Discovering Japan: our topic by topic guide to Japan

Thanks to our many topics and thousands of articles, prepare your travel itinerary to Japan. Temples, parks and gardens, festivities, onsen, the best restaurants, hikes, walks and other excursions in Japan will no longer be a secret to you! Across a network of around 40 cities, discover all the activities and points of interest in each of them.

 

Attractions and Excursions

Whether on foot or by bike, Japan is full of places to relax and enjoy the scenery on a nice walk! We give you some ideas with our selection.

Japan, an archipelago of thousands of islands to discover

With over 14,000 islands, Japan is much more than a string of lands scattered across the Pacific Ocean.

The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto

The newly inaugurated Nintendo Museum is a must-see destination for video game enthusiasts.

"No Face" from Spirited Away

The 2024 Ghibli Park and Ghibli Exhibition in Tokyo

Few production companies are held to as high regard as Studio Ghibli (pronounced “ji-bu-ri” in the original Japanese).

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Azabu Guide: Discovering Tokyo's Prestigious International Neighborhood

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's Minato ward, Azabu stands as a testament to the city's blend of tradition and modernity.

Parks and Gardens

Enjoy the country's natural wealth by discovering the best parks and gardens in Japan!

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Koko-en Garden Himeji: A journey through time and nature

Nestled beside the majestic World Heritage Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Japan's rich history and horticultural artistry.

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Tokugawa Garden: A historic Japanese oasis in Nagoya

Nestled in the heart of Nagoya, the Tokugawa Garden stands as a living testament to Japan's rich cultural heritage.

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Glover Garden Nagasaki: A journey through Japan's early modernization

Nestled on the hillside of Minami-Yamate in Nagasaki, Glover Garden stands as a testament to Japan's fascinating journey towards modernization.

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Chidorigafuchi Park: A scenic cherry blossom paradise in Tokyo

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi Park stands as a testament to the breathtaking beauty of Japan's cherry blossoms.

Temples and Shrines

Discover the most beautiful Japanese temples and shrines for a unique cultural and historical getaway!

Toyokawa Inari Akasaka: A spiritual oasis in the heart of Tokyo

Nestled in the bustling Akasaka district of Tokyo, Toyokawa Inari Betsuin Temple stands as a unique spiritual sanctuary.

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Mitsumine Shrine: A Hidden Gem in Chichibu's Mountains

Nestled atop Mount Mitsumine in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Mitsumine Shrine stands as a testament to ancient Japanese spirituality and craftsmanship.

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Engakuji Temple Kamakura

Nestled in the historic city of Kamakura, Engakuji Temple stands as a testament to Japan's rich spiritual heritage.

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Nagoya Temples & Shrines

Nagoya, a city steeped in rich cultural heritage, is home to numerous temples and shrines that offer visitors a glimpse into Japan's spiritual traditions.

Onsen, Hot Springs and Public Baths

Onsen, very popular with the Japanese, are an experience not to be missed when coming to Japan! Discover our recommendations for a moment of relaxation.

Onsen Japon

Tattoo-friendly onsen and sento in Japan

Onsen (natural hot springs) are a must-do experience in Japan, but for patrons with tattoos, access can sometimes be denied.

Hottarakashi onsen in Yamanashi

The most beautiful onsen with a view of Mount Fuji for a unique Japanese experience

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

Kurama Onsen

Kurama Onsen: an unforgettable moment of relaxation in Kyoto's hot springs

Nestled in the mountain village of Kurama near Kyoto, the Kurama Onsen spa offers a magnificent natural setting conducive to relaxation and disconnection.

Enospa (Enoshima Island Spa)

Nestled on the picturesque island of Enoshima, Enospa is a unique haven combining tradition and modernity.

Museums and Galleries

History and art being very rich in Japan, there are many museums and galleries. Find our selection of the best visits!

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JAL Sky Museum: A unique aviation experience in Tokyo

The JAL Sky Museum, located at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the world of aviation and the history of Japan Airlines.

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Ghibli Museum Mitaka Tokyo: A magical journey into the world of Studio Ghibli

Nestled in the heart of Mitaka, Tokyo, lies a whimsical haven that transports visitors into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli.

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Kobe Maritime Museum: A journey through Kobe's maritime history and future

Nestled in the heart of Kobe's Meriken Park, the Kobe Maritime Museum stands as a testament to the city's rich maritime heritage.

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TOTO Museum: A journey through bathroom innovation and sustainable design

The TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu, Japan, stands as a testament to a century of bathroom innovation and sustainable design.

Outdoor Activities

Are you a fan of sports and hiking? Discover the best places to enjoy the charm of Japanese nature!

Visit Takeno

Nestled on the northern coast of Hyōgo prefecture, Takeno is a hidden gem worth discovering. This charming fishing village offers an authentic experience of rural Japan, far off the beaten track.

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Oniga-jo Rocks: A breathtaking marvel of nature in Mie Prefecture

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Mie Prefecture, the Oniga-jo Rocks stand as a testament to the raw power of nature.

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Mount Oyama: A spiritual and scenic hiking destination near Tokyo

Nestled in the heart of Kanagawa Prefecture, Mount Oyama stands as a beacon for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.

Exploring Mount Hiei: A sacred mountain and the cradle of Japanese Buddhism

Mount Hiei is a historically significant mountain located northeast of Kyoto on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures.

Events and Festivals

There are many matsuri throughout the year, which are a must in Japanese culture! Don't miss any of these festivities during your trip.

Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo, Japan

"Tsukimi” Moon Viewing at Hamarikyu Garden: Welcome the autumn season in Japan!

