Japan is a very safe country where you can travel with peace of mind. However, two things can scare off travellers; sexual assaults and the fallout from the nuclear accident.

Japan today: presentation and safely

Nature has always played an important role in Japanese culture, and the tradition survives with the celebration of the arrival of spring by observing the cherry blossoms. Here is some advice about this festival, the <em>hanami</em>, and the best places to observe the trees in full blossom.

Go to see the cherry trees in Tokyo

The Ainu are an aborigine population living in Hokkaido and in the extreme east of Russia. This population is considered to be the indigenous population of Hokkaido and even of Japan, as they arrived around 1300 before Jesus Christ. Different places in Hokkaido allow you to understand their culture and traditions.<br>

On the tracks of the Ainu in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is a <strong>hiker's paradise</strong>, thanks to its majestic, wild mountainous landscapes.
 Its national parks provide <strong>stunning views</strong> as well as a wealth of plant and animal life.
 Some are very isolated and difficult to access, but offer, nonetheless, a great sense of freedom.


Hiking in the stunning countryside of Hokkaido


The imperial capital of Japan for more than 10 centuries, Kyōto is one of the largest cities of the country with more than 1.4 million inhabitants.

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Kyoto

A town that blends the old with the new. The old part of town will give you an insight into traditional Japanese life, but without the hordes of tourists that you'll find in Kyoto.

Kanazawa

Shinjuku is home to one of the busiest stations in the world! In the evening, this district of Tokyo remains lively and colourful.

Shinjuku

Japan's capital, Tokyo is one of the world's biggest metropolises and will unavoidably constitute an important stopping place for any traveller visiting the country.

Tokyo

One of the major Buddhists centres of Japan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, many Japanese go to Koya-san in pilgrimage.

Koya-san

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<p>The Okuno-In is a huge cemetery sheltered by cedar trees. It is the most beautiful place in Koya-san. There are many jizos, or ancient tombs, but also many more original ones, such as the monument funded by an insecticide company in memorial to all the termites they have exterminated. There is a something uniquely Japanese about the atmosphere of the place. <br><br>There are also 5 large temple complexes to see in the city, each with its particularities: pagodas, museums, etc. It is possible to participate in an introduction to Buddhism, with the delivery of a certificate at the end of the session.</p>
<p>If you have the time, go to discover the surroundings and the pilgrimage trails which cross Mount Kii. </p>
<p>You can find articles about my latest visit to Koyasan on my personal website.</p>

<strong>One of the major Buddhists centres of Japan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site</strong>, many Japanese go to Koya-san in pilgrimage.

The best local travel agencies in Japan for family tours with kids

Family trip ideas in Japan

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">A <strong>family vacation to Japan</strong> is a chance for you and your kids to experience a very unique country. Tokyo's neon-lit streets and cherry blossoms at Yokohama's Shomyo Temple are some of the country's unforgettable sights. Kids will love a trip to places like Tokyo's electronics district, and authentic cultural experiences like a Japanese tea ceremony.</span></p><h3>What makes Japan a great destination for families?</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><a data-destination-id="99" data-internal-link="destination">Japan</a></strong> is known as being one of the world's safest countries, and families with kids of all ages will have a great time exploring both its cities and rural areas. There are lots of excursions for the entire family, and a range of suitable accommodation options including traditional hotels and guesthouses.</span></p><h3>The best things to do in Japan with kids</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">With the Land of the Rising Sun being full of interesting cultural experiences, you can't go wrong with family trips in Japan. Tokyo is the clear option for a classic Japanese holiday, with the chance to see additional sights outside of the capital.<br></span></p><ul><li><h4>High-tech fun in Tokyo</h4><strong><a data-place-id="4480" data-internal-link="place">Tokyo</a></strong> is understandably Japan's most popular destination. Kids will love finding rare video games and toys in the Akihabara district. RiSuPia Panasonic Digital Network Museum features tech exhibits explained on iPads given to each visitor.<br></li><li><h4>Play and learn at Osaka's Kids Plaza</h4>Japan's second city is an excellent destination, reachable by bullet train from Tokyo or worth a stay in its own right. Kids Plaza <strong><a data-place-id="7797" data-internal-link="place">Osaka</a></strong> is a modern science museum with hands-on learning experiences, perfect for a family day out.<br></li><li><h4>Visit Yokohama's historic port</h4>Yokohama is a charming city on Japan's east coast, especially for families seeking an authentic visit. Shomyo Temple is magnificent during the spring cherry blossom season. Combine this with a visit to a tea ceremony room for the ultimate cultural experience in Japan.<br></li><li><h4>Take a trip to mighty Mount Fuji</h4><strong><a data-place-id="7795" data-internal-link="place">Mount Fuji</a></strong> is Japan's tallest and most famous mountain. It's often visible from the capital on clear days, and you can take a trip there by bus, making it a superb <strong>trip for families in Japan</strong>. It departs from Tokyo's Shinjuku neighborhood, taking just a couple of hours.<br></li><li><h4>Ice sculptures and skiing in Sapporo</h4>The gorgeous city of <strong><a data-place-id="11857" data-internal-link="place">Sapporo</a></strong> is located in Japan's far north. See the ice sculpture competition in early February, a delightful experience for the entire family. Sapporo is also an excellent base for accessing superb ski slopes, and the historic Hokkaido Shrine can be visited year-round.</li></ul><h3>Tips for planning a family vacation in Japan</h3><p>Public transport, especially bullet trains and regional bus services, is fast and efficient in Japan. Car rental is rarely necessary but can be a good idea for accessing more rural areas. Temperatures vary throughout the year and depend on the region. Bring good warm coats and walking boots in winter, and thinner, looser clothing for the humid summers.&nbsp;<br></p><h3>The best time to visit Japan as a family</h3><p>Japan’s many festivals mean that choosing <a data-document-id="4646" data-internal-link="article"></a><strong><a data-document-id="4646" data-internal-link="article">when to visit</a></strong> is not simply a case of looking at the weather. Luckily, Japan is a year-round destination and so no matter when you decide to book in for the family trip of a lifetime, you won’t be disappointed.&nbsp;</p>

