Why Visit Japan? Your Guide to a Thrilling Adventure!
23/04/2026
Japan is a country of contrasts where ancient tradition meets futuristic modernity!
Where else in the world can you explore a 1,000-year-old temple or a serene Shinto shrine in the morning, feast on sushi and ramen or kaiseki at lunch, relax in a natural onsen in the afternoon, and explore neon-lit districts like Tokyo’s Akihabara by night?
Our latest Destination Guide turns the spotlight on our top five reasons to put Japan at the top of your holiday list and our top five must-visit sights and attractions.
Top Five Reasons to put Japan at the Top of your Holiday List in 2026
1. Iconic Landmarks
Ooh…where do we start! Whether you’re a fan of natural beauty, ancient history, or modern culture; Japan offers the full shebang. Mount Fuji obviously tops the list with its snow-topped peak being synonymous with Japan; closely followed by Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha’s thousands of vermilion torii gates, the 16th-century green-roofed Osaka Castle and historic Himeji Castle, Miyajima Island’s UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine, Tokyo’s vibrant Senso-ji Temple, and Hiroshima’s poignant Peace Memorial. Modern-wise; you must experience the Tokyo Skytree - the world’s tallest tower - and the unique Shibuya Crossing!
2. Four Distinct Seasons
Japan experiences four distinct seasons; each bringing with it unique cultural experiences and natural beauty. Haru (Spring) is a popular time to visit to enjoy the famous pink-hued Sakura (cherry blossoms) and explore temples. Nasu (Summer) is hot, humid, and often rainy; but it’s also the time to experience amazing festivals and fireworks. Aki (Autumn) is perfect for witnessing the intense, fiery fall koyo (foliage). Fuju (Winter) can be cold with the Sea of Japan coast and Northern Japan often seeing heavy snow – great for skiing and snowboarding though – while the south remains mild.
3. Unique Experiences and Traditions
Enjoy the spiritual ritual of the tea ceremony and watch the Gion district’s Geisha dance and music performances in Kyoto. Tokyo leads you to sumo wrestling tournaments; while the Asakusa district lets you get the full Japan experience by hiring a kimono or enjoying the unique pop-culture at cute Maid Cafés. Try onsen bathing in volcanic hot springs near Mount Fuji, go sake tasting in Niigata, and visit the Cup Noodles Museum, Ramen Museum, and the Unko (poop) Museum. You can even get arty with ikebana (flower arranging), origami (paper folding), and shodo (calligraphy) .
4. Festivals
The calendar is packed to the brim with festivals celebrating Japan’s rich cultural heritage. From February’s Sapporo Snow Festival’s snow and ice sculptures to July’s Kyoto’s month-long Gion Matsuri with its huge, ornate yamaboko float parades and Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri Shinto festival’s fireworks and boat processions on the Okawa River. August’s spectacular Aomori Nebuta Festival - with its huge, illuminated paper lantern float parades and haneto dancers - is joined in mid-May on odd-numbered years by Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri festival with its 100 mikoshi shrines and a vibrant 300-people parade through Kanda, Nihombashi, and Otemachi.
5. Delicious Food and Drink
Japan’s food is a multi-sensory experience focussing on seasonal ingredients, artistic presentation, and umami flavours; equally matched by tempting and unique drinks. No Japan holiday is complete without trying freshly-made sushi and sashimi, a bowl of ramen, a savoury okonomiyaki pancake hot off a griddle, or a plate of yakatori grilled chicken skewers, gyoza, or tempura seafood and vegetables – with wagashi sweets and matcha green tea for dessert. Drinks-wise; Sake is best enjoyed with food or why not enjoy a tot of Shochu spirit or world-famous Japanese whiskey, a bottle of Asahi lager, a glass of Lemon Sour, or even a Chuhai cocktail from a can?
Top Five Places to include in your Japan Holiday
1. Kyoto
Kyoto is your gateway to experiencing a walk through Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine’s thousands of vermillion torii gates and visiting the striking gold-leaf covered Zen temple of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Step back in time as you wander through the historic Gion Geisha district and up to the UNESCO-listed Kiymizu-dera Temple. Refuel with local delicacies like sashimi and soy donuts at the vibrant ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ - Nishiki Market. Follow the trail through the towering bamboo stalks at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park at the top of Mount Arashiyama to feed the wild monkeys.
2. Miyajima Island
A ten-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima’s Miyajimaguchi Station takes you to the sacred island of Miyajima; where you can witness the unique sight of the 16-metre-high Itsukushima Shrine’s unique floating orange torii gate in the Seto Inland Sea. Head to Mount Misen to explore Daisho-in Temple’s statues and icon-filled cave and take a scenic ride on the Miyajima Ropeway to the summit to bask in amazing vistas. Shop for traditional rice spoons and tuck into local delights like grilled oysters and okonomiyaki on the bustling Omotesando Street.
3. Mount Fuji
The majestic Mount Fuji isn’t only a national icon but, at 3,776 metres-high, it’s also Japan’s highest peak. However you admire this amazing, often snow-topped phenomenon – whether it’s reflected in the waters of Lake Kawaguchiko; on a climb up the 397 steps up to the Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park; on a hike up its slopes via the Yoshida Trail or Fujinomiya Trail; or on a leisurely journey aboard the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway – you’ll have a memory and even a photo or two to treasure long after your return home.
4. Tokyo
Ultra-modern energy meets ancient traditions in glorious style in Tokyo. Visit Harajuku’s serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, gaze at Tokyo’s oldest temple – Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, and experience Akihabara’s unique anime, manga, and electronics culture. Explore Uneno Park’s Uneno Zoo, Tokyo National Museum, and cherry blossom trees; witness the cityscapes from Tokyo Skytree, and indulge in retail therapy in Ginza’s high-end shops and department stores. And we can’t miss out the Shibuya Crossing – the world’s busiest intersection.
5. Osaka
Osaka is just a 2.5-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo, but it couldn’t be more different – think food, fun, and nightlife with history and culture mixed in. Taste Kuromon Ichiba market’s fresh seafood and sushi and the neon-lit Dotonbori district’s street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki – Osaka isn’t called ‘Japan’s Kitchen’ for nothing! Enjoy Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World and get up close to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan’s whale sharks. Step back in time at Osaka Castle and Shinekai’s retro-themed district with its 103-metre-high Tsutenkaku Tower.
If we’ve inspired you to book a Japan holiday so that you can experience this amazing destination for yourself, why not check out our latest deals!