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Japan

Japan is truly timeless, a place where ancient traditions fuse with modern life, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

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Best Time to Visit

Best Places to Visit

Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Mt Fuji
Fuji Five Lakes
Fuji-san is among Japan's most revered and timeless attractions, the inspiration for generations of poets and the focus of countless artworks. Hundreds of…
Tokyo National Museum
Ueno & Yanesen
If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it the Tokyo National Museum. Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including…
Peace Park
Nagasaki
A still, serene and deeply moving place, Nagasaki's Peace Park commemorates the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945, which reduced the…
Nishiki Market
Downtown Kyoto
The covered Nishiki Market (Nishiki-kōji Ichiba) is one of Kyoto’s real highlights, especially if you have an interest in cooking and dining. Commonly…
Ghibli Museum
Tokyo
This museum is the heart of the Studio Ghibli world, a beloved (even 'adored') film studio responsible for classic, critically-acclaimed animated titles…
Golden Gai
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
Golden Gai – a Shinjuku institution for over half a century – is a collection of tiny bars, often literally no bigger than a closet and seating maybe a…
teamLab Borderless
Odaiba & Tokyo Bay
Digital-art collective teamLab has created 60 artworks for this museum, open in 2018, that tests the border between art and the viewer: many are…
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
Rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world (and definitely in Japan), Shibuya Crossing is like a giant beating heart, sending people in all…

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Planning Toolkit

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do
Whether you are visiting Japan for the first or fiftieth time, these top experiences showcase the best it has to offer, both modern and traditional.
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Things to Know
With our guide to all you need to know before your trip to Japan, you’ll be able to enjoy every minute of your visit.
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Transportation
From JR Passes for bullet trains to taking the slow but cheap long-distance bus services, here's how to travel around in Japan.
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Visa Requirements
From mystic mountains to mighty megacities, Japan is awash with iconic travel experiences. Here's what you need to know about visa and vaccination requirements.
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Money and Costs
Keep costs low when exploring Japan with these top money-saving tips.
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Best Road Trips
Excellent roads, incredible scenery, towering mountains and vibrant cities – Japan is ideal for exploring on four wheels. These are our favorite road trips.
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Articles

Latest stories from Japan

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A smartly dressed Nozomi bullet train worker in all white suit and cap with black briefcase watches the train come into the platform in Kyoto, Japan

Destination Practicalities

The best ways to travel around in Japan

Jun 6, 2023 • 9 Min read

From JR Passes for bullet trains to taking the slow but cheap long-distance bus services, here's how to travel around in Japan.

Tips & Advice
Japan vs South Korea: which impressive East Asian destination should you visit?
Apr 28, 2023 • 6 Min read
If you had to make the tough decision to visit either Japan or South Korea, which would it be? Let two expert writers help you decide.
Train Travel
The price of a Japan Rail Pass will more than double this year: is it still a good deal?
Apr 17, 2023 • 3 Min read
The price of a Japan Rail Pass is going to more than double in October - is it still a good deal for travelers who want to explore Japan by train?
Sports
The 10 most spectacular road trips in Japan
Apr 12, 2023 • 7 Min read
Excellent roads, incredible scenery, towering mountains and vibrant cities – Japan is ideal for exploring on four wheels. These are our favorite road trips.
Budget Travel
17 ways to save money when visiting Japan
Mar 20, 2023 • 6 Min read
Keep costs low when exploring Japan with these top money-saving tips.
Destination Practicalities
How to plan a train journey around Japan
Mar 4, 2023 • 9 Min read
How to get the most out of discovering Japan by train, in six steps.
Tips & Advice
This scenic slow train from Nagoya to Toyama offers some of the best views in Japan
Feb 24, 2023 • 9 Min read
John Walton winds his way through the mountainous Japanese countryside between Nagoya to Toyama on the charming Hida train.
Wildlife & Nature
Discover when Japan’s cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in 2023
Feb 24, 2023 • 2 Min read
The Japan Meteorological Corporation has released its latest predictions for when blooms will start to appear around Japan.
Hiking
Rising sun: Back to the best of Japan
Feb 23, 2023 • 7 Min read
Japan has reopened, so it's time to look again at the country's greatest hits for first-timers and repeat visitors
Festivals & Events
When is best time for a vacation to Japan?
Feb 3, 2023 • 11 Min read
Japan may be small, but with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, there's something here for every traveler. Here are the best times to come.