Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia. It is located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asian mainland, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south

Across Japan, you will find cultural heritage high rated by international standards. See industry-leading architecture and design, and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons, from magnificent gardens to department stores and cuisine. Leave the towns and cities behind, and discover hot spring hamlets in the mountains, white sandy beaches and an array of adventure activities.

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and one of the world’s most vibrant megacities. It's a dynamic mix of modernity and tradition.

• Shibuya Crossing: Famous for its massive pedestrian crossing, it’s an iconic symbol of Tokyo's hustle and bustle.
• Tokyo Tower & Tokyo Skytree: These towering landmarks offer panoramic views of the city. Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan.
• Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa): One of Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temples, Senso-ji is located in the historic Asakusa district.
• Meiji Shrine: A tranquil Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest in the heart of the city.
• Akihabara: Known as the electronics and anime hub of Tokyo, Akihabara is a must-visit for tech enthusiasts and fans of Japanese pop culture.
• Odaiba: A futuristic man-made island with shopping, entertainment, and attractions like the teamLab Borderless digital art museum and the giant Unicorn Gundam statue.

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural capital, home to hundreds of temples, shrines, and traditional tea houses. It’s a city steeped in history and offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese life.

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf and set beside a serene pond, one of the most iconic sights in Kyoto.
• Fushimi Inari Taisha: Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this Shinto shrine is located on Mount Inari and offers a beautiful and spiritual hike.
• Kiyomizu-dera: A stunning Buddhist temple with a large wooden stage that offers sweeping views of Kyoto and the surrounding area.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A peaceful walk through towering bamboo stalks, this bamboo forest is one of Kyoto’s most famous natural attractions.
• Gion District: Known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture, Gion is the best place to explore traditional tea houses and enjoy a tea ceremony.

Osaka is known for its modern architecture, shopping, entertainment districts, and vibrant food scene. It’s a fun and lively city to visit.

• Osaka Castle: A symbol of the city, Osaka Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers a museum inside that details its history.
• Dotonbori: A bustling area famous for its neon lights, street food (like takoyaki and okonomiyaki), and entertainment. Don’t miss the famous Glico Running Man sign.
• Universal Studios Japan: A major theme park with attractions based on popular movies, including Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minions.
• Umeda Sky Building: An iconic skyscraper with an observation deck that offers stunning views of the city.

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and skiing resorts, particularly in winter.

• Sapporo: The capital city of Hokkaido, known for its beer, winter sports, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.
• Niseko: Famous for its powder snow, Niseko is one of the top ski resorts in the world.
• Otaru: A charming port city with preserved canal areas and historic warehouses, famous for its glassworks and music boxes.
• Shiretoko National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its untouched wilderness, wildlife, and beautiful hiking trails.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A sobering and moving memorial to the victims of the atomic bomb. The park includes the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Museum, and numerous monuments.
• Miyajima Island: Famous for the Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the water during high tide. The island is also home to wild deer and offers beautiful hiking trails.