You’re planning your first trip to Japan and are not sure which city to visit first. It can be tough to choose, especially if you are on a time limit. Each of the country’s major cities offers a distinct experience and a completely different side to how you will experience it. Two weeks in Japan is needed to visit all three cities, but you might not have that much time.

You should give yourself a round of applause just for deciding to travel to Japan. Sometimes it’s a big leap to get out of your comfort zone. And we want to help you determine which city aligns with your interests and travel style so you won’t regret missing it. This guide provides a breakdown of several categories for each city, helping you make a more informed decision.

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Sightseeing and Culture

Tokyo

It’s all about the modern, big-city rush here in this metropolis. Why else would running through the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya Crossing, be a popular activity? There are some traditional cultural spots, like Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, but Tokyo’s primary focus is high-end pop culture, fashion, and technology. Some of the most popular attractions are digital art museums like TeamLab Planets and Borderless, which attract hundreds of visitors every day.

You have famous massive shopping and entertainment complexes located in Akihabara, Odaiba, and Ginza. The bottom floors are filled with addictive claw-machine arcade games, an obsession in Japan. Going up, you have levels filled with anime memorabilia, games, and collectibles of every sort. In contrast, you have elegant Japanese gardens and parks to give it a little greenery and help you feel like you’re not surrounded by nothing but the city’s urban landscape.

Everything will feel fast-paced here from the moment you arrive. You are constantly running around to see as much as possible and don’t want to miss any opportunity, so plan for at least a four-day itinerary here to get a good feel for this destination.

Kyoto

The focus here is more on traditional Japanese culture, as this was the former Imperial capital. If you didn’t know, Kyoto is also the city with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan, numbering 17. Many of the sightseeing attractions will involve exploring the deep roots of historical districts, shrines, and outdoor gardens.

Top attractions include Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Those who are particularly nature-loving and outdoor enthusiasts will find this city appealing, as will slow travelers. Some of the seasonal events held in Kyoto, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, are among the most popular experiences, attracting international visitors from around the world. This city wants you to take your time and enjoy the refinery and Zen-like calmness.

Osaka

As a merchant and port city, this place is easygoing and informal. You will see how people here are more casual, enjoying an authentic warmth and a good-natured sense of humor in their everyday lives. The working-class backgrounds of its population, compared to the more upper-level Japanese nobles and spiritual leaders in Tokyo and Kyoto, are why they have become known for their popularity in cooking and dining.

The central culinary districts to visit are, of course, Dotonbori, followed by Shinsekai and Kitashinchi. And while Tokyo has Disneyland, Osaka has Universal Studios if you are looking for major theme park attractions.

Food

Tokyo

There is nowhere else in the world that has as many Michelin-starred restaurants as Tokyo. Here is where you want to enjoy a fine-dining experience. International cuisines are also abundant here, so there is a wide variety of choices for every day you are here. In this metropolis, the food culture is constantly changing with experimentation on traditional classics.

But you can also find budget-friendly Japanese cuisine here. Food markets to visit for walking and exploring include Tsukiji Outer Market and Nakamise Street for high-quality street food. Go to the local FamilyMart and 7-11 so you can see the differences in products compared to your hometown (I mean, Japan 7-11 sushi is one step below restaurant quality).

Kyoto

The food culture in Kyoto is focused on tradition and simplicity, just as everything else is. This makes tofu a local favorite here in its preparation. They like to focus on the dishes of former aristocrats and Buddhist monks. Vegetarian dishes are widespread and abundant here, as they go hand in hand with the Buddhist way of life.

It’s all about focusing on the subtlety of the flavors. Being light on the seasonings, not heavy on broths, with a concentration on local vegetables. Their presentation of food is methodical, bordering on near-obsessiveness, so that everything is in its proper place.

Osaka

It’s evident that, when you are nicknamed “Japan’s Kitchen,” you have a food paradise here. It’s all about the street food and casual dining in Osaka. The local food markets are packed with stalls and izakayas to eat your way through. Everything is less formal here as well when it comes to dining. Don’t expect a considerable interest in the presentation.

The laid-back culture is more relevant here as you’re packed in with other like-minded foodies. This means it’s a perfect opportunity to strike up conversations with your table neighbors and make new friends. Just wander and snack, wander and snack to your heart’s content.

Unique Activities

Note: All of these activities should be booked well in advance of your trip. Check ahead to make sure they are available for your itinerary.

Tokyo

You can go beyond the usual sightseeing in Tokyo. Car lovers can enjoy a Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift-style meetup with other enthusiasts to learn about the Japanese car culture, as well as have a driver take you around the city sites. Or if your preference is sightseeing uniquely, you can choose a Go-Karting tour through the city. Experience sumo wrestling outside of tournaments with private shows, either through morning training sessions or exhibition matches in the evenings, with some meals provided as part of the entertainment.

