Discover Japan’s endless wonders

by FUNIKO TAKAHASHI
TOKYO – JAPAN is a captivating island nation in East Asia, situated in the north-western Pacific Ocean, offering travellers an extraordinary combination of ancient traditions, futuristic cities, spectacular scenery, world-class hospitality and a cuisine that has become a global attraction.

Stretching from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido in the north to the subtropical islands of Okinawa in the south, Japan gives visitors an opportunity to experience remarkably different cultures, climates and landscapes within one country.

The Japan National Tourism Organisation describes the country as a destination where every season and region reveals distinctive beauty and stories.

What makes Japan tick as a tourism powerhouse is its ability to preserve its heritage while embracing modernity. Travellers can move from ancient temples and peaceful gardens to neon-lit entertainment districts, bullet trains, robotics, shopping centres and cutting-edge architecture, often within the same journey.

Tokyo provides a spectacular introduction, combining skyscrapers, traditional neighbourhoods, temples, fashion, shopping, nightlife and extraordinary culinary experiences.

Kyoto offers another world, with historic temples, shrines, gardens, traditional streets and the atmospheric districts of Gion and Higashiyama.

Osaka is renowned for its energetic atmosphere and food culture, while nearby Nara offers temples, historic monuments and its famous free-roaming deer.

Hiroshima provides important historical and cultural experiences, while Mount Fuji delivers one of Japan’s most recognisable landscapes.

Hokkaido attracts visitors with dramatic mountains, snow, ski resorts, national parks and exceptional seafood. Okinawa offers turquoise waters, beaches and a distinctive island culture.

Other destinations worth exploring include Kanazawa, Takayama, Nikko, Hakone, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima and the Setouchi region.

Japan’s scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. Spring brings spectacular cherry blossoms; summer delivers vibrant festivals and lush landscapes; autumn transforms mountains and gardens with brilliant foliage; while winter brings snow-covered scenery, skiing and relaxing hot springs.

Food is another powerful reason to visit. Sushi, sashimi, ramen, tempura, wagyu beef, yakitori, udon, soba, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kaiseki offer visitors an enormous culinary adventure.

Regional specialities make the experience even richer, with local ingredients and cooking traditions varying across the country.

Drinks add another dimension. Visitors can enjoy sake, shochu, Japanese whisky, regional wines, craft beer and increasingly popular craft gin.

Traditional izakayas, food stalls, specialist restaurants and elegant ryotei provide different ways to experience Japanese hospitality.

Tourism is also an important economic activity, supporting employment across accommodation, restaurants, transport, retail, entertainment, tour operations, attractions and cultural services.

Japan recorded 42.68 million foreign visitors in 2025, demonstrating the enormous scale of international demand.

Domestic tourism is equally significant. Japanese residents spent ¥26.78 trillion on domestic travel in 2025, according to Japan’s Tourism Agency.

For travellers seeking culture, nature, cuisine, technology, relaxation and unforgettable hospitality, Japan offers an exceptionally diverse journey.

From the first glimpse of Mount Fuji to a steaming bowl of ramen, a tranquil Kyoto temple, a snowy Hokkaido landscape or a sunset over Okinawa, Japan continually gives visitors another reason to explore.

For the global traveller, Japan is not merely somewhere to visit. It is a destination to experience, taste, discover and remember.

– CAJ News