Travel Stories

• things to do

• Experiences

15 min read • Sep 2, 2022

Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or fiftieth time, these top experiences bring out the best of Japan, modern and traditional.

• best beaches

• Experiences

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.

• best places to visit

• planning

6 min read • Aug 9, 2022

From buzzing cities to pristine island getaways, here's our guide to the best places to visit in Japan.

• national parks

• Experiences

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.

• best hikes

• Experiences

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.

• time to visit

• planning

11 min read • Apr 14, 2022

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.

• things to know

• planning

7 min read • Apr 6, 2022

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.

• getting around

• planning

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.

• what to eat

• 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

• budget

• planning

6 min read • Mar 18, 2022

With travel passes, budget accommodations, and free sights, it's possible to keep costs low when exploring Japan. Here's how to do it.

• road trips experience

• Experiences

7 min read • Mar 10, 2022

As an island nation with nearly three quarters of its terrain smothered in mountains, Japan seems custom-built for scenic road trips.

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.

• Experiences

5 min read • Feb 16, 2022

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.

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”

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

• outdoor activities

• Experiences

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.

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.

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.

3 min read • Nov 3, 2020

Japan's "Olympics of Fireworks" is held in Daisen, Akita Prefecture each August. Here's everything you need to know about this explosive event.

5 min read • Mar 4, 2020

Step away from Japan's big cities and sample some slow travel in and around the Seto Inland Sea.

5 min read • Mar 2, 2020

For first-timers, 10 to 14 days is usually recommended along the Golden Route. Here are the spots you shouldn't miss.

15 min read • Feb 28, 2020

Hiking along the Kumano Kodō's trails is a way to see a side to Japan far from city lights, where forested mountains hide ancient places of pilgrimage