Japan holidays

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.

Millions of visitors stream through the red ‘torii’ gates to reach the ancient Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. Scale Mount Fuji in summer, or enjoy the view from the steamy comfort of nearby hot springs. And there’s no more iconic Tokyo experience than joining the masses under the neon lights at one of the busiest intersections in the world, Shibuya Crossing.

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.

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.

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.