Japan Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

Dominated by towering mountains, peaceful forests and snow-capped summits, Japan is considered to be one of the best countries for hiking in Asia. Popular with nature enthusiasts and outdoor sporting types alike, Japan’s varying landscape, climate and altitude allows hikers of all abilities to find their stride amidst glorious surroundings. Hiking in Japan might entail following in the footsteps of emperors on a long-distance pilgrimage route, tackling the sandy shores of southern Japan, or enjoying a short circular hike through lush green forest. In this article, we list our picks of the top seven trails in Japan to hike in a day. We've included the best time to visit and the distance, duration and difficulty level of each route. You’ll also find our trail highlights and a few personalized tips to ensure you get the best out of each and every trail!

Although trekking might not be traditionally associated with travel to Japan, this technologically advanced nation is surprisingly rich in stunning countryside, beautiful mountain landscapes and well-maintained nature trails. As such, there are loads of fantastic trekking opportunities to be had. The best part? While exploring Japan's well-marked trails you're sure to come across ancient temples, spectacular volcanic peaks and a wide range of absolutely breathtaking views. Apart from multi-day trekking, there are also several alluring one-day hiking trails in Japan which can be completed even by novice hikers. Trekking in Japan really is a must-do and to help you out, we've come up with the top six routes for you to try. Let's take a look!

The Kumano Kodo trail is a network of spectacular paths that crisscross their way across the largest peninsula in Japan, the Kii Hanto. The beautiful trails in Kumano Kodo lead through lush forest, along sandy beaches, and up glorious mountainsides, offering breathtaking views over the peninsula. Previously used as pilgrimage trails to reach the sacred site of ‘Kumano Sanzan,’ the trails are now predominantly used as exceptional hiking routes. Offering many routes, each varying in difficulty and length from half-day walks to multi-day treks, the Kumano Kodo has something for everyone!

When it comes to planning a trip to Japan, you’re going to want a solid list of things to do in Tokyo to ensure you don’t waste a second in this incredible city! Tokyo is a fast-paced destination with a lot to offer including trying your hand at sumo wrestling, picnicking amidst botanical gardens, taking a day trip to nearby Mount Fuji, and dining in a funky themed restaurant. While there are many places of interest in Tokyo, narrowing this down to a selected few can be a difficult task, that’s why we’ve done it for you. Check out our list of the best things to do in Tokyo below, split up into 6 unmissbale things and 4 things to do just for fun. 

In a country where landscapes range from high-tech, sci-fi-inspired megacities to majestic mountains surrounded by natural hot springs and verdant forests, you have endless options for how to spend your holidays in Japan. Want to eat fresh sushi surrounded by the neon lights of Tokyo? Or walk one of only two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails in the world? You’ve come to the right place! It was hard to narrow it down, but in this article, we’ve picked the top 20 things to do in Japan.

Japan is a foodie’s dream—a country full of exotic, delicious cuisine totally unlike standard western fare. Whether you want to snack on grilled yakitori in the alleys of Tokyo or try fugu in Osaka, every meal will be an experience, with something new on every plate. If you’re trying to decide what to eat in Japan, we’ve got you covered with this list of some of the most popular (and delicious) food you simply can’t miss. From sushi to sweets, you’re in for a treat! 

Wondering when is the best time to visit Japan? Whether you're chasing cherry blossoms in the spring, enjoying summer festivals, witnessing vibrant autumn leaves, or experiencing the serene beauty of winter, Japan offers something special throughout the year. Each season brings its own charm, from the mild weather of spring and autumn to the unique winter landscapes. No matter when you go, Japan's mix of natural beauty, rich history, and modern appeal guarantees an unforgettable experience. Let’s explore when to take a Japan trip for the ultimate experience!

A trip to Japan in January will give you an unforgettable experience in a beautiful country away from summer crowds. Be it new-year festivities around the country that are organized throughout the month or centuries-old celebrations honoring the rich history of the island nation, there is never a dull moment in Japan in January. Plus, the country has many places to visit for all sorts of travelers even during this cold winter month.

Japan is a fascinating destination no matter when you plan to visit, but if February is your choice, prepare yourself for a memorable trip. Winter festival in Sapporo, the first cherry blossoms in Kawazu and hot springs in Beppu are just some of the reasons that will amaze your eyes and warm up your hearts while traveling to Japan in February. A holiday in Japan in the winter has its own charm. And, if you’re not sure yet, continue reading this article and find out all about it!

As flowers start to blossom and the festival season draws close, Japan begins to bloom in spring. From the silent, snow-covered peak of Mount Fuji to the bustling markets of Osaka, the island country is more beautiful than ever in March. Plus, with summer crowds yet to arrive, it is also easier and cheaper to see it all. For your unforgettable experience in a land that seamlessly blends its rich history with technological innovations, here is all you need to know about a trip to Japan in March.

As winter ends and the famous pink petals of cherry trees cover the country, springtime celebrations start taking place throughout Japan. A warmer weather encourages sightseeing tours and outdoor experiences, and there are countless amazing views, from historic landmarks to nature reserves, to discover. A trip to Japan in April ensures that you can experience everything that this stunning country has to offer.

A trip to Japan in May is a chance to explore the stunning island nation before the overbearing heat of summer makes traveling an unpleasant experience. May is also a big month for festivals up and down Japan, with many cities taking warm weather as an excuse to throw a party. The beginning of May is known as the ‘golden week’ of festivals in Japan, and it is worth a visit to see how traditional practices continue into modern parades.

Japan is a mesmerizing archipelago where ancient traditions blend with modern technology, where sake is sipped daily and mountain paths are tackled by intrepid travelers searching for hidden onsens. But choosing how long to spend on any one of the thousands of islands that make up the country is a difficult task. From the sandy beaches of the southern islands to the powdered ski slopes of the north, there are lots of lands to cover, so keep reading to find out how to design the best Japan itinerary and make the most of your time in the land of the rising sun.

It’s no secret that Japan is home to the famous Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train, which makes traveling across the country nearly instantaneous. With lines running from Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, you can really experience and sightsee a lot in just 4 days in Japan, discovering two to three different destinations in the timeframe. Choose iconic Tokyo or Kyoto, for example, take day trips to the foothills of Mount Fuji, or over to Osaka and Nara. Temples with iconic red torii gates, cherry blossom landscapes, bamboo groves, iconic Japanese street foods, manga culture, incredible and unusual shopping and onsens—cover them all in just 4 days’ stay in Japan!

From exploring Tokyo’s ultra-modern and old-world neighborhoods to learning about Kyoto’s geisha culture, and from having the ultimate bathing experience in Hakone’s onsens to delving into Kamakura’s centuries-old samurai history, many exciting adventures are possible during just 5 days in Japan. By taking the country’s renowned bullet train, you can travel between most destinations in a jiffy. You can either focus your tour on a few cities for a slow, meaningful exploration or hop between multiple destinations in a day. Five days is just the right amount of time for a delicious serving of all the quintessential Japanese must-dos and see. 

Traditional onsen inns, lake cruises, dazzling megacity neighborhoods, cobbled alleyways from yesteryears, castles, fascinating institutes (hello, Cup Noodles Museum!), famous red torii gates, recreated villages from centuries ago, waterfalls, beaches, and bamboo groves—Japan has so much to offer visitors. While 6 days in Japan may not sound like much, you can actually cover a lot of these sites in about a week, thanks to the country’s highly innovative and efficient transport system. Whether it’s major cities, southern islands, or lesser-known towns you’re interested in—or all three—a 6-day Japan trip is ideal for discovering it all.

Seven days in Japan guarantees plenty of time for discovering multiple destinations — up to three new places in a day — and with day trips a guarantee on any agenda. Whether you’re after a Japanese food-centric extravaganza, exploring picturesque landscapes laden with cherry blossoms and tea plantations, or diving into the country’s historical antics and wartime past, a week-long vacation in Japan makes everything possible. Explore hot spring onsen towns and bamboo forests, castles, lakes, mountain passes, and iconic cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima!

The island nation of Japan may look small but with over 260 inhabited islands (and over 14,000 in total!), there is so much land to cover and sites to see. Spending 8 days in Japan might not cover the 34-thousand kilometers of coastline or tick off all the cultural landmarks, but it is enough time for an in-depth exploration of major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and some smaller gems as well. With an 8-day Japan tour you can easily hit four cities, spending 2 days at each place, and explore villages, onsen towns, and nature-infused hamlets, like Nikko, Gora and Yunomine. If you’re following your taste buds, take the foodie trail across Japan. Or, if slower travel is your preference, immerse yourself in one destination such as the Kumano Kodo trail and the Mount Fuji area.