While Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, its atmosphere remains particularly peaceful and welcoming, in part thanks to its many green spaces.
Tokyo Disneyland: Tokyo Disneyland in Tokyo Disney Resort is the world's most visited theme park. Tokyo Disneyland is located in Chiba a short journey from Tokyo Station.
The brightly painted Yasaka-jinja Shrine is one of the city's best known and most popular landmarks, especially the two-story vermilion entrance gate at the end of Shijo-dori Avenue.
There are no temples, shrines or medieval castles to visit on this island in the Japanese inland sea (Setouchi), but seven spaces dedicated to contemporary art, bathed in sunshine.
Not far from the capital, there are some nice hikes to do in a day to escape Tokyo's crowds and neon lights. Mount Takao is the most famous, but there are many others ...
Yoyogi Park in Shinjuku is the ideal stop after a studious morning spent visiting temples and shrines. You will feel carefree upon leaving the park, which has a festive atmosphere.
Emperors, empresses, princes and concubines lived for centuries behind the walls of Kyoto-gosho. Today the former imperial palace welcomes visitors and transports them back in time.
The Imperial Palace, or Kokyo, is centrally located in Chiyoda ward, Tokyo, very near Tokyo Station. Kokyo is home to the Emperor of Japan and his family, and is where Edo Castle once stood.
Recently moved from its original location in Tokyo to Kanazawa in the Ishikawa prefecture, the National Crafts Museum is a great asset in the conservation and promotion of Japanese crafts.
The Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) in Odaiba Tokyo is one of the country's premier exhibition arenas and convention centers, a venue for a busy calendar of events.
The history of Sado Island, north of Nagano, is one of both a land of exile and the gold rush. Today, it is primarily a destination for seasoned hikers and a center of taiko drumming.
Awaji island (Awaji-shima) in Japan's Inland Sea is linked to Honshu island via Akashi Kaikyo Ohashi Bridge, and to Shikoku island via the Naruto Ohashi Bridge.
Located in the south-east of Kyoto, Tofukuji is a large open temple complex, with 23 sub temples. The temple is famous for its stone and moss gardens and has the largest Zen temple gate in Japan.
Steeped in history, the Toji complex spans the years from its expansion in the ninth century to its current collaboration with the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in France.
Destroyed during the Second World War, all that remained of Tokugawa's prestigious castle was the main keep. But gradually, the palace is rising from the ashes.
The shrine is dedicated to the two most important Japanese emperors and built to celebrate the Kyoto 1100th anniversary and named Heian, the city's former name.
Running from Nanzenji Temple to Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) in the northeast of Kyoto, the Philosopher's Walk is a roughly 2 km path that follows the beautiful Shishigatani Canal lined with many ch
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts. Located in Gunma Prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, it attracts onsen lovers all year round.
Ueno Park, in Taito ward, is home to Tokyo's most famous cherry trees, art galleries, museums, temples, a zoo, street entertainers, the odd proselytizer, and more than the odd crow.
One stop from Shibuya, the Daikanyama area brings together fashion boutiques, terraces, restaurants and bookstores. The perfect place to explore and escape the excesses of the capital.
Todaiji incites interest by its imposing statue of Buddha, its status as the first sacred Buddhist site in the province can not be put aside. The grandeur of this site commands respect.
On first impressions, Shinagawa is in an impersonal business district full of skyscrapers. However, this old fishing village once the water's edge has a rich history to discover.
Discover Japanese history through architecture, from the time of the Tokugawa shogun to warehouses from the Meiji period and the architecture of the Taisho era.
At the heart of an arrangement of memorial buildings for soldiers who died whilst fighting for the Emperor. The shrine seems so peaceful yet Yasukuni Jinja became very controversial.
What city can boast having an impressive stadium, an amusement park and a spa with natural hot springs, all in one location and in the center of the city? Tokyo of course!
The Imperial Palace, or Kokyo, is centrally located in Chiyoda ward, Tokyo, very near Tokyo Station. Kokyo is home to the Emperor of Japan and his family, and is where Edo Castle once stood.
Located in the heart of Tokyo in a wooded area of over 100,000 trees, Meiji-Jingu is one of Japan’s most famous shrines and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Formerly residential, the exciting Shinjuku area, dominated by the city hall, by the famous architect Kenzo Tange (1913-2005), is a concentration of skyscrapers and department stores.
