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
When it comes to spectacular city scenery, Tokyo boasts some of the very best. This sprawling metropolis where old (ancient traditions and temples) meets new (neon nights and sky-piercing towers) is packed with impressive panoramas, each one as photogenic and memorable as the last. From observation decks offering dizzying vistas to high-rise hotel rooftops and majestic mountains, we’ve tracked down the best views in Tokyo to help you plan a trip to Japan with a truly epic backdrop.
21st August 2023 - Japan Travel Inspiration
When planning holidays to Japan, two cities will be jostling for a spot on your itinerary: Tokyo and Kyoto. And thanks to Japan’s unbeatable public transport, it’s easy to enjoy both in one visit. However, we know that the Tokyo vs Kyoto question poses a dilemma if you have limited time or you’re dropping into the country as part of a bigger trip. Read on to discover how this Japanese duo match up and make your pick.
27th June 2023 - Japan Travel Inspiration
For just a few weeks each year, Japan’s parks, pathways and mountainsides are transformed by the blossoming of 'sakura' (cherry trees). 'Sakura' have a deep cultural significance in Japan, symbolising not only the arrival of spring, but also beauty, good luck, new beginnings and the value of life, which is precious and impermanent. Cherry blossom season, which generally runs from late March to mid-April, is marked by celebrations, ceremonies and the arrival of various 'sakura'-themed delicacies in shops and restaurants.
26th May 2023 - Japan The Natural World
When you’re slurping ramen noodles in a busy bar or zipping between cities on the 'Shinkansen' (bullet train), it can be easy to forget that Japan isn’t just one island, but a whole archipelago with mile upon mile of coastline to explore. And the best beaches in Japan aren’t just the ones found on the southern islands of Okinawa. That tropical spot has its fair share of showstopping sand, but there are beaches a quick hop from the metropolis, too.
10th May 2023 - Japan Beaches & Islands
Telling someone you’re going on holiday to Japan will probably elicit the same response: ‘are you going during cherry blossom season?’ Thanks to Instagram, it seems to be the only season the islands are known for. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find that Japan has something up its sleeve all year round. In autumn, or aki, it’s all about momijigari (which literally translates to ‘red leaf hunting’), while in January, snow flurries across the north signal the start of the country’s ski season.
1st November 2022 - Japan Travel Tips
Holidays in Japan would feel incomplete without a dip in one of the 2,300 or so onsens dotted across this skinny set of islands. These naturally occurring hot springs are formed by volcanic activity and each relaxing plunge supposedly brings with it various health benefits, meaning you can expect clearer skin, detoxification and better blood circulation (to name a few). Although onsens are popular all year-round, winter sees the most visits to these hot spring resorts, as the waters are wonderfully warming and allow visitors to truly unwind and relax.
22nd August 2022 - Japan Culture
Having just 24 hours in Tokyo is akin to taking a single bite of sashimi and no more. A city that makes even New York look sleepy; Tokyo seems to delight in cruising at a supersonic speed. Enchanting, dizzying and even slightly intimidating on arrival, Japan’s capital really deserves more than a day. But if time is of the essence on your Japan holiday, keep reading – we have a plan. From Shibuya Crossing,
15th August 2022 - Japan 24 Hours In
There’s food, and then there’s Japanese food. Officially recognised by UNESCO in its Intangible Cultural Heritage collection, traditional food in Japan – or washoku as it’s known locally – is more than a meal, it’s a way of life. From artful multi-course kaiseki dinners, where shokunin or ‘the pursuit of perfection’ is continually striven for, to the expressions, vocabulary and rules that accompany them, Japanese food is tradition incarnate.
21st February 2022 - Japan Food & Drink
Our tailor-made travel consultants have put together their selection of the ten best ryokans in Japan. 1 IWASO RYOKAN MIYAJIMA ISLAND Surrounded by trees and gardens, this charming ryokan, built in the traditional 'miyadaiku' style, opened in 1893, and has two distinct buildings: Honkan, the original and main building with its traditional atmosphere, and Shinkan, an annex building. It's the best address on the beautiful island of Miyajima.
28th July 2021 - Japan Culture
The Japanese like to bathe, but not as we know it. They frequent the 'sentô' (public baths), partly because their apartments are so tiny, but above all because they like to come and relax and chat with family or neighbours. This is another precise and delicate art form that will make any trip to Japan a truly unforgettable experience. Not far from Tokyo is one of Japan's most amazing experiences: the country's famous onsen hot springs.
28th June 2021 - Japan Culture
In a book describing Japan's most famous peaks, mountain writer Kyuya Fukada counted a hundred. Climbing these peaks is a challenge for hikers, but on a Japan holiday, you can simply walk through their valleys and breathe in their forests in summer or taste their powder snow in winter. Sometimes you might even experience a volcano erupting, like Mount Asama in February 2009. This was nothing too serious, but lava spilled while a column of white smoke escaped from the snowy crater and flakes of black ash flew to the port of Yokohama.
28th June 2021 - Japan The Natural World
Japan is synonymous with many things; sushi, bullet trains, technology, vending machines that sell pretty much anything you could ever imagine (and a few things you probably couldn't). It's also synonymous with cherry blossom, and the advent of the so-called sakura (the Japanese for cherry blossom) season sees tourists both international and domestic go slightly potty for the pink petals pervading the country.
28th June 2021 - Japan Travel Tips
On my recent trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to experience five different ryokans - traditional Japanese inns - and I can highly recommend the experience. It is completely different to staying in a hotel and you can get a great feel for the original style of Japanese home life. Ryokan Etiquette This being Japan, etiquette is everything. The Japanese place great value in cleanliness, so when you arrive at your ryokan the first thing you will be asked to do is remove your shoes at the entrance.
28th June 2021 - Japan Culture
Japan is one of our hottest destinations at the moment and, with a rather large rugby tournament fast approaching in 2019, it's only going to become more popular. Fortunately, we're on hand to make sure you very much catch the worm early doors and our experts can recommend the very best activities and experiences to beat the inevitable crowds. So here we go: a selection of our favourite under the radar, but equally unmissable experiences to enjoy on Japan holidays.
28th June 2021 - Japan Culture
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 Plain, all the way to - on a clear day - Mount Fuji. Located in the Shinjuku district, the hotel has easy access to downtown. There are 177 luxury rooms and suites incorporating a contemporary private residence concept, coupled with sleek amenities and spectacular views of the bight lights of Tokyo at night.
28th June 2021 - Japan Hotels
From ryokans to capsules and luxury hotels, the Japanese have mastered many places to sleep. Each one has its own style, and offers a great nights' sleep in its own way, thanks to the hoteliers who have set about their job with an obsessive taste for perfection, much like with everything else in Japan. Our specialist local advisers have put together an overview of what accommodation is on offer during trips to Japan.
28th June 2021 - Japan Culture
There are a few rules around Japanese etiquette that should be followed during a holiday to Japan. Top Ten Dos and Don'ts in Japan DO'S 1 Walk on the left on pavements, and stay left on escalators. Look right as you cross road (as in the UK), and only cross at pedestrian crossings. 2 Ask the hotel to write down the address you are going to. Taxi drivers don't speak English. 3 Stand in line patiently to cross the street or get on the metro.
28th June 2021 - Japan Travel Tips
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
