The ultimate guide for places to visit in Japan

Osaka is home to a thriving culinary scene, with the local motto being roughly translated as "eat 'til you drop". Thankfully, it is also a great choice for those wanting to sample plenty of local delicacies on a budget. Along with its sleek, fashionable coffee shops and Michelin starred restaurants, the city is one of the top places to visit in Japan to enjoy fresh and tasty street food. You can find vendors serving up everything from grilled fish to takoyaki (savoury pancakes) here. Head to Kuromon Ichiba Market to see many types of fish and produce, and perhaps pull up a stool and one of the food stalls.

It almost goes without saying that the capital city is one of the best places to go in Japan to try the local fare. Tokyo has it all; trendy cafes and coffee shops, tantalising street food, bustling markets, vegan restaurants, and much more. Fine dining is also easy to find - Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. If you are looking for cosy traditional spots, you can't go wrong with a visit to the historic neighbourhoods of Yanaka and Nezu, which have both retained their old town atmosphere and offer the chance to dine in intimate and authentic eateries.

Kanazawa is another of the best Japanese cities for foodies. While the city may be best known for its historical districts and traditional architecture, it also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with diverse delights on offer. Omicho Market is a great place to start to immerse yourself in the daily eating habits of the locals, and there are also plenty of cosy izakaya and traditional tea houses to take advantage of. While you're in the city, don't miss the chance to try Kanazawa curry. This distinct dish differs from other Japanese curries thanks to its dark colour and thick consistency, and it is also happily affordable.

With its temples, shrines and traditional wooden buildings, it is not surprising that Kyoto is considered one of the best places in Japan to soak up the local culture. This former capital city still plays host to a variety of fascinating traditions, including tea ceremonies, in which participants don a kimono and are guided through each step in the 45-minute tea making process, and kaiseki meals, which consist of numerous elegant dishes. Kyoto is, of course, also famous for its Gion district, where geisha still perform at banquets and can often be spotted in the streets in their exquisite kimonos and perfectly applied makeup. The city is also one of the best places to witness the beloved cherry blossoms season every spring, and the frenzy that surrounds it.

Tokyo is a paradise for culture lovers. With art galleries, museums and theatres aplenty, as well as the rather less highbrow maid cafes and themed restaurants, there is something to do at any time of the day. The capital also happens to be one of the best places to visit in Japan to see another of the country's unique cultural offerings - sumo wrestling. A number of the "sumo stables" in the Ryogoku area are open to visitors, allowing you to see the wrestlers practising, and the city also hosts official tournaments three times a year, in January, May, and September.

Nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and boasting beautiful views of Mt Fuji, Hakone is a charming town that is perhaps best known for its ample onsen. However, after enjoying a dip in a hot spring, there is plenty of culture to explore here. The spa town has a burgeoning art scene, with a number of museums here and nearby. These include the sculpture-filled Open Air Museum, the Venetian Glass Museum, the Pola Museum of Art, exhibiting works by the likes of Monet and Renoit, and Hakone Art Museum, which is also home to a charming multi-theme garden. What's more, being around a 90-minute train ride from Tokyo, it is an easy destination for day trips from the capital.