15 Best Cities in Japan to Explore: Tokyo’s Biggest Rivals

Tokyo is always the place to go when in Japan. Are you sure? Yes, every traveler should visit Tokyo, known for its urban and modern cityscape, and the heart of Japan. But Tokyo’s always on your mind, so we’re here to add a long list of cities in Japan there too, which might even be better than Tokyo, depending on your preferences.

So, next time you secure cheap flights to Japan, you can test out if anything can beat the destination fair and square if you explore these best cities in Japan to visit besides Tokyo!   

1. Kyoto: Tea Heaven

Looking to switch out of the noise of the city with some imperial vibes? Kyoto is one of the best cities in Japan, known for its green Arashiyama bamboo forest, and is also home to over a thousand forests. If you’re a tea lover, Kyoto is about to be your favorite, with its never-ending line of teahouses where tea flows more than water! Explore the vibrant geisha culture, and sway with the professional dancers to the sound of music, one of the best places to visit in Japan.

2. Osaka: Nightlife + Street Food Vibes

One of the best cities in Japan that comes to life at night, not only with its LED lights, dazzling displays, and beautiful vistas of the Dotombori Canal strip, but also because of its food! One of the best cities in Japan for food is undoubtedly Osaka, known for its iconic Takoyaki and delicious dumplings. Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and Japan’s oldest merchant center, so eat till you drop here!

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3. Nara: Astounding Natural Beauty

An amalgamation of natural wonders, historic temples, and a laid-back atmosphere, Nara is one of the best Japanese cities. It’s mainly known for the bowing deer at Nara Park and being home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. If you love religious history, Nara is your go-to, since it houses the most ancient temples in the world, and the one with the oldest wooden building, Horyuji Temple. The Ancient Monuments of Nara are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Sapporo: Snow City

One of the top 10 best cities in Japan, Sapporo, and snow go hand in hand. It’s one of the best cities in Japan to visit in the winter season for endless winter sporting events and the Snow Festival. The Miso Ramen served here is Japan’s best, which, paired with fresh seafood, only enhances the flavors. For endless fun, snow, food, and beer, Sapporo is your go-to. You should visit Susukino, which holds the perfect NYC vibe and is an entertainment district known for its restaurants and buzzing nightlife. This is also one of the safest and best Japanese cities to live in.

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5. Yokohama: The Vibrant Port City

Out of all Japanese cities, Yokohama is the coolest for its port location with waterfront features that brighten every night at Minato Mirai 21. The city is also home to the largest Chinatown in Japan and the exciting Cup Museum for personalized Ramen making. Secure all-inclusive Japan tour packages to enjoy exploring museums, gardens, and theatres galore! Yokohama is also Japan’s industrial hub, home to the biggest tech companies in the country. Yokohama is also one of the richest Japanese cities.

Also read: The Best Ryokans in Japan to Experience Authentic Hospitality.

6. Nagoya: Anime in Real Life

Home to the exciting Ghibli Studios, Nagoya is a picture-perfect wonderland, with the main highlight being the ancient Nagoya Castle. With a historical Edo period vibe, Nagoya is also surprisingly one of the best cities in Japan for its food. It’s known for its delicious (Eel) Hitsumabushi dishes and katsu curries that pair perfectly with Ramen, the cuisine named Nagoya-meshi. Some popular attractions in Nagoya are Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Legoland, Hommaru Palace, and Nagoya Port Aquarium. Nagoya is a port city, making it one of the Japanese cities near the ocean.      

7. Matsuyama: Japan’s Relaxing Capital

Owing to the warm hot springs, Matsuyama is one of the famous Japanese cities names. The Dogo Onsen Honkan in Matsuyama is Japan’s first public bathhouse, providing the ultimate time travel experience for all visitors. You can get around while riding on the Botchan train, which comes to life from the story by Natsume Soseki. The Matsuyama Castle steals the show, offering a panoramic view of the distant Seto Inland Island and the plains.

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8. Himeji: Feel Like a Royal

If you’re as easily excited by castles as we are, then you’ve got to visit Himeji Castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most captivating structure in Japan! Its most unique attractions are the City Water Museum and its vibrant Koko-en Gardens. Himeji is surrounded by the most beautiful natural scenery on all sides, and you can view the sea to the south and mountains to the north. It’s among the best Japanese cities to travel to if you’re looking for wonder, delicious food, and a tinge of history.

