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 moreSapporo
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido. It’s well known for ramen, beer, snow, and being home to some of Japan’s...
Nara
Nara flourished to become one of Asia’s grandest cities during its 74-year reign as Japan’s first capital. As the...Hakone
Hakone, Japan, is a mountain town in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park that's famed for its hot springs, panoramic Mount...Sendai
Sendai, Japan, is famed for the remains of the 17th-century Sendai Castle as well as the city's museums, panoramic...Okinawa Island
Okinawa Island is situated about 400 miles south of Japan, and though now a Japanese prefecture, its origins in the...Kobe
Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, has a long history of welcoming outsiders to its shores – it was one of...
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
24 Best Temples and Shrines in Kyoto
Kyoto is justly famous for its incredible temples and shrines – they number in the thousands and come in all sizes and designs. Some of them are dedicated to Buddhism, while others are Shinto shrines (Japan’s ancient religion that believes that...13 Best Beaches in Okinawa
Okinawa has no shortage of beautiful tropical beaches. This Japanese chain of over 160 islands ranges from bustling, urban islands...10 Best Things to Do in Okinawa
The best things to do in Okinawa take full advantage of the destination’s culturally rich urban centres and Asia Pacific's...10 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan
Cherry blossom is widely known as Japan’s national flower, and there are plenty of places to see it in full...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Tokyo
Tokyo is full of luxurious and romantic places to visit, making it a top destination for couples. Popular spots to...10 Best Things to Do in Naha
Okinawa’s capital, Naha, is often bustling with shoppers during the day and partygoers at night. The bars are buzzing, the...11 Places Locals Love to Go in Tokyo
Tokyo has plenty of famous spots that give a real sense of Japan's history, but you can also find ultramodern...9 Best Places Locals Love to Go in Okinawa
Okinawa Prefecture is made up of more than 150 islands located in the East China Sea, including Okinawa Island, Miyako...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...
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
11 Best Japanese Foods & Dishes
Japanese cuisine is sublime in its intricacy of flavor, its variety of seasonal dishes, and its surprising health benefits. A typical Japanese meal is based on combining staples; rice or noodles are almost always served with soup, pickles and at...Top 10 Dishes Locals Love in Okinawa
Okinawa has nurtured its own unique food culture since the era of the Ryukyu Dynasty. Pork is an essential feature...10 Best Local Dishes from Yokohama
There’s no end to the variety of delicious foods in Yokohama. Home to Japan largest Chinatown district, this multicultural city...
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
31 Best Places to Go Shopping in Tokyo
This list of the best shopping experiences in Tokyo emphasizes how impressive this city is. Walk into any Tokyo shop and you’ll hear “irasshaimase” (a big welcome). One of the most exciting and diverse metropolises in the world, Tokyo presents...20 Best Places to Go Shopping in Kyoto
Kyoto is a great place to visit because of its significant history, charming people and huge number of shopping options...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Osaka
Osaka was historically a merchant city and has a reputation for good quality merchandise for all budgets. Plus, it has...
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
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Okinawa
Okinawa may well be a paradise of endless summer renowned for its daytime sunshine, but it also has unique charms after the sun sets. If you're an outdoors kind of person, try a night dive in the waters of the...34 Best Nightlife Experiences in Tokyo
While Tokyo is a buzzing metropolis during the day, nothing compares to the electricity of its nightlife! Engulfed in an...17 Best Bars, Live Music, and Night Clubs in Kyoto
Fun things to do in Kyoto extend to its vibrant nightlife. Despite appearances, this ancient city is not only limited...
Useful information
10 Things NOT to Do in Tokyo
Japan is a place with strong social rules that first-time visitors might find surprising or even quirky. But it’s a good idea to follow along if you want to make a positive first impression and get a glimpse into...10 Things NOT To Do in Osaka
This list of mistakes to avoid in Osaka cover many situations you’ll likely find yourself in when visiting Japan’s bustling...Sapporo Travel Essentials
Our Sapporo Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of...
