Equally known for its vibrant city life and mountainous beauty, Japan offers a well-rounded visit filled with liveliness, adventure, and variety. On your 12-day journey, you'll explore the high-energy tech and fashion trends of Tokyo, enjoy the views and temples of Kyoto, and relax at a hot springs retreat in Hakone. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, complete with the exceptional, authentic dining of Osaka.
Revitalizing hot spring baths, multi-course dinners made from fresh, local ingredients and the comfiest pillows you’ve ever tried, Ryokan hotels are an unforgettable way to experience traditional, Japanese luxury. Read on to learn the history and offerings of this unique lodging experience and the best places to stay.
Japan’s museums aren't all serious affairs. Sure, some of them deal with classic museum topics like art and history—but many go for the charming, quirky, or downright bizarre, focusing on collections that are so obscure, you won't find them anywhere else in the world. Visit the seven spots in this list to catch a unique exhibition or to check out the extraordinary architecture,
Discover both the traditional and modern sides of Japan as you visit various shrines and temples, witness technological innovation at an amazing digital art exhibition and crazy (in a very good way) robot show, and get involved in a few hands-on cooking and craft classes. For a trip which aims to give you the best overview of Japan as possible, you can't do any better.
This 10-day trip will take you to two of the biggest cities in Japan—Tokyo and Osaka—but will mostly focus on some of the lesser-known islands surrounding the mainland. Hachijojima has some of the best star gazing in the country, Aogashima is literally a volcano in a volcano and absolutely beautiful, and the Goto islands have a fascinating history.
This weeklong adventure splits its time between two of Japan's most important cities with a mix of customizable tours and free time to explore on your own. Start off in Tokyo for a taste of modern Japan with top-notch architecture, animé, modern art, high fashion, and cuisine. Then head to traditional Kyoto for beautiful temples and shrines, ancient gardens, and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and calligraphy.
Springy noodles in slow-simmered broth, savory meats grilled medium-rare, and delicate fish for days: Japan is a culinary adventure waiting to be devoured bite by bite. Read on to learn about the diverse flavors (and histories) of Japanese cuisine and the best places to try them.
Welcome to Japan! On this two-week journey around the main island, Honshu, you'll enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and active adventures. Visit sacred temples and shrines, cycle through the countryside, and wander around Tokyo's most fashionable neighborhoods. From the history of Hiroshima and the wonders of ancient Kyoto to the historic farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the quiet island of Miyajima, there's so much to see and do.
If you want to make friends on your trip to Japan, show an interest in Japanese culture—even younger generations are eager to share their heritage. The country's top cultural activities happen year-round, so you'll have no trouble taking part. From local festivals to cat cafés, there's something in this list for every traveler.
Only in Japan can you bunk in a Buddhist temple one night and rent your own sleeping pod the next. High-tech Japan lovingly reveres its cultural traditions—making for the best kind of culture shock. Enjoy this dynamic country with a range of unique overnight options.
Just a two-hour train ride from the bright lights of Tokyo, you'll find the urban escape of your dreams. Nikko offers centuries-old shrines to explore, natural hot springs with views of brilliant fall foliage, and Japan's first Western-style hotel. Get out of the city and dive into historic Nikko with this ultimate guide.
Tokyo is the world's largest metropolis, a hive of neon skyscrapers and centuries-old shrines, and the Japanese capital's diverse style is reflected in its accommodations. Beyond the cookie-cutter business hotels, you'll find an array of boutique properties ranging from cutting-edge design to traditional simplicity. Here's a guide to some of the best.
One of Okinawa's most alluring draws lies not on land, but offshore. Colorful sea life and dramatic coral formations make this Japanese archipelago a world-class destination for snorkeling and diving.
Japan is made up of hundreds of islands that extend for nearly 2,000 miles (3,210 km). How many days should you spend exploring, and where should you focus your time? From an action-packed four days in Japan to a leisurely three-week itinerary, here are some suggestions for making the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Most visitors to Japan hit up Kyoto's temples, Tokyo's shopping streets, and Osaka's food scene—but there's much more to this country than what you'll find in its cities. Soak in natural hot springs, hike through primeval forest, and spot wildlife on a pristine chain of islands with these under-the-radar suggestions.
