Japan blends timeless traditions with modern cityscapes, from serene temples and gardens to neon skylines and high-speed trains. You can experience calm countryside, coastal towns, and dynamic cities in a single trip.
Discover Japan
Discover Japan
Why visit Japan?
What to expect
You will find bustling hubs like Tokyo and Osaka, historic centres such as Kyoto and Nara, and port cities including Nagoya and Fukuoka. Efficient transport, clear signage, and welcoming hospitality make it easy to explore.
Plan your trip
Use major gateways like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka as bases to explore wider regions by rail or domestic flights. Japan is also a convenient starting point for combining your journey with other Northeast Asian destinations.
Top experiences in Japan
Explore Tokyo's diverse neighbourhoods
Wander from the bright crossings of Shibuya and the fashion streets of Harajuku to quieter districts like Asakusa, where historic streets sit beside the Sumida River.
Discover Osaka's waterfront and castle
Stroll around Osaka Castle and its leafy park, then head to the Dotonbori canal area for illuminated signboards, river walks, and lively backstreets.
Uncover Nagoya's samurai heritage
Visit Nagoya Castle, explore traditional districts, and learn about the city’s role in the history of samurai clans and Japan’s industrial development.
Relax in Fukuoka's seaside districts
Walk along Fukuoka’s waterfront promenades, explore its bayside parks, and enjoy easy access to nearby islands and coastal views.
Ride Japan's iconic bullet trains
Experience the comfort and speed of shinkansen services that link major cities across the country with punctual, frequent departures.
Visit historic temples and gardens
Take day trips from major cities to admire wooden temples, stone paths, and carefully landscaped gardens that change character with each season.
Enjoy seasonal festivals and illuminations
From spring blossoms and summer fireworks to autumn foliage and winter light displays, Japan’s cities and towns mark the seasons with colourful events.
Experience Japan's way of life
Getting around
High-speed shinkansen trains and extensive local rail networks connect Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and beyond with clear timetables and signage. In cities, you can rely on metros, buses, and taxis, with prepaid cards making transfers simple.
Local life & culture
Daily life balances calm order with energetic urban scenes, from quiet residential streets and neatly kept shrines to lively shopping arcades and entertainment districts. You will notice a strong focus on politeness, punctuality, and attention to detail in public spaces.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks, riverside promenades, and coastal paths around Tokyo Bay, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Beyond the cities, you can seek out mountain trails, lakes, and hot spring towns for slower days in nature.
A taste of Japan
National dishes & specialties
You can savour sushi, ramen, tempura, and grilled skewers across the country, with each city adding its own twist. Tokyo is known for refined sushi, Osaka for hearty street-side snacks, Nagoya for rich sauces, and Fukuoka for its famous tonkotsu ramen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Underground food streets, station complexes, and department store basements in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka offer quick bites and modern eateries. You will find everything from noodles and set meals to international cafés within a short walk of major stations.
Signature & scenic dining
Seek out city-view restaurants in high-rise towers, waterfront venues along bays and rivers, and calm dining rooms that overlook gardens. Tasting menus and counter-style experiences let you watch chefs prepare each course in front of you.
Retail therapy in Japan
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka feature large malls and station-linked complexes with international brands, Japanese labels, bookstores, and lifestyle stores, often combined with dining floors and rooftop terraces.
Markets & local crafts
Browse shopping streets and arcades for ceramics, textiles, stationery, and regional treats in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Many neighbourhood markets also showcase independent makers and long-established family shops.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping districts in Tokyo and Osaka glow with signs and late-opening stores, while areas around major stations in Nagoya and Fukuoka stay busy with shoppers, cafés, and entertainment.
Best time to visit Japan
Peak season: Late March to May and October to November bring mild, comfortable weather for much of Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Shoulder season: June and September see warmer temperatures of about 20–28°C (68–82°F) with higher humidity and some rainy periods, yet sights are less crowded in many regions. Low season: December to February is cooler, with averages around 0–10°C (32–50°F) in major cities, offering clearer skies, quieter attractions, and opportunities to seek snow in nearby mountain areas.