimpse of its unique history and culture.
The article below introduces Okinawa’s appeal and recommended sightseeing spots, as it’s one of Japan’s best-known destinations.
Be sure to read it as well.

Kanagawa lies south of Tokyo, in the southern part of the Kanto region.
Within Kanagawa, sightseeing spots can be divided into several areas, including places where you can enjoy marine sports while taking in nature, relaxation spots like Hakone Onsen (a famous hot spring area), and the Yokohama and Kawasaki areas where you can feel modern trends and an urban vibe.
Kanagawa itself isn’t very large, but it’s packed with attractions that offer many ways to enjoy the area and experience its culture.
The article below introduces a carefully selected list of sightseeing spots within Kanagawa Prefecture.
Be sure to read it along with this one.

Hokkaido sits at the northernmost end of the Japanese archipelago and has a vast landscape.
Expansive flower fields, drift ice, and seas of clouds are natural scenes you can experience only in Hokkaido.
There’s no shortage of attractions—zoos, shrines and temples, parks where you can enjoy nature—but Hokkaido’s greatest appeal is its food.
Local specialties like fresh seafood, Ishikari nabe, and jingisukan are all outstanding.
When you visit Hokkaido, don’t just tour the sights—be sure to enjoy the food as well.
The article below introduces a carefully selected list of sightseeing spots in Hokkaido.
If Hokkaido interests you, be sure to check it out.

Straddling Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain, at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet).
It’s also considered a symbol of Japan. In 2013, it was recognized as an object of worship and a source of artistic inspiration and was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Its 25 component parts include surrounding shrines, climbing routes, lava tree molds, and lakes.
With its beautiful conical shape, Mt. Fuji has long served as a subject for countless paintings and literary works.

Amanohashidate is counted as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, alongside Matsushima in Rikuzen (Miyagi Prefecture) and Miyajima in Aki (Hiroshima Prefecture). This sandbar is Approx. 3.6 km (2.2 miles) long and Approx. 20 m to 170 m (66 ft to 558 ft) wide, and it’s covered with around 5,000 pine trees. Formed by nature over thousands of years, its mystical landscape has been selected for many “Top 100” lists, including Japan’s Top 100 Famous Pines, Top 100 White Sand and Green Pine Sites in Japan, Top 100 Beaches in Japan, and Top 100 Beautiful Historical Landscapes of Japan.

Opened in 2000, Tsunoshima Bridge connects the mainland side of Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture to the remote island of Tsunoshima. At 1,780 meters (5,840 feet) long, it’s one of Japan’s longest toll-free bridges to a remote island.
Located within the Kita-Nagato Kaigan Quasi-National Park, it was designed with its surroundings in mind, keeping the height of the piers to 18 meters (59 feet).
Because the road is close to sea level, you can enjoy a drive while feeling the ocean up close.
Rather than connecting the mainland and Tsunoshima in a straight line, the bridge detours around Hato Island at the midpoint, creating a gentle curve that’s especially beautiful.

When you think of spring in Japan, it’s hard not to picture breathtaking scenery filled with cherry blossoms—one of Japan’s most iconic natural views.
Here are three spots chosen as Japan’s Three Great Cherry Blossom Destinations, known for especially beautiful scenes during sakura season.

When you think of summer scenery, you might picture lush greenery or the ocean.
In Japan, many people also imagine fireworks filling the night sky and food stalls gathered at festival grounds as a quintessential summer scene.
That’s because fireworks festivals held every summer have become a hallmark of the season.
If you’re traveling to Japan in summer, be sure to attend a fireworks festival—one of Japan’s classic seasonal traditions.
Here are Japan’s three biggest and most popular fireworks festivals among the many held throughout the country.

In autumn, trees in the mountains and on shrine and temple grounds turn brilliant shades of red and yellow.
Those vibrant fall colors carry a strong sense of Japan’s seasonal beauty and atmosphere.
If you want to enjoy autumn in Japan, fall foliage viewing is a must.
Here are Japan’s Three Great Fall Foliage Destinations—especially popular spots where you can see beautiful autumn scenery.

In winter, some parts of Japan see snowfall depending on the region.
Sightseeing spots, mountains, and lakes covered in snow offer a completely different appeal from other seasons.
Here, we’ll introduce some especially popular scenic spots where you can enjoy snowy landscapes.

