Japan tours & vacations

It’s always a good time to visit Japan, it just depends on what you want to do. Spring (March to May) is a busy season, but for good reason. Cherry blossoms peak in March and April, the weather is mild and everything feels fresh. Late April to early May is perfect for visiting tea farms during the first spring harvest. It’s also a great season for hiking Kumano Kodo. Crowds may be bigger, but with a local leader, you can still sneak away from the tourist trail.

Autumn (September to November) brings warm days without humidity, crowds are lighter, and the fall colours of late October and November rival cherry blossom season. It’s ideal for sightseeing, hiking and just wandering cities without the heat.

Winter may be cold, but it’s cosy. It’s the best time to relax in onsens in snow-covered scenery and learn more about the local culture at winter festivals. February stands out for the Sapporo Snow Festival, plus snowy temples in Kyoto, Shirakawa-go and the snow monkeys soaking in Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, so it’s a great time to hike in the Japanese Alps or Hokkaido, and to catch the lively summer festivities. Popular areas are usually quieter and the energy is fun and local.

Read more about the best time to visit Japan

While there is evidence the archipelago has been occupied by humans for around 35,000 years, what we know now as ‘Japan’ began to take shape about 1700 years ago. Over the centuries, Japan has alternated between feudal, empirical, religious and government rule, with each period birthing different styles of art, architecture and spirituality.

The Empire of Japan surrendered to the Allies in September 1945 after the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Following the war, the nation faced the prospect of rebuilding and reinventing in the second half of the 20th century. This led to the Japan of today, a nation of technology-led metropolises and a new wave of culture in the form of arts and food.

Japan’s culture is a mix of old and new and at its core, it’s built around harmony (wa), respect and collectivism. You’ll notice it in how people interact – quiet public transport, orderly queues and everyday politeness are the norm. There’s also a strong respect for seniority and elders, which shapes social behavior in subtle ways.

Traditionally, Japan is influenced by its two main religions – Shinto and Buddhism – and these roots still matter. Tea ceremonies, bowing, sumo, kendo, geisha culture and traditional arts like flower arranging, calligraphy, origami and Noh or Kabuki theatre are very much alive. At the same time, modern Japan leans into fashion, manga (comics) and cutting-edge tech, which gives the country its unique, layered feel.

For travellers, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world – streets feel safe even at night and public transport is incredibly reliable. There are some etiquette and language rules that can feel intimidating at first – things like when to bow, remove shoes or navigating menus and social customs – but that’s where travelling with a local makes a huge difference.

Read more about religion in Japan

Read more about festivals in Japan

Japan is an archipelago with more than 6000 islands in the Pacific Ocean in Asia, with most travellers moving between the main ones – Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. In a single trip you can go from snowy mountains to subtropical beaches, busy cities to quiet countryside.

The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which does mean volcanic activity – but the upside is the many natural hot springs that are often used for onsens (Japanese bathhouses).

Most of Japan is mountainous, while cities and towns hug the flatter coastal areas. Mt Fuji – the country’s highest and most famous peak – is only about 100 km from Tokyo and easy to visit on a daytrip.

National parks are spread across the country, offering great hiking, wildlife spotting and scenic viewpoints. Being surrounded by the ocean also shapes daily life and travel, with coastal areas known for fresh seafood and beaches, while rural regions feel calm and traditional.

For travellers, the environment is clean, well-cared for and easy to access. Nature and cities sit side by side, so you can hike, soak or visit a quiet village before heading back into the city for karaoke.

Japan is a foodie’s paradise. While many dishes feature fish or meat products, vegetarians and gluten-free travellers can still find good options. There are vegetarian ramen shops, gluten-free soy sauce alternatives and plenty of vegetable-based dishes. Lean on your local leader to help find the best bites!

Things to try in Japan

1. Ramen

A comforting, savoury noodle soup with a rich broth that can be pork, soy, miso or salt based. It’s usually topped with ingredients like sliced pork, soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, nori (seaweed) and spring onions. Vegetarian options exist in specialty shops, often featuring miso or soy-based broth with vegetables and tofu.

2. Sashimi

Shashimi is delicate, raw, thinly sliced seafood served with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger. Common fish include tuna, salmon, mackerel and sea bream, but octopus and squid are also popular. It’s prized for its freshness and simplicity.

3. Tempura

Lightly battered and deep-fried, tempura has a crispy but airy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the ingredients. Vegetables like sweet potato, eggplant, pumpkin and mushrooms are common, alongside fish or shrimp. Many restaurants offer solely vegetable tempura, making it a great choice for vegetarians.

4. Gyoza

Japanese dumplings are usually pan-fried with a thin wrapping encasing minced meat, cabbage, garlic and green onions. They’re served with soy-based dipping sauce often mixed with vinegar and chili oil and are perfect as a snack or side dish.

5. Sake

Sake is a centuries-old alcoholic drink, sometimes used during ceremonies. Japan’s traditional rice wine is brewed from fermented rice and can be served hot, warm or cold depending on the season and style, ranging from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied. Sake pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine.

6. Green tea

Known simply as ‘tea’ or ‘ocha’ in Japan, green tea is more than just a drink – it's refreshing, cleansing and packed with antioxidants. Served hot or cold, it’s a daily staple for locals and comes in many varieties, from the light and grassy sencha to the powdered, frothy matcha used in traditional tea ceremonies. It’s also used in desserts and even savoury dishes, making it a versatile taste of Japanese culture.

