I've traveled quite a bit, and here's my personal ranking.
1st Place: Kyoto (Visited 5 times) • The undisputed GOAT. • It's packed with tourists, but if you step just a little bit away from the main spots, you can find tons of empty hidden gems. • If it suits your taste, it's hard to find a place that beats Kyoto. • The seasonal charms are insane—cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, autumn leaves, and winter snow.
2nd Place: Fujikawaguchiko • Surprisingly, Mt. Fuji felt more 'pretty' than 'massive.' (Actually, Sakurajima felt more grand in terms of pure perceived height). • You need a lot of luck with the weather. • Highly recommend booking a room with a Fuji view at a Kawaguchiko onsen and taking a night walk by the lake. You can see a surprising amount of stars.
3rd Place: Toyama • Even without the Alpine Route, there's a lot of content. If it's autumn, you HAVE to ride the Kurobe Gorge Railway. • If you take the Shinkansen or JR Himi Line, it's a seaside town vibe, and you can see views from the city that explain why it's called the 'Japanese Alps.' • Seafood is dirt cheap.
4th Place: Kanazawa • Of all the cities called 'Little Kyoto,' this one is the best. • I can bet that if you like Kyoto, you will 100% love Kanazawa too.
Joint 5th Place: Kagoshima • If you want a slow, relaxing vacation, no city beats this. • Since there's a volcano erupting right next door, almost every hotel's public bath is a natural hot spring (Shiroyama Hotel is a must). • Prices are low so it's great for drinking, and you can enjoy the unique scenery of a volcano floating on the sea while wandering around at your own pace.
Joint 5th Place: Nikko • I haven't been to Enoshima/Kamakura or Yokohama yet, but it's hard to find a better Tokyo day trip than this. • Especially recommended if you're into that 'Taisho Roman' aesthetic.
"Travelers are vibing with the OP's taste, especially the love for Kanazawa and Kyoto. Some are debating the cost of sushi in Toyama and pointing out the 'lit' photography, while others are jokingly calling out the lack of love for the Tohoku region."
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