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Visiting Japan has been on my bucket list for ages, and I can confidently say it did not disappoint! I’m thrilled to finally chat about my adventures exploring five incredible cities during this trip. Japan feels like a utopia where everything works seamlessly, from the advanced toilets to the efficient transport systems. What struck me the most was not just the efficiency of the transport but also how people conduct themselves while using it. Something I have never seen before. This visit changed me in the best possible way, and I can’t wait to return. I hope this Latina’s Guide To The 5 Best Japan Cities guide helps you plan your visit, and that you too are surprised and delighted by everything Japan has to offer!
Latina’s Guide To The 5 Best Japan Cities Table Of Contents
Latina’s Guide To The 5 Best Japan Cities – Reserve Your Trip
 Flight |  Stay |  Do |  Drive |
| Skyscanner | Booking | KLOOK | QEEQ |
Japan 2-Week Travel Itinerary For Beginners
Download my day-by-day itinerary from my first visit to Japan and Seoul, South Korea! This guide is perfect for first-time travelers, covering multiple cities and key sights while providing a balanced mix of experiences to fully immerse you in the culture.
5 Best Japan Cities
Tokyo
Tokyo truly is a city that embodies the essence of a vibrant and fast-paced life, often regarded as the last child of the world’s great metropolises. During my five-day visit, I experienced the thrill of go-karting through its bustling streets, zooming past iconic landmarks like the popular Shibuya Sky. I soaked in the dedication of sumo wrestlers during their morning sumo practice and realized how small I compare to them. The meals I had here were also totally worth writing home about. These included having robots with purpose serve me at Dawn Avatar Robot Café and grilling my own beef cutlet at Gyukatsu Motomura. With its blend of ancient traditions and futuristic sights, Tokyo is a city you’ll want to return to time and time again.
| ❤️ BEST TOKYO HOTEL FOR… | |
| ⭐Best Luxury Hotel | Hotel Groove Shinjuku |
| 🏨Best Midrange Hotel | Muji Hotel Ginza |
| 🚪Best Budget Hotel | Nine Hours Hamamatsucho |
Niigata
If you’re looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Niigata’s Joshin’etsukogen mountains is the perfect retreat. Just two hours away, this luxurious getaway at Satoyama Jujo offers breathtaking mountain views, soothing traditional onsens, and a culinary experience by the world’s best vegetable chef, Keiko Kuwakino. What’s not to love! For me, indulging in a relaxing soak in the onsen while soaking up the scenery as the sun rose was an absolute highlight. This was perfectly complemented by the farm-to-table dinner and breakfast that celebrated local flavors, including the best rice in Japan, which comes from Niigata. Whether you’re craving summer hikes or winter skiing, Niigata is a year-round gem that encourages you to treat yourself to a little luxury. An experience my friend and I found totally worth it!
| ❤️ NIIGATA HOTEL STAY | |
| 🏨My Suggested Hotel | Satoyama Jujo |
Discover all the details in this article focused on Niigata!
Kyoto
Kyoto, often referred to as Japan’s “first child,” was a highlight of my three-day trip, showcasing a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern life. With its stunning temples and lively nightlife, Kyoto captures Japan’s rich heritage while still offering a big-city vibe. I loved participating in a traditional Kimono Tea Ceremony, where I dressed up in a kimono and learned about the history behind tea ceremonies while preparing my own matcha. A visit to the Gion district is also a must, especially for catching a Geisha Mai Dance Performance. For food lovers, I highly recommend Keyaki Cafe けやき for its delicious curry rice and muffins, as well as Bee’s Knees, a top 50 cocktail bar in Asia.
Read my complete 3-day Kyoto guide for all the juicy destination details.
| ❤️ KYOTO HOTEL STAY | |
| 🏨My Suggested Hotel | Yadoya Kikokuso |
Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
During my girls’ trip to Japan, we took a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima (But also doable from Osaka) and hired a private guide to show us around. I highly recommend this for a deeper understanding of the sites and firsthand storytelling. Visiting Hiroshima was particularly humbling as we explored the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the haunting A-Bomb Dome, both powerful reminders of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. The Peace Memorial Museum offered invaluable insights into the events of the bombing and the resilience of the people, leaving me speechless. For lunch, we enjoyed delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Chinchikurin, checking off one of the top dishes I wanted to try in Japan.
On Miyajima Island, we marveled at the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, beautifully set against the backdrop of the sea. The island’s natural beauty, the floating Torii Gate, and unique treats like their maple cookies make this island a must-see stop. We even spotted their friendly deer roaming freely. Which was a bonus as we opted to skip Nara given our 2-week trip. Miyajima is easily reachable via a short 20-minute ferry (fare paid in cash) from Hiroshima.
Check out this piece on Hiroshima & Miyajima for a deeper understanding!
Osaka
Osaka, often seen as the rebellious middle child of Japan, resonates with me as a fellow middle child. This city has a rugged charm that sets it apart from the traditional elegance of Kyoto and the fast-paced energy of Tokyo. My two-day visit was packed with foodie experiences, and the highlight was definitely the Shinsekai food tour, where we indulged in local mouthwatering eats and drinks while seeing the backstreets of Shinsekai Market. The omakase sushi lunch at Sushidokoro Kurosugi was another standout, featuring fish like puffer fish and sea urchin. With its vibrant streets and rich culinary scene, Osaka is a city that warrants at least a day visit. I’d recommend either a day trip from Kyoto or an overnight stay to make the most of this unique destination.
| ❤️ OSAKA HOTEL STAY | |
| 🏨My Suggested Hotel | Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda |
Traveling Around Japan
| Bullet Trains: | The fastest way to get to cities in Japan. Just remember to order your JR Pass before you leave for your trip as the voucher arrives in the mail. It’s the best way to travel across Japan if you are hoping to visit a few cities during your visit. |
| Metro: | User-friendly and convenient, especially if you have a Suica card that lets you tap in and out effortlessly. |
| Uber: | Available in most major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, which is where we found ourselves using this the most. |
| Taxi: | As is the case with many cities, taxis are available but cost an arm and a leg when using. I grabbed one to head to the airport as I was running behind and paid over $100 USD for a 25 min journey. |
Helpful Tips For Exploring Japan
| Before Arriving To Japan: | To ensure you have a smooth transition through immigration when arriving to Japan, register your details in the Visit Japan Website. You will receive a QR code which you can the share with the immigration and customs officers upon arrival. |
| Cash: | Bring cash before you arrive. ATMs usually require a minimum withdrawal of 10,000 yen. |
| Use An eSIM: | A must for staying connected. I grabbed my Japan eSIM via Klook |
| Add The Suica Card To Your Phone: | Add it to your mobile wallet on arrival. A one-time 1,000 yen load gets you started, and you can then top up with any amount you need. |
| Time To Arrive At Train Stations: | Stations are huge with multiple exits, give yourself at least 20 minutes to find your platform. |
| Storage Lockers For Luggage: | Convenient storage lockers may be found using Radical Locker Storage but they are also available at stations. |
| Tax Refund When Shopping: | Take advantage of duty-free shopping by claiming your 10% refund at the time of purchase (for purchases over 5,500 yen). |
| Japan Etiquette: | On escalator’s stand left for those not in a rush and right for those moving up. It is strictly prohibited to eat and drink while walking throughout Japan. Eating on Trains is only allowed on bullet trains. |
Save This Japan Google Map For Tourists
You’ll definitely want to save this Tourist Japan Google map for your trip. It’ll be super useful for navigating various cities in Japan. The map highlights must-see sights, great restaurants, cocktail bars, and more, making it a handy resource for your adventure!
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