Where to Stay in Japan? Best Base Cities for First Time Visitors 🇯🇵

Where to Stay in Japan? Best Base Cities for First Time Visitors 🇯🇵

Hey, it’s Venise from Flip Japan. Welcome back to our Japan trip planning series. We’re going step by step to help you plan the smoothest, most unforgettable trip possible. And in this episode, we’re tackling one of the most important things to figure out early on, which is where to base yourself. Choosing the right cities to stay in can totally shape how your trip feels, especially if you’re trying to see a lot without constantly packing and moving. Japan has 46 prefectures, and every single one has its own vibe, scenes, and hidden gems. But let’s be real, you’re not going to see them all in one trip. Picking smart base cities helps you explore more without the travel burnout. For first- timers, the classic big three are still the go-tos. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. These cities don’t just have tons to do. They’re also super well connected by trains, so they make really great launch pads for day trips. Let’s start with Tokyo. It’s massive. It’s wild. It’s got everything from food, fashion, tech, history, anime, quiet gardens, high-rise rooftop bars, you name it. If you’re someone who wants variety and doesn’t mind the buzz, Tokyo’s a dream base. But beyond the city itself, it’s also surrounded by amazing day trip options. You’ve got Niko, which is like a fairy tale mountain town with intricate shrines, waterfalls, and hiking trails. There’s Kamakura, a coastal spot with temples, giant Buddha, and matcha cafes. Yokohama is really good for a more modern and chill vibe. It’s got waterfront views, the Cup Noodle Museum, the Ramen Museum, and also an underrated Chinatown. And of course, Kawaucho, where you can get that postcard perfect view of Mount Fuji, especially beautiful during cherry blossom or autumn leaf season. You could literally base yourself in Tokyo for a full week or even more and still have fresh places to explore every single day without every changing hotel. Then there is Kyoto, which is basically the opposite vibe. If Tokyo is speed and chaos, Kyoto is slower, quieter, and beautiful. It’s all about temples, bamboo groves, riverside walks, old wooden streets, matcha, kiaki mules, and that traditional Japanese aesthetic. It’s really perfect for travelers who want to take things in a little bit of a slower pace. And just like Tokyo, it’s really well positioned for some easy iconic side trip. N is super close and you’ll get temples, Ji Buddha, and those adorable deers that bow to you for crackers. Uji is another must if you’re into green tea and one of my favorite places because it’s home to some of the best matcha in Japan and some beautiful riverside scenery. You can even bounce over to Osaka in under half an hour from Kyoto. So, if you’re not sure whether to stay in Kyoto or Osaka, you can do one and just hop to the other depending on your plan. Now, let’s talk about Osaka, the underrated hero of a lot of Japan’s trips. If you’re all about food, fun, and a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Osaka is where it’s at. It’s known for being way more relaxed and local feeling than Tokyo, but still packed with neon light, arcade, comedy theaters, and amazing street food. If you want takoyaki at midnight, or ramen after a few drinks in Totoi, this is your city. It’s also a perfect base for exploring Coobe, which is about 30 minutes away and known for it world famous coobe, modern harbor front, and a fun mix of western and Japanese architecture. Then there’s also Himeji, which is home to Himeji Castle, one of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in Japan. It’s a great half-day trip if you’re into history or just want that classic white castle photo. And of course, you’re also super close to Kyoto and Nada, both less than an hour away by trade. Everything in the Concai region is really well connected, especially if you’re using something like the Concai area pass. You can cover a lot of ground without ever needing to change hotels, which means more time exploring and less time dragging your suitcase around. Now, if you’ve already done the big three or just want something a little bit more unique and off the beaten path, you’ve got plenty of really amazing options. Nagago is great if you’re into mountain views, onsense, and nature. You can visit the famous snow monkeys, hike through peaceful forest, or chill in a traditional inn with hot spring baths. It’s also a quieter alternative to places like Hakon or Fujif Lakes. Another really cool place is Kagoshima. It’s way down in Kyushu and is warm all year round and sits across from Sakurajima, a very active volcano, which is wild. You can also hop over to Yakushima, which is a lush island that inspired forest in Princess Monoke. And if you’ve never tried a sand bath before, this is the place. Then there’s Matsu in Shimanet, which most travelers skip completely, and it’s full of history, peaceful lake views, and very few crowds. And over in Ehime, you’ve got Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, and the Shimanikaido, a gorgeous bike route that takes you across several islands with sea views the entire time. Wherever you choose to base yourself, here’s the big thing to remember. Don’t overdo it. It’s tempting to book six or seven different cities to see more of Japan, but in reality, that usually just means you see more train stations and spend less time actually enjoying the places that you’ve come to visit. Of course, this depends on how long you’re spending in Japan. But for most travelers who are here for about 2 weeks or so from each one, plan a few day trips, stay at least three nights, and give yourself breathing room. This way, you can enjoy your trip way more, and your feet and your sanity will thank you later. If you’re not sure where to base yourself or how to fit all your musty spots into a smooth route, check out our city guides at our website. And we’ve got suggestions for all the major stops and also underrated gems. Links are all in the description box down below. And of course, if you want help building your actual route with smart base cities that match your vibe and your time frame, our travel planning service is here to help. All right, that’s step six done. In the next episode, we’re going to be talking about transportation passes, jar passas, regional passes, when to get them, when to skip them, and how to avoid wasting money. If this episode helped you, go hit the like button and subscribe and drop a comment to where you’re thinking about basing yourself. And I’d love to hear your plans.

