Japan
What you need to know before you go
Japan, also called the Land of the Rising Sun, is a mix of ancient traditions coexisting with global innovation. Made up of 4 main islands in East Asia, the nation has diverse climates and landscapes – snowy mountains dominate the northern end, while to the south, you’ll find Nagano’s lakes, Kyoto’s temples, and the vibrant capital of Tokyo. Thanks to an extensive rail network, you can ride one of the world’s fastest bullet trains from the subtropical beaches in the south to the northernmost mountain ranges.
Japan’s well-preserved culture is something you can experience instead of just reading about it from a history book, from sumo wrestling matches and kabuki shows, to woodblock printing and tea ceremonies. Whether you’re planning an extravagant shopping trip to Tokyo or want to enjoy a day of visiting Shinto shrines in Kyoto, Japan is a country of vibrancy, depth and beauty.
Top destinations in Japan
Where will you go next?Tokyo is Japan’s capital city and one of the most engaging and awe-inspiring metropolises in the world. Covering an area of approximately 2,250 square kilometres, the Tokyo Metropolis is a whole world in itself. The city is highly regarded for its safety and high quality of life. It also offers a remarkable blend of old and new – think ancient...
Read moreOsaka
Osaka is Japan’s third largest city, which has a unique identity characterised by a penchant for good food and lively...
Kyoto
Kyoto attracts many with its hundreds of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as pink cherry blossoms in spring...Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido. It’s well known for ramen, beer, snow, and being home to some of Japan’s...Nagoya
Nagoya is an economic powerhouse, home to Japan’s auto manufacturing giants Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi. It once served as a...Okinawa (and vicinity)
Okinawa Island is situated about 400 miles south of Japan, and although now a Japanese prefecture, its origins in the...Naha
Naha, Japan, is the capital of Okinawa and is famed for Shuri Castle, once the royal palace of the Ryukyu...
What to see & do in Japan
Featured stories & fun stuffJapan is the epitome of the exotic East, with many unique idiosyncrasies waiting to be discovered. Even a simple walk through the city streets presents so many things to do in Japan – walk into a robot restaurant, a pachinko parlour, or a shopping mall and you will be wide-eyed with wonder about the things you see. Japan is not only about the big urban centres, and you will find... Read more
10 Best Things to Do with Kids in Chiba
Visiting families have many great things to do with kids in Chiba, and one big reason is that it’s home to the internationally popular Tokyo Disney Resort®. This major family attraction offers fun and cheers all day long. Other fun...15 Best Secret Temples in Kyoto
Kyoto has many hidden temples that most visitors never see, but they are still magnificent. If you have already been...10 Best Things to Do in Naha
Okinawa’s capital, Naha, is often bustling with shoppers during the day and partygoers at night. The bars are buzzing, the...Top recommended beaches in Okinawa
Japan is an island country surrounded by the sea. It's little surprise that Japan has had a deep relationship with...10 Most Popular Streets in Kyoto
Kyoto has many beautiful streets where you can enjoy the ancient capital's ambience and local food. Authentic Kyoto cuisine (Kyo...9 Things to Do in Tokyo on a Small Budget
You don't actually need a huge budget to have a great time in Tokyo. Even if your time and budget...24 Best Temples and Shrines in Kyoto
Kyoto is justly famous for its incredible temples and shrines – they number in the thousands and come in all sizes...13 Best Things to Do in Nara
Nara, once known as Heijo-kyo, was the first capital of Japan (710-794). It's home to 3 of Japan’s...11 Best Things to Do in Kobe
Kobe's main attractions are an integral part of the city's landscape and history, with museums celebrating its past bumping up...
Where & what to eat in Japan
Dining out in Japan is a definite highlight of any trip to the country. Known for their longevity, the Japanese enjoy their food immensely and, in general, still manage to keep the ingredients healthy. Of course, if you’re hankering after western food, it’s easy to find fast-food outlets and British-style pubs. But the Japanese cuisine experience – from delicious wagyu beef to raw seafood – is striking and typically meals... Read more
11 Best Japanese Foods & Dishes
Japanese cuisine is sublime in its intricacy of flavour, its variety of seasonal dishes, and its surprising health benefits. A typical Japanese meal is based on combining staples; rice or noodles are almost always served with soup, pickles and at...10 Most Popular Streets in Osaka
Most people who visit Osaka look forward to the foodie delights that await them. Downtown Osaka is basically split into...10 Best Local Dishes from Okinawa
Okinawa has nurtured its own unique food culture since the era of the Ryukyu Dynasty. Pork is an essential feature...
Where to shop & what to buy in Japan
Shopping in Japan is an integral part of modern-day life, with megastores, malls, arcades, supermarkets and even humble 7-Elevens (a Japanese innovation) woven into everyday life. It’s as though Japan took the once-new idea of shopping malls and ran with it. When most people contemplate shopping in Japan, it’s natural to think first of high-tech electronic goods, but excellent textiles can be found, as well as... Read more
29 Best Places to Go Shopping in Tokyo
This list of the best shopping experiences in Tokyo emphasises how impressive this city is. Walk into any Tokyo shop and you’ll hear “irasshaimase” (a big welcome). One of the most exciting and diverse metropolises in the world, Tokyo presents...7 Best Electronics Stores in Tokyo
Electronics stores in Tokyo are multi-storey shops housing a dizzying array of technology that Japan has long been famed...10 Best Shopping Malls in Kyoto
The best shopping malls and department stores in Kyoto are found clustered close together along the main shopping street of...
Where to go & what to do at night in Japan
Japanese people love to let loose at night. The country is a living embodiment of the ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra, which has been adopted by its neighbours. The best nightlife is to be found in the ever-trend-setting Tokyo, but provincial cities each have their own charms and quirks. Karaoke is the quintessential nightlife experience in Japan, but swanky cocktail bars, pumping nightclubs and friendly izakayas are also... Read more
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Kobe
If you want to enjoy a night out in Kobe, there's everything from hole-in-the-wall bars to karaoke clubs, English pubs to pumping dance clubs. You can have a quiet drink or 2, shoot some pool, or dance...16 Best Bars, Live Music, and Night Clubs in Kyoto
Fun things to do in Kyoto extend to its vibrant nightlife. Despite appearances, this ancient city is not only limited...7 Great Bars in Nagoya
Downtown Nagoya, especially the Sakae district, has all kinds of nightlife ranging from traditional Japanese bars to modern and international...
Useful information
10 Things NOT To Do in Osaka
This list of mistakes to avoid in Osaka cover many situations you’ll likely find yourself in when visiting Japan’s bustling 2nd city. From how to handle yourself on public transport to what to do when out and about at night...10 Things NOT to Do in Tokyo
Japan is a place with strong social rules that first-time visitors might find surprising or even quirky. But it’s...Tokyo Travel Essentials
Our Tokyo Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of...