Best Places To Visit in Japan For First Timers

So, you’re thinking about going to Japan? Great choice!

Whether it’s the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, the serene temples of Kyoto, or the mind-blowing food, in my unbiased opinion, Japan is an epic destination.

But planning your first trip can feel overwhelming, how much money do you need? Where should you visit first? How do you get around?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on where to go in Japan for first timers. Let’s dive in!

Best Places to Visit in Japan For First-Timers

If it’s your first time to Japan, stick to the golden circle of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

These hand on heart are the best places to visit in Japan for first-timers because they offer the perfect mix of modern Japan, traditional temples, and incredible food.

They’re also fabulously laid out, making it easy for tourists to get around. Not to mention conveniently connected by the Shinkansen, creating a flawlessly easy trip for a first timer to Japan.

What is Japan’s Number One Tourist Spot?

If you’re wondering about the top tourist spot in Japan, it’s pretty clear: Mount Fuji takes the crown.

This iconic mountain is so much more than just a peak, it’s a symbol of Japan itself, with its snow-capped summit and breathtaking views.

It’s an easy day trip from Tokyo, just a couple of hours by train, which is why it draws so many visitors each year.

If you want the classic Fuji view, go to Lake Kawaguchi.

But it’s often covered in clouds, so don’t base your whole trip around it. Or try to stay 1-2 nights. This seriously increases your chances of see Mount Fuji minus the clouds.

Whether you’re hiking up or just snapping photos from a distance, Mount Fuji really is a must-see for anyone visiting Japan.

But let’s not forget about a couple of other major attractions that are definitely in the running.

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is one of the most photographed places in the world, especially if you’ve seen those chaotic yet organized shots of hundreds of people crossing all at once.

Then there’s Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its seemingly endless rows of vibrant red torii gates.

It’s a spot you can’t help but be in awe of, and it’s one of those places that feels almost surreal when you walk through it.

So while Mount Fuji definitely takes the top spot, these other spots are right up there on the list for a reason, especially if it’s your first time in Japan.

Where To Go In Japan For First Timers

If it’s your first time visiting Japan, you’ll want to make sure you hit up the must-see spots.

No doubt the busy streets of Tokyo, the serene temples of Kyoto, and the lively vibes of Osaka are high on your list. And if not, they should be!

From incredible food to unforgettable experiences, there’s so much to see and do.

So, here’s where to go in Japan for first timers!

Tokyo

• Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing
• Shinjuku – Vibrant nightlife, shopping, and food
• Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple – Traditional side of Tokyo
• Akihabara – Anime, gaming, and tech hub
• Tsukiji Outer Market – Fresh sushi and Japanese street food
• TeamLab Planets – Immersive digital art experience
• Harajuku & Takeshita Street – Quirky fashion and desserts

For more tips on the best things to do in Tokyo, check out my post on The Best Travel Guide To Japan.

Kyoto

• Fushimi Inari Shrine – Iconic red torii gates
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Stunning gold-leaf temple
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – Magical bamboo grove
• Kiyomizu-dera – Beautiful hillside temple
• Gion – Geisha district with traditional tea houses
• Nijo Castle – Samurai-era palace

Don’t miss my detailed itinerary for first-timers in Kyoto on The Perfect Japan Winter Itinerary For 10 Days.

Osaka

• Dotonbori – Neon lights, street food, and nightlife
• Osaka Castle – Historic landmark with cherry blossoms in spring
• Shinsekai – Retro area famous for kushikatsu (fried skewers)
• Kuromon Ichiba Market – Seafood and local delicacies
• Universal Studios Japan – Home to Super Nintendo World

If you’re planning to hop between cities, don’t forget to read up on whether the JR Pass is Worth It for your trip.

