Travel Stories

Apr 12, 2023 • 7 min read

Excellent roads, incredible scenery, towering mountains and vibrant cities – Japan is ideal for exploring on four wheels. These are our favorite road trips.

Mar 20, 2023 • 6 min read

Keep costs low when exploring Japan with these top money-saving tips.

Mar 4, 2023 • 9 min read

How to get the most out of discovering Japan by train, in six steps.

Feb 24, 2023 • 9 min read

John Walton winds his way through the mountainous Japanese countryside between Nagoya to Toyama on the charming Hida train.

Feb 23, 2023 • 7 min read

Japan has reopened, so it's time to look again at the country's greatest hits for first-timers and repeat visitors

Feb 3, 2023 • 11 min read

Japan may be small, but with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, there's something here for every traveler. Here are the best times to come.

Feb 1, 2023 • 7 min read

With our guide to all you need to know before your trip to Japan, you’ll be able to enjoy every minute of your visit.

Jan 31, 2023 • 6 min read

From buzzing cities to pristine island getaways, here's our guide to the best places to visit in Japan.

Jan 20, 2023 • 15 min read

Whether you are visiting Japan for the first or fiftieth time, these top experiences showcase the best it has to offer, both modern and traditional.

Jan 12, 2023 • 5 min read

Spring means cherry blossom season in Japan, but the romance is fleeting lasting only for a week or two. Here the five best places to join the festivities.

Nov 9, 2022 • 4 min read

From mystic mountains to mighty megacities, Japan is awash with iconic travel experiences. Here's what you need to know about visa and vaccination requirements.

Oct 19, 2022 • 4 min read

Fans of Studio Ghibli films will be able to visit Ghibli Park next month in Nagoya, Japan.

Oct 5, 2022 • 5 min read

Japan is easing entry rules on October 11, but does that mean it will be as easy to visit as before the pandemic? Here’s what you need to know

Sep 2, 2022 • 6 min read

From beach resorts just an hour from Tokyo to tropical island idylls, Japan's beaches are its best-kept secret. Here's our pick of Japan's best sands.

May 30, 2022 • 6 min read

Whether you enjoy natural hot springs or colourful spring blooms, here's our pick of the best national parks in Japan.

Apr 22, 2022 • 7 min read

With so many mountains, it’s no surprise that hiking is a popular pursuit in Japan. Here are 6 of the best hiking routes.

Mar 27, 2022 • 10 min read

Japan’s best cuisine and culinary experiences, from sushi and street food to kaiseki and izakaya, sake and tea

Mar 2, 2022 • 6 min read

Trends come and go but karaoke has been a fixture of Japan's culture for decades. It doesn't matter if you're a good singer, as long as you've got heart.

Feb 1, 2022 • 10 min read

Explore eight of the most renowned destinations for sake in Japan, three on a “Northern Route” and five on a “Southern Route”

Feb 1, 2022 • 6 min read

Discover how sake is made, the history surrounding it, and the ways it maintains its cultural and social significance

Sep 28, 2021 • 4 min read

Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with many natural sights to enjoy. Here are some of the best.

Jun 14, 2021 • 5 min read

Learn about Japanese food culture and restaurant etiquette with this extract from Lonely Planet's new book, Eat Japan.