10 Best Cities You Must Visit in Japan in 2024

Summary

This video highlights the top 10 cities to visit in Japan, showcasing the country's mix of ancient traditions and modern innovations. From Nagasaki's historical landmarks to Tokyo's vibrant and futuristic attractions, each city offers unique experiences. Viewers are guided through places like Kyoto’s UNESCO heritage sites, Fukuoka’s festivals, and Sapporo’s winter sports. Whether it's exploring temples, savoring local cuisines, or enjoying breathtaking views, the video offers a comprehensive travel guide, appealing to history lovers, foodies, and adventure seekers alike.

Takeaways

• 🌸 Japan is a country where old traditions and modern innovations coexist harmoniously, especially in its cities.
• 🏯 Nagasaki, at number 10, has a rich history marked by the atomic bomb and features landmarks like the Peace Park and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.
• 🌊 Kobe, ranked 9th, is known for its location between the sea and mountains, offering scenic views from Mount Rocco and the Kobe Port Tower.
• 🏯 Kanazawa, number 8, preserves its historical architecture, including Kanazawa Castle, Samurai District, and traditional tea houses in the Geisha District.
• 🛍️ Fukuoka, at number 7, is famous for its Mitama Festival, the large Canal City shopping center, and Japan’s largest sitting Buddha statue.
• ❄️ Sapporo, ranked 6th, is Japan’s top winter destination, featuring ski resorts and the Sapporo Snow Festival, with its ice sculptures and night skiing.
• 🦌 Nara, at number 5, is known for Nara Park with its friendly deer, as well as the Todaiji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha.
• 🎎 Hiroshima, at number 4, is a city of history with the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, while also offering attractions like Hiroshima Castle and Miyajima Island.
• 🎭 Osaka, ranked 3rd, offers the charm of rural Japan with a mix of street food, shopping, and cultural experiences like Bunraku puppetry.
• ⛩️ Kyoto, at number 2, is the ancient capital of Japan, known for UNESCO heritage sites, the bamboo forest, and traditional tea houses in the Geisha district.
• 🌸 Tokyo, at number 1, is a dynamic blend of modern and ancient, with skyscrapers, historic temples, cherry blossom parks, and unique museums like the Studio Ghibli Museum.

Q & A

What is the primary theme of Japan as described in the introduction?

Japan is described as a country where the old and new coexist in perfect harmony, with ancient temples alongside futuristic skyscrapers.

What historical significance does Nagasaki hold?

Nagasaki was destroyed by a nuclear strike during World War II and has since been rebuilt. The city preserves its history through the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park.

What makes Kobe a notable city according to the script?

Kobe is notable for its scenic location between the sea and the Rocco mountains, its international port city atmosphere, and landmarks such as the Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Fashion Museum.

Why is Kanazawa significant in terms of historical preservation?

Kanazawa was not bombed during World War II, allowing it to retain much of its ancient architecture, including Kanazawa Castle and the Nagamachin Samurai District.

What is the Mitama Festival in Fukuoka, and why is it important?

The Mitama Festival is a celebration held at Gokoku Shrine, where over 6,000 lanterns are lit to welcome the spirits of the dead. It is a significant cultural event dedicated to Japan's war dead.

What is Sapporo best known for, according to the script?

Sapporo is best known for its ski resorts and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, where massive ice sculptures are built and illuminated.

What unique feature can visitors experience in Nara?

In Nara, visitors can experience Nara Park, where over 1,000 friendly deer roam freely and interact with people. These deer are considered national treasures.

What are some key attractions in Hiroshima besides its history with World War II?

In addition to its World War II history, Hiroshima features attractions such as the feudal Hiroshima Castle, the Mazda Museum, and the nearby Miyajima Island with its famous floating Torii gate.

What sets Osaka apart from other Japanese cities?

Osaka is known for its rural charm, vibrant street food scene, vintage shopping, and cultural sites like Osaka Castle and bunraku puppet theaters.

What are some must-visit cultural and historical sites in Kyoto?

Kyoto, Japan's former ancient capital, is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Nijou Castle, and the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous orange Torii gates.

Outlines

00:00

🏙️ Exploring Japan's Fascinating Cities

Japan is a country where the ancient and modern coexist harmoniously. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto offer both futuristic skyscrapers and historic temples. This video takes a look at the top 10 cities to visit in Japan, including their cultural landmarks and attractions. It begins with a quick introduction to Japan's diverse experiences and encourages viewers to subscribe for more travel guides.

