From centuries-old temples to sprawling forests of towering skyscrapers, Japan is a unique destination that blends one of the world’s richest cultural histories with thriving metropolitan cities that lead the planet in technological advancement.
As the world’s fourth largest island nation, Japan promises a multitude of diversity across each of its four main islands. On Honshu, you can journey from Kyoto’s ancient religious temples and traditional villages to wandering the futuristic streets and culinary hot spots of Tokyo and Osaka, all within a matter of hours.
Meanwhile, those looking for an outdoor adventure can head to the snow-capped mountains lining Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, for breathtaking hiking and world-class skiing, or head to the southern island for unbelievable volcanic coastline and breathtaking island-hopping excursions.
With so much to see and do, fully experiencing this surreal destination takes some planning. In this Japan travel guide, we will explore the top destinations in the country, the best time to visit, and other travel tips for visiting the Land of the Rising Sun.
Facts & Information
- Size – 377,973 km2
- Population – 125.1 million
- Official Language – Japanese
- Major Airports – Narita International Airport (NRT), Haneda Airport (HND), Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Time Zone – Japan Standard Time (JST)
- Nickname – Land of the Rising Sun
- Currency – Japanese Yen (¥)
Regions of Japan
- Hokkaido – Dense wilderness and world-class skiing spanning Japan’s northernmost island.
- Tohoku – Traditional festivals, historic castles, and plenty of scenic beauty in northern Honshu.
- Kanto – Cultural landmarks and urban metropolises await in the regional home of Tokyo.
- Chubu – Historic villages, Mt. Fuji, and breathtaking vistas scour the central mountains region.
- Kinki/Kansai – Temples, festivals, and iconic cities spread across Japan’s cultural heartland.
- Chugoku – Historic landmarks that include Hiroshima and Japan’s oldest shrine in western Honshu.
- Shikoku – Traditional villages, beautiful coastlines, and ancient pilgrimage routes in a peaceful island setting.
- Kyushu – Soothing hot springs, regional cuisines, and traditional villages scattered throughout rugged volcanic landscapes.
Tourist Destinations
- Tokyo – Towering skyscrapers, glamorous shopping centres, and iconic landmarks await in the world’s largest metropolis.
- Osaka – Historic landmarks, amusement parks, and Michelin-level dining in Japan’s economic hub.
- Kyoto – Monumental temples, iconic shrines, and traditional complexes make for picture-perfect moments in Japan’s cultural capital.
- Hiroshima – Cultural buildings and modern society thrive at the site of one of the most infamous events in history.
- Sapporo – Nearby hot springs, ski resorts, and cultural festivals make for a beautiful doorway into the untouched landscapes of Hokkaido.
Things to Do in Japan
- Visit Temples & Shrines – Explore centuries old religious complexes and uncover the sacred beliefs of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
- Experience Traditional Culture – Stay at a traditional Ryokan, attend a tea ceremony, or visit a festival and immerse yourself in Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
- Enjoy Nature & Scenic Views – Climb to the top of Mt. Fuji or hike through a national park and take in the awe-inspiring views of the Land of the Rising Sun.
- Soak in an Onsen – Soak away your stresses in a hot spring bath and experience unparalleled bliss in the comforts of a traditional Japanese onsen.
- Explore Modern Cities – Enjoy Michelin-level dining, luxury shopping centres, and the full comforts of modern society in Tokyo and other wondrous metropolises.
Japan Tourist Attractions
- Mount Fuji – Trek to the summit of Japan’s most iconic landmark and marvel at panoramic views as all of Honshu yields before you.
- Osaka Castle – Tour through the towers and halls of one of Japan’s largest fortresses dating back to the 16th century.
- Imperial Palace – Wander the gardens and take in the sites of a picturesque palace still used by the Japanese Imperial Family.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial – Visit monuments, memorials, and museums that honour the victims of history’s most horrific bombing.
- Itsukushima Shrine – Take the ferry over to Japan’s Shrine Island, home to shrines, Torii gates, and halls that appear to float on the water.
National Parks of Japan
- Nikko National Park – Embark on breathtaking nature hikes to scenic vistas, Buddhist temples, and Shinto Shrines.
