Tokyo is a city that never settles—a metropolis where centuries-old shrines nestle among neon skyscrapers, and tiny ramen shops sit below department stores stacked ten storeys high. The capital of Japan is a dizzying blend of old and new, constantly evolving but always welcoming.
Start in Shibuya or Shinjuku, where crowds, lights and pop culture define the buzz of contemporary Japan. Meander through Harajuku for quirky fashion, then escape to the quiet gardens of the Imperial Palace or the blooming avenues of Ueno Park. Asakusa is home to the city’s best-known temple, Senso-ji, and local market streets packed with snacks. In contrast, the very modern Odaiba offers waterfront parks, digital art museums, and sweeping views of Rainbow Bridge.
Dining here is an adventure in itself. From sushi conveyor belts to hole-in-the-wall izakayas and fabulous themed cafés, Tokyo satisfies every taste and budget. Make sure to sample local delicacies like monjayaki, yakitori, and perhaps join the queue for Japan’s next big food craze.
The city’s rail and subway system makes it easy to explore tiny neighbourhoods known for single themes—whether it’s anime in Akihabara, crafts in Yanaka, or sumo in Ryogoku. After dark, the city comes alive with izakayas, jazz clubs and karaoke boxes.
Despite its sometimes frenetic pace, Tokyo reveals moments of tranquillity if you seek them out—lantern-lit lanes, hidden shrines and riverside walking trails. For any traveller, it’s a city that promises endless discoveries and welcomes curiosity at every turn.
For travellers chasing dramatic scenery, hot springs and a touch of adventure, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a one-stop wonder just outside Tokyo. This vast park takes in mighty Mount Fuji, the Hakone hot spring area, and the wild Izu Islands, stitched together by deep forests, rugged coastline and pretty lakes.
Hakone is a favourite for its open-air art museums, steaming onsen, pirate ship cruises across Lake Ashi, and ropeways floating above volcanic valleys. You can spot Mt Fuji in the distance when the sky’s clear – or just unwind in an outdoor bath and watch the world go by. There’s plenty for families, from quirky museums to scenic funiculars and outdoor parks.
The park’s southern reaches, along the Izu Peninsula, offer dramatic coastlines, natural hot springs and laid-back beaches ideal for a seaside escape. And if you fancy pushing the boat out, ferry rides to the Izu Islands promise hidden coves, sea life, and lunar landscapes for intrepid explorers.
Food in the region is top notch – grab fresh mountain trout, soba, or Hakone’s famous black eggs (hard-boiled in volcanic hot springs). Whether you’re on a day trip or a multi-day adventure, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park brings together the beauty and fun of Japan’s outdoors in one unforgettable package.
Takayama sits high in the Japanese Alps and is loved for its beautifully preserved old town, lively morning markets and a mountain hospitality that immediately feels genuine. The Sannomachi historic district, lined with narrow, dark-timbered merchant houses, sake breweries and local craft workshops, is a joy to explore on foot. Sample miso, nibble street snacks and browse for traditional carvings—you’ll be tempted to linger in every little shop.
Takayama thrives on its festivals, especially the spring and autumn Takayama Matsuri, which see ornate floats and costumed locals parade through lantern-lit streets. Even outside festival times, the old town streets hum with energy, thanks to local markets selling river fish, pickles and handmade sweets as the Miyagawa river gently flows by.
Just outside town lies Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum of thatched farmhouses brought from around the Hida region—a fantastic place to understand rural life as it used to be, with stunning views of the mountains as your backdrop. The region’s famed Hida beef features heavily on menus, whether grilled on skewers at a market stall or cooked to perfection in a cosy restaurant.
Takayama serves as a great gateway for exploring the Japanese Alps. Day trips to Shirakawa-go or the Okuhida hot spring villages are easily arranged, and a local rail ride along the river valley is an experience in itself. With a welcoming atmosphere, strong seasonal traditions and a perfect mix of old-town beauty and mountain adventure, Takayama wins over nearly every traveller who steps off the train.
Kanazawa, on the Sea of Japan coast, is a city where old Japan and modern creativity sit comfortably side by side. Known for its meticulous gardens and beautifully maintained samurai and geisha districts, Kanazawa has often been compared to Kyoto but with fewer crowds. The star attraction is Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. Its ponds, bridges, and seasonal flowers invite peaceful exploration throughout the year, whether you come for plum blossoms, irises or winter snowscapes.
Just across from the garden, Kanazawa Castle stands surrounded by lawns and preserved gates. The Nagamachi samurai district and Higashi Chaya teahouse area are lined with traditional wooden houses, craft shops, and teahouses where geisha culture survives. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art reveals the city’s creative side, with bold exhibitions and installations.
Kanazawa is equally famous for its food scene. The Omicho Market teems with seafood, from crab and oysters in winter to sweet prawns and fat tuna year-round. Sushi bars and izakayas serve local sake and fresh catch, while gold-leaf ice cream is a fun nod to Kanazawa’s historic craft.
The compact city centre is best explored on foot or by bicycle, and English signage is widespread. Kanazawa makes a perfect stop between Tokyo, Kyoto, and the Japanese Alps, providing a satisfying mix of cultural depth, great food, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Kyoto is a city that needs little introduction—Japan’s ancient capital and the spiritual heart of the country, where history, art and daily life mingle beneath a canopy of temple roofs and cherry blossoms. Whether you are visiting for the first time or the tenth, Kyoto’s atmosphere is always enchanting. Wander through the winding lanes of Gion, catching glimpses of kimono-clad locals and lantern-lit teahouses, or marvel at the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji and the tranquil gardens of Ryoan-ji.
Kyoto is home to a staggering seventeen UNESCO World Heritage sites, but some of the finest moments come in quieter places—a shaded bamboo grove in Arashiyama, a riverside picnic under spring blossoms, or a peaceful morning ramble along the Philosopher’s Path. The city bursts to life during its many festivals, from spring’s cherry blossom parties to the evocative autumn moon viewings and summer’s lively Gion Matsuri.
Food in Kyoto is an experience in itself: try delicate kaiseki cuisine, handmade yudofu (tofu) or street treats like yatsuhashi sweets and savoury okonomiyaki. The markets are lively, especially Nishiki Market, where you can sample pickles, fresh mochi and grilled river fish.
Kyoto’s beauty changes with the seasons and rewards those who take things slow—exploring temple grounds at dawn, sipping tea in an old merchant’s house, or browsing the many art galleries and craft shops. Whether you are a keen photographer, a history buff or simply a lover of beautiful cities, Kyoto is sure to become a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Mount Koya, or Koya San, is one of Japan’s most sacred destinations, drawing visitors with its ancient temples, forested mountains and deep spiritual calm. Founded over a thousand years ago as the centre of Shingon Buddhism, Koya San is home to more than a hundred temples, many of which offer overnight stays with vegetarian temple cuisine and a chance to join early morning prayers.
The approach up the mountain is dramatic, winding through cedar forests and small villages before reaching the elevated plateau. The heart of the experience is Okunoin, a vast cemetery lined with mossy gravestones and towering trees, leading to the mausoleum of founder Kobo Daishi. Lantern-lit at night and misty in the morning, it feels otherworldly and peaceful—a place to reflect far from modern noise.
Wander through the main temple complex, Kongobuji, with its painted screens and intricate stone garden, or stroll quiet lanes between temple lodges where pilgrims and travellers share meals and stories. There’s a special rhythm to life on Koya San that invites you to slow down, breathe deep and experience the spiritual side of Japan.
The journey itself—by train, cable car and bus—is part of the adventure, revealing remote valleys and mountain vistas. Whether you’re interested in meditation, Buddhist culture or just want a tranquil escape from the city, Mount Koya is a memorable and restorative destination where Japan’s spiritual heart comes alive.
Osaka is Japan’s kitchen, its second city, and a place where energy and fun come as standard. Life moves at pace here, but the locals—famously warm and direct—never miss an opportunity to share a joke or a food tip. Start in Dotonbori, where neon lights and giant signboards dazzle the eye and street vendors serve up takoyaki (octopus balls) and savoury okonomiyaki pancakes to crowds of happy locals and visitors. Grab a seat by the canal and soak up the atmosphere that buzzes long after sunset.
Osaka Castle, set in leafy parklands, stands as a proud symbol of the city’s feudal heritage. The climb to the top is rewarded with panoramic city views and a sense of samurai drama. Culture-seekers will appreciate the Osaka Museum of History or the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest. For families, Universal Studios Japan and the enormous Osaka Aquarium are sure winners.
Shopping here is a whole adventure, from high-end boutiques in Umeda to quirky, bustling markets in Kuromon and Shinsekai, where the spirit is lively and the food is plentiful. Nightlife is legendary, with izakayas, bars and music venues filling maze-like alleyways. Locals are passionate about their food, so don’t be shy in asking for a recommendation—you’ll likely be led somewhere memorable.
Osaka is also a brilliant base for day trips—Kyoto, Nara and Kobe are less than an hour away by train. But allow time for the city itself. Whether you’re a foodie, history lover or just after excitement, Osaka delivers a memorable, friendly and flavour-packed experience that stands apart from Japan’s other big cities.
