If you’re planning a trip, choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best cities in Japan to visit, covering a mix of iconic destinations and lesser-known gems.

Whether you’re looking for food, culture, history, or natural beauty, these cities will help you experience the very best of Japan.

Tokyo: A Dynamic and Diverse Metropolis

Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is a vast and energetic city where modern innovation meets deep-rooted tradition. From futuristic skylines to historic neighbourhoods, it offers an incredible range of experiences for every type of traveller.  

Start in Shibuya to experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. From there, explore Harajuku’s colourful street culture and unique fashion scene.

For a more traditional side of Tokyo, head to Asakusa and visit Senso-ji Temple, the city’s oldest and most iconic temple. Nearby, Tokyo Skytree offers panoramic views across the sprawling city. Food lovers shouldn’t miss the Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Japan.

Tokyo is a city that never feels repetitive—each district offers something completely different, making it an essential stop on any Japan itinerary.

Want to explore more?

Discover the best things to do in Tokyo, from iconic landmarks like Shibuya Crossing to hidden food spots and local experiences.

Kyoto: A Window to Japan’s Past

Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan and the best place to experience the country’s traditional side. As the former imperial capital, it is home to countless temples, shrines, and preserved historic districts.  

Begin your visit in the Higashiyama District, where narrow streets, wooden buildings, and historic temples create a timeless atmosphere. Highlights include Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the nearby Gion district, where you may even spot a geisha.

No trip to Kyoto is complete without visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. For a more peaceful setting, head to Arashiyama, where the bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji Temple offer a quieter, scenic escape.

Kyoto is ideal for travellers looking to slow down and connect with Japan’s history, culture, and seasonal beauty.

Want to explore more?

Discover Kyoto’s top temples, traditional districts, and cultural experiences in this complete travel guide.

Osaka: A Foodie’s Paradise

Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen, and for good reason. The city is famous for its vibrant food scene, friendly locals, and lively atmosphere.  

Dotonbori is the heart of Osaka’s street food culture, where you can try local favourites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki while surrounded by bright neon lights and energetic crowds.

Beyond food, Osaka offers a mix of history and modern attractions. Osaka Castle provides a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, while the Umeda Sky Building offers impressive views from its unique observation deck.

With its relaxed vibe and focus on food and entertainment, Osaka is one of the most enjoyable and approachable cities to visit in Japan.

Want to explore more?

Find the best things to do in Osaka, including street food, nightlife, and must-visit attractions.

Hiroshima: A City of Peace and Resilience

Hiroshima is a city that carries deep historical significance while offering a message of peace and hope.  

A visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is both powerful and educational. The Atomic Bomb Dome stands as a reminder of the past, while the Peace Memorial Museum provides important context and insight.

Just a short ferry ride away, Miyajima Island offers a completely different experience. Its iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most recognisable views. The island also features scenic walking trails, friendly deer, and local food stalls.

Today, Hiroshima is a welcoming and easy-going city, blending history, culture, and natural beauty.

Want to explore more?

Plan your visit to Hiroshima with this guide to the Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island, and local food.

Sapporo: Japan’s Northern Gem

Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, is known for its seasonal beauty, open spaces, and excellent food.  

The city is most famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, held each winter, where massive snow and ice sculptures transform the city into a winter wonderland. In warmer months, parks like Odori Park and Moerenuma Park offer relaxing green spaces to explore.

Sapporo is also a top destination for food lovers. Fresh seafood, rich miso ramen, and local beer are all highlights, with the Sapporo Beer Museum offering a deeper look into the city’s brewing history.

With its balance of nature, food, and seasonal events, Sapporo offers a completely different experience from Japan’s main island cities.

Want to explore more?

Explore Sapporo’s seasonal highlights, from the Snow Festival to summer parks and local food spots.

Nara: Japan’s Ancient Treasures

Nara is one of Japan’s oldest cities and is known for its rich history and cultural landmarks.  

The highlight of any visit is Nara Park, where hundreds of freely roaming deer have become a symbol of the city. Nearby, Todai-ji Temple houses one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.

Nara’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, and its relaxed atmosphere offers a quieter alternative to nearby Kyoto.

