Things to do
Last runs: where to ski and snowboard before Japan's winter closes out
The slopes are still loaded. Your excuse to go is running out
Travel
Travel tips and guides to Tokyo's surrounds and beyond – your holiday starts here
Travel
These are Japan’s 11 award-winning travel experiences for 2026
Discover the Japan Travel Awards 2026 winners – industry champions of diversity, inclusion, sustainability and hospitality
Things to do
16 best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan – with 2026 dates
Can't get enough cherry blossoms in Tokyo? Here's where and when to catch sakura across Japan, from Fukuoka to Sapporo
Travel
12 best onsen destinations in Japan for a rejuvenating holiday
Warm up as well as rejuvenate your body and mind at these scenic hot spring resorts, easily accessible from Tokyo
Travel
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
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
Travel
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
Things to do
This is the only place in Japan to see sakura and autumn leaves at the same time
Witness this unusual phenomenon at the annual Obara Shikizakura Four-Season Cherry Blossom Festival in Aichi prefecture
Things to do
See frozen waterfalls with colourful illuminations in Aomori this winter
The annual Oirase Ice Falls Tour in Aomori prefecture will be running again from December 2025 to March 2026
Things to do
This magical igloo village in Nagano is actually a pop-up restaurant
Feast on a nabe hot pot inside your very own igloo at the pop-up Restaurant Kamakura Village in Iiyama
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
Travel
7 most beautiful train stations in Japan
Take a trip across Japan to see these incredible railway stops in Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa and more
Travel
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
Travel
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'
Travel
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
Travel
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
Travel
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
Travel
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
Restaurants
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