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
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 and designs. Some of them are dedicated to Buddhism, while others are Shinto shrines (Japan’s ancient religion that believes that...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...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...10 Best Festivals in Japan
Japan hosts more than 200,000 local festivals throughout the year. Many visitors from all over Japan and abroad often come...10 Interesting Villages and Sights near Tokyo
To find the best places to visit near Tokyo, head out from the city centre by train, bus or car...10 Most Popular Streets in Tokyo
Tokyo has endless popular streets to discover. Even within a short space the scenery can quickly change, cycling through restaurants...12 Best Things to Do in Nagoya
The best things to do in Nagoya are a mix of both the old and the new. After suffering heavy...10 Best Temples and Shrines in Tokyo
Temples and shrines in Tokyo attract thousands of visitors to the city every year, and many date back thousands of...14 Most Popular Districts in Tokyo
It's no exaggeration to say that the megalopolis of Tokyo has as many popular districts as it does train and...
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 Best Local Dishes from Tokyo
Japan’s capital of Tokyo is where you can enjoy every conceivable cuisine from around the world. The city is packed...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...
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
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 for. You’ll find the latest laptops and computers at these stores, along with phones, smart-tech home appliances and many...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Osaka
Osaka was historically a merchant city and has a reputation for good quality merchandise for all budgets. Plus, it has...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...
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
7 Best Nightclubs in Tokyo
The best nightclubs in Tokyo feature cutting-edge designs, expert musicians, and world-class DJs playing diverse styles of music. Nightclubs in Japan’s capital generally fall into the most popular genres of music – hip hop, EDM, live rock and jazz...10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Kyoto
Looking for local nightlife experiences in Kyoto? Kyoto may be a pretty calm sort of place, but that doesn't mean...10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Osaka
Osaka is known as being a city of people who love good food and good fun. There are countless nightspots...
Useful information
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 a good idea to follow along if you want to make a positive first impression and get a glimpse into...10 Most Popular Festivals and Events in Tokyo
Popular events and festivals have been a cultural mainstay in Tokyo ever since the Edo period. The locals get their...10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Kyoto
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, here are some mistakes you should avoid if you want your time to...