Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Japan

Discover Japan

Discover Japan

Why visit Japan?
Japan blends ancient castles, gardens, and temples with neon cityscapes and innovative design, creating a destination where tradition and modern life sit side by side. You will find calm streets, ordered spaces, and a deep attention to detail almost everywhere you go.
What to expect
From Tokyo's vast metropolis and Osaka's lively energy to Kyoto's heritage districts and Hokkaido's wide-open landscapes, each region feels distinct. Coastal cities, mountain onsen towns, and compact regional hubs give you many options for building your ideal route.
Plan your trip
Japan is easy to explore as a first-time visitor and rewarding on repeat trips, with new neighbourhoods and regions to uncover each time. It is also a convenient gateway for combining your journey with wider Asia, thanks to efficient rail and domestic air connections.

Top experiences in Japan

Explore Tokyo's diverse neighbourhoods

Stroll between districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Odaiba to experience Tokyo's mix of shopping streets, quiet lanes, and waterfront views.

Discover castles and historic quarters in Nagoya and Osaka

Visit impressive city castles and preserved merchant streets to see how Japan's historic centres have evolved into modern urban hubs.

Relax in onsen towns and mountain retreats

Head into the hills from cities such as Osaka or Fukuoka to soak in hot springs and stay in traditional inns surrounded by nature.

Enjoy seasonal landscapes and gardens

Seek out cherry blossoms in spring, lush gardens in summer, colourful foliage in autumn, and snow-covered scenery in winter across the country.

Experience Japan's pop culture and design

Browse anime and gaming districts, design-focused shops, and contemporary art spaces that showcase Japan's creative side.

Walk coastal promenades and waterfronts

Discover harbourside districts and seaside parks in cities like Fukuoka and Kobe, where city views meet open water.

Visit museums and interactive science centres

Spend time in well-curated museums and hands-on science or technology centres that appeal to both adults and families.

Experience Japan's way of life

Getting around
High-speed shinkansen trains link major cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka with fast, frequent services. Extensive metro and bus networks make it simple to navigate each city, and domestic flights add flexibility for longer hops across the islands.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Japan often feels calm and well-organised, with tidy streets, efficient service, and a strong sense of courtesy. Distinct regions, from Kanto to Kansai and Kyushu, have their own accents, festivals, and architectural styles that you will notice as you move around.
Where to unwind
Urban parks, riverside paths, and landscaped gardens offer quiet corners in even the busiest cities. Beyond the city limits, you can retreat to coastal walks, forested hills, and countryside stays that provide space to slow down between sightseeing days.

A taste of Japan

National dishes & specialties
Japan is known for dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura, and grilled skewers, often with regional twists in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Each area also has local favourites, from robust noodle styles to distinctive street snacks.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find compact eateries, standing counters, and casual restaurants clustered around train stations and shopping streets in every city. Food halls, underground arcades, and department store basements offer a wide choice of quick meals, snacks, and regional flavours in one place.
Signature & scenic dining
In many cities, you can dine with skyline views from high-rise towers or alongside rivers and bays. Refined multi-course meals, counter dining, and chef-led experiences let you appreciate Japan's focus on presentation, seasonality, and atmosphere.

Retail therapy in Japan

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping complexes close to major stations in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka bring together international labels, homegrown brands, and lifestyle stores. Many offer dining floors, rooftop spaces, and direct links to public transport for easy access.
Markets & local crafts
Historic districts and shopping streets in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto feature traditional crafts, textiles, and stationery. Smaller regional centres often have speciality shops showcasing local ceramics, lacquerware, and other handmade items.
Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping avenues and entertainment quarters stay lively with illuminated storefronts and late-opening shops. Certain streets and covered arcades offer a relaxed, walkable atmosphere for browsing and picking up last-minute gifts.

Best time to visit Japan

Spring shoulder season (March to May)
Spring is mild, with average temperatures around 10–18°C (50–64°F) across many cities, and is known for blooming flowers and comfortable sightseeing conditions. This is considered a shoulder season, though popular weeks can feel busy.
Summer peak season (June to August)
Summer brings warmer and more humid weather, with average temperatures of about 23–30°C (73–86°F) in much of the country. This is generally peak season, with long daylight hours and many outdoor events.
Autumn and winter shoulder and low seasons (September to February)
Early autumn, with about 15–24°C (59–75°F), is a shoulder season marked by clear days and colourful foliage. Late autumn into winter can be cool to cold, roughly 0–10°C (32–50°F) in many regions, and is usually a low season except for specific holiday and snow periods.

Frequently Asked Questions