Start planning your family vacation in Japan

The best tailor-made Japan trips for families with children, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect family vacation with a local expert in Japan

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Family Vacations in Japan | Child-Friendly Travel

The best local travel agencies in Japan for honeymoon tours

Honeymoon trip ideas in Japan

The best tailor-made honeymoon trips and experiences in Japan, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect honeymoon in Japan with a local expert

Japan honeymoon

Honeymoon Trips

Honeymoon Vacations in Japan | Hand-Crafted Trips

The best local travel agencies in Japan for two week trips

Two week trip ideas in Japan

The best two-week trips to explore Japan, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect two week trip with a local expert in Japan

Two weeks in Japan

Two Week Trips

Two Weeks in Japan | 14 Day Tailor-Made Trips

The best local travel agencies in Japan for one week trips

One week trip ideas in Japan

The best one-week trips to explore Japan, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect one week trip with a local expert in Japan

One week in Japan

One Week Trips

One Week in Japan | 7 Day Tailor-Made Trips

The best local travel agencies in Japan for wildlife tours

Wildlife trip ideas in Japan

The best wildlife tours in Japan, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect wildlife trip with a local expert in Japan

Wildlife in Japan

Wildlife

Wildlife Tours in Japan | Meet Japan's Wildlife

The best local travel agencies in Japan for hiking and trekking trips

Trip ideas for trekking and hiking in Japan

<p>On a hiking trip to <a data-destination-id="99" data-internal-link="destination"><strong>Japan&nbsp;</strong></a>expect to see extraordinary mountain landscapes, spectacular nature trails, and ancient temples. Discover the allure of this unique country while exploring astonishing sites from Mount Fuji to the Japanese Alps. Plus, hiking offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in rich Japanese <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/japan/tours-historical-sites/" target="_blank">cultural and historical traditions</a></strong>, including its thermal baths and legendary cuisine.<br></p><h3>What makes Japan a great destination for hiking?</h3><p>Japan is filled with mountainous landscapes including snow-topped summits and towering volcanic peaks, making it a hiker's playground. Its <strong>extensive, well-maintained trails</strong> make it a fantastic destination for any trekking enthusiast. The Japanese have a proud hiking tradition, and are generally enthusiastic and helpful with their fellow hikers, making this an easy destination for walking long distances.<br></p><h3>The best places to go hiking in Japan</h3><p>Japan offers <strong>an abundance of adventurous hiking options</strong>, no matter the season or your ability level. Here are a few of the top picks for some of the best hikes in Japan.<br></p><h4>Experience the Japanese Alps</h4><p>This series of mountain ranges in central Honshu features the Akaishi, Kiso, and Hida Mountains. One particularly exciting hiking option is the Kamikochi Valley, with its <strong>gorgeous highland setting</strong>. Enjoy its largely undeveloped environment and gaze at the surrounding peaks and rivers.<br></p><h4>Discover the Shiretoko Peninsula</h4><p>Located on Hokkaido, this is Japan's easternmost point. Trek the many trails that surround its various peaks, or go for <strong>a more sedate hike in the Five Lakes area</strong>. You'll have a chance to spot sea ice in winter, and swim under waterfalls in summer.<br></p><h4>Take a spring hike in Daisetsuzan National Park</h4><p>Hokkaido's tallest mountain, Daisetsuzan, is snowcapped for much of the year. It’s an <strong>ideal hiking destination after the spring thaw</strong>, giving you the chance to see the dense forests, clear lakes, and hot springs covering this rugged area.<br></p><h4>Join the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage</h4><p>The Kumano area is a popular pilgrimage site in Japan, <strong>linked by a network of trails</strong>. These routes are filled with shrines that have played a significant role in Japan's spiritual heritage. Join in one of Asia's most famous spiritual journeys to get an alternative perspective on this fascinating country.<br></p><h4>Go off the beaten path on Yakushima</h4><p>The <strong>world-famous ancient cedar forests</strong> on Yakushima are a stunning place for a stroll. Home to a national park, the area is only accessed by boat or plane but is well worth the journey. Hikers can experience a variety of landscapes, from steep mountains to subtropical beaches and coral reefs.<br></p><h3>Tips for planning a hiking tour in Japan</h3><p>Hiking in Japan is a safe and fun experience, but some planning is necessary to help you have a great time. As many of the country's trails are popular with local hikers, <strong>avoid hiking on national holidays and weekends</strong> for a quieter experience. Some trails and accommodation require reservations in advance, so check ahead for availability. Many trails are easily accessible by public transport, so consider doing as the locals do and taking the train or bus there.<br></p>

Start planning your Japan hiking adventure

The best hiking and trekking trips and excursions in Japan, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect hiking trip with a local expert in Japan

Hiking in Japan

Hiking & Trekking

Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan | Tailor-Made Travel

The best local travel agencies in Japan for island vacations

Trip ideas for visiting Japan's islands

The best island vacations and island-hopping tours in Japan, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect island vacation in Japan with a local expert

Japan islands

Islands & Island-Hopping

Island Vacations in Japan | Explore Japan's Islands

The best local travel agencies in Japan for biking trips

Trip ideas for exploring Japan by bike

The best cycling trips and bike excursions in Japan, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect cycling trip with a local expert in Japan

Japan cycling tours

Cycling Trips

Cycling Vacations in Japan | Explore Japan By Bike

The best local travel agencies in Japan for spring vacations

Spring trip ideas in Japan

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Spring in <strong><a data-destination-id="99" data-internal-link="destination">Japan</a></strong> is a time of regeneration, with warm temperatures bringing the flowering of cherry blossom trees and celebrations throughout the country. While most of Japan is warming up, the snow still lingers in Hokkaido, providing visitors with some of the finest ski slopes in all of <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/asia-travel/" target="_blank">Asia</a></strong>.</span></p><h3>Why should I visit Japan in the spring?&nbsp;</h3><p>As the snow thaws and temperatures rise, Japan is transformed into a landscape of beautiful colors. The <strong>cherry blossom trees</strong> in the cities and countryside burst into shades of pink and white. From ski resorts and mountain <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/japan/tours-hiking-and-trekking/" target="_blank">trekking</a></strong> to local <strong>festivals and traditions</strong>, spring in Japan offers a vast range of excellent activities and experiences.&nbsp;<br></p><h3>The best things to do in Japan in spring&nbsp;</h3><p>With so much variety, it can be difficult to plan the best activities for a Japanese springtime vacation. Here are some of the best things to do while in Japan during spring.&nbsp;<br></p><h4>Ski with locals in Hokkaido&nbsp;</h4><p>The snow might have thawed in most of Japan, but the island of Hokkaido still has enough <strong>snow for skiers and snowboard enthusiasts</strong>. Some of the resorts remain open to cater for the needs of late snowboarders, while hot springs offer a perfect way to relax at the end of the day on the slopes.&nbsp;<br></p><h4>Catch cherry blossoms&nbsp;</h4><p>From late-March onwards, the Japanese cherry trees finally blossom. The pink and white flowers fill the cities with color, painting Japan in soft shades and creating picture-perfect views across the country. <strong>Join in the party with the locals</strong> wherever you are and toast with sake for a fruitful year ahead.<br></p><h4>Trek along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route</h4><p>In the center of the island of Honshu, the snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps take on a striking beauty in the spring. The scenic lakes and villages in the Toyama and Nagano prefectures offer visitors the chance to enjoy <strong>incredible scenery and rural hospitality</strong>.&nbsp;<br></p><h4>Join in tradition at the Sanja Festival&nbsp;</h4><p>One of the three great Shinto festivals celebrated in Tokyo, the Sanja Festival, or Sanja Matsuri, is held on the third weekend of May. The festival is celebrated with <strong>traditional music and dance</strong>, as well as wild parades through the streets of Tokyo. Watch the city come alive, grab some local street food, and join in the celebration at local temples.&nbsp;<br></p><h4>Rejuvenate on Okinawa's beaches&nbsp;</h4><p>With over 100 islands, you’ll find time to relax on Okinawa’s pristine white sand beaches, which enjoy perfect temperatures during springtime. <strong>Wildlife around the islands and beaches is varied</strong>, with sharks and manta rays found in deeper waters and crabs occasionally spotted on the shores. When you’re done with sunbathing, head to the museums dedicated to the cultural and natural history of the islands.&nbsp;<br></p><h3>What's the weather like in Japan in spring?&nbsp;</h3><p>Spring in Japan brings a welcome warmth to most parts of the country. Tokyo and Osaka can average 50°F in March, rising to around 60°F by the end of the season. The temperature is <strong>perfect for hiking</strong>, but it’s advisable to bring pants and a coat to ward off the evening chill in places like Sapporo. For much of Japan, a light jacket should be packed for lighter rain. In the mountains, it gets significantly colder, and in the northern regions you might find chillier days.&nbsp;</p>

Start planning your spring trip to Japan

The best tailor-made trips to visit Japan in Spring, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Koya-san Vacations

Koya-san: How to get there?

Koya-san: When to go?

Koya-san: For how long?

Koya-san: What to see in the surroundings?

Japan: our articles for your vacation