When you hear the word ‘Japan’, what do you think of? Does your mind fill with images of ancient temples or futuristic cities? Do you see visions of mist-shrouded hills or lightning-fast bullet trains? Do you think of suit-clad businessmen or kimono-clad geisha? Whatever image you have of Japan, it’s probably accurate, because it’s all there.

Japan hits the travel sweet spot. It’s unique enough to give you regular doses of ‘Wow!’ without any downside. Indeed, travelling in Japan is remarkably comfortable, even with the language barrier thrown in – but it’s never familiar. Staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) is marvellously different from staying in a chain hotel. Soaking naked in an onsen (hot spring) with a bunch of strangers might be a little odd at first, but it is beyond relaxing. Sitting in a robe on tatami mats eating raw fish and mountain vegetables may not be how you dine back home, but it is unforgettably delicious.

There are many misconceptions about Japan. For example, many people believe that Japan is one of the world’s most expensive countries. In fact, it’s cheaper to travel in Japan than in much of North America, Western Europe and parts of Oceania. Others think that Japan is impenetrable or even downright difficult. The fact is, Japan is one of the easiest countries in which to travel. It is, simply put, a place that will remind you why you started travelling in the first place.

The wonders of Japan’s natural world are a well-kept secret. The hiking in the Japan Alps and Hokkaido is world class, and with an extensive hut system you can do multi-day hikes with nothing more than a knapsack on your back. Down south, the coral reefs of Okinawa will have you wondering if you’ve somehow been transported to Thailand. And you never have to travel far in Japan to get out into nature: in major hubs like Kyoto, just a short trip from the city will get you into forested mountains.

The best outdoor experiences:

The best food & drink experiences:

With its sensory overload, Tokyo is the nation’s trendsetter, whether it’s avant-garde installations at the Mori Art Museum or knock-out views from Sky Tree. Kyoto is arguably Japan’s most beautiful city, rife with historic structures like Kiyomizu Temple and Katsura Imperial Villa. Other top attractions include Himeji Castle, Nara’s Great Buddha, and Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden, but not to be neglected are small villages, like Mount Koya with its many temples, the mountain resort of Unzen Spa, and Uchiko with its historic district.

The best city & small-town experiences:

Standing at the far-eastern end of the Silk Road and drawing influences from the entire continent, Japan has spent millennia taking in and refining the cultural bounties of Asia to produce something distinctly Japanese. Traditional culture is only half the story: an evolving contemporary-art scene, dynamic design and a voracious appetite for pop-culture trends all help shape the fascinating old-meets-new cultural landscape.
Japan is known for its highly ritualised tea ceremony, offered in teahouses at many gardens, and ikebana (Japanese flower arranging). The theatrics of Kabuki, should be at the top of any one’s list, but equally entertaining are Bunraku puppetry and sumo wrestling matches.

The best cultural experiences:

Japan is famous for crafts ranging from lacquerware to ceramics (with Kyoto and Kanazawa being top destinations), but other fun shopping experiences include browsing department stores, antique and flea markets, streets known for their electronics and anime stores (like Akihabara in Tokyo and Den Den Town in Osaka), and local shops selling regional products – like sake, toys, handbags and other items made from locally made cloth, sweets, dolls, and much more – virtually everywhere in Japan.

Best places to go shopping: