Top 10 Places to Visit in Japan in 2026 According to TripAdvisor

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Every year, millions of people come here to see ancient temples, try amazing food, and experience a culture that feels unlike anywhere else. With so many great places to visit in Japan, though, it can be hard to know where to start.

Fortunately, the country has something for everyone. If you enjoy history, you can explore castles and shrines that are hundreds of years old. If you prefer nature, there are mountains, lakes, and tropical islands waiting to be explored. And if food is your main reason to travel, Japan is simply one of the best places in the world to eat well.

If you are planning a trip to this beautiful country but don't know where to go, don't worry. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Japan in 2026 according to TripAdvisor to help you plan your travel. Let's check them out.

As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world and a natural starting point for first-time visitors. There is something here for everyone, from the historic Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace to the lively neighbourhoods of Akihabara and Shibuya. When it comes to food, the city holds its own too, with options ranging from affordable ramen shops to high-end sushi bars.

Once the imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto carries that history in almost every corner of the city. It is home to thousands of temples and shrines, including Kinkaku-ji, also called the Golden Pavilion, and the red gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha. You can also wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest or spend an evening in the Gion district, where the old streets still feel alive.

Often called Japan's kitchen, Osaka is the kind of city where eating your way through the day feels completely natural. Street food like takoyaki, grilled octopus balls, and okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake, are two things you should not leave without trying. The lively Dotonbori district adds to the energy with its bright signs and packed restaurants, while Osaka Castle gives you a break from the food scene.

Sometimes called "little Kyoto," Kanazawa is a historic city on the Sea of Japan coast that many travellers overlook, which makes it all the more rewarding to visit. Its main attraction is Kenroku-en Garden, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, sitting close to Kanazawa Castle. You can also browse Omicho Market for fresh seafood and pick up a gold leaf souvenir the city is known for.

As Japan's first permanent capital, Nara holds a quiet but important place in the country's history. What most people notice first, however, are the hundreds of deer that roam freely through the city and have been considered sacred for centuries. Todai-ji Temple is the other main draw, housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Nara works well as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

Few cities carry as much historical weight as Hiroshima, and that history is what draws so many people here. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum stand as a thoughtful reminder of the 1945 atomic bombing, but Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Garden are also worth your time. A short ferry ride away, Miyajima Island is home to the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's most iconic sights.

Tucked away in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a small mountain town that has held onto much of its 17th-century character. The old town is lined with preserved wooden buildings, sake breweries, and traditional craft shops, and it feels noticeably quieter than Japan's bigger cities. It is also a good base for visiting Shirakawa-go, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage village known for its tall, thatched-roof farmhouses.

Sitting at the base of Mount Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko-machi is one of the best places in Japan to see the country's most iconic mountain up close. Lake Kawaguchi is well known for its views of Mount Fuji, most striking during cherry blossom season or when the leaves turn in autumn. There are cycling paths around the lake and local dishes like hoto noodles to try, roughly 1.5 hours from Tokyo.

As the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, Naha is the main gateway to the Ryukyu Islands and a city whose culture feels different from the rest of Japan. That difference comes from its long history as an independent kingdom. Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects that past and is the city's top landmark. The Kokusai-dori shopping street is a good place to sample local food and browse for souvenirs.

For travellers drawn to warm water and white sand, Miyakojima offers some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Japan. The sea here is a striking shade of turquoise, and with coral reefs close to shore, snorkelling and diving are the main reasons most people make the trip. The Irabu Ohashi Bridge, stretching over 3.5 kilometres to the neighbouring island of Irabu-jima, is also a scenic drive well worth doing.