South of Kyoto, the torii of Fushimi Inari Taisha, traditional gates at the entrance to Shinto shrines, lined up in their thousands on the mountainside. This is a must-visit place in Kyoto
Ryoanji Temple located in the northwest of Kyoto is home to Japan's best known stone garden. Now a World Heritage Site this a must see attraction in Kyoto.
When it comes to Japan's most beautiful gardens, Korakuen garden is regarded as one of the best, along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito.
Kofukuji temple was the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara family and is considered one of the finest museums of sacred Japanese sculpture from the seventh to the thirteenth century.
The Tokyo International Forum is a vast convention center, concert venue and exhibition space in the Marunouchi district of Tokyo, bordering the lively Yurakucho area, near Tokyo S
Voices calling out from behind their stalls, traders dealing with customers. The smell of fresh fish, spices and candy tempt passersby. Welcome to Ameyayokocho.
Plants mark the passing of the seasons. Here, nearly 120 varieties of moss have created a color palette of infinite varieties of yellow and green. Welcome to the Kokedera Moss Temple.
Located in southeast Kyoto Daigoji Temple was founded by Shobo in 874. Now a World Heritage Site the temple is a great place to see the changing of the leaves.
Kanazawa Castle is just across the Ishikawa Bridge from Kanazawa's prime attraction, the Kenrokuen Garden. Both sites are must-sees on a visit to Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Matsushima is famous for its view of over the bay, considered one of Japan's Three Great Sights. However, it offers visitors ancient cultural treasures as well.
Iriomote Island is the largest island of the Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama-shoto), the group of 19 sub-tropical islands in the deep south western waters of Okinawa Prefecture (Ryukyu Is
Flighting robots, futuristics choreography and other scenes of science fiction: the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku features performances straight out of anime movies.
Abeno Harukas in Abeno ward, Osaka, is Japan's tallest building at 300m, 4m taller than the next tallest building in Japan. Its observation deck offers a fantastic view of Osaka.
Mount Mitake, located in Ome, in western Tokyo and part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, is one of Tokyo's favorite day trip destinations, rivaling the popularity of Mount Takao.
These six large lakes in eastern Hokkaido will not fail to surprise and amaze you with beautiful scenery that you will not forget. Explore these majestic lakes in northern Japan.
Subway, train, bus... As in all major Japanese cities, public transport in Osaka is abundant and very efficient. A short guide to finding your way around in the capital of Kansai, Osaka.
"Washed again in Kurama, we had ascended to the sky without uttering a word, our hands knotted, riveted to the immense trees, drunk with azure and light. "
The traditional neighborhood of Gion along with its Geisha has contributed to making Kyoto famous. Despite an urban metamorphosis, the spirit of Kyoto positively asserts itself here.
Only about an hour by train from Tokyo, the Miura Peninsula, little known to visitors, is a rustic region bordered by rugged coastlines and spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum invites you to discover or rediscover, far from Western clichés, an art in its own right in Japanese culture: manga.
Odaiba has been transformed, a small fortress in Tokyo Bay, built in 1853, has been transformed into a man-made island entirely dedicated to entertainment and relaxation. Today, Odaiba is a family-
Ôkunoshima, declared " kyukamura ", literally "village to rest", is a small island located off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture in the Setouchi Sea (Inland Sea of Japan).
Six narrow and crowded alleys, sometimes linked by even narrower passages, some two hundred tiny and outdated stalls, a bit decrepit: welcome to Golden Gai.
Kamakura is often called "the city of the samurai" because the former political capital of Japan was established and then controlled by warlords for nearly three centuries.
The Pure Land Gardens at Shitennoji Temple in Osaka are a representation of a landscape called a Pure Land, a mythical landscape common to Mahayana Buddhism in East Asia.
From buildings linked to the famous Tokugawa shoguns, warehouses from the Meiji era, passing through the typical constructions of the Taisho era, stroll through the stree
In the land of sushi, bakeries abound. There are said to be more than 10,000 throughout Japan and several thousand in Tokyo. It is difficult to make a selection as there are so many good bakeries.
Tondabayashi guide: Tondabayashi in Osaka Prefecture includes the Jinaimachi district, a well preserved historic village that dates back to the 16th century.
