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Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Discover the top 10 things to do in Tokyo, Japan
Forget the notion that Tokyo is nothing but a concrete sprawl, neon and crowds—that tells only a small part of the city's story. From centuries-old festivals and calming gardens to cutting-edge galleries and culture classes, these seven experiences will help you discover the many other sides of Japan's capital. With festivals taking place throughout the year in Tokyo, you have a good chance that your trip will coincide with a celebration of some kind. If you feel like braving the summer heat and humidity, head to Koenji on the final full weekend of August, when thousands of traditional dancers take to the streets for the Awa-Odori. On the last Saturday of July, another summer favorite is the Sumida River Fireworks Festival on Tokyo's east side. In the spring, there's cherry blossom viewing, or hanami. It might not be a festival per se, but it is one of Japan's most enduring seasonal traditions. For a lively picnic under the pink petals, try Ueno Park, or take an evening stroll along the blossomed-lined Meguro River, where you'll find the sakura illuminated by lanterns. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Tokyo.) You don't have to go far from Tokyo's most popular areas to find quieter alternatives. Close to the museums and street market of ever-popular Ueno, you could get lost in the narrow backstreets of retro Yanaka. For Mandy Bartok, a tour guide specializing in history and culture walks, another gem is Ochanomizu, just a stone's throw from the famed home electronics, manga and anime stores of Akihabara. 'Start with a visit to the Origami Kaikan, where you can see intricately folded seasonal designs in the second floor gallery before popping up to third floor, where octogenarian director, Kazuo Kobayashi, loves to regale visitors with his paper folding skills. Afterwards, you could try an origami workshop in the fourth floor paper making studio,' Bartok says. 'A few blocks away, also stop at Kanda Myojin Shrine, where the wooden prayer plaques are often decorated with hand-drawn images featuring manga and anime characters.' For a coffee break in Ochanomizu, Bartok suggests an outdoor seat in the courtyard of Imasa, the traditional wooden home of a former lumber dealer reborn as a small cafe. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Tokyo.) If it's your first time in Tokyo, make sure to visit Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park for Japan's largest collection of art and archaeological objects, ranging from noh masks to samurai armor and paleolithic tools. A short walk away, also stop by the National Museum of Western Art, where the permanent collection includes Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo paintings. For contemporary art, head to the cosmopolitan Roppongi district, home to the Roppongi Art Night festival every September and several leading art venues. With no permanent collection, Roppongi's National Art Center runs an eclectic mix of special exhibitions. For 2025, the lineup includes a look at contemporary Japanese art from 1989 to 2010. Atop the 54-story Roppongi Hills complex, Mori Art Museum's shows have touched upon Japan's underground culture in the 1960s and early 1970s and broached the sensitive topic of AI art. Tokyo could keep you busy for weeks, but don't overlook the attractions on the city's doorstep. Within day-trip range, you'll find everything from mountain trails to UNESCO sites. An hour by train to the southwest, the numerous remnants of Kamakaura's time as Japan's seat of power from 1185 to 1333 include Kotokuin temple's Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a weathered 103-ton bronze statue of Amida that has been here since the 1200s. While in Kamakura, licensed guide Haruko Saruwatari suggests stopping by a lesser-known temple like Kakuonji. 'It's so serene. The mid-14th century buildings and surrounding nature here are perfectly harmonized, and the main hall houses several beautiful Yakushi Nyorai buddha statues.' Two hours north of Tokyo by train, another popular side trip is Nikko. Plan a day trip to visit the World Heritage Toshogu Shrine complex, Lake Chuzenji, and ryokan inns, if you want to try a night in traditional tatami rooms. Alternatively, catch a ferry just under two hours to Izu Oshima, the nearest of the Izu Island chain to Tokyo. Go hiking around volcanic Mt. Mihara and then soak in natural hot-spring baths. (Related: A family-friendly guide to plan a trip to Tokyo with your kids.) To make your time in Tokyo more immersive, consider signing up for a cultural experience. There's