These are the 24 Most Beautiful Towns and Cities in Japan
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rap-dela-rea-ngmqapxnf_8-unsplash-e1711967236762.webp)
Japan is home to strikingly diverse landscapes, including volcanic mountains, flat farmlands and cherry blossom-lined cities. Combine these backdrops with Japan’s Edo-period buildings, grand temples and shrines and the result is simply spectacular. Here’s our pick of the most beautiful towns and cities in Japan.
1. Hida-Takayama, for old school beauty and top class sake
Architectural Landmark
![The historic streets of Takayama, Japan, are a visual treat that transports you to a bygone era.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rogerio-toledo-opxkm8wdoue-unsplash.webp)
2. Hakone, for incredible natural beauty
Architectural Landmark
![Hakone Shrine and Mt Fuji from Lake Ashi. Along the Tokaido road.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sravan-v-naupqvdgghk-unsplash-1.webp)
Located less than 100km (62mi) away from Tokyo, Hakone can be an excellent change of pace from the capital. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone offers a spectacular landscape of mountains, lakes and hiking trails. The highlight is Ashino-ko, a lake with fantastic views of nearby Mount Fuji and the torii gate of the Hakone-jinja, which rises from the water to create the perfect Japanese scene.
3. Shirakawa-go, for a fairytale village escape
Architectural Landmark
![Traditional houses blanketed in snow in Shirakawa, Gifu, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hyungman-jeon-ibzyci-86mc-unsplash.webp)
4. Nara, for the deer-dominated national park
Forest, Natural Feature, Park, Shrine
![Close up of a deer encounter in the park of Nara, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/agathe-mdsz_ay5hi8-unsplash.webp)
5. Nikko, for mountains, waterfalls and fall foliage
Architectural Landmark
![Row of Jizo at Kanmangafuchi abyss, Nikko](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/susann-schuster-skpk1kojtws-unsplash.webp)
6. Himeji, to stare in awe at an ancient castle
Architectural Landmark
![View of the castle in Himeji, Japan, framed by fully-bloomed cherry blossom](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dino-johannes-06e5knn42vq-unsplash.webp)
Discover one of Japan’s most impressive historical sites while visiting the coastal city of Himeji, around an hour from Kyoto and Osaka by train. The centuries-old Himeji Castle, with a grand white façade visible from miles, perches above the city and comprises 83 buildings. Be sure to take a boat ride around its moat and explore the next door Kokoen Gardens, featuring koi ponds, waterfalls and plants that represent the best of Japan’s four seasons. April is one of the most popular months to visit Himeji, with more than 1,000 cherry trees surrounding the castle coming into bloom.
7. Kamakura, for epic views of Fuji
Buddhist Temple, Historical Landmark
![Coastal skyline of the town of Kamakura, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/charlesdeluvio-evmd7q6s7b0-unsplash.webp)
This attractive coastal city, around an hour from Tokyo by train, offers a great vantage point of Japan’s most famous mountain, Mount Fuji, on a clear day. Head to the shores to catch a glimpse, while swimming and sunbathing during the hot summer months. Come autumn, you’ll see a paintbox of colours if you hike amongst the bamboo groves and surrounding forests. Many also flock to the city for its fresh seafood – including shirasu (whitebait), which is one of the most popular dishes – and ancient shrines and temples, which are a year-round attraction.
8. Otaru, for freshly-caught culinary delights
Architectural Landmark
![Evening draws in peacefully on the canals of Otaru, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sugarman-joe-gllv0sfrlec-unsplash.webp)
Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, was colonised in the late 19th-century, and little Otaru became an important fishing port. Later, the terminal station of Hokkaido’s first railway line was built here. The town’s pretty canal is lined with old warehouses and, along with the rest of the prefecture, it’s one of the most famous places in Japan to enjoy fresh seafood. Although the canal area can get crowded with Japanese tourists, you’ll find quieter neighbourhoods dotted with stately herring mansions towards the centre of town. The town is particularly beautiful during the Otaru Snow Gleaming Festival in February, when the canal is lined with glowing snow lanterns.
9. Kanazawa, for perfectly preserved old town charm
Architectural Landmark
![Kenroku-en gardens in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dino-johannes-l-wmosrihb0-unsplash.webp)
10. Karuizawa, the perfect outdoorsy day trip from Tokyo
Architectural Landmark
![Starstruck by the beauty of the streets in Karuizawa, Japan, during the autumn season.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kishor-dmk3niotvwk-unsplash-min.webp)
Karuizawa is a charming resort town tucked beneath the imposing Mt. Asama, one of Honshū’s most active volcanoes. It’s a popular day trip from Tokyo – an hour away by high-speed train – for hiking and visiting hot springs and Yacho-no-mori (Wild Bird Forest), which is home to over 60 different bird species. Emperor Akihito met his future bride, Empress Michiko, in Karuizawa in 1957, and the town has since earned a reputation as a romantic retreat; visit in autumn for its fabulous colours.