05:01

📜 Nagasaki: A City Reborn from History

Nagasaki, once destroyed by a nuclear strike in World War II, has been rebuilt and now offers historical insights, especially through the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. The city also features a mix of international influences due to its history as a port city. Notable sites include Mount Inasa for panoramic views, and Hashima Island, an abandoned site known for its role in the film Skyfall.

10:02

🌊 Kobe: Between Sea and Mountains

Kobe's beauty lies in its location between the sea and the Rokko Mountains, offering scenic hikes and tranquil waterfalls like Nunobiki Falls. Famous for the Kobe Fashion Museum and its iconic port, Kobe also provides panoramic views from the Kobe Port Tower. The city's historical sites, along with its cultural museums, make it a fascinating stop for visitors.

🏯 Kanazawa: A City of Ancient Architecture

Kanazawa has retained its ancient architecture, including the 16th-century Kanazawa Castle and its surrounding gardens. Visitors can explore historical districts such as the Nagamachi Samurai District and the Higashi Geisha District. The city also offers unique experiences like visiting the Ochaya Shima Museum and traditional tea houses where geishas used to perform.

🎋 Fukuoka: A Cultural and Shopping Hub

Fukuoka hosts the famous Mitama Festival with over 6,000 lanterns to welcome spirits of the dead. The city boasts the largest shopping center in Japan, Canal City Hakata, and scenic attractions like Momochi Seaside Park. Visitors can also explore cultural sites such as the Temple with Japan’s largest Buddha statue and hike in nearby mountains.

❄️ Sapporo: Japan's Winter Wonderland

Sapporo is renowned for its winter sports and the annual Snow Festival, featuring illuminated ice sculptures. As a former host of the Winter Olympics, Sapporo offers exceptional skiing conditions. Visitors can tour the Ishiya Chocolate Factory, explore the historical village of Hokkaido, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Sapporo TV Tower and nearby mountains.

🦌 Nara: A City of Sacred Deer and Temples

Nara is famous for Nara Park, where over 1,000 tame deer freely roam. Visitors can explore historical landmarks like Todaiji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, accessed via a lantern-lined path. Nara also offers great hiking spots such as Mount Wakakusa, especially during the cherry blossom season.

🌸 Hiroshima: A City of Peace and Resilience

Hiroshima is most known for its Peace Memorial Park, commemorating the atomic bombing. Visitors can see the preserved Atomic Bomb Dome and explore the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The city also features historical landmarks such as Hiroshima Castle and nearby Miyajima Island, home to the famous floating Torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.

🍜 Osaka: A Vibrant and Laid-Back City

Osaka offers a more relaxed and charming atmosphere compared to other Japanese cities. Despite being heavily bombed during World War II, it has a rich culture, featuring street food, vintage shops, and unique attractions such as Bunraku puppet theaters. Notable sites include Osaka Castle and local Onsen, offering a relaxing experience for visitors.

⛩️ Kyoto: The Former Capital of Japan

Kyoto, the former capital, is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Must-see attractions include Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The city also has a strong cultural presence, with tea houses and the Geisha district of Gion offering glimpses into traditional Japanese life.

🌆 Tokyo: The Modern Marvel of Japan

Tokyo is the largest and most modern city in Japan, blending ancient temples like Sensoji with towering skyscrapers. From electric town to cultural sites such as the Imperial Palace and the Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo offers a vast range of experiences. Famous for its cherry blossoms, the city also features quirky attractions such as the Ghibli Museum and numerous arcades.

Keywords

💡Contrasts

The term 'contrasts' refers to the coexistence of different, often opposing, elements within Japan. In the video, it highlights how Japan seamlessly blends old and new, such as ancient temples with futuristic skyscrapers, showcasing the country's cultural and architectural diversity.

💡Shinto and Buddhist Temples

Shinto and Buddhist temples are central to Japan’s cultural heritage. These religious structures, some centuries old, offer a glimpse into the spiritual traditions that have shaped Japanese society. The video emphasizes that visiting these temples is essential to understanding Japan’s ancient culture amidst its modern development.

💡Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

This museum in Nagasaki commemorates the city's destruction by a nuclear bomb during World War II. The museum preserves this dark chapter of history, reflecting Japan’s efforts to honor the past while moving toward peace. It serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of peace in modern Japan.

