What to do in Japan? The 20 most beautiful places to visit in 2026

Tokyo is a city where the future and tradition intersect at every corner. Between the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, €2 sushi at the counter, and peaceful temples like Senso-ji, the Japanese capital never sleeps. No matter what your travel style, you'll always find something to surprise you here.

And the best part? Many activities are free! We have prepared a list of 7 free things to do in Tokyo.

The former imperial capital, Kyoto immerses you in a more spiritual and authentic Japan. Between the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, the traditional alleyways of Gion, and the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, every step feels timeless.

If you're looking for a more intimate experience, hike to Kifune Jinja Shrine, a hidden gem in the north of the city: misty atmosphere, red lanterns, and dense nature... you'll fall in love with it.

Osaka is Japan's third largest city and probably its liveliest. Here, people laugh louder, talk faster, and eat better. The city is a paradise for food lovers: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu... street food reigns supreme.

Don't miss the Osaka Castle, symbol of the city, as well as the Dōtonbori district with its neon lights, restaurants, and giant animated signs. An experience that perfectly sums up the energy of Osaka: festive and generous.

The former capital before Kyoto, Nara is a peaceful stopover where nature and spirituality meet. Its lush green parks are home to sacred deer roaming freely, the symbol of the city, which allow visitors to approach and feed them.

But Nara is best known for the Great Bronze Buddha of Tōdaiji Temple, one of the most impressive statues in Japan. The visit exudes a calm and solemn atmosphere, perfect for a break away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto or Osaka.

Just two hours from Tokyo, Nikkō offers a true escape into nature and spirituality. Its shrines nestled in the mountains, including the Tōshōgū, are among the most refined in the country. Surrounded by cedar forests, waterfalls, and golden temples, it is a place that is both sacred and soothing.

As an added bonus, the region also offers superb hiking trails and natural hot springs, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of Tokyo without traveling too far.

Often overlooked by travelers, Nagoya is nevertheless one of Japan's most pleasant cities to live in. Located between Tokyo and Kyoto, it combines modernity, gastronomy, and industrial culture. It is here that Toyota was founded, and visitors can explore the museum dedicated to its history.

But Nagoya is also home to its castle, which has been rebuilt identically, as well as the Osu district, known for its vintage shops, temples, and street food stalls. The city offers a nice balance between tradition and modernity, without the crowds of Tokyo.

This small fishing village, located north of Kyoto, is one of Japan's best-kept secrets. Its houses on stilts, called funaya, are built at the water's edge: boats on the ground floor, living quarters on the first floor.

Ine-chō offers a peaceful atmosphere, almost timeless. You can take a boat ride or admire the sun's reflection on the bay from the heights. It is an ideal stopover to discover authentic Japan, far from the big cities.

If there is one image that symbolizes Japan, it is that of Mount Fuji. This sacred mountain, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts millions of visitors every year. It can be admired from the lakes of Fujigoko, the Chureito Pagoda, or even from certain trains connecting Tokyo to Osaka.

And if you dream of seeing Mount Fuji, be aware that it is only visible 120 days a year! In January, you have about an 80% chance of seeing it, compared to just 10% in summer. The best time is early in the morning, before the clouds roll in. They say that Mount Fuji is shy... and it's true.

An ancient pilgrimage route connecting Tokyo (formerly Edo) to Kyoto, the Nakasendō is a unique experience. As you walk along its paved paths, you pass through preserved villages such as Magome and Tsumago, frozen in time.

It is one of the few places where you can still experience the Japan of yesteryear, the Japan of samurai and travelers from the Edo period. Perfect for walking for a few hours in a picture-postcard setting, surrounded by forests, rivers, and traditional houses.

Located just 1 hour from Tokyo, Kamakura is a real favorite. The former political capital of Japan, it combines beaches, Buddhist temples, charming narrow streets, and surrounding nature. It is also home to the Great Buddha, a monumental bronze statue in the open air.

And if you want to discover the city in a different way, we have prepared a video for you: 5 things they don't tell you about Kamakura. It's an ideal destination for a first trip to Japan: easy to get to, steeped in history and with an atmosphere that is both Zen and lively.

