Welcome, Japanese learners! One of the best ways to deepen your understanding of a language is to learn about the culture and places where it’s spoken. Today, we’re taking a journey through the seven must see cities in Japan. Each one has a unique personality, history, and even its own special words.
This guide will introduce you to the essential information about each city, from famous sights (名所, めいしょ, meisho) and specialty foods (名物, めいぶつ, meibutsu) to useful vocabulary (便利な単語, べんりな たんご, benri na tango) that will enrich your travel and learning experience. Let’s explore them together!
Tokyo (東京 – とうきょう)
As the capital (首都, しゅと, shuto) of Japan, Tokyo is a sprawling, futuristic metropolis that never sleeps. It’s the center of politics, economy, and pop culture, offering something for everyone. It can feel crowded (混雑, こんざつ, konzatsu), but its incredible public transport system makes it surprisingly easy to navigate. Tokyo is a city of contrasts; you can walk through the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku one moment and find a peaceful, ancient shrine the next.
Must-see sights include:
- Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺): Tokyo’s oldest temple, located in the traditional Asakusa district.
- Shibuya Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点): The world’s busiest intersection, an iconic symbol of modern Tokyo.
- Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー): A massive broadcasting tower with observation decks offering breathtaking views of the city
For food, try:
- Monjayaki (もんじゃ焼き): A savory pancake, similar to okonomiyaki, but with a more liquid, gooey texture. It’s a specialty of the Tsukishima area.
- Edo-mae Sushi (江戸前寿司): Sushi in the “Edo style,” originating from Tokyo when it was called Edo. It often features fish from Tokyo Bay, cured or cooked to preserve it.
— Language Corner Tokyo —
首都 (しゅと, shuto) – Capital city
近代的 (きんだいてき, kindaiteki) – Modern
伝統的 (でんとうてき, dentōteki) – Traditional
混雑 (こんざつ, konzatsu) – Crowded, congested
Yokohama (横浜 – よこはま)
Just south of Tokyo, Yokohama is a major port (港, みなと, minato) with an international (国際的, こくさいてき, kokusaiteki) and relaxed atmosphere. As one of the first cities to open to foreign trade, its identity is tied to its beautiful waterfront, which blends Japanese, Chinese, and Western architecture.
Key sights:
- Minato Mirai 21 (みなとみらい21):A futuristic seaside urban area with skyscrapers, shopping malls, and an amusement park.
- Japan’s largest Chinatown (横浜中華街): The largest Chinatown in Japan, filled with vibrant restaurants and shops.
- Sankeien Garden (三溪園): A spacious and beautiful traditional Japanese garden.
Local food specialties include
- Shūmai (シウマイ): Steamed pork dumplings, famously sold in bento boxes at train stations by the company Kiyoken.
- Sanmāmen (サンマーメン): A type of ramen topped with a thick stir-fry of bean sprouts and other vegetables.
— Language Corner Yokohama —
港 (みなと, minato) – Port, harbor
国際的 (こくさいてき, kokusaiteki) – International
中華街 (ちゅうかがい, chūkagai) – Chinatown
景色 (けしき, keshiki) – Scenery, view
Osaka (大阪 – おおさか)
Osaka is loud, vibrant, and known for its amazing food scene and friendly, outgoing people. The city has a famous saying: 食い倒れ (くいだおれ, kuidaore), which means “to eat oneself into ruin.” It’s a city with a strong merchant (商人 – shōnin) history and a distinct culture. The energy of Osaka is infectious. It’s less formal than Tokyo, and its people are famous for their sense of humor. The city lives and breathes food.
Must-See Sights
The city’s heart is
- Dotonbori (道頓堀): The city’s entertainment heart, famous for its extravagant neon signs (like the Glico Running Man) and endless street food.
- Osaka Castle (大阪城): A beautiful castle that played a major role in the unification of Japan.
- Shitenno-ji Temple (四天王寺): One of Japan’s oldest officially administered temples.
Local delicacies:
- Takoyaki (たこ焼き): Ball-shaped savory pancakes filled with minced octopus
- Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き): A savory pancake with cabbage and various toppings, often cooked on a griddle in front of you
— Useful Phrase in Osaka —
めっちゃ美味しい！
めっちゃおいしい！
Meccha oishii!
Super delicious!
めっちゃ (meccha) = Very, super (Osaka dialect)
美味しい (おいしい, oishii) = Delicious
— Language Corner Osaka —
食い倒れ (くいだおれ, kuidaore) – To eat until you drop/go broke
商人 (しょうにん, shōnin) – Merchant, trader
活気がある (かっきがある, kakki ga aru) – Lively, vibrant
大阪弁 (おおさかべん, Ōsaka-ben) – Osaka dialect
Nagoya (名古屋 – なごや)
Located between Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya is the center of Japan’s manufacturing industry. While sometimes overlooked, it has a rich history and a food culture, known as 名古屋めし (なごやめし, Nagoya-meshi), that is completely its own, often featuring red miso.
Key attractions:
- Nagoya Castle (名古屋城): Famous for the golden, fish-like ornaments (kinshachi) on its roof.
- Atsuta Shrine (熱田神宮): One of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan
- Toyota Museum: A fascinating museum showcasing the history of the Toyota company, from textile looms to modern cars
Local Delicacies
- Miso Katsu (味噌カツ): A deep-fried pork cutlet covered in a rich, sweet red miso sauce
- Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし): Grilled eel on rice, served in a specific way that allows you to enjoy it three different ways.
