Co-founded by director Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli is behind some of Japan’s — and the world’s! — most beloved animated films, such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Princess Mononoke,” “Spirited Away,” and “Ponyo.”

The wonderful Ghibli Museum attracts a huge number of visitors, and tickets are extremely limited. In this article we’ll go over ways you can get tickets, and other tips on visiting the Ghibli Museum.

Originally written in 2017, this post was updated on December 22, 2021.

About the Ghibli Museum

The name “Ghibli” is from the Italian word for a hot desert wind, and it was Hayao Miyazaki’s hope that Studio Ghibli would “blow a new wind through the anime industry.”

Miyazaki aimed to create worlds that were intricate and lush, and with so much attention to movement and detail that viewers might feel that these worlds could be real, no matter what sort of fantastical or amazing things happened in the course of the story.

The Ghibli Museum is dedicated to the studio’s work, as well as to illuminating the mechanics of the world of animation. Even though there are many references to the lovable films within the museum, you don’t have to be a Studio Ghibli fan to appreciate the amazing artistry on display, or be completely charmed by the exhibits!

Located on the edge of Tokyo’s Inokashira Park (more on how to get to the museum below), the Ghibli Museum is a multi-storied mansion full of twists and turns, tiny doors, winding staircases, and a rooftop garden — recreating the mood of the enchanting Studio Ghibli universe.

Ghibli Museum Exhibits

Photography isn’t allowed inside, which only adds to the excitement and mystery of the place. I won’t spoil it all for you, but there are quite a few things to look forward to.

The main exhibition hall demonstrates the magic of animation, with over-sized and intricate mechanical contraptions. Then there are smaller exhibition rooms throughout the building – some permanent, and others that change from year to year.

One permanent exhibition room recreates a Studio Ghibli art director’s studio to include the tiniest details, even down to real bowls of candy on the desk, and pots of gouache paint with paintbrushes used to paint the gorgeous backdrops of these lovable films.

The walls of this “studio” are covered in fine art, and Studio Ghibli is somewhat unique among animation studios in that they place important emphasis on the background, spending as much time developing the mood and details of the world the characters live in, as they spend developing the action elements in the foreground. There are several interesting scrapbooks on display, showing how the artists were inspired by nature, feats of engineering, and abstract art to create these mesmerizing films.

Another exhibit area features interactive, life-size recreations of popular film settings, such as the interior of the amazing flying ships of “Laputa” where you can explore the galley, opening drawers and cabinets to find them full of kitchen utensils and cooking ingredients.

Near the top of the museum, visitors have the chance to play with one of the most adored characters in the Studio Ghibli films: a giant plush catbus from “My Neighbor Totoro!” Please note that only children aged 12 and under can climb inside.

In addition to various exhibition rooms, back on the ground floor is a delightful miniature theater, which shows an animated short from the studio, created exclusively for the Ghibli Museum and only viewable here. The short movie plays several times each hour.

You may be pleasantly surprised that almost everywhere you turn at the museum, you’ll find English-speaking staff who are extremely versed in all things Studio Ghibli, so any question you might have can be easily answered. I spent a really enjoyable 20 minutes learning how the tone of a film is set, and how many animators it takes to produce a film like “Spirited Away,” one of my favorites.

How to Get Tickets to the Ghibli Museum

Excited to visit? Don’t forget, you’ll need to plan ahead to purchase your tickets, as they sell out in advance!

Getting tickets to the Ghibli Museum is no easy feat. Apart from the fact that tickets sell out ahead of time, the ticket-buying process is also not as simple as most travelers wish it were.

First, of course, you’ll need to decide when you’d like to visit. The official Ghibli Museum website typically lists its opening calendar. Note that there are usually closures around the New Year’s holidays, and irregularly throughout the year for exhibit changes. The museum is also typically closed on Tuesdays, and open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on other days.

Ghibli Museum Tickets via JTB

JTB is Japan’s largest travel agency, with offices throughout the world. The Ghibli Museum offers tickets through JTB’s global offices (to find your local office, visit JTB’s Ghibli home page).

JTB offers a limited number of tickets available for purchase approximately 3 months before your desired visit date. The tickets go on sale on the 1st of the month for the entire month 3 months later. So if you’d like to visit anytime in May (whether May 1st or May 31st), tickets would go on sale on February 1st for all of May.

Getting Ghibli Museum Tickets via Lawson Convenience Store

Lawson is one of a handful of ubiquitous conbini (convenience stores) in Japan. If you’re in Japan or have a friend in the country, you can purchase tickets at Lawson in person. For those of you outside of Japan, you can get Ghibli Museum tickets via Lawson’s online ticket platform.

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 am Japan Standard Time on the 10th of each month for the whole following month; in other words, on April 10th at 10:00 am Japan time for the entire month of May.