This small neighborhood in the town of Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku is home to some 270 bonsai specialists who alone produce 80% of the country's bonsai pines.
Toyooka City Guide: Toyooka is located in northern Hyogo Prefecture and includes sites that are part of the UNESCO San'in Kaigan Global Geopark west from Tottori.
The Empire State Building is to New York what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. But what about the city of Tokyo? Which building really makes the identity of the Japanese capital?
Nikkô is very famous for its Tôshô-gu temple, but it is above all a very vast mountainous natural area, with multiple hiking trails. Ideal destination for a one or two day excursion near Tokyo.
Hita guide, Oita, Kyushu: Hita is often called the Kyoto of Kyushu due to its atmospheric historic streets which were in part indeed originally modeled after Kyoto.
Frequently visited by young people in their trendsetting clothing, Harajuku is a continually evolving area where excentric fashion meets luxury stores and vintage stores.
Best Onsen in Kyoto: the city is more known for its temples but there are places to enjoy a hot spring experience in Kurama and Kyoto's many public baths.
The otaku are young people (or not so young) who devote their time and their money to their interest: the world of manga, animes, figurines, idols, and video games.
Aokigahara, aka, the Sea of Trees, is a forest on the northwestern foot of Mount Fuji. Locally, it is also known as Jukai or "Sea of Trees" because of its high density of trees but is also
The Amakusa Islands are a group of beautiful islands between Kumamoto and Nagasaki prefectures, and have played a major part in the history of Christianity in Japan.
Takanawa Gateway is the 30th station of the JR Yamanote Line. Designed by the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, its construction began in February 2017.
Hokekyoji Temple near Tokyo is an important Nichiren-sect temple famous for its cherry blossom in season and several historical temple halls and pagoda.
High-end boutique addicts love the chic and shocking district of Ginza. Enthusiasts of contemporary architecture come to admire buildings tending to an innovative perfection of lines and shapes.
Otaimatsu Festival Nara: the Otaimatsu Fire Ceremony at Nigastsu-do Temple in Nara takes place in March; young monks carry huge, flaming torches around the open balcony of the temple.
In the Chûbu region, between Kansai and Kanto, stand the Japanese Alps: a large and majestic mountain range whose various mountains exceed 3000 meters in altitude.
Takahashi guide: Takahashi is a small castle town in the mountains of Okayama Prefecture. Highlights include Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle, Raikyuji Temple and Ishibiya-cho.
Hachioji is a city of about 580,000 inhabitants, located in the southwest of the Tama region west of central Tokyo; sights include Gokuraku-ji Temple and the Hachioji Castle ruins.
The festivals (matsuri) in Japan are colorful moments that often reveal another side of the Japanese: their customary reserve gives way to exuberance but perfectionism is always in order,
Shimane cultural treasures: Shimane is an undervalued area of Japan and includes such riches as the Kaka Harbor and caves, Yuushien Garden and Mihonoseki.
Arita in Saga Prefecture in Kyushu is the historic center of porcelain production in Japan. Arita-ware pottery is now world famous and exported all over the globe.
Since July 14, 2000, you can visit the largest dinosaur museum, if not the world, at least for Japan. Located in Fukui, not far from the traditional city of Kanazawa.
The northern island of Hokkaido is the last of Japan's regions to enjoy sakura blooms during spring. The latter intervenes there between the end of April and mid-May.
Tendo guide Yamagata: read a travel guide to the city of Tendo, the home of shogi (Japanese chess) in Yamagata Prefecture, northern Japan close to Sendai.
Discover the best sakura spots in the western capital of Osaka! Plan your visit and join in the tradition of hanami, admiring the cherry blossoms, with tips from Yann, our Travel Angel.
Kinosaki Onsen attractions: fun things to see and do in Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture in addition to hot spring bathing - temples, museums, walks and the cable car.
At the south-eastern tip of the island of Honshu, a stone's throw from the southern Kyushu, the city of Yamaguchi sits quietly on the banks of the Ichinosaka river.
