Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Japan

Discover Japan

Discover Japan

Why visit Japan?
Japan offers a blend of cutting-edge cities, timeless castles, and serene countryside, where modern design and deep-rooted tradition sit side by side. You can move from neon skylines to quiet gardens and coastal towns in a single trip.
What to expect
First-time visitors often focus on Tokyo and Osaka for urban energy, while Kyoto and Nara offer temples, gardens, and heritage streets. Beyond the main hubs, regions like Hokkaido, Kyushu, and the Seto Inland Sea reveal hot springs, alpine landscapes, and island-dotted coasts.
Plan your trip
You can use Japan as both a destination and a springboard to explore wider East Asia, thanks to efficient rail and domestic flights. With strong city networks and easy regional connections, it is simple to combine several areas in one memorable journey.

Top experiences in Japan

Discover Tokyo's neighbourhoods

Wander from the skyscrapers of Shinjuku and Shibuya to the traditional streets of Asakusa for a vivid snapshot of everyday life in the capital.

Explore Osaka's waterfront and cityscape

Stroll along the lively Dotonbori canal, then head to Osaka Castle Park for views of the castle tower framed by greenery and seasonal blossoms.

Uncover Nagoya's samurai heritage

Visit Nagoya Castle and nearby historic districts to trace the legacy of feudal lords, merchant houses, and craft traditions.

Relax in Fukuoka's coastal city charm

Enjoy seaside promenades, leafy parks, and a compact city centre that makes it easy to balance sightseeing with down time.

Ride the shinkansen across the country

Experience Japan's famous bullet trains linking major cities at high speed, with smooth journeys and frequent departures.

Visit historic temples and gardens

Plan day trips from Tokyo or Osaka to nearby temple towns and landscaped gardens that offer calm, seasonal beauty.

Soak in hot spring towns

Head to onsen resorts in regions like Kyushu or central Honshu to unwind in mineral-rich baths amid mountains or by the sea.

Experience seasonal festivals

Time your visit to catch lantern festivals, summer celebrations, or autumn events that fill streets with music, colour, and local pride.

Experience Japan's way of life

Getting around
High-speed shinkansen lines link Tokyo with Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, making multi-city journeys smooth and predictable. In cities, you can rely on punctual metro systems, local trains, and buses, with taxis and regional flights filling in the gaps.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Japan is shaped by attention to detail, from orderly train platforms to carefully tended neighbourhood parks. Each region has its own character, whether it is the cosmopolitan buzz of Tokyo, the merchant-town feel of Osaka, or the relaxed coastal pace of Kyushu.
Where to unwind
Across the country, you will find quiet gardens, riverside paths, and seaside promenades that offer a break from city energy. Mountain trails, national parks, and lakeside resorts invite you to slow your pace and enjoy clean air, wide views, and natural hot springs.

A taste of Japan

National dishes & specialties
Japan is known for dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura, and grilled skewers, each with regional twists. Tokyo and Osaka are hubs for many classics, while coastal cities like Fukuoka and Nagoya highlight local noodles, seafood, and distinctive sauces.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find compact eateries, standing counters, and contemporary cafés in train stations and business districts across the country. In Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, entire neighbourhoods are lined with small restaurants, international options, and late-opening spots that make casual dining easy.
Signature & scenic dining
Many cities offer restaurants with views over rivers, harbours, or city skylines, especially in high-rise towers and waterfront areas. In historic districts, traditional-style restaurants and townhouses create an intimate setting that turns a meal into a slow, atmospheric experience.

Retail therapy in Japan

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka feature major shopping complexes directly connected to train hubs, offering international brands, bookstores, and lifestyle stores. You can move easily between fashion floors, homeware sections, and food halls under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
In many cities, you will find shopping streets and covered arcades with family-run shops selling textiles, ceramics, stationery, and everyday goods. Regions around Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka are known for nearby craft towns where workshops keep traditional skills alive in modern forms.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and station districts stay lively with late-opening stores and entertainment. Neon-lit areas in major cities keep a welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to browse, pick up souvenirs, or stop for a drink after shopping.

Best time to visit Japan

Peak season: March to May and October to November bring mild days around 12–22°C (54–72°F), with spring blossoms and autumn colours drawing many visitors across the country.
Shoulder season: June and September see warmer, more humid weather around 20–28°C (68–82°F), with occasional rain showers but fewer crowds in popular spots.
Low season: December to February is cooler, with temperatures around 2–10°C (36–50°F) in many cities, quieter attractions, and colder conditions in northern and mountain regions.

Frequently Asked Questions