Japan is the country of trains, with probably the densest network in the world, the highest traffic... It has therefore developed a culture of train travel unique in the world.
Yokohama Station is about half an hour from Tokyo with a Japan Rail Pass. It provides access to Chinatown, Landmark Tower and Minato Mirai district close to the sea.
The blooming of cherry blossoms, called sakura in japanese, announces the arriving of Spring. Incarnating ephemerality, they unveil their beauty for only two weeks.
The Chuo Main Line is a Japan Rail-operated railway line that goes between Tokyo and Nagoya, and is not to be confused with the Chuo Line (Rapid), which is the special section of the line that serv
The Chuo Line in Osaka is a municipal subway running west-east from Cosmosquare at Osaka Port to Nagata Station through Hommachi and north central Osaka.
Taught to Japanese students in their first year of school from the age of six, hiragana and katakana are the essentials prerequisites for learning the Japanese language.
From the Japanese megalopolis to the vineyards of Alsace, the Chinese countryside and the Mongolian steppes, Jean Freund fills his Moleskine notebooks with his stories. He likes to take the
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.
When visiting Japan, you might have to do some shopping at a supermarket, but don't be intimidated! Here's a guide to what to expect when shopping at a supermarket in Japan...
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.
Given the urban density of most of the cities in Japan, and the speed with which the authorities notice illegally parked cars, it is very unlikely that you will easily find somewhere when p
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.
With the arrival of spring, the streets, gardens and mountains of Japan welcome the cherry blossoms and the whole archipelago is covered in pink for a few days, a few weeks.
Since we are still not able to travel to Japan this year, why not make travel those who dreamed of discovering Japan by giving them Christmas gifts from the Land of the Rising Sun?
A permanent fixture on the streets of Japan, Koban or police boxes, are there to help bring order to their designated neighborhood as well as help lost tourists.
In Japan, Taxis are expensive, yet very useful when you've got heavy luggage or you missed the last train. Here are Japan Experience's tips and advice for taking a taxi in Japan.
In Japanese, nabe (pronounced "nah-beh") simply means pot. Nabe ryori (pot cooking) has become a generic term for meals cooked in a pot - vegetables, meat and noodles or rice cooked at the table in
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
Spring, summer, fall, and winter, Japanese festivals are held throughout the year and celebrated up and down the country. The type of festival varies from region and season.
This period saw 260 years of peace thanks to a strong political regime, unprecedented urban development, a flourishing culture, and refined arts; this is the Edo Period (1603-1868).
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.
In the land of green tea, there is no shortage of coffee enthusiasts or "Kissaten", coffee shops. Imported to Japan in the late 1800s and the first cafe opened in the early 1900s.
Commonly mistranslated as 'vertical pinball,' pachinko is a noisy, smoky, time-consuming, and hypnotic form of gambling that plays a huge part in the Japanese economy.
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.
A trip to Japan is simply not complete without a visit to one of the many karaoke bars or boxes available. You have not sampled karaoke properly until you have experienced it in Japan.
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.
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 ...
With its Mediterranean landscapes planted with olive trees along the Inland Sea of Japan (Setouchi), its mountainous landform, rice terraces, lush forests and long white sand beaches, Shikoku delig
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.
Put in drive and let the road guide you: driving in Japan is an experience not to be missed when you want to get off the beaten track... provided that you know where your wheels will take you!
Besides the blooming sakura and the blushing leaves during the koyo season; events well known to tourists visiting Japan, however, Japan also has many other natural wonders!
Japanese is a fascinating language for a Westerner, made up of multiple ideograms, many homophones and a grammar far very different from other languages.
The Japanese summer is hot. Very hot! Inside, the air conditioning may offer a break, but outside, you might find it hard to find a corner in the shade.
The image of Japan for many is often futuristic with crowded cities but Japan also has its small ancient villages, a more rural and quiet side of Japan, the heart of Japan.
"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.
"GOD" AS REPRESENTED IN THE WORLD OF ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS, A SINGLE BEING, CREATOR OF THE WORLD, TRANSCENDENT, DOES NOT EXIST IN THE SHINTOIST RELIGION.
Spiritual research, challenge or simple curiosity, takigyô or "asceticism under the waterfall", a practice of religious origin which consists of remaining for a few minutes under the jets
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-
Live a simple life, accept and appreciate the imperfection of oneself and especially of the world around us: this is how the outlines of wabi-sabi could be drawn, a Japanese aesthetic and
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.
Japanese cuisine is renowned around the world and one of its most refined and sought-after expressions bears the name of Kaiseki ryori , the Japanese gourmet meal comprised of several cour
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
Originating in China, this 1,500-year-old practice is now considered inseparable from Japanese aesthetics. Her horticulture requires knowledge and dedication.
Who said Zen was only for Buddhist monks? Jake Adelstein, the author of Tokyo Vice who has lived in Tokyo for more than thirty years, shares his practice of mindful meditation, zazen.
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.
Japan has closed its borders to many countries and the most popular sites are now deserted. This is a perfect opportunity for the lucky ones living in Japan or who can travel and explore these plac
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?
Zen Buddhism is known around the world for its relaxation practices. The proper name has even become an adjective in everyday language, synonymous with "calm".
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.
The "100-yen shop" is an institution in Japan. They cover the needs of daily life for only 110 yen! You can also find very inexpensive stationery and souvenirs to bring back from Japan.
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.
From mid-June to early July, it is the rainy season in Japan (known as Tsuyu). Wind, humidity, and heat, this time of year is often shunned by visitors.
