10 Popular Cities in Japan Voted Must-Visit

This list is based on TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice rankings, in which travelers worldwide voted for the best cities in Japan. Which cities made the list? Let's find out the 10 best cities in Japan, along with travel information for each one.

50 Places in Japan You Should Visit at Least Once 【Latest Update】

10. Kobe

Kobe is one of the most modern port cities in Japan, blending an international atmosphere into city life. It is famous for Kobe beef, excellent sake, and a modern urban lifestyle. Sake brewing season at the breweries, called kura, runs from October to April, and the city has a sake museum, upscale restaurants, and plenty of nightlife spots. It is only about 30 minutes west of Osaka.

Kobe Travel Guide

9. Yokohama

Yokohama was one of Japan's first ports opened to foreign trade and is also the country's second most populous city. Its strong historical and cultural ties to China have given it Japan's largest Chinatown. Notable attractions include Sankeien Garden, a botanical garden, the Ramen Museum, and the waterfront district. It is south of Tokyo, about 30 minutes away by train.

Yokohama Travel Guide

8. Naha

Naha is the capital of the Okinawa Islands, located at the southern tip of Japan. It has a hot, humid climate and a history dating back to the 13th century. It is known for its long, beautiful beaches. It is another major city in Japan with its own international airport, offering all the typical attractions of a big Japanese city: castles, temples, shrines, shopping streets, shops, restaurants, and pubs and bars. This has made it one of the key destinations voted for by people around the world.

Okinawa Islands Travel Guide

7. Hakuba-mura

Hakuba-mura is one of Japan's most famous ski resort towns, located in the northern Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture. It is said to have perfect snow conditions for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, with more than 200 ski runs. There are many large resorts in the area, along with shops, restaurants, pubs and bars, and famous onsen hot springs.

Hakuba-mura Ski Resort Travel Guide

6. Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city in the Chugoku region. It is famous as one of the two cities hit by atomic bombs during World War II, which draws travelers from around the world who want to see what remains. Its main attractions are the Peace Memorial Museum and Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, and the seaside Itsukushima Shrine in nearby Hatsukaichi (Miyajima). Getting here is easy: you can take the Shinkansen bullet train from Osaka in just an hour and a half.

Note: The keep of Hiroshima Castle closed on March 22, 2026. You cannot go inside, but you can still see it from the outside.

Hiroshima Prefecture Travel Guide

5. Fukuoka

Fukuoka is the capital of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's main islands. It is a coastal city known for its food, especially seafood. It has a noticeably more diverse culture than other Japanese cities, since Kyushu was historically Japan's gateway for foreign trade when sea travel was the main means of transport. Its climate is milder than other major Japanese cities, and it has a modern international airport, making it the main hub for traveling around Kyushu.

In-depth Fukuoka Travel Guide

4. Sapporo

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, the large island at Japan's northernmost tip. It has a major international airport, making it the hub for travelers visiting Hokkaido. It has the coldest climate in Japan, with winter temperatures dropping to around -10 degrees. As one of the more recently developed areas of Japan, it remains rich in nature. It is a popular city for winter sports lovers who enjoy skiing or snowboarding, while in summer it is known for its beautiful, large flower fields.

In-depth Sapporo Travel Guide

3. Osaka

Osaka is Japan's second most developed city. It has a long history, with old temples and shrines such as Shitennoji and Sumiyoshi Taisha, and also a distinctly modern feel, with shopping districts as large and plentiful as Tokyo's. It has a world-class amusement park, Universal Studios, an aquarium that ranks among Japan's best, and the beautiful Osaka Castle. Its large international airport makes it the main hub travelers use to explore the Kansai region, and it is also famous for okonomiyaki, or Japanese pizza, and takoyaki. If you enjoy exploring within a city and want convenient transport, this is another city you shouldn't miss.

In-depth Osaka Travel Guide

2. Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan's capital for the longest period in its history, making it the center of Japan's historical and cultural grandeur, unmatched by any other city. It is home to many famous temples and shrines. Many of Japan's iconic travel images come from here, including Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Heian Shrine, Japanese Zen gardens, Nijo Castle, geisha, and the scenic district of Arashiyama. If you love the beauty of traditional Japanese art and culture, Kyoto will not disappoint you, and you may need more than a week to see everything.

In-depth Kyoto Travel Guide

1. Tokyo

First place could only go to Tokyo, Japan's capital metropolis and the center of everything in Japan, blending art, culture, and modernity. Here you can stroll through beautiful temples and shrines before heading to world-class bars, wake up early to see the exciting tuna auction at Toyosu Market, then spend the late morning walking under blooming cherry blossoms in spring. After that, stop by the Edo Museum to learn about Japanese history, before visiting the world-class Tokyo Disneyland. Not to mention the incredible food, from sushi and sashimi to ramen and delicious cakes. It's no surprise that Tokyo is Japan's number one city, voted for the most by travelers worldwide.

In-depth Tokyo Travel Guide

That wraps up 10 great cities across Japan. If you want more, click the link below.