Japan
What you need to know before you go
Japan, also called the Land of the Rising Sun, is a mix of ancient traditions coexisting with global innovation. Made up of 4 main islands in East Asia, the nation has diverse climates and landscapes – snowy mountains dominate the northern end, while to the south, you’ll find Nagano’s lakes, Kyoto’s temples, and the vibrant capital of Tokyo. Thanks to an extensive rail network, you can ride one of the world’s fastest bullet trains from the subtropical beaches in the south to the northernmost mountain ranges.
Japan’s well-preserved culture is something you can experience instead of just reading about it from a history book, from sumo wrestling matches and kabuki shows, to woodblock printing and tea ceremonies. Whether you’re planning an extravagant shopping trip to Tokyo or want to enjoy a day of visiting Shinto shrines in Kyoto, Japan is a country of vibrancy, depth and beauty.
Top destinations in Japan
Where will you go next?Tokyo is Japan’s capital city and one of the most engaging and awe-inspiring metropolises in the world. Covering an area of approximately 2,250 square kilometers, the Tokyo Metropolis is a whole world in itself. The city is highly regarded for its safety and high quality of life. It also offers a remarkable blend of old and new – think ancient...
Read moreNagoya
Nagoya is an economic powerhouse, home to Japan’s auto manufacturing giants Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi. It once served as a...
Hyogo Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture offers a fascinating blend of big-city modernity and old-world charm in Japan. Stretching between the Sea...Nara
Nara flourished to become one of Asia’s grandest cities during its 74-year reign as Japan’s first capital. As the...Chiba
Chiba is an eclectic place where intimate museums, stunning national parks and tranquil temples share space with buzzing restaurants, modern...Kyushu
Fukuoka is a booming, cosmopolitan city on the northern shore of picturesque Kyushu Island that offers a fascinating glimpse of...Osaka
Osaka is Japan’s third largest city, which has a unique identity characterized by a penchant for good food and lively...
What to see & do in Japan
Featured stories & fun stuffJapan is the epitome of the exotic East, with many unique idiosyncrasies waiting to be discovered. Even a simple walk through the city streets presents so many things to do in Japan – walk into a robot restaurant, a pachinko parlor, or a shopping mall and you will be wide-eyed with wonder about the things you see. Japan is not only about the big urban centres, and you will find... Read more
6 Best Temples to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
Cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto is a magical time, when the fabled pink flowers of the cherry blossom (sakura in Japanese) creates a swathe of color across the city. It’s probably the most scenic time of year, when locals head...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Osaka
Osaka is an excellent town in Japan for couples to enjoy. From looking out across Osaka on a Ferris wheel...10 Places Locals Love to Go in Sapporo
Wondering which places locals love to go in Sapporo? For starting your trip in vast Hokkaido, it’s a good idea...10 Best Family Things to Do in Kyoto
Looking for the best family things to do in Kyoto? The former Japanese capital is famous for its shrines and...11 Most Popular Tourist Sites in Tokyo
Tokyo has plenty of famous spots that give a real sense of Japan's history, but you can also find ultramodern...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Kyoto
Looking for the best things to do for couples in Kyoto? Firstly, the former Japanese capital is one of the...10 Best Things to Do with Kids in Sapporo
Sapporo has all kinds of attractions that families can enjoy in any season or any weather. You can harvest vegetables...10 Best Family Things to Do in Tokyo
Tokyo is home to a great range of things to do for families. It’s a world capital of video games...10 Best Places Locals Love to Go in Yokohama
Yokohama City is located in the east of Kanagawa Prefecture, facing Tokyo Bay. With a population of more than 3...
Where & what to eat in Japan
Dining out in Japan is a definite highlight of any trip to the country. Known for their longevity, the Japanese enjoy their food immensely and, in general, still manage to keep the ingredients healthy. Of course, if you’re hankering after western food, it’s easy to find fast-food outlets and British-style pubs. But the Japanese cuisine experience – from delicious wagyu beef to raw seafood – is striking and typically meals... Read more
Top 10 Dishes Locals Love in Chiba
You’ll definitely want to check out the local dining scene in Chiba Prefecture, where you can enjoy dishes that are creatively prepared using the rich harvest of the sea and mountains. Around the coastal area of Boso Peninsula, fish tartare...Top 14 Recommended Restaurants in Tokyo
Tokyo is famous as Japan's gourmet food capital, where you can enjoy the best flavors from around the world. This...10 Best Restaurants in Yokohama
There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Yokohama, offering a variety of regional and international flavor. If you're looking for...
Where to shop & what to buy in Japan
Shopping in Japan is an integral part of modern-day life, with megastores, malls, arcades, supermarkets and even humble 7-Elevens (a Japanese innovation) woven into everyday life. It’s as though Japan took the once-new idea of shopping malls and ran with it. When most people contemplate shopping in Japan, it’s natural to think first of high-tech electronic goods, but excellent textiles can be found, as well as... Read more
4 Best Shopping Experiences in Kobe
Kobe is an excellent place to shop, especially if you're short on time since most of its best shopping destinations are clustered in the downtown core and within an easy walking distance. Get off the train at Sannomiya or Motomachi...10 Best Shopping Areas in Osaka
Osaka was historically a merchant city and has a reputation for good quality merchandise for all budgets. Plus, it has...10 Best Shopping Experiences in Nagoya
The shopping scene in Nagoya ranges from big department stores to street and flea markets, and a whole lot more...
Where to go & what to do at night in Japan
Japanese people love to let loose at night. The country is a living embodiment of the ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra, which has been adopted by its neighbours. The best nightlife is to be found in the ever-trend-setting Tokyo, but provincial cities each have their own charms and quirks. Karaoke is the quintessential nightlife experience in Japan, but swanky cocktail bars, pumping nightclubs and friendly izakayas are also... Read more
6 Great Bars and Pubs in Sapporo
Many nightlife lovers see Sapporo as a more laid-back and relaxed destination than equivalent-sized cities in Japan. The main nightlife center is Susukino – the largest north of Tokyo – with many 24-hour bars, restaurants, pubs. It's estimated there...Top 10 recommended night spots in Okinawa
Okinawa may well be a paradise of endless summer renowned for its daytime sunshine, but it also has unique charms...10 Local Nightlife Experiences in Kyoto
Looking for local nightlife experiences in Kyoto? Kyoto may be a pretty calm sort of place, but that doesn't mean...
Useful information
10 Best Festivals in Japan
Japan hosts more than 200,000 local festivals throughout the year. Many visitors from all over Japan and abroad often come to see the Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi, where flaming kanji characters appear on the mountains of Kyoto, as well as...Osaka Travel Essentials
Our Osaka Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of...Tokyo Travel Essentials
Our Tokyo Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of...