a long list of activities and workshops possible in English. For starters, you could learn how to make sushi, teriyaki fish, and miso soup at one of Tsukiji cooking's classes near Tsukiji Outer Market. At Maikoya in Asakusa, you can try on a kimono and take part in a traditional tea ceremony in English. For a moment of calm, you should consider visiting Rinshoin near Yushima Station. Every weekday morning and on Saturday afternoons, the temple runs Zazen seated meditation sessions. Or try a workshop at Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan, where you can use an Edo-era carving technique to decorate colored glassware. Tokyo offers plenty of green spaces to escape from the urban chaos, but for a calming glimpse at the capital's traditional side, you should try one of its historic landscape gardens. The most impressive for photographer John Lander, author of Hidden Gardens of Japan, are Koishikawa Korakuen and Hamarikyu. 'Although they are very well known, they are almost never overly crowded. One can always find a quiet space to admire these gardens in peace,' Lander says. 'Both offer large pond gardens, arched and zigzag bridges, and winding trails that make the visitor forget they are in one of the largest cities on the planet.' (Related: Some of the nicest gardens in Tokyo are hidden behind hotels.) Great Japanese food doesn't have to be expensive, even in the country's priciest city. Waving the flag for comfort food is a low-cost culinary category called b-kyu gurume, or b-class gourmet, which runs the gamut from yakisoba fried noodles to ramen and all sorts of deep-fried food. For a b-kyu dish that hails from the Tokyo area, try monjayaki, a runny batter mixed with chopped ingredients that all turn into savory goo as you cook it on a hotplate. With a little more to spend, you can also find well-priced tasting menus at some high-end restaurants—think 4,000 Japanese Yen (about $27.50) for omakase-style sushi at Manten for 7,700 Japanese Yen (about $53)for a Michelin-starred kaiseki course at Seisoka, where dinner can be 30,000-plus Japanese Yen ($200 or more). (Related: The high art of ramen in Tokyo.) Rob Goss is a freelance writer based in Tokyo, covering travel and culture in Japan. Follow him on Instagram.
National Geographic
14-04-2025
- National Geographic
Don't leave Tokyo without these must-do experiences
Forget the notion that Tokyo is nothing but a concrete sprawl, neon and crowds—that tells only a small part of the city's story. From centuries-old festivals and calming gardens to cutting-edge galleries and culture classes, these seven experiences will help you discover the many other sides of Japan's capital. 1. Check out a local festival Fireworks light up the sky over the Sumida River during the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. Photograph by Aflo Co. Ltd., Alamy Stock Photo Every year, around one million people attend Tokyo's Sumida River Fireworks Festival, the largest and most popular fireworks festival in Japan. Photograph by Jeremie Souteyrat, laif/Redux With festivals taking place throughout the year in Tokyo, you have a good chance that your trip will coincide with a celebration of some kind. If you feel like braving the summer heat and humidity, head to Koenji on the final full weekend of August, when thousands of traditional dancers take to the streets for the Awa-Odori. On the last Saturday of July, another summer favorite is the Sumida River Fireworks Festival on Tokyo's east side. In the spring, there's cherry blossom viewing, or hanami. It might not be a festival per se, but it is one of Japan's most enduring seasonal traditions. For a lively picnic under the pink petals, try Ueno Park, or take an evening stroll along the blossomed-lined Meguro River, where you'll find the sakura illuminated by lanterns. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Tokyo.) 2. Look beyond the beaten path Apricots sit on a railing outside a pavilion at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of Tokyo's largest and most popular parks. Photograph by David Guttenfelder, Nat Geo Image Collection You don't have to go far from Tokyo's most popular areas to find quieter alternatives. Close to the museums and street market of ever-popular Ueno, you could get lost in the narrow backstreets of retro Yanaka. For Mandy Bartok, a tour guide specializing in history and culture walks, another gem is Ochanomizu, just a stone's throw from the famed home electronics, manga and anime stores of Akihabara. 'Start with a visit to the Origami Kaikan, where you can see intricately folded seasonal designs in the second floor gallery before popping up to third floor, where octogenarian director, Kazuo Kobayashi, loves to regale visitors with his paper folding skills. Afterwards, you could try an origami workshop in the fourth floor paper making studio,' Bartok says. 