The sunny, laid-back island of Okinawa is not just a tropical paradise: it's also a foodie heaven with its own unique set of flavors and a famously healthy diet. Whet your palate with this guide to some of the island's classic dishes, and learn where you can try them.
A chain of mountainous islands stretching from the tropics to the Sea of Okhotsk, Japan is home to some of the most beautiful scenery on earth—from active volcanoes and hilly snowscapes to cascading waterfalls and bright pink cherry blossoms. Here are just a few of the natural highlights you can experience on a trip to the country.
Okinawa's attractions have something for everyone. They cater to cocktail-sipping beach bums, history buffs, and active adventurers alike. The island is fairly small, so even a long weekend can make for a refreshing breath of tropical air.
Over 900 miles southwest of Tokyo, Okinawa-hontō—Okinawa's main island—anchors the lesser-known string of islands straddling Japan's two southernmost prefectures. For those who fancy a beach holiday on their grand tour of Japan, its tropical climate and unique Ryūkyūan culture are just a two-hour flight from Tokyo.
Crescent-shaped islands surrounded by deep blue sea, Japan has everything from Buddhist temples to great beaches. Home to both a robot restaurant and an ancient rainforest, it's beautiful, diverse, and never boring. Here are ten essential things to do in the Land of the Rising Sun.
This active tour of Japan combines modern cities with outdoor adventures, including five days of hiking along the famous Nakasendo Trail. You'll start in Kyoto, visiting the famed red torii gates of Fushimi Inari and watching a live geisha performance. Then, set out on foot along one of the major traveling routes of the Edo period—traversing bamboo forests in Nojiri, the peaks of Torii Pass, and the plateaus of Usui-toge. End in Tokyo for city views from the Tokyo Skytree and a tranquil visit to Asakusa Shrine.
Get ready for a memorable village-to-village trek on the Kii Peninsula along sections of Japan's famous Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Perfect for avid hikers, this self-guided tour will take you past thermal hot springs, grand shrines, and waterfalls as you walk in the footsteps of emperors.
The beautiful ancient city of Kyoto is the spiritual home of Japan and the perfect base for this week-long cycling adventure. Explore the streets of Kyoto by bike and venture further afield as you delve into Japanese culture and cuisine. Take an exhilarating ride from the city to sacred Mount Koya and around the region's stunning landscape for an unforgettable vacation.
Get off the beaten path and onto the Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails in the remote Kii Peninsula. Trek to grand shrines and thermal hot springs on this self-guided trip, great for those looking to challenge themselves with full-day hikes through hilly terrain. You'll be rewarded, however, with unforgettable experiences as you follow in the footsteps of emperors.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature on this five-day hiking trip along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Feudal lords and samurai once walked this mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, stopping to rest in historic jukus, or Edo-era post towns, each night. You'll follow in their footsteps as you trek through picturesque valleys, explore idyllic villages, sleep in traditional inns, and relax in the thermal waters of hot springs along the hike.
Eat your way through the "land of the rising sun" on this immersive culinary tour. Get to know Japanese history and culture through its legendary cuisine, and treat your taste buds to everything from home-brewed sake to the freshest sushi to delectable street food and a fancy gourmet feast.
Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in the north of the country or bask on tropical beaches in southern Okinawa. Top it off with its unique traditional culture and fabulous transportation system, and you're sure to have the trip of a lifetime.
Japan is famous for its Spring cherry blossoms and its changing colors in Autumn, but there are beautiful places to see in every season. Japan stretches from subtropical southern extremes to the northern reaches just across from Siberia, so with a little planning, you can find the right place to explore any time of year.
Looking for lesser-known, beautiful places to visit in Japan? Here is a shortlist of under-the-radar destinations to visit outside of the usual places most people go, like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
