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.
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...
Japan 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 many...
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...
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 are...
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...
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 a plethora of handicrafts, dolls,...
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...
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 popular. Drinking can...
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 –...
To find the best places to visit near Tokyo, head out from the city centre by train, bus or car to the countless towns that retain the history of Edo, famous hot spring resorts, and villages surrounded by nature. After...
Osaka
Kyoto
Sapporo
Nagoya
Okinawa (and vicinity)
Naha
24 Best Temples and Shrines in Kyoto
10 Best Temples and Shrines in Tokyo
14 Most Popular Districts in Tokyo
13 Best Beaches in Okinawa
10 Best Onsen in Tokyo
12 Best Things to Do in Nagoya
11 Best Things to Do in Okinawa
10 Most Popular Dining Streets in Kyoto
10 Most Popular Streets in Kyoto
11 Best Japanese Foods & Dishes
10 Most Popular Streets in Osaka
10 Most Popular Food & Dining Areas in Tokyo
29 Best Places to Go Shopping in Tokyo
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Osaka
20 Best Places to Go Shopping in Kyoto
7 Best Nightclubs in Tokyo
10 Best Live Music Bars in Tokyo
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Kyoto
10 Interesting Villages and Sights near Tokyo
10 Things NOT to Do in Tokyo
10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Osaka
