Few countries in the world can offer the sheer variety of attractions, astonishing diversity, and complete safety that Japan does. Best of all, the country is also surprisingly pocket friendly to explore. its famous bullet trains that connect all major population areas are among the fastest in the world; and together with public transportation is convenient, safe, cost-effective, and unbelievably efficient. No matter what you prefer, you will find what you are looking for in Japan, and here are six must visit places to make the most of your next trip to this fascinating island nation.

Tokyo

Located at the head of Tokyo Bay, in the Kantō region of Japan’s main island, Honshu, Tokyo is the political and economic centre of the country. The city is a spanning metropolis that offers the perfect combination of traditional and modern urban life. As a result, it is also the most popular tourist destination in the country. The Tokyo Sky Tree and the Imperial Palace are amongst its most prominent attractions, as are the gorgeous shrines scattered throughout the city. For the foodie, there is authentic Japanese dining aplenty together with some of the finest international restaurants available anywhere in the world. Beware, however, Tokyo is also the world’s largest Metropolitan area and as such is extremely crowded and is also one of the most expensive places in the world to live in. So, keep your time in the city limited and make sure to save some time and money to visit the other breath-taking locations that Japan has to offer.

Kyoto

Kyoto is located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu and is the capital city of the Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. It is also considered the cultural capital of Japan and is the place to go to for that authentic traditional Japanese experience. It is home to well-preserved 17th-century teahouses and traditional geisha entertainers, as well as over 1,500 temples. Of these, the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is amongst the most famous. The Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-Ji are two other stunning temples you must take the time to visit. The Kyoto Imperial Palace and Katsura Imperial Villa are also a must-see on your visit to Kyoto.

Nara

The capital city of the Nara Prefecture, Nara is a quiet city filled with beautiful shrines and charming lantern-lit lanes. Nara is home to eight particular temples, shrines, and ruins; specifically, Tōdai-Ji, Saidai-Ji, Kōfuku-Ji, Kasuga Shrine, Gangō-Ji, Yakushi-Ji, Tōshōdai-Ji, and the Heijō Palace, which together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest, collectively form the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tōdai-Ji is even home to a huge structure that houses a 16-meter Buddha statue and the park within which it sits is also famous for the friendly deer that call it home.

Osaka

The capital of the Osaka Prefecture, the city is located in the Kansai region of Honshu. As the second-largest city in the country, Osaka is a major business travel destination and home to several major international companies. It is, however, a significantly more laid-back travel destination in comparison to Tokyo. It is very well known for its delicious and affordable street dining as well as its nightlife. Some of the top attractions, aside from the food, of course, are the Osaka Castle and Shitennō-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. Also, if you are a movie buff, you won’t want to miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan. The tranquil countryside just outside Osaka is also a great place to visit if you wish to escape the bustling city life.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city that most of the world remembers as the first to be targeted by a nuclear weapon when “Little Boy” was dropped on the city by the United States on August 6, 1945. Since being rebuilt, the city has grown to become the largest in the Chūgoku region of western Honshu. The city is now home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which serves as a memorial of the bombing. It is located next to the famous ruins of the old Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the only structure to survive at ground zero. Another world heritage site, the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima, is another stunning must-visit destination. It is best known for its “floating” torii gate. The city is also home to the Shukkei-en garden, a place famous among visitors for its authentic Japanese tea ceremony.

Takayama

Takayama is a small city located in the Gifu prefecture in the Chūbu region of Honshu. It is well known for having one of the most historically authentic towns in all of Japan, complete with Edo-era architecture. The city is also known for its wealth of shrines, temples, and museums, as well as for its two key festivals, Sanno Matsuri and Yahata Matsuri. A great escape from the town is the nearby Shinhotaka Ropeway of Mount Hotaka – the third-highest mountain in the country. The view from the top is sure to take your breath away.