Japan

Japan is a country like no other - where the largest city in the world meets landscapes almost untouched by time, whose people are passionate about the new and yet simultaneously deeply traditional, and where some of the most advanced trains in the world whisk you at lightning speed through rice paddies planted by hand. Although Japan is one of the world's great economies and its culture and cuisine have become increasingly fashionable, much of this fascinating country remains almost unknown to foreign tourists.

*** Japan earthquake 2011 ***

Please check the current FCO Travel advice before travelling. The unprecedented earthquake and tsunami of March 2011 and the ongoing problems at Fukushima nuclear power plant have caused local disruption in the north-east, but the vast majority of the country - including the most popular holiday spots - remains unaffected.

Where to Go

The majority of visitors to Japan travel to the main cities - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka - but there is a huge variety of destinations and sights to see. Here are some ideas, but working with a specialist operator we are happy to organise just about anything you might want to see and do in Japan.

We have put together a suggested itinerary that acts as a good introduction to this fascinating country - see here for details.

Tokyo - Japan's modern, buzzing capital is a true world city where life is lived at top speed, 24 hours a day - but even here there are oases of calm and tranquility, not to mention the highest concentration of Michelin stars in the world!

Kyoto - Japan's ancient capital is known for its temples and tea houses which exist side-by-side with the glittering high-rises and international coffee chains in this fascinating city. You may even glimpse the elusive geisha in the streets.

Hiroshima - Out of destruction, the city of Hiroshima has become a city of peace and tranquility with parks, gardens and shrines that help to dispel the shadow of the past and where the newest of modern buildings rub shoulders with ancient temples and castles miraculously spared.

Hakone - Hakone National Park, west of Tokyo, is a stunning area of lakes and mountains, forests and temples, offering a very different view of Japan from the frenetic pace of city life, and iconic vistas of Mount Fuji.