'A few blocks away, also stop at Kanda Myojin Shrine, where the wooden prayer plaques are often decorated with hand-drawn images featuring manga and anime characters.' For a coffee break in Ochanomizu, Bartok suggests an outdoor seat in the courtyard of Imasa, the traditional wooden home of a former lumber dealer reborn as a small cafe. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Tokyo.) 3. Hop between museums and galleries If it's your first time in Tokyo, make sure to visit Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park for Japan's largest collection of art and archaeological objects, ranging from noh masks to samurai armor and paleolithic tools. A short walk away, also stop by the National Museum of Western Art, where the permanent collection includes Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo paintings. For contemporary art, head to the cosmopolitan Roppongi district, home to the Roppongi Art Night festival every September and several leading art venues. With no permanent collection, Roppongi's National Art Center runs an eclectic mix of special exhibitions. For 2025, the lineup includes a look at contemporary Japanese art from 1989 to 2010. Atop the 54-story Roppongi Hills complex, Mori Art Museum's shows have touched upon Japan's underground culture in the 1960s and early 1970s and broached the sensitive topic of AI art. 4. Go on a day trip Nikko Toshogu Shrine enshrines the most famous samurai leader Tokugawa Ieyasu. This is a view of the shrine's Yomeimon Gate. Photograph by Jon Arnold Images Ltd, Alamy Stock Photo In Kanagawa Prefecture, you can see this Daibutsu or Great Buddha statue when visiting the Kotoku-in temple in Kamakura. Photograph by Christopher Tamcke, Alamy Stock Photo Tokyo could keep you busy for weeks, but don't overlook the attractions on the city's doorstep. Within day-trip range, you'll find everything from mountain trails to UNESCO sites. An hour by train to the southwest, the numerous remnants of Kamakaura's time as Japan's seat of power from 1185 to 1333 include Kotokuin temple's Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a weathered 103-ton bronze statue of Amida that has been here since the 1200s. While in Kamakura, licensed guide Haruko Saruwatari suggests stopping by a lesser-known temple like Kakuonji. 'It's so serene. The mid-14th century buildings and surrounding nature here are perfectly harmonized, and the main hall houses several beautiful Yakushi Nyorai buddha statues.' Two hours north of Tokyo by train, another popular side trip is Nikko. Plan a day trip to visit the World Heritage Toshogu Shrine complex, Lake Chuzenji, and ryokan inns, if you want to try a night in traditional tatami rooms. Alternatively, catch a ferry just under two hours to Izu Oshima, the nearest of the Izu Island chain to Tokyo. Go hiking around volcanic Mt. Mihara and then soak in natural hot-spring baths. ( Related: A family-friendly guide to plan a trip to Tokyo with your kids .) 5. Take a cultural class To make your time in Tokyo more immersive, consider signing up for a cultural experience. There's a long list of activities and workshops possible in English. For starters, you could learn how to make sushi, teriyaki fish, and miso soup at one of Tsukiji cooking's classes near Tsukiji Outer Market. At Maikoya in Asakusa, you can try on a kimono and take part in a traditional tea ceremony in English. For a moment of calm, you should consider visiting Rinshoin near Yushima Station. Every weekday morning and on Saturday afternoons, the temple runs Zazen seated meditation sessions. Or try a workshop at Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan, where you can use an Edo-era carving technique to decorate colored glassware. 6. Unwind in a traditional garden Tokyo offers plenty of green spaces to escape from the urban chaos, but for a calming glimpse at the capital's traditional side, you should try one of its historic landscape gardens. The most impressive for photographer John Lander, author of Hidden Gardens of Japan, are Koishikawa Korakuen and Hamarikyu. 'Although they are very well known, they are almost never overly crowded. One can always find a quiet space to admire these gardens in peace,' Lander says. 'Both offer large pond gardens, arched and zigzag bridges, and winding trails that make the visitor forget they are in one of the largest cities on the planet.' (Related: Some of the nicest gardens in Tokyo are hidden behind hotels.) 