Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka: What’s the difference?
For first-timers in Japan, a common question that comes to mind is which city should one spend more time in — Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka?
Tokyo — The People’s City
What makes Tokyo the “people’s city” of Japan is just how easy it is to get around town. As one of the global hot spots of the world for tourists, Tokyo is by far the easiest prefecture to navigate through with limited Japanese-speaking ability. It’s also home to some of the best clothing lines and restaurant chains with all of your favorite international brands easily accessible.
Kyoto — The City of Culture
For a more traditional experience in Japan, Kyoto offers more historical landmarks and cultural heritage. Many parts of the prefecture resemble Edo Japan with plenty of temples and shrines in sight. In some towns such as Gion, you can even spot geishas on the streets!