Main Regions At A Glance

Japan’s capital stretches from ancient Sensō-ji temple to the 634-m Skytree. Browse anime arcades in Akihabara, slurp tonkotsu ramen at midnight in Shinjuku, and recharge beneath cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, all linked by the circular JR Yamanote Line.

Step through time: vermilion torii tunnel up Mount Inari, moss carpets the gardens of Ginkaku-ji, geiko glide between ochre teahouses in Gion at dusk, and matcha sweets crown a kaiseki feast along the Kamogawa river.

Osaka is Japan’s loud, beating stomach. Track down molten takoyaki, scream down roller-coasters at Universal Studios Japan, and photograph the moat-ringed castle that once anchored Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s samurai dreams.

Japan’s northern frontier merges wild national parks, seafood-rich markets and world-class powder. Hike volcanic trails in summer, soak in Noboribetsu’s milky onsen, or chase drift-ice tours across the Okhotsk Sea in February.

A city rebuilt with remarkable grace. Reflect at the Peace Memorial, then ferry to Itsukushima Shrine where deer wander beneath 12-m crimson pillars rising from the sea. Reward the climb to Mount Misen with panoramic Inland-Sea views.

Nara’s eighth-century temples shelter the 15-m bronze Buddha of Tōdai-ji. Outside, nearly 1,500 semi-tame deer roam among maple-lined paths and beg politely for rice crackers.

Subtropical beaches, coral atolls and a kingdom-era culture unlike anywhere on the mainland. Paddleboard beside sea turtles by day, then savour slow-cooked rafute pork and a glass of 30-year aged awamori under star-split skies.

Ride cable cars, trolley buses and ropeways across the North Alps: glassy Kurobe Dam, emerald Lake Mikuriga and-in spring-the surreal snow canyon. Nearby Takayama’s Edo-era streets pour fragrant junmai sake all year round.