Planning a trip to Japan? I visited Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and ranked all three cities honestly, so here’s my breakdown of where I thought was the best to visit
I’ve ranked the top three places to visit in Japan, sharing where I’d prioritise(Image: Danielle Kate Wroe)
During my visit to Japan, which I’m so grateful for, I arrived with incredibly high hopes for every destination on our itinerary.
Our journey took us from bustling metropolises to remote mountain villages housing fewer than 5,000 residents, offering remarkable diversity, and we were fortunate to truly maximise our first visit to the country.
That said, I’m aware many travellers’ experiences differ considerably as time constraints often mean they concentrate primarily on the ‘big three’ – Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
I’m going to offer my candid assessments of whether each destination lives up to expectations or falls short of the hype.
1. Tokyo
The capital truly springs to life after sunset, when darkness falls and vibrant neon illuminations dominate while crowds gather to gawp at the iconic advertising displays.
Standing at a heaving junction awaiting a commercial might seem somewhat dystopian, yet amid such overwhelming sensory delights and charm, it somehow feels entirely appropriate.
Tokyo was everything I’d hoped for and more
Tokyo offers endless entertainment regardless of the weather. You can spend rainy days in gaming arcades, frantically attempting to secure cuddly toys from claw machines.
The city also boasts numerous distinctive cafés worth exploring – and we selected the MiPig establishment in Harajuku, which proved genuinely magical.
Or when the sun shines, Tokyo offers a wealth of temples and shrines to explore, each with its own unique character and charm. Gōtokuji Temple, famed for its abundance of lucky cat figurines, stands out as a personal highlight that is well worth a visit.
A trip to Ueno Park, conveniently located adjacent to our hotel, proved equally rewarding. It’s particularly glorious during cherry blossom season, when the park is dotted with pretty pink blooms.
And of course, no visit to Tokyo would be complete without experiencing the world-famous Shibuya Crossing that’s bustling with thousands of commuters and tourists.
A trip up to Shibuya Sky offered a breathtaking bird’s-eye view, reducing the bustling crowds below to tiny specks.
It is, without doubt, an extraordinary destination that will remain close to my heart and one you should never skip if you visit Japan.
My rating: 10/10
2. Osaka
Osaka was a mini Tokyo(Image: Danielle Kate Wroe)
Frequently described as a ‘mini Tokyo,’ Osaka may not rival the capital in sheer scale, but it more than holds its own with a vibrant energy of its own.
The city proved an absolute delight — compact enough to feel navigable, yet brimming with incredible food, outstanding street eats and an electric atmosphere.
Much like Tokyo, striking billboard displays dominate the skyline, and a leisurely mini-cruise offers a wonderful way to take it all in at once.
The aquarium proved thrilling – we even spotted a whale shark! The city’s nightlife is equally as popping. We sang karaoke into the early hours and were plied with rather too many complimentary beverages, leaving us feeling somewhat fragile the following morning.
There’s an undeniable magic about Osaka, and I’m determined to return because the Don Quijote Ferris wheel and the Ebisu Tower weren’t operational during our visit! Reportedly, it will be working later this year if you want to visit.
My rating: 9/10
3. Kyoto
Kyoto was stunning but you need to get up early(Image: Danielle Kate Wroe)
Kyoto was the most crowded of the trio, though I suspect this stems from the limited space for visitors to disperse. With everyone attempting the same activities, the congestion becomes far more noticeable.
Upon arrival, following a gruelling 10-hour journey, we struggled to locate anywhere serving food due to the crowds, which rather soured our initial impression.
Nevertheless, rising exceptionally early the following day certainly salvaged the experience. Once more, there’s an abundance of attractions – from stunning bamboo groves and temples to excursions such as visiting Nara Deer Park and Uji. It was a delight!
Kyoto possesses an inherently beautiful and enchanting quality, impressive in a manner quite distinct from Tokyo and Osaka. Though I’d strongly advise starting no later than 6am if you want to beat the rush.
We crafted chopsticks, participated in a tea ceremony, persuaded the deer to bow for crackers, embarked on a river cruise, and immersed ourselves in Kyoto’s wonderful ambience.
My rating: 8.5/10
Final thoughts…
In summary, every destination we visited was truly breathtaking. However, if forced to select just one, Tokyo would be the overwhelming choice. It is unlike anywhere else on earth, and quite simply extraordinary. You won’t regret booking flights there…
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