The Essential Japan Guide

Whether you're a first-time Japan traveler, an experienced Japanophile, or simply want to learn more about Japan's unique and fascinating culture, the Essential Japan Guide was created with one goal in mind: to help you realize your ultimate Japan experience.

How Will You Experience Japan?

Here is just a tiny sampling of all there is to see and do in Japan:

Plunge head first into the sea of humanity on the lively streets of Tokyo and absorb the youthful energy of Shibuya, the electronics universe of Akihabara, the far-out costume play (cosplay) fashions of Harajuku, the upscale glitz of Ginza, and the vibrant nightlife of Roppongi. Take a look at our Places to Visit section to find all of Japan's coolest spots.

Enjoy cherry blossoms (Hanami) at Shinjuku Gyoen in spring, amazing fireworks by the Sumida River in summer, the brilliant changing colors surrounding the temples of Kyoto in autumn, and lavishly crafted ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter. Check out our Discover Japanese Culture section for many more festivals and events in Japan.

Explore ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines found in historically rich and culturally important destinations like Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, and Nikko. See our Attractions and Destinations page for more!

Take a speeding shinkansen bullet train across the country while you gaze at a picturesque view of Mt. Fuji from your window. Check out our section on Japan Train Travel to learn how to get around in Japan by rail.

Spend a night in a ryokan and soak away your stress in a soothing onsen hot spring in Hakone, followed by a delicately crafted multi-course traditional kaiseki meal in a Japanese-style room decorated with tatami mat flooring and shoji paper screen walls and surrounded by a serene Japanese garden. Our Japan Lodging and Accommodations section provides you with the info you need to find just the right accommodations to fit your budget and travel style.

Experience the thrill of a Grand Sumo Tournament up close and in person, check out a Japanese baseball game, or take a front-row seat at a live mixed martial arts event. See our Things to Do section to discover all of the fun things there are to do in Japan.

Savor unbelievably fresh sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market, a bowl of artfully prepared ramen noodles, or some grilled yakitori with a pitcher of ice-cold Asahi beer or a warm bottle of sake. Our comprehensive guide to the foods of Japan will serve up the full menu of astounding food options to be enjoyed in Japan.

Sample an eclectic mix of foods at an izakaya Japanese-style pub, pile up a stack of plates at a revolving (kaiten) sushi restaurant, grab a bento boxed lunch at a Japanese convenience store, or gather around a grill with friends and create your own okonomiyaki Japanese-style pancakes. Our guide to restaurants will lay out all of the incredible dining options available to you in Japan.

Live in Japan. Teach English in Japan. Find a job in Japan. Do business in Japan. Study abroad in Japan. Get married and spend the rest of your life in Japan.....

The Ultimate Japan Experience is all of these things and much more.

And it is all waiting to be experienced. In Japan. By You!

Are you ready for your Ultimate Japan Experience? The best place to get started is in our Japan Travel Planning Guide section.

Your Japan adventure awaits...