- Tebasaki (手羽先): Crispy, savory, and peppery fried chicken wings.
— Useful Phrase in Nagoya —
おすすめの名古屋めしは何ですか。
おすすめのなごやめしはなんですか。
Osusume no Nagoya-meshi wa nan desu ka?
What Nagoya food do you recommend?
おすすめの (osusume no) = Recommended
名古屋めし (なごやめし, Nagoya-meshi) = Nagoya food
は何ですか (はなんですか, wa nan desu ka) = What is it?
— Language Corner Nagoya —
中心 (ちゅうしん, chūshin) – Center, hub
味噌 (みそ, miso) – Fermented soybean paste
城 (しろ, shiro) – Castle
独特 (どくとく, dokutoku) – Unique, distinctive
Sapporo (札幌 – さっぽろ)
As the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Sapporo is known for its cold winters, heavy snow (雪, ゆき, yuki), and wide-open spaces. It’s a young city with a grid system, making it easy to navigate. Sapporo truly comes alive in winter with its world-famous Snow Festival. But it’s a beautiful city year-round, surrounded by stunning nature (自然 – shizen) and known for its fresh, delicious food.
Must-See Sights
- Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり): Held every February, featuring enormous and intricate snow and ice sculptures
- Odori Park (大通公園): A long park that stretches through the city’s center, hosting events throughout the year.
- Sapporo Beer Museum (サッポロビール園): Learn about one of Japan’s most famous beers and enjoy a tasting.
Local delicacies:
- Miso Ramen (味噌ラーメン):Sapporo is the birthplace of miso ramen, a rich and hearty noodle soup perfect for a cold day.
- Jingisukan (ジンギスカン): Named after Genghis Khan, this dish consists of grilled mutton and vegetables cooked on a dome-shaped skillet.
- Fresh Seafood (新鮮な魚介類): Hokkaido is famous for its high-quality crab (カニ – kani), sea urchin (ウニ – uni), and scallops (ホタテ – hotate).
— Useful Phrase in Sapporo —
暖かい格好をしてください。
あたたかいかっこうをしてください。
Atatakai kakkō o shite kudasai.
Please dress warmly.
暖かい (あたたかい, atatakai) = Warm
格好をしてください (かっこうをしてください, kakkō o shite kudasai) = Please do the appearance of (please dress)
— Language Corner Sapporo —
雪 (ゆき, yuki) – Snow
祭り (まつり, matsuri) – Festival
自然 (しぜん, shizen) – Nature
新鮮 (しんせん, shinsen) – Fresh
Fukuoka (福岡 – ふくおか)
Located on the northern shore of Kyushu island, Fukuoka has long been a hub of trade with mainland Asia. It’s a vibrant, modern city known for its friendly atmosphere, beautiful parks, and incredible food stall (屋台 – yatai) culture. Fukuoka offers a great balance of city life and relaxation. It’s compact, easy to get around, and has a reputation for being one of Japan’s most livable cities. Its nighttime yatai scene is legendary
Key sights:
- Canal City Hakata (キャナルシティ博多): A massive shopping and entertainment complex with a canal running through it.
- Ohori Park (大濠公園): A beautiful city park centered around a large pond
- Yatai Food Stalls: Found in the Tenjin and Nakasu areas, these open-air stalls offer a delicious and atmospheric dining experience
Local delicacies:
- Hakata Ramen (博多ラーメン): Famous for its rich pork bone broth (豚骨, とんこつ, tonkotsu). Be sure to order a noodle refill (替え玉, かえだま, kaedama)! Another local favorite is
- Motsunabe (もつ鍋): A hot pot dish made with beef or pork offal and vegetables in a flavorful soup.
— Useful Phrase in Fukuoka —
替え玉をお願いします。
かえだまをおねがいします。
Kaedama o onegai shimasu.
A noodle refill, please.
替え玉 (かえだま, kaedama) = Noodle refill
をお願いします (をおねがいします, o onegai shimasu) = I request
— Language Corner Fukuoka —
屋台 (やたい, yatai) – Food stall
豚骨 (とんこつ, tonkotsu) – Pork bone (broth)
地元 (じもと, jimoto) – Local
博多弁 (はかたべん, Hakata-ben) – Hakata dialect
Kyoto (京都 – きょうと)
For over a thousand years, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan and remains the heart of its traditional culture. It is a city of stunning temples (寺, てら, tera), serene gardens, and graceful geishas. Walking through districts like Gion feels like stepping back in time.
Most iconic sights are
- Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺): The “Golden Pavilion,” a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf
- Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社): Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form a path up a mountain
- Gion District (祇園): The famous geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses
Kyoto’s cuisine:
- Kaiseki Ryōri (懐石料理): A traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate
- Yudofu (湯豆腐): Simple but elegant boiled tofu, often served with various condiments in temple restaurants.
- Yatsuhashi (八ツ橋): A famous Kyoto sweet made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
— Useful Phrase in Kyoto —
写真を撮ってもいいですか。
しゃしんをとってもいいですか。
Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
Is it okay to take a picture?
写真 (しゃしん, shashin) = Picture
を撮ってもいいですか (をとってもいいですか, o totte mo ii desu ka) = Is it okay if I take?
— Language Corner Kyoto —
歴史 (れきし, rekishi) – History
神社 (じんじゃ, jinja) – Shinto shrine
寺 (てら, tera) – Buddhist temple
おおきに (ōkini) – Thank you (Kyoto dialect)
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