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Travel Guide Japan
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  • View of Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous mountain, from Fujiyoshida
    View of Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous mountain, from Fujiyoshida Photo: David Edelstein, unsplash.com
  • Cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi park in Tokyo
    Cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi park in Tokyo Photo: Yu Kato, CC0, unsplash.com

Japan

Japan offers spectacular nature, diverse cultural and culinary impressions, unique pop culture and a variety of other wonderful experiences. The picturesque landscapes, which constantly change their appearance in spring, summer, autumn and winter, ensure that many travelers keep coming back. The wonderful blend of tradition and modern culture creates a unique atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

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Activities in Japan


hikes
mountain hikes
bike rides
runs
city walks
ski tours
trail runs road cycling routes mountain biking trails alpine routes long-distance hikes Pilgrim walks

Attractions in Japan


Discover the region

Great places to visit with the family
Ideas for bad weather
Accessibility
Dog-friendly hiking

Outdoor Experience

In recent years, outdoor sports have gained noticeable popularity in Japan. The word 'outdoor' encompasses a wide range of activities, and Japan's geography and climate offer the opportunity to do many of them. Japan is an island nation stretching from north to south, two-thirds of which is covered by mountains and forests.

In spring, you can admire the cherry and plum blossoms and fresh greenery while hiking and mountain climbing; in summer, water sports and rafting are popular; and autumn is the best time to walk among the autumn leaves. In winter there are many mountains suitable for ski touring and winter sports.

So go ahead, get out of the city and enjoy the charm of Japan's nature! Here we have compiled some tips for you:

  • Hiking Route · Akiota-cho
    Sandankyo 2-hour walking course
  • Running · Chiyoda-ku
    Running round the Imperial Palace
  • Bike Riding · Kyoto
    Kyoto city centre Cycling route around the sights
  • Mountain Hike · Japan
    Daisen Summer mountain climbing course
  • Hiking Route · Japan
    Konpira-gu Shrine worship course
  • Bike Riding · Japan
    Taketomi Island Cycling Course

Culinary experiences

Japanese food culture is now known all over the world. Sushi, ramen and okonomiyaki are among the most famous dishes. For dessert, there are sweet mochi or fine fruit - especially perfect fruits are sold expensively in their own luxury fruit stores. Japan is also famous for its traditional tea ceremonies.

But there are also a wealth of culinary specialties in various parts of Japan that are still comparatively undiscovered. One of the great pleasures of travel is to experience the local cuisine of each region and the seasonal produce that can only be enjoyed there.

Ryūkyū cuisine plays a central role in Okinawan culture and is favored by the mild climate. Wanko Soba noodles in Iwate Prefecture have a unique history dating back over 400 years. In Kagawa, known for its Sanuki Udon noodles, there are said to be more restaurants than grocery stores!

Depending on the season and region, there are very different dishes on the menu in Japan. So why not extend your visit and go on a culinary voyage of discovery?

Okonomiyaki: Popular street food in Japan
Photo: PR Image Factory, Adobe Stock

Cultural treasures

The daily life of the people of Japan, their traditions and urban pop culture stimulate the senses and make a trip even more memorable. There are a wide range of offerings throughout Japan, from small experiences that can be enjoyed in a few minutes between visits to historical sites and places, to full-day programs. Kimono making and Japanese candy making are popular with foreign visitors to Japan and also offer the Japanese themselves a chance to take a fresh look at the treasures of their culture.

Tempel in Kyoto, Japan
Photo: Sorasak, unsplash.com

Onsen: Japan's hot springs

The relationship between onsen and the Japanese is inseparable. When planning a trip to Japan, an onsen should be at the top of your list. Onsen are also the perfect place to end a day after mountain climbing or winter sports, as they offer the ultimate relaxation. Taking time out from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spending your days in a place with a hot spring bath to relax in the hot springs is an absolute luxury. Onsen are popular all over Japan. Each has its own qualities, and they relieve the stress of everyday life. A Japanese proverb says that onsen can cure everything - except heartbreak.

  • Hot Springs · Fukushima
    Higashiyama Onsen
  • Hot Springs · Nara
    Dorogawa Onsen
  • Hot Springs · Yamanashi
    Hottarakashi Onsen
Takaragawa Onsen in autumn
Photo: eariewboo, Adobe Stock

Green Destinations Award for Ozu

The small town of Ozu has made a special achievement in recent years and was awarded first place in the Culture & Tradition category of the 2023 Green Destinations Story Award.

The city is located on the island of Shikoku in southern Japan. After more and more abandoned houses were found in the historic old town, an organization was established with the help of which the original houses were renovated and new life was breathed into the town. The medieval Ozu Castle has also been restored in this move and is now not only open to the public but even open for overnight stays.

With this impressive overnight accommodation and the new hotels in the city center, Ozu is becoming more and more in demand as a tourist destination, although the city is certainly still a real insider tip. There is plenty to do around Ozu. The city offers cultural and culinary attractions as well as tranquil rivers, dense forests and proximity to the sea. Visitors can learn traditional crafts, explore the area on a luxury train or relax with a swim, a Japanese tea ceremony and meditation.

The Ozu Castle
Photo: NO37, Adobe Stock

Destinations in Japan


Regions

Show Map
Aichi
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Aichi. Browse through ...
Akita
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Akita. Browse through ...
Aomori
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Aomori. Browse through ...
Chiba
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Chiba. Browse through ...
Ehime
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Ehime. Browse through ...
Fukui
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Fukuoka
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Fukuoka. Browse through ...
Fukushima
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Fukushima. Browse through ...
Gifu
Gifu, Japan – A Travel Guide to a Hidden Gem
Gunma
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Hiroshima
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Hiroshima. Browse through ...
Hokkaido
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Hyōgo
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Hyōgo. Browse through ...
Ibaraki
You will remember your vacation in Ibaraki for a long time. Find information about attractions and ...
Ishikawa
You will remember your vacation in Ishikawa for a long time. Find information about attractions and ...
Iwate
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Iwate. Browse through ...
Kagawa
Kagawa, Japan is a destination that should be on every traveler's list. Located in the Shikoku ...
Kagoshima
Kagoshima, located on the southwestern tip of Japan's Kyushu Island, is a destination that should be ...
Kanagawa
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Kanagawa. Browse through ...
Kōchi
You will remember your vacation in Kōchi for a long time. Find information about attractions and ...
Kumamoto
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Kumamoto. Browse through ...
Kyoto
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Mie
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Mie. Browse through ...
Miyagi
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Miyagi. Browse through ...
Miyazaki
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Nagano
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Nagasaki
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Nagasaki. Browse through ...
Nara
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Nara. Browse through ...
Niigata
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Niigata. Browse through ...
Okayama
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Okayama. Browse through ...
Okinawa
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Osaka
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Ōita
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Ōita. Browse through ...
Saga
You will remember your vacation in Saga for a long time. Find information about attractions and ...
Saitama
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Shiga
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Shiga. Browse through ...
Shimane
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Shimane. Browse through ...
Shizuoka
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Tochigi
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Tochigi. Browse through ...
Tokushima
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Tokushima. Browse through ...
Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan is a destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. This bustling ...
Tottori
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Toyama
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Wakayama
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Wakayama. Browse through ...
Yamagata
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Yamagata. Browse through ...
Yamaguchi
You will remember your vacation in Yamaguchi for a long time. Find information about attractions ...
Yamanashi
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...

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