Flights from New Zealand to Japan

Discover Japan

Discover Japan

Why visit Japan?

Japan blends neon skylines with quiet temples, alpine landscapes with island coastlines, and deep tradition with cutting-edge design, offering a rich, layered experience in every season.

What to expect

You can explore the energy of Tokyo, the heritage streets of Kyoto and Osaka, the castles and ports of Nagoya, and the relaxed coastal charm of Fukuoka, all linked by a fast and reliable rail network.

Plan your trip

Japan works well for both first-time city breaks and longer multi-region journeys, and also serves as a convenient gateway to East Asia and beyond thanks to its extensive domestic and international connections.

Top experiences in Japan

Marvel at Tokyo's skyline and neighbourhoods

Take in views from towers in Shinjuku or Sumida, then wander districts like Shibuya and Asakusa for a mix of contemporary architecture, shopping streets, and historic sites.

Explore Osaka's castle and waterfront

Stroll the grounds of Osaka Castle, then head to the Dotonbori canal and nearby entertainment districts for bright city lights and riverside promenades.

Discover Nagoya's samurai and industrial heritage

Visit Nagoya Castle and the city’s museums to trace samurai-era history and Japan’s modern engineering story in one compact urban hub.

Unwind in Fukuoka by the sea

Enjoy coastal parks, city beaches, and relaxed waterfront areas that make Fukuoka ideal for combining urban sightseeing with time by the water.

Experience Japan's seasonal beauty

Plan your visit around spring blossoms, lush summer forests, autumn colours, or snowy mountain scenery for a distinct atmosphere in each season.

Ride Japan's iconic bullet trains

Use the shinkansen network to move quickly between major cities, turning long distances into comfortable journeys with scenic views from your seat.

Wander historic districts and castles

Seek out preserved streets and castle towns around cities such as Kyoto’s nearby areas, Osaka, and Nagoya for stone walls, moats, and traditional buildings.

Relax in onsen towns and mountain retreats

Head inland to hot spring resorts and alpine valleys where you can slow down among forests, rivers, and mountain views.

Experience Japan's way of life

Getting around

High-speed shinkansen trains link Tokyo with Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, while extensive local rail, metro, and bus networks make it easy to explore each city; domestic flights connect more distant regions and islands efficiently.

Local life & culture

Daily life in Japan moves with quiet order and attention to detail, from punctual public transport to well-kept streets, with each region showing its own character through festivals, design, and local traditions.

Where to unwind

You can recharge in city parks and riverside paths, coastal promenades in places like Fukuoka, and mountain areas that offer forest walks, lakes, and scenic viewpoints away from the crowds.

A taste of Japan

National dishes & specialties

From regional ramen styles and grilled skewers to fresh seafood and comforting rice dishes, each city offers its own signature flavours, with Osaka often seen as a street food favourite and Fukuoka known for hearty noodle bowls.

Casual & modern dining hubs

You will find everything from quick noodle counters and department store food halls to contemporary cafes and casual chains across Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, making it easy to eat well at any time of day.

Signature & scenic dining

Look for city-view restaurants high above Tokyo or Osaka, serene dining rooms overlooking gardens, and waterfront venues in ports like Fukuoka for memorable meals paired with striking urban or coastal backdrops.

Retail therapy in Japan

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Large shopping complexes around major stations in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka combine international labels with Japanese brands, lifestyle stores, and convenient supermarkets in one stop.

Markets & local crafts

Browse neighbourhood shopping streets and covered arcades in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka for local crafts, everyday goods, and regional products that offer a glimpse into daily life.

Evening retail scene

After dark, commercial districts remain brightly lit and lively, with late-opening department stores, entertainment streets, and illuminated shopfronts creating an inviting atmosphere for an evening stroll.

Best time to visit Japan

Spring (March to May) is a shoulder season, with many cities enjoying mild days around 10–20°C (50–68°F), clear skies, and blooming trees that draw both local and international visitors. Summer (June to August) is generally the peak season, especially in school holidays, with warm to hot weather ranging from around 22–32°C (72–90°F), higher humidity, and longer daylight hours. Autumn (September to November) is another shoulder season, bringing comfortable temperatures of roughly 10–22°C (50–72°F) and vivid foliage in many regions, while winter (December to February) is typically the low season for cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, with cooler days around 0–10°C (32–50°F) and snowy conditions in some inland and northern areas.

Frequently Asked Questions