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About Japan

Tourist information about the country.

About Tokyo

Tourist information about the capital city.

Transportation

Plan trips across the entire country.

Cities & Regions

Tourist info about cities and regions.

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Japan | 日本国.

Tips for your trips. Tourist information. Official websites.

Japan provides an extensive selection of captivating travel destinations to suit various interests and preferences. The country’s culture is steeped in age-old traditions that have endured for centuries. Additionally, Japan showcases an abundance of diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes, ranging from the iconic Mount Fuji and the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto to the enchanting cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage (koyo), offering travelers a wealth of mesmerizing natural marvels to explore.

 First-Time Visitor Info

Here are some of the popular destinations you might consider visiting:

Tokyo – Japan’s bustling capital city, renowned for its modernity, cutting-edge technology, vibrant street life, shopping districts like Shibuya (map) and Ginza (map), historical sites like the Imperial Palace (map), and cultural attractions such as Meiji Shrine (map) and Tsukiji Fish Market (map).

Kyoto – Known for its rich cultural heritage, Kyoto is home to numerous temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. Highlights include Kiyomizu-dera Temple (map), Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (map), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (map), and the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji, map).

Osaka – Often called the “Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka is a food lover’s paradise, offering delicious street food, vibrant markets like Dotonbori (map), and the famous Osaka Castle (map). Universal Studios Japan (map) and the vibrant nightlife in Namba district (map) are also major attractions.

Hiroshima – Recognized for its tragic history, Hiroshima is now a symbol of peace. Visitors can explore the Peace Memorial Park (map), Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome (map). The nearby island of Miyajima (map), with its floating Torii gate (map), is also worth a visit.

Nara – Known for its friendly deer roaming freely in Nara Park (map), the city is home to Todai-ji Temple (map), housing the Great Buddha, and beautiful gardens like Isuien and Yoshikien (map). Nara’s traditional streets and Kasuga Taisha Shrine (map) are popular attractions too.

Hokkaido – Japan’s northernmost island is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including stunning national parks, hot springs, ski resorts, and wildlife. Popular destinations in Hokkaido include Sapporo, Hakodate, Furano, and the picturesque town of Biei.

Okinawa – A tropical paradise in southern Japan, Okinawa offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and unique cultural experiences. Visitors can explore historic sites like Shuri Castle (map), indulge in delicious Okinawan cuisine, and enjoy water sports and relaxation.

Mount Fuji – Japan’s iconic and highest peak, Mount Fuji, attracts climbers and nature enthusiasts. It is also a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty. The Fuji Five Lakes region offers stunning views, hiking trails, hot springs, and picturesque landscapes.

Nikko – A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko is known for its impressive shrines and temples set amidst lush forests and scenic mountains. The Toshogu Shrine (map), Nikko National Park (map), and the picturesque Lake Chuzenji (map) are popular attractions.

Japan’s longest holiday is Golden Week (29 April to 5 May), when there are four public holidays within a week and people go on an extended vacation. Trains become crowded and flight and hotel prices are jacked up to multiples of normal prices, making this a bad time to travel in Japan, but the weeks immediately before or after Golden Week are excellent choices.

Spring is one of the best times of year to be in Japan. The temperatures are warm but not hot, there’s not too much rain, and March–April brings the justly famous cherry blossoms (sakura) and is a time of revelry and festivals.

 

Thematic collection.

Plan your visit according to your interests.

Tiqets is an online booking platform for museums and attractions that connects travelers worldwide with more ways to experience culture.

Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide, and culinary tourism is a significant aspect of visiting Japan. From sushi and ramen to tempura and traditional kaiseki meals, each region offers unique flavors and specialties. Traditional Japanese arts, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, kabuki theater, and traditional music (such as koto and shamisen), attract tourists seeking to experience the country’s cultural traditions firsthand. Festivals like the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the Sapporo Snow Festival are also major tourist attractions.

Japan’s pop culture, including anime, manga, and video games, has a dedicated global following. Popular attractions include Akihabara in Tokyo (known for electronics and anime merchandise), Studio Ghibli Museum, and themed cafes and shops dedicated to popular characters and franchises.

Onsen (Hot Springs) and Wellness: Japan has a rich tradition of onsen, natural hot springs renowned for their therapeutic properties. Many visitors seek relaxation and wellness experiences at traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) with onsen facilities, particularly in regions like Hakone, Kusatsu, and Beppu.

*Japan’s Top 3 —  is the canonical list of Japan’s three most celebrated scenic sights, attributed to 1643 and scholar Hayashi Gahō.

*100 Landscapes of Heisei — In 2009, in celebration of its 135th anniversary, the Yomiuri Shimbun formed a selection committee and, together with its readers, selected the 100 Landscapes of Heisei (平成百景).

*100 Landscapes of Japan (Shōwa era) — The 100 Landscapes of Japan (日本百景) is a list of famous scenic sites in Japan. The 100 Landscapes or Views were selected alongside further sets of 8 Views and 25 Winning Sites in 1927, a year after Hirohito became Emperor.

*100 Soundscapes of Japan – In 1996, as part of its efforts to combat noise pollution and to protect and promote the environment, the Ministry of the Environment designated the 100 Soundscapes of Japan (日本の音風景100選).

It shouldn’t be surprising that in a country where more than 70% of the terrain is forests and mountains, outdoor activities abound. Hiking is very traditional and popular in Japan. You can find many small trails across the country, as well as plenty of rugged terrain in Japan’s many national parks. Hikes can also be part of a spiritual experience, such as climbing the 2446 stone steps of the holy Haguro mountain through an amazing primeval forest.

Outdoor Japan is a website focused on outdoor activities in Japan, including hiking. It offers articles, guides, and information on hiking trails, gear, and other outdoor adventures.

The Hiking in Japan website is a comprehensive resource for English-speaking hikers. It provides detailed guides, trail descriptions, maps, and trip reports for various hiking destinations across the country.

As a nation made of volcanic islands, it’s not surprising that in Japan hot springs (温泉 onsen) are commonplace. Japanese have pondered for centuries what the best hot springs in the country are, and they’ve come up with quite a few. Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns (*Public baths in Japan)

Camping wild is illegal in most of Japan, although you can always try asking for permission, or simply pitch your tent late and leave early. The National Camping Association of Japan helps maintain Campjo.com, a Japanese-only database of nearly all campsites in Japan.

#1 Visit Kyoto

Our article about the city of Kyoto. Information about the city’s attractions, culture, events, and activities. Public transport.

#2 Visit Osaka

Often called the “Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka is a food lover’s paradise. Information about attractions and activities. Transport.

#3 Visit Nikko

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko is known for its impressive shrines and temples set amidst lush forests and scenic mountains.

Public Transport.

Guide to traveling to and getting around in Japan.

Transit Planner | Route Map – Japan Transit Planner.

For sorting through transport schedules and fares, HyperDia is an invaluable companion; it computes to-the-minute directions including connecting trains, as well as buses and planes.

Also сheck оut мore info: Transportation in Japan (japan.travel) • Transportation (japan-guide.com)

BUS: Japan Bus Online is a comprehensive website that allows you to search for and book bus tickets across Japan. Willer Express is a major bus company in Japan that offers long-distance bus services. + Highway Bus / JR Bus / kate.co.jp.

TRAIN: Japan Railways (JR): The official website of Japan Railways provides information about train routes, schedules, fares, and services offered by JR. + Central JRWest JREast JR

AIRPORT: Most international flights arrive at either Narita Airport near Tokyo or Kansai Airport near Osaka; a smaller number use Chubu International Airport near Nagoya.

WATERWAYS: Direct Ferries • Ferry Sunflower • Willer Ferry

Japan. Waiting to inspire you|JNTO.

Discover a wealth of inspiration in Japan. This is an official YouTube channel of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

In Japan, there are 47 prefectures to travel and to experience its own regional specialties – this channel will provide travel highlights of each prefectures of Japan. Furthermore, it disseminates information about transportation, lodging, food and beverage, and sight-seeing as well as published tourism statistics and market reports. It also provides support for international conventions and incentive events.

video source: visitjapan / youtube.com /

Useful websites.

Links to additional resources with useful information for planning your trip.

VISAS & IMMIGRATION.

Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information. + JAPAN eVISA – for online visa application to visit Japan.

HyperDia.Com

HyperDia is a service which offers the route of the railway and the aviation within Japan. Rental car and hotels etc around the station.

Tokyo Cheapo.

A website focused on budget travel in Tokyo, providing tips on affordable accommodation, dining, transportation, and free/cheap activities.

HyperDia – A website for checking train schedules, routes, and fares in Japan. It’s particularly helpful for planning your train travel.

Japan Rail Pass – If you plan to explore Japan using the Japan Rail Pass, their official website provides information on pass types, eligibility, prices, and how to purchase.

Tokyo Cheapo – A website focused on budget travel in Tokyo, providing tips on affordable accommodation, dining, transportation, and free/cheap activities.

Explore Accessible Japan

Food

Just One Cookbook – A popular website featuring authentic Japanese recipes, including traditional dishes, street food, and regional specialties.

Savor Japan – An online guide to Japanese food and dining, featuring information on traditional cuisine, sushi, sake, local specialties, and more. It includes restaurant listings and articles.