Ghibli Museum tickets sold via Lawson are for a specific day and time, and sell out very quickly (for example, weekend time slots usually begin selling out within the first few minutes). Also, due to the large number of people trying to purchase online, you may have to be really persistent and patient to get through.

Even though tickets are for specific timed entries (10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, or 4:00 pm), once you’re in you can stay as long as you like until closing.

Other Ways to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets

If the idea of hovering over your computer at 10:00 am JST while frantically hitting refresh on your browser sounds less than ideal, keep in mind that there are other ways to get tickets to the Ghibli Museum.

One is to work with a company like ours that specializes in bespoke Japan trips. Any top-quality Japan travel company should be able to make the process seamless for you, from helping you decide when to visit, to handling the legwork of obtaining tickets for you.

Another option is to check major online travel agencies (such as Rakuten), which often offer Ghibli Museum tickets. They may charge a premium, but it is likely worthwhile for travelers who highly value convenience.

Finally, if you’re desperate to visit but regular tickets are sold out, consider joining a Ghibli Museum Tour. JTB and other large travel agencies occasionally offer group tours that include tickets to the Ghibli Museum. Even if you’re not typically the tour type, this can be a good backup method when all else fails.

How to Get to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka

Once you have managed to purchase your tickets (congratulations!), getting to the museum is relatively painless. The museum’s address is:

Ghibli Museum
1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo-to
181-0013
Google Map

Located on the edge of Tokyo’s Inokashira Park, the museum is equidistant from both Kichijoji Station and Mitaka Station. You can take the JR Chuo Line from the massive Shinjuku Station to either Kichijoji or Mitaka, or take the Keio Inokashira Line from Shibuya to Kichijoji.

If you love to walk, we recommend strolling from Kichijoji Station to the Ghibli Museum. Make sure to leave time before and/or after to explore Kichijoji itself. It’s a fun and energetic neighborhood full of interesting shops and great food and drink. Alternatively, there is a local bus from Mitaka to the Ghibli Museum, which runs roughly every 20 minutes from Mitaka Station’s south exit.

Once you arrive, be prepared to queue before entering. Museum staff will be checking tickets and passports while you wait.

Side Trips to Combine with Your Visit to the Ghibli Museum

Since you’ll be in this part of western Tokyo, you may as well make a day of it! There are plenty of great things to see and do in this part of the city, including:

• A stroll through Inokashira Park and Kichijoji for its great food and unique boutiques
• Nakano’s frenetic energy, and the Nakano Broadway shopping district
• Alternative youth culture in Koenji and Shimokitazawa, two neighborhoods overflowing with record shops, cafes, vintage stores.

Good luck getting tickets, and we hope you enjoy your visit to Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum!

The post Planning Your Visit to Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum appeared first on Boutique Japan.

Currently Japan’s borders remain closed to tourists, as they have been since March 2020, though despite the ongoing travel restrictions many travelers are continuing to book Japan trips for 2022 (and 2023).

Planning travel during a pandemic can be a pain, so we offer a flexible rescheduling policy. Learn more below along with details on when Japan is likely to reopen, whether or not travel insurance is actually worthwhile, and more:

• When will Japan reopen, and when should you visit?
• Our flexible rescheduling policy
• Does travel insurance cover issues related to Covid-19?
• Japan’s vaccination rollout and Covid-19 in Japan now

Along with monitoring new developments, our team of Japan experts is in constant contact with our network throughout the country. We update this page monthly, and more frequently when there are significant developments (last updated December 21, 2021). If you have any questions, please ask us directly.

When Will Japan Reopen, and When Should You Visit?

When will Japan’s borders finally reopen to tourists? This is the big question for travelers eager to visit this incredible country!

Covid-19 has kept us on our toes, and nobody can say for sure when Japan’s travel restrictions will end. Until recently, Japan’s new Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, and his government had been making incremental but steady progress towards reopening to tourism. However, Omicron has temporarily slowed this process, and Japan like many other countries is taking a cautious approach pending further data.

Thanks to Japan’s successful vaccination rollout, and the fact that Covid-19 numbers remain very low (see the Covid-19 in Japan Now section below), there is still some optimism that Japan could begin reopening by spring 2022. Of course, when it comes to making predictions virtually anything can happen, and we’ll simply have to see how the latest developments play out.

When Should You Visit Japan?

If you’re not ready to plan we completely understand, but even in the absence of certainty many people are continuing to book itineraries, and we currently have a significant number of travelers planning Japan trips for spring, summer, and fall 2022.

Thanks to our low-volume approach to trip-planning, and Japan’s enduring popularity, we typically recommend planning at least 6 to 9 months in advance, or earlier for peak seasons such as spring and fall (see our current availability).

