Holidays in Japan

Head to Gion at dusk, when the lanterns start to glow. Wander past Kyoto’s wooden townhouses, pause by small shrines, and take your time. It’s less about ticking things off, more about the feeling of being there.

Just outside central Kyoto, Arashiyama is where bamboo groves, river views and hillside temples come together in one very photogenic pocket. Go early for the calm, then follow the river past cafés and gardens on a slow stroll back to town.

Make space for one standout day. Go Mount Fuji hunting when the skies are clear, or take a powerful trip to Hiroshima. Both are easy to add to Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, and are the kind of story you’ll tell without being asked.

Shinto shrines aren’t just sights, they’re part of daily life. A torii gate marks the entrance, and stepping through shifts the city to quiet mode. A small bow is the usual hello, then keep voices low and follow locals’ lead.

Part sport, part ceremony, and surprisingly gripping even if you arrive as a novice. Watch the rituals and you’ll quickly understand why people become devoted fans. It’s theatre with real weight behind it.

This is a city that wants you to eat well and often. Follow the scent of smoky grills and sizzling batter, try the local favourites, and expect to end up in a tiny spot you didn’t plan, eating something you’ll miss immediately.

The best sushi experiences are the ones with a few seats, a chef in front of you, and each piece arriving at exactly the right moment. It’s minimal, meticulous, and quietly unforgettable, like watching craftsmanship in real time.

Japan takes ramen seriously, from late-night counters to lunchtime queues. Try a few styles, find your favourite broth, and accept that a 'quick lunch' may become a minor obsession.

Izakayas are where nights loosen their tie. Order a handful of small plates, something cold to drink, and let the menu lead with seasonal specials you’ll wish you could take home.

An onsen is a Japanese hot spring bath, with steaming mineral water designed for serious unwinding. Think open-air pools, mountain air, and that quiet, floaty feeling afterwards. Perfect between Tokyo pace and Kyoto calm.

Japan is full of waterfall walks, and some are closer than you think. From Osaka, Minoh Falls is an easy escape, a wooded riverside walk that swaps neon for birdsong, then ends with a proper rush of water.

Cherry blossom season gives Japan a different kind of energy. Cities soften under pale-pink canopies, and even the busiest streets feel gentler. Timing shifts year to year, but catch it right and it’s a spring moment to remember.

Japan does waterside wandering beautifully. In Tokyo, stroll the Meguro River in the evening when streetlights skim the surface. In Kyoto, the Kamo River is made for people-watching at sunset, when the city drifts outside.

You don’t always “do” Mount Fuji, sometimes you simply catch it, from a well-chosen viewpoint or a day trip when the skies cooperate. When it appears properly, it’s one of those moments that lands and stays with you.