Mountains. Lakes. Mesmerising temples. Tradition. Culture. Modern cities. These are the best places to visit in Japan.
Travel to Japan from Australia and experience one of the most intriguing countries in the world. Unique culture and tradition abound. Fashion-forward locals bustle around vibrant cities. There’s skiing, shopping, nightlife, and so many iconic landmarks. Let’s get into it.
Why visit Japan?
Just a 10-hour flight from Sydney, Japan feels a world away from home. The country has traditions dating back thousands of years, from the ancient Gion Matsuri purification ceremonies to its beautiful temples and shrines. But you’ll also find some of the most forward-thinking and tech-savvy cities in the world, whether Tokyo’s bustling streets or the world-renowned Osaka food scene.
Talking of food. Yes, you’ve had your fill at home, but nothing compares to the real thing. We’re talking fresh sushi, spicy udon noodles and crispy tempura all washed down with traditional sake. Don’t miss one of Japan’s fish markets for a fantastic foodie experience. Japan is also home to so many incredible museums where you can delve into the country’s fascinating past.
The best time to visit Japan
Japan is a striking destination at any time of year but it’s at its most picturesque between March and May, when the cherry trees are in blossom, and from September to November when it boasts autumnal vibrancy.
The best cities to visit in Japan
Neon lights. Incredible Japanese landmarks. Back alleys packed with astonishing street food. Pumping bars. Or extreme natural beauty. Don't miss these exciting cities on your trip to Japan.
Tokyo
Tokyo is one of those cities that defies easy description — a place where ancient Shinto shrines sit in the shadow of neon-lit skyscrapers and the world's best ramen is served in a basement you'd never find without a local's tip. The scale is enormous, yet the city is remarkably easy to navigate thanks to one of the most efficient public transport systems on the planet. Eat your way through Shibuya, explore the street fashion chaos of Harajuku, find stillness in the gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen and end the day at a rooftop bar watching the Tokyo skyline stretch endlessly in every direction. It's overwhelming in the best way.
Kyoto
Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan’s past with its well-preserved temples, shrines, and traditional wooden houses. Once Japan’s capital city, Kyoto’s Gion and Pontocho districts are known for their geisha and maiko and are must-visit destinations for food and drink enthusiasts. The city is one of the most walkable in Japan, so you can get around easily.
Osaka
Famous for its modern architecture, nightlife, and excellent street food, Osaka is unmissable. Plus, there are top attractions too including Universal Studios, Osaka Castle, the Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine, and Osaka Aquarium. Spend the day exploring before heading out for a night of fun in the city’s bars and restaurants.
Hiroshima
A place of profound historical significance, Hiroshima is home to the Hiroshima Memorial Park, a reminder of the tragic atomic bombing during World War II. Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find Shukkei-en, a formal Japanese garden, Hiroshima Castle, and the Mazda Museum. The lively downtown area of Hiroshima is abuzz with shops and restaurants.
Hokkaido
One of the best places to visit in Japan for outdoor adventures, Hokkaido is a must-see spot with its lakes, mountains, and volcano. You can ski and snowboard here too at ski resorts including Rusutsu, Furano and Niseko. Hokkaido’s culture is different to that found in the rest of Japan due to its hunting and fishing history.
Okinawa
Most visitors to Japan never make it past Tokyo and Kyoto, which means Okinawa remains one of the country's best-kept secrets. This chain of subtropical islands in Japan's far south has a character entirely its own — think turquoise water, coral reefs, white sand beaches and a distinct Ryukyuan culture that sets it apart from the Japanese mainland. The diving and snorkelling here is world-class, the local cuisine (including the famous Okinawan longevity diet of purple sweet potato, bitter melon and fresh seafood) is unlike anything you'll find elsewhere in Japan, and the pace of life is blissfully slow.
Great hotel options in Japan
Japan is famous for its hotels and hospitality. Whether you go all out with 5-star luxury or try a capsule hotel, there’s an option for every budget.
The Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
Top five-star stay in Tokyo
Ranked 15th on the World's 50 Best Hotels list, the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo is one of the most acclaimed properties in Asia. Perched near Tokyo Station, it blends sleek Italian design with Japanese craftsmanship, with Carrara marble, hand-blown Venetian glass and kimono textiles all under one roof. Expect Michelin-starred dining, a world-class spa and panoramic views of the city skyline from high above the streets below.
MIMARU Kyoto Station
Top family-friendly stay in Kyoto
Just a two-minute walk from Kyoto Station, MIMARU Kyoto Station is perfectly placed for day trips across the city and beyond. Rooms are spacious apartment-style suites with air conditioning, private bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens which can be a godsend when travelling with little ones. The hotel also offers baby gear on loan, in-room washer-dryers and connecting rooms, making it one of Kyoto's most consistently praised family stays.
Kamon Hotel Namba
Best mid-range option in Osaka
Nestled in lively Namba, Kamon Hotel Namba offers chic rooms that fuse contemporary design with Japanese flair, along with standout breakfasts and steps-away access to Nippombashi and Namba CITY for shopping and nightlife. It's a polished mid-range pick in one of Osaka's most vibrant neighbourhoods, keeping you close to Dotonbori and the city's legendary food scene.
BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
Best budget-friendly option in Okinawa
Located in Onna, just a short walk from Seragaki Beach, BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts offers free bikes, free parking, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre — all at rates that won't break the bank. It strikes the right balance between comfort and value, and it puts you within reach of Okinawa's real drawcard: the ocean.
The top airports in Japan
Tokyo's five busiest airports are all connected to their city centres by rail, making it easy to get from the runway to your hotel without hassle.
Tokyo Haneda (HND)
The world's fourth-busiest airport, Haneda sits just south of Tokyo and is the go-to hub for both domestic travel and premium international routes, with direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne, London, New York and beyond. A Tokyo Monorail line runs directly to the city.
Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Tokyo's primary long-haul gateway, Narita is where most international travellers — including those flying from Australia — will first touch down in Japan. Over 60 airlines operate from here, connecting to over 100 destinations worldwide, and a direct train service links the airport to central Tokyo in around an hour.
Osaka Kansai (KIX)
Built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Kansai is the main international gateway for western Japan, serving Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. The JR Haruka express connects the airport to Osaka Station in under an hour, with onward links to Kyoto.
Fukuoka (FUK)
The most centrally located major airport in Japan, Fukuoka sits just minutes from the city by subway, making it one of the most convenient arrivals in the country. It's the main gateway for the Kyushu region, with strong connections across Asia including Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei and Bangkok.
New Chitose/Sapporo (CTS)
Hokkaido's main airport anchors one of the world's busiest domestic air routes, with nearly 8 million passengers flying the Sapporo–Haneda corridor each year. A direct JR train connects the terminal to central Sapporo in around under an hour, putting Hokkaido's ski fields, national parks and food scene within easy reach.
Discover more incredible things to see and do in Japan
Japan rewards those who dig deeper. If you're ready to start planning, our guide to the best things to do in Japan is a great place to begin, along with our picks for unique experiences you can only have in Japan. Not sure when to go? Check out our guide to the best time to visit Japan, and if you're keen to venture off the beaten track, find out why Chugoku and Shikoku deserve a spot on your itinerary. For everything else you need to know before you go, our Japan travel planning guide has you covered.
FAQs about the best places to visit in Japan
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