Tokyo is a massive, wealthy, and fascinating metropolis, including a mainland located northwest of Tokyo Bay and two beautiful and subtropical archipelagos, the Izu and Ogasawara Islands. It encompasses rugged natural scenery, high-tech visions of the future, and glimpses of traditional life. The various districts of this phenomenal city vary wildly in character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the magnificent Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda; from the lively youth mecca of Shibuya to the splendid pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different. The city truly has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Matsumoto is a city on the island of Honshu, set within the Nagano Prefecture. The city is surrounded by the snow-capped Japan Alps and developed around the captivating Matsumoto Castle, that still stands today. The palace garden is known as one of the best spots in Japan to view blossoming cherry trees - decorated with over 300 of them. Other must-sees include the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, which houses one of the world’s biggest private art collections (over 100 000 pieces), and the Daio Wasabi Farm. Wander the trails between fields and sample interesting wasabi products such as wasabi chocolate, wasabi ice cream, wasabi flavoured crackers, and more.
Having evolved as a temple town around Zenkoji Temple from the 12th–13th century, the city of Nagano is cloaked with an enchanting old-world appeal. In the forested mountains northwest of the city centre lies the Togakushi Shrine Precinct, a vast precinct surrounded by exuberant nature at the foot of Mount Togakushi, attracting devoted pilgrims and curious tourists. More must-visit venues include the Togakure Ninja School, the Togakushi Ninja Museum and the Ninpo Museum to learn about the history of ninjas in Japan. It is at the Jigokudani Yaenkoen Monkey Park, just above Nagano, where the wild snow macaques (monkeys) of the Japanese Alps soak in the steamy waters of natural hot springs during the cold winter season.
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Superbly located in the centre of Japan, Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and one of the nation's most important transportation hubs, historical centres and industrial powerhouses. The town developed around the iconic Nagoya Castle, built during Tokugawa Ieyasu's rule in 1612 and rebuilt in 1959 after being destroyed in World War Two. Today, Nagoya is one of the few truly modern cities in Japan and is also the birthplace of one of the biggest car manufacturers in the country, The Toyota Motor Corporation, so be sure to visit the Toyota Automobile Museum. The Nagoya City Science Museum amalgamates modern technology, life sciences exhibitions and boasts the world's largest dome-screen planetarium. Nagoya has a cosmopolitan atmosphere that combines fascinating museums with historical temples and diverse shopping areas.
Takayama is a picturesque city situated in the Japanese Alps. The town prides itself on the inhabitant’s expertise in carpentry. The history of Tatayama is preserved in a number of small museums dotted throughout the city. Visit the historic district of San-machi Suji that is known for its sake breweries indicated by huge cedar balls hanging on the outside of shops. Visitors go inside for a tasting and a chat with sake makers. Don’t miss the Higashiyama Walking Course through a forest and past temples and cemeteries. East of the city is Japan’s highest snow cave known for its impressive stalactite and helictite formations.
Kanazawa is the centre of culture and commerce in the Hokuriku region and is a favourite getaway for the Japanese. The whole town has been well preserved through the ages and it feels like a modern-day museum with all its castles, geishas and gardens. Visit Higashi Chaya, where you will find kimono-clad geishas serving green tea in the courtyards of teahouses during the daytime, or Kenrokuen garden, which gives weary travellers a space to rest or meditate under cherry blossoms and red azaleas. Most of Kanazawa has remained unchanged for centuries, and here you can see where and how Samurai warriors lived from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Located on Honshu Island in Japan’s Kansai region, Kyoto, the nation’s cultural heart, is renowned for its magnificent temples, tranquil Zen gardens, and historic shrines. Rich in tradition yet alive with modern energy, the city offers an extraordinary blend of ancient beauty and contemporary experiences. Not-to-be-missed highlights include the other-worldly Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shinto shrine; Kiyomizu-Dera, offering a ‘love providing’ ceremony as well as jaw-dropping views, and Buddhist Tōfuku-Ji, famous for its glorious garden. Kyoto is renowned for its food, with places like Nishiki Market offering a wide variety of culinary delights. Culture enthusiasts can attend a traditional tea ceremony; soak up the striking displays at the Kyoto International Manga Museum; or head to Gion, the vibrant downtown district, to visit artisan studios or watch a Kabuki show. Just beyond the city, scenic hikes and restorative hot springs provide the perfect way to connect with nature.