For futuristic visual arts and sensory interaction, places like teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets will overwhelm your senses with unforgettable experiences. Outside of Tokyo, you can take a day trip to visit Mt. Fuji and the surrounding countryside, including Hakone and Lake Ashi.

Kyoto

If you’re looking for introspective, meaningful, contemplative experiences, take a deep breath and hold it before releasing it; this city is the place to have them. The city offers top experiences involving traditional arts and crafts. At the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum, kids and adults can dress in traditional garb while practicing the techniques of ancient weapons. Or even better, go to the Edo-era film set-turned-small theme park, Toei Kyoto Studio Park, for exhibitions featuring period-costumed actors.

Have the opportunity to wear the kimono (for rent or purchase) with accessories in modern and classic styles as you walk through the neighborhood for excellent photo opportunities. Relax in a tranquil setting and experience one of Kyoto’s must-do activities: a traditional tea ceremony.

Osaka

Food experiences are what it’s all about here. And your best choice is to take an Osaka cooking class. Nothing beats learning the local recipes to take home and enjoy fresh meals right out of the kitchen. Add to that a walking food tour or nighttime pub crawl, and your stomach will be thanking you.

Nightlife

Tokyo

When you think of the best nightlife in Japan, everyone answers that Tokyo is the winner. The entertainment districts are filled with popular upscale nightclubs and bars. Golden Gai, with its collection of tiny themed bars, is always a popular choice. The hostess clubs are interesting to see, with their large billboards and staff portraits, even if you don’t prefer to go in. A lot of visitors like to walk through Omoide Yokocho in the evening when all the lights in the alley are on. There is a lot of diversity, so you can easily find what appeals to you.

Kyoto

Keeping up with the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto, don’t expect a loud, wild night out here. The nights here are low-key, meant for smaller groups with personal attention rather than large crowds. It’s quality over quantity, and you will be less inclined to hop from place to place and party to party. You will be enjoying the smaller venues in a quiet setting over a long period. Or enjoy some intimate conversations as you sit along the Kamogawa River.

Osaka

I felt the energy of nightlife here just from walking the neighborhoods like Dotonbori and Namba. The crowds were packed, neon signs were everywhere, and the buskers’ street performances were enjoyable. Take some time sitting on the canal with some takoyaki or other street food, and watching the boat tours pass by between the bridges is quite a sight.

Accomodations

Tokyo

Futuristic cities equal futuristic hotels. High-end hotel brands love Tokyo. It’s all about luxury and amazing panoramic views from your room here. They like to mix European designs with Japanese values, bringing them together seamlessly for our benefit. Hospitality is what sets them apart from others. Their attentiveness borders almost on the obsessive, which no one can help but appreciate.

On the other side of the spectrum, capsule hotels are extremely popular. They may have started in Osaka, but Tokyo has perfected this alternative. Similar in cost to hostels, these futuristic-looking places are unique to Japan and are perfect for solo and budget travelers looking to stretch their budget.

Kyoto

Here you have the best place for a traditional ryokan stay and a pretty authentic experience compared to a standard hotel. Getting to sleep on the floor with straw mats (tatami) and sliding doors may not sound appealing to some, but to others, it’s precisely what they want. Staff will provide personalized service and cultural immersion. While pricier, it makes up for it with the exceptional hospitality you will receive. You have to book well in advance, though, as they are such a popular option, spots go quickly.

Osaka

The most budget-friendly choice, focusing on hostels and mid-range hotels. Your rooms will be slightly larger than those in Kyoto or Tokyo. But in exchange for the small creature comforts, they are all centrally located or nearby, where all the action is. Aesthetically, these locations focus on quirky art and creative styles meant to capture the playfulness of Osaka. What you need to do is put those extra savings toward more foodie options.

Conclusion

Tokyo: If you are interested in technology, vibrant city life, and the latest trends and highlights coming out of Japan, pick this destination.

Kyoto: Choose here if you are seeking immersive experiences, cultural sites, and tranquil settings.

Osaka: For foodie lovers who want a more informal adventure, this is the place to start.

It’s ultimately up to you how you would like to spend your time in Japan. Everything I described here is just one small part of what they have to offer. Each city will show you a different side of Japan’s personality, from the futuristic to the traditional, from the energetic to the calm, and from the fast-paced to the slow tranquility. My single regret is that I didn’t spend even more time here. But like you, I plan to remedy that in the future with more trips throughout the years.