Osaka’s standout pleasures are many. Chief among them are gastronomic — this is the street food capital of Japan, after all, where mouth-watering ramen and curries lurk around every corner, and an array of Michelin-starred restaurants boast soaring flavors and thrilling innovation. Wander through Dōtonbori, a neon-lit paradise where you can sample local delicacies such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki or stumble into any number of quirky cafes. Explore historic Osaka Castle, an iconic symbol of the city’s resilience, or recharge in the abundant wilderness of Minoh Park, one of Japan’s favorite spots for forest bathing, where waterfalls, temples and hot springs await. In the fall, you’ll find spectacular foliage and the unique treat of maple leaf (momiji) tempura, an edible souvenir you won’t soon forget.

Some 200 miles west of Osaka but with its own utterly unique spirit is Hiroshima, a city synonymous with peace and resilience. Few places on earth are as deeply moving as Peace Memorial Park, a spacious, walkable area in the heart of downtown where the haunting Genbaku Dome (the only structure left standing after the 1945 atomic bombing of the city) and the Peace Memorial Museum stand as poignant reminders of the city’s past. Also downtown are serene Shukkeien Garden, meticulously designed in a resplendent lake setting, and the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, with a collection of 5,000 works from artists and craftspeople from Hiroshima and beyond. Be sure to indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, cabbage pancakes layered with pork belly and noodles, before you depart.

Nagasaki’s allure unfolds from the moment you dock in its picturesque harbor. This vibrant port city, a compelling tapestry of international influences, gives a unique perspective on Japanese history. Stroll through Glover Garden, an open-air museum housing Western-style mansions that illuminate Nagasaki’s multicultural influences, and the serene grounds of Sofukuji Temple. Pay your respects at Nagasaki Peace Park, an exceptionally moving park and museum complex memorializing the devastating atomic bombing of the city in 1945. Don’t leave Nagasaki without trying a bowl of Champon — a Chinese-inflected local specialty made with egg noodles, fish cakes and an abundance of other ingredients swimming in a salty, comforting broth — or taking a ropeway trip up Mount Inasa, offering stellar twilight views of the city.

The City of Ten Thousand Shrines enthralls with ancient wonders and contemporary sophistication. Built in 794 AD, Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital until the mid-19th century and today is a treasure trove of cultural landmarks and serene gardens, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Among its many highlights are the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a gold-leaf-covered Zen temple, and the Philosopher’s Path, a mile-long stone trail along a scenic canal dotted with temples, rock gardens and cherry trees. Wander the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a mystical atmosphere, and experience a traditional tea ceremony in one of the many historic tea houses. Michelin-starred restaurants and stellar shopping make Kyoto’s contemporary pleasures as exquisite as its ancient ones.

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