Japan holidays

Looking for a slice of old-school Japan? A holiday to Kyoto is just the ticket. A thousand years of tradition is alive and kicking in its temples, alleys and kitchens.

Against a backdrop of neon lights and cartoon billboards, Osaka delivers playful vibes with big-city attractions like edgy museums, huge shopping arcades and celebrated restaurants.

Tokyo weaves together timeless history and space-age tech like no other city in the world. Explore the capital’s ancient temples, inspiring museums and unforgettable urban energy.

There’s a reason many visitors bring a half-empty suitcase to Japan — its shopping scene is legendary. In Kyoto, seek out pottery, textiles or lacquerware made using generational artisan techniques. In Tokyo and Osaka, hit boutiques for the next fashion trends. And don’t miss record stores for rare vinyl and the food halls of major department stores for beautifully packaged Japanese sweets.

Touring the country’s Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines is one of the most moving things to do in Japan. These religious sites range from large compounds to simple roadside structures. Shrines like Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Ise Jingū in the Mie Prefecture provide a glimpse into Japan’s culture and a moment of peace. Be sure to respect local customs — photography is typically forbidden inside the buildings.

Japan’s centuries-old traditions are a vital part of modern life. Set aside several hours for a ‘kaiseki’, a multi-course Japanese meal followed by a classic tea ceremony. Relax as locals do at a hot springs resort known as an ‘onsen’. For an immersive experience, book a stay in a ‘ryokan’, a traditional-style inn where you’ll dine seated on tatami mats and sleep on futon mattresses.

Made up of thousands of islands, Japan is awash in scenic shorelines. Many of the most popular beaches in Japan are in the southern region of Okinawa and the nearby islands. Tokyo dwellers find bliss not far from the city on the Shōnan Coast and Miura Peninsula. Head north to the island of Hokkaido for rugged beauty and snow-covered beaches in winter.

You don’t have to go far to find nature here — two-thirds of Japan is covered in forests and mountains. A day trip from Tokyo, Fuji-Hakone-Izu is the country’s most popular national park, with pristine forests, lakes, hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Farther afield, ski the mountains of Hokkaido to the north, paddle beneath the gorges in Takachiho, or hike the mangrove jungles of Okinawa.

While there are plenty of upscale restaurants in Japan, you can eat well at any price point. The country is known for its ultra-fresh seafood, most famously sushi and sashimi. But you’ll also find it folded into soups or fried in batter. Sitting down to a big bowl of udon, soba or ramen noodles is a must (show your enjoyment by slurping), or splurge on Wagyu beef.

You’ll find ancient pottery, samurai swords and more at the Tokyo National Museum, home to the largest collection of Japanese art in the country. There’s no shortage of modern museums in Japan — Naoshima is an entire island dedicated to contemporary art and outdoor sculpture. To gain a deeper understanding of how Japan was devastated by the atomic bomb, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is an essential stop.

Spring is a fantastic time to go to Japan — the weather is mild, and the country is flush with cherry blossoms. But perhaps avoid the crowds of Golden Week. Autumn is stunning and less busy in many parts of Japan. Winter gives you a chance to experience the cities without a crush of tourists. During the sweltering days of summer, head to the beaches.

With plenty of budget-friendly accommodation and affordable eats, you can experience the best of the country on a cheap holiday to Japan. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will run you around 1,000 Japanese yen (¥), and a beer will set you back less than ¥500. Take a short taxi ride for around ¥430.