Japan is a truly unique holiday destination where ancient traditions sit comfortable alongside cutting edge technology, spectacular natural wonders and some of the finest cuisine in the world.
Deciding on the best places to visit in Japan for first timers can be one of the hardest parts of planning a holiday to the country. We have consulted our Luxury Travel Specialists to help take the challenge out of this dilemma, highlighting the best places to visit in Japan for first tiers with varying styles of holiday in mind. Whether you are keen to explore the ancient temples of Kyoto, the neon lit streets of Tokyo or the culinary delights of Osaka, our guide should help you pick the best holiday destination for your next luxury getaway.
There's no better place to start than by exploring the eclectic capital of Japan which effortlessly offers a unique mix of the latest technological developments with some of the region's most historic landmarks.
1. Tokyo
Japan's captivating capital city is an obvious starting point for anyone visiting the country for the first time. It is a city of striking contrasts, where glass skyscrapers and futuristic technology stand seamlessly alongside peaceful shrines and centuries-old temples.
History enthusiasts can visit Asakusa to see Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, before exploring the colourful shops and traditional streets surrounding it. Elsewhere, Akihabara is a must for fans of anime, manga and Japanese gaming, while Harajuku is renowned for youth fashion and quirky shopping boutiques. The city also offers an unrivalled culinary scene, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, making Tokyo the perfect place to visit in Japan for first timers with an interest in gastronomy.
2. Kyoto
Often regarded as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto provides a fascinating insight into the country's history. The former imperial capital is home to an extraordinary collection of temples, shrines and historic neighbourhoods that will help you understand how modern day Japanese culture has been developed.
One of the city's most popular attractions is the Fushimi Inari Shrine where you can walk beneath thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding up the forested hillside. In Gion, preserved wooden buildings and traditional architecture provide a glimpse into old Kyoto, while the city's 17 designated historic sites offer further opportunities to discover its cultural heritage.
As with many Japanese holiday destinations, food lovers will also have plenty to look forward to in Kyoto. Nishiki Market, a narrow 400 year old marketplace is packed with stalls serving fresh seafood, local street food and tempting wagyu skewers. While it can't quite compete with Tokyo's Michelin star restaurants, it does offer a more authentic insight into the culinary preferences of the nation.
3. Hakone
Located within easy reach of Tokyo, Hakone is one of the best places to visit in Japan for first timers who are looking to combine Japanese culture with spectacular scenery. The area is particularly famous for its views of Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic and awe-inspiring peak.
On clear days, magnificent vistas of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed across the waters of Lake Ashi or from higher mountain viewpoints. Hakone Shrine is another highlight, with its striking red torii gate seemingly floating on the surface of the lake.
For a truly traditional Japanese experience, stay in a ryokan and reward yourself after a day of sightseeing or hiking with a relaxing soak in a natural onsen. For adventurous travellers, climbing Mount Fuji itself can be a truly unforgettable addition to a Japanese holiday itinerary.
4. Osaka
Affectionately known as "Japan's Kitchen", Osaka has a long history as a centre of food production, trade and commerce. Today, its lively food culture makes it one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Japan for first timers keen to follow the desires of their stomachs.
Dotonbori is the place to experience Osaka's famous street-food scene, with neon signs illuminating restaurants and stalls serving local specialities such as including takoyaki, the city's famous octopus-filled balls, and okonomiyaki, savoury pancakes cooked with a variety of ingredients ranging from Edamame and picked vegetables, to miso soup and plain rice.
Away from the food scene, Osaka Castle provides an insight into the city's history, surrounded by attractive parkland and impressive defensive walls that will be of interest to those with an interest in historic architectural accomplishments.
5. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a fascinating city with a rich but tragic history. Its Peace Memorial Park provides a moving place to reflect on the events of 1945, while the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum explores the human impact of the atomic bombing which so profoundly affected the lives of so many of the city's inhabitants.
The Children's Peace Monument is another poignant landmark within the city. Elsewhere, the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and peaceful Shukkei-en Garden provide contrasting glimpses into the city's history and original landscape.
Hiroshima also provides tourists with easy access to Miyajima Island, reached by a short ferry trip across the Seto Inland Sea. Here, the famous torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the water, while wild deer roam freely around the island. This provides glorious opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
6. Kanazawa
For travellers looking to experience traditional Japan away from the larger cities, Kanazawa is a wonderful addition to a first-time Japanese holiday itinerary. This walkable castle town retains beautifully preserved samurai districts alongside one of Japan's most celebrated gardens.
