From Tokyo to Hiroshima: 15 Must-Visit Places in Japan

Japan is a country of astonishing order and precision. Every detail is thoughtfully designed: when it’s cold outside, public restrooms are heated; at the airport, there’s a luggage compartment inside the bathroom stalls; when you’re cycling, there are no curbs on the roads; and if you can’t adjust the shower temperature, there’s a marked “comfort setting.” From the very first moment, you feel how much people respect each other — no one pushes in the subway, everyone stands neatly in line. There’s almost no crime, so you can leave your phone or laptop unattended in public. Smoking on the streets is prohibited — instead, there are designated enclosed smoking areas.

Japan’s history is rich and layered. The imperial dynasty is over 2,600 years old. The country endured the era of shoguns, American occupation, imperial ambitions, and war. It was here that the first atomic bomb was dropped. There are about 80,000 Shinto shrines and 75,000 Buddhist temples across Japan — a blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation.

Here are 15 incredible destinations worth visiting — from Tokyo to Hiroshima — chosen for their color, character, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Tokyo

Meiji Shrine and Gardens

Address: 1-1 Kiyomizu, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557. Nearest station: Yoyogi Station.

This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who ruled Japan from 1867 to 1912. He’s still one of the country’s most revered historical figures, remembered for transforming Japan from a feudal society into an industrial state. Visitors can’t enter the shrine itself — it’s reserved for Shinto rituals and ceremonies — but you can stroll through the surrounding park and the Meiji Gardens, which cover about 173 acres (700,000 m²). Entry is free.

Takeshita Street

Address: 1 Chome-17-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001 — just a 5-minute walk from Meiji Gardens.

Takeshita Street is Tokyo’s famous pedestrian lane — often called the “Mecca of youth fashion.” You’ll find everything from luxury boutiques to street food stalls, tech shops, and quirky cafés with capybaras, mini pigs, or Samoyed dogs.

Shibuya Crossing

Address: 2 Chome-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043. Nearest station: Shibuya Station.

One of the world’s busiest intersections, Shibuya Crossing is famous for the way hundreds of people cross in every direction at once. The organized chaos became an iconic image of modern Tokyo — it even appeared in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009).

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Studio Tour

Address: 1-chōme-1-7 Kasugachō, Nerima City, Tokyo 179-0074. Nearest station: Toshimaen Station.

Unlike an amusement park, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter is more of an immersive museum. You’ll explore authentic sets, costumes, and props from the films — including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Ollivander’s Wand Shop. Guests can even “cast spells” with magic wands (real or imaginary). Evening tickets (4:30 p.m.) start around ¥5,000 (~$33 USD) — buy online in advance.

TeamLab Digital Art Museum

Address: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061. Nearest station: Toyosu Station.

This futuristic museum blends art, science, and technology. Each hall is a large-scale light installation that reacts to touch, sound, or movement — designed by a team of artists, architects, and programmers. Tickets range from ¥3,600–¥4,600 ($24–$31 USD), depending on the day. Reserve ahead.

Tokyo Tower

Address: 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011. Nearest station: Akabanebashi Station.

Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower stands 1,092 ft (333 m) tall and serves as a broadcasting and observation tower. Entry fees vary by level, from ¥1,030–¥2,060 ($7–$14 USD).

Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city — vibrant, youthful, and full of energy. If Tokyo is Japan’s “New York,” Osaka feels more like “Los Angeles” — a bit freer, more creative, and full of nightlife.

Amerikamura District

Address: 2 Chome-9-22 Nishishinsaibashi, Chūō Ward, Osaka, 542-0086. Nearest station: Namba Station.

Since the 1970s, Amerikamura (“American Village”) has been a hotspot for vintage and American-style shopping. You’ll find everything from 1990s track jackets and 1960s toys to military helmets, retro phones, and collectible Bearbrick figures.

Osaka Castle

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chūō Ward, Osaka, 540-0002. Nearest station: Tanimachiyonchome Station.

Originally built in 1583 by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle became a symbol of power and resilience. The current structure, reconstructed in 1931, houses a museum with samurai armor, maps, and dioramas. Admission is ¥600 (~$4 USD).

Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital from 794 to 1868, holds the country’s greatest concentration of historic sites — 17 of which are UNESCO World Heritage landmarks.

Sagano Bamboo Forest

Address: Saganokou, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394. Bus No. 8, stop: Takao.

This tranquil bamboo forest in the Arashiyama district features stalks reaching 65–82 ft (20–25 m) tall. Entry is free, as is the nearby “Kimono Forest.”

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Address: 68 Fushimi Inari, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882. Nearest station: Inari Station.

Dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity, this shrine is famous for its thousands of red torii gates forming tunnels that lead up Mount Inari. Entry is free and open 24 hours.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Address: 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the emperor’s residence until 1868. Compared to Tokyo’s, it retains a stronger sense of history and traditional landscape. Entry is free; English tours can be booked online.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862. Nearest bus stop: Shijo Kawaramachi.

Founded in 779, “Kiyomizu-dera” means “Temple of Pure Water.” The current structure dates to 1633 and remains Japan’s most famous Buddhist temple. Grounds are free to enter; interior access costs ¥300 (~$2 USD).

Nijo Castle

Address: 2-1 Nijojo-machi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301. Nearest bus stop: Horikawa Marutamachi.

Built in 1601 as the Kyoto residence of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (the inspiration for Yoshii Toranaga from the Shōgun series), Nijo Castle is a UNESCO site. Admission ranges from ¥1,300–¥2,300 ($9–$15 USD).

Hiroshima

Hiroshima will forever be linked with the tragic event of August 6, 1945, when the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb — codenamed “Little Boy.” Around 80,000 people died instantly. Today, Hiroshima is a thriving modern city and a global symbol of peace.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Address: 1-2 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811. Nearest station: Hondōri Station.

The museum preserves the memory of 1945 through survivors’ photos, drawings, and personal belongings. It documents both the immediate impact and long-term radiation effects. Admission: ¥200 (~$1.30 USD).

Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima Island)

Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588.

This iconic Shinto shrine, first built in 1168, appears to “float” on water during high tide. It’s dedicated to the goddess of the sea and storms. The round-trip ferry ticket from Hiroshima costs about ¥1,300 (~$9 USD). Entry to the island and shrine is free.

What to Know Before Traveling to Japan

• Taxis are expensive — a ride from downtown to the airport in most cities can cost around ¥25,000 (~$165 USD).
• Download the Pasmo or Suica app for public transit (works with Apple Pay or Google Pay). Physical IC cards cost ¥2,000 (~$13 USD) — including a refundable deposit — and can be topped up at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, or subway stations.
• Smoking on the streets is prohibited. Look for “Smoking Areas” on Google Maps.
• Trash cans are rare — carry your waste with you until you find one.
• Public displays of affection are uncommon — respect local norms.
• Never stick chopsticks upright in rice or cross them — it’s considered impolite.
• Japan is a land of queues — whether entering the subway or taking a photo at a landmark, people always wait their turn.