What better way to start this list off than with Tokyo (東京). It is the capital and most populous prefecture of Japan, and without a doubt, is Japan's most well-known city. Being one of the most modern cities in terms of its infrastructure and design, Tokyo offers a mix of old and new, and it will leave a long-lasting impression on you.

If you are in any way interested in Japanese pop culture, video games, or electronics then, Akihabara (秋葉原), located in central Tokyo, is the place for you. Widely known as an otaku (nerd) heaven and the centre of Japanese pop culture, Akihabara offers many shops containing video games, anime, manga, and more.

If you would rather spend your time gazing at nature and the scenery of Japan, then Ueno Park (上野公園), also located in central Tokyo, is the place for you. Famous for its many museums and coming in at 133 acres, nearly as big as Rizal Park in the Philippines (140 acres), the park offers a place to see cherry blossoms, have picnics, and in general, have a great and relaxing time.

Other Points of Interest: Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine

Kyoto (京都) is Japan's 3rd largest city and used to be the country's capital. Home to many cultural landmarks and historical sites, it is now considered the country's cultural capital. With many Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces, and gardens, it is the perfect place to explore Japan's history and its old traditions.

The Fushimi Inari shrine located in southern Kyoto, known for its thousands of torii gates, is an important Shinto shrine dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and agriculture, Inari. This place is definitely a must-visit. Not only for it being a photogenic place but to explore its history.

Another place that is a must-visit is the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. Located in eastern Kyoto and is a UNESCO world heritage site, the Kiyomizu-Dera temple is a Buddhist temple built to worship the Buddhisattava of mercy and compassion, Kannon. It has cultural significance and is visually stunning in several ways.

Other Points of Interest: Kyoto National Museum, Byōdō-in Temple, Daitoku-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Gion District,

Infamous for its bombing back in WW2, where nearly 140,000 people died, Hiroshima (広島) has certainly come a long way back from when it was attacked. It is now one of the most popular destinations to visit in Japan. Hiroshima's population density is vastly smaller than Tokyo, so you are less likely to be in crowded places. Furthermore, expenses are also cheaper in Hiroshima, so it is an excellent place to visit if you are on a budget.

Pay your respects to the victims of the bombing at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, located in central Hiroshima, where you can see the atomic bomb dome, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Near the centre of the park, there is a concrete monument that covers a cenotaph holding the names of all the victims who died from the atomic bomb.

Another place synonymous with Hiroshima is the Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its "floating" torii gate. The shrine and the torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating at a high tide. When it is low tide, visitors can take the opportunity to get up close to the torii gate itself.

Other Points of Interest: Hiroshima Castle, Shukkei-en Garden, Mitaki-dera Temple, and Memorial Cathedral of World Peace

Osaka (大坂) is Japan's second-largest city, second only to Tokyo. Best known for its food, nightlife, and outgoing people. Osaka is less about sights and more about its excellent food and friendly residents. Osaka is only a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, making it a wonderful place to visit after exploring Tokyo.

Even with Osaka being less centred on sights, there are still many attractions, like Universal Studios Japan, a theme park based on the Universal Studios brand. It is currently the most visited amusement park in Japan, second only to Tokyo Disney Resort. The park contains many themed areas, such as Super Nintendo World, based on the Super Mario franchise.

Another great attraction to visit is the Kaiyukan Aquarium. Kaiyukan is Japan's most stunning aquarium, world-renowned for its innovative presentation of aquatic animals, and one of the largest aquariums in the world. The aquarium holds an astounding 30,000 creatures comprising 620 species and has whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.

Other Points of Interest: Osaka Castle, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Tennōji Zoo, Dōtonbori, and Shinsekai,

Kanazawa (金沢) is considered to be one of Japan's hidden gems, known for its preserved historical geisha and samurai districts. This place is also easily travelled to from Tokyo by shinkansen. Called "Little Tokyo" by locals, it contains breathtaking scenery, with beautifully preserved traditional neighbourhoods.

Considered one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, a garden embodying the Japanese style, Kenroku-en (兼六園) Garden is a must-visit for its picturesque scenery and dazzling landscape. "Kenroku-en" literally means "garden of six attributes" These six attributes are spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, watercourses, and panoramas.

Nagamachi (長町) was a samurai district at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle. This district was a place for samurai and their families to live. It is a beautifully preserved district that shows the history of Kanazawa.

Other Points of Interest: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Higashi-Chaya District, and Ninja Temple