Discovering Japan: our topic by topic guide to Japan

You don't have to go far to get a change of scenery! Just outside Tokyo, trails quickly lead you away from the city and into forests and along rivers.

A Tokyo landmark since 1958, Tokyo Tower offers much more than just a spectacular view of the city.

Welcome to Uji! Just a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto, this is one of the easiest (and most memorable!) day trips you can take from the ancient capital.

Want to discover a different side of Kyoto? The city’s gardens tell the story of the ancient capital just as much as its temples and shrines.

Located in northern Kyoto, the Kyoto Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most peaceful green spaces and one of the finest botanical gardens in Japan.

Need some fresh air? In Japan, parks are in bloom all year round. From carpets of azure flowers to sakura tunnels, they offer spectacular scenery for all nature lovers.

Sometimes all it takes is pushing open a red gate to rediscover the rustling of the trees and the scent of incense.

Located just south of Nara, Hōryū-ji (also known as Hōryū-ji Sannai) is renowned for housing the oldest surviving wooden buildings in Japan and is one of the country's oldest Buddhist temple comple

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites—and also one of the most visited in Japan!

Visiting an onsen or sento is one of the most relaxing ways to experience daily life in Japan.

Onsen (hot springs) are a must-try during a stay at a ryokan (traditional inn).

Japan is famous for its many onsen, natural hot springs with therapeutic properties.

South of Kyoto, the Fushimi district is often associated with the famous shrine of red torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha.

As the beating heart of Japanese traditions, Kyoto reveals its history not only through its temples, but also through its museums.

While Kyoto is best known for its temples, shrines, gardens, and traditional architecture, the city is also home to some of Japan’s most important museums.

Tokyo isn’t often associated with water activities. Yet the capital is crossed by the Sumida River and bordered by the bay.

Kyoto is one of Japan's most bicycle-friendly cities and one of the best places in the country to explore on two wheels.

Just 90 minutes from central Tokyo, Mount Mitake offers a completely different side of the capital. Deep cedar forests, moss-covered trails,

Matsuri, fireworks, exhibitions - summer in Japan is synonymous with events of all kinds. What can you do on the archipelago if you travel there in June and July?

What could be more magical than strolling through an illuminated garden in spring? In Japan, springtime illuminations enhance the seasonal flowers.

What to do in Japan this spring? April and May mark the cherry blossom season, and with it, the famous Golden Week, a week of eventful holidays.

Lightweight and colorful, yukatas are a staple of summer in Japan!

The Kyoto region is the undisputed birthplace of tea in Japan, with Uji serving as the capital of matcha. But with so many shops to choose from, it can be hard to decide.

Shopping in Kyoto is about much more than bringing home souvenirs.

Tokyo belongs to the early risers! Unfortunately, most cafes don’t open until after 10 a.m.

Visiting Kiyomizu-dera at dawn to avoid the crowds is a great idea. Unfortunately, most of Kyoto’s best cafés don’t open until 10 a.m.

Kyoto’s food culture is deeply connected to seasonality, balance, and traditional Buddhist cuisine, making it one of the best cities in Japan for vegetarian and vegan dining.

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's Ueno district, Ameyayokocho (アメヤ横丁) is a bustling market street that pulses with energy and charm.

The world's largest fish market has rehearsed for decades its frenetic and nourishing dance to frenzied “tuna” every night.

Kii-Katsuura, also called Nachi-Katsuura, is a fishing port in Wakayama prefecture which owes its fame to its thermal springs but also to its fish market.

Planning a trip to Japan with young children? Don't panic, the archipelago is a "kid-friendly" destination. How do you get around with a stroller?

Halloween is a real event in Japan. Between the storefronts decorated for the occasion and the adults-only costume parties, it's impossible to miss.

Ueno Zoo located in Tokyo’s Ueno Park is the oldest zoo in Japan.

The year 2025 is drawing to a close, having brought us its share of cinematic nuggets.

Japan is home to a vibrant and passionate cosplay culture.

South of the Ginza district, near Shinbashi, is a unique building that stands out in the landscape of Tokyo skyscrapers, the Nakagin Capsule Tower.

Want to sing the night away? In Tokyo, karaoke is enjoyed in private rooms with friends, over a few drinks and lots of songs!

In Tokyo, summer doesn't end in August. Some outdoor pools extend their season into September, or even early October, to make the most of the last warm days. Where can you find them?

As temperatures rise in Tokyo, the city’s seasonal beer gardens once again become one of the best ways to enjoy summer evenings.