How to plan a train journey around Japan
9 min read • Mar 4, 2023
How to get the most out of discovering Japan by train, in six steps.
Travel Stories
Japan
- This scenic slow train from Nagoya to Toyama offers some of the best views in Japan
9 min read • Feb 24, 2023
John Walton winds his way through the mountainous Japanese countryside between Nagoya to Toyama on the charming Hida train.
- Rising sun: Back to the best of Japan
7 min read • Feb 23, 2023
Japan has reopened, so it's time to look again at the country's greatest hits for first-timers and repeat visitors
- When is best time for a vacation to Japan?
11 min read • Feb 3, 2023
Japan may be small, but with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, there's something here for every traveler. Here are the best times to come.
- 15 travel tips (and what not to do) when you're in Japan
7 min read • Feb 1, 2023
With our guide to all you need to know before your trip to Japan, you’ll be able to enjoy every minute of your visit.
- The top 10 places to visit in Japan
6 min read • Jan 31, 2023
From buzzing cities to pristine island getaways, here's our guide to the best places to visit in Japan.
- 22 of the best experiences Japan has to offer
15 min read • Jan 20, 2023
Whether you are visiting Japan for the first or fiftieth time, these top experiences showcase the best it has to offer, both modern and traditional.
- The 5 best places to see Japan’s cherry blossoms in 2023
5 min read • Jan 12, 2023
Spring means cherry blossom season in Japan, but the romance is fleeting lasting only for a week or two. Here the five best places to join the festivities.
- Japan visa and vaccination requirements
4 min read • Nov 9, 2022
From mystic mountains to mighty megacities, Japan is awash with iconic travel experiences. Here's what you need to know about visa and vaccination requirements.
- A reason to travel to Nagoya, Japan: the opening of Ghibli Park
4 min read • Oct 19, 2022
Fans of Studio Ghibli films will be able to visit Ghibli Park next month in Nagoya, Japan.
- 6 questions travelers need to ask before visiting Japan this year
5 min read • Oct 5, 2022
Japan is easing entry rules on October 11, but does that mean it will be as easy to visit as before the pandemic? Here’s what you need to know
- 10 top beaches in Japan for sand, surf and sushi
6 min read • Sep 2, 2022
From beach resorts just an hour from Tokyo to tropical island idylls, Japan's beaches are its best-kept secret. Here's our pick of Japan's best sands.
- The 7 best national parks in Japan
6 min read • May 30, 2022
Whether you enjoy natural hot springs or colourful spring blooms, here's our pick of the best national parks in Japan.
- The 6 best hikes in Japan: amazing routes and top trekking tips
7 min read • Apr 22, 2022
With so many mountains, it’s no surprise that hiking is a popular pursuit in Japan. Here are 6 of the best hiking routes.
- How to get around in Japan (even if you don't speak Japanese): understanding bullet trains, buses, bikes and more
9 min read • Mar 31, 2022
Whether you want to ride the rails or rely on pedal power, Japan is an easy country to travel around. Here are your options.
- Japan's best food and drink experiences
10 min read • Mar 27, 2022
Japan’s best cuisine and culinary experiences, from sushi and street food to kaiseki and izakaya, sake and tea
- The ultimate guide to karaoke in Japan
6 min read • Mar 2, 2022
Trends come and go but karaoke has been a fixture of Japan's culture for decades. It doesn't matter if you're a good singer, as long as you've got heart.
- A sake tour of Japan: Get a taste of the nation’s best nihonshu
10 min read • Feb 1, 2022
Explore eight of the most renowned destinations for sake in Japan, three on a “Northern Route” and five on a “Southern Route”
- Secrets of sake: The history and traditions of Japan’s national drink
6 min read • Feb 1, 2022
Discover how sake is made, the history surrounding it, and the ways it maintains its cultural and social significance
- Discover Japan’s 10 most spectacular natural wonders
4 min read • Sep 28, 2021
Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with many natural sights to enjoy. Here are some of the best.
- Order food in Japan like a pro with Lonely Planet's new book
5 min read • Jun 14, 2021
Learn about Japanese food culture and restaurant etiquette with this extract from Lonely Planet's new book, Eat Japan.
- Best in Travel 2021: the winners of the Readers’ Choice Awards
5 min read • Jan 22, 2021
The Lonely Planet community were looking for sustainability, community and diversity when they voted in the Readers' Choice Awards. Here are the winners.