11. Magome, the go-to spot for avid hikers
Architectural Landmark
![Pretty street in Magome, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sebastian-stulz-nhntjym1nic-unsplash-min.webp)
Magome, a post town in the Kiso Valley, between Tokyo and Kyoto, once served as an important stop-over point for Edo-period travellers making the long journey along the Nakasendo Trail. Today, the main reason to visit Magome is to hike the Magome-Tsumago Trail, a 5-mi (8-km) section of the Nakasendo Trail; this trail winds through forests and farmland and passes waterfalls, before ending in the town of Tsumago. The trail is well-marked in English and a bus travels between the two villages for those who don’t feel like walking back to Magome after completing the hike. Meanwhile, the town’s main street, a wide stone walkway lined with beautifully restored old buildings, is closed to vehicular traffic.
12. Kagoshima, for explosions of colour in the summer night sky
Architectural Landmark
![View on the Sakura-jima volcano, from Kagoshima hills, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/amandine-l-e_4ihiidy9g-unsplash.webp)
With its warm climate, outgoing locals and lush vegetation, it’s easy to see why Kagoshima is a sister city to Naples. This city, which is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture and one of Kyushu’s southernmost cities, boasts a bay looking onto Sakurajima, an active volcano that appears to rise from the waters off the coast. The view is particularly spectacular from July to August, when firework displays take place over the bay each evening. The volcano’s frequent eruptions often cover the town in a surreal coating of white ash.
13. Furano, for purple lavender views
Ski Resort, Architectural Landmark
![Colourful range of flowers at Farm Tomita, Furano, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/akshay-nanavati-uolx3oadqli-unsplash-min.webp)
14. Sendai, the place to be come cherry blossom season
Architectural Landmark
Head to Sendai – around 90 minutes from Tokyo by train – for beautiful cherry blossom scenes in the spring. This coastal metropolis is nicknamed the ‘City of Trees’ for its abundance of green spaces – Tsutsujigaoka Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots with more than 360 trees. Another popular park is atop Mount Aoba, where you’ll find the ruins of Aoba Castle which date back to the early 17th century. Continue your cultural tour with a stop at the Sendai City Museum, where armour, ancient ceramics and paintings are on display.
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15. Nagasaki
Natural Feature, Building, Museum, Memorial
![Meganebashi Brigde, Nagasaki, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tayawee-supan-pg1eimmsslc-unsplash.webp)
16. Naha
Building, Natural Feature
![Kokusai Street in Naha, Okinawa, Japan.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/romeo-a-rhd0vtc0blw-unsplash.webp)
17. Nagoya
Building, Museum
![Japanese temple at Nagoya-Shi](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/goh-win-nie-tbo6pyayon0-unsplash.webp)
18. Sapporo
Architectural Landmark
![People lining the streets for Sapporo ice festival, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/denny-ryanto-mauva00ygke-unsplash.webp)
19. Aomori
Natural Feature, Building
![Large illumination alight during Aomori Nebuta Festival, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kodai-monma-sar7ek5db8m-unsplash.webp)
20. Hiroshima
Yoga Studio
![Hiroshima, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rap-dela-rea-wzimcgu4n_a-unsplash.webp)
21. Kyoto
Building, Natural Feature
![Kiyozumi Dera, Kyoto, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/su-san-lee-e_ewwm29wfu-unsplash-2.webp)
22. Osaka
Architectural Landmark
![Dotonbori at Night. Osaka, Japan. December 2019.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/juliana-barquero-wahphfvewlk-unsplash-min.webp)
Osaka is known for having laid-back locals, delicious cuisine, and charming Kansai dialect. The city is best enjoyed in the evening when it comes alive with neon lights and late-night eateries. The expression kuidaore, or eat ’til you drop, was coined here, and thousands of tourists flock to the Osaka restaurants each year. Dotonbori is the heart of Osaka and one of its most popular attractions. The area is brimming with restaurants, shops and bright neon boards, including the Glico Running Man.
23. Tokyo
Architectural Landmark
![Hundreds of people crossing the roads in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jezael-melgoza-cudnrzbsyzw-unsplash-e1687860182207.webp)
24. Matsuyama
Natural Feature, Building
Sadie Whitelocks contributed additional reporting to this article.