Japan
Located on the western side of the North Pacific Ocean, Japan is an island country, spanning approximately 2,400 km (1,500 miles). The majority of its land consists of 4 main islands:
Hokkaido – This northernmost island is well known for its mountainous and volcanic regions, with Sapporo at the centre of tourist travels. It offers great opportunities for winter activities, particularly during the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Honshu – The largest of the four and perhaps best-known region of Japan, it is home to Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji, as well as the country’s biggest cities, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, as well as the capital, Tokyo.
Shikoku – While it is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, it has a lot of cultural and traditional experiences on offer. One of these includes Shikoku Henro, or Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a route which encircles the whole island.
Kyushu – Known for its tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka and beautiful hot springs, this island offers a glimpse into a more relaxed, slow-paced living. You can take a hike up Mt. Karakuni or enjoy your time at Beppu Onsen.
On my first solo trip to Japan, I spent almost 3 weeks exploring the country. I organized some parts myself and took a cruise for others. I started in Tokyo and made my way down south, hitting places like Shimizu, Nagoya, Kyoto, Kochi, Hiroshima, and finally wrapping things up in Fukuoka.
This trip was my longest one yet, and honestly, it barely scratched the surface. Japan may be a small country compared to others, but it’s super vast when it comes to all the amazing stuff you can experience. Whether you’re interested in ancient culture or the latest trends, there’s so much to see and do—seriously, there’s something for everyone!
Whether you’re thinking of visiting the vibrant cities or the picturesque countryside, planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming. It did for me, that’s for sure. It was difficult at first not to overschedule my itinerary, especially with tourist spots I ultimately realised I didn’t care for. I wanted to stay and appreciate the moment while I was in it, rather than rush off to another place on the list.
So if you’re planning your own trip to Japan anytime soon, I hope that the information I share below will make it just a little bit easier for you, perhaps in deciding where to go and what to see. But also, I hope you find some of the tips helpful in preparing you for the most amazing trip of a lifetime!
Trivia about Japan
Number 4 is considered unlucky, as it sounds like the word for ‘death’. When travelling around Japan, you might notice some buildings don’t have a 4th floor, and no items are sold in sets of fours.
While not a traditional holiday, many families in Japan celebrate Christmas with KFC. Getting the special Christmas dinner is sometimes ordered even weeks in advance, due to its popularity.
Slurping is generally considered a compliment. Slurping noodles, especially when eating ramen, soba or udon, is a way to show the chef that you’re enjoying the meal.
When is the Best time to visit Japan
As with any destination, the best time to visit Japan depends on the type of holiday you’re planning and which activities you’re looking to do.
Generally, the best time to visit Japan is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
The spring season brings with it pleasant temperatures, up to 20 °C (70°F) and dry weather. From late March and all through April, you can experience the iconic cherry blossoms (Sakura), as they bloom throughout the whole country, from south to north, attracting both locals and tourists.
The fall is a great season to witness the autumn foliage, as the leaves turn to beautiful colours of gold, red and orange. This season brings with it mild temperatures, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking.
Summer in Japan (June to August) can get pretty hot and sticky, but it also brings some refreshing rain. Even with the heat, there are tons of cool festivals and activities to check out, plus you’ll find fewer tourists around!
Winter (December to February) brings snow with it in a lot of the areas in the country, with amazing opportunities for winter sports and festivals! Enjoy some skiing and snowboarding, followed by a relaxing time in a cosy Onsen!
Places to visit in Japan
There are so many spectacular places to visit in Japan, it is hard to choose just a few, but some of the most popular travel destinations include:
Tokyo
This vibrant metropolis is a must-see! Offering a unique blend of modern technology and ancient sites, Tokyo offers an unparalleled experience. Experience its lively nightlife by visiting a traditional izakaya venue. Walk amongst futuristic-looking skyscrapers and iconic sites such as Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection. Head to the Akihabara district to immerse yourself in gaming and anime pop culture.
Nara
The city is well-known for its impressive Todai-ji Temple, where you can visit the 15-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue within its wooden hall. However, Nara is most famous for its free-roaming wild deer, which you can watch, pet and even feed in the Nara Park.
Miyajima
One of the most picturesque places in Japan, Miyajima offers its visitors a chance to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine with its floating Torii gate just on its outskirts.
The Roaming Wolf 