It’s a perfect destination for travellers interested in history, culture, and a slower pace of travel.

Want to explore more?

Discover Nara’s top attractions, including Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and its famous free-roaming deer.

Kanazawa: The Little Kyoto

Kanazawa is often referred to as “Little Kyoto” thanks to its well-preserved districts and strong cultural heritage.  

The city is home to Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens. The nearby Higashi Chaya District offers a glimpse into traditional geisha culture, with historic teahouses and narrow streets.

Kanazawa is also known for its fresh seafood and high-quality sushi, thanks to its location along the Sea of Japan.

Less crowded than Kyoto but equally rich in culture, Kanazawa is a great choice for travellers looking to explore somewhere slightly off the main tourist route.

Want to explore more?

Explore Kanazawa’s historic districts, beautiful gardens, and traditional culture in this detailed guide.

Nagoya: Japan’s fourth-largest city

Nagoya is a major city located between Tokyo and Osaka, making it an important transport and industrial centre.  

While often overlooked, Nagoya offers a mix of modern attractions and historical sites. Nagoya Castle is one of the city’s key landmarks, while the Toyota Commemorative Museum highlights Japan’s automotive innovation.

The city is also known for its unique local cuisine, including miso katsu and hitsumabushi (grilled eel).

With its convenient location and variety of attractions, Nagoya is a worthwhile stop when travelling along Japan’s main route.

Want to explore more?

Find the best things to do in Nagoya, from historic castles to unique local food and modern attractions.

Kobe: A Port of Culinary Delights

Kobe is a stylish port city known for its scenic setting between the sea and the mountains.  

Famous for its premium Kobe beef, the city also offers a mix of international influences, historic architecture, and relaxed waterfront areas. The Kitano district features Western-style houses from Kobe’s early days as an international port.

For great views, head up Mount Rokko, or enjoy the harbour area around Meriken Park. Kobe’s compact size makes it easy to explore in a day, while still offering plenty to see and do.

It’s a great addition to any Kansai itinerary, especially for food lovers.

Want to explore more?

Discover Kobe’s top attractions, including Kobe beef, harbour views, and scenic mountain spots.

Fukuoka: A Dynamic Coastal City

Fukuoka is a modern, fast-growing city on the island of Kyushu, known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent food scene.  

The city is famous for its yatai (street food stalls), where you can enjoy local dishes like ramen in a casual and social setting. Fukuoka also offers easy access to beaches, parks, and nearby cultural sites.

With its mix of urban convenience and laid-back coastal vibes, Fukuoka is often considered one of Japan’s most liveable and visitor-friendly cities.

It’s an ideal destination for travellers looking to explore beyond the main tourist route. 

Want to explore more?

Plan your visit to Fukuoka with this guide to street food, coastal attractions, and local culture.

Start Planning Your Japan Trip

Japan’s cities are incredibly diverse, each offering a unique experience—from the fast-paced energy of Tokyo to the historic charm of Kyoto and the relaxed coastal vibe of Fukuoka.

By combining a few of these destinations, you can create a well-balanced itinerary that showcases the very best of Japan.

Take your time, explore beyond the obvious, and start planning a trip you’ll never forget.

The Essence of Setsubun

At its core, Setsubun embodies the ancient belief in cleansing and renewal, a time to clear away the old and welcome the new with purity and positivity. The term “Setsubun” itself, meaning “seasonal division,” highlights this transition, with festivities traditionally centred around the start of spring, known as “Risshun.”

Rituals and Traditions

One of the hallmark rituals of Setsubun is “Mamemaki,” the scattering of roasted soybeans inside and outside homes. Participants chant “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Luck in!”) during this ritual. The beans, symbolising purification, are thought to drive away evil spirits due to their perceived purity and the vitality of life they encapsulate.

Families often participate in Mamemaki together, with a member donning an Oni (demon) mask while others throw beans at them, playfully banishing bad spirits. Consuming the thrown beans, one for each year of one’s life plus an extra for the coming year, is believed to ensure good health and longevity.