7. Find good food at a bargain Office workers are known to frequent the restaurants and bars in the popular Shimbashi neighborhood of Tokyo. Photograph by David Guttenfelder, Nat Geo Image Collection Great Japanese food doesn't have to be expensive, even in the country's priciest city. Waving the flag for comfort food is a low-cost culinary category called b-kyu gurume, or b-class gourmet, which runs the gamut from yakisoba fried noodles to ramen and all sorts of deep-fried food. For a b-kyu dish that hails from the Tokyo area, try monjayaki, a runny batter mixed with chopped ingredients that all turn into savory goo as you cook it on a hotplate. With a little more to spend, you can also find well-priced tasting menus at some high-end restaurants—think 4,000 Japanese Yen (about $27.50) for omakase-style sushi at Manten for 7,700 Japanese Yen (about $53)for a Michelin-starred kaiseki course at Seisoka, where dinner can be 30,000-plus Japanese Yen ($200 or more). (Related: The high art of ramen in Tokyo.) Rob Goss is a freelance writer based in Tokyo, covering travel and culture in Japan. Follow him on Instagram.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
Everything to you need to know about Japan
Japan's popularity is rising again post-Covid, with tens of millions every year visiting the mix of old, new, and futuristic in Tokyo; World Heritage sites in the ancient capital Kyoto; Hakone's hot springs, ryokan inns, and the majestic Mount Fuji. Beyond those classic destinations, you could travel to Shikoku to visit the contemporary art islands in the Seto Inland Sea or embark on lesser-known experiences, such as hiking the Michinoku Coastal Trail in Tohoku and horse riding in the volcanic landscape of Aso-Kuju National Park in Kyushu. Japan has something for everyone! Spring: Cherry blossoms briefly turn much of Japan pink from late March to mid-April. In Tokyo, picnic under the sakura in Ueno Park or take a laid-back stroll along the blossom-lined Meguro River. For hanami (flower viewing) in a traditional setting, head north to Akita for Kakunodate's old samurai district or visit Aomori, where the delicate blossoms engulf Hirosaki Castle. Summer: As Japan settles in for several months of hot and sticky weather, the festival season kicks into high gear. Tokyo's Sumida River Fireworks display in late July is one of the capital's highlights. In early August in Aomori, giant paper-covered floats are paraded for the week-long Nebuta Matsuri. In Tokushima, thousands of colorfully dressed dancers take to the streets for the Awa-Odori in mid-August. Autumn: Take in the fiery-red and golden-yellow koyo (autumn leaves) from a piping-hot onsen bath in Jozankei Onsen or an open-air seat on the scenic Kurobe Gorge Railway in Toyama. For a long fall foliage trek, hikers can head to Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido or summit the 5,606-foot Mount Daisen in Tottori. Winter: In early February, visit the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido for the giant ice sculptures of the Snow Festival, then warm up with the city's miso ramen and spicy soup curry. Fifty-five miles away, the powder snow of Niseko provides some of Japan's best skiing and snowboarding. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Japan's Kyushu island.) Cities: Experience old Tokyo with a stroll around the retro Yanaka neighborhood or visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. Explore the contemporary side of the city at fashionable Omotesando (dubbed Tokyo's Champs Elysees) or the futuristic teamLab galleries. As one of the planet's finest foodie destinations, don't miss Tokyo's sushi, ramen, and high-end kaiseki. In Kyoto, the gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple and torii gateway-covered paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine are two of the former capital's must-see (and most visited) World Heritage sites. However, there's plenty to experience away from the crowds, including the quiet fishing village of Ine in Kyoto's north and lesser-visited temple complexes like Myoshin-ji and its pretty gardens. North: Pack your hiking boots and go backpacking on the Michinoku Coastal Trail, a 621-mile route that runs along jagged clifftops, sandy beaches, and pretty fishing ports in the less-crowded Tohoku region. Inland, follow in the footsteps of haikuist Matsuo Basho with a hike to the mountaintop temple of Yamadera. East: Traditional ryokan inns, hot-spring baths, and close-up views of Mount Fuji make Hakone a popular side trip from Tokyo. Walk between the beautifully preserved Edo-era (1603-1868) villages of Magome and Tsumago on the remains of the road that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. West: Visit Hiroshima for the A-Bomb Dome memorial of the nuclear