Often referred to as the "Little Kyoto of the North," Kanazawa charms visitors with its elegant and unspoiled atmosphere. Less touristy than Kyoto, the city is nevertheless home to some of Japan's most beautiful treasures: the Kenroku-en Garden, considered one of the three most beautiful in the country, and the Higashi Chaya geisha district, where time seems to have stood still.

It is also a city of art and gastronomy: contemporary museums, artisan workshops, fish markets... Kanazawa skillfully blends tradition and modernity. An essential stopover to discover a quieter, but equally refined side of Japan.

Lost in the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-gō is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This picturesque village is famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses, called gasshō-zukuri, built to withstand heavy winter snow.

Whether you visit the village in summer, surrounded by greenery, or in winter under the snow, its charm never fails to work its magic. In the evening, when the houses light up, the atmosphere becomes magical. It is one of the most photogenic places in Japan... and a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Located in the heart of the mountains, Matsumoto is a peaceful city known for its black castle, one of the oldest and best preserved in Japan. Nicknamed "the crow" because of its dark color, it offers a magnificent view of the Japanese Alps.

But Matsumoto is more than just its castle: the city also has a unique local atmosphere, lively alleyways, and cafés housed in former merchant houses. It offers the perfect balance between history, nature, and lifestyle.

Hiroshima is above all a city of remembrance and peace. Marked by history, it has been reborn with incredible energy. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, with its museum and iconic dome, is a deeply moving place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

But Hiroshima is also a modern and welcoming city. After visiting the park, stroll through the Hondōri district, taste the local okonomiyaki, and discover a resilient and inspiring city that is looking toward the future.

Located half an hour from Hiroshima, Miyajima is one of Japan's most iconic locations. Its red floating torii gate, standing in the sea, is a legendary image. At high tide, it seems to levitate above the water, and at low tide, you can walk up to it.

But Itsukushima Island is not just about its shrine: it also has a mountain to climb, deer roaming free, and a mystical atmosphere, especially at sunrise. It is often called "the island of the gods", and once you're there, you quickly understand why.

In the far north of Japan, Hokkaido is a paradise for lovers of wilderness. The island is huge, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests as far as the eye can see. In winter, it becomes a kingdom of skiing and powder snow, particularly in Niseko, one of the most renowned resorts in the world.

In summer, the landscape is completely transformed: lavender fields in Furano, natural hot springs in Noboribetsu, and national parks where you can encounter foxes and deer roaming free. Hokkaido is a Japan apart, more rugged, more pure, a real breath of fresh air.

Much more discreet than Honshu, Shikoku is a spiritual destination. It is here that the 88-temple pilgrimage takes place, a mythical journey of over 1,000 km that some undertake on foot in search of serenity and introspection.

But Shikoku also offers magnificent coastal landscapes, spectacular suspension bridges, and incredible hospitality. If you want to discover traditional Japan, far from mass tourism, this is the ideal place.

Located on the island of Kyushu, the Kirishima-Yaku National Park encompasses volcanoes, lakes, and lush forests. It is an ideal playground for hikers and lovers of unspoiled nature. The fumaroles, natural hot springs, and mountains offer incredible panoramic views.

Among the must-see destinations, the Kirishima region, renowned for its volcanoes and hot springs, is perfect for a relaxing stay after a long journey. It is one of those places where Japan reveals both its natural power and its soothing side.

Welcome to the tropics! ☀️ More than 1,500 km south of Tokyo, Okinawa almost makes you forget you're in Japan. White sand, turquoise sea, relaxed atmosphere... everything here exudes a gentle way of life.

The archipelago also has a unique culture, influenced by China and the ancient Ryūkyū kingdoms. It is the ideal destination to end your trip to Japan: diving, paradise islands, and breathtaking sunsets.

Isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, more than 1,000 km from Tokyo, the Ogasawara archipelago is often referred to as the "Japanese Galápagos." Accessible only by boat (a 24-hour crossing!), it is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Crystal clear waters, sea turtles, dolphins, tropical forests: here, everything is preserved. The experience is unique, almost initiatory. If you want to discover a rare, wild, and unspoiled Japan, Ogasawara is the ultimate gem.

We have prepared a bonus video for you featuring the 10 things you absolutely cannot miss in Japan.

Unmissable experiences, magical places, and those little everyday details that make the country unique.

Because a trip to Japan is also a culinary adventure, we have prepared a special selection of 15 dishes to try at least once.

Sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, wagyu... it's all here.