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.

Ruelle Ă  Tokyo

New places to discover in Japan in 2024

Will you be traveling to Japan this year? Dive into an enchanting journey through new places to discover.

Azabudai Hills complex

Azabudai Hills: Japan's tallest building blends commerce and culture

The newest addition to the Mori JP Development Project roster of skyscrapers in Tokyo, Azabudai Hills, stands as the current tallest building in Japan, only being eclipsed by Tokyo Skytre

Fontaine de la Fraternité Magique

Harry Potter studios in Tokyo

Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter and explore the wonders of the wizarding world at the new Warner Bros. studios in Tokyo!

Sumida River Tokyo

The Sumida River is Tokyo's best known river and is a great place to see as visitors to the Japanese capital, offering numerous cruise options, and dotted with a medley of photogenic bridges.

See All articles (1086)

Parks and Gardens

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

parc de Showa

Top 10 parks and gardens in Tokyo

While Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, its atmosphere remains particularly peaceful and welcoming, in part thanks to its many green spaces.

Tree lined path with sunlight streaming through the leaves.

Yoyogi Koen

Yoyogi Park in Shinjuku is the ideal stop after a studious morning spent visiting temples and shrines. You will feel carefree upon leaving the park, which has a festive atmosphere.

Exterior of Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Emperors, empresses, princes and concubines lived for centuries behind the walls of Kyoto-gosho. Today the former imperial palace welcomes visitors and transports them back in time.

jardin botanique de Koishikawa

Koishikawa Shokubutsuen Garden

With more than 16 hectares, Koishikawa Shokubutsuen stands out as an essential garden in the Japanese capital.

See All articles (173)

Temples and Shrines

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

Sanctuaire Yasaka-jinja

Yasaka Shrine

The brightly painted Yasaka-jinja Shrine is one of the city's best known and most popular landmarks, especially the two-story vermilion entrance gate at the end of Shijo-dori Avenue.

Pond and exterior of Tenryuji Temple Kyoto

Tenryuji

Tenryuji is the most important temple in the Arashiyama area of west Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera, 'Pure Water Temple' in Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera is a very popular place to visit for visitors who want to discover Kyoto's history.

Phoenix Hall Byodoin Temple Uji

Byodoin Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Byodoin temple is considered the height of expression of the aristocratic art of the Heian Period (794-1185).

See All articles (440)

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.

Water pouring into a outdoor cooling pool in Kasatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts. Located in Gunma Prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, it attracts onsen lovers all year round. 

 

Yufuin town with hills in the background

Yufuin

Yufuin is a small town of around 36,000 people nestled in the picturesque valley below Mount Yufu-dake near Beppu on the southern island of Kyushu.

Japan Visitor - tenzan-no-yu.jpg

Best Onsen in Kyoto

Best Onsen in Kyoto: the city is more known for its temples but there are places to enjoy a hot spring experience in Kurama and Kyoto's many public baths.

Japan Visitor - aomori-ryokan-1.jpg

Aomori Onsen

Some of Japan's most fascinating ryokans are in remote Aomori Prefecture. These beautiful ryokans, traditional Japanese inns, transport guests into Japanese history.

See All articles (67)

Museums and Galleries

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

Borderless World

TeamLab Borderless: reopened and reimagined at Azabudai Hills

Few art collectives have garnered the international recognition and appeal of the TeamLab group, initially founded in 2001 in Tokyo, Japan.

La courge géante de Yayoi Kusama

Naoshima Island Tour

There are no temples, shrines or medieval castles to visit on this island in the Japanese inland sea (Setouchi), but seven spaces dedicated to contemporary art,  bathed in sunshine.

MORI Building Digital Art Museum

MORI Building Digital Art Museum: EPSON TeamLab Borderless

The MORI Building Digital Art Museum is a jewel of TeamLab, a Japanese artistic collective that continues to gain in popularity.

National Crafts Museum-Kanazawa

The National Crafts Museum

Recently moved from its original location in Tokyo to Kanazawa in the Ishikawa prefecture, the National Crafts Museum is a great asset in the conservati

See All articles (429)

Outdoor Activities

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

Tama and Shima, Tokyo's secret islands

While Tokyo is often seen as a busy and bustling megacity, its lesser-known maritime territory could not be any more different.

River in Kamikochi

Kamikochi

Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi Valley with its breathtaking views and scenery will create a lasting memory.

Bridge over the lake to wooden buidlings with a tree in the foreground.

Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a resort town, with beautiful scenery, museums and hiking trails for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.

A rope bridge over a river in Iya Valley

Iya Valley

Located in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island, the region of Iya is a Japanese jungle.

