7 Must-Visit Places for Your First Trip to Japan

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Japan is a country of striking contrasts, and you’ll get to witness age-old traditions as well as futuristic cities in the most seamless way. In Japan, one moment, you’ll be sipping matcha in a quiet teahouse that’s been around for centuries, and the very next, you’re sitting in a high-speed bullet train.

There are so many places to visit in Japan, and getting around can feel a bit much, especially if it’s your first trip. Here is a list of 7 must-see places in Japan to help you experience the local culture, nature, tradition, and modernisation.

Tokyo

Begin your Japan trip in Tokyo, a city that’s always on the move. With Japan packages from Mumbai, you can jump straight into the action. See the crowds at Shibuya Crossing, then slow down at the old temples in Asakusa. Tokyo mixes the new and the old in the best way.

Don’t miss the views from Tokyo Skytree, the animated culture of Akihabara, or the upmarket shopping in Ginza. If you’re a foodie, Tokyo is a paradise, sushi counters and ramen joints are crammed into narrow alleyways. For a capital city, it’s compact and, remarkably, quite pedestrian-friendly, with a clean and punctual subway system.

Osaka

Get ready to tick off some must-see spots as you explore Osaka, a fun, lively city known for its food, history, and theme parks. Located in the Kansai region, Osaka is famous for local dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Head to Dotonbori, often called the “Kitchen of Japan,” to try street food and see the colourful neon signs along the canal.

Families and thrill-seekers can enjoy a full day at Universal Studios, while history lovers can visit the 16th-century Osaka Castle, with its well-kept gates, towers, and detailed interiors.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima should be high on your Japan travel bucket list, especially for a first trip, as it represents a moving blend of peace, history, and resilience. Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum is an emotional experience, offering a space for silence and reflection while telling the story of the tragic bombing.

While the city’s history is painful, today Hiroshima is friendly, easy to get around with its streetcars, and known for its delicious local food. Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. A trip to Hiroshima is powerful and something you’ll remember for a long time.

Kyoto

Included in many Japan packages, Kyoto takes you straight into the heart of traditional Japan. Once the imperial capital of Japan until the late 19th century, Kyoto is where you truly feel the pulse of traditional Japanese culture. While you’re in Kyoto, you can also visit temples like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the rock garden at Ryoan-ji.

You can also walk through the green bamboo groves in Arashiyama or spot geishas in the old streets of Gion. Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to experience beauty, culture, and tradition all in one.

Hakone

If your goal is to catch a panoramic view of Mount Fuji, there’s no better choice than Hakone. Just a few hours from Tokyo, this mountainous area is known for its soothing onsen (hot springs), scenic cruises on Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Ropeway, which offers stunning aerial views.

Art lovers will enjoy the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculptures are thoughtfully placed against a picturesque lakeside forest backdrop. In this region where nature and culture come together, Hakone truly feels like a refreshing break from urban life.

Nara

Once the first capital of Japan, Nara is an essential stop for first-time visitors. Less than an hour by train from Kyoto, this relaxed city is famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer and for housing Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure.

The city offers charming seasonal views, from cherry blossoms in spring to fiery red maple leaves in autumn. We recommend spending a few unhurried hours within Nara’s city limits. With its beautifully restored temples, traditional open-front houses, and peaceful gardens, Nara makes for an enriching half-day or full-day excursion focused on Japan’s spiritual and natural heritage.

Sapporo

Located on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, Sapporo is best known for its spectacular winter snow festival. Odori Park serves as the city’s lively open-air venue, hosting events like the Sapporo Snow Festival, Lilac Festival, and Autumn Food Festival. Be sure to stop by the Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the city’s oldest and most iconic buildings, originally built in the 1880s as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College.

The climate here is mild, the parks are well-maintained, and the city is home to some of the best seafood in the country. Try a bowl of miso ramen or treat yourself to a live crab course. For panoramic views, head to Mount Moiwa, which offers sweeping vistas of the city. Sapporo is where nature meets urban comfort, making it a great stop on your Japan itinerary.

Conclusion: These seven destinations offer a well-rounded introduction to Japan, giving first-time travellers a taste of everything, modern marvels, rich culture, warm hospitality, and natural beauty.
Each leg of your journey brings something new, whether it’s admiring Kyoto’s ancient temples, soaking in Hakone’s hot springs, or enjoying a steaming bowl of ramen in snowy Sapporo.

Recommended Travel Company: Planning your first trip can be exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. That’s where Thrillophilia steps in, known for its hassle-free itineraries that offer great value. Whether you’re travelling solo or with family, Thrillophilia’s Japan packages cover all the highlights while ensuring comfortable stays and reliable transport throughout your trip.