Also read: Top Mythical Places Around the Globe: An Odyssey to Outer Worldly Realms.

9. Kobe: Meat Lover’s Paradise

Homeland of the delicious Kobe Beef, which is a wagyu-grade marbled beef, it’s one of the best Japanese cities for tourists. Besides attracting millions of meat lovers yearly, Kobe is also known for its top-notch sake and Japanese sweets. Kobe is in the Kansai region, which has come back to life even though it was hit by a massive earthquake in 1995. One of the most popular attractions here is the Earthquake Museum, followed by the Akashi-Kaiko Bridge, which is the longest. You can also book the best hotels in Japan and stay at Arima Onsen, the oldest sauna resort worldwide.

10. Kanazawa: An Artistic Escape

Famously known as Little Kyoto, Kanazawa’s wonder never ceases to capture every traveler’s heart. Receiving the title of one of the best cities in Japan, Kanazawa houses the most beautiful contemporary art museums and is home to some of the most renowned artists of all time. The castle town provides a time-jump-like experience into the Edo period. Since it’s on the outskirts of Japan, Kanazawa is one of the only major Japanese cities to be completely walkable. If you’re looking for souvenirs to take home, Kanazawa has the most unique Kutani ware ceramics, making the perfect gift from one of the top traditional cities in Japan.  

11. Nikko: Nature Escapes for Hiking

Offering a seamless blend of culture and nature, Nikko has everything for first-time Japanese visitors. The highlight of this destination remains the Toshogu Shinto Shrine from the Edo period. Lake Chuzenji is one of the most romantic and the best places in Japan for couples, as during the fall season, Nikko bursts into magnificent shades of rust. Nikko is among the best cities in Japan to travel to in autumn, as you also get to marvel at the gentle waterfalls. Visitors can also enjoy the sauna and other facilities at the Nikko Park.  

12. Toyama: Seafood Lovers’ Go-to Spot

Home of the most picturesque scenery you can find at Gokayama, which resembles Lapland, and the melting snow from the Tateyama Mountain Range, Toyama emerges as one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. Regardless of the season of your visit, Toyama is known for its delicious and fresh seafood, being home to Japan’s tallest dam, the Kurobe Dam. If you’re an architecture lover, the Toyama Glass Art Museum surpasses all imagination.

13. Kakunodate: The Cherry Blossom Land

Japan’s pink wonderland, Kakunodate, is among the best cities in Japan for cherry blossom, decorating every riverbank and street during the spring season. You can admire some of the most unique samurai-style architecture at Kakunodate, dating back to the 1620s. By booking cheap New Delhi to Srinagar flight tickets, you can also catch the cherry blossom-covered landscapes in India.

Also read: Cherry Blossom Season Japan: Top Viewing Spots, Dates, & More.

14. Kofu: Wine Lovers Unite

Home to the most fragrant and splendid orchards and delicious wineries, Kofu is a dream come true for wine lovers. It’s known for its all-year-round fruit production, providing the most delicious grapes, peaches, strawberries, cherries, etc. in Japan. If you’re on a healthy diet, Kofu is your dream destination.

15. Hakodate: Views & Seafood

One of Japan’s first port cities, Hakodate is known for its delicious seafood. The highlight of every vacation here is the sprawling view of the city and surrounding destinations visible from the Hakodate peak. This coastal town offers fun activities, including skiing and snowboarding in winter and the most beautiful scenery in fall.

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Found your favorite city? Apply for your Japan Visa online and begin exploring today.

FAQs: Best Cities in Japan

What is the nicest city in Japan?
Some of the nicest cities in Japan are Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Himeji.

Is Osaka or Tokyo better?
Osaka is better for tourists interested in knowing more about the culture, while Tokyo is excellent for first-time visitors for a complete Japanese experience.

What is the prettiest place in Japan to visit?
The prettiest places in Japan to visit include the magnificent Mt Fuji. Some beautiful cities you can’t overlook are Hakodate, Nikko, Nagoya, and Kakunodate.

What is the most comfortable city in Japan?
Matsuyama is the most comfortable city in Japan because of its access to relaxing Onsen resorts.

What is the top 1 city in Japan?
Tokyo is the top 1 city in Japan.

Where is the richest city in Japan?
Tokyo is the richest Japanese city, followed by Osaka and Kyoto.

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