10 Unforgettable Experiences in Japan

There is nothing quite like Japan during cherry blossom season. For approximately two weeks each spring (typically late March to mid-April), the country is transformed by clouds of delicate pink and white blossoms. The Japanese tradition of hanami, or flower viewing, sees friends, families, and colleagues gather beneath the sakura trees for picnics, drinks, and celebration. The best spots include Ueno Park and the Meguro River in Tokyo, the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, and Osaka Castle Park. The cherry blossom front moves north through the country, so timing is everything. Our Japan specialists can help you plan the perfect sakura trip.

The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is one of the great travel experiences in the world. Gliding at speeds of up to 320 km/h through the Japanese countryside, with the possibility of Mount Fuji appearing through the window, is utterly magical. The trains are famously punctual, averaging a delay of just 54 seconds per year. The Japan Rail Pass offers excellent value for visitors, covering unlimited travel on most JR trains including the Shinkansen. The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes, compared to over 5 hours by car.

A night in a traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) is an experience that connects you deeply with Japanese culture. Sleep on futon beds on tatami mat floors, bathe in natural hot spring onsen baths, and enjoy elaborate kaiseki multi-course dinners prepared with seasonal ingredients. The best ryokans are found in Hakone, Kinosaki Onsen, and the Japanese Alps. The ritual of onsen bathing is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, and the etiquette is simple once you know it. Your ryokan staff will guide you through every step, making it a memorable and relaxing experience.

Kyoto has over 2,000 temples and shrines, and exploring even a handful reveals why this city is considered the cultural soul of Japan. Start with the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up the mountainside. Visit the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji reflecting in its mirror pond. Wander through the enchanting bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Discover the rock garden of Ryoan-ji, a masterpiece of Zen minimalism. Each temple tells a story spanning centuries of Japanese art, architecture, and spirituality.

Tokyo at night is an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The neon-lit streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya pulse with energy, while the narrow alleys of Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho offer intimate bars and yakitori joints. Visit a themed cafe, experience a robot show, or explore the electric town of Akihabara. For a more serene evening, ride to the top of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the illuminated city stretching to the horizon. Tokyo's nightlife is endlessly varied and always surprising.

While sushi is perhaps Japan's most famous culinary export, the country's food culture extends far beyond raw fish. Ramen shops in Fukuoka serve rich tonkotsu pork broth noodles that will change your life. Osaka, known as Japan's kitchen, is famous for takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes). Experience a multi-course kaiseki dinner for the height of Japanese culinary artistry. Visit a depachika (department store basement food hall) for an overwhelming array of beautifully prepared food. Japan has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country in the world.