💡Fujian-influenced Champon Noodles

Champon noodles are a regional dish from Nagasaki, influenced by Chinese cuisine, particularly from the Fujian province. This culinary example highlights Nagasaki's international ties as a port city, reflecting how the city’s culture blends Japanese and foreign influences.

💡Geisha Districts

Geisha districts, like the Higashi Geisha District in Kanazawa, preserve the traditional arts and entertainments performed by Geishas. These areas offer insight into the history of Japanese performing arts, showcasing how the past is kept alive through preserved tea houses and cultural performances.

💡Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is an annual event held in Sapporo, featuring elaborate ice sculptures and winter activities. It reflects Japan's celebration of seasonal changes and draws attention to Sapporo as a premier winter destination, blending natural beauty with creative human expression.

💡Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

This park in Hiroshima commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb and promotes world peace. It serves as a solemn reminder of the tragic history of Hiroshima while symbolizing hope and the city's recovery. The park also houses monuments such as the Atomic Bomb Dome.

💡Onsen

Onsens are traditional Japanese hot springs, which are an integral part of Japanese culture and wellness. In Osaka, they are described as more than just spa experiences, offering visitors a cultural immersion into Japan’s ancient bathing traditions and natural relaxation methods.

💡Cherry Blossom Viewing

Cherry blossom viewing, known as Hanami, is a long-standing Japanese tradition where people gather to appreciate the beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms). In Tokyo, this event represents the blend of nature and urban life, as parks are filled with people admiring the fleeting beauty of the blossoms.

💡Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Kyoto is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle. These sites are key to understanding Japan's rich history and ancient architecture, showing how Kyoto preserves its cultural significance while being a hub for modern tourism.

Highlights

Japan is a country of contrasts where the old and new coexist in perfect harmony, visible in the cities.

Nagasaki, a city rebuilt after World War II, offers the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park as reminders of its history.

Hashima Island, an abandoned former labor camp, gained fame from being featured in the James Bond movie Skyfall.

Kobe, known for its location between the sea and mountains, offers panoramic views from the Kobe Port Tower.

Kanazawa retains its ancient architecture, including the 16th-century Kanazawa Castle and the Higashi Geisha District.

Fukuoka’s Mitama Festival, featuring over 6,000 lanterns, is a notable attraction at the Gokoku Shrine.

Sapporo is Japan's top winter destination, famous for its Snow Festival, ski resorts, and the Sapporo TV Tower.

Nara is known for Nara Park, where over 1,000 friendly deer roam freely, and Todaiji Temple with Japan's largest bronze Buddha.

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome serve as somber reminders of its wartime history.

Osaka offers the Open Air Museum of old Japanese farmhouses and Bunraku theaters showcasing traditional Japanese puppetry.

Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Tokyo blends old and new, from the Sensoji Shrine to Electric Town, home to the world's largest arcades.

The Ghibli Museum in Tokyo offers a unique experience for anime fans with insights into Studio Ghibli’s animation.

Cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo, occurring from late March to early April, is one of the most celebrated events of the year.

Visitors to Japan's cities will find a unique mix of futuristic elements like skyscrapers alongside ancient temples and traditional crafts.