For people who haven’t traveled much during the pandemic, it can be hard to fathom availability being an issue. Yet despite Covid-19, demand for services remains high, and availability is already limited for unique accommodations throughout Japan, not to mention the most talented guides and local experts.

This is especially true when it comes to peak seasons like spring and fall. Along with all the travelers booking new itineraries, there are also countless people (who had originally planned to visit in 2020 or 2021) planning postponed trips.

If you have the flexibility to avoid the most crowded times of year, and don’t mind missing the cherry blossoms or fall foliage, consider visiting Japan during a less busy period like winter. For a more comprehensive look at the pros and cons of each season, see When Is The Best Time of Year To Visit Japan?

Should You Plan Before Japan Reopens?

Tentatively hoping to visit Japan after its borders open for quarantine-free travel?

If so, it may be wise to at least initiate the planning process, as demand is likely to skyrocket once the Japanese government announces a reopening timeline. Because pandemic planning can be a pain, we offer a flexible rescheduling policy.

Flexible Rescheduling Policy

What if you plan now, but travel cannot commence due to government border restrictions relating to Covid-19? Obviously we hope this doesn’t happen, but to make things as painless as possible we offer a flexible rescheduling policy.

Flexible Rescheduling. Reschedule with ease. Simply take your postponed trip within 2 years of your original trip dates.

No Rescheduling Fee. There is no fee to reschedule. Your entire deposit is fully transferable to your new dates.

What’s the catch? We do require at minimum 30 days’ notice prior to your trip’s start date to guarantee the above. This enables us to give your guides, accommodations, and other service providers advance notice (our relationships with hotels, ryokans, guides, and local experts are sacred to us, and a key facet of the trips we offer). In rare cases there may be a unique service with a less flexible policy, in which case we’ll let you know before you book.

We would be remiss not to mention that we can’t guarantee rates won’t change between your original and rescheduled trips, as pricing for services (particularly accommodations) can vary depending on the season and even day of the week, not to mention from year to year due to external factors like inflation and exchange rates. On the flip side, we work tirelessly on behalf of our clients, and if needed are always happy to brainstorm creative ways to try and help you work around your budget.

Finally, it’s worth noting that if you need to change your travel plans with us for any reason other than government border restrictions relating to Covid-19 preventing travel from commencing, our regular Booking Terms and Conditions would apply depending on when you decide (whether you’re postponing or canceling altogether). If you have any questions about any of our policies, don’t hesitate to call or email us.

Does Travel Insurance Include Coverage for Covid-19?

The topic of travel insurance was already complex even before Covid-19, and now has become even more convoluted.

Fortunately, the majority of reputable insurance companies do now offer at least some degree of pandemic coverage. Not every single potential issue is necessarily covered, but some key ones — for example, if you get Covid-19 and cannot travel — are covered by many.

Pandemic or not, we’ve always recommended comprehensive travel insurance, which can help protect you both financially and medically. For example, if you have to change or cancel your plans last-minute for a covered reason, or if you need to access medical care during your trip. It can also prove worth the investment in case of more minor issues, which can nevertheless wreak havoc on travel plans, such as unexpected flight changes, lost luggage, etc.

However, even the best policies don’t cover everything, which is why many travelers opt for “Cancel for Any Reason” (sometimes abbreviated as CFAR) coverage. Travelers with CFAR are more likely to be eligible to receive at least some insurance reimbursement for a broader range of reasons (for example, even among policies that offer a degree of pandemic coverage, most do not protect against border closures or other travel restrictions).

As far as providers go, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is one good option for luxury travelers. Many of our travelers also work with Travelex, Travel Guard, Allianz, and RoamRight (to compare various policies side by side, refer to the insurance marketplaces SquareMouth and InsureMyTrip). For a different degree of protection, more and more travelers are also looking to solutions like Medjet and Covac Global.

To make sure you get a policy that meets your specific needs, we strongly recommend you speak directly with a travel insurance provider. Let’s not mince words: insurance is not a fun topic, but in the Covid era it’s a travel essential.

Japan’s Vaccination Rollout and Covid-19 in Japan Now

Like elsewhere in the world, daily life in Japan has been significantly impacted by Covid-19. However, even taking recent waves into account, Japan — which is larger than most people realize, with a population of 126 million — has fared surprisingly well compared to most countries when it comes to Covid-19 cases and deaths.

Some countries have contained the pandemic more successfully than Japan, though perhaps no other country has done as well without relying on strict lockdowns. At certain points, parts of Japan have been under what was referred to as a State of Emergency. However, despite the alarming terminology, the impact of these “emergencies” on daily life has been on the whole less disruptive than the lockdowns endured in many countries.