Another engaging aspect of Setsubun is the consumption of “Ehomaki,” a special sushi roll. Traditionally, this should be eaten in silence while facing the year’s lucky direction, determined by the zodiac. The Ehomaki, a thick roll packed with various fillings, symbolises the wish for happiness and prosperity to be rolled into one’s life.

Setsubun at Ikuta Shrine, Kobe

Ikuta Shrine, nestled in the heart of Kobe, offers a vibrant tableau of Setsubun celebrations, drawing visitors from across the region. The shrine’s festivities are a vivid demonstration of the festival’s traditional and communal spirit. The event, scheduled for February 3rd, includes rituals like the Yumiya Harai (bow and arrow purification) and a dynamic bean-throwing ceremony. The shrine grounds come alive with the energy of participants eager to partake in these ancient customs, all set against the backdrop of traditional taiko drum performances and the serene ambiance of the shrine.

The Ikuta Shrine event stands out for its inclusivity and the sheer scale of participation, symbolizing a collective desire for health, happiness, and harmony. It’s a time when the community comes together, bridging the human and the divine, in a shared pursuit of well-being and spiritual cleansing.

Other shrines have similar celebrations throughout Japan, so keep an eye out for them.

Final Word

Setsubun, with its rich tapestry of rituals and customs, is more than just a seasonal marker; it’s a profound expression of cultural heritage and communal solidarity. The festival’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of renewal, protection, and the cyclical nature of life. Whether through the spirited throws of Mamemaki or the silent wishes made over Ehomaki, Setsubun encapsulates the human yearning for renewal and the optimistic embrace of the future. At places like Ikuta Shrine, these timeless traditions continue to thrive, connecting past, present, and future in a vibrant celebration of life’s perpetual renewal.

The History of Kobe Beef

Kobe beef originates from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture, with Kobe being the region’s capital city. The history of Tajima cattle dates back thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that Kobe beef gained popularity among foreign visitors in Japan. As its reputation spread across the world, Kobe beef became synonymous with luxury, tenderness, and unparalleled flavour.

What Sets Kobe Beef Apart & why is it so expensive?

1. Origin – The cattle must be purebred Tajima cattle, born and raised in the Hyogo Prefecture. This geographical exclusivity adds to the scarcity and value of Kobe beef.
2. Marbling – The beef must have a high marbling score, as determined by the Japanese Meat Grading Association (JMGA), typically scoring between 6 and 12. Exceptional marbling enhances the beef’s flavour and tenderness.
3. Quality – The meat must achieve an overall JMGA grade of A4 or A5, the highest possible quality grades, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience.
4. Weight – The carcass weight must not exceed 470 kg, maintaining a consistency in quality and size.

These rigorous standards ensure that Kobe beef maintains its exceptional quality, taste, and reputation. Moreover, the specialized rearing techniques and painstaking care provided to the cattle, such as a carefully balanced diet and low-stress environments, result in additional costs. The limited number of cattle that qualify as Kobe beef creates a scarcity that drives up its value. Lastly, the demand for this luxurious and highly sought-after beef among connoisseurs and fine-dining establishments worldwide contributes to its premium price.

Savouring the Kobe Beef Experience

Kobe beef is best enjoyed at a reputable restaurant or specialty steakhouse in Japan. Here are a few ways you can indulge in this exquisite delicacy:

Teppanyaki

A popular way to enjoy Kobe beef is at a teppanyaki restaurant, where expert chefs cook the meat on a hot iron griddle right in front of you. The chef’s precise techniques ensure the beef is cooked to perfection, allowing its full flavour profile to shine.

Yakiniku

Japanese-style barbecue, or yakiniku, is another fantastic way to savour Kobe beef. Cook the thinly sliced beef on a tabletop grill, and dip it in your choice of sauce to enhance the taste.

Sukiyaki

Kobe beef can also be enjoyed in sukiyaki, a Japanese hot pot dish. The beef is simmered in a sweet and savoury broth along with vegetables, tofu, and noodles, creating a comforting and delicious meal.

Shabu-Shabu

Similar to sukiyaki, shabu-shabu is a hot pot dish where thinly sliced Kobe beef is briefly cooked in a boiling broth. The beef is then dipped in sauce and enjoyed with vegetables and other accompaniments.

