Japan is unlike anywhere else on earth. Ancient temples sit in the shadow of neon-lit skyscrapers. Bullet trains whisk you between cities at 320km/h. The food is extraordinary, the people are welcoming, and the culture runs deeper than most travellers expect. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, Japan always has more to offer.
When to visit
Spring (March–May) is Japan's most iconic season. Cherry blossom season typically runs from late March through mid-April, transforming parks and riverbanks into pink canopies. It's also the most crowded and expensive time to visit.
Autumn (October–November) is arguably even more beautiful, with vivid red and orange foliage across the country and thinner crowds than spring.
Summer (June–August) is hot, humid and dominated by school holidays. Japan's summer festivals are spectacular but be prepared for heat and crowds.
Winter (December–February) is cold but magical — and a wonderful time to visit Hokkaido for world-class skiing and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
Top destinations
Tokyo — Start here. Spend at least four days exploring the city's distinct neighbourhoods: the electric chaos of Shinjuku, the vintage shopping of Shimokitazawa, the luxury of Ginza, and the tranquility of Yanaka. The teamLab digital art installations are unmissable.
Kyoto — The spiritual heart of Japan. Kyoto has over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, including the iconic Fushimi Inari with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Spend at least two nights.
Osaka — Japan's food capital. Dotonbori is one of the most fun streets in Asia — eat takoyaki, drink craft beer, and get lost in the covered arcades. Day trip to Nara to feed the free-roaming deer.
Hiroshima and Miyajima — Deeply moving and absolutely unmissable. The Peace Memorial Museum is one of the most important cultural experiences in Asia. The nearby island of Miyajima, with its floating torii gate, is one of Japan's most photographed sights.
Hokkaido — For nature lovers and foodies. Sapporo's ramen scene is legendary, the lavender fields of Furano are spectacular in summer, and the seafood is the freshest in the country.
Getting around
Japan's transport system is one of the world's best. The JR Pass is worth buying if you're planning to travel between multiple cities — it gives you unlimited travel on the Shinkansen (bullet train) network. Within cities, the subway systems are efficient, clean, and easy to navigate with Google Maps.
Food you must try
- Ramen — Every region has its own style. Sapporo's miso ramen and Fukuoka's tonkotsu are the most celebrated.
- Sushi — Head to a conveyor belt restaurant (kaiten-zushi) for an affordable and fun introduction, or splurge on an omakase experience.
- Tempura, takoyaki, yakitori, tonkatsu, okonomiyaki — Japan's street food and izakaya culture is endlessly rewarding.
- Wagyu beef — If your budget allows, a wagyu sukiyaki or teppanyaki experience is unforgettable.
Practical tips
- Cash is still king in many places — carry yen. ATMs in 7-Eleven convenience stores accept foreign cards.
- IC cards (Suica or Pasmo) are rechargeable travel cards that work on all public transport and in many convenience stores.
- Shoes you can slip off easily — you'll be removing them constantly at temples, traditional restaurants and some hotels.
- Convenience stores are exceptional — 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart sell great food, cheap beer, ATMs and almost anything you might need.
- Download Google Translate with Japanese downloaded for offline use.
Staying connected in Japan
Japan has excellent 4G/5G coverage throughout the country, including on many train lines. Get an InstantESIMs Japan eSIM before you fly — your QR code is delivered instantly and you'll be connected the moment you land at Narita or Haneda.
