Kyoto, Nagoya Make TIME's World's Greatest Places 2023

TIME Magazine's World's Greatest Places is an annual list that features 50 destinations worth visiting across the globe, with a focus on places offering new and exciting experiences. The 2023 compilation had two Japanese cities that made the cut – Kyoto and Nagoya – for separate reasons.

Kyoto was revered for being Japan's unofficial cultural capital thanks to its numerous temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese gardens. The city's cultural significance is also reflected in its museums, with spots like the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art and the Fukuda Art Museum mentioned by name in the publication's write-up. Festival fans don't miss out either, with the likes of the Gion Matsuri – one of Japan's largest festivals – held here during the summertime. For more to do in Kyoto, explore our website here.

As for Nagoya, one of the highlights listed in the city was Ghibli Park which opened in early 2022. Built on the grounds of the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, this isn't a park that focuses on thrill rides or attractions – it's a more whimsical venue intended to immerse visitors in all things Ghibli. Some of the park's highlights include a screening room showing various short Ghibli films, the Children's Town area (designed as a replica of the Higashi-Koganei Station area in Tokyo where Studio Ghibli is located), and the Catbus room that recreates the world of My Neighbor Totoro.

The city was also lauded for its whiskey production, with the Suntory Chita Distillery mentioned specifically. It's important to note that the distillery doesn't offer factory tours or direct product sales, however.

For more to do in Nagoya, visit the dedicated page to the region on Japan Travel here.