Discovering Japan: our topic by topic guide to Japan

Kyoto is more than just its temples and gardens. Behind its image as a traditional city lie neighborhoods with diverse atmospheres, each with its own history and must-see attractions.

In the heart of the former imperial capital, the Gion and Higashiyama districts embody the very essence of traditional Japan.

While Kyoto is famous for its temples and shrines, the city can also be discovered through simple, often free experiences that let you get off the beaten path.

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.

We all know Saihoji, Japan's most famous moss garden. However, the country also boasts several exceptional gardens where moss is king.

Kyoto is home to more than 2,000 temples and shrines, an exceptional cultural heritage that would be impossible to explore in a single trip.

Among Kyoto's most famous landmarks, the Golden Pavilion attracts millions of visitors every year. Covered in gold leaf, this Buddhist temple has become one of Japan's most recognizable symbols.

Nestled in the hills of eastern Kyoto, just off the famous Philosopher's Path, Ginkaku-ji is one of the city's most iconic temples.

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

The sento has always been a place of relaxation and socialization, an integral part of Japanese daily life.

From time immemorial, the sento has been a place of relaxation and socialization, an integral part of Japanese daily life. In Tokyo, over 500 public baths are still in operation.

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.

Hidden among the charming, forested landscape of western Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is one of Japan’s most beloved cultural attractions.

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

Rising to 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and one of its most recognizable symbols.

The best time to climb Mount Fuji is not simply a matter of picking a summer month—it is defined by a very specific, short climbing season, shaped by weather, safety

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.

In Japan, parks and gardens are in bloom all year round.

Kyoto is home to some of the best flea markets to visit in Japan! Stop by one of these monthly events and pick up some unique items!

Last September, FamilyMart opened its first clothing store in Tokyo: a concept store that benefits from several collaborations with Japanese designers and is attracting more and more visi

Tokyo, a metropolis of luxury and fashion, also hides a treasure trove for bargain hunters: its flea markets.

Kyoto may be best known for kaiseki cuisine, tofu dishes, and centuries-old tea culture, but the city is also home to an impressive

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

A bustling, cosmopolitan city, Tokyo is a hub for cuisine.

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.

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.

Tokyo Skytree, inaugurated in May 2012, is an imposing broadcasting tower located in Tokyo's Sumida district.

Halloween is a popular event in Japan, especially in the capital, which hosts numerous events throughout the month of October.

Tokyo, a bustling metropolis, hides treasures of tradition, including the enigmatic geishas. These refined artists, guardians of an ancestral art, fascinate visitors from all over the world.

Interested in Sumo? The Ryogoku Kokugikan is the place to be. The emblematic center of sumo in Japan, the Ryogoku Kokugikan will immerse you in the excitement of this age-old sport.