Inaugurated in October 2017 in the Waseda district of the Shinjuku, the Yayoi Kusama Museum celebrates the ever-changing and extraordinary work of the visionary contemporary artist. We hig
Walks in the fresh air or visiting museums: you can spend more than a day discovering the magnificent park and the popular Ueno district, which is home to one of the largest markets in the
Izushi guide: read a travel guide to the small, historic, castle town of Izushi in northern Hyogo Prefecture which retains its original Edo Period layout.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountain Range" in 2004, the Onigajo site in Kumano is a natural monument steeped in legends in
When the cherry trees of Tokyo are about to blossom, it is then that the Tohoku region awakens, from Sendai to Aomori, the progression of "sakura" moves slowly from the beginning of April to mid-Ma
Fukuoka, on the southern island of Kyushu, is one of the first places in Japan where the cherry blossoms flower. This year they will start to bloom around 21 March, 2020.
In Ise, the Matsuo Kannon-ji dedicated to the goddess of mercy Kannon is the subject of several beliefs and legends that are particularly popular in Mie Prefecture.
The cherry blossoms, or sakura, are the great attraction of early spring in Japan, during which the population goes out picnicking in the parks under the swollen branches of pink flowers.
Ibusuki Naval Air Base Memorial: read a guide to a World War II era memorial dedicated to the young kamikaze pilots who flew suicide missions at the end of the Pacific conflict.
Considered one of the most powerful Japanese feudal lords, daimyo, in the country, Toshiie Maeda (1538-1599) established his warriors in the city in the Nagamachi district of the city of K
Salt production is very developed in the Noto peninsula. One of the rare places in the country where the salt workers maintain the traditional method of harvesting called agehamashiki seien.
Since the 8th century, the Hananoiwaya-jinja in Kumano has been recognized as a high place of Japanese cosmogony given the tombs it houses; that of Izanami, the co-creating deity of the world and o
Kyoto away from the crowds: Saki, our Travel Angel residing on-site, reveals her ten favorites in Kyoto. What to see in Kyoto? Which temples to visit in Kyoto?
Kyoto, its temples, its landscapes ... but that's not all! Make room in your suitcases and go shopping. Here are our tips on what souvenirs and gifts to buy in Kyoto.
The Kintetsu Shimakaze is a luxury tourist train that departs from the major cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to arrive in Kashikojima in Mie Prefecture for an unforgettable experience.
A little out of the way, surrounded by skyscrapers and a wall that gives it the appearance of a fortress, Osaka Castle, imposing and majestic, watches over the city.
The Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi in Japanese) in northeast Kyoto gets its name from a famous philosopher who regularly walked this route for quiet contemplation.
Located at the water's edge, Osaka lives to the rhythm of the ocean. In Japan more generally, the sea is never far and its imprint is anchored in the landscape.
Some of Japan's most fascinating ryokans are in remote Aomori Prefecture. These beautiful ryokans, traditional Japanese inns, transport guests into Japanese history.
Located in the Tohoku region in the north of Japan's main island and stretching all around Mount Bandai, Bandai Asahi National Park will delight nature lovers. And this, in all seasons!
Like many other cities, it's possible to enjoy Kyoto through various free tours and activities. Discover which shrines, parks, side streets and famous sites are free to explore in Kyoto...
Izakaya are typical Japanese dining establishments, similar to a tapas bar, where it's possible to eat and drink, often at a counter. It's also the favorite place for a casual post-work drink.
Subtropical and rainy, Yakushima is home to a special vegetation that attracts hikers: thousands-of-years-old cedars, thought to be the oldest trees in the country and the inspiration for the fores
Japanese shrines are places of worship for Shintoism, the original religion of Japan. During a trip to Japan, they are undoubtably among the most beautiful discoveries you'll make.
If Tokyo is famous for its parks and gardens which offer magnificent colors during the Koyo season, the Japanese capital is not the only place in Kanto where it is possible to admire the beauty of
Every neighborhood on the Yamanote line is unique. Whether it's the architecture, the people, or the shops, each station has its own identity. That goes for the food, too!
One of Japan's three most famous gardens, along with Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and Koraku-en in Okayama, Kairaku-en displays its abundance of flowers in Mito, Ibaraki prefecture, just 1.5 hours from T
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane and is the head shrine of 10,000 Tenjin Shrines across Japan.
Moomin Valley Park in Hann Saitama Prefecture is a theme park dedicated to the Moomin characters created by Tove Jansson (1914-2001) and popular in Japan.
