Best Cities to Visit for a First: Time Trip to Japan

Best Cities to visit in Japan – Basic Information About Japan

• Capital: Tokyo is Japan’s capital now, but before 1868, it was Kyoto. Many people in Kyoto still think it should be the capital.
• Money: Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY ¥).
• Time Zone: Japan is 9 hours ahead of UTC (UTC +9).
• Language: People speak Japanese in Japan.
• Electricity: Japan uses 100V outlets, similar to the ones in the USA with 2 flat pins.
• Travel Requirements: Check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest rules.

Best Places to Visit in Japan for First-Timers

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, here are five great places to explore. These spots are full of adventure, culture, and fun!

1. Tokyo
2. Kyoto
3. Osaka
4. Hiroshima
5. Hakone

#1 Tokyo – Japan’s Big, Bright City

Tokyo is usually where most people start because Japan’s two biggest airports (Narita and Haneda) are here. It’s also a lively city with so many things to see and do!

Why Visit Tokyo?

Tokyo is famous for its tall buildings, colorful lights, and exciting nightlife. But it’s not just modern. You can also find traditional temples and old streets to explore. Plus, the food is incredible, from sushi to ramen to tempura.

How Many Days Should You Stay?

Stay 3-4 days. If you’re spending two weeks or more in Japan, you could stay longer, up to 5 days!

When Should You Go?

• Spring (March to May): Cherry blossoms bloom, and the weather is nice.
• Autumn (September to November): Beautiful fall leaves and cooler weather.
• Winter (December to February): Fewer crowds but chilly.
• Summer (June to August): Fun festivals, but it gets hot and humid.

Top Things to Do in Tokyo:

• Visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple.
• Stroll through the pretty gardens of the Imperial Palace.
• See the bustling Shibuya Crossing—it’s like a busy sea of people!
• Enjoy the Meiji Shrine and its peaceful park.
• Try rides at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea.
• Eat fresh fish at Tsukiji Fish Market.
• Explore the colorful Harajuku neighborhood and its quirky shops.

#2 Kyoto – The Old Capital Full of Temples

Kyoto is only a 2.5-hour train ride from Tokyo and is a must-visit for first-timers!

Why Visit Kyoto?

Kyoto has amazing temples, shrines, and peaceful gardens. It was Japan’s capital for 1,000 years, so it’s packed with history. The food is also super tasty!

How Many Days Should You Stay?

Stay at least 2 days, but 3-4 days is even better.

When Should You Go?

• Spring: Cherry blossoms are lovely, but it’s crowded.
• Autumn: Gorgeous fall leaves and smaller crowds.
• Summer: Hot and humid.
• Winter: Cold but quiet.

Top Things to Do in Kyoto:

• Walk through the thousands of orange gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
• Visit the shiny gold Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion).
• Wander the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
• Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in a kimono.
• Explore the streets of Gion, where you might see a geisha!
• Follow the Philosopher’s Path, a lovely canal-side walk.

#3 Osaka – The Fun City With the Best Food

Osaka is only 20 minutes from Kyoto by train and is full of delicious food and friendly people.

Why Visit Osaka?

Osaka is a super lively city with amazing street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). It’s also great for nightlife and sightseeing.

How Many Days Should You Stay?

Stay for 1-2 days to enjoy the highlights.

When Should You Go?

• Spring and Autumn are the best times, with mild weather and lovely scenery.

Top Things to Do in Osaka:

• Visit Osaka Castle for amazing views and history.
• Explore the colorful lights and food stalls of Dotonbori.
• Go to the Osaka Aquarium to see incredible sea creatures.
• Take a day trip to Nara to see friendly deer and ancient temples.

#4 Hiroshima – A City That Remembers

Hiroshima might not be as famous as the other cities, but it’s worth visiting! It’s just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Osaka by bullet train.

Why Visit Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is a city of peace. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about its history. You’ll also find beautiful gardens, a cool castle, and tasty food like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki!

How Many Days Should You Stay?

1-2 days is perfect to experience its history and culture.

Top Things to Do in Hiroshima:

• Learn about history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
• Wander through the relaxing Shukkei-en Garden.
• Take a ferry to the nearby island of Miyajima and see the famous red Torii Gate floating in the water.

#5 Hakone – Nature and Hot Springs

Hakone is close to Tokyo, just 1 hour by train, and it’s a quiet, relaxing place full of nature and hot springs.

Why Visit Hakone?

Hakone is perfect if you love mountains, lakes, and fresh air. You can soak in hot springs (onsen) and even see Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

How Many Days Should You Stay?

A day trip from Tokyo is nice, but staying for 1-2 nights is even better.

When Should You Go?

Spring, Autumn, or Winter are less crowded and just right for exploring.

Top Things to Do in Hakone:

• Cruise across Lake Ashi for views of Mt. Fuji.
• Visit the Hakone Shrine and its red Torii Gate by the lake.
• Take the cable car to Owakudani, where you can see steam vents and eat black eggs!
• Relax in an onsen (hot spring).

Best Time to Visit Japan

Japan is amazing all year round! Every season is special and fun, but the weather changes a lot. Summers are hot, winters are cold, and spring and autumn are just right. Here’s what you can expect:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is famous for its cherry blossoms! In April, the trees bloom with pink flowers everywhere. It’s like a fairy tale! However, because lots of people visit in spring, it can be crowded and expensive.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is hot and humid, especially in big cities like Tokyo. There are fun things to do, like hiking Mount Fuji, but it’s also typhoon season (big rainstorms). If you don’t mind the heat and some rain, summer can be lots of fun!

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn has cooler, nicer weather and fewer tourists. The skies are clear, making this the best time to see Mount Fuji. The trees are also super pretty, with colors like orange, red, and gold.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is perfect if you love snow and skiing! Big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are still easy to visit, even in the cold. In snowy places like Hokkaido, you can snowboard and ski. Just remember, some places with lots of snow might be harder to visit.

Helpful Japanese Words and Phrases

If you’re visiting Japan, it’s a good idea to know a few Japanese words! You can use Google Translate to help you, but learning these basic phrases will make your trip a little easier and more fun.


Here are some useful phrases:

Simple Tips for Your First Trip to Japan

Here are some easy tips to help you have a fun and smooth trip to Japan!

1. Stick to Popular Tourist Spots

Visiting well-known places is a smart choice for your first trip to Japan. Famous spots are easy to reach, and there’s usually plenty of help for tourists.

If you follow a simple 7-day Japan trip plan, you’ll find it easy to get around. Once you feel confident, you can explore some hidden and quieter places that are just as amazing.

2. Use Public Transport

Japan’s buses and trains are super clean, fast, and easy to use, even if you don’t speak Japanese. It’s better to use public transport instead of driving a car. Every place we recommend is easier and quicker to reach by train!

3. Buy a Japan Rail Pass Before Your Trip

If you plan to travel between cities by train, buy a Japan Rail Pass before you leave home. This pass saves you money compared to buying single train tickets for each trip. You can’t buy the pass in Japan, so make sure to order it early! Give yourself 2–4 weeks for the pass to arrive at your home.

4. Trains and Buses are Always On Time

In Japan, everything runs on time down to the minute! If a train is scheduled to leave at 10:36, it will most likely leave at exactly 10:36. Be sure to arrive a little early so you don’t miss it!