attack in 1945 and the 'floating' Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Pedal the scenic Shimanami Kaido cycle route across a network of bridges connecting Japan's main island with less-visited Shikoku. Take a ferry to Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea for a cutting-edge collection of contemporary art venues and installations. South: Island hopping in Okinawa offers white-sand beaches, coral reef dives, mangroves, and the distinct Ryukyuan culture, shaped during the 450 years Okinawa was an independent kingdom called Ryukyu. In Kyushu, head to Aso-Kuju National Park to hike and go horseback riding on one of Japan's most active and beautiful caldera volcanoes, Mount Aso. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Japan's Hokuriku region.) RamenJapan's favorite comfort food comes in various guises. Some ramen aficionados give top rank to Hakata ramen in Fukuoka for its combination of pork bone broth and thin, yet firm noodles. For others, that accolade goes to the miso-rich broth of Sapporo-style ramen. You'll find local takes on ramen as far and wide as Wakayama, Tokushima, Hakodate, Kitakata, Okinawa, and many places in between. SushiLike ramen, sushi is a varied affair. On a budget, kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) chains such as Sushiro and Kura deliver a fun experience and great cost performance, while the wallet-breaking, high-end sushi includes 20 sushiya in Tokyo alone with Michelin stars. Head to a department store food floor—like the basement of Mitsukoshi in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district—where sushi isn't just a nigiri of rice topped with seafood. Chiraizushi features chopped sushi toppings scattered over a bed of rice. Makizushi is thin rolls of rice and sushi filling wrapped with toasted nori seaweed, and oshizushi has slices of fish (like mackerel) tightly pressed in a box of vinegared rice. (Related: The essential guide to visiting western Japan.) By train: Japan Railways operates high-speed bullet trains between many of the main cities and offers money-saving rail passes for overseas travelers. Purchase rail tickets at stations or online at Eki-net. Travel time from Tokyo to Kyoto is just over two hours, while Tokyo to Hiroshima is four hours. By plane: There are domestic flights between Haneda Airport and regional hubs, including New Chitose Airport in Sapporo and Naha in Okinawa. By car: If you're only visiting the big cities, stick to the highly efficient public transport. For exploring rural areas where trains and buses are limited, you should consider renting a car from companies like Nippon Rent-a-Car and JR Rent-a-Car. An international driver's license is required, and remember, motorists drive on the left. Languages: Japanese is the official language. English is increasingly spoken in the main cities and tourist areas. LGBTQ+: Same-sex couples cannot legally marry in Japan, but there are no laws against same-sex relationships. Shinjuku Ni-chome in Tokyo is the largest LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Japan, with several hundred bars, clubs, and restaurants. In June, Tokyo Pride is the country's largest event for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, has a website ( dedicated to LGBTQ+ travelers. (Related: Everything you should know before visiting northern Japan.) Outdoors: The 34 National Parks of Japan cover almost six percent of the country, protecting endangered wildlife and delicate ecosystems. When you visit, stay on designated trails, take your litter home, and follow other local rules to help keep the parks pristine. SDGs: Japanese businesses are increasingly referencing the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, though look out for greenwashing or box-ticking. Businesses that are making genuine sustainable efforts tend to list the specific SDGs they are targeting and detail the exact measures they are taking to reach their goal(s). Shopping: Artisans across Japan produce a vast range of traditional arts and crafts, including ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, and woodwork. For authentic, high-quality crafts, look for products marked with the government's Designated Traditional Craft logo. Dining: With sushi, remember the 4-S rule. Eating seafood that's small, silver, seasonal, or shellfish has a lower impact. Bluefin tuna and freshwater eel are best avoided. Before visiting animal cafes where you can pet cats, dogs, and other animals, be aware that the industry has a poor track record for animal welfare. (Related: What locals love about Japan.) Rob Goss is a freelance writer based in Tokyo, covering travel and culture in Japan. Follow him on Instagram.
