Japan Holidays & Accommodation Guide

East Asia

asian accommodation guide

Japan is the famous land of samurai, geisha, and temples, but also of wacky gameshows, futuristic technology, manga and bullet trains. Japanese culture, both past and present, is tremendously intriguing, and unlike anywhere else in the world. There are also spas, mountains and beaches; whatever your interests, you won't lack for things to do. Most Westerners are increasingly familiar with sushi, but the sheer variety of food available in Japan's cities can be almost bewildering – although you'll enjoy the nightlife. Japan can be expensive, but you can find ways to make your budget stretch further.

Japan – Regions or Cities to Visit

Tokyo
Osaka
Hiroshima

Japan Holidays Planner

Tokyo is the capital, and is endlessly enjoyable. Visit the fish market, Tokyo Disneyland, jump on a ferry across the river, and hang out with the cool kids in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion district. Speaking of fashion, Tokyo is an excellent shopping destination – find electronic items, video games and kitsch souvenirs. Kyoto is Japan's ancient capital, and the setting for Memoirs of a Geisha. While it's very difficult to meet geisha unless you have connections into the 'flower and willow world', you can attend dance and musical recitals. You should also see the shines, parks and take a rickshaw ride.

Highlights and Icons

Akan National Park
Ashizuri-Uwaki National Park
Hiroshima – Shukkei-en Garden
Mount Fuji (Fuji-san)
Tsuwano
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Fukuoka
Nijo Castle
Daitoku-ji Temple

While the two big Japanese cities are must-sees, there's much else in Japan. Visit a traditional hot springs resort, like those in Naruko. You can climb Mount Fuji if you're fit and well prepared, or merely view its majesty from below. Hiroshima has a moving Peace Memorial. There are also several National Parks, where you can, spot bears or monkeys (most parks), paddle on lakeshores (Nikko or Fuji-Hakone-Izu), ski (Chubu Sangaku or Akan), bath in a volcanic hot spa (Shikotsu on Hokkaido Island), revel in spectacular scenery (Daisetsuzan on Hokkaido Island) or walk in steamy jungles (Iriomote in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa). The excellent public transport system makes it easy to get around; buy a rail pass if you intend to do a lot of travelling.

Travel Tips

Capital: Tokyo
Language: Japanese
Land Area: 377,944 km2 (62nd)
Population: 127,960,000 (10th)
Currency: Yen (JPY)
Time Zone: JST (UTC+9)
International Airports: 58 km Tokyo & 7km Narita
January Temp : 6°C / Rain Days: 6
July Temp : 26°C / Rain Days: 9

Japan Holiday Tips
Japan Travel Info
Japan is one of Asia's most famous and enjoyable destinations; it's easy to reach by air, but you can also get a ferry from Vladivostock, the terminus of the Trans-Siberian Express, or South Korea.
Back to the Top