Travel Stories

• photography

• activities

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.

• tips and advice

• destination practicalities

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.

• theme park

• activities

4 min read • Oct 19, 2022

Fans of Studio Ghibli films will be able to visit Ghibli Park next month in Nagoya, Japan.

• art and culture

• air travel

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

• beaches

• activities

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.

• wildlife and nature

• activities

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.

• hiking

• activities

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.

• festivals and events

• art and culture

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.

• destination practicalities

• air travel

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.

• history

• art and culture

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 travel

• connections

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.

• sports

• activities

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.

• art and culture

• tips and advice

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.

• tours

• activities

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”

• history

• art and culture

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

• national parks

• activities

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.

• history

• art and culture

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.

• history

• art and culture

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.

• history

• art and culture

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.

• history

• art and culture

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.

• history

• art and culture

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.

• wildlife and nature

• activities

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