Japan blends centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge modern life, from serene temples and gardens to neon cityscapes and innovative design. You can experience quiet nature, dynamic cities, and warm hospitality in one journey.
Discover Japan
Discover Japan
Why visit Japan?
What to expect
Expect efficient transport, clean cities, and a deep sense of order, alongside diverse regions such as Tokyo and Yokohama, Kansai cities like Osaka and Kyoto, and island landscapes in Kyushu and Hokkaido. Each area offers its own festivals, architecture, and scenery.
Plan your trip
Japan rewards both first-time and repeat visits, with easy rail links and domestic flights connecting major hubs. It is also a convenient gateway to explore wider East Asia, thanks to its extensive international network.
Top experiences in Japan
Explore Tokyo's diverse districts
Stroll from the fashion streets of Shibuya and Harajuku to the skyscrapers of Shinjuku and the historic lanes around Asakusa, discovering a different side of the city in each neighbourhood.
Discover Kyoto's heritage
Walk among wooden townhouses, gardens, and grand gateways, visiting UNESCO-listed shrines and contemplative temple grounds scattered across the city and surrounding hills.
Soak in an onsen hot spring
Relax in mineral-rich hot springs at mountain resorts and coastal towns, where outdoor baths open onto forest, river, or sea views across Japan.
Visit Osaka's waterfront and castles
See Osaka Castle in its vast park, then head to the bayside entertainment districts and riverfront promenades lit by colourful signs after dark.
Experience Hiroshima and Miyajima
Combine a reflective visit to Hiroshima's memorial sites with a short trip to nearby Miyajima Island, known for scenic hiking trails and sea views.
Head into the Japanese Alps
Travel to alpine towns for hiking in summer and snow sports in winter, with mountain villages and valleys offering cooler air and dramatic scenery.
Discover Fukuoka and Kyushu
Use Fukuoka as your base for exploring Kyushu's coastal cities, volcanic landscapes, and hot spring resorts connected by rail and road.
Experience Japan's way of life
Getting around
Japan's extensive rail network, including shinkansen bullet trains, links Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other major cities quickly and reliably. Within cities, you can rely on metro lines, local trains, buses, and well-signed stations, while domestic flights connect longer-distance routes efficiently.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Japan balances quiet courtesy with busy city energy, seen in orderly queues, punctual schedules, and community festivals. You will notice regional differences, from the relaxed warmth of Kyushu to the stylish bustle of Tokyo and the traditional arts preserved in Kansai.
Where to unwind
You can escape into landscaped gardens, riverside promenades, and coastal parks in almost every city, while mountains and forests are never far away. Hot spring resorts, seaside paths, and tranquil shrines offer calm spaces to pause during a busy itinerary.
A taste of Japan
National dishes & specialties
From sushi and sashimi to ramen, tempura, and grilled favourites, Japan's signature dishes are rooted in regional produce and seasonal ingredients. Tokyo offers variety from across the country, while cities like Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo are known for distinctive local styles.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find casual counters, department store food halls, and small neighbourhood eateries across every city, offering quick bites and shared plates. Trendy districts in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka showcase contemporary takes on classics as well as international influences.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, seek out restaurants with city views from high floors, intimate counters overlooking open kitchens, or serene settings near rivers and gardens. Seasonal tasting menus and carefully presented courses highlight Japan's emphasis on balance and presentation.
Retail therapy in Japan
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka feature large shopping complexes and station hubs with international brands, beauty, electronics, and lifestyle stores. Many are directly connected to major train stations, making it easy to combine shopping with sightseeing.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional shopping streets and covered arcades in cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka showcase regional crafts, textiles, ceramics, and stationery. Smaller towns and historic districts often specialise in local artisans' work and beautifully packaged souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, bustling districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku in Tokyo or Namba and Umeda in Osaka glow with illuminated storefronts and late-opening shops. Night-time strolls through these areas blend shopping with entertainment, street scenes, and city views.
Best time to visit Japan
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather and blooming landscapes, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F) in many cities. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot and often humid, with temperatures typically between 20–30°C (68–86°F), especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Autumn shoulder season (September to November) offers comfortable days around 10–22°C (50–72°F) and vibrant foliage in many regions, while winter low season (December to February) can be cool to cold, from around -5–10°C (23–50°F) in northern and inland areas, and milder along the southern coasts.