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.

Mishima is not only a city full of history and culture, but is also known as a gateway to Mount Fuji. Being located only an hour away from the famous peak, it is the perfect base for those wanting to hike to its 3780-metre summit, especially if you are wanting to set off in the early morning hours to see the sunrise. To enjoy the spectacular natural scenery of Mount Fuji without the climb, you can visit the Mishima Skywalk, the city's impressive suspension bridge that provides panoramic views of it.

The island of Miyajima is a highlight for many tourists who visit to marvel at the enigmatic Itsukushima Shrine and its huge torii gates that rise out of the water. However, we think the island also has plenty to offer nature lovers, with pretty walking routes and dense forest adorning the island. It is also home to a large number of deer, which often greet visitors as they arrive by ferry. Unlike in the famous Nara Deer Park, you are not allowed to feed the curious creatures, but they are usually happy to 'pose' for a photo. Miyajima also has resident tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dogs, which feature heavily in Japanese folklore.

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.

Located in Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto is classed as a core city and is the gateway to the Japanese Alps. In addition to plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing and fishing, the city offers plenty in the way of historical attractions. Its most famous sight, Matsumoto Castle, dates back to the 16th century and is one of Japan's oldest surviving castles. There are also a number of museums to stroll around, ranging from Kaichi School, a former 19th century primary school to the Ukiyo-e Ōta Memorial Museum of Art. The city also has historical hot springs in the form of Asama Onsen, where the noble classes once exclusively bathed in the therapeutic waters.

For a poignant but important glimpse at more modern Japanese history, you may wish to add Hiroshima to your itinerary. While the city was completely rebuilt after being devastated by the atomic bomb in 1945, its effects can still be seen today at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Located in the heart of the city, the park commemorates the tragic event through a museum, a Cenotaph and the Genbaku Dome, one of only several buildings that were left standing after the bomb hit.

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a treasure trove of historical wonders. Steeped in ancient heritage, Nara offers a unique glimpse into Japan's past with its well-preserved temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. At the heart of this historic city lies Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Wander through Nara Park, where friendly deer, considered sacred messengers, roam freely among the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, adorned with hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns.

Visit the ancient Kofuku-ji Temple, with its iconic five-story pagoda, and explore the cultural richness of Heijo Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the imperial residence.