Things To Do In Japan

Tokyo

Twenty-three wards that each feel like a separate city, and the best food density on earth.

Tokyo is an incredible mix of ultra-modern energy and deeply rooted culture. Getting around is seamless thanks to the amazing transit system, the food scene is unmatched at every price point, and it feels incredibly safe. There's endless shopping, sightseeing, and vibrant neighborhoods to explore. 10/10 experience!

A traveller, on Hostelworld

Kyoto

A thousand temples, geisha districts and the bamboo grove. Beautiful and very busy.

Fantastic place- overall better vibe than Tokyo and more chaotic and fun street scene. Wouldn’t hesitate to come back - great for photography, food and wider culture!

A traveller, on Hostelworld

Osaka

The food city: street eating, a brash nightlife and a friendlier feel than Tokyo.

Every time i go to Japan i always try to find time to visit. I love the vibe of it, from eating, shopping, sightseeing, culture, and people. I love it

A traveller, on Hostelworld

Hiroshima

The Peace Memorial, and Miyajima island with its floating torii gate nearby.

I'm interested in history and peace movements, so knew I wanted to make visiting Hiroshima a point in my itinerary. I was pleasantly surprised that there are quite a few things to do around the city. I did a day trip to Miyajima Island (so beautiful). The next day, I walked around the city, visiting a garden, castle, peace memorials and museum all in one day and finished with a sunset drink from a rooftop and dinner at a food hall. I would recommend others visiting Japan to do there, too.

A traveller, on Hostelworld

Kanazawa

On the Alps side, with one of the three great gardens of Japan and a preserved samurai district.

We went to the following places in 1.5 days: several shrines, the Ashigaru Museum, the Nagamachi District, Gyokusenin Maru Garden, Kanazawa Castle Ruins, Kenroku-en Japanese Garden, Omicho Market, Kazuemachi Chayagai Edo District, Hakuichi Higashiyama Ten, and the Higashi Chaya District. I learned a lot about history, are good food, and saw great scenery without it being overcrowded. Would recommend.

A traveller, on Hostelworld

Takayama

An Edo-era merchant town in the Japan Alps, with morning markets, sake breweries and Shirakawa-go's thatched houses nearby.

Stunning town. Away from the big crowds and long long lines. Stunning landscape nearby which is easy to get to. Amazing food options. Stunning old buildings and culture.

A traveller, on Hostelworld

Nagoya

Industrial and often skipped, with a castle, the best miso food in the country and the Ghibli park outside town.

Fukuoka

Kyushu's capital: yatai street food stalls along the river, the best ramen in Japan, and a gateway to Korea by ferry.

My first city in Japan and it impressed me a lot. Compared to locations outside of Kyushu, Fukuoka I'd very nice, reasonably priced, and not so overwhelmed by tourists. The 7 day northern Kyushu railpass is an absolute bargain for use on JR! The Bib Gourmand restaurants in Fukuoka are amazing. I loved my stay.

A traveller, on Hostelworld

Nagasaki

Built on hills around a harbour, with a Peace Park, Dutch and Chinese trading history and a night view over the bay.

Sapporo

Hokkaido's capital: a beer museum, a snow festival in February, and powder skiing an hour away at Niseko.

Been to Japan 20+ times, but first time in Sapporo. The city has everything starting from the airport, which is like a huge shopping mall. It provides evereything you can think of that you need, food, drinks, the souvenir shops, even the onsen. It took me 2 hours to walk around just the airport. The train to Sapporo station was convenient, and the station is well designed and clean. The infrastructure especially the city plan is well designed.

A traveller, on Hostelworld

Naha

Okinawa's capital, subtropical and culturally distinct from the mainland, with Ryukyu castles and island ferries.

Hakone

Hot springs, a lake with a pirate ship, and Mount Fuji across the water when the weather allows it.