Shirakawa-go

• Ogimachi Village – Traditional thatched-roof houses
• Shiroyama Viewpoint – Best panoramic view of the village
• Winter Illuminations – Magical snow-covered scenery

Takayama

• Sanmachi Suji – Historic streets lined with sake breweries
• Takayama Jinya – Edo-period government house
• Hida Beef – Try Takayama’s famous wagyu beef

Hiroshima

• Peace Memorial Park & Museum – Powerful WWII history
• Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine – Floating torii gate
• Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki – Regional savory pancake

Nara

• Nara Park – Home to friendly, bowing deer
• Todai-ji Temple – Giant Buddha statue
• Kasuga Taisha – Lantern-lit Shinto shrine

Best Itinerary For First Time Visitors

Looking for the ultimate 14 day itinerary?

We’ve put one together for you, showing you exactly where to go in Japan for first timers.

• 7 days: Tokyo (4), Kyoto (3)
• 10 days: Tokyo (4), Kyoto (3), Osaka (2), Nara (1)
• 14 days: Tokyo (5), Kyoto (4), Osaka (2), Hiroshima (1), Takayama (2)

14-Day Itinerary: Tokyo (5 days), Kyoto (4 days), Osaka (2 days), Hiroshima (1 day), Kanazawa & Takayama (1 day)

Kyoto 5 Days

• Shibuya Crossing: Experience the famous scramble with hundreds of people crossing at once.
• Shinjuku: Explore entertainment districts, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for views, and wander around Golden Gai.
• Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple: Discover Tokyo’s oldest temple and vibrant Nakamise Street.
• Harajuku & Takeshita Street: A mix of quirky shops, trendy cafes, and youthful fashion.
• Odaiba: Visit the futuristic shopping and entertainment complex with a giant Gundam statue.
• Ueno Park: Perfect for relaxing walks, especially during cherry blossom season.
• Nakano Broadway: A hidden gem for anime, manga, and retro collectibles.
• Omotesando: A stylish, tree-lined avenue with cafes, shops, and galleries.
• Day trip to Hakone: Relax in hot springs with views of Mount Fuji or visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Kyoto (4 days)

• Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji): One of Kyoto’s most iconic temples with its golden exterior and stunning gardens.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk through thousands of red torii gates leading to the mountain top.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A surreal walk through the towering bamboo stalks.
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Visit the historic temple and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.
• Gion District: Wander through traditional streets and maybe spot a geisha.
• Philosopher’s Path: A serene walk along a canal lined with cherry trees.
• Nanzen-ji Temple: A tranquil Zen temple in the southeastern hills of Kyoto.
• Kurama-dera Temple: A peaceful retreat in the mountains just outside Kyoto.

Osaka (2 days)

• Osaka Castle: A historic castle with beautiful surrounding parkland.
• Dotonbori: Explore the neon-lit entertainment area, with famous food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
• Umeda Sky Building: Visit the floating garden observatory for panoramic city views.
• Shinsaibashi & Amerikamura: Great for shopping, quirky cafes, and youth culture.
• Kuromon Ichiba Market: A food lover’s paradise with fresh seafood, produce, and street food stalls.
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: One of the world’s largest aquariums with incredible marine life exhibits.

Hiroshima (1 day)

• Peace Memorial Park: A reflective and moving space dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb.
• Atomic Bomb Dome: The preserved remains of the building closest to the blast’s epicenter.
• Miyajima Island: Take a ferry to see the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.

Kanazawa & Takayama (1 day)

• Shirakawago (Day Trip from Kanazawa): Visit the UNESCO World Heritage village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, especially stunning in winter with snow-covered rooftops.
• Takayama (Day Trip from Kanazawa):
  • Old Town (Sanmachi Suji): Wander through charming streets filled with traditional merchant houses.
  • Morning Market: Explore the local markets for fresh produce, souvenirs, and street food.
  • Hida Folk Village: A living history museum showcasing traditional thatched-roof houses and lifestyle from the region.

If you’re wondering what to pack for your winter trip, be sure to check out my Essential Clothes For Winter In Japan: Your Ultimate Checklist.