Appreciate the autumnal moon in one of Tokyo's most beautiful gardens!

Uzumasa Edo Sakaba

The Uzumasa Edo Sakaba Festival: Immerse yourself in historic Japan

The Uzamasa Edo Sakaba Festival held at the Toei Eigamura in Kyoto provides a unique and historic experience based on Edo Period Japan!

The Forest Festival of the Arts

The Forest Festival of the Arts in Okayama, a must-see open-air art festival in West Japan!

Northern Okayama is host to the triennial Forest Festival of the Arts from September 28th to November 24th, 2024.

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Kodaiji Temple Illuminations & Projection Mapping

Kodaiji Temple, a historic Rinzai Zen temple in Kyoto, offers a unique nighttime experience through its seasonal illuminations and projection mapping events.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Discover the best places to bring back souvenirs from your trip!

Magemono wood strips are soaked in hot water for bending easier.

Hakata Magemono: an artisanal craft for everyday use

Magemono has a centuries-long history within the Hakata area of Fukuoka.

Obi belts made out of silk Hakata-Ori fabric

Hakata-Ori textiles: a wearable piece of tradition and history

Hakata-Ori weaving was developed hundreds of years ago and, thus, has become an iconic presence within traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Skincare in Japan: our shopping tips

The Japanese are renowned for their meticulous, preventive approach to skin care. Every step of their routine is designed to anticipate skin problems before they occur.

Kabuki Hakata Ningyo

Hakata Ningyo: The collectible crafts of Fukuoka

Despite their relatively modest origin, the Hakata Ningyo dolls have evolved into an artisan craft like no other, rich in detail and color.

Restaurants and Cafes

Japanese gastronomy is recognized as one of the finest and richest in the world. We give you the best addresses to make your culinary journey a success!

Seasonal latte at "The Lattest"

5 of the best coffee shops in Tokyo

Tokyo's winding streets are laced with fantastic cafes and coffee shops.

8 fugu restaurants in Tokyo

Fugu, a puffer fish with a potentially lethal poison, is one of the most fascinating dishes in Japanese cuisine.

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

The Aoyama Flower Market Tea House is a unique concept in the heart of Tokyo, combining a love of flowers with a love of tea.

Shin Shin ramen

Ramen Shin-Shin: the best tonkotsu ramen restaurant in Fukuoka

Ramen, those delicious Japanese noodles served in a savory broth, have become a culinary phenomenon the world over.

Markets in Japan

Immerse yourself in the daily life of the Japanese by browsing our selection of the best markets in Japan!

Crowds of people in a street, lined with shops, shop and cafe signs.

Ameyayokocho: Tokyo's vibrant market street

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.

Toji Market Kyoto: A vibrant monthly flea market at a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, the Toji Market transforms the serene grounds of Kyoto's Toji Temple into a bustling bazaar on the 21st day of each month.

Des vendeurs de poisson au marché Tsukiji.

Tsukiji fish market

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

Le marché aux poissons de Kii-Katsuura

Kii-Katsuura fish market

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.

Family Travel

Are you travelling with your children or are you a theme park fan? Discover the best places to have fun with young and old!

The PomPomPurin café in Tokyo, an unforgettable visit to the kawaii world of Sanrio

Want to immerse yourself in the adorable world of PomPomPurin, the famous mascot of the Sanrio group? Head for Tokyo's PomPomPurin-themed cafés!

Cabs Purikura photo booths no Mecca of Shibuya, more fun and playful than our classic photo booth.

Purikura in Tokyo: the photo booth reinvented with a Japanese twist

Purikura, the original and very popular Japanese photomatons, are a fun and unmissable experience during a stay in Tokyo.

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Nasu Animal Kingdom

Nestled in the heart of Tochigi prefecture, Nasu Animal Kingdom 那須どうぶつ王国 offers a unique immersive experience with nature and animals.

A deer laying on grass in a zoo enclosure

Ueno Zoo

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

Japanese Pop Culture

Manga, anime, video games... Japanese pop culture is seducing the whole world! Discover the best of these cultural phenomena.

Cosplay in Japan

Japan is home to a vibrant and passionate cosplay culture.

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Tokyo's VR Park

Tokyo's VR Park, located in the heart of the lively Shibuya district, offers a unique immersive experience in the world of virtual reality.

Nakagin Capsule Tower

Nakagin Capsule Tower

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

In Tokyo, Taito arcades (Akihabara) terminals together the most talented hardocre gamer.

Tokyo for otakus

The otaku are young people (or not so young) who devote their time and their money to their interest: the world of manga, animes, figurines, idols, and video games.

Nightlife

In the big Japanese cities, the nightlife is often very lively and it would be a shame to miss it during your trip to Japan. Enjoy it by browsing through our best places to have a good night out in Japan!

Les restaurants Alice au pays des merveilles

Alice in Wonderland restaurants and stores in Tokyo

Immerse yourself in the fantastic world of Lewis Carroll in the heart of Tokyo! The Japanese capital is home to five restaurants and a boutique dedicated to the iconic work "Alice in Wonderland".

Kosoan, la maison de thé traditionnelle de Jiyugaoka

Kosoan: the traditional Japanese tea house in the heart of Tokyo

In the heart of Tokyo's residential Jiyugaoka district lies a true hidden treasure: Kosoan, a traditional teahouse offering a timeless experience.

La façade de la gare de Tokyo

Tokyo Station

More than a hub, Tokyo station is rich with history surpassing its existence for over a century.

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Karaoke in Tokyo: Where to sing and party in the Japanese capital

Karaoke is a veritable institution in Japan, an essential pastime practised regularly with friends.