In Japan, the past and the future are gloriously juxtaposed. Robots dance to techno beats in Tokyo; snow monkeys soak in hot springs in Yamanouchi; and geishas serve green tea ceremoniously in Kyoto. Tokyo, the Land of the Rising Sun's capital, is the obvious starting point for any Japan trip. Must-do activities in and around the city include watching a cabaret show at the Shinjuku Robot Restaurant, witnessing the early-morning tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market, and taking a day trip to Hakone to gaze at the snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji during a Lake Ashi cruise. Visit hundreds of UNESCO World Heritage–listed shrines and Buddhist temples in Nara; ski and snowboard on the frozen slopes of Hokkaido; or relax on white-sand beaches lapped by the Pacific Ocean in Okinawa. Super-speed bullet trains make ticking off less central cities such as Nagoya, Osaka, and Hiroshima (home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park) possible on a day trip, while food tours of major cities showcase the best of local Japanese cuisine, from sushi to ramen and gyoza (dumplings). For the ultimate sensory banquet, take your Japan vacation during the sakura (cherry blossom) season between March and April, when the country is carpeted in pastel-pink blooms.
Japan experiences climate variation from north to south, but summers are generally hot and humid while winters are cold and often snow-covered. Spring and fall are warm and most comfortable for traveling. Hanamis (the tradition of cherry blossom viewing) in spring and koyo (leaf peeping) in fall make these seasons appealing. Golden Week (April 29-May 5) is a busy time due to a string of public holidays, so avoid it unless you enjoy big crowds.
Japan has an extensive, efficient network of public transport, including the super-fast Shinkansen bullet train, local train networks, subway systems, and buses, monorails, and ferries. You can get almost anywhere by public transport. To travel long distances, it may be more cost-effective to buy a Japan Rail Pass before arriving vs. buying individual tickets once you arrive. Local trains are easy for non-Japanese speakers or readers to navigate, while buses can be more challenging.
Japan is a heavily populated country, especially in its urban areas, and strict rules of etiquette help people to coexist relatively peacefully within confined spaces. Foreign visitors to Japan are also expected to abide by certain rules of etiquette, too. Some of the most important are taking off your shoes before entering a home, washing thoroughly before getting into an onsen bathtub, and not eating on public transport.
Local Currency Japanese Yen (¥) | Time Zone JST (UTC +9) | Country Code +81 | Language(s) Japanese | Attractions 317 | Tours 3,727 | Reviews 68,652 |
Japan is known for its rich culture, both modern and traditional. It’s just as well known for its skyscrapers, innovative technology, and bullet trains as it is for its temples, cherry blossom trees, and hot springs. Japan is also known for its food and drink—especially sushi, sake, ramen, and green tea.
...MoreTokyo is a must-visit for anyone’s first trip to Japan. Make sure to try Japanese food and drink, including sushi, ramen, sake, and green tea. Visit a temple and try riding on a bullet train, soaking in an onsen, and singing karaoke.
...MoreYou need at least two weeks to see a few highlights and get a true taste of Japan. Plan for at least three to four days in Tokyo alone, and another three to four in Osaka and Kyoto. Depending on your interests, you could then visit Mt. Fuji, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, or Okinawa.
...MoreJapan offers a wide range of activities that appeal to different visitors. Popular activities include visiting temples and shrines, eating and drinking (sushi, ramen, beer, and sake), attending tea ceremonies, shopping for electronics and unique goods, soaking in onsens, singing karaoke, and going to sumo wrestling matches or traditional theater shows.
...MoreTokyo is the most visited part of Japan. The sprawling city and capital of Japan is known for its skyscrapers, temples, and sights such as Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and Tsukiji Market. Popular areas within Tokyo include Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa, Harajuku, and Akihabara. Outside Tokyo, Chiba, Osaka, and Kyoto are also popular.
...MoreJapan is known in Japanese as Nihon or Nippon. The name Nihon (which means “origin of the rising sun”) was adopted around the seventh century. Before that, it was known as Wa, Wanu, or Wakoku during the Na Kingdom, and was later changed by the Yamato Kingdom to Yamato. The name Japan was likely coined by Marco Polo.
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