旅WanderJapan

City Guides

Nine cities — from Tokyo's neon maze to Hiroshima's resilience, Nara's deer parks, Hakone's volcano views, Fukuoka's tonkotsu ramen, Nikko's gilded shrines, and Sapporo's snow festival. Deep dives into neighbourhoods, food, and the things guidebooks miss.

Tokyo city photo

東京

City Guide

Tokyo

38 million people. One city that contains every version of Japan.

Best time to visitMarch–April (cherry blossom) · Oct–Nov (autumn leaves)
From the airportNarita Express (N'EX) 53 min · Haneda Monorail 25 min
Read the Tokyo Guide →
Kyoto city photo

京都

City Guide

Kyoto

Japan's ancient capital. 1,600 temples, 400 shrines, and the craft that built a civilization.

Best time to visitMarch–April (sakura) · Nov–Dec (koyo autumn leaves)
From TokyoNozomi Shinkansen: 2h 15min · ¥13,870
Read the Kyoto Guide →
Osaka city photo

大阪

City Guide

Osaka

Japan's kitchen. The loudest, friendliest, most food-obsessed city in the country.

Best time to visitMarch–April · September–November (avoid August heat and humidity)
From Kyoto15 min by Shinkansen · 30–40 min by Hankyu or JR
Read the Osaka Guide →
Hiroshima city photo

広島

City Guide

Hiroshima

A city rebuilt from zero. Hiroshima's resilience, remarkable food, and the sacred island of Miyajima.

Best time to visitMarch–April (cherry blossom) · Oct–Nov (autumn leaves on Miyajima)
From Osaka45 min by Nozomi Shinkansen · ¥8,080
Read the Hiroshima Guide →
Nara city photo

奈良

City Guide

Nara

Japan's first capital. 1,200 wild deer, ancient Buddhist giants, and a city that time almost forgot.

Best time to visitMarch–April (sakura) · October–November (autumn leaves and rutting deer)
From Kyoto45 min by Kintetsu Limited Express · 50 min by JR Nara Line
Read the Nara Guide →
Hakone city photo

箱根

City Guide

Hakone

The classic Tokyo escape. Mt. Fuji across a volcanic lake, open-air onsen, and Japan's finest outdoor museum.

Best time to visitOct–Nov (clearest Fuji views, autumn leaves) · Spring (lower-altitude cherry blossom)
From Tokyo (Shinjuku)85 min by Romancecar · ¥2,470 + Hakone Free Pass
Read the Hakone Guide →
Nikko city photo

日光

City Guide

Nikko

Gilded shrines in a cedar forest, a waterfall you can hear before you see, and a mountain lake two hours from Tokyo.

Best time to visitLate Oct–early Nov (autumn foliage, book ahead) · May–June (fresh green, fewer crowds)
From TokyoTobu Nikko Line from Asakusa · ~2 hrs direct (Limited Express ~1h45)
Read the Nikko Guide →
Fukuoka city photo

福岡

City Guide

Fukuoka

Japan's most liveable city. Tonkotsu ramen, riverside yatai, and the warmest welcome in Kyushu.

Best time to visitMarch–April (cherry blossom) · Oct–Nov (mild and uncrowded)
From TokyoTokaido–Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata · 5 hrs (Hikari) or 4.5 hrs (Nozomi)
Read the Fukuoka Guide →
Sapporo city photo

札幌

City Guide

Sapporo

Japan's snow capital — where miso ramen was born and February means an entire city carved from ice.

Best time to visitEarly February (Snow Festival) · June–August (mild, dry summer)
From the airportNew Chitose Airport → Sapporo Station: JR Rapid Airport, 37 min
Read the Sapporo Guide →

More cities coming

Guides to Kanazawa, Nagoya, and more are in progress.

KanazawaNagoyaBeppu
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