Japan
Traditional torii with inscriptions at Fushimi Inari shrine Source: Izzet Keribar
The impressive Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kamakura Source: Martin Moos
Kuri mushi yoan, a Japanese steamed chestnut sweet Source: Oliver Strewe
Street food stalls serve a bustling late-night crowd Source: Simon Rowe
Picturesque snow-capped Mt Fuji Source: Frank Carter
A Sumo wrestler performs his pre-bout stretching at a packed stadium Source: Richard I'Anson
Tea time at a Japanese guesthouse in Kisami on the Izu peninsula Source: Christian Aslund
Horiyoshi III, the master tattooist, performs the art of tebori (hand tattoing) Source: John Ashburne
of 8
Latest articles on Japan
Rent an entire hotel for $670 000
IT'S a party like no other, with the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo offering guests the chance to rent their entire hotel for the night - for $671, 800.
Last-ditch bid to keep JAL flying
THE Oneworld airline alliance has turned on an attempt by Delta Airways to poach key Pacific routes from Japan Airlines.
Pleasure island soothes the soul
THE 88-temple pilgrimage is gruelling but this visit to Shikoku island is pure self-indulgence without a temple in sight.
Tripping Tokyo's light fantastic
FIVE essential experiences will give you a taste of Tokyo – and all but one of them are free, writes Chris Viney.
Pubs are the people's choice
TOKYO'S izakaya pubs are treasure troves of cheap eats and social conviviality, but take your phrase book with you, writes Mark Robinson.
Japan Fast Facts
- Area:
- 377835 km2
- Population:
- 127000000
- Timezone:
-
+9
- Languages Spoken:
- Japanese
- Currency:
- Yen
- Code: JPY
- Symbol: ¥
- Electrical Plugs
-
- 100V 50Hz
Soaking up Japanese tradition
BRIAN Johnston immerses himself in Japan's thermal baths and discovers a rich and age-old tradition that soothes away stress in superb surroundings.
Nostalgia in adult sweet shops
ALL-you-can-eat cheap lolly shops are giving stressed-out Japanese a chance to relive carefree childhood days of eating fizzy sticks and sour plums.
Tradition among the neon
AUSTRALIANS are enjoying a new taste of a very friendly and neon-lit Japan, as Ellen Connolly found while travelling on the back of a strong Aussie dollar.
Japan Overview
About Japan
Whether you end up taking photos of a reproduction Eiffel Tower, surfing an indoor wave, musing in a Zen temple, shacking up in a love hotel or kipping down in a capsule, you'll do...
Travel Advice
Getting There & Around
Flying is an efficient way to travel from the main islands to any of the small islands, and is often not much more expensive than going by rail. Check whether you qualify for...
Download a pdf city guide to print
Things to See & Do
- Activities
- Sights
- Events
- Eat
- Entertainment
- Shop
Activities
Many of Japan's national parks have hiking routes. To experience a Japan that few foreigners see, head for the mountainous, less populated Central Alps. Skiing is normally possible...
Riding the water storm
JAPAN'S Shikoku is a place of serenity and beauty, except when you're hurtling down a rapid on the mighty Yoshino River, writes Dylan Coker.
Yen for zen outside Tokyo
THERE'S value for money in Japan – you just need to know where to look, as Ewen Bell discovers.
Jetstar targets Japan with 787s
THE battle to control the nation's skies has moved to a new phase with Jetstar targeting the struggling Japanese tourism market.
Yes, Yoko Ono approves
ALL you need is love in a Japanese John Lennon museum, writes Diana Plater of how the Saitama Super Arena chose a shrine to a Beatle over an aquarium.
Hello blossoms, it's cherry time
WHEN it's spring and the cherry trees are in bloom, it's the silly season in Japan. This is the only time of year the Japanese truly let their hair down and party.
Turning Japanese
BARRY Dick bypasses the big smoke on a whirlwind trip to Japan, where 128 million people live with what seems like a vending machine each.
Land of the rising snow
RIDING a lift up and sliding back down is much the same anywhere, but it's the unique cultural experiences that set Japan apart as a ski destination.
© 2008 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
We and our content providers Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. have tried to make the information on this website as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
Deal of the Week
Deals of the Week
Deal of the Week
Region Selector
Feedback?
Tell us what you think - if you have a comment or suggestions about our Travel site, we'd love to hear from you.
