Japan blends ultra-modern cities with historic towns, quiet countryside, and a deep appreciation for craft and design. You can explore futuristic skylines, ancient castles, and tranquil gardens in a single trip.
Discover Japan
Discover Japan
Why visit Japan?
What to expect
You will find dynamic cities like Tokyo and Osaka, cultural hubs such as Kyoto and Nara, and coastal regions stretching from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu and Okinawa in the south. Efficient transport, clear signage, and a strong service culture make independent travel straightforward.
Plan your trip
Japan is ideal for both first-time and repeat visitors, with distinct regions to discover across different seasons. It also serves as a convenient starting point for exploring wider North Asia thanks to its excellent domestic flights and high-speed rail network.
Top experiences in Japan
Explore Tokyo's diverse neighbourhoods
Wander between the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, the boutiques of Harajuku, and the waterfront views of Odaiba for a sense of Tokyo's many faces.
Discover Osaka and its bay area
Stroll through Osaka's lively central districts, visit Osaka Castle, then head to the bay area for waterfront promenades and city views.
Visit Kyoto's historic districts
Lose yourself in Kyoto's preserved streets, traditional wooden townhouses, and tranquil gardens that showcase classical Japanese aesthetics.
Experience Nagoya's modern and historic side
Combine a visit to Nagoya Castle and historic quarters with modern shopping and waterfront developments in this central Japanese city.
Unwind in Fukuoka on Kyushu
Enjoy Fukuoka's relaxed coastal vibe, green spaces, and easy day trips to nearby temples, hot springs, and countryside landscapes.
Ride Japan's iconic high-speed trains
Travel between major cities on the shinkansen, a fast and comfortable way to see multiple regions in a short time.
Soak in an onsen town
Stay in a traditional inn in one of Japan's many hot spring areas, where you can unwind in mineral-rich baths surrounded by nature.
Experience Japan's way of life
Getting around
Japan's extensive rail network, including the shinkansen, links major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka with frequent services. Within cities, you can rely on subways, local trains, and buses, while domestic flights help you reach more distant regions such as Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Japan balances calm order with busy city energy, from quiet residential streets to lively urban centres. You will notice attention to detail in everything from design and packaging to seasonal events and local festivals across different regions.
Where to unwind
Relax in landscaped parks and riverside paths in Tokyo or Osaka, or head to coastal areas and mountain regions for fresh air and scenic walks. Onsen towns and seaside promenades across Honshu and Kyushu offer peaceful settings to slow down after days of sightseeing.
A taste of Japan
National dishes & specialties
Japan is known for dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura, and grilled skewers, often prepared with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Regions like Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido each offer their own well-known styles and local favourites.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find everything from small local eateries to trendy cafés and contemporary restaurants in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Convenience stores and station food halls also offer quick, well-presented meals and snacks when you are on the move.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy city views from high-rise restaurants, waterside dining along rivers and bays, or quiet meals in traditional townhouses. Many places focus on carefully presented multi-course menus that highlight regional produce and seasonal flavours.
Retail therapy in Japan
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Tokyo, large complexes around Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza house international brands and local designers. Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka also offer modern malls and station-linked shopping centres that combine fashion, lifestyle stores, and dining.
Markets & local crafts
Look for traditional crafts, textiles, and ceramics in historic districts of cities such as Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Tokyo. Smaller markets and local shopping streets across Nagoya and Fukuoka showcase regional products, souvenirs, and everyday items.
Evening retail scene
Shopping districts in Tokyo and Osaka stay lively into the evening, with illuminated storefronts and extended opening hours in major areas. Smaller cities like Nagoya and Fukuoka offer a more relaxed atmosphere, with department stores and arcades open later in central neighbourhoods.
Best time to visit Japan
Japan has four distinct seasons that vary slightly by region. Peak season is spring, from March to May, when average temperatures range from 10–20°C (50–68°F) in many cities and flowering trees draw visitors to parks and gardens. Shoulder season occurs in autumn, from late September to November, with comfortable temperatures of around 10–18°C (50–64°F) and clear days ideal for city walks and countryside trips. Low season generally falls in winter, from December to February, when temperatures in central and northern regions can drop to around 0–8°C (32–46°F), bringing snowfall to some areas, while summers from June to August, also considered a shoulder season in parts of the country, can be warm and humid at 20–30°C (68–86°F).