Where to Find the Best Kobe Beef

Book En Steakhouse in Kobe for your Kobe Beef Experience!

While Kobe beef can be found in various cities across Japan, the best place to enjoy it is undoubtedly its namesake city, Kobe. The city boasts numerous renowned steakhouses and restaurants, where you can indulge in a truly authentic Kobe beef experience.

For those travelling to other parts of Japan, fear not! High-quality Kobe beef can also be found in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto at reputable establishments that adhere to strict quality standards.

Kobe beef is a culinary treasure that every food enthusiast should experience while visiting Japan. Its rich history, strict production standards, and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a gastronomic delight.

In This Post:

Set sail for Kobe, a captivating port city renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, stunning architecture, and world-famous Kobe beef. As one of Japan’s most international cities, Kobe offers a unique blend of Japanese and Western influences, creating a diverse and exciting destination for tourists. In this guide, we’ll explore the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that make Kobe a city like no other. Join us as we delve into the vibrant spirit and allure of Kobe.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Ikuta Shrine: Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Ikuta Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Surrounded by lush greenery, this ancient shrine offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets and a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s spiritual history.

Kitano-cho: Wander the charming streets of Kitano-cho, a historic district featuring well-preserved foreign residences from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore the unique architecture, visit the various museums housed within the residences, and soak in the atmosphere of this picturesque neighbourhood.

Panoramic Views and Scenic Spots

Kobe Rokko Mountain: Ascend to the summit of Kobe Rokko Mountain and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of Kobe, Osaka Bay, and the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride, visit the Rokko Garden Terrace, and take in the mesmerizing night view known as the “million-dollar nighttime scenery.”

Kobe Port Tower and Meriken Park: Experience the vibrant waterfront atmosphere at Meriken Park, home to the iconic Kobe Port Tower. Climb to the observation deck for stunning views of the city and harbour, and explore the park’s unique maritime monuments and attractions.

Culinary Adventures

Kobe Beef: Indulge in the ultimate culinary experience by savoring Kobe’s legendary beef. Known for its tenderness, marbling, and rich flavor, Kobe beef is a must-try delicacy. Visit one of the city’s many teppanyaki restaurants or steakhouses to enjoy this exquisite treat.

Book a Kobe Beef Experience Today

Dine at a specialty teppanyaki restaurant in Kobe serving up the most succulent Kobe beef available.

Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown): Explore the vibrant Nankinmachi, Kobe’s bustling Chinatown, and discover a plethora of enticing eateries and shops. Sample an array of Chinese dishes, street food, and sweets as you wander through the lively streets of this colourful district.

Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities

Arima Onsen: Soak in the rejuvenating waters of Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring towns. Choose from a variety of public baths and ryokan inns, and experience the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters that have attracted visitors for centuries.

Nunobiki Falls: Embark on a refreshing hike to Nunobiki Falls, a picturesque waterfall nestled in the hills just behind Kobe’s urban center. Follow the well-maintained trails, enjoy the serene surroundings, and admire the cascading waters of this natural wonder.

Unique Experiences

Day Trips from Kobe

Himeji Castle: Venture to the nearby city of Himeji and explore the awe-inspiring Himeji Castle, often referred to as the “White Heron Castle.” Admire the stunning architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through the beautiful castle grounds.

Awaji Island: Just a short drive from Kobe, Awaji Island offers a refreshing escape from the city. Drive across the amazing Akashi Kaikyo Suspension Bridge. Discover the island’s beautiful gardens, such as the Awaji Yumebutai and Kiseki no Hoshi Botanical Museum, or theme park style attractions at Nijigen-no-Mori, and savour the fresh seafood at local restaurants.

Unveil the Wonders of Kobe

With its captivating blend of cosmopolitan charm, cultural heritage, and diverse culinary delights, Kobe offers a truly unique and engaging experience. From historic districts and stunning panoramas to rejuvenating hot springs and world-famous Kobe beef, the vibrant port city of Kobe is an unforgettable destination that should not be missed. Use this guide to explore the wonders of Kobe.