Compare Japan holidays

Lose yourself in some of the most vibrant cities on the planet. Explore some of Asia’s most spiritual sites. Eat, drink, dance and immerse yourself in unique art and nature. There’s little you can’t do in Japan.

Food and drink

With one of the world’s largest fresh fish markets and 180 of Japan’s staggering 387 Michelin stars, Tokyo takes the crown as Japan’s foodie capital.

You’ll need to try the saltier and sweeter Edo-style sushi but leave room for other local specialities. Head to Tsukishima Monja Street to dig into meat, fish and cabbage-packed pancakes known as monjayaki. A true Tokyo delicacy.

In Kyoto City, teahouses top the bill. No trip here is complete without a cup or two of matcha and some wagashi sweets – the Japanese take on afternoon coffee and cake. The city’s chefs can also work magic with tofu, transforming it into deliciously grilled, baked and fried delights.

Add in a visit to Kobe for a cut of its world-renowned beef, and warm up with some sake for the full experience.

Take the train

Japan’s bullet trains are an attraction in themselves. Travelling at up to 320km/h (199mph), they carry passengers the length and breadth of the country, from Kagoshima in the south to Hakodate in the north.

Bullet trains connect the capital to most major cities in a few hours. If you want to take in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima in no time at all, or ride the rails purely for the experience, it’s definitely one to add to your itinerary.

Visit a festival

Depending on the time of your visit, you can taste the best of the country’s signature dishes at the Hokkaido Fair in autumn, walk through a winter wonderland at the Sapporo Snow Festival or watch the floats go by at the enormous Gion Matsuri in Kyoto.

The springtime Hanami flower festival really raises the bar, turning most of the country into a floral experience. Head to Tokyo, Yokohama or Yoshino in March or early April for food, drinks and dancing beneath the cherry blossoms.

Get spiritual

Japan’s ancient spiritual and religious culture still thrives alongside its modern metropolises. For a tour of its most sacred temples, pay a visit to Koyasan. Here you can stay with Shingon monks, meditate, chant mantras and eat authentic Buddhist cuisine.

To take in Japan’s spiritual side without leaving the city, visit a Shinto shrine where you can unwind, reflect and offer up a prayer to the deities. The oldest shrine, Izumo Taisha, is in Tokyo.

Explore the islands

Your Japanese holiday itinerary should include the country’s beautiful islands. The Pacific’s Okinawa archipelago has idyllic white stretches of sand, transparent waters, mangroves, mountains and a world of wildlife. The main island, Okinawa Honto, is easy to reach by plane or boat from Tokyo and connects to Ishigaki and the more remote island getaways.

Plan your holiday to Japan in the winter for the best of snowy Sapporo or come in spring to witness the magic of cherry blossoms. Kyoto is astonishing in autumn, while the islands are best in the warmer months.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

The Japanese winter is the cheapest time to visit. Book outside the festive season, in January and February, for cheaper flights and accommodation.

While the early part of the year can be cold, with lows of below freezing, there is still plenty to do, with ski resorts, hot springs and winter festivals in full swing.

When should I go for the best weather?

The best time to get outside and explore Japan is during the spring or autumn. Visit in March, April, October or November for pleasant sunny, dry days. While the summer months between May and September are hotter, they are often wetter and more humid.

For family holidays

Japan is packed with world-class theme parks. If you’re a family of white-knuckle roller coaster riders, book a stay near Osaka’s Universal Studios, Tokyo Disneyland or the Manga-inspired Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island. Or find a place to stay that appeals most and use the bullet train to tick off all three – and some.

Sapporo is fun, family friendly and much less crowded than Tokyo and other major cities. Its Asahiyama Zoo, Otaru Aquarium and Moerenuma Park are a win for the whole family.

For cheap holidays

You can pick up cheap flights and affordable stays in both Tokyo and Osaka if you visit outside peak tourist season. If you’re on a really tight budget, stay outside the city or consider hostels and capsule hotels to bring down the price.

Kobe is another great option for cheap holidays to Japan. Cheaper than most major cities, Kobe has plenty of temples, bars and restaurants to keep you entertained day and night. And if you yearn for somewhere bigger, it’s just a 20-minute train journey from Osaka.

For couples holidays

The beautiful mountain town of Hakone is perfect for a couples getaway. Hot springs, natural spas, spiritual sites and boat trips across Lake Ashinoko make every night date night.

For a romantic city break, consider Kyoto. Visit in the spring to walk hand in hand among the cherry blossoms of the Philosopher’s Path before an al fresco dinner for two beside the Kamo River.

Before you leave, make time to wander through the colourful fabric lanterns of Kimono Forest. Visit at night to see it illuminated in all its glory.

For winter sports holidays

Hokkaido island has Japan’s best snow. Its Niseko resort is great for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, with plenty of easier runs working up to much more demanding off-piste delights.

Its smaller neighbour, Rusutsu, is ideal for beginners and better if you prefer your slopes a little less crowded. The resorts are 24km (15 miles) apart, on either side of Mount Yōtei, so you can very easily visit both on the same trip if you feel like switching it up.

For cultural holidays

Kyoto is a window into this captivating nation and the best place to immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture.

While it has all the accessibility and facilities of a modern city, it remains closely connected to the Japan of the past – think ancient temples, geisha communities and enormous bamboo forests.

Be sure to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine to take a moment of zen by its famous red gates and walk along the surrounding trails.