Pick a city to explore curated maps and essential highlights.
Tokyo Metropolis stretches from glittering urban cores to quiet island outposts in the Pacific. Bullet-train skylines, indie galleries, and ramen alleys shape a constantly evolving capital. Short ferry rides and mountain hikes reveal traditional neighborhoods that anchor the whirlwind.
Osaka Prefecture wraps neon waterfront promenades around historic merchant quarters. Street food stalls, comedy theaters, and markets keep neighborhoods buzzing late into the night. Ferries and subway loops make it easy to hop between bayfront views and retro shopping arcades.
Kyoto Prefecture shelters timeless temples, teahouses, and cedar valleys that trace Japan’s imperial heart. Narrow machiya lanes and riverside cycling paths encourage unhurried exploration. Seasonal crafts, kaiseki kitchens, and quiet mountain railways keep tradition alive in everyday life.
Hyōgo Prefecture stretches from Kobe’s modern harbor to castle towns and hot spring valleys on the Sea of Japan. Port promenades, sake breweries, and ropeways climb into Mount Rokko for sweeping views. Day trips link Himeji Castle, Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, and relaxed onsen streets across the prefecture.
Nara Prefecture is defined by temple forests, free-roaming deer, and the ruins of Japan’s first capital spread across serene parklands. Pilgrimage trails wind toward mountain villages and hidden waterfalls. Local craft breweries and pottery kilns balance the region’s ancient stories with new voices.