Tsukuba Botanical Garden in Tsukuba, Ibaraki is the botanical research center of the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo with wonderful clematis.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park enhances the surroundings of Mount Fuji, as well as the Hakone region and Izu Peninsula. This park has one with the most varied landscapes in Japan!
Flight of Dreams & Seattle Terrace at Centrair combines an aviation museum on the Boeing Dreamliner with a mall of Seattle-style shops and restaurants.
Kinkasan is a small island northeast of Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region. It lives to the rhythm of nature and the famous Koganeyama shrine, believed to bring wealth!
Discover the beauty of Hanamaki, a town full of history and a gem of Iwate prefecture. Nestled in the mountains, today the town is popular for its onsen, volcanic natural hot springs.
Located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, not far from the Sumida River, the Senso-ji Buddhist temple is particularly popular with the Japanese but also arouses the interest of tourists.
The city of Oita is located northeast of Kyushu Island in Beppu Bay. Despite being the capital of the prefecture of the same name, it's much less known than the neighboring city of Beppu.
The coffee/tea break is of utmost importance in Japan as in the West!. With its hundreds of cafes scattered all over the country, Japan is a delight for coffee/tea lovers...
Arashiyama Kimono Forest Kyoto is an art installation of 600 clear, acrylic cylinders with Kyo-yuzen kimono designs around Arashiyama Keifuku Randen Station.
Okachimachi is a bustling historical market town in Taito ward, Tokyo, that showcases Tokyo's downtown commercial energy in its hundreds of small retail stores, including food and produce from all
Founded in Tokyo in 1980 by manga artist Masuzou Furukawa, Mandarake is one of the largest brands of second-hand items and collectibles related to anime and manga.
For twenty years, in the heart of winter, the small port town of Otaru to the west of Sapporo has adorned itself with its most beautiful finery (traditional lanterns, candles, illuminated ice sculp
A major attraction located in the east of the Japanese capital, the Tokyo Skytree tower offers an impressive panoramic view of the city, day and night.
The Edo Kiriko, literally "faceted object of Edo", is a type of traditional glassware that appeared in the Japanese capital at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868).
In the prefecture of Shizuoka and at the gates of the city of Hamamatsu, is Fukuroi. The city prospered for decades as the twentieth station of the 53 stopover towns of the ancient Tokaido route.
teamLab Planets Tokyo is a body-immersive museum in the Toyosu district of Tokyo, offering visitors a physical, full five-sensory experience, including water attractions.
The Fukushima Waraji Festival in Fukushima city takes place on the first weekend in August and features parades and dances on the theme of straw sandals.
Impressive cliffs, beautiful blue-green waters, and springs gushing at almost 100° in the forest like a corner of hell, this is the setting of the Oyasu Gorge, but above all a small paradise in the
The Geological Museum and Science Square are two adjacent museums in Tsukuba. The Geological Museum has a vast collection of rocks, minerals and fossils.
Shirakami-Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Beech forest that straddles Aomori and Akita prefectures in the Tohoku region of northern Japan.
Mystifying and enchanting, the author of Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away has created a museum with a diverse style of architecture that is quite unique and lavish.
Open since 1972 in the Bunkyo district, the Eisei Bunko museum presents a famous collection of more than 100,000 works, art objects, and historical documents from the former feudal Hosokawa clan.
In the prefecture of Shiga, not far from the famous Kyoto, is the city of Otsu and the Hiyoshi-Taisha shrine. This Shinto shrine is the counterpart of the nearby Enryaku-ji temple on Mount Hiei.
As Japan prepares to welcome foreign visitors once again, we invite you to discover 5 new magical and extravagant places, which are opening their doors this year.
The blooming of cherry blossoms, called sakura in japanese, announces the arriving of Spring. Incarnating ephemerality, they unveil their beauty for only two weeks.
From May 2020, passengers of the Tokaido-Sanyo-Kyushu Shinkansen are required to reserve a special seat with an area to store oversized or bulky luggage when they wish to travel with suitcases with
Whether you're a lover of contemporary art, traditional art and crafts or even Japanese pop culture, there's an exhibition that will interest you among our selection of winter exhibitions.
Tokyographie photography festival returns for its second year and takes place in the Japanese capital from November 29 to January 12 2020. Discover the artists and exhibitions not to be missed!
