The Best Travel Credit Cards for 2025
July 10, 2025
NYT Connections Today: July 11, 2025 – Hints & Answers
July 11, 2025
Looking for the best things to do in Japan? Start here:
From sipping matcha in ancient Kyoto to crossing neon-lit streets in Tokyo, Japan is a place where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with futuristic tech and vibrant street life. Whether you’re soaking in a hot spring or tasting your way through a local food market, there’s something for every traveler in this captivating country.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best places to visit in Japan from its buzzing cities to its tranquil retreats - and give you a real feel for what makes each destination so special. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan for the first time or looking to go deeper on your next visit, these are the spots to put on your list.
Tokyo – Big City Buzz with Cultural Charm
Tokyo is a whirlwind — in the best way. It’s one of the best cities to visit in Japan if you want to experience that perfect blend of the ultra-modern and the deeply traditional. You can start your day with a quiet stroll through Meiji Shrine and end it at a robot cafe or sipping sake with locals in an izakaya.
Top things to do in Tokyo:
-
Watch the chaos of Shibuya Crossing
-
Explore Harajuku’s colorful fashion streets
-
Wander the historic Asakusa neighborhood
-
Slurp noodles in a Michelin-starred ramen shop
-
See the skyline from Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo’s neighborhoods are like mini cities, each with its own personality. Whether you're into tech, fashion, art, or food, Tokyo keeps the surprises coming. It’s fast-paced, but never overwhelming — and always unforgettable.
Things to do in Japan: Wander Kyoto’s peaceful temples and experience the heart of Japanese tradition. / Pexels
Kyoto – Japan’s Spiritual and Cultural Heart
Kyoto is where Japan slows down. If you’re wondering what to do in Japan that connects you to its soul, this is the place. The city is steeped in history, with temples, shrines, geisha culture, and tea houses that seem untouched by time.
Must-do activities in Kyoto:
-
Walk under the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari
-
Visit the Golden Pavilion, reflected in a peaceful pond
-
Take a rickshaw ride through Arashiyama’s bamboo forest
-
Enjoy a kaiseki (multi-course) dinner in Gion
-
Sip matcha in a traditional tea house
Kyoto is beautiful in every season, but spring and fall are especially stunning. It's one of the most beautiful places in Japan for sure and it has a calmness that stays with you.
Things to do in Japan: Taste street food and enjoy the nightlife along Osaka’s neon-lit Dotonbori canal. / Pexels
Osaka – Eat, Laugh, Repeat
Welcome to Japan’s kitchen. Osaka is bold, fun, and famously friendly. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Japan that revolve around food and nightlife, this is your city.
Don’t miss in Osaka:
-
Eat your way through Dotonbori’s food stalls
-
Snap pics with the iconic Glico Man sign
-
Try okonomiyaki (savory pancake) and takoyaki (octopus balls)
-
Visit Osaka Castle
-
Ride roller coasters at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka has a laid-back charm and a great sense of humor — it’s a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Locals will happily chat, laugh, and point you to their favorite ramen shop.
Things to do in Japan: Meet sacred deer and visit ancient temples in tranquil Nara Park. / Pixabay
Nara – Ancient Temples and Friendly Deer
Just a short trip from Kyoto or Osaka, Nara offers a gentler pace and some pretty magical moments — like feeding deer in the park or standing before the Great Buddha.
Top things to do in Nara:
-
Feed the sacred deer in Nara Park
-
Visit Todai-ji, home to a giant bronze Buddha
-
Explore Kasuga Taisha, a lantern-filled shrine
-
Wander through peaceful gardens and old town streets
Nara might be small, but it’s packed with beauty and spirituality. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause and breathe a little deeper.
Things to do in Japan: Hit the slopes and soak in snowy hot springs across wild and scenic Hokkaido. / ShutterStock
Hokkaido – A Natural Wonderland in Every Season
If you're into nature, fresh air, and wide open spaces, Hokkaido is calling. It's perfect in winter for skiing and snowboarding, and just as stunning in summer with wildflowers and mountain hikes.
What to do in Hokkaido:
-
Hit the slopes in Niseko
-
Soak in a snow-surrounded onsen
-
See the lavender fields in Furano
-
Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival
-
Spot wildlife in Shiretoko National Park
It’s different from the rest of Japan — quieter, more rugged, and absolutely breathtaking.
Things to do in Japan: Reflect at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial and visit nearby Miyajima Island. / Getty Images
Hiroshima – A Story of Peace and Strength
Hiroshima’s past is heavy, but the city’s message is hopeful. It’s a place to learn, reflect, and be inspired by resilience.
Things to do in Hiroshima:
-
Walk through Peace Memorial Park
-
Visit the Peace Memorial Museum
-
See the Atomic Bomb Dome
-
Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine
While the memorials are powerful, Hiroshima today is a vibrant, friendly city. Miyajima, just across the bay, offers nature, history, and that famous floating torii gate.
Things to do in Japan: Dive into Okinawa’s turquoise waters and unwind on its tropical beaches. / Pexels
Okinawa – Laid-Back Island Life
Okinawa feels like another world. Located far to the south, it's all about sun, sea, and slow living. The culture here is a blend of Japanese and native Ryukyuan traditions.
Top Okinawa experiences:
-
Swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters
-
Relax on beaches like Emerald or Nishihama
-
Explore Shurijo Castle
-
Try Okinawan soba and taco rice
-
Learn local history at the Okinawa Peace Memorial
If your idea of the best things to do in Japan includes beach time and tropical vibes, Okinawa is the answer.
Things to do in Japan: Catch iconic views of Mount Fuji from the peaceful Fuji Five Lakes region. / Pexels
Kanazawa – Culture Without the Crowds
Looking for the beauty of Kyoto without the big crowds? Head to Kanazawa. This under-the-radar gem has gardens, samurai houses, and a thriving arts scene.
Things to do in Kanazawa:
-
Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden
-
Explore the Nagamachi samurai district
-
Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
-
Sample fresh seafood at Omicho Market
It’s refined, relaxing, and full of surprises one of the most underrated places in Japan.
Things to do in Japan: Discover samurai streets and serene gardens in underrated Kanazawa. / Pixabay
Fukuoka – Sunny, Friendly, and Full of Flavor
Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu, is warm, welcoming, and a foodie’s paradise. It’s also a great jumping-off point for southern Japan adventures.
Highlights in Fukuoka:
-
Slurp tonkotsu ramen at yatai food stalls
-
Hang out at Ohori Park
-
Explore Canal City Hakata
-
Visit nearby Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
It’s modern but relaxed, with beaches, culture, and some of the best eats in Japan.
Things to do in Japan: Savor tonkotsu ramen and explore Fukuoka’s sunny coastal culture. / Pexels
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Japan?
Japan is full of contrasts ancient temples beside bullet trains, peaceful shrines next to neon shopping arcades. And that’s what makes it magical. You don’t have to choose between city life and natural beauty. You can have it all.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan for the first time or coming back for more, there’s always another path to follow, another flavor to try, another place that makes you pause and say, “Wow.”
This is more than a list of the best places to visit in Japan — it’s a guide to the moments that will stay with you long after your trip ends.
Your adventure? It’s just beginning.