National Geographic
17-03-2025
- National Geographic
Everything to you need to know about Japan
Spring is one of the peak seasons to visit Japan because tourists flock to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom while checking out historic sites, such as the hiraya-ma-style Hirosaki Castle, located in Hirosaki, Japan. Spring is one of the peak seasons to visit Japan because tourists flock to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom while checking out historic sites, such as the hiraya-ma-style Hirosaki Castle, located in Hirosaki, Japan. Spring is one of the peak seasons to visit Japan because tourists flock to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom while checking out historic sites, such as the hiraya-ma-style Hirosaki Castle, located in Hirosaki, Japan. Spring is one of the peak seasons to visit Japan because tourists flock to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom while checking out historic sites, such as the hiraya-ma-style Hirosaki Castle, located in Hirosaki, Japan. From classic sights to lesser-known gems and transport tips to seasonal highlights, here's the lowdown on visiting Japan. Everything you should know before visiting Japan Japan's popularity is rising again post-Covid, with tens of millions every year visiting the mix of old, new, and futuristic in Tokyo; World Heritage sites in the ancient capital Kyoto; Hakone's hot springs, ryokan inns, and the majestic Mount Fuji. Beyond those classic destinations, you could travel to Shikoku to visit the contemporary art islands in the Seto Inland Sea or embark on lesser-known experiences, such as hiking the Michinoku Coastal Trail in Tohoku and horse riding in the volcanic landscape of Aso-Kuju National Park in Kyushu. Japan has something for everyone! Best time to visit Japan The tree-lined Omotesandod neighborhood of Tokyo—known as the Champs-Elysees of Tokyo—is a hub for luxury fashion, upscale shops, and trendy cafes. Photograph by David Guttenfelder, Nat Geo Image Collection Chefs use red pepper and Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing spice when preparing the famous spicy ramen served at Kikanbo Miso Ramen in Tokyo. The spiciest ramen is served in a black bowl. Photograph by James Whitlow Delano/Redux Spring: Cherry blossoms briefly turn much of Japan pink from late March to mid-April. In Tokyo, picnic under the sakura in Ueno Park or take a laid-back stroll along the blossom-lined Meguro River. For hanami (flower viewing) in a traditional setting, head north to Akita for Kakunodate's old samurai district or visit Aomori, where the delicate blossoms engulf Hirosaki Castle. Summer: As Japan settles in for several months of hot and sticky weather, the festival season kicks into high gear. Tokyo's Sumida River Fireworks display in late July is one of the capital's highlights. In early August in Aomori, giant paper-covered floats are paraded for the week-long Nebuta Matsuri. In Tokushima, thousands of colorfully dressed dancers take to the streets for the Awa-Odori in mid-August. Autumn: Take in the fiery-red and golden-yellow koyo (autumn leaves) from a piping-hot onsen bath in Jozankei Onsen or an open-air seat on the scenic Kurobe Gorge Railway in Toyama. For a long fall foliage trek, hikers can head to Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido or summit the 5,606-foot Mount Daisen in Tottori. Winter: In early February, visit the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido for the giant ice sculptures of the Snow Festival, then warm up with the city's miso ramen and spicy soup curry. Fifty-five miles away, the powder snow of Niseko provides some of Japan's best skiing and snowboarding. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Japan's Kyushu island.) Key areas to explore in Japan Cities: Experience old Tokyo with a stroll around the retro Yanaka neighborhood or visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. Explore the contemporary side of the city at fashionable Omotesando (dubbed Tokyo's Champs Elysees) or the futuristic teamLab galleries. As one of the planet's finest foodie destinations, don't miss Tokyo's sushi, ramen, and high-end kaiseki. In Kyoto, the gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple and torii gateway-covered paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine are two of the former capital's must-see (and most visited) World Heritage sites. However, there's plenty to experience away from the crowds, including the quiet fishing village of Ine in Kyoto's north and lesser-visited temple complexes like Myoshin-ji and its pretty gardens. North: Pack your hiking boots and go backpacking on the Michinoku Coastal Trail, a 621-mile route that runs along jagged clifftops, sandy beaches, and pretty fishing ports in the less-crowded Tohoku region. Inland, follow in the footsteps of haikuist Matsuo Basho with a hike to the mountaintop temple of Yamadera. East: Traditional ryokan inns, hot-spring baths, and close-up views of Mount Fuji make Hakone a popular side trip from Tokyo. Walk between the beautifully preserved Edo-era (1603-1868) villages of Magome and Tsumago on the remains of the road that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. West: Visit Hiroshima for the A-Bomb Dome memorial of the nuclear attack in 1945 and the 'floating' Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Pedal the scenic Shimanami Kaido cycle route across a network of bridges connecting Japan's main island with less-visited Shikoku. Take a ferry to Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea for a cutting-edge collection of contemporary art venues and installations. South: Island hopping in Okinawa offers white-sand beaches, coral reef dives, mangroves, and the distinct Ryukyuan culture, shaped during the 450 years Okinawa was an independent kingdom called Ryukyu. In Kyushu, head to Aso-Kuju National Park to hike and go horseback riding on one of Japan's most active and beautiful caldera volcanoes, Mount Aso. