The most beautiful cities in Japan

Why is Japan a must-see destination? Because it has everything, from bustling streets to peaceful temples, as well as towering skyscrapers and historic, wooden buildings.

And one thing that everyone can agree on is the friendliness of the people. The Japanese justifiably have a reputation for being kind and attentive.

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Hokkaido, the largest of Japan's 47 Prefectures, is home to Otaru, a wonderful little port city that is located half an hour by train from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido.

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A charming river meanders through the city, and the city is famous for its glasswork and legendary sake distilleries.

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The capital of Miyagi Prefecture is known as the City of Trees, as its natural vegetation is majestic and breathtaking.

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In summer, the city celebrates one of the biggest Tanabata festivals in Japan. In winter, the Sendai Pageant of Starlight is an unmissable event. Check out the mausoleum of Date Masamune, one of Japan's most legendary samurai.

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The financial and logistical heart of Japan. It is a great place to base yourself, either to enjoy the capital or to move around the country.

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The world-famous Shibuya Crossing is just one of the many things you can do in Tokyo. There's also the Tokyo Skytree; Kappabashi Street, which is a culinary hotspot; Yoyogi Park; and last but not least, Golden Gai, which is renowned for its nightlife.

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Curiously, in Yokohama, you will find amazing Chinese food. The city's Chinatown attracts a lot of people because of the high quality of its restaurants.

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Yokohama is the second most populous city in Japan, and it was one of the first cities to open up to the West in the 19th century. Nowadays, you can enjoy museums, baseball games, and temples.

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The ancient capital of Japan has a history in every corner and boasts many World Heritage sites.

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From the samurai Nijō castle to the recognizable Kinkaku-Ji, known as the Golden Pavilion, and from the Byodo-in temple to the spectacular bamboo forest of Arashiyama, Kyoto is a safe bet.

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One of the most fashionable cities in Japan. It is known as the Kobe Beef Capital as it has the most expensive Wagyu beef in the entire country.

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Apart from its beef, Kobe offers indescribable night views. The Hachijuan Observatory and Mount Rokko are two of the best places to take in spectacular nocturnal views.

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Destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II, Hiroshima is now the City of Peace. In the city's Peace Park, the only building left standing after the bombing is located.

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Its strategic location allows tourists to enjoy the sea and the mountains at the same time. The city is home to the wonderful Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima Castle, and Miyajima island, which lies close to Hiroshima.

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Close to rolling hills and the sea, this bohemian city is easy to fall in love with.

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If you go to Nagasaki, be sure to visit the Glover Garden, located on top of Mount Minami-Yamate. In addition to spectacular views, the main building dates from 1863, so its charm is undeniable.

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Naha is the largest city on Japan's largest tourist island, Okinawa. The tropical environment and its crystal clear waters invite you to relax completely.

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Once you are done sunbathing and relaxing, some retail therapy on Kokusai Street, a famous shopping area, will help you enjoy all the city has to offer. It's not cheap, though!

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The capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture is a spectacular city for tourists, with a large number of temples, museums, gardens, and crafts.

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In the Utatsuyama temple area, you will find more than 50 temples and shrines. Also, don't miss Kenrokuen Garden or Kanazawa Castle Park.

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Fukuoka happens to be the largest city on the island of Kyushu, with endless places to visit such as the spectacular Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and the Canal City Hakata.

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Ohori Park, the floral island of Nokonoshuma, and a good handful of festivals throughout the year make Fukuoka an essential city to visit if you travel to Japan. Oh, and don't forget to try the local ramen.

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If you like snow, Aomori is your destination. Each year, it experiences some of the heaviest snowfall in the world. In fact, it has been known to reach 8 meters.

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Interestingly, Aomori is famous for its Summer Festival, when the city is aglow. Be sure to also visit the Hakkōda Mountains, Sukayu Onsen, and the Asamushi Aquarium.

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