- Kerama National Park – Island hop to lush, white sandy shores and explore a tropical paradise of vibrant coral reefs, humpback whales, and pristine beaches.
- Yoshino-Kumano National Park – Embark along the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes and marvel as sprawling groves of cherry blossoms decorate your path.
- Sanin Kaigan National Park – Explore 75 km of coastal landscapes, including seaside mountains, coastal caves, and sprawling beaches home to the unique Tottori Sand Dunes.
- Daisetsuzan National Park – Trek through snow-capped mountains to the untouched natural wildernesses of Hokkaido.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March to May) – Also known as Cherry Blossom Season (or Sakura), spring is generally considered the best time to visit Japan. However, while the vibrant pink and white hues of the abundant cherry trees are undoubtedly beautiful, the Spring season is also Japan’s busiest time, often resulting in dense crowds and inflated prices.
- Summer (June to August) – With scorching temperatures and torrential rains of the Tsuyu monsoon, the Summer season can be an uncomfortable time to visit Japan. Still, those willing to brave these more demanding climates will enjoy lighter crowds for popular destinations.
- Autumn (September to November) – Along with the spring, autumn makes a good argument for being the best season to visit Japan. Instead of the pink of the cherry blossoms, the fall season sees Japan’s landscapes illuminated in shades of orange and red, making it one of the best times to visit for hikes and nature walks.
- Winter (December to February) – Visiting Japan in the winter can yield bitterly cold temperatures, but can also produce some of the most magical experiences in the country. Along with offering access to some of the destination’s most exciting winter sports, winter also brings fresh blankets of snowfall that can often add to the mystical allure of many of Japan’s cultural landmarks.
Getting Here & Around
- Airports – Most international visitors arrive at the main international airports of Narita and Haneda in Tokyo, or Kansai Airport in Osaka. In total, Japan has 98 international and domestic airports for getting you where you need to go once in the country.
- Ferries – Cruise lines with services to Japan are limited, but there are frequent ferries that connect the country’s ports to various destinations in China and South Korea. Meanwhile, domestic cruise lines serve as a great way for getting around the islands.
- Trains – Japan’s shinkansen bullet trains connect the majority of the country with a high speed rail network that can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h, making them one of the most effective ways of getting around.
- Driving – Renting a car provides the most freedom when travelling around Japan. However, congested traffic, increased expenses, and inability to communicate in Japanese can make renting a car more stressful than it is worth.
- Taxis – Taxi services are abundant in major cities and tourist areas. While they are a great way to get around quickly, they can quickly become expensive when traversing far distances.
- Public Transportation – Japan’s public transportation networks can be a little confusing for first time visitors, but once you get the hang of the local metro and bus lines, they can make getting around the country’s cities easy and inexpensive.
- Coach Bus – Japan’s coach buses are the best way to get around on a budget. However, while they are more affordable than the bullet trains, they also take much longer to get to your destination, increasing travel times by as much as three times as long.
- Biking – Cycling can be a fun and unique way to get around the country. Japan is very bike friendly, particularly along rural routes.
- Walking – Most tourist destinations in Japan have a tourist centre that can easily be traversed on foot, making walking between attractions a great way to experience a destination.
Japan Travel Tips
- Buy a Japan Rail Pass – Receive unlimited rides on all Japanese railways.
- Carry cash – Cards aren’t widely accepted in Japan. You should always have some cash at hand.
- Learn local etiquette – Respect is huge in Japan. As a foreigner, you should always take some time to familiarize yourself with some basic etiquette.
- Get an eSIM – Ensure you stay connected in case of an emergency.
- Book early and arrive on time – Japanese people are very punctual. Whether it’s sticking to the train timetable or check-in, try to be on time, or you may miss out.
What to Pack
- Comfortable shoes – From making pilgrimages to sacred sites to wandering the city, you are going to be on your feet a lot.
- Cash – Japan is a cash-heavy society. Make sure you always have a little extra stashed in case of emergency.
- Seasonal clothing – Seasons vary hugely in Japan. As such, you want to make sure you pack appropriately.
- Camera – The Land of the Rising Sun is beautiful. Pack a camera to capture those unforgettable moments.
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