Given time constraints, first timers to Japan should probably stick to Honshu, the main island of the Japanese Archipelago. No great hardship, if we're honest, though, because Honshu is home to extraordinary Tokyo, serene Kyoto, elegant Mount Fuji in Hakone, the unbearably poignant Hiroshima and much, much more. Further afield, but no less amazing, are the hot springs and volcanoes of Kyushu, the walking trails and temples of Shikoku, the skiing and trekking potential of Hokkaido and the tropical beaches of Okinawa. Somewhere for everyone, basically:
Where to Holiday in Japan
Where to go in Japan
Hokkaido
Japan's most northerly island is home to skiing, red-crowned cranes and some of the country's finest landscapes.
Kyushu
Kyushu is the most southerly of Japan's four main islands and home to onsen spa towns, classic castles, jaw dropping volcanic scenery and picturesque...
Honshu
Japan may not feature high on everyone’s travel wish lists, but trust us – it should - and there's no better place to start exploring than...
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 destinations
What to do in Japan
Skiing in Japan
Japan is just starting to appear on European skiers’ radars, and with very good reason. The powder is reliable, the resorts run like clockwork,...
Japanese Martial Arts
Learn a range of traditional Japanese martial arts, from Samurai Sword lessons and Ninja workshops in Tokyo to Samurai Kenbu lessons in Kyoto,...
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 activities
Luxury Hotels in Japan
Showing 1 - 3 of 13 hotels
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Park Hyatt Tokyo
Occupying the top 14 floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel is an elegant oasis of space and calm overlooking Tokyo and the Kanto...
Hoshinoya Kyoto
Hoshinoya Kyoto ryokan (traditional inn) is located on the banks of the Ooigawa river in the scenic Arashiyama area on the outskirts of the fascinating...
Iwaso
Iwaso Ryokan (whose doors first opened in 1830) is situated in Momijidani Park and boasts the same craftsmanship and architecture of many of...
Palace Hotel Tokyo
The Palace Hotel, so named because it overlooks the Imperial Palace gardens, was completely re-built for its 2012 grand opening.
Gora Kadan
Gora Kadan is a luxurious ryokan (traditional inn) located in the grounds of a former Imperial residence in the beautiful Hakone region south...
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
If style, service and skyline views are the requirements, the Mandarin Oriental is the answer. Guests check in on the 38th floor of the Mitsui...
The Peninsula Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo is a five star hotel near the Imperial Palace in the Marunouchi business district with great views across the Tokyo cityscape.
Aman Tokyo
The super chic Aman brand makes its debut in one of the world’s global cities with the opening of Aman Tokyo. Occupying the top six floors...
Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Opened in February 2014, the Ritz-Carlton is a fantastic addition to Kyoto's luxury hotel scene. It's in a great location overlooking the Kamo...
Amanemu
On the Japanese island of Honshu, Amanemu is set within the Ise-Shima National Park on the Kii Peninsula. The new Aman Resort boasts spectacular...
Hoshinoya Fuji
Japan’s first glamping resort, Hoshinoya Fuji is a luxurious hidden gem found overlooking Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.
Four Seasons Kyoto
Superbly located in the historic Higashiyama district, The Four Seasons Hotel in Kyoto is set on a hillside surrounded by lush foliage. With...
Aman Kyoto
Aman Kyoto – in the tranquil forested region of Takagamine - is situated on grounds which were once part of an artistic community that gave...
Showing 1 - 3 of 13 hotels
Load moreKey Facts & Useful Links
Language: Japanese (ja)
Currency: Yen
Visa: None
Religion: Shinto
Food & Drink: Sushi and tempura
Time difference:
GMT +9 hrs
Best months to visit: April for the blossom, October for Autumn colours
Flight from London:
11:30 hrs
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At the risk of sounding terribly middle-aged, we love a good
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Go on an Online Adventure with Original Travel and Oppidan Education
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We have partnered with the leading children's mentoring firm
Oppidan Education to offer families the chance to learn about the
world remotely, and enjoy online adventures, until the time soon
when we are all able to visit again for real.
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