Top Attractions
Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, and Meiji Shrine showcase the city's contrasts. Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of torii gates is iconic. Mount Fuji can be climbed in summer or admired from Hakone. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial is a powerful experience. Osaka Castle and Nara's friendly deer are must-sees.
Tokyo skyline
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Mount Fuji
Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is UNESCO-recognized. Sushi and sashimi reach perfection at Tsukiji's restaurants. Ramen shops offer regional varieties from Hakata tonkotsu to Sapporo miso. Kaiseki is the pinnacle of Japanese fine dining. Try okonomiyaki in Osaka, wagyu beef in Kobe, and matcha everything in Kyoto. Convenience store food is surprisingly excellent.
Fresh sushi
Ramen bowl
Regions to Explore
Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan offers incredible diversity. Hokkaido provides skiing and natural beauty. The Japanese Alps feature traditional villages like Shirakawa-go. Hiroshima and Miyajima Island combine history and scenery. Okinawa offers tropical beaches and unique Ryukyu culture. Kanazawa is a hidden gem with preserved geisha districts.
Shirakawa-go village
Miyajima torii gate
Culture & Traditions
Experience a traditional tea ceremony, stay in a ryokan (traditional inn), and soak in an onsen (hot spring). Geisha culture persists in Kyoto's Gion district. Sumo tournaments occur six times yearly. Cherry blossom (hanami) and autumn foliage viewing are national pastimes. Pop culture thrives in Akihabara's anime shops and Harajuku's fashion scene.
Traditional tea ceremony
Take This Guide With You
Download the complete PDF guide to access offline during your travels. Includes maps, emergency contacts, and more insider tips.