Japan is back and booming. After years of travel restrictions and a global tourism slowdown, the Land of the Rising Sun is once again lighting up travel plans around the world. In March 2025 alone, Japan saw a 13.5% increase in international arrivals year on year, according to the Japan Tourism Database. The UK ranks high among growing tourist segments, thanks in part to a weakened yen, simplified visa procedures, and the irresistible pull of Japanese pop culture, from anime and sushi to samurai and sakura.
Whether you’re drawn by cherry blossoms, temple trails, futuristic tech or centuries-old tradition, Japan offers something that feels deeply different, yet wonderfully accessible. Here’s your full guide to planning an unforgettable trip.
Planning your next big adventure? Explore our 2026 Destinations Guide and Global Events Preview for expert insight on where to go next and what not to miss.
Why Visit Japan?
Japan is trending for all the right reasons:
- Affordability: The Japanese yen remains weak in early 2025, making your pound go further. Hotels, meals and transport are more affordable than in previous years.
- Simplified visas: New digital visa processes for many Western countries, including the UK, have made entry quicker and easier than ever.
- Cultural curiosity: From J-pop and anime to Michelin-starred ramen shops and minimalist zen gardens, Japan’s unique mix of ancient tradition and futuristic flair continues to fascinate.
Combine that with the world’s most punctual trains, clean and safe cities, and a strong cultural emphasis on hospitality (omotenashi), and it is clear why so many are asking: why haven’t I booked Japan yet?
Best Time to Visit Japan
Spring (March to April): Cherry Blossom Season
Spring is the undisputed star of Japan’s travel calendar. From late March to early April, sakura (cherry blossoms) sweep across the country in a pink-and-white wave. Locals and tourists gather for hanami (flower viewing) picnics under blooming trees, with key viewing spots illuminated at night in cities like:
- Tokyo: Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi
- Kyoto: Maruyama Park, Philosopher’s Path
- Osaka: Osaka Castle Park
- Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden
Top tip: Cherry blossoms last just a week at their peak. Use apps like “Sakura Navi” to track blooming forecasts.
Autumn (Late October to November): Autumn Colours
For a less crowded and equally photogenic trip, visit in autumn when the koyo (autumn leaves) season turns mountains, gardens and temple grounds into a sea of reds and golds. Cooler temperatures make it ideal for hiking and temple-hopping.
Top Places to Visit in Japan
Tokyo: Electric Energy Meets Tradition
Japan’s capital is a sensory overload in the best way. Neon-lit skyscrapers stand beside tranquil shrines, and vending machines coexist with centuries-old teahouses.
Must-dos:
- Shibuya Crossing: The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing
- TeamLab Planets: Immersive digital art experience
- Asakusa: Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple
- Ghibli Park (Mitaka): Hunt for Studio Ghibli details in Tokyo’s magical animation playground
What to eat: Slurp on tonkotsu ramen at 2 am in Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho.
Kyoto: Japan’s Cultural Heart
If Tokyo is the future, Kyoto is the soul. With over 1,600 Buddhist temples, serene gardens and traditional tea houses, it’s the best place to get a taste of “old Japan.”
Must-dos:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Iconic red torii gate tunnel
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Gleaming lakeside temple
- Gion District: Spot geisha or attend a tea ceremony
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Ethereal, photogenic forest path
Hakone and Mount Fuji: Nature and Onsen Escape
Just an hour from Tokyo, Hakone offers hot springs (onsen), lake cruises and clear views of Mount Fuji on crisp days.
Must-dos:
- Outdoor onsen bath with a view of Mount Fuji
- Hakone Ropeway: Cable car over steaming volcanic terrain
- Open Air Museum: Stunning sculptures in a forested setting
Hiroshima: History and Hope
A humbling but vital stop, Hiroshima tells a story of resilience after tragedy.
Must-dos:
- Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island (with its famous floating torii gate)
Getting Around: The Japan Rail Pass
Japan’s train network is world-famous for a reason. Shinkansen (bullet trains) travel up to 320 km/h and make cross-country travel efficient and smooth.
Top tip:
Buy a Japan Rail Pass before you arrive and download it to your Apple or Google Wallet. Choose between 7, 14 or 21-day passes depending on your route.
The pass now includes most bullet trains, even the Nozomi on selected routes.
Essential Travel Tips
- Language: English is spoken in major cities, but less so in rural areas. Google Translate’s camera function is extremely helpful.
- Cash is still widely used: Despite its tech-forward reputation, many places prefer cash. Use 7-Eleven ATMs for international withdrawals.
- Shoes off: Always remove your shoes before entering homes, ryokan (inns), and some temples.
- Tipping: Not customary. Your politeness is appreciated more than cash.
- Connectivity: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or buy a Japanese eSIM to stay connected on the go.
What to Eat in Japan
Food in Japan is a cultural experience and an adventure for the senses.
Must-try dishes:
- Tonkotsu ramen (Fukuoka): Rich pork broth with thin noodles
- Okonomiyaki (Osaka): Savoury pancake layered with toppings
- Kaiseki (Kyoto): Seasonal multi-course dining
- Convenience store food: Bento boxes, onigiri, and desserts worth trying
Useful Japanese Phrases
| Phrase | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | こんにちは | Konnichiwa |
| Thank you | ありがとう | Arigatou |
| Excuse me / Sorry | すみません | Sumimasen |
| Yes / No | はい / いいえ | Hai / Iie |
| Do you speak English? | 英語を話せますか？ | Eigo o hanasemasu ka? |
| Where is the station? | 駅はどこですか？ | Eki wa doko desu ka? |
Final Thoughts: A Land of Contrast and Harmony
Japan is a country where vending machines serve hot coffee next to thousand-year-old shrines. It is where you can wake up in a tatami-matted inn, take a bullet train through alpine landscapes, and eat conveyor belt sushi by dinner. It is polite, precise, safe and endlessly fascinating.
With visitor numbers rising, favourable exchange rates and picture-perfect seasons just ahead, there has never been a better moment to book the trip. The torii gates are waiting.
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