Japan blends centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge modern life, from serene temples and immaculate gardens to neon-lit cityscapes and efficient high-speed trains. You can experience calm rural landscapes and dynamic urban energy in a single trip.
Discover Japan
Discover Japan
Why visit Japan?
What to expect
Explore megacities like Tokyo and Osaka, historic centres such as Kyoto and Nara, and coastal hubs like Nagoya and Fukuoka. Expect orderly streets, punctual public transport, and a culture that values politeness, detail, and seasonal beauty.
Plan your trip
Japan is easy to navigate thanks to excellent rail links and domestic flights connecting major islands and cities. From here, you can continue to explore wider East Asia, using Japan as a clean, efficient, and comfortable base.
Top experiences in Japan
Discover Tokyo's contrasting districts
Wander from the skyscrapers and fashion streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya to the quiet lanes and historic shrines of Asakusa, all linked by an easy-to-use metro system.
Explore Osaka's waterfront and castles
Stroll around Osaka Castle and its leafy park, then head to the waterfront around Tempozan and the lively Dotonbori canal area for illuminated signs and riverside walks.
Visit Nagoya's cultural landmarks
See Nagoya Castle and the Atsuta Shrine area, then explore museums that celebrate Japan's craftsmanship, design, and engineering heritage.
Relax in Fukuoka's seaside cityscape
Combine city breaks with sea breezes as you explore Fukuoka's bayside parks, waterfront promenades, and compact downtown districts.
Experience seasonal cherry blossoms and autumn colours
Time your trip for spring or autumn to see cherry blossoms or fiery foliage in parks, castle grounds, and countryside temples across the country.
Ride Japan's iconic high-speed trains
Board the shinkansen to glide quickly between regions, watching the landscape shift from coastal plains to mountains and rice fields.
Soak in natural hot springs
Head to an onsen town to bathe in mineral-rich hot springs, often with mountain or forest views, and experience one of Japan's most cherished pastimes.
Experience Japan's way of life
Getting around
Japan's railway network, including the shinkansen, links Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and many other cities with frequent, punctual services. Within cities, you can rely on extensive metro, suburban rail, and bus systems, supported by clear signage and helpful staff.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Japan balances quiet respect with creative energy, from calm neighbourhood streets and tidy convenience stores to buzzing entertainment districts. You will notice seasonal traditions, strong community pride, and an emphasis on hospitality and thoughtful service.
Where to unwind
Seek out landscaped gardens, riverside promenades, and coastal parks in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Further afield, mountain trails, lakes, and hot spring resorts provide peaceful escapes surrounded by forests and changing seasonal scenery.
A taste of Japan
National dishes & specialties
Try sushi and tempura in Tokyo, savour rich ramen and okonomiyaki in western cities such as Osaka and Fukuoka, and discover regional dishes that highlight fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and carefully prepared rice.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Japan's cities, you will find noodle shops, izakaya-style pubs, food halls in department store basements, and modern cafés that suit quick meals or relaxed gatherings. Many stations and shopping areas cluster varied options in one convenient place.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for counter seats where you can watch chefs work, city-view restaurants on upper floors, and traditional-style venues overlooking gardens or rivers, all offering memorable settings alongside attentive service.
Retail therapy in Japan
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, major stations and central districts house multi-level malls that mix international brands with Japanese labels, bookstores, lifestyle shops, and expansive beauty sections.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out traditional shopping streets and craft districts in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto for ceramics, textiles, stationery, and handmade souvenirs that reflect local design and workmanship.
Evening retail scene
Shopping streets in Tokyo and Osaka remain lively well into the evening, with illuminated signs, late-opening stores, and compact side streets where you can browse boutiques and speciality shops after dark.
Best time to visit Japan
Japan has four distinct seasons, with timing varying slightly by region. Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F), and is known for cherry blossoms and comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer peak season (June to August) can be warm and humid, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, with average temperatures between 22–30°C (72–86°F), and is popular for festivals and coastal getaways. Autumn shoulder season (September to November) offers pleasant days of around 12–22°C (54–72°F), with clear skies and colourful foliage drawing many visitors. Winter low season (December to February) is cooler, typically 0–10°C (32–50°F) in most major cities, quieter for city travel, and ideal for snow experiences in colder regions.