Things to do
10 things to do in Japan this summer
What’s hot across the country right now – other than the weather
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Travel tips and guides to Tokyo's surrounds and beyond – your holiday starts here
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12 best summer destinations in Japan
Embrace the warm weather at these gorgeous beaches, islands and mountain retreats from Okinawa to Hokkaido
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7 of the best sightseeing trains in Japan
On the right tracks – ride these luxurious trains and see Japan from a different perspective
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3 things to do in Saijo, Hiroshima
Take a stroll through brewing heritage in Hiroshima’s ‘sake town’
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15 best day trips for a weekend getaway from Tokyo
Find some of Japan’s most beautiful temples, hiking trails and nature attractions no more than a few hours from Tokyo
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Travel news and updates
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Japan to introduce major visa fee hike for foreign nationals from July
Visa fees are set to increase fivefold in the first revision in 48 years
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Here’s what you need to know about the new private cabins on the Tokaido Shinkansen
Get ready to travel in style and comfort – the premium-tier seats for trips between Tokyo, Osaka and Hakata will be available from October 1
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Here’s what to expect at the revamped Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi
Following nearly a year of renovations, the luxury boutique hotel has officially reopened
Things to do
Ashikaga Flower Park is home to one of Japan's most impressive wisteria festivals
The Fujinohana Monogatari Ofuji Festival 2026 in Tochigi also has evening light-ups, and it's about two hours from Tokyo
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Japan moves to implement new pre-travel ‘JESTA’ authorisation system from 2028
Here’s what you need to know about the electronic system for visa-free visitors
Things to do
See 4,000 cherry blossoms light up at Niigata's Takada Castle this spring
The Takada Castle Site Park will also put up 3,000 traditional paper lanterns for the annual sakura festival
Time Out Market Osaka
Restaurants
Time Out Market Osaka
The first of its kind in Asia, Time Out Market Osaka brings the best of the city under one roof, all curated by Time Out editors
Time Out Market
Chef’s guide to Osaka: Willy Monroy, Saboten Taqueria
Osaka’s first Michelin-starred Mexican chef on his love for the city’s stand bars and near-to-nature cafés
Time Out Market
Chef’s guide to Osaka: Hideaki Iwamoto, Kitaro Sushi
The veteran sushi artisan reveals his favourite breakfast spot and meat eatery in the city
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Beyond Tokyo
Things to do
What we know so far about Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Expo 2025 is less than a year away. Here’s what you can expect at the momentous event, plus how to get tickets
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7 most beautiful train stations in Japan
Take a trip across Japan to see these incredible railway stops in Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa and more
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10 stunning attractions in Japan that don’t look like Japan
Forget Zen gardens – these places make you feel like you’re in Egypt, Bali, Greece and more, all without leaving Japan
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Five places in Japan that look like scenes from Spirited Away
There’s a seaside train station in Ehime and an old Tokyo shop that may have inspired Studio Ghibli's 'Spirited Away'
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10 best onsen destinations in Japan
Warm up as well as rejuvenate your body and mind at these scenic hot spring resorts, easily accessible from Tokyo
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The best Okinawa islands you should visit
The most beautiful places to go for an island getaway in Japan’s own tropical paradise
Useful info for travellers
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Overseas tourists can get this exclusive Sanrio Pasmo transport card
Get discounts on attractions in Tokyo and ride around on the city's trains and buses with the cute Pasmo Passport IC card
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5 most useful tourist services and facilities in Tokyo Station
Find English language support for buying train tickets and planning travel itineraries, plus baggage storage and lockers
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5 best restaurants at Narita Airport Terminal 2’s new Japan Food Hall
Enjoy one last proper Japanese meal in Narita Airport before having to face airplane food on your flight home