Kenroku-en is regarded as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. This magnificent strolling garden features ponds, ancient trees, teahouses and carefully designed landscapes that change massively across the seasons, providing a completely different landscape depending on the time of year in which you visit.
Kanazawa is also famous for its gold-leaf craftsmanship, with the city producing more than 99% of Japan's gold leaf. Visitors can take part in gold-leaf workshops and even sample soft-serve ice cream decorated with edible gold leaf, perfect for those who appreciate rich food.
7. Nagano
Set amid the mountains of central Japan, Nagano is a superb destination for tourists who want to combine culture and outdoor adventure. The city is home to Zenko-ji, a historic Buddhist temple with origins dating back to the 7th century.
Nearby Matsumoto is well worth visiting, particularly for its magnificent original black-and-white castle, one of Japan's most striking and recognisable surviving feudal castles. Nagano also hosted the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and remains a popular destination for skiing holidays and winter breaks.
Visit in autumn and the mountains provide a spectacular setting for hiking. The nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park is another highlight, combining scenic trails with the chance to see Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs.
8. Ise-Shima National Park
For an introduction to Japan's spiritual traditions and coastal scenery, Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture offers something quite different from the country's major cities. Its rugged coastline, scattered islands and hilly interior create a spectacular natural setting.
The region is home to Ise Jingu, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine complex, comprising the Inner Shrine (Naiku) and Outer Shrine (Geku). Surrounded by tall, shady trees, these important sites offer a fascinating insight into Japanese spirituality and traditional culture.
Nearby Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho recreate the atmosphere of an Edo-period street, with more than 100 shops and cafes just waiting to be discovered. Here you can try local specialities such as soft Ise Udon noodles and sweet red-bean mochi before heading to a viewpoint overlooking Ago Bay, where a distinctive ria coastline is dotted with quirky islands and floating pearl rafts.
9. Nara
Nara was Japan's original permanent capital city but today it offers a slower-paced experience than most other tourist hotspots being surrounded by open parkland and historic treasures. The city is particularly famous for Nara Park, where holidaymakers can encounter its free-roaming deer.
The park is also home to Todai-ji Temple and its enormous Great Buddha statue, one of Japan's most impressive religious landmarks. For a glimpse into traditional urban life, explore Naramachi, the city's former merchant district, where preserved wooden lattice houses now contain small shops, cafes and craft businesses.
Nara can easily be visited as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, although staying longer allows more time to appreciate its temples, gardens and peaceful atmosphere. Either way, it is an ideal destination to add into a multi-centre holiday in Japan.
10. Nikko
Completing our list of the best places to visit in Japan for first timers, Nikko combines ornate UNESCO World Heritage architecture with dramatic mountain scenery.
Nikko Tosho-gu is the spiritual centre of the area and stands out for its intricate carvings, vivid colours and lavish gold-leaf decoration. This elaborate style offers a striking contrast to the more restrained aesthetic found at many Japanese temples and shrines.
Beyond its cultural attractions, Nikko is surrounded by waterfalls, forests and high-altitude landscapes. It is particularly spectacular during autumn, when the changing foliage transforms the mountains into shades of red, orange and gold. The Irohazaka Road, with its 48 sharp hairpin turns, provides memorable views of the autumn landscape.
Plan Your First Holiday in Japan with Elegant Resorts
With such a wealth of destinations to choose from, planning your first trip to Japan can seem daunting. The good news is that you don't have to decide everything yourself. The Luxury Travel Specialists at Elegant Resorts can create a tailor made Japan holiday itinerary around your individual interests, preferences and aspirations.
Using their first hand experience and knowledge of the country, our Luxury Travel Specialists will take account of what you are looking to experience on your holiday so they can help you decide on the best destinations and attractions to add into your tailor made Japanese holiday itinerary. Whether you want to combine Tokyo and Kyoto with Mount Fuji, explore Japan's culinary scene, discover its historic temples and gardens, experience its spectacular mountains or venture beyond the classic tourist trail, our Luxury Travel Specialists can provide invaluable advice on the best places to visit in Japan for first timers.
Get in touch with our team today to start planning your bespoke holiday in Japan and discover the destinations and experiences that are perfect for you in this eclectic and wonderful land.