What are the best cities to visit in Japan for first-time visitors?

Compare Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, Kanazawa and Sapporo by what each is known for, so you can match cities to your interests and season.

Published October 20, 2026 at 11:52 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are the usual first choices, with Nara, Hiroshima, Kanazawa and Sapporo common additions. Tokyo suits modern city life and food, Kyoto temples and gardens, Osaka food and nightlife, Hiroshima history and Miyajima, Nara deer and old temples, Kanazawa gardens, and Sapporo snow and ramen. The best city depends on your interests and season.

How to think about "best" cities

There is no single best city in Japan, because each place offers a different mix of history, food, nature and city life. First-time visitors often pick Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka because they are connected by the Tokaido Shinkansen (the high-speed "bullet train") and cover a wide range of experiences in one trip.

A useful way to choose is to start with what you enjoy. If you love big-city energy, shopping and food variety, Tokyo and Osaka stand out. If you prefer temples, gardens and old streets, Kyoto, Nara and Kanazawa suit you. If history and reflection matter, Hiroshima is a frequent choice. If seasonal nature and food are priorities, Sapporo is worth considering.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) publishes destination pages for each of these cities. Use them to compare the cities side by side, and then check how the places connect by train before building a route, since a famous city that is awkward to reach may not fit a short trip.

Tokyo: the modern capital

JNTO describes Tokyo as a mix of tradition and innovation, with districts that include Shinjuku for office towers and small bars, Asakusa for historic temples, Harajuku and Shibuya for youth culture, Ginza for upscale shopping and Akihabara for electronics, games and anime. It also describes the city as known for its food, from casual ramen shops to fine dining.

The Wikipedia article says the Tokyo metropolis has about 14 million residents, and Tokyo Station is the hub of the Shinkansen network. This scale means there is always something to do, but it also means planning by area saves time.

Tokyo suits first-time visitors who want variety and a large choice of places to eat and stay. Many arrive here because of its two airports, Haneda and Narita, which JNTO lists as the main gateways, and the city makes a convenient starting point for rail travel toward Kyoto and beyond.

Kyoto and Nara: temples, gardens and old streets

Kyoto was the imperial capital from 794 until 1869, according to Wikipedia, and its Historic Monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. JNTO highlights shrines, temples, historic streets and the bamboo forest at Arashiyama. Kyoto is often busiest during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

Nara, about an hour from Kyoto by train, was Japan's first permanent capital, established in 710 according to Wikipedia. Its highlights include Todaiji Temple, which houses a large bronze Buddha, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the tame deer that roam Nara Park. JNTO notes that the park's deer are famous.

Both cities suit visitors interested in history, architecture and quiet gardens. They are also good for people who like walking, since many sights are close together. Check opening hours at each temple and shrine, as closing days differ.

Osaka, Hiroshima and Kanazawa

Osaka is known for food, with JNTO highlighting takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancakes), plus the neon-lit Dotonbori area and Osaka Castle. It suits travelers who want lively evenings and casual dining, and it is about an hour by train from Kyoto, according to JNTO.

Hiroshima is known for the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for Miyajima island with its torii gate in the sea. Its local okonomiyaki layers ingredients instead of mixing them, a difference JNTO mentions.

Kanazawa, on the Sea of Japan coast, is known for Kenrokuen garden, the Higashi Chaya district and Kanazawa Castle. Wikipedia notes that the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened there in March 2015 and cut the trip from Tokyo to roughly two and a half hours. It suits travelers who want traditional streets, gardens and crafts in a smaller city.

Sapporo and cities beyond the usual loop

Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido, is known for its Snow Festival in February, which Wikipedia says draws more than two million visitors, and for miso ramen and beer. Winter is the peak season for skiing and snow events, while summers are cooler than in much of Japan. It suits travelers who want northern scenery and winter activities.

Other cities such as Nagoya, Fukuoka, Kobe, Sendai and Takayama each have their own strengths, and JNTO's itinerary pages cover many of them. Fukuoka and Nagasaki, for example, are popular in Kyushu, while Takayama is a mountain town known for its old streets.

First-time visitors can start with the main loop and add a lesser-known city for variety. A short side trip can feel fresh because it is often calmer than the headline stops, and it gives a different view of regional food, crafts and local pace.

Who each city suits and common mistakes

Families may like Tokyo and Osaka for theme parks, museums and varied food, and Nara for its deer and open park space. Older travelers often enjoy Kanazawa and Kyoto for gardens, though many temple sites have steps and gravel paths. Solo travelers often find Tokyo and Osaka easy because of dense transit and many casual meals.

A common mistake is trying to include too many cities. Each added city brings a transfer day. Another is choosing a city only because it is famous, without checking whether it matches your interests or the season. For example, Sapporo is a different trip in February than in July.

Another is assuming every city is close. Distances are large, and some routes need several trains or a flight, so look at the actual travel time on an operator timetable before adding a far-off city to the list.

Choosing cities and booking next

Pick three to four cities for a 10 to 14 day trip, and give each at least two nights. Look at the JNTO destination page for each city, then check train options with the operators. Book early for spring blossom season, autumn leaves and holidays.

This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act. Travel times, ticket prices and opening hours change from season to season, so use the official pages of the operators and attractions for current details before you book anything.

If time is short, begin with Tokyo and Kyoto, then add Osaka or Nara for variety. If you have more time, consider Hiroshima or Kanazawa. If you love snow or northern food, add Sapporo, ideally with extra buffer days for winter weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for a first trip, Tokyo or Kyoto?

Neither is better in every way. Tokyo offers modern city life, food and variety, while Kyoto offers temples, gardens and historic streets. Most first-time visitors include both. If you must choose one, pick the style of trip you want most.

Is Hiroshima worth adding to a first trip?

Many visitors find it worthwhile for the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and nearby Miyajima. It takes extra travel time from Osaka or Kyoto, so plan at least one full day. Check current Shinkansen schedules before deciding.

Is Sapporo a good city for summer?

Yes. Wikipedia describes its summers as warm and humid but not oppressively hot, and the city hosts a summer festival with a beer garden in Odori Park. It is often cooler than central Japan, though weather varies, so check forecasts.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book 99 Things Japan Does Better Than Anyone Else is available on Amazon.

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