Transcripts

Japan is a country of contrasts where

the old and new coexist side by side in

Perfect Harmony it's easy to see this in

Japan's cities you could spend years

exploring the ancient Shinto and

Buddhist temples futuristic skyscrapers

and gastronomical delights that Japan

has to offer and still have plenty left

to see

in this list we're going to be taking a

look at the top 10 best cities in Japan

before we begin make sure to subscribe

to our YouTube channel for more awesome

travel guides and make sure you hit the

notification Bell so that you know when

we publish a new video so let's cut to

the chase

at 10 Nagasaki Nagasaki was destroyed by

a nuclear strike in World War II and

slowly rebuilt over the next few decades

you can see some of that history in the

Nagasaki atomic bomb Museum and on a

walk around peace park with its many

monuments and memorials because of its

tradition as a port city Nagasaki has a

more International Flair than other

cities in Japan this can be seen in the

many busy restaurants and Tiny eateries

offering everything from fujian

influenced champ on noodles to poisonous

akosi fish dishes

to catch nagasaki's famous 10 million

dollar view visitors can take the

ropeway cable car up Mount inasa once up

climb to the observatory platform for

360 Degree views over the city and the

Nagasaki port

just off the Bay of Nagasaki lies

Hashima island an abandoned Island that

once served as a forced labor camp and

the access site to an undersea Coal Mine

shots of the decaying structures on the

island were used in the James Bond film

Skyfall and visitors can now take tours

of the island

at 9 Kobe though better known as a port

city Kobe's picture-perfect location

between the Sea and the Rocco mountains

is its best feature Mount Rocco just

steps away makes for an easy afternoon

hike and the nearby nunobiki Falls are a

great destination during the hotter

months for a quiet Escape visit the all

marble Jain Temple then climb the Kobe

Port Tower as the sun goes down for 360

Degree panoramic views over the lights

of the city

Kobe is also home to the Kobe fashion

Museum the first of its kind in Japan

and The Maritime Museum highlighting the

importance of the sea in the city's

growth and development

thank you

at eight kanazawa because kanazawa

wasn't bombed during World War II it has

retained all of its ancient architecture

including the 16th century kanazawa

castle and the Beautiful Garden

surrounding it at the foot of the castle

sits the nagamachin samurai District

where you can get a glimpse of the

ancient lifestyle of Samurai and their

families on a different side of town the

higashi Geisha District still preserves

the Chaya or tea houses where geishas

used to entertain the wealthy centuries

ago here visitors can stop by the

ochayashima museum to understand how the

Geisha lived and visit the gold leaf

sakuda shop to grab a souvenir decorated

with gold leaf a traditional local craft

you can also try traditional wagashi

sweets while sipping a cup of green tea

at one of the working tea houses in the

area

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at 7 Fukuoka the mitama festival is one

of fukuoka's most famous attractions

it's celebrated at gokoku Shrine where

over 6 000 lanterns are lit to welcome

the spirits of the dead at the rhythm of

Tycho drumming

while this famous Festival is celebrated

all over Japan the city of Fukuoka

dedicates its celebrations to Japan's

War dead attracting people from all over

the country when visiting Fukuoka make

sure to stop by Japan's largest shopping

center Canal City Hakata has over 250

stores a theater cinemas and game

centers and even its own canal running

through the center of the complex if

you'd rather spend your time Outdoors

this momochi Seaside a park and

artificial Beach that sits next to the

fukuoko City Museum and plenty of

restaurants that look over the sea

Temple home to Japan's largest sitting

Buddha statue is also a must-see here

Fukuoka is surrounded by mountains

perfect for hiking including mount hiko

with its coppertory gates at the top and

mount shuji with its owno castle ruins

at night you can take a cable car up to

mount sarakura for a stunning view over

the city lights below

at 6 Sapporo Sapporo is Japan's best

winter destination known for its many

ski resorts and the Sapporo snow

festival at the beginning of February

the festival attracts ice sculptors from

all over the country who build massive

Ice Castles and statues that are

illuminated with colorful lights at

night

for skiers Sapporo which was the host of

the 1972 Winter Olympics offers perfect

powder snow conditions over 1 000

kilometers of pistes and numerous night

skiing facilities

while in town make some time to tour the

ishia Chocolate Factory and try their

white chocolate specialty then take a

walk around the historical Village of

Hokkaido an open-air Museum featuring 60

period structures each completely

furnished and showcasing what pioneer

life was once like in the area for some

of the best views of the city climb up

to the observation deck in Sapporo TV

tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower

just outside Sapporo is another great

Viewpoint moywayama Mountain take the

cable car to the top for an open view

over the city and the natural spaces

around it

next up at 5 Nara

less than an hour away from Kyoto on a

high-speed train Nora can easily be done

as a day trip if you truly want to

explore this unique small City however

stay at least one night Nara is best

known as the home of Nara Park where

over 1 000 friendly curious deer roam

freely and often approach people at

close range the deer have National

Treasure status and cannot be bothered

or harmed in any way by Park visitors

after spending some time surrounded by

adorable creatures head to todaiji

Temple which dates back to the year 752

CE and is a UNESCO world heritage site

the shrine is home to Japan's largest

bronze Buddha statue at 15 meters tall

the Taraji museum near the entrance to

the temple grounds holds an impressive

collection of Buddhist art another

Temple worth visiting is the 8th Century

kasuga Taisha which you can reach by

walking on a lantern lined path

if you're up for a bit of exercise you

can walk up 343 meters to reach the

summit of Mount wakakusa during spring

this is the city's top spot for Sakura

viewing

end the day with a bit of street food

which in Nara means something sweet the

most famous street snack here is yomogi

mochi a warm cake made with sticky rice

and filled with sweet red bean paste

at 4 Hiroshima hiroshima's past is

perhaps the main reason people visit the

city but it shouldn't be the only one

for those wanting to understand the dark

history of the city a stop at the

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a must

here visitors can see the skeletal ruins

of the atomic bomb Dome and visit the

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum which

documents the atomic bombing of

Hiroshima during World War II

right in the heart of Hiroshima you'll

also find the feudal Hiroshima Castle

covered in black lacquer and ornate Wood

home to a samurai Museum and a shrine

the castle is also popular for its

weekly Samurai performances right

outside the castle walls

for car lovers the Mazda Museum in town

is one of hiroshima's must-visit

attractions visitors should also try the

Hiroshima style okonomiyaki a type of

pancake filled with cabbage bean sprouts

and noodles a fried egg and sweet sauce

a good day trip from Hiroshima is

mayajima Island which can be reached via

a picturesque ferry ride visitors arrive

here to see itsukushima Shrine and the

famous floating Tory gate an optical

illusion during high tide that causes

the gate to seemingly float on the Blue

Waters during low tide however it's

possible to walk up to the gate

next up add three Osaka

compared to other cities in Japan Osaka

feels a little like a small town it was

quickly and somehow haphazardly rebuilt

after being heavily bombed during World

War II and it lacks many of the

historical sites you'll find in other

cities in exchange you'll get plenty of

almost rural Japanese charm some of the

best street food in Japan and some of

the best hip vintage wear and electronic

shopping at better prices than Tokyo

two not to be missed stops in Osaka

include the Open Air Museum of old

Japanese farm houses and bunraku

theaters where you can see the ancient

art of Japanese puppetry

Osaka Castle is another great spot to

explore or you can jump on a goza Boone

boat and just admire the 16th century

Fortress from the water

Osaka is also home to many Onsen which

might feel like a spa but are actually a

unique cultural experience worth trying

out

thank you

at 2 Kyoto the former ancient capital of

Japan Kyoto is known for being home to a

long list of UNESCO world heritage sites

must Seas include the biodin temple

featured on the 10 Yen coin the vast

Samurai nijou castle and the iconic

kinkakoji Temple or golden Pavilion with

walls covered in Gold Leaf

Kyoto oozes quiet charm with shrines and

Sublime Gardens everywhere the

arashiyama bamboo forest is one of

Kyoto's most stunning sites and one not

to be missed so are the thousands of

orange red Tory gates at the Fushimi

Inari shrine

for an unusual sightseeing experience

visit the Entertainment District of Geon

where geishas walk the streets lined up

with folk wooden houses this is a great

place to visit to experience ochaya or

tea houses and kaseki ryori traditional

Japanese Hot Cuisine

and finally at number one it's Tokyo

many visitors arriving in Japan touched

down in Tokyo first even if your final

destination is somewhere else Tokyo

deserves to be explored and enjoyed as

the most modern most varied City in

Japan Tokyo offers a mix of old and new

like nowhere else

visit electric town area to get your

techie or geeky fix among the steel and

glass skyscrapers then head to an

ancient Buddhist or Shinto Shrine such

as the senzoji shrine the oldest Temple

in Tokyo the Imperial Palace and the

Museum of Modern Art which sit next to

each other are another contrasting Duo

worth a visit

Tokyo is the place to visit for weird

tourist attractions stop by the kite

Museum the movie Animation Studio Ghibli

Museum or the grizzly parasitiological

Museum or play Arctic games at jigo Sega

building

one of the world's largest arcades it

offers six floors of everything from the

oldest arcade games to Virtual Reality

experiences

cherry blossom viewing is a

centuries-old tradition in Japan and one

of the top things to do in Tokyo for

about a week in Spring people flock to

parks to see the trees blossom in

incredible soft pink colors petals

falling and floating like snowflakes

timing your visit can be tricky but in

Tokyo Sakura is likely to happen between

March 24th to April 2nd

and there you have the top 10 best

cities in Japan did you like what you

saw let us know in the comments down

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see you next time

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