- CapitalTokyo
- CurrencyJapanese yen (JPY)
- LanguageJapanese
- Best timeMarch to May and October to November
- Plug typesA, B
Japan rewards every kind of traveller. Tokyo is vast but orderly, Kyoto holds over a thousand temples and shrines, Osaka is the country's kitchen, and beyond the big cities lie hot-spring towns, alpine villages and subtropical Okinawa. Trains are punctual, streets are safe and the attention to detail is everywhere.
Top destinations in Japan
Tokyo
The world's biggest metropolis, from Shibuya Crossing to old Asakusa.
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Kyoto
Imperial capital of temples, gardens, geisha districts and kaiseki dining.
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Osaka
Japan's kitchen: neon Dotonbori, street food and a friendly vibe.
Explore →Landmarks & things to see
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up a forested mountain.
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Kinkaku-ji
The Golden Pavilion, reflected in its mirror pond.
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Sensō-ji
Tokyo's oldest temple, reached via the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa.
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Mount Fuji
Japan's iconic volcano, best viewed from the Fuji Five Lakes or Hakone.
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Osaka Castle
A towering castle keep in a moated park, glorious in cherry-blossom season.
Discover →Map of Japan
Travel tips for Japan
- Load a Suica or ICOCA IC card (or the mobile version) for trains, buses and convenience stores.
- Compare a Japan Rail Pass against individual tickets; for many itineraries single tickets are now cheaper.
- Tipping is not customary.
Where to stay in Japan
Tokyo
Shinjuku: Transport hub, nightlife and views; Asakusa & Ueno: Old Tokyo atmosphere and better value; Ginza & Tokyo Station: Upmarket, central and Shinkansen access.
Kyoto
Downtown (Kawaramachi): Restaurants and transport; Higashiyama / Gion: Walk to temples at dawn; Kyoto Station: Convenient for day trips.
Osaka
Namba / Dotonbori: Food and nightlife on your doorstep; Umeda: Rail hub and department stores; Shin-Osaka: Bullet-train convenience.
Getting there and around
Most international visitors arrive by air via Tokyo or the main city gateways. Compare fares early for peak season, then use trains, buses, ferries or domestic flights between destinations.
Japan FAQ
When is the best time to visit Japan?
The best time to visit Japan is generally March to May and October to November. Conditions vary by region, so check each destination.
What currency is used in Japan?
The currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for markets and rural areas.
Which plugs are used in Japan?
Japan uses plug types A, B. A universal travel adapter covers them.
What should I combine with Japan?
Japan combines well with South Korea, Taiwan, China.
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change regularly. Check your government's travel advice and the official immigration website before you travel.
