Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Cities in Japan for Beginners: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto

If you haven’t had the chance to explore Japan yet and aren’t familiar with the country, I highly recommend considering these three places I’m about to introduce to you. When you have limited time for your trip, it’s essential to narrow down your destinations efficiently to maximize your travel enjoyment.

The locations I’ll present are some of Japan’s most iconic cities, known for their accessibility and excellent transportation options. You’ll undoubtedly be able to enjoy your journey without the stress of navigating through unfamiliar territories.

For those seasoned travelers who have already explored Japan extensively, feel free to check out our other pages, where I’ll be introducing destinations tailored to your experience level.

If you haven’t gathered much information about your trip yet, be sure to read this article for valuable insights!

Tokyo : A Fascinating City of Innovation and Culture, Perfect for Your First Japan Trip!

Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, attracts numerous tourists from both within the country and abroad. As the forefront of trends and the birthplace of new Japanese culture, it’s an ideal destination for your inaugural visit to Japan!

Let’s explore some of Tokyo’s iconic spots:

1. Asakusa(浅草)：Discover the Rich Traditions and Culture of Japan at Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Don’t miss popular spots like Kaminarimon Gate and TOKYO SKYTREE!
2. Akihabara(秋葉原)：Known as Electric Town, this district boasts a vast array of the latest technology products and anime goods. A must-visit for anime and manga enthusiasts!
3. Omotesando(表参道)：An elegant area lined with upscale brand shops and cafes, exuding a refined ambiance. Enjoy shopping and delightful culinary experiences here.
4. Harajuku(原宿)：The heart of youth fashion and culture, featuring unique shops and street fashion. While you’re there, make sure to visit Meiji Shrine nearby!
5. Roppongi(六本木)：A hub of nightlife, gourmet delights, and art, with an international atmosphere. Don’t miss Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, popular attractions in the area!
6. Ginza(銀座)：A shopping paradise adorned with high-end brand stores and exquisite restaurants. Indulge in a shopping spree and savor fine dining experiences!

For a smooth introduction to Japanese culture, visiting easily accessible tourist spots is a must! Asakusa stands out as the top recommendation for beginners. Moreover, you can take a leisurely walk to the famous Tokyo Skytree from there.

To get acquainted with Japan, start by exploring these user-friendly destinations!

Now, if you’ve done your research and have a preference for Japanese anime and manga culture, then Akihabara is the place to go.

The proximity of Akihabara and Asakusa makes this area an ideal choice when looking for accommodation. Don’t hesitate to explore the accommodations available in this vicinity!

Osaka: Where Laughter, Food, and Merchants Thrive!

Osaka has a long-standing reputation as a food lover’s paradise. What sets it apart is not only its delectable cuisine but also the affordability compared to Tokyo. With a multitude of eateries vying for your attention, you can expect nothing less than top-tier flavors.

But Osaka is more than just a culinary haven; it’s a city that knows how to tickle your funny bone. You’ll encounter unique and comical scenes scattered throughout the town, thanks to its rich comedic heritage.

And when you’re in Osaka, two attractions you absolutely can’t miss are Universal Studios Japan and Nintendo World. If you’ve made the journey to Japan, these theme parks are must-visit destinations.

Let’s explore some of Osaka’s iconic spots:

1. Umeda (梅田)：It is the most developed town in Osaka! If you are looking for shopping, this is definitely the place to be. Not only do you find high-end boutiques, but also many electronics stores, Pokemon stores, Jump shop, and other specialty stores. But it is very crowded everywhere…Lighten your luggage before exploring the city!
2. Dotonbori (道頓堀)：This is Osaka’s symbol, a place where street vendors and restaurants line the streets, creating a gourmet paradise. Just strolling down these lanes will undoubtedly whet your appetite.
3. Shinsaibashi (心斎橋)：Located in the heart of Osaka’s bustling district, Shinsaibashi offers both shopping and gourmet delights. It’s famous for its fashion brands and apparel stores and serves as a hub for youth culture.It is a town that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, as there is also a Jump Shop and a Pokemon stores.
4. Nanba/Nipponbashi (難波・日本橋)：A vibrant district beloved by young folks, where you can indulge in shopping and gastronomic adventures. Since it’s close to Shinsaibashi, you can enjoy all three areas in one go. Nipponbashi is Osaka’s anime town, akin to Akihabara, offering a wide array of merchandise.
5. Tennoji (天王寺)：With Tennoji Park, the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, and a zoo, you can soak in both nature and culture. Plus, the “Sin sekai” area nearby exudes a nostalgic, retro charm.
6. Tsutenkaku (通天閣) : Osaka’s landmark tower. Although smaller than the Tokyo Tower, it is a tower packed with Osaka’s uniqueness.A tourist tower located in the “Sin sekai” district, offering a panoramic view of Osaka from its observation deck. Around Shinsekai, there are many cafes and Izakaya where you can enjoy old-fashioned Osaka.

Even if you’re not into anime, I recommend checking out Nihonbashi! The city itself isn’t too large, so you won’t need much time to explore it.

In Namba, you’ll find comedy theaters, a multitude of restaurants, and the iconic Osaka bridge. You might get a bit overwhelmed by the crowds, but that’s all part of enjoying Japan!

Lastly, be sure to pick up some souvenirs at the department stores in Shinsaibashi. You can find everything from luxury brands to gifts for your acquaintances.

There are plenty of business hotels in this area, so you can also save on accommodation expenses.

Kyoto: Rich Culture and Countless World Heritage Sites!

Kyoto is a city that embodies Japan’s rich history. With its numerous shrines and temples, you’ll truly feel like you’ve stepped into Japan.
Moreover, enjoying matcha tea and traditional Japanese cuisine amidst Kyoto’s unique cityscape provides an extraordinary experience, not to mention the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos.
Your Instagram posts will undoubtedly garner even more attention!

Let’s explore some of Kyoto’s iconic spots:

1. Kiyomizu-dera Area（清水寺）：Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, surrounded by traditional buildings, stylish cafes, and souvenir shops. The view from Kiyomizu-dera is breathtaking, especially during the autumn foliage season when you can enjoy beautiful scenery.
2. Kinkaku-ji Area（金閣寺）：Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a stunning temple covered in gold leaf, and its surroundings offer gardens and teahouses. It’s a great place to explore and immerse yourself in history and culture.
3. Gion（祇園）：Known as Kyoto’s geisha district, Gion boasts traditional streets, teahouses, and stylish restaurants. In the evenings, you might even catch a glimpse of geisha (maiko) and apprentice geisha (geiko) in their traditional attire.
4. Ginkaku-ji Area（銀閣寺）周辺：Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is another beautiful temple adorned with silver leaf, and the area around it features gardens and walking paths. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and a sense of harmony with nature.
5. Arashiyama（嵐山）：Located in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is famous for its beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo grove. In this area, you can also enjoy boat rides, hot springs, and delicious Japanese cuisine.
6. Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社 ): This shrine is famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that lead up a mountain. It’s a unique and visually striking place to explore.

In Kyoto, most tourist attractions require the use of trains or buses for transportation. However, Kyoto is heavily crowded with tourists, which can be quite overwhelming.

If you’re not familiar with traveling in Japan, it’s a good idea to narrow down your choice of tourist areas.

In this regard, I recommend two areas: Kiyomizu Temple and Arashiyama.

Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto and is often synonymous with the city. The path leading to the temple is lined with many charming Kyoto-style shops, so simply walking there can be an enjoyable experience.

Near Gion-Shijo Station, you’ll also find Nishiki Market, the largest food market in Kyoto. If it’s your first time in Kyoto, I recommend focusing your exploration around this area, as it’s an excellent place for food and sightseeing.

Arashiyama boasts many Instagram-famous tourist spots, such as the bamboo groves, Togetsukyo Bridge, and the stone garden at Ryoan-ji. You should be able to capture a satisfying photo at any of these picturesque locations.