Quick answer: The most popular places to visit in Japan on a first trip are Tokyo (Asakusa, Shibuya, Skytree), Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko or Hakone, Kyoto (Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama), Nara and Osaka. Hokkaido is the pick for snow in winter. Halal food is easiest to find in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, and meat dishes from Malaysia cannot be brought into the country.
Japan is one of the favourite overseas destinations for Malaysian families. The trains run on time, the cities are clean, and every season brings different scenery. The problem is that the list of things to see is far too long for one trip. This guide groups the places to visit in Japan by city so you can plan your route easily, with tips on halal food and what food you can bring.
Places to visit in Japan: Tokyo
Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, with the Kaminarimon gate and its giant red lantern being a must for photos. Nakamise Street in front of it has rows of souvenir stalls and traditional snack shops. Come early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and note that Asakusa also has several halal restaurants.
Shibuya Crossing and Shinjuku
The Shibuya pedestrian crossing is famous because hundreds of people cross at once from every direction. Shinjuku is a shopping and entertainment hub with bright neon lights at night. Both are easy to reach on the JR Yamanote Line.
Tokyo Skytree
At 634 metres, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan. Its observation deck gives a wide view across Tokyo, and on clear days you can sometimes see Mount Fuji in the distance. It is close to Asakusa, so the two are easy to combine in one day.
Mount Fuji and the surrounding area
Kawaguchiko, one of the best places to visit in Japan for Fuji views
Kawaguchiko is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and among the easiest spots to see Mount Fuji (3,776 metres) up close. Many travellers come on a day trip from Tokyo by bus or train. Clouds often hide the mountain by midday, so go as early as you can.
Hakone
Hakone is known for its onsen (hot springs), Lake Ashi and a ropeway that passes over volcanic ground. On clear days, you can see Fuji from several points here. Halal food options in Hakone are limited, so bring snacks or buy food in Tokyo before you leave.
Places to visit in Japan: Kyoto and Nara
Fushimi Inari Taisha
This shrine is famous for thousands of orange torii gates that form trails up the hill. The lower section is the most crowded, but the higher you climb, the quieter it gets. Come early in the morning for photos without the crowds.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama on the western edge of Kyoto is known for its bamboo grove, Togetsukyo Bridge and river views. The area is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn red. The bamboo grove is quietest before 8am.
Nara Park
Nara is only about an hour from Kyoto or Osaka by train. Nara Park is known for its free-roaming deer, and Todai-ji temple houses a huge bronze Buddha statue. Buy deer crackers (shika senbei) from the stalls nearby and keep an eye on your things, because the deer here are bold.
Places to visit in Japan: Osaka and Hokkaido
Dotonbori and Osaka Castle
Dotonbori is a canal-side street known for its neon signs, including the Glico sign, and its street food. Osaka Castle sits in large grounds that are lovely in spring. The Namba area next to Dotonbori has several halal and Muslim Friendly restaurants.
Sapporo and Otaru, Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the top choice for snow, especially during the Sapporo Snow Festival in February. Otaru, about an hour from Sapporo, is known for its old canal and glass shops. Halal food outside Sapporo is very limited, so plan to bring food without meat.
Best time to go to Japan
- Spring (late March to early April): cherry blossom season in Tokyo and Kyoto. The prettiest time, but also the busiest, and hotel prices go up.
- Autumn (November): red and yellow leaves in Kyoto, Nikko and Hakone. Cool and comfortable weather.
- Winter (December to February): snow in Hokkaido and the ski areas. Fuji is easiest to see at this time.
- Summer (June to August): hot and humid, with a rainy season in June.
Halal food near places to visit in Japan
Tokyo has the most options, especially in Asakusa, Shinjuku and around Tokyo Camii mosque. In Osaka, look around Namba, and in Kyoto around Kyoto Station. Our guide to halal food in Japan covers areas, halal labels and ingredients to avoid.
What food you can bring to Japan
Japan is very strict about meat products. According to the Animal Quarantine Service of Japan, travellers cannot bring in meat products without an inspection certificate, even for personal use and even when cooked. So chicken, beef and rendang dishes in pouches cannot be brought.
A better choice is food without chicken or beef. Retort white rice goes well with halal dishes bought locally. Our Laksa Johor and Spaghetti Laksa Thai are fish and prawn based. Fish products follow different rules, so declare them at the quarantine counter if you are unsure.
Travel tips for places to visit in Japan
- Plan your route by area. For example, Asakusa and Skytree on one day, Shibuya and Shinjuku on another.
- Use an IC card such as Suica or ICOCA for trains, buses and convenience stores.
- Go to popular spots such as Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama as early as possible.
- Mark halal restaurants and prayer rooms on your map before heading out, especially in Kyoto, Hakone and Hokkaido.
- Carry a small bag for rubbish, because public bins are rare in Japan.
For a packing list, read our travel packing tips. Rules on food in the cabin are in our guide to bringing food on a plane, and general ideas are in travel food.
FAQ about places to visit in Japan
How many days are enough for a first trip to Japan?
Seven to ten days is enough for Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka without rushing.
Tokyo or Osaka, which is better for families?
Tokyo has more attractions and halal restaurants. Osaka is close to Kyoto and Nara, so it works well as a base for day trips.
When is cherry blossom season in Japan?
Usually late March to early April in Tokyo and Kyoto. The exact dates change every year, so check the cherry blossom forecast before booking.
Can I bring rendang to Japan?
No. Japan does not allow meat products without an inspection certificate, even when cooked. Bring meat-free food such as retort white rice.
Is it easy to find a place to pray in Japan?
Major airports such as Narita, Haneda and Kansai have prayer rooms. In the cities, use an app to find nearby mosques and prayer rooms.
Still have questions?
WhatsApp the MakanHubb team at 012-540 0263. We reply during office hours, Monday to Friday.
