ski
Fancy some snow? Use the JR Pass to visit the ski resort of Gala Yuzawa. 1.5hrs by bullet from Tokyo, Gala Yuzawa also has full gear rental service!
accommodation, hotels
Spending a night in a traditional inn, or Ryōkan, is an experience you must try while in Japan. Tatami rooms, futon, onsen and kaiseki food!
karaoke
Temples, rice fields, cityscapes and shopping. A visit to Japan isn't complete without blasting out 'your version' of a favourite song at karaoke!
tokyo, kamakura, mt. fuji
From Tokyo many amazing sights are within easy reach. By basing yourself in the city you can use your JR Pass to day trip out to these Japanese gems.
mountains, japan alps
The Japan Alps has lots to offer - farmhouses, gardens, onsen, local craft, teahouses and samurai dwellings - the perfect antidote to neon cities...
onsen
Spending time soaking in a mineral rich 'onsen' (hot spring) is a favourite Japanese pastime. Find out about etiquette and the best bath houses here.
mt. fuji, mountains
For many, seeing the snow-capped peak of Japan's no.1 volcano, Mt. Fuji, will be at the top of your list of things to do. Click here to find out more.
kyoto
If you base yourself around Kyoto or Osaka you can use your Japan Rail Pass to day-trip to the best sights in the area - Nara being one of them.
A unique alternative to the dress-up of your childhood, be made up as a Geisha or Samurai in the old Japanese capital of Kyoto.
buddhism, mountains
Mt. Koya, with its thick forests and monastic complex, is an incredible place to visit from Osaka, Kyoto or Nara. Click here to read more.
beaches, islands
Crystal clear waters and white sand, yes, Japan is not just temples, geisha and electronics! Find out where to catch some rays here...
islands
UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima, or Miyajima as it is more commonly known, is located in the Seto Inland Sea not far from Hiroshima. Densely wooded and tranquil the island has been worshipped since ancient times as a sacred place where people and gods live together in harmony. MiyajimaR...
tokyo
The master of Japanese Anime, Hayao Miyazaki, has set up an interactive museum to his work and it's just as weird and wonderful as you'd expect.
festivals
In a previous post we mentioned traditional festivals, here we give you the 411 on music festivals, Japan-style!
video
This video is so mindbogglingly amazing that it would be a crime not to share it with as many people as possible. An incredible video by Brad Kremer, you’ll see contemporary and traditional Japan in perfect detail and in a way you’ve never seen before. If you’re gearing up for a...
A matsuri is the perfect way to glimpse a part of Japanese culture not normally seen in daily life. With 100s every year enjoy one during your stay.
kamakura
A fantastic day trip from Tokyo, visit Kamakura and the huuuuge Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple.
blossom
Perhaps THE most social part of the Japanese calendar, Hanami is a beautiful time to visit the country and join in some cherry blossom bbqs!
Shibuya and its famous crossing have been captured on celluloid thousand of times, now it's your turn to see it for real...