7. Okonomiyaki

A savoury Japanese pancake made from a flour-based batter mixed with cabbage, meat and seafood, then grilled to perfection. It’s finished with a sweet and tangy sauce, creamy Japanese mayonnaise, seaweed flakes and delicate bonito flakes. Often called ‘Japanese comfort food’, it’s a popular street food.

8. Soba noodles

Traditional Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour, soba noodles have a nutty flavour and grayish-brown colour, and are sometimes mixed with wheat. They can be served hot in a flavourful broth or cold with a dipping sauce called tsuyu and are a healthy, protein-rich alternative to pasta.

9. Yakitori

Yakitori is skewered chicken grilled over charcoal, offering a smoky, savoury flavour that’s simple but satisfying. Each skewer can feature different parts of the chicken, all seasoned with either tare (a sweet soy-based glaze) or just salt. It’s a staple of izakayas (Japanese pubs) and a popular street food, perfect for snacking while exploring or enjoying a casual evening with drinks.  

10. Unagi

Unagi, the Japanese word for freshwater eel, is a beloved delicacy with a rich, tender texture and slightly sweet flavour. It’s commonly grilled and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce, then served over rice in a comforting bowl called unadon or unaju. Unagi also appears in sushi, adding a smoky, flavourful touch to rolls.

Read more about the food in Japan

Read more about what to drink in Japan

1. Tokyo

Japan’s lively capital and the world’s largest city is where cutting-edge urban culture sits right alongside historic temples and shrines. You can spend a day in museums or world-class shops, then duck into backstreets packed with tiny hole-in-the wall eateries (which usually have the best bites).

When the sun dips, you’ve got izakayas (Japanese pubs), karaoke bars and vibrant nightlife. Each neighbourhood has its own personality, from traditional Asakusa and its temple district to the busiest intersection in the world in Shibuya and Harajuku’s quirky pop culture. For the full scale of this sprawling metropolis, head up Tokyo Skytree for a bird’s-eye view 634 m above the city.

2. Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s unofficial culinary capital, famous for its motto ‘kuidaore’ (eat until you drop). The city’s tiny backstreets are packed with casual restaurants and bars serving local specialties and are known as the birthplace of kaiten-zushi – Japan's iconic conveyor-belt sushi. Dotonbori is the heart of the action, known for shopping, entertainment and streets glowing with hundreds of neon lights at night.

Osaka’s eclectic personality really shines in areas like Denden Town with its anime and electronics culture, and retro Shinsekai with old-school arcades. Shinsekai is also home to the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, a symbol of the city’s fun, laidback vibe.

3. Kyoto

Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, and is known for its deep sense of history and tradition. Originally founded as Heian-kyo, the ‘capital of peace and tranquility’, it’s where you’ll find highlights like the golden Kinkakuji Temple, the serene Daitokuji Temple and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless red torii gates climbing the forested hillside.

Wander through historic neighbourhoods and the Gion district, where geisha and maiko still live and work, or catch a traditional performance like the Miyako Odori. Find some peace in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tenryuji Temple gardens, then round it out with local experiences – like eating your way through Nishiki Market, visiting a sake brewery or shopping for crafts like woodblock prints and pottery.

4. Kanazawa

A great place to experience a quieter, more traditional side of Japan, Kanazawa has beautifully preserved architecture and Edo-era districts. It's known for its classic gardens, art museums, handicrafts and historic districts, all easy to explore on foot.

Kenrokuen Garden is the standout – one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens, designed around balance, calm and a connection to nature. Walk around Kanazawa castle and the former samurai residential areas, then wander the Higashi Chaya District with its old teahouses, narrow lanes, shops and restaurants. For food lovers, Omicho Market is known for its fresh seafood and local produce – a great place to experience a traditional meal or tea ceremony with local insight.

5. Hiroshima

Hiroshima is so much more than its tragic past. This cosmopolitan city is known for its tight-knit communities, distinctive cuisine like oysters and okonomiyaki, and a focus on peace. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum, along with the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome, tell the story of the 1945 atomic bombing, with the dome standing as a powerful symbol of resilience and peace.

Hop on a short ferry ride and you’ll reach the island of Miyajima, where tame deer roam and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine’s torii rises from the sea. Miyajima is perfect for walking around gorgeous natural scenery, exploring Momiji Park or scaling Mt Misen – either by hike or on the scenic cable car.

6. Yudanaka

Yudanaka in Yamanouchi is a charming onsen town that’s best in winter when snow blankets the mountains and the famous snow monkeys bathe in the steaming hot springs of Jigokudani Monkey Park – the only place in the world where this happens.

A reprieve from city life, you can soak in traditional onsens, hike through the park and relax in the rolling green mountain surroundings. Stroll through Shibu Onsen’s 400-year-old streets or visit Sora Terrace for panoramic views. Staying in a ryokan (traditional inn) gives you the authentic experience of Japanese hospitality and you can unwind in peace after a day of exploring.

Learn more about the best places to visit in Japan

Learn more about the best things to see in Japan

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). 

Major credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, especially in major cities, hotels, stores and large restaurants. However, Japan is still very much a cash culture, so carrying Japanese yen is recommended for small shops and rural areas.  

ATMs are common in Japan and easy to find in convenience stores and most support international cards. They may be harder to find in rural areas, so make sure you have enough cash with you before you leave the city.