Where should you base yourself when travelling Japan? 🇯🇵

In this episode of our Japan Trip Planning Series, we’re diving into one of the most important decisions for a smooth, stress-free adventure: choosing your base cities!

Japan has so many interesting places to see that it can be tricky to decide, but if you learn where to spend your nights and plan your day trips accordingly, you will get the best of Japan without getting too exhausted and wasting too much time on transportation.

From Tokyo’s electric buzz ⚡ to Kyoto’s timeless charm 🌿 and Osaka’s foodie streets 🍜 — we break down the best cities to stay in, plus amazing day trip ideas to help you cover more without constantly changing hotels.

💡 Perfect for:
✔️ First-time visitors to Japan
✔️ Those planning a 1-2 week trip
✔️ Travellers looking for efficient, relaxing itineraries

✨ Highlights in this episode:

The Big 3: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka – pros & vibes

Best day trips from each base city

Off-the-beaten-path alternatives: Nagano, Kagoshima, Matsue & more

Pro tips for avoiding travel burnout

✣ ✣ ✣

Come chat with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flipjapanguide/

Support our channel: https://ko-fi.com/flipjapanguide

Stay tuned for more videos about Japan life & travel, Japanese culture and more, subscribe and click the bell notification!
https://www.youtube.com/c/FlipJapanGuide?sub_confirmation=1

✣ ✣ ✣

🇯🇵 Tours 🇯🇵
Obsessed with history, a foodie at heart, or just love exploring? Our private and group tours let you experience Japan your way! 🚆🍣🏯
➡️ https://flipjapanguide.com/tours

🇯🇵 Group Trips 🇯🇵
Travelling solo or with friends? Our group trips make it fun and easy to explore Japan with like-minded adventurers! 🏔️⛩️🍜
➡️ https://flipjapanguide.com/japan-group-trips/

🇯🇵 Trip Planning 🇯🇵
Not sure where to start? We’ll craft a personalised itinerary packed with unforgettable experiences, so you can travel stress-free! 🗺️✨
➡️ https://flipjapanguide.com/travel-planner/

🇯🇵 Experiences & Activities 🇯🇵
Looking for unique things to do in Japan? From cultural workshops to outdoor adventures, find unforgettable experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots! 🎌🏮🎏
➡️ https://flipjapanguide.com/experiences

📞 Need travel advice?
We offer consultation calls to help with all your Japan travel questions!
✅ 20-min FREE call to get you started (https://tidycal.com/flip/japan-travel-planner)
✅ 45-min in-depth call for detailed planning (https://tidycal.com/flip/japan-travel-planner)

📸 Come chat with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flipjapanguide/

☕️ Support our channel: https://ko-fi.com/flipjapanguide

🎥 Stay tuned for more videos about Japan life & travel, Japanese culture and more, subscribe and click the bell notification!
https://www.youtube.com/c/FlipJapanGuide?sub_confirmation=1

✣ ✣ ✣

🎁 Free Japan Gift Box 🎁

Here’s a gift box for your Japan travel, Japan life & Japanese culture & more!

What’s included in the Free Japan Gift Box?

👉 Japan Travel Guide: The Japan Guide to help you explore the ins and outs of Japan
👉 Japanese Daily Phrasebook: Japanese words and phrases to help you navigate everyday Japan
👉 Japan Prefectures Guide: Explore every prefecture in Japan in one glance
👉 Easy Japanese Food Recipes: Easy Japanese food recipes to cook at home
👉 Japan Nightlife Phrasebook: Useful Japanese phrases for your night out in town

➡️ Get it here: https://flipjapanguide.com/free-japan-gift-box/

✣ ✣ ✣

What to watch next

Experience Japan
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNNwG4D-YGbbxZaNaaGvJ-f2xtPy11jok

Traveling in Japan
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNNwG4D-YGbb98Ztu90uoVMt6XZwVw65F

Life in Japan
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNNwG4D-YGbZxl2PNWGVUAOMWTydYoM75

Moving to Japan
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNNwG4D-YGbbYC_CD-4T_TDeEr_T-WTDc

✣ ✣ ✣

If you have any questions or want to get in touch, feel free to message us on Instagram or Facebook Messenger! We would love to talk with you!

Say hi to us on social media! Tag us @flipjapanguide #flipjapanguide

Website ⇰ www.flipjapanguide.com
Facebook ⇰ https://www.facebook.com/flipjapanguide/
Instagram ⇰ https://www.instagram.com/flipjapanguide/
Twitter ⇰ https://www.twitter.com/flipjapanguide//
TikTok ⇰ https://www.tiktok.com/@japanguide
Email us here: hi@flipjapanguide.com

Host ⇰ https://www.instagram.com/veneseee

NOTE: This content might contain affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no extra cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support! Find more here: https://flipjapanguide.com/terms-and-conditions/

Thank you for watching and see you in the next video!