Key Cities

Use this quick primer to decide how to split your time across Japan’s most visited cities.

Tokyo

The megacity of neighbourhoods: neon Shinjuku, pop‑culture Akihabara, historic Asakusa and the green oasis of Meiji Shrine. World‑class dining and museums abound.

  • Shibuya: Cross the world’s busiest scramble (3,000 people/light), hit Hachiko statue, then rooftop bars.
  • Ginza: Michelin-star sushi at ¥40,000 omakase; window-shop ¥1M watches, catch Kabuki-za theater (¥2,000 single-act tickets).
  • Ueno Park: 1,200 sakura + pandas at Ueno Zoo; Tokyo National Museum holds 110,000 artifacts—skip lines with ¥1,000 online pass.
  • TeamLab Planets: Walk barefoot through water mirrors and LED infinity; book ¥3,800 slots weeks ahead.
  • Tsukiji Outer Market: Dawn tuna cuts, ¥500 tamago skewers—arrive 6 a.m. for freshest uni bowls.
  • JR Yamanote Line loops it all; Suica card + late-night ramen fuel the neon chaos.

  • Top areas:
    1. shibuya
    2. asakusa
    3. ginza
    4. ueno park
  • Don’t miss:
    1. TeamLab digital art
    2. Tsukiji outer market
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
Traditional wooden streets of Kyoto at dusk

Kyoto

Japan’s cultural heart with over a thousand temples and shrines. Wander Arashiyama bamboo grove and the lantern‑lit lanes of Gion.

  • Gion: Spot maiko at dusk; ¥3,000 tea house shows.
  • Arashiyama: Monkey Park + Tenryuji zen garden; rent a ¥2,000 kimono.
  • Tea ceremony: 45-min matcha ritual at En (¥3,000); whisk your own.

  • Top areas:
    1. Gion
    2. Arashiyama
    3. Higashiyama
  • Don’t miss:
    1. Kiyomizu-dera
    2. Tea ceremony

Osaka

Japan’s kitchen. Come hungry for takoyaki and okonomiyaki, then marvel at the neon of Dotonbori and the impressive Osaka Castle.

  • Osaka’s Japan’s kitchen—takoyaki balls sizzle, okonomiyaki flips, Dotonbori’s neon Glico Man glows, Osaka Castle towers.
  • Namba: Dotonbori food crawl—¥500 kushikatsu skewers, crab at Kani Doraku.
  • Umeda: Sky Building’s floating garden sunset; ¥1,500 hep-five Ferris wheel.
  • Shinsekai: Retro Tsutenkaku Tower, ¥900 fugu if daring; spa world onsen.
  • Street eats: 6 p.m. Kuromon Market—¥300 tuna belly, ¥400 wagyu sticks.

  • Top areas :
    1. Namba
    2. Umeda
    3. Shinsekai
  • Don’t miss:
    1. Street food crawl in Dotonbori
Neon signs of Dotonbori, Osaka