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Japan's Hokuriku region.) Taste of Japan The restaurants and bars in Tokyo's Shimbashi neighborhood are known as a popular nightlife destination, especially among office workers. Photograph by David Guttenfelder, Nat Geo Image Collection Ramen Japan's favorite comfort food comes in various guises. Some ramen aficionados give top rank to Hakata ramen in Fukuoka for its combination of pork bone broth and thin, yet firm noodles. For others, that accolade goes to the miso-rich broth of Sapporo-style ramen. You'll find local takes on ramen as far and wide as Wakayama, Tokushima, Hakodate, Kitakata, Okinawa, and many places in between. Sushi Like ramen, sushi is a varied affair. On a budget, kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) chains such as Sushiro and Kura deliver a fun experience and great cost performance, while the wallet-breaking, high-end sushi includes 20 sushiya in Tokyo alone with Michelin stars. Head to a department store food floor—like the basement of Mitsukoshi in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district—where sushi isn't just a nigiri of rice topped with seafood. Chiraizushi features chopped sushi toppings scattered over a bed of rice. Makizushi is thin rolls of rice and sushi filling wrapped with toasted nori seaweed, and oshizushi has slices of fish (like mackerel) tightly pressed in a box of vinegared rice. (Related: The essential guide to visiting western Japan.) Getting around In Tokyo, a million spectators converge on Tokyo's Koenji district for the Koenji Awa Odori Festival, an annual dance festival in August that features more than 10,000 dancers. Photograph by Hans Sautte, Redux By train: Japan Railways operates high-speed bullet trains between many of the main cities and offers money-saving rail passes for overseas travelers. Purchase rail tickets at stations or online at Eki-net. Travel time from Tokyo to Kyoto is just over two hours, while Tokyo to Hiroshima is four hours. By plane: There are domestic flights between Haneda Airport and regional hubs, including New Chitose Airport in Sapporo and Naha in Okinawa. By car: If you're only visiting the big cities, stick to the highly efficient public transport. For exploring rural areas where trains and buses are limited, you should consider renting a car from companies like Nippon Rent-a-Car and JR Rent-a-Car. An international driver's license is required, and remember, motorists drive on the left. Know before you go Languages: Japanese is the official language. English is increasingly spoken in the main cities and tourist areas. LGBTQ+: Same-sex couples cannot legally marry in Japan, but there are no laws against same-sex relationships. Shinjuku Ni-chome in Tokyo is the largest LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Japan, with several hundred bars, clubs, and restaurants. In June, Tokyo Pride is the country's largest event for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, has a website ( dedicated to LGBTQ+ travelers. (Related: Everything you should know before visiting northern Japan.) How to visit Japan sustainably Outdoors: The 34 National Parks of Japan cover almost six percent of the country, protecting endangered wildlife and delicate ecosystems. When you visit, stay on designated trails, take your litter home, and follow other local rules to help keep the parks pristine. SDGs: Japanese businesses are increasingly referencing the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, though look out for greenwashing or box-ticking. Businesses that are making genuine sustainable efforts tend to list the specific SDGs they are targeting and detail the exact measures they are taking to reach their goal(s). Shopping: Artisans across Japan produce a vast range of traditional arts and crafts, including ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, and woodwork. For authentic, high-quality crafts, look for products marked with the government's Designated Traditional Craft logo. Dining: With sushi, remember the 4-S rule. Eating seafood that's small, silver, seasonal, or shellfish has a lower impact. Bluefin tuna and freshwater eel are best avoided. Before visiting animal cafes where you can pet cats, dogs, and other animals, be aware that the industry has a poor track record for animal welfare. (Related: What locals love about Japan.) Rob Goss is a freelance writer based in Tokyo, covering travel and culture in Japan. Follow him on is a freelance writer based in Tokyo, covering travel and culture in Japan. Follow him on Instagram
