TOP 10 CITIES to Visit in JAPAN | 2025 TRAVEL GUIDE

TOP 10 CITIES to Visit in JAPAN | 2025 TRAVEL GUIDE

Are you ready to explore Japan, a country of stark contrasts, where ancient temples coexist with neon lit skyscrapers and sushi bars sit next to robot cafes? In this video, we’re counting down the 10 mustsee cities in Japan. Ranked from 10 up to the ultimate number one, each has its own unique charm. From laid-back beach vibes to heartpounding nightife, and from serene gardens to futuristic arcades, this is Next Destinations, and here are the best places in Japan you won’t want to miss. [Applause] [Music] Number 10, Fukuoka. Let’s kick things off in southern Japan with Fukuoka, a spacious port city on Kyushu Island that feels both relaxed and cutting edge. Fukuoka’s lively yatai out outdoor food stalls scene is legendary. In fact, the city even regulates and supports about 100 yatai in Fukuoka, where locals and visitors gather nightly for inexpensive bowls of hakata style tonkatu ramen, rich pork bone broth, and grilled skewers. These cozy stalls helped earn Fukuoka a spot on the New York Times 52 places to go in 2023 list. If you crave nature, hop a short ferry ride to nearby Noonoshima Island for beaches and flower gardens. With its friendly vibe and authentic local flavor, Fuguoka is a hidden gem that’s worth a stop, especially if you want to beat the crowds found in bigger cities. Number nine, Kobe. Next up is Kobe, a port city snuggled between sea and mountains. Kobe is famous worldwide for its aonomous beef, but there’s much more on the menu. Soak in the historic Arma hot springs, then sample premium sake brewed in nada. And of course, indulge in Coobe’s authentic beef at a local tanyaki or steakhouse. From the hills above the city, views are spectacular. Locals note that the higher elevations are often crystal clear in winter, making those citylight panoramas incredibly sharp and beautiful. With its mountain backdrop, clean cityscape, and cosmopolitan flare. Don’t miss strolling the European style Katano district. Coobe proves it’s more than just a steakhouse town. It’s a full lifestyle experience. Number eight, Hakone. Okay, this one isn’t a city, per se, but bear with us. Hakone earns its spot as a quintessential Japanese destination, and it’s just outside Tokyo. Nestled in the mountains with views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is Japan’s perennial hotring retreat. Hakone sits only about an hour from Tokyo by train, and yearround it dazzles with seasonal scenery. Take the ropeway up to Oakuani, a steaming volcanic valley. In 2025, Hakone added the new Earth Valley Observatory deck there, where you can gaze down at smokeoky vents and feel the mountain winds. Drop back down to Lake Ashi, where you can board the famous Red Cruise for that iconic photo of Fuji. Don’t forget to sleep in a traditional Rioan with an open air bath. Whether you hike forest trails or hunt for Mount Fuji’s reflection on the lake, Hakonei delivers breathtaking nature, making it a worthy addition even to a list of cities for any Japan trip. Number seven, Yokohama. Just 30 minutes south of Tokyo, Yokohama is a dynamic harbor city that deserves more spotlight. Its futuristic Manato Marai district is instantly recognizable with its giant cosmo clock, ferris wheel, and skyscrapers. Kids and adults alike will love the quirky cup noodles museum. You can design your own instant ramen cup by choosing broth and toppings. On the culinary side, Yokohama is home to Japan’s largest Chinatown, boasting over 400 restaurants and drawing 21 million visitors per year. Wander its lantern lit alleys to feast on pork buns, dim sum, or matcha bubble tea. After dark, head to Yamashita Park by the water or the trendy Moto Machi shopping street. Modern and laid-back, Yokohama mixes global culture with Japanese charm. A perfect half-day trip or overnight stay just next door to Tokyo. Number six, Saporro. Heading north to Hokkaido Island, Saporro is a city that celebrates both winter and summer. Every February, Saporro hosts its famous snow festival where towering ice and snow sculptures transform Odori Park, a tradition that started in 1950 when local students built six simple snow statues. Today, the festival draws millions. When the weather warms, Sapuro turns into a beer lovers paradise. Odori Park fills with Sapuro’s giant beer gardens, the Saporro Summer Festival, seating about 13,000 people under the open sky. Yes, thousands sit beer on picnic benches right in the city center. Saporro is also the birthplace of the famed Miso Ramen, so make sure to slurp a bowl in the lively Susukino nightlife district. For more chill culture, tour the Saporro Beer Museum, Japan’s only museum dedicated to beer, and learn how the city’s original 1876 brewery turned malt into modern Japan’s beloved brew. Surrounded by mountains and national parks, Saporro is a fantastic base for hiking, skiing, or enjoying Hokkaido’s vast natural beauty, proving Japan’s wildside can be just as exciting as its cities. Number five, Kanazawa. Now for a true insider favorite, Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan coast. Sometimes called Little Kyoto, it escaped wartime bombing and thus retains a rich historical vibe. Kanazawa’s crown jewel is Kenroen Garden, regarded as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. In winter, you’ll spot workers performing Yukitsuri, tying bamboo ropes to pine trees, creating enchanting snowy silhouettes. Just next to it stands Kazawa Castle with its striking white walls and reconstructed turrets. a symbol of the city’s samurai heritage and a beautiful spot to explore on foot. Nearby is the Higashi Chaya district, a perfectly preserved geisha quarter of wooden tea houses. On narrow lanes, you can visit 200-year-old machia tea houses and imagine geisha performance nights. UNESCO even designated Higashi Chaya as an important cultural asset. Kanazawa is also a capital of traditional crafts. It produces about 99% of Japan’s gold leaf. Yes, ice cream here can come wrapped entirely in a sheet of gold. Try a gold leaf workshop or snag a gilded