Japan, a land of consummate contrasts and incomparable cultural heritage, will fascinate you every step of your trip. Offering breathtaking scenery, time-honoured traditions and futuristic megacities, the Land of the Rising Sun weaves a rich tapestry of experiences you will remember for the rest of your life.

From Tokyo to Osaka, cultural highlights straddling past and future

Tokyo, the largest metropolitan area in the world, is a fast-paced and dynamic city that is hard to beat. Cloud-busting skyscrapers, dazzling neon lights and vibrant neighbourhoods, like Shibuya and Akihabara, make it one of the most frenetic destinations on the planet. Yet Japan’s capital offers the other extreme too: pockets of complete calm in its peaceful sanctuaries, such as Meiji jingū (Meiji Shrine), zen gardens and ancient temples. The country’s cultural hubs – Kansai, Kyoto, Nara – are veritable windows into the Japan of yesteryear, with countless Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and landscaped gardens to visit. Acclaimed for its outstanding cuisine and fantastically dynamic dining scene, Osaka is a prime destination for foodies. In the other cities on the archipelago, such as Sapporo, Kanazawa or Takayama, explore Japan’s living traditions at local festivals and tea ceremonies, a graceful ritual that has been elevated to an art form.

An archipelago of a thousand and one landscapes from Mount Fuji to Okinawa

The Japanese archipelago’s natural gems will also enchant visitors. Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic volcano, beckons hikers to explore its spectacular trails up to the summit or spectators to admire the scenic views from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. In winter, the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido Island transform into a wonderland for skiing enthusiasts. In spring, the enchanting colours that burst into bloom have earned their own ceremony, hanami, celebrated across the archipelago when the cherry trees begin to flower. While staying in Japan, treat yourself to a delightful moment of relaxation by visiting one of the many onsen, natural hot springs. In the Okinawa archipelago, soaring cliffs, coral reefs, bamboo forests, mangroves and Japan’s most glorious beaches beckon.