 

See All articles (168)

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.

Exposition Kyotographie 2021

KYOTOGRAPHIE

KYOTOGRAPHY is the Kyoto International Photography Festival, now recognized as one of the world's leading photographic events.

Yosakoi Soran Matsuri Festival

The Yosakoi festival takes place every year, in June, in the city of Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido.

Le festival des renards d'Oji

Oji's Inari Matsuri

North of the capital, Oji is a small district full of charm.

La foire du coq  Ă  Asakusa

Festival in Asakusa: Tori no ichi

The rooster market is a typically Japanese traditional event where Kumade, "lucky rakes", are sold in a colorful and lively atmosphere.

See All articles (189)

Shopping and Souvenirs

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

A water fountain at Venus Fort Odaiba Tokyo

Venus Fort

Venus Fort is part of the Palette Town complex in Tokyo's waterside Odaiba district, and is one of the many attractions the area offers.

With this blue vault, you almost forget that you are in Tokyo, Japan.

Venus Fort

On the artificial island of Odaiba, Venus Fort shopping mall presents another side of Japan, an extravagant facet advocating delusions of grandeur.

View of Osaka from Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas in Abeno ward, Osaka, is Japan's tallest building at 300m, 4m taller than the next tallest building in Japan. Its observation deck offers a fantastic view of Osaka.

Where to buy a yukata without breaking the bank in Tokyo?

Much lighter than the kimono, the yukata is an essential item of clothing for the summer season.

See All articles (136)

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!

irasshai concept store japonais paris épicerie restaurants cafés

iRASSHAi: the new concept store for Japanese cuisine lovers in Paris!

A spacious grocery store, two restaurants, a café, a bar, a take-away counter, a cooking class studio... All in a sublime, sleek, Japanese-style 800m² space in the heart of Paris.

kaiseki monya tokyo restaurant

We tried Monya, a kaiseki restaurant in Tokyo

We tried out the Monya restaurant in Tokyo, which specializes in kaiseki meals!

Pain et petites boules

What are the best bakeries in Tokyo?

In the land of sushi, bakeries abound. There are said to be more than 10,000 throughout Japan and several thousand in Tokyo. It is difficult to make a selection as there are so many good bakeries.

ramen

Where to eat the best ramen in Tokyo?

Ramen, a specialty noodle in broth, is one of the classics of popular Japanese cuisine.

See All articles (133)

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

Voices calling out from behind their stalls, traders dealing with customers. The smell of fresh fish, spices and candy tempt passersby. Welcome to Ameyayokocho. 

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.

Ameyoko, la plus célèbre des street food de Tokyo

Ameyoko, Tokyo's most famous street food market

Located between Ueno and Okachimachi stations, Ameyoko is Tokyo's most prominent street food market.

See All articles (22)

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!

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.

toyota-mega-web

Visiting Odaiba with children

Odaiba has been transformed, a small fortress in Tokyo Bay, built in 1853, has been transformed into a man-made island entirely dedicated to entertainment and relaxation. Today, Odaiba is a fa

Japan Visitor - moomin-20199.jpg

Moomin Valley Park

Moomin Valley Park in Hann Saitama Prefecture is a theme park dedicated to the Moomin characters created by Tove Jansson (1914-2001) and popular in Japan.

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan Park

In Osaka, the huge Universal Studios Japan theme park gives pride of place to the most famous franchises of the prestigious Universal film studios.

See All articles (47)

Japanese Pop Culture

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

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.

Cosplay in japan

Cosplay has become an element of the everyday landscape in Japan.

With 634 meters high, the Tokyo Sky Tree is the tallest building in the Japanese capital.

Tokyo Skytree Tower

A major attraction located in the east of the Japanese capital, the Tokyo Skytree tower offers an impressive panoramic view of the city, day and night.

See All articles (23)

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!

Top 5 bars with the best views of Tokyo

It is well known that the Japanese capital has a real effervescence that varies depending on the district.

Neon lights of a robot at the Robot Restaurant Shinjuku

Robot Restaurant

Flighting robots, futuristics choreography and other scenes of science fiction: the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku features performances straight out of anime movies.

 

Tokyo tower nuit

What to do in Tokyo when you suffer from jet lag?

With an eight-hour time difference between the two countries in winter (and seven hours in summer), a flight from France to Japan can be intense.

L'entrée du Golden Gai.

Shinjuku's Golden Gai District

Six narrow and crowded alleys, sometimes linked by even narrower passages, some two hundred tiny and outdated stalls, a bit decrepit: welcome to Golden Gai.

See All articles (148)