The best things to do in Japan’s cities

Few countries can claim to be as unique and captivating as Japan. A true land of contrasts, the old blends with the new almost seamlessly, with glitzy skyscrapers and vibrant arts and culture perfectly juxtaposed with historic temples and ancient traditions. Visitors come to experience the distinct cultural practices and enigmatic surroundings, and rarely leave disappointed. From tea ceremonies to onsen bathing, travelling in Japan offers new and memorable experiences aplenty.
 
If you are planning a trip to this enchanting country and wondering exactly what to do in Japan, you'll find plenty of options to fill your itinerary. Whether you are heading to the bright lights of Tokyo or staying in a ryokan - a traditional Japanese inn - in the countryside, the country has plenty to keep you entertained. To help you on your way, we've created this guide of the best things to do in Japan by city. Read on to find inspiration for your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Each region of the country has its own delicacies and culinary traditions, drawn from the local culture and ecology. With this in mind, we've put together this guide to traditional Japanese food based on the country's eight regions. Without further ado, let's tuck in to the best dishes in each part of the country.

Tokyo

Japan's bustling capital is a heady mix of skyscrapers, neon lights, old temples and perfectly manicured gardens. The city's heart is the world's most densely populated metropolitan area, and the famous Shibuya crossing is a definite testament to this. Trendy yet traditional, Tokyo is the perfect place to enjoy superb dining, dynamic arts and cultural scenes, and historic entertainment like sumo.

Sensoji- The city's oldest temple has roots dating back to 645 AD. Located in the Asakusa district, an area famed for its traditional architecture and sights, Sensoji is one of the country's most important Buddhist sites and is surrounded by traditional food and craft stalls. Inside, you'll find impressive carvings and statues, beautiful painted ceilings and the chance to receive an omikuji - a paper fortune - for a small donation.

Tokyo Skytree-  Another of the best things to do in Tokyo, Japan's tallest man-made structure is worthy of a visit in order to marvel at the views of the city from the building's observation decks. There are two to choose from - one at 450 metres and one at 350 metres. On clear days you can see as far as Mount Fuji, and the nighttime view is equally spectacular, when the city is at its glittering best.

Yanaka & Nezu-  Enjoy a true taste of the traditional in the Yanaka and Nezu neighbourhoods. These areas of the city have managed to retain their sense of old Tokyo, and you'll find authentic izakayas, wooden houses and cosy coffee shops dotted along their narrow alleys, all with a more laid-back pace than elsewhere in the capital.
 

Hiroshima

Best known for the tragic event in 1945 that would become synonymous with the city, Hiroshima is full of history. Having been all but destroyed by the atomic bomb, the city was rebuilt and today it is a vibrant, friendly destination with much more to its name than its sad history.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum -  Set inside the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, this museum is one of Japan's must-see attractions to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the atomic bombing. Established in 1955, the museum is home to an array of items that were salvaged from the wreckage, as well as video testimonials from the survivors and a general history of Hiroshima

Miyajima Island -  Located a 45-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima city, this island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine. One of the country's most beloved tourist attractions, the shrine is built over the water, with a torii gate that sits proudly at its entrance. The island is also home to a large number of docile deer, who will often greet visitors off the boat in the hope of securing scraps of food.

Hiroshima Castle - Also known as Carp Castle, this structure dates back to the late 16th century. The original castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. It was partially rebuilt in the 1950s, and now its keep houses a museum detailing the history of the castle and other important structures in Japan, and also offers a superb view of the moat and city. If you visit the castle on a Sunday you may be lucky enough to catch a samurai performance, held weekly at 1:30pm and 3:00pm.

Nara
Famed for its temples, giant Buddha and friendly deer, Nara is brimming with fascinating things to do. As a former capital of Japan, the city boasts a wealth of history as well as plenty of Buddhist art and architecture, some of which have survived from the 8th century. It's also a great place to unwind, with natural hot springs close by.

Nara Park - Situated in the centre of the city, this expansive park is home to a number of attractions, including temples and museums. It is the semi-wild deer that reside here that make a visit to the park one of the most popular things to do in Japan. There are around 1200 roaming free in the area, which are tame enough to be hand fed, providing an unforgettable experience for animal lovers.

Kasuga-taisha -  Another of Nara's most spectacular sights, and also located in Nara Park, is Kasuga-taisha. This Shinto shrine was built in the 8th century with the purpose of safeguarding the city, although it was subsequently rebuilt every 20 years until the 19th century. Inside are a large number of bronze lanterns, which are lit up twice a year for the Mantōrō festival. You can see the morning prayer service at the temple at 9am every day.

Todaiji Temple - Set inside Nara Park, this temple complex was built in 752 AD and was once the most important temple in the country. It is perhaps best known for being home to one of Japan's largest Buddha statues, measuring in at 15 metres, located in the impressively large wooden main hall.

Matsumoto
Located in Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto is a scenic city that is considered the gateway to the Japanese Alps. Home to historic attractions, trendy cafes, onsen and museums, Matsumoto dates back to the 8th century and has been an important and prosperous city since before the Edo period.

