Tokyo is one of the world’s great cities, but what makes it so compelling isn’t just its scale. It’s the way it combines energy, precision and constant movement with pockets of calm, tradition and surprising local character. One moment you are surrounded by towers, neon and huge intersections, and the next you are in a quiet shrine, a backstreet full of tiny bars, or a neighbourhood that still feels almost village-like in spirit.
What makes Tokyo especially rewarding is its variety. The city is made up of distinct districts, each with its own atmosphere. Shibuya feels youthful and fast-moving, Shinjuku is all bright lights and urban drama, Asakusa offers a more traditional side of the city, while areas such as Ginza, Yanaka, Kagurazaka and Daikanyama reveal more refined, residential or old-fashioned corners. This is a city that keeps changing its mood, often from one street to the next.
Tokyo is also a city of contrasts. There are centuries-old temples and gardens set against futuristic skylines, elegant department stores beside tiny ramen shops, and a food culture that ranges from simple neighbourhood eateries to some of the finest dining in the world. The waterfront adds another dimension again, with places such as Odaiba and the bay area showing a broader, more open side of the city.
For travellers, Tokyo is endlessly stimulating but also surprisingly easy to enjoy once you settle into it. It’s a city for wandering, for choosing a neighbourhood and exploring, and for discovering that some of its best moments come not from headline sights alone, but from the detail, atmosphere and rhythm of everyday life.
Hakone is one of Japan’s classic mountain escapes, set in the forested hills southwest of Tokyo and loved for its hot springs, lake views, art museums and, on a clear day, beautiful glimpses of Mount Fuji. It’s easy to reach from Tokyo, but the atmosphere feels completely different, with wooded valleys, volcanic steam, winding mountain railways and traditional inns tucked into the hills.
The best way to enjoy Hakone is to follow the scenic sightseeing loop. Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway up through the mountains, continue by cable car and ropeway to Owakudani, then descend towards Lake Ashi for a gentle cruise across the water. The journey itself is part of the fun, with each section revealing a different side of the landscape.
Owakudani is one of Hakone’s most memorable sights, a volcanic valley where steam rises from the earth and the air carries a faint sulphurous smell. On clear days, the views towards Mount Fuji can be superb. You can also try the famous black eggs, boiled in the naturally heated volcanic waters.
Down by Lake Ashi, the scenery becomes softer and more reflective, with forested hills, torii gates, lakeside paths and views across the water. Hakone-jinja Shrine is one of the area’s most atmospheric stops, especially if you walk part of the old Tokaido Road, the historic route that once linked Edo with Kyoto.
Hakone is also excellent for art and gardens. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a particular highlight, with large-scale sculptures set across lawns and mountain backdrops. The Pola Museum of Art is another rewarding option, especially on a wet day or for travellers who enjoy a slower, more contemplative visit.
Staying overnight is very worthwhile. Hakone is famous for onsen, and an evening in a ryokan, with a hot spring bath and a beautifully prepared Japanese dinner, is often one of the most memorable experiences of a Japan holiday.
Expert Tip: Luggage forwarding is useful here. If arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station, it’s usually easier to send your bags on to your accommodation or store them at the station, then explore the sightseeing loop without carrying luggage around the mountains.
Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, a city of temples, gardens, old wooden streets and quiet rituals that still feel woven into daily life. It was Japan’s imperial capital for more than a thousand years, and that long history gives Kyoto a depth and elegance that sets it apart from anywhere else in the country.
The city is best explored slowly, by neighbourhood rather than by trying to rush between every famous sight. In eastern Kyoto, the lanes of Higashiyama lead past traditional shops, teahouses and old wooden buildings towards Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the city’s great landmarks. Nearby Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are lovely for wandering, especially early in the morning before the streets become busy.
Further north, Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, has one of Kyoto’s most beautiful garden settings, while the nearby Philosopher’s Path follows a quiet canal lined with trees, small temples and local cafés. On the western side of the city, Arashiyama offers a different atmosphere, with bamboo groves, riverside scenery, temple gardens and views towards the surrounding hills.
Kyoto is also one of the best places in Japan to experience traditional culture. The Gion district is known for its geisha heritage, lantern-lit lanes and old teahouses, while Pontocho Alley is a narrow atmospheric street lined with small restaurants beside the river. In the evening, the city feels especially rewarding, with temple bells, soft lighting and the gentle flow of people along the Kamo River.
Food is a real pleasure here, from refined kaiseki dining to simple bowls of noodles, tofu dishes, matcha sweets and market snacks at Nishiki Market. Kyoto rewards curiosity, whether you’re visiting famous temples, stepping into a small craft shop, or finding a quiet garden away from the crowds.
Expert Tip: Kyoto’s most famous sights can be very busy, so early starts make a real difference. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove first thing in the morning, then slow the pace later with smaller temples, gardens and neighbourhood walks.
Nara is one of Japan’s most rewarding day trips, especially from Kyoto or Osaka, and offers a gentle but fascinating introduction to the country’s early history. Before Kyoto became the imperial capital, Nara held that role, and today it still has a wonderful sense of age, ritual and tradition.
The main sights are centred around Nara Park, a broad, leafy area where semi-wild deer wander freely between temples, lawns and stone lanterns. The deer are considered messengers of the gods and have become the symbol of the city, although they can be cheeky when food is around.
The great highlight is Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important temples and home to the enormous Great Buddha. The scale of the main hall is remarkable, and the atmosphere inside is calm, impressive and deeply memorable. It’s one of those places that gives real weight to Japan’s long cultural history.
Nearby, Kasuga Taisha Shrine offers a beautiful contrast, with its vermilion buildings, mossy forest paths and hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns. The walk through the surrounding woodland is part of the pleasure, especially in the quieter corners away from the busiest routes.
Nara is also a lovely place for slower wandering. Isuien Garden is a peaceful traditional garden close to Todai-ji, while Naramachi, the old merchant district, has narrow lanes, converted townhouses, small cafés, craft shops and a more local feel.
Food here is simple and enjoyable, with local specialities including kakinoha-zushi, sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf, and yomogi mochi, a soft green rice cake often filled with sweet bean paste.
Expert Tip: Nara is best visited early in the day, before the main crowds arrive from Kyoto and Osaka. Start with Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, then slow the pace later with Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Isuien Garden or a wander through Naramachi.
