Ultimate Guide to Sightseeing in Japan

Attractions & Parks

Sightseeing in Japan is an unusual blend of sacred temples and shrines, trying out interesting new foods, getting immersed in the heavy pop culture, and of course, hitting up some unique parks. What keeps people coming back to Japan is precisely this eclectic nature of most visits. With Japan, you’re getting a little bit of everything, which makes the trip a little more varied, and caters even to the most delicate of palates.

Tokyo is well-known for its numerous landmarks, among which Tokyo Towers, the Shibuya Crossing, or Asakusa Sensoji. And whenever you get tired of the city, you can start visiting the surroundings, which often offer a quieter day trip to contrast the fast-paced Tokyo life. One big attraction for tourists is the Tokyo Disney Resort, possibly the biggest amusement park in the entirety of Japan.

Which is not to say that Osaka isn’t a great tourist attraction in its own right. Here, we find beautiful sights, like the Osaka Castle, or the Kaiyukan Aquarium. If you’re partial to amusement parks, Osaka entices you with Universal Studios Japan. Here, you’ll find the famed Super Nintendo World, ideal for all you gaming enthusiasts.

Food

Last but not least, the culinary component is a big aspect to consider whilst planning your visit. Now obviously, whichever city you choose to visit, you’re in for a treat. Literally.

Tokyo boasts some of the nicest restaurants, and most high-end food in the entirety of Japan. The city still retains many traditional treats from the Edo period, most famous among which is, of course, sushi (鮨飯). Here, you’ll also enjoy an expertly prepared dish of soba (そば) and tempura (天ぷら).

That being said, Osaka is undeniably the better culinary experience for crazed foodies. Here, the food culture is simply much stronger than in any other Japanese city. Osaka has a strong focus on kuidaore tradition, which essentially means eating till you drop. It is the birthplace of many famous traditional dishes like Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き, a wheat pancake served with cabbage, meat, etc.), and Takoyaki (たこ焼き, a balled-up snack, consisting of batter cooked in a special pan).

To sum it all up, our advice would be making the time to see both Tokyo and Osaka during your trip to Japan, and spending at least a few days in each city. They’ve both got a lot of different attractions to offer. 

Side note: Getting excited for all the wonderfully delicious food in Japan is one thing, but don't expect the staff to understand a word of English! Get a head start with our Ultimate Guide to Ordering Food in Japanese!

Is it better to start from Tokyo or Osaka?

Since the two cities are located at opposite ends of the country (Tokyo is often referred to as the Eastern capital, while Osaka is the Western capital), many tourists organize their trip from one to the other. But is it better to arrive in Tokyo, and depart from Osaka, or vice-versa?

Both are worthwhile options, with no major disadvantages on either choice. Basically, you’re better off checking hotel prices, and local events  to catch/avoid in either city, and plan accordingly. Also, make sure to check airline prices for both options, as that may sway the decision on its own.

Ideally, if you’re planning on leaving Japan from Tokyo, you’d be better off starting in Osaka to eliminate the cost of one cross-country journey, and vice-versa.