Discover Japan: Your Ultimate Travel Guide for 2024

Japan is an island country located in East Asia, in the Pacific Ocean. It is situated to the east of the Korean Peninsula and China, and stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. Japan is an archipelago made up of four main islands - Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku - as well as many smaller islands.

Japan is a fascinating destination to visit due to its rich culture and history, stunning natural scenery, advanced and exciting cities, reputation for safety and cleanliness, and unique experiences. What’s more, it offers visa-free from most of western countries...all of those are welcoming you!

UME Travel is a local expert helping visitors shape their own ideas for their trip. We know deeply the best time to visit Japan, where to go, what to see, and what to do, and we provide practical suggestions for choosing activities, finding accommodation, and helping you understand the diverse culture of Japan.

Japan has four distinct seasons, and each season has its own unique attractions and characteristics. Spring (late March to early April) is ideal for viewing cherry blossoms, fall (September to November) for mild weather and stunning autumn leaves, winter (December to February) for winter sports and festivals, and the shoulder seasons of spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. 

Japan can be divided into four main islands, that is: Honshu, the largest and most populous island in Japan and located in central Japan. Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan. Shikoku is the smallest island among the four main islands, located between Honshu and Kyushu. Kyushu, the southernmost of four main islands is known for its beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and hot springs. If you hope for an unforgettable Onsen experience, Hakone Hot Spring is one of the best choices.

There are many direct flights are operated between Tokyo and most of major cities in Europe and Asia.

To get around Japan is easy and comfortable and there are a lots of choice: Shinkansen, train, bus and flight.

Japanese cuisine is a reflection of the country's culture, geography, and history. It is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and its artful presentation. Some famous tradirional  food like sushi, okonomiyaki, tokoyaki and so on, each Japanese food will give you the different and memorable taste experience. Our guides know the places for the best food and they will take you to taste the authentic local food .

Read More About Japan Food&Drink

See Mount Fuji

Mount Fujiis is a beautiful and iconic mountain located in Japan. Mount Fuji represents the spirit of Japan and the sacred mountain in the eyes of the Japanese. Climbing Mount Fuji is a good way to enjoy the beauty of Mount Fuji during the summer months. If you don't want to climb, you can head to the Fuji Five Lakes, which offers stunning views of the mountain.

View Cherry Blossom

Cherry blossom, known as hanami in Japanese, is a popular activity in Japan during the Sakura months(late March to early April) when the cherry trees are in blossom. In this season, Japan is awash in pink. In cherry blossom season, you can explore the Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place in the town of Fujikawaguchiko and features over 1000 cherry trees in bloom. Having a hanami picnic can be an excellent experience during your trip to Japan. Many parks and gardens around Mount Fuji offer spaces for hanami picnics, where you can relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms with friends or family. You can also check Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan to choose your favorite place to enjoy the best view of Japanese cherry trees.

Enjoy Hanabi Matsuri

If you plan to travel to Japan in the summertime, Hanabi matsuri, or fireworks festivals are the things you can not miss. Hanabi matsuri is a popular summertime activity in Japan, there is a variety of Hanabi matsuri held around Japan every year. Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival takes place in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in early August and features a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the background.

Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo

Tsukiji Fish Market was once the largest wholesale fish market in the world, but it has since been relocated to Toyosu Market. However, the outer market of Tsukiji is still open and offers a unique experience for visitors. Here, you can taste the delicious sushi. Tsukiji Market is famous for its fresh sushi, and there are several sushi restaurants in the outer market where you can try delicious sushi. ushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi are two of the most popular restaurants but be prepared to wait in line.

Take a sushi-making class

Taking a sushi-making class can be a fun and educational experience in Japan, some places you can go to learn how to make sushi. Tokyo Sushi-Making Tour offers a hands-on sushi-making experience with a professional sushi chef. You will learn how to prepare sushi rice, make different types of sushi, and enjoy your creations at the end of the class.

Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the god Inari, who is believed to be the patron of prosperity and good fortune in Japanese mythology. The Shrine is located in the Fushimi district of Kyoto and is known for its thousands of bright vermilion torii gates that line the hiking trails of Mount Inari. When  Fushimi Inari Shrine, you can choose to hike the trails on Mount Inari and enjoy the beautiful scenery which includes lush forests, streams, and waterfalls.

Visit Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine was built in 1920 to honor the memory of Emperor Meiji. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture, serene atmosphere, and the surrounding forest that covers over 170 acres in the heart of Tokyo. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, especially during the New Year's holiday when millions of visitors come to pray for good luck and prosperity. Meiji Shrine is considered a must-visit destination in Tokyo, offering a unique opportunity to experience Japan's rich culture and history amidst the modern urban landscape.

Visit the Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa

Kenrokuen Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa prefecture. It is considered to be one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, along with Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. This garden is beautiful throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snowscapes in winter. Each season offers a different view of the garden.

Take a dip in a traditional onsen(hot spring)

Soaking in an onsen in Japan might be an excellent way to relax yourself after a day trip. Fujikawaguchiko Onsen offers a beautiful view of Mount Fuji from its outdoor baths which are located near Lake Kanwaguchi. The hot spring water is said to have therapeutic properties and is known to be rich in minerals.

Feed the deer in Nara Park

Feeding the deer in Nara Park can be a fun and memorable experience for visitors. The deer in Nara Park are considered sacred and have become a symbol of the city. Visitors can purchase special deer crackers, called "shika senbei," from vendors in the park to feed the deer.

Visit the Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara

Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple grounds are expansive and include several buildings, gardens, and a deer park. Take your time to explore the area and appreciate the beauty of the temple's architecture and surroundings.

 Read More: Top Things to Do in Japan