Matsumoto Castle - As the country's oldest surviving wooden castle, a visit here is among the most unique things to do in Japan. Constructed in the late 16th century and originally known as Fukashi Castle, this structure offers an authentic trip to old Japan and has been designated a National Treasure. If you brave the steep steps to the top, you are rewarded with a stunning view of the city.

Nakamachi Street - This pleasant street has been an important commerce hub since the 17th century. Today, a stroll along the street offers the chance to browse traditional goods, including ceramics and wooden carved items, or perhaps just soak up the atmosphere in one of the many cafes lining the route.

Japan Ukiyo-e Museum - This privately owned museum houses the world's largest collection of ukiyo-e (woodblock prints).

Osaka
Japan's third-largest city may not be considered as aesthetic as the likes of Kyoto and Tokyo, but Osaka has plenty to offer visitors. This port city boasts tantalising and affordable food, vibrant nightlife, and unique sights, and it is also considered one of the best places to witness the famous cherry blossoms.

Dotonbori- If you're looking for late night things to do in Osaka, Japan's nightlife can be sampled at its best here. This entertainment district sits adjacent to the canal and comes alive in the evening with bars and izakaya set amid neon lights and flashing billboards, including the Glico running man. It's also a great place to try the famed Osaka street food, with plenty of stalls lining the streets.

Osaka Castle - When this castle was first constructed in 1583 it was the largest castle of its time. Sadly, its main tower collapsed in 1665 after being struck by lightning, and it wasn't rebuilt until 1931. Inside the castle is a fantastic array of artefacts, as well as an observation deck on the eighth floor that offers panoramic views. The castle complex encompasses a number of other structures and the Nishinomaru Garden, home to 600 cherry trees and a teahouse.

 
Kuromon Ichiba Market -  This covered market is home to approximately 150 shops, selling everything from meat and seafood to souvenirs and crafts. There are also a number of street food vendors. It's a great place to wander through to become immersed in everyday life and sample the city's various traditional dishes as well as other Japanese food.

Kanazawa 
As the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is an important city that is home to traditional arts, fascinating museums and neighbourhoods dating back to the Edo period. The city can be reached from Tokyo in 2.5 hours on the bullet train.

Higashi-Chaya District - This charming area of the city is one of the few remaining Geisha districts, and is lined with tea houses and shops selling traditional Japanese handicrafts. Kanazawa is famed for its gold-leaf, and it is in this district that you can find such products, with the Hakuza shop even boasting a tearoom with gold-leaf covered walls.

 
Kenroku-en Garden - This pretty garden dates back to the Edo period and covers an area of around 25 acres. It is considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and has been carefully designed to remain so in every season. Winter here is especially scenic, though, with snow covering the various trees, bridges and ponds.

Omicho Market - For a taste of real daily life, one of the best things to do in Japan is visit a market. Omicho Market is no exception, and this expansive covered complex offers the chance to rub shoulders with locals shopping for their meat, shellfish and produce. There are also stalls selling clothing, flowers, and street food, and it gets particularly lively at around noon when locals stop by for lunch.

Kyoto
A former capital of Japan, Kyoto is renowned for its historical architecture and long-held traditions. Temples, tea houses and geisha are the draws for many people, as well as the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The city is also a great place to try a kaiseki meal, which consists of multiple courses formed of elegant dishes.

Gion - When it comes to things to do in Kyoto, Japan's unique geisha culture is what comes to mind for many people, and this is best explored in the Gion district of the city. There are a number of traditional tea houses here where geisha perform, including several that offer affordable performances for tourists. The area is also home to important historic sites such as Kennin-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine.

Nijo Castle - Built in 1603, this elegant structure is surrounded by various buildings and gardens. Inside its walls are intriguing additions such as 'nightingale' floors, designed to squeak at every movement in order to detect intruders, and secret chambers where security personnel kept watch.

Kinkaku ji- Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this Zen Buddhist temple delights visitors with its gold-leaf walls, Chinese Zen Hall and pretty tea garden. Although it was originally built in the 14th century, it unfortunately burned down several times since, with the current structure dating back to 1955.

Mishima

Mishima is a pretty city located in central Japan, just one hour from Tokyo on the bullet train. Verdant and scenic, it is celebrated as a Garden City, with parks, delicate waterways and panoramic views of the imposing Mount Fuji.

Mishima Skywalk - At 400 metres long, this is the longest suspension bridge in Japan and offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay. For the adrenaline junkies, there is a zipline underneath the bridge that allows you to glide back.

Mt Fuji - For those who enjoy hiking, a visit to this iconic peak is likely to be one of the most memorable things to do in Japan. Buses from the city take around 1 hour 20 minutes, making a day trip a very viable option.

So, that wraps up our list of the best things to see and do in Japan. As you can see from this run down, there are memorable and unique things to do in all of the country's major cities. Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg. For a country as fascinating and culture rich as Japan, the possibilities for sights and attractions are almost endless. However, we hope this guide has given you a head start in planning your dream holiday.
 
Wondering what dishes to look out for while you're travelling in Japan? Take a look at our culinary guide to the country.