Discover Japan: Where Timeless Traditions Meet Tomorrow

View of the Yasaka Pagoda (also known as Hokan-ji Temple) from Sannenzaka or Ninenzaka historic street in the Higashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan.

There’s nowhere on earth quite like Japan. A place where ancient rituals and cutting-edge innovation coexist in perfect harmony, it captures travelers with its precision, grace, and originality. From the neon glow of Tokyo’s skyline to Kyoto’s hushed temples and Hakone’s mist-wrapped hot springs, Japan invites exploration on every level — culinary, cultural, and spiritual.

Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, sampling Michelin-starred sushi, or simply watching the world go by from an onsen terrace, Japan rewards curiosity. Many visitors find themselves returning again and again — not just to revisit beloved cities, but to uncover new corners among its mountains, coastlines, and islands.

Our curated Japan guide highlights the best stays, experiences, and travel insights to help you plan an effortless journey through one of Asia’s most captivating destinations.

Japan Travel Tips

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). Carry some cash — though Japan is modern, many small eateries and shops outside major cities are still cash-only. Tipping isn’t customary.

Language: Japanese. English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas, but less so elsewhere. Locals are wonderfully patient — translation apps like Google Translate make communication easy.

Airports:

• Tokyo: Narita (NRT) & Haneda (HND)

• Kyoto: via Kansai International Airport (KIX)

• Kanazawa: Komatsu Airport (KMQ) for domestic and limited international flights

Getting Around: Japan’s rail system is one of the world’s finest. The high-speed Shinkansen connects major cities seamlessly — grab an Eki-ben bento box before boarding. For countryside adventures, hire a car or opt for a guided private transfer.

When to Visit:

• Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms and mild weather

• Fall (October–November): Vibrant foliage and ideal temperatures

• Winter: Excellent for skiing and fewer crowds

• Summer: Festive but hot and humid — perfect for island escapes

Recommended Stay: At least 7–10 days to cover Japan’s key highlights.

Signature Dishes: Sushi, tempura, and ramen top the list. Try kaiseki ryori (seasonal multi-course dining) or yudofu (simmered tofu) in Kyoto. In Hakone, sample kuro-tamago (black eggs boiled in volcanic springs). Kanazawa is a haven for seafood lovers.

Quick Phrases:

• Konnichiwa = Hello

• Arigatou gozaimasu = Thank you (polite)

• Sumimasen = Excuse me / I’m sorry

• Onegaishimasu = Please

• Hai / Iie = Yes / No

What to Wear: Pack polished yet practical pieces. Comfortable shoes are a must for temple strolls and train stations. Smart-casual attire works for upscale dining. Japanese women often cover shoulders and décolletage but bare legs are common even in winter.

Local Etiquette: Trash bins are rare — carry a small plastic bag for your waste. Keep phone calls private when on trains or buses.

Where to Stay

Panoramic view out to the heart of the city from the corner suite at Janu Tokyo.

Tokyo

• Aman Tokyo – Zen minimalism meets skyscraper drama.

• Janu Tokyo – A playful, design-forward stay in Azabudai Hills.

• Palace Hotel Tokyo – Classic elegance beside the Imperial Palace gardens.

• Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi – Sleek modern luxury with panoramic views.

• Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo – Art-driven and pet-friendly, perfect for creative travelers.

Kyoto

• HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO – Refined beauty with onsen baths and views of Nijō Castle.

• The Shinmonzen – Boutique riverside retreat infused with Japanese artistry.

• The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto – Michelin dining and immersive cultural programs.

Kanazawa

• Hyatt Centric Kanazawa – Modern comfort steps from Kenrokuen Garden.

• Beniya Mukayu – A serene ryokan focused on wellness and design.

• OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi – Contemporary and culinary-minded by Hoshino Resorts.

Hakone

• Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora – Boutique chic with private in-room onsen tubs.

• Gōra Kadan – A celebrated ryokan offering kaiseki dining and gardens.

• Hakone Retreat – Scandinavian design meets Japanese sensibility.

*For personalized recommendations and exclusive perks through our partner networks, reach out to bookings@travelite360.com.

History & Heritage

Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, is a famous Zen Buddhist temple renowned for its top two floors covered in gold leaf. Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was converted into a temple after his death.

Japan’s story is one of transformation without loss. For centuries, emperors and shoguns shaped the islands, leaving legacies that endure in Kyoto’s shimmering Golden Pavilion, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, and the rituals of tea, calligraphy, and festival dance.

Today, Shinto and Buddhist traditions live harmoniously alongside futuristic skylines and bullet trains. Cultural icons like Studio Ghibli continue to inspire audiences worldwide, while craftsmanship, cuisine, and fashion keep evolving without losing their roots.

Things to Do

Traditional Japanese tea ceremony known as chanoyu (茶の湯, literally “hot water for tea”).

Tokyo

• Shop high-end in Ginza or discover street fashion in Harajuku.

• Visit Tsukiji Market for seafood or enjoy a sake tasting.

• Try workshops in calligraphy, kintsugi (gold repair), or ikebana (flower arranging).

• Tour museums from the National Museum to the immersive TeamLab Borderless.

• Watch a sumo match or catch baseball in nearby Yokohama.

Kyoto

• Explore Gion and Higashiyama’s artisan studios and tea houses.

• Cycle or take a rickshaw through Arashiyama’s bamboo groves.

• Wander Nijō Castle and relax in Shosei-en Garden.

• Arrange a private boat ride on the Hozu River or attend a geisha performance.

Kanazawa

• Stroll Kenrokuen Garden, especially stunning in spring and autumn.

• Visit the samurai and geisha districts for a glimpse of Edo-era life.

• Sample fresh seafood at Omicho Market.

• Take a gold leaf workshop to create your own keepsake.

Hakone

• Unwind in an onsen or cruise Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji views.

• Ride the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking panoramas.

• Visit the Hakone Shrine’s lakeside torii gate.

• Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Pola Museum.

• Hike the cedar-lined Old Tokaido Road.

Add-On Destinations

The Amankora – a collection of five luxury lodges in Bhutan, each situated in a different valley and designed to offer a unique experience of the country's culture and nature.

Within Japan

• Okinawa: Tropical beaches, coral reefs, and island culture.

• Naoshima: Japan’s art island — home to Benesse House and outdoor installations.

• Hokkaido / Niseko: Legendary powder snow, hot springs, and sushi perfection.

Beyond Japan

• Bhutan: Sustainable mountain escapes rooted in Buddhist heritage.

• South Korea: A vibrant blend of temples, cuisine, and K-culture energy.

• Taiwan: A fusion of tech-driven cities and lush, natural landscapes.

Plan Your Journey with Travelite360

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Japan offers an ever-changing canvas of inspiration. Let us tailor your itinerary — from high-speed city lights to slow moments in a mountain ryokan — with exclusive perks, immersive experiences, and seamless logistics.

Reach out to us at bookings@travelite360.com to start planning your next adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.