Japan’s Vaccination Rollout

Japan’s vaccination rollout started slowly, but has ultimately been quite successful. For more statistics on vaccination rates in Japan, refer to Reuters’ Covid-19 Tracker and Covid-19 Vaccination Tracker.

Covid-19 Precautions in Japan

In terms of precautions, health and safety are taken very seriously in Japan, and travelers are often amazed by how clean and organized the country is (along with Japanese food, it’s one of the best things about Japan). Wherever you go, it’s safe to expect widespread adherence to best practices for hygiene and cleanliness, including virtually universal mask-wearing, ubiquitous availability of hand sanitizer, and respectful social distancing.

Japan’s deep-rooted culture of respect, an integral part of Japanese etiquette, certainly helps. So does the fact that Japanese people have been used to wearing masks for many years (in Japan, people wear masks not only due to Covid, but also during flu season, for allergy prevention, and more). Naturally, travel service providers in Japan — from hotels and ryokans, to bullet trains and airlines — have also invested heavily in revamping sanitation procedures to enhance the safety of both travelers and staff.

Post-Covid Entry Requirements

Japan has yet to outline what entry requirements will look like after reopening, but we’ll be updating this page as soon as further details are available.

Our general expectation is that, when tourism returns, quarantine-free travel will be possible for travelers who meet certain criteria. At this point it’s not known for sure whether proof of vaccination will be required, but is assumed that at the minimum negative PCR Covid-19 tests will be part of the equation.

For more on Covid-19 and Japan, we also recommend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the JNTO, the Japan-Guide, Sherpa, and The Japan Times.

Planning on Japan Travel in 2022 or 2023?

Whether you know you want to go, or are on the fence pending further developments and additional clarity, we would be happy to chat about your trip or answer any questions you may have.

The best way to get in touch is via our contact page (feel free to submit a form, send us an email, or give us a call) but you can also connect with us over on Instagram.

The post When Will Japan Reopen? Planning a Post-Pandemic Trip appeared first on Boutique Japan.

Japan is well known for the beauty of its seasons. The cherry blossoms in spring. Vibrant fall foliage. Even the lively festivals (matsuri) of summer.

Yet winter is often overlooked, despite offering some of Japan’s most sublime experiences — and fewer tourists. (See our full article on the seasons and when to visit Japan).

Because we love winter in Japan both for its unique experiences and its relative lack of crowds, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite things about this underrated season. Get yourself cozy and read on!

• Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Japan?
• Weather in Japan in Winter
• 8 Experiences That Make Winter a Unique Time to Explore Japan

Originally written in November 2014, this post was updated and republished on December 6, 2021.

Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Japan?

Most people are drawn to Japan’s peak seasons, spring and fall, so we’re always thrilled when a new client asks us, ​​”Is Japan worth visiting in winter?”

The answer is a resounding yes!

If you can handle a bit of cold weather, and love exploring with fewer tourists around, winter is a great time to visit Japan. As you can read in more detail below, winter in Japan offers amazing sushi and sashimi, heartwarming comfort foods and cozy izakayas, soothing hot springs and gorgeous snow-covered landscapes, and fewer crowds throughout the country.

Weather in Japan in Winter

How cold is Japan in winter? Well, let’s be honest. The weather in most parts of Japan in winter is cold – this much is true. But if you enjoy the art of coziness, you will love the feel of winter here.

When Is Winter in Japan?

Winter in Japan generally lasts from early to mid-December until the middle of March, but the duration and intensity vary by geography.

• In most parts of central Japan (including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka), winter temperatures range from about 25 to 45 °F (-4 to 7 °C).
• In mountainous and northern parts of Japan (such as Tohoku and Hokkaido, and the Japan Alps) it can get much colder. These areas experience a longer and more intense winter and are also blessed with abundant snowfall.
• In southern and western parts of Japan (such as Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa) it can still get cold, but on the whole, winter tends to be a bit milder.

Japan in December

In early December, it’s already winter in Hokkaido, but in places like Tokyo and Kyoto, it may still feel like late autumn. It’s common to have crisp, chilly weather and blue skies (hence the term akibare, referring to the clear sunny skies common in fall), and not uncommon to have views of Mount Fuji from Tokyo skyscraper hotels (such as Aman Tokyo and Park Hyatt Tokyo, among many others).

By late December, it’s fair to say it feels like winter throughout Japan, though as usual the parts of the country furthest south and west (such as Kyushu, and especially Okinawa) remain milder.

Japan in January

As the crowds begin to thin following the New Year holidays, and mid-winter begins to set in, expect cold weather most everywhere you go. Even though the ski season starts before January, in most ski areas like the Alps, Tohoku, and Hokkaido, your probability of getting great conditions starts to increