Surfing may not be as synonymous with Japan as sushi or sake, but there’s a thriving surf scene in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. The annual typhoon season (especially between August and October) brings powerful swells to Japan’s Pacific Coast, making this the optimal time to hit the waves. And with almost 18,500 miles of coastline to choose from, there’s no shortage of shores. Keen to narrow down the options?
12th August 2025 - Japan Beaches & Islands
Japan is world-renowned for its spectacular scenery – and it’s easy to see why. From shimmering lakes and cascading waterfalls to lush forests and majestic mountains, its natural beauty is truly something to behold. So, whether you’re looking to cycle through the lush pine trees at Amanohashidate or relax on the white-sand beaches of the Amaharashi Coast, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover our shortlist of the most unmissable Japanese landscapes… Amanohashidate Sandbar,
28th July 2025 - Japan Travel Inspiration
From snow-capped mountains and delicate cherry blossoms to thatched cottages and intricate temples, Japan’s villages are truly breathtaking. In fact, the country takes so much pride in its pretty villages that it established the ‘Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan’ in 2005 to preserve Japanese heritage and natural beauty. While it would be impossible for us to mention all 61 places on their list, we’ve narrowed it down to our favourite five.
14th July 2025 - Japan Travel Inspiration
Japan is more than just neon-lit streets and whizzing bullet trains – from wisteria-draped parks to ancient pilgrimage trails, the spiritual nation is abundant with flourishing landscapes. Narrowing down the six most beautiful places in Japan is a tough ask, but we’re up to the challenge. Hike up mighty Mount Fuji, unwind on Jodogahama Beach or row along the Gokase River for unforgettable moments in nature.
12th May 2025 - Japan Travel Inspiration
Formed of 14,125 islands tumbling into the surrounding seas, Japan has captivating coastal scenery to spare. And while each island is as pretty as the next, picking where to go depends on what you want to see and do. Craving tropical island bliss? Looking for quirky art installations? Ready to lace up your boots and hike through ancient forests? Whatever it may be, read on for where to find this and more with our pick of the most beautiful islands in Japan.
8th April 2025 - Japan Beaches & Islands
There’s no better way to witness Japan’s postcard-perfect landscapes than through the frame of a train window. Zip through Tokyo’s neon lights on a Shinkansen (bullet train), journey to the foot of Mount Koya or admire cherry blossoms from the Sagano Scenic Railway (don’t forget your camera). In Japan, spotless stations, timely trains and quiet carriages aren’t exceptions – they’re the norm (practically unheard of in the UK, we know).
3rd March 2025 - Japan Slow Travel
Japan holidays are always a good idea. The eye-popping skylines and historical temples are just as mesmerising in person as in pictures. But what about Japan in winter? While summer tempts with lush landscapes and lively festivals, spring with its famous cherry blossom and autumn with leaf peeping opportunities, December to March entices in an entirely different way. Picture snowy slopes, steamy onsens and cuisine worth the 14-hour flight alone.
13th January 2025 - Japan Travel Inspiration
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year. As Christmas markets pop up nationwide, festive tunes take over the radio waves, and gift lists begin to be drafted, we’re looking further afield to see how other countries celebrate. Every culture has its own distinct way of marking this merry period, and Japan certainly knows how to put its own spin on Christmas festivities. From deep-fried Christmas dinners to gift-delivering ghosts,
9th December 2024 - Japan Culture
While most tourists flock to Honshu’s hotspots (for good reason, we might add), it’s time to shout about one of Japan’s lesser visited – but no less spectacular – islands. The third largest of Japan’s four main islands, Kyushu is a subtropical land that seems a world away from Tokyo’s neon lights and heaving sites. From its grumbling volcanoes and glorious beaches to its delicious cuisine, read on for our top reasons to visit Kyushu… 1.
3rd October 2024 - Japan Travel Inspiration
Compared to Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, Japan’s island of Hokkaido sticks out like a gorgeous green thumb. While the others are known for their cultural offerings, with an abundance of temples to tick off, Hokkaido draws visitors with its splendid scenery – think world-class ski slopes and bubbling hot springs – as well as its succulent seafood and opportunities to learn about the indigenous Ainu people who call the island home.
15th July 2024 - Japan Travel Inspiration
A city famed for its spring blooms, tranquil gardens, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan before Tokyo took the title in 1868. Located on Japan’s largest and most populous island, Honshu, the city is the cultural cradle of the country – boasting 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites – and is a non-negotiable on any trip to Japan. But when is the best time to visit Kyoto?
10th June 2024 - Japan Travel Inspiration
Japan has it all. From silky shores and ancient temples to tea ceremonies and snow-capped mountains, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that 25 million tourists couldn’t resist a trip to Japan last year (2023). But to continue being the best of the best, Japan must tackle one core idea: sustainability. And time is of the essence, especially as footfall rises to pre-pandemic levels. The country has seen an increased strain on resources.
8th February 2024 - Japan Responsible Travel
On a trip to Japan, our Asia specialist Holly sampled some of the country’s traditional delights. In the likes of Tokyo, Koyasan and Hida Furukawa she explored temples, indulged in Japanese cuisine, cycled through cities and watched some impressive mother-of-pearl silk weaving. Want to find out more? Read on for the highlights from her trip. Where did you visit? What did you get up to? What made your trip special?
12th December 2023 - Japan Travel Tips
For spectacular city vistas, few places in the world can rival Tokyo. Japan’s capital is all about futuristic architecture, neon colours and gravity-defying skyscrapers, making it one of the finest places on Earth to live the high life. Recent years have seen an upswing in elevated alfresco venues where you can enjoy drinks, take in the city skyline and raise a glass to Tokyo’s stunning scenery. From trendy hotspots to hidden gems, we’ve rounded up the city’s sky-high delights offering expertly made drinks, amazing ambiences and unparalleled views.
19th September 2023 - Japan Food & Drink
Tokyo, the dazzling capital of Japan, is a blend of cutting-edge architecture, neon-lit streets, futuristic innovation and traditional culture. It’s a mixture that works well, much like its shaken or stirred cocktails. The cocktail scene in Tokyo is all about craftsmanship and sensory delights, and many of the bars in this sprawling megalopolis have received international acclaim. Whether you’re in a small local spot or world-class establishment, you’ll get to sip on something intoxicating served with a side of omotenashi, the spirit of Japanese hospitality.
23rd August 2023 - Japan Food & Drink
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