FAQ’s

Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Only if you’re taking multiple long-distance trains. If you’re staying around Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s not worth it. For a deeper dive into whether it’s worth the cost, check out my full post on Is a JR Pass Worth It? How to Avoid Costly Mistakes.

An easy way to see if the JR Pass is worth it is to hop on the Klook website here, add up the cost of your individual train tickets, and then compare it with the JR Pass using a fare calculator here. You might be surprised by the results!

If you do decide to buy tickets or experiences from Klook, use our 10% off discount at checkout: KLOOKGABTK

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

• Narita to Tokyo: Take the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner.
• Haneda to Tokyo: The monorail is the fastest.
• Kansai to Kyoto/Osaka: Take the Haruka Express.

Are taxis expensive in Japan?

Yes! Public transport is much cheaper. Use Google Maps for train routes and Suica/Pasmo cards to pay for rides.

Is $5,000 enough for a week in Japan?

Yes! $5,000 AUD (~$3,300 USD) is more than enough for a comfortable week in Japan, including mid-range hotels, transport, and food. Budget travellers can get by on much less.

Is $100 a day enough for Japan?

It depends on your travel style. If you’re staying in hostels, eating at convenience stores, and taking public transport, yes. If you want ryokans, high-speed trains, and fancy sushi, you’ll need more.

How much does 2 weeks in Japan cost in AUD?

For a mid-range trip, budget around $4,000-$5,000 AUD per person. Backpackers can do it for less than $3,000, while luxury travelers can easily spend $10,000+.

Money-saving tips:

• Buy a transport pass like the JR Pass (only if you’re taking multiple long-distance trains).
• Eat at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) and cheap local spots.
• Stay in business hotels, capsule hotels, or Airbnb instead of luxury hotels.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

• Narita to Tokyo: Take the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner.
• Haneda to Tokyo: The monorail is the fastest.
• Kansai to Kyoto/Osaka: Take the Haruka Express.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Japan?

January and February (after New Year) are the cheapest.

Flights and hotels drop in price as it’s the low season.

While it’s winter, you’ll find fewer crowds at popular attractions.

When to avoid Japan?

If you want to avoid crowds and high prices, here are the busiest times to skip when visiting Japan:

• Golden Week (late April – early May): Packed with domestic tourists.
• Obon (mid-August): Expensive and crowded.
• New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): Many attractions close, and transport is crazy busy.

When is cherry blossom season?

Late March to early April. This is cherry blossom season, one of the most popular times to visit Japan. Hotels book out months in advance, so plan ahead.

Is Japan tourist-friendly?

Yes! In major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, English is widely used, especially in train stations, hotels, and popular tourist spots. But in more regional areas, English isn’t as common. Google Translate was an absolute lifesaver for us when it came to menus and conversations.

Do I need to tip in Japan?

No. Tipping is not a thing here. In fact, it can even be seen as rude. Service staff take great pride in their work and don’t expect extra money. If you leave a tip, they may politely refuse or even chase you down to return it. Instead, show appreciation with a simple “Arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much).

What are some must-know etiquette tips?

• Don’t talk on your phone in trains.
• Always take off your shoes when entering someone’s home.
• Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice (it’s bad luck).

Best areas to stay in Tokyo for first-timers

• Shinjuku: Best nightlife, restaurants, and transport.
• Shibuya: Trendy, central, and full of shopping spots.
• Asakusa: Quieter, traditional area near Senso-ji Temple.

Is it worth staying in a ryokan?

Yes! A traditional ryokan with an onsen (hot spring) is an amazing experience, especially in Kyoto or Hakone.

How do I get a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi?

Get a pocket Wi-Fi if you need internet everywhere. Otherwise, buy a SIM card at the airport or order one online.

Do I need travel insurance for Japan?

Yes. Medical care is expensive if you don’t have coverage.

Are taxis expensive in Japan?

Yes! Public transport is much cheaper. Use Google Maps for train routes and Suica/Pasmo cards to pay for rides.

Is Japan Safe For Solo Travellers?

One of the safest countries in the world. Crime is super low, and people are helpful.