Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Japan

Discover Japan

Discover Japan

Why visit Japan?
Japan blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modern life, from serene temples and gardens to neon cityscapes. You will find meticulous hospitality, precise design, and an inviting mix of nature, culture, and technology.
What to expect
Tokyo and Osaka pulse with shopping, dining, and entertainment, while Kyoto, Nara, and Kanazawa offer historic streets and classical architecture. Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps draw outdoor lovers, and Kyushu and Okinawa bring hot springs, coastlines, and subtropical charm.
Plan your trip
You can focus on one region or design a multi-city journey linking Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka by rail or air. Japan also works well as a gateway to wider North Asia, with efficient transport and clear signage helping you travel with confidence.

Top experiences in Japan

Feel the energy of Tokyo

Explore lively districts, peaceful parks, and observation decks that showcase the city skyline in every season.

Wander Osaka and its waterfront

Stroll canalside promenades, explore vibrant neighbourhoods, and enjoy the relaxed harbour atmosphere.

Discover Nagoya’s castles and museums

Visit the city’s reconstructed castle and well-curated museums for an insight into Japan’s feudal and industrial past.

Slow down in Fukuoka

Combine coastal walks, riverside parks, and compact neighbourhoods that are easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Ride Japan’s iconic trains

Experience smooth and punctual rail journeys linking major cities and countryside landscapes.

Soak in an onsen town

Head to a hot spring resort to unwind in mineral-rich baths, often with mountain or forest views.

Experience seasonal Japan

Plan around cherry blossoms, autumn colours, or winter snow for distinct scenery and atmosphere.

Experience Japan’s way of life

Getting around
Japan’s rail network makes it easy to move between Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, with frequent services and clear signage. Domestic flights, local buses, and extensive metro systems help you reach suburbs, regional cities, and rural areas.
Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods in each city have their own character, from business districts and nightlife zones to quiet residential streets. You will notice care in everyday details, from punctual public transport to tidy public spaces and thoughtful customer service.
Where to unwind
Across Japan, you can retreat to landscaped gardens, riverside walks, and coastal promenades when you need a break from the city. Mountain trails, lakes, and hot spring resorts give you a slower pace within a short trip from many urban centres.

A taste of Japan

National dishes & specialties
You can sample regional takes on noodles, rice dishes, and grilled specialities in every major city. Coastal areas offer fresh seafood, while inland regions are known for hearty mountain fare and seasonal produce.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, convenient dining is found in station complexes, department store basements, and side streets. You can move easily between casual eateries, contemporary cafés, and modern restaurants that showcase regional influences.
Signature & scenic dining
Many cities offer elevated dining with skyline or waterfront views, from tower-top restaurants to harbourfront venues. In smaller towns, traditional-style inns often serve carefully presented meals that highlight local ingredients and surroundings.

Retail therapy in Japan

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major stations in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka connect directly to multi-level malls and department stores. You will find international labels, Japanese brands, and lifestyle floors featuring homeware, books, and beauty products.
Markets & local crafts
Historic districts and shopping streets in cities like Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Tokyo showcase traditional crafts, textiles, and ceramics. Regional centres often have covered arcades where small shops sell local snacks, garments, and handmade goods.
Evening retail scene
In larger cities, shopping districts stay bright and busy into the night, with illuminated signage and late-opening stores. Smaller neighbourhoods offer a calmer atmosphere, with independent boutiques and convenience shops open after dark.

Best time to visit Japan

Peak season: Late March to May (spring) brings mild weather around 10–22°C (50–72°F) and cherry blossom season across much of Japan. Popular cities and viewing spots can be busy, especially on weekends.
Shoulder season: September to early November (autumn) offers comfortable temperatures of about 12–24°C (54–75°F), lower humidity, and vibrant foliage. It is a good time for city breaks and outdoor trips with fewer crowds than spring.
Low season: December to February (winter) is cooler, typically from -2–10°C (28–50°F) in many regions, with colder conditions in the north and mountains. Cities are quieter outside year-end holidays, and ski areas see their own peak period.

Frequently Asked Questions