Tokyo is a city like no other, a large, metropolis without equal. The only way to comprehend the sheer size of Tokyo is to think of it as a city, within which there are several smaller cities. From the cosplaying teens of Harajuku to the exuberance and energy of Shibuya, to the sleek shiny skyscrapers […]
Kyoto is Japan’s old capital, and the beating heart of traditional Japanese culture. There is no shortage of things to see and do in Kyoto, which has over sixteen hundred Buddhist temples and four hundred shrines. Among this huge number of historical and religious sites are sixteen UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kyoto is the perfect […]
Yokohama is Japan’s 2nd largest city by population and is just a short hop from Tokyo by train. Originally a port town, Yokohama was one of the first towns to open to trade following Japan’s isolationist policies and has thrived as a result. Home to Japan’s largest Chinatown, there are also some very well preserved […]
Japan’s third biggest city by population, Osaka is well known as the place where you go to eat, drink and be merry, and in more recent years shop. Osaka people’s friendliness is known throughout Japan. Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan, the first Universal Studios to open in Asia, and Japan’s second most popular […]
Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital, founded nearly 1300 years ago. As such, it is full of historic treasures worth visiting, and also home to some of the oldest, and largest temples in Japan. Despite this, Nara is quite small, and is easily explored on foot in a single day. A large number of sights […]
Hiroshima is a well developed modern, thriving city, with great food, vibrant culture, friendly people and, perhaps surprisingly, one of the few nostalgic tram systems in Japan. The main sights in Hiroshima are inevitably linked to its tragic recent history. The Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park and Museum are startling and moving reminders of […]
Just a short hop away from Hiroshima city by train and ferry, Miyajima Island is a world away from the hustle and modernity of Hiroshima city. Said to be one of the most beautiful sights in Japan, the red torii gate of Itsushima shrine has come to symbolise Miyajima Island. But there is more to […]
Less than 100km from Tokyo, Hakone is one of the most popular spots in Japan, with both Japanese and international tourists. Located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is renowned for its magnificent local beauty and breath-taking views of Mt Fuji, Japan’s most renowned mountain. One of the best ways to Hakone’s splendid natural beauty […]
Takayama is a beautiful city, located high in the Hida mountains (hence why it’s sometimes called Hida-Takayama). After the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo, Takayama is a welcome reprieve. A merchant city famed for its timber and carpenters, the city thrived under the direct control of the Shogun during the feudal period of Japan’s […]
Like Takayama, Matsumoto is an old, well preserved city, with a rich history dating back to the 8th century. The city is protected on all sides by the Japanese Alps, and Matsumoto has both a cosmopolitan vibe, while retaining its historical authenticity. The Nakamachi-dori is home to shops, traditional inns and restaurants housed in traditional, […]