souvenir. Don’t miss the Omicho Market, nicknamed Kanazawa’s Kitchen, where fisher still sell ultrar crab and sushi. With its elegant atmosphere and unhurried charm, Kanazawa offers all the tradition of Kyoto with a fraction of the tourists. Number four, Hiroshima. Hiroshima needs little introduction for its pivotal history, but it deserves a spot on any Japan itinerary. The city was rebuilt from tragedy into hope. The Peace Memorial Park at ground zero features the iconic Abomb Dome, Genbaku Dome, the only building left standing after August 6th, 1945. UNESCO describes it as a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind, yet also a statement of hope for peace. Visiting the Peace Memorial Museum here is emotional and essential for for understanding Hiroshima’s story. But Hiroshima today is also a forward-looking city filled with parks, fairies, and friendly neighborhoods. After some reflection, celebrate life with local flavors. Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, a hearty layered pancake with noodles and cabbage, is a must. Then jump on a short ferry to Miaima Island. Its famous floating Tory gate at Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most photographed scenes. As the sun begins to set, the gate appears to glow against the calm waters, offering one of the most breathtaking sunsets in the entire country. Whether you’re paying respects or marveling at nature, Hiroshima and Miaima together show both the fragility and strength of Japan and will stay in your memory long after you leave. Number three, Osaka. Welcome to Osaka, Japan’s wild child of a city. Bold, brazen, and bursting with flavor, local food pride runs deep here. As one travel writer quips, Osaka is known among the Japanese as the kitchen of the nation, and rightly so. Osaka invented some of Japan’s best comfort foods. Stroll Dottenbor canal at night under crazy neon signs. The streets smell of takoyaki, octopus fritters, and kushiatu, fried skewers, all typically priced under 500. You can spend hours munching samples as vendors call out to passers by. Don’t skip Osaka Castle either. Its modern reconstruction, an aironditioned museum provides a slice of samurai history amidst all the excitement. For skyline views, ride the double tube escalator up to the Umea sky building’s floating garden observatory. Osaka people are famously friendly and love a good joke, so expect helpful chatter at bars and isizakayas. If Tokyo is businesslike, Osaka is party-like. It’s louder, messier, and infinitely more fun. The energy here is contagious. You’ll leave with your stomach full, cheeks sore from smiling, and vows to return. Number two, Kyoto. At number two, we find the Kyoto of postcards and daydreams. This city is what many imagine when they think of Japan. As UNESCO puts it, Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital for over a thousand years. And today, its ancient monuments attest to that legacy. Walk beneath 1,000 vermillion tory gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Stand before the gilded reflection of King Kakuji, the golden pavilion. Get lost in the bamboo grove at Arashiamyama. And climb up to Kiomi Zudera for a panoramic view over historic Kyoto. Don’t forget Gon, the geisha quarter. You just might glimpse a mico, apprentice geisha, hurrying between appointments. Seasonal beauty is everywhere. Cherry blossoms in spring, fiery maple leaves in fall, turning each stroll into a memory. Kyoto is quieter and more reflective than Tokyo or Osaka, but its atmosphere is rich. Each step on its cobblestones feels like a step through history. It’s a city made for slowing down and savoring beauty. Number one, Tokyo. And finally, the big one, Tokyo. A city quite unlike anywhere else on Earth. Tokyo is truly the city of everything. Here you find Japan’s past and future colliding at every turn. Wander Asakusa to see the centuries old Senzoji Temple. Then hop on the subway to Akihabara, a neon splashed wonderland of electronics and anime. Feel the youth culture pulse in Harajuku fashion alleys or lose yourself in the organized chaos of Shabuya’s famous Scramble Crossing. For skyscraper views, head up to the Tokyo Skytree or the Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. Tokyo currently holds 194 Michelin starred restaurants. 251 stars, more than any other city in the world. From budget friendly ramen shops to worldclass sushi counters, Tokyo feeds every craving. Despite its size, the city is remarkably clean, safe, and easy to navigate by train. You could literally spend a month here and feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. Tokyo isn’t just Japan’s capital. It’s a universe unto itself, endlessly fascinating and impossible to tame. And there you have it, our top 10 places to visit in Japan for 2025. From laid-back coastal cities to high energy mega cities, each destination on this list offers something unforgettable. Japan truly has it all. Which of these spots are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below. If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to like the video and subscribe for more travel adventures. Thanks for watching and we’ll see you on the next destination. [Applause] [Music]

TOP 10 CITIES to Visit in JAPAN | 2025 Travel Guide

Ready to explore Japan like never before? In this 2025 travel guide, we count down the Top 10 Cities to Visit in Japan, from bustling metropolises and historic cultural hubs to scenic coastal gems. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, savoring world-class cuisine, or diving into centuries of tradition, these destinations have it all.

Discover where to go, what to see, and the unique experiences that make each city unforgettable. Perfect for first-time travelers and seasoned Japan lovers alike!

📍 Get ready to plan your ultimate Japan trip for 2025.

TIMELAPSE
00:00 Intro
00:36 10 – Fukuoka
01:26 09 – Kobe
02:14 08 – Hakone
03:12 07 – Yokohama
04:06 06 – Sapporo
05:19 05 – Kanazawa
06:44 04 – Hiroshima
08:06 03 – Osaka
09:17 02 – Kyoto
10:19 01 – Tokyo
11:27 End

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