Japan Travel Guide

Japan is a destination of striking contrasts, where travellers will meet a unique ancient culture and experience astonishing innovations. The major cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) appear on the surface to be westernised, but visitors quickly realise that the sleek modern society of Japan is seamlessly blended with millennia of tradition. This is revealed in the Buddhist and Shinto temples sprinkled throughout the urban centres, the intricate social rituals for eating and greeting, and other small reminders of Japan's long and proud history.

Once out of the cities, visitors can climb one of the country's 200 mountains, soak in secluded hot springs, visit ancient shrines and castles, or attend a sumo match. Whether it's for skiing in the winter, viewing the cherry blossoms in spring, or enjoying the street festivals in summer, a holiday in Japan is a rewarding adventure for all.

Best time to visit Japan

April is considered the best time to visit because the cherry blossoms are likely to be in bloom. Otherwise, the weather in Japan varies dramatically from the north to the south, with the rainy season generally lasting from June to early August. September is typhoon season; however, October and November tend to be a good time to travel to Japan, as the weather is mild and pleasant.

What to see in Japan

-Stroll the spectacular grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

-Spot traditionally dressed geisha in the Kyoto district of Gion.

-Hike Mount Fuji for stunning panoramic views.

-See a traditional Kabuki play at the Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto.

What to do in Japan

-Sing in a Tokyo Karaoke bar.

-Relax in the hot springs of Noboribetsu on Hokkaido.

-Follow the 88 Temples Pilgrimage Circuit around Shikoku.

-Spend a weekend skiing the slopes of Furano in the Japanese Alps.

Getting to Japan

There are a few direct flights to Japan from the UK, mostly from London, but they don't tend to be cheap. Likewise, direct flights to Japan from the US tend to be pricey and depart from cities on the west coast such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Read

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami, and A Year in Japan by Kate T. Williamson.

Listen

O-Daiko (Kodo), Kodo (Yoshida Brothers), and I'm Blue (The 5678's).

Watch

Lost in Translation (2003), Kikujiro (1999), and The Last Samurai (2003).

Drink

Sake (Japanese rice wine), flavoured soy-milk drinks and Japanese teas such as Matcha, Sencha, Hojicha and Genmaicha.

Eat

Sushi, unagi (river eel grilled over charcoal and lacquered with sweet barbecue sauce), tempura (battered and deep-fried seafood) and kaiseki (a procession of small courses designed to evoke the current season).

What to buy

Cloissane and lacquerware, or silk kimonos.

What to pack

Slip-on shoes, as Japanese temples, museums, private homes and even some restaurants will require that visitors take their shoes off before entering, so having non-lacing shoes will save a lot of time and effort.

What's on in Japan

Tokyo turns pink each spring during the Cherry Blossom Festival. See fantastical sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in February. Watch giants face off at Osaka's Sumo Spring Grand Tournament.

Did you know?

It is common in Japan to eat rice at every meal, including breakfast.

A final word

A holiday in Japan combines the best of both ancient and modern attractions, and makes this enigmatic country a delight to explore.