Hi, We are a group of 3 couples planning to visit Japan for the first time. We will definitely want to visit Tokyo, but curious of what other 2 or 3 cities that we must visit during our stays. It is best for us if you provide cities where there is enough to do for 5 days each. We would like to reduce travel time and spend more times in each city to be able to better enjoy and have a less hectic trip. Thanks

I recommend that you read many of the posts here on this travel board, both the trip reports and the planning threads. A very good site to look at is Japan guide (https://www.japan-guide.com) as it’s one of the most comprehensive sites for travel in Japan.

Of course, Kyoto is also one of the most popular cities to visit, but there are so many possible itineraries and only you know what most appeals to you. Since this is a board of travelers, everyone’s style and interests are different.

Thanks for the tip. I have started reading on Japan-guide dot com and it seems very informative. I will report back as I get more concrete questions as I am sure there will be plenty. To be honest, for me discovering the culture and untouched nature is a priority. I believe in Tokyo I will get some exposure to the culture, but it will be nice to see one of their villages where the culture and nature is still not touched or modified. If you have any recommendation on such a village name, I would appreciate it too. I am sure I will be coming back with more questions on this at a later stage.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Oska, Hiroshima, Okinawa islands must visit.

Thanks Ankushk, that's plenty already. I will start checking out on them and figure out the three to go for .

erickaqua,
My husband and I are going on our first trip at the end of next month and are going to the following places:
-Tokyo - (6)
-Matsumoto (3)
-Okuhida Onsen (2) (staying in a ryokan in one of the 5 onsen towns in the Japanese Alps)
-Takayama (3) (a traditional town that is very popular and has 2 big festivals a year), staying in a ryokan.
-Kanazawa (4)
-Kaga onsen (2)
-Kyoto (6)

We have opted not to go to Hiroshima or Miyajima; I felt that we will have enough "big city" experiences between Tokyo and Kyoto and wanted to experience, like you, some smaller places, perhaps not quite "on the beaten track". Kanazawa isn't a small city but has a smaller historic center and a variety of museums, traditional crafts and a topnotch garden. I then included a second onsen town (Kaga Onsen is a collection of 5 onsen towns connected by buses) which is nearby and the town we're staying in (Yamanaka) has a lovely feel to it. There are also a number of crafts in the region.

I really can't see any reason to take the time to fly to Okinawa on your first visit to Japan. I have been to Japan about 15 times and I was planning at one point to visit Okinawa mainly to see the Shuri Castle which unfortunately burned down four years ago and is now being rebuilt with an estimated opening of the main hall in autumn 2026.

>> villages where the culture and nature is still not touched or modified

no such place in Japan

consider the city of Fukuoka

My picks for 2 other cities would be Kyoto and Kanazawa. Or if you prefer someplace less of a city substitute Takayama for Kanazawa. Five days might be a bit much for Takayama. Not sure when you are going but they have a big festival in the Spring and Fall that is fun to do.

Hands down, my favorite city was Takayama . We also visited Kyoto, Hakone, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Miyajima Island.