Japan is home to strikingly diverse landscapes, including volcanic mountains, flat farmlands and cherry blossom-lined cities. Combine these backdrops with Japan’s Edo-period buildings, grand temples and shrines and the result is simply spectacular. We check out 14 of the most beautiful cities in Japan.
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The Most Beautiful Cities In Japan
1. Tokyo
Lying at the heart of the most populated place in the world, Tokyo has just under forty million people living within its metropolis. Consequently, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Appearing as if out of a sci-fi film, the city´s dazzling array of neon-lit skyscrapers are mesmerizing to behold – at night, they look even more impressive.
While Tokyo is definitely a modern, thriving city that sells a unique pop culture and fashion sense to the world, remnants of the historic city still remain. You can peacefully wander down cobbled alleys and find old-style atmospheric bars and food stands. In fact, the city is home to more Michelin star establishments than anywhere else in the world, and the food on offer is sumptuous.
Whether it is strolling around its cavernous shopping malls or exploring the different neighborhoods – each with its own vibe and identity – it would take a lifetime to see all that Tokyo has to offer.
2. Kyoto
The former capital of Japan drips with history and is reputed to be the nation´s most beautiful city. Upon arriving, however, many visitors are surprised to see Kyoto´s urban sprawl, which hides away its fantastic historical sites and rich cultural heritage. With over two thousand temples and shrines, as well as numerous Zen gardens, winding cobbled alleys and traditional teahouses, Kyoto is both the spiritual and cultural capital of Japan.
Home to a plethora of cool bars, atmospheric cafes and world-class restaurants, the city also has some fantastic palaces and villas for visitors to gaze upon. One of the best places to see the romantic cherry blossom trees, Kyoto is an amazing mix of modern and traditional influences.
3. Hiroshima
Lying in western Honshu, Hiroshima´s history will forever be linked to the atomic bomb which flattened the city on August 6th, 1945. Almost completely destroyed, Hiroshima has remarkably been reconstructed and is now a bustling modern city, full of life.
While many visitors come to pay their respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and visit the chilling A-Bomb Dome ruins, the city has many other sights for visitors to enjoy. It also serves as a gateway to some beautiful nearby islands including famous Miyajima (shrine island).
4. Kanazawa
With beautiful temples, ancient shrines and a range of fantastic museums, this charming city lying on the Sea of Japan is not to be missed. Wonderfully preserved, its ancient neighborhoods are lovely to wander around, with the old geisha and samurai districts being particularly delightful. In fact, Kanazawa rivals Kyoto in the number of historical and cultural attractions that it has on show.
Although seldom visited by westerners, Japanese tourists flock to this city. The highlight is undoubtedly Kenroku-en, an impressive castle with idyllic gardens surrounding it.
5. Nara
Although Nara is Kyoto’s often overlooked neighbour, there are more buildings in Nara that are official Japanese national treasures than anywhere else in the whole country. This alone makes it one of the best cities in Japan to visit on your next trip.
Once you’re here, make sure to stroll through the Kasuga-Yama Hill Primeval Forest, see the Buddhist temple of Todai-ji and spot the imposing temple of Hōryū-ji. It really is a beautiful city with so much history.
6. Nagasaki
One of the most beautiful cities in Japan, Nagasaki has had a painful past that can’t be ignored, with atomic bombs dropped on it in 1945, it’s a city that’s been shaped by war. Yet, whilst the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park can be a deeply moving experience, there are other reasons to visit Nagasaki as well.
If you can, plan your trip around the Lunar New Year when the Nagasaki Lantern Festival starts. That being said, if you miss it, there’s still lots more to see and do in one of the best cities in Japan to visit.
Once here, make sure to explore Hashima Island (15km away), spot Mount Inasa and gorge at the Nagasaki Chinatown. You’ll leave stuffed.
7. Kagoshima
With its warm climate, outgoing locals and lush vegetation, it’s easy to see why Kagoshima is a sister city to Naples. This city, which is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture and one of Kyushu’s southernmost cities, boasts a bay looking onto Sakurajima, an active volcano that appears to rise from the waters off the coast. The view is particularly spectacular from July to August, when firework displays take place over the bay each evening. The volcano’s frequent eruptions often cover the town in a surreal coating of white ash.
