Japan Travel Guide

A region-by-region Japan food guide covering sushi, ramen, Osaka street food, Hokkaido seafood, and Kyushu specialties, with tips on reaching the best restaurants.

A guide to the best onsen towns in Japan, including Hakone, Kusatsu, Ginzan, Beppu, and Kinosaki, with practical etiquette and ryokan tips for a perfect hot spring stay.

A guide to winter travel in Japan, from snow festivals and powder slopes to steaming onsen and sparkling illuminations, plus tips on staying warm and traveling safely.

A guide to Japan’s autumn foliage season (koyo): the best regions and general timing, where to find the most stunning colors, and photography tips for capturing them.

A practical guide to Japan’s cherry blossom season: when and where the sakura bloom from south to north, the best viewing spots, hanami etiquette, and how a private driver helps you skip the crowds.

The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan’s largest, and the surrounding San’in coast offers sand art, beautiful gardens, and a tranquil side of Japan few travelers see.

The Japanese Alps blend dramatic peaks, historic towns, and thatched-roof villages. Discover Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kamikochi, and Kanazawa by scenic road.

Okinawa offers tropical beaches, a unique island culture, and world-class sights, but its sprawling layout means a car (or private driver) is essential.

Nara, Japan’s first capital, makes an easy and rewarding day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, with friendly deer, a giant bronze Buddha, and ancient shrines.

Shikoku is Japan’s quietest main island, full of mountain valleys, ancient temples, and timeless onsen towns. Here is how to explore it off the beaten path.