Japan

Japan is a country where the past and the future clash together, often in a beautiful way. A high-speed bullet train races past peaceful meadows and ancient temples, a small idyllic park rests between Tokyo’s glittering skyscrapers, and traditional houses with wooden floors sit next to high-tech buildings of the future. Japan has many attractions and benefits as a tourist destination. From its enormous, buzzing cities to the beautiful landscapes of Mt. Fuji and hiking routes through cedar groves, there is no place on earth quite like Japan.

Your journey is likely to begin in Tokyo, the capital city and largest city in the world. That should be reason enough to plan a few days in Tokyo. You can enjoy the incredible Shinjuku nightlife, visit the Tsukiji outdoor market, and take in the abstractly modern beauty of this city at your own pace. Next up is Kyoto, home to over 2,000 shrines and temples, an eclectic mix of traditional gardens overlooked by hip craft beer breweries, and long and winding walks through blissful countryside. Beyond these two iconic destinations, each of Japan’s prefectures, taking in every part of this volcanic archipelago, offers a unique glimpse into the intricacies of Japanese culture.