Japan city guide: How to make the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun
With almost 800 cities within Japan, planning your itinerary can be overwhelming
Ever met someone who doesn’t have Japan on their travel bucket list? We thought not. And, if you’re yet to discover it for yourself, there’s no better time. Tokyo recently came out on top in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations category, while solo travel specialist Flash Pack recently revealed Japan as its most popular tour for 2024, which is unsurprising considering the country is rich in culture, history, architecture, fashion, wellness and nature. Japan is divided into eight regions, within which are multiple prefectures and cities – 792 to be exact – so where to begin making the most of your pressure few weeks in the country? Whether you are booking a city break, honeymoon or extended vacation, our Japan city guide has plenty to satiate your travel appetite.
For wellness: Tokyo
From its immense architectural and cultural wonders, including the tallest building in the world, Skytree, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji temple, to the abundance of authentic food markets and the bustling fashion districts of Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Ginza, Japan’s capital delights every sense.
Amid the chaos of the most populated metropolis in the world, demonstrated at the busy Shibuya Crossing intersection alone, travellers can find calm. It’s estimated that Tokyo houses the second largest number of spas worldwide, including nearby Hakone, where thermal hot springs (onsens) overlook mesmerising Mount Fuji.
Where to stay: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Situated in the historical Nihonbashi district, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo lives up to its five-star status with impressive city vistas and stylish Japanese interiors. The luxury accommodation boasts 157 rooms, 22 suites and nine eateries, including the Michelin-starred Tapas Molecular bar. The award-winning spa, located on the 37th floor, takes centre stage with four rooms for couples or single treatments, a spa studio, thermal and water experiences, a fitness room and Pilates studio.
From £559 per night.
For culture: Kyoto
Kyoto is famed for its historical, cultural and architectural sites, as well as its 17 UNESCO world heritage landscapes. When visiting this ancient Honshu city, bookmark the Kinkaku-ji temple, the healing Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto Tower, and Nijo Castle. Schedule a day exploring the Gion district for a 360° insight into Japanese traditions, where streets are lined with authentic wooden machiya houses and the ochaya (teahouses) that were traditionally home to geikos (geishas), and travellers can sample a kaiseki-ryori multi-course feast. Nature enthusiasts can also detour to the Kamakura coast, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, or Maruyama Park to marvel at Japan’s synonymous cherry blossoms.
Where to stay: Six Senses Kyoto
Prestigious luxury hotel chain Six Senses is set to open in the Higashiyama prefecture, and within walking distance to the Gion district, this spring. Inside 81 rooms and suites circle an authentic Japanese courtyard honouring traditional Kyoto folklore, while a multi-sensory culinary experience can be devoured at the in-house restaurant. Despite the downtown location, Six Senses Kyoto is a wellness haven for guests, with access to male and female bathhouses, as well as alchemy bars, and a recovery lounge offering biohacking treatments.
From £720 per night.
For foodies: Osaka
Osaka is recognised as the culinary capital of Japan, and a popular choice for food enthusiasts. Weave your way through Dotonbori or Kitashinchi, which has been likened to Tokyo’s Ginza, in search of food stalls (yatai) serving savoury takoyaki and okonomiyaki delights, hearty stewed beef (doteyaki) and decadent deep-fried morsels (kushikatsu).
Work up an appetite ambling through the shopping districts of Umeda, Namba, and Shinsaibashi-Suji Street.
Where to stay: W Osaka
Do not be fooled by W Osaka’s minimalist black monolithic exterior jutting out among Osaka’s immense cityscape, as inside your senses will be titillated with neon lights, an eclectic colour palette, textured fabrics and a 3D ceiling. Not only is the view from outside this award-winning luxury hotel a talking point, but so is its skyline view room, the four on-site restaurants, where resident mixologists whet appetites with innovative serves, and the hotel’s wet pool spa.
From £324 per night.
For history: Hiroshima
Board Japan’s futuristic bullet train to Hiroshima to uncover the impact of the World War II atomic bomb blast at the Atomic Bomb Dome, the cenotaph, the Peace Memorial Museum and Park dedicated to the tragedy. Hiroshima Castle is also a must-visit, as well as the reconstructed Shukkeien Garden which, come springtime, is blooming with blush cherry blossoms. Detour to Naoshima island to enjoy Japan’s artistic creations, including the Chichu Art Museum, which houses Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series, or schedule a trip to Itsukushima – also known as Miyajima Island – to wonder at the partially submerged Great Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine entrance.
Where to stay: Azumi Setoda
After a day of learning about the devastations, holidaygoers will want a zen space to lay their head, which is where Azumi Setoda comes in. The sustainable property resembles authentic Japanese-style inns, also known as ryokans, with its hanoki wooden bathtubs, floor-to-ceiling windows, shoji screens, and tatami mat-strewn shared lounge. Dine at the on-site restaurant, enjoy a bicycle ride around the cypress tree-lined grounds, pick zesty lemons, or relax in a public bath.
From £353 per night.
For active travellers: Sapporo
Japan is a popular winter sports destination, especially Sapporo in the Hokkaido prefecture, which boasts delicate powder snow and majestic pistes. Come summertime the ski runs lend themselves to scenic hiking routes, in particular Mount Maruyama, or the Hill of the Buddha, where an incredible 44-foot-tall statue of the god surrounded by an artificial rotunda planted with 150,000 lavender plants. Alternatively explore Furano’s Farm Tomita, best known for its sunflower planes, lavender and poppy fields, or Hokkaido’s national park, Daisetsuzan.
The non-outdoorsy type can make a beeline for Susukino or Niseko village, laden with fashion retailers, restaurants and cocktail bars, or the 19th-century port-turned-artistic haven, Otaru, where red-brick warehouses camouflage the charming music box workshops inside.
Where to stay: Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Higashiyama Niseko Village is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Japan and only the fifth worldwide. The luxury 50-room resort is situated at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, with epic vistas of Mount Yotei, giving guests the opportunity to explore on foot, skis, bicycle, or horseback. After an active day unwind at the on-site hot spring bath, spa and sauna, or fitness centre, before feasting at one of the two in-house restaurants.
From £413 per night.
For honeymoons: Okinawa
Okinawa City and Naha are the main hotspots in the southern city of Okinawa, which offers a hybrid of city life, beach breaks, cultural sites and wildlife. At the epicentre, Okinawa City promises easily accessible day trips to explore national parks, castle ruins, and Ryuku heritage sites, as well as idyllic beaches. Naha, meanwhile, boasts an eclectic mix of authentic historical landmarks and serene beaches. Plus, it’s a prime location for hopping to the remote islands of Furuzamami, Yonaha Beach, and the Yaeyama and Kuba Islands, where newlyweds can soak up the sunshine, enjoy water sports, whale watch, or stargaze at Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.
Where to stay: Halekulani Okinawa
Halekulani is the epitome of a secluded retreat for newlyweds thanks to its mile-long beachfront views and surrounding green spaces, including the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, as well as the Busena Marine Park underwater observatory. The five-star resort boasts 45 suites and five villas, five swimming pools, a fitness centre, spa, terrace, and four restaurants, as well as a bar with panoramic views perfect for watching the sunset. Halekulani also hosts wedding ceremonies, making it the prime location to both tie the knot and enjoy post-marital celebrations.
From £308 per night.