Have you been studying Japanese at evening classes? Have you installed apps to test your hiragana and kanji on your commute? Do you have a notebook with lines of words written fiercely?
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
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.
Many places in Japan have been an inspiration to Hayao Miyazaki's movie "My Neighbor Totoro". From Mei and Satsuki's house, the two heroes of the film, to the forest of Sayama Hills.
Kyushu's Best Onsen Hot Springs: see a listing of the best onsen resorts in Kyushu including Yamada Bessou and Takegawara Onsen in Beppu and Otobaru Waterfall.
Top Ten Not So Famous or Hidden Gardens in Japan: we introduce ten not-so-famous gardens in Japan. These beautiful gardens live in the shadow of the top 10.
The Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage is an ancient pilgrimage route of 33 Buddhist temples, centered on Kyoto. It is most probably the oldest pilgrimage in Japan.
Manga covers a very large number of genres and is intended for almost every audiences in Japan. From adventure manga for teens to darker and more violent tales, there is something for everyone.
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 term wagashi refers to traditional Japanese sweets. Usually small, the size of just a few mouthfuls, they come in many shapes, textures and using various ingredients.
Mount Fuji is THE most famous mountain in Japan, its particular appearance of an isolated mountain with symmetrical coasts and a snow-capped crater has made it an emblematic place of the archipelag
Around July 7 or August 7, depending on the region, the Japanese celebrate the Star Festival, during the Tanabata matsuri, born from the fusion of Japanese and Chinese legends.
Prehistory is divided into two sub-periods in Japan. The Paleolithic, which begins almost 40,000 years ago BC, and the so-called Jomon period, which begins almost 13,000 years before our era.
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.
The Yayoi period (400 BC to 300 AD) is a pivotal period in the history of Japan during which Japan starts cultivating rice and the first sedentary communities appear.
The famous Arigatô gozaimasu is not the only way to say thank you in Japanese. Let's take a look at some expressions that can express your gratitude in Japanese.
Kyoto Tour: Two Days in Kyoto Itinerary: For those travelers to Kyoto who have just 2 days to see the ancient capital's many sites, what to do? What to choose? What to weed out?
The history of Japan is both rich and old, and it is often difficult to situate the many Japanese historical sites in time. To simplify, here is a simplified chronology of the History of 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.
Mount Fuji occupies a special place in the Japanese imagination, for the singular beauty of its symmetrical slopes and its snow-capped top and for the religious activity which developed there.
Hokekyoji Temple near Tokyo is an important Nichiren-sect temple famous for its cherry blossom in season and several historical temple halls and pagoda.
Top Ten Parks and Gardens in Japan: see a listing of the best Japanese gardens and parks including Kenrokuen, Korakuen, Kairakuen, Rikugien and Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa.
This period saw 250 years of peace thanks to a strong political regime, an unprecedented urban development, a flourishing culture and arts of exceptional refinement; this is the Edo period (1603-18
The mystery of the Japanese language, specifically writing, fascinates foreigners for its complexity of composition. Ambiguous yet subtle and delicate...
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.
A cross between an omelet and a pancake, cooked with numerous ingredients and drizzled with a thick, savoury sauce. Okonomiyaki is a typical treat of Osaka, Hiroshima and Tokyo.
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,
Japan is a country that has many festivals and festivals throughout the year, but it is during the summer months that most take place and these are also the most spectacular.
Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands of Japan. Located in the southwest of the island of Honshu, it is bathed by the waters of the Seto Isand Sea (Seto Naikai) and the Pacific Ocean.
Very popular in Asia, mochi is a traditional pastry made from sticky rice. It is also paired or filled with anko (red bean paste) and other ingredients.
Karaage (fried chicken) is one of the great classic Japanese dishes which is very popular. You will find this dish on menus in an izakaya or for sale in a konbini.
It was love at first sight for the Japanese and the Ramen: A love story that started over a century ago. Served directly at the counter, ramen is king with its undisputed flavors!
Tonkatsu, a Japanese culinary specialty, is a very common Japanese dish, which consists of a piece of fried breaded pork. It is found in different forms in all types of restaurants.
Rice and a garnish: this is a simple, hearty, and accommodating dish that can be served universally from one end of the to the other. What are these toppings?
Shimane cultural treasures: Shimane is an undervalued area of Japan and includes such riches as the Kaka Harbor and caves, Yuushien Garden and Mihonoseki.
For the Japanese, this fish-shaped cake, commonly sold as street food, in the shape of tai (sea bream) traditionally filled with red bean paste evokes the festivals and me
The matsuri are at the origin of the ceremonies in honor of the Shinto deities. They take place throughout the year across the Archipelago and are of great importance.
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.
The Sasaguri Pilgrimage is a very popular pilgrimage in northern Kyushu that visits 88 Buddhist temples along a 50 kilometer route set in the countryside and mountains near Fukuoka.
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.
Tattoos & Hot Spring Bathing: Japan has something of a taboo about tattoos but there are many places where you can soak with inked sink throughout the country.
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 center of the political and cultural life of Japan for more than 1000 years, due to the presence of the ancient and illustrious imperial capitals, Kyoto and Nara, the Kansai region enjoys a
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
Are you arriving at or wanting to reach Kansai International Airport (KIX)? Japan Experience will guide you through everything you need to know to organize your trip.
Winter in Sapporo: read a guide to what to do in Sapporo over the winter including the Sapporo Snow Festival, Susukino Ice World, Sapporo Olympic Museum and Lake Shikotsu.
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