Ramen is a noodle dish made with Chinese-style noodles and broth, typically topped with ingredients such as chashu pork, bamboo shoots, seasoned egg, and nori seaweed.
There are many types of ramen, but they’re generally categorized by the flavor of the broth.
They’re often divided into four main types: soy sauce, salt, miso, and tonkotsu (pork bone).
Not only does the broth change the flavor, but the noodles’ thickness and the toppings can create a completely different taste as well.
Even within the same style of ramen, flavors can vary widely from one restaurant to another.
Every region has its own local ramen, and more and more people are traveling specifically to try it.

Tempura is a staple of Japanese cuisine, but it’s said to have originated from a dish introduced from Portugal.
Seafood such as shrimp and vegetables are coated in tempura batter and deep-fried in oil.
Its appeal lies in the concentrated flavor of the ingredients and the light, crispy texture.
Because the ingredients’ natural flavors come through clearly, it’s also a great way to appreciate them, and while the process is simple, techniques like controlling the heat are surprisingly deep.
Tempura is now enjoyed across Japan, but Nagasaki and Tokyo are especially well known for it.
If you visit Nagasaki or Tokyo, be sure to give it a try.

Sushi is a Japanese dish made by combining vinegared rice (called shari) with toppings such as seafood.
The toppings are called neta, and while seafood is common, meat or vegetables may also be used.
The best-known bite-sized style is called nigiri sushi, and there are other types as well, such as maki sushi and chirashi sushi.
Its appeal lies in flavors that change depending on the type and freshness of the toppings, and it’s also interesting how strongly the maker’s skill is reflected in the final result.
The way the umami of the neta—often seafood—blends with vinegared rice in your mouth is outstanding.
Because raw fish is commonly used, sushi is a dish that lets you strongly feel Japanese culture, even among Japanese foods.

With a natural flow rate of at least 32,300 liters per minute—the highest in Japan—Kusatsu Onsen is also known for its highly acidic source waters and strong antibacterial properties.
The town’s symbol, Yubatake, features natural hot spring water continuously gushing up amid rising steam and the scent of sulfur, at a rate of 4,000 liters per minute. With walkways and benches nearby, it’s a great place for a stroll.
The onsen town is lined with charming inns, and you’ll also find cafes serving menus made with local specialties and plenty of nostalgic souvenirs—explore at your own pace and enjoy the atmosphere.

A famed hot spring that represents Kansai, bubbling up at the northern foot of Mt. Rokko.
It’s a historic onsen mentioned in Japan’s oldest chronicles, Nihon Shoki and Fudoki, and it’s also counted as one of Japan’s “Three Ancient Hot Springs.”
Loved by many famous figures—emperors, feudal lords, writers, and artists—Toyotomi Hideyoshi is particularly known for frequently visiting for therapeutic bathing.
Though it’s surrounded by lush nature that hardly feels like Kobe City, the area is also lined with renowned ryokan, and its atmospheric hot spring town charms visitors.

Gero Onsen is a historic famed hot spring said to have been discovered either during the Engi era (901–923) or the Tenryaku era (947–957).
Records also say Oda Nobunaga loved it and often traveled there for therapeutic bathing.
Another major appeal is how the hot spring town stretches along the clear-flowing Hida River, with sights and ryokan gathered within an easy-to-walk area from JR Gero Station.
In the town, you’ll find the free Funsenchi open-air bath that bubbles up along the riverbank, three public bathhouses you can enjoy like a local sento, and nine footbaths scattered along the streets—making it easy to experience the quality waters casually while interacting with local residents.

Universal Studios Japan—widely known as USJ—is a large theme park enjoyed by everyone from kids to adults.
The park is divided into different areas with distinct themes, bringing together world-class entertainment and letting you enjoy a variety of immersive worlds.
Popular attractions include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an evolved immersive attraction that brings the Wizarding World to life and has won a world No. 1 ride award for five consecutive years, and Minion Mayhem, where you race around and get launched through chaos with special goggles.

A large theme park Approx. 15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station, beloved with the catchphrase “The Kingdom of Dreams and Magic.” The park is made up of the following seven themed lands.
Fantasyland, where fairy-tale dreams come true; World Bazaar, inspired by early 20th-century American streets; Adventureland, where adventure awaits; Westernland, filled with the romance of the 19th-century American frontier; Critter Country, themed around “a home for small animals”; Toontown, the town where Mickey Mouse and his friends live; and Tomorrowland, depicting a world of the future.

A popular spot where you can immerse yourself in the world of Studio Ghibli films. It consists of five areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches.
Valley of Witches, which opened in 2024, is inspired by Studio Ghibli films featuring witches, such as Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle.
Buildings such as Okiya House, where Kiki grew up in Kiki’s Delivery Service, can be viewed inside as well (some buildings require the Ghibli Park O-Sanpo Premium Pass, described later).