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.
Set in the forested hills southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is where city life gives way to a classic landscape of steaming hot springs, mountain trails, and lake views crowned (on a clear day) by Mount Fuji. It’s one of Japan’s top spots for a relaxing break, with something on offer year round.
The main drawcard for many is the onsen (hot springs) culture. Hotels and traditional ryokan here come with baths overlooking the hills or the valley, perfect for easing tired legs after a day of exploring. Don a yukata robe and experience the slow pace of an onsen stay the proper way.
Hakone’s sightseeing loop is a fun adventure in itself. Cruise across Lake Ashi on a colourful pirate ship, ride up the Hakone Ropeway for views of the sulphuric Owakudani Valley, and take the old mountain railway through densely wooded slopes. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where striking sculptures and Picasso works are set amidst grassy lawns and mountain backdrops.
Walkers will enjoy the ancient stone paths of the Tokaido road, while nature fans can escape into quiet cedar forests and lakeside parks. Hakone is also full of quirky attractions: glass museums, sculpture gardens, and teahouses serving black eggs boiled in volcanic springs.
Food here is hearty and local—try black sesame ice cream, soft-boiled onsen eggs, soba noodles, or fresh-caught trout. Staying overnight is well worth it, as evenings are tranquil and morning mist on the lake is just magic.
Whether you’re a culture buff, foodie, walker or just after a classic Japanese relaxation experience, Hakone is endlessly rewarding and surprisingly easy to reach from Tokyo.
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.
Hiroshima stands as a city of resilience, peace and vibrant culture. World-renowned for the events of 1945, it now dedicates itself to the pursuit of peace and remembrance. The Peace Memorial Park, with its ponds, monuments and the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome, offers visitors the chance to reflect on history and hope for a better future. The adjacent museum is deeply moving, with first-hand accounts and memorials that encourage thoughtful understanding.
Modern Hiroshima is lively and approachable. Its thriving food scene is most famous for okonomiyaki, a hearty savoury pancake filled with noodles, pork and cabbage, often prepared on a grill right in front of you. Walking through the city centre, you will find bustling shopping streets, lively izakayas, and green riverside parks where locals gather for picnics and festivals.
A highlight of any visit is a trip to Miyajima Island, known for its iconic Itsukushima Shrine and “floating” torii gate visible at high tide. The island’s peaceful forests and climbing trails up Mount Misen reward both casual walkers and keen hikers with sea views and quiet temple settings. You might even spot deer wandering through the narrow streets.
Hiroshima’s effective tram system makes the city easy to navigate, while its welcoming atmosphere and reflective sites leave a lasting impression. Whether drawn by history, scenery or food, travellers in Hiroshima will discover a city that honours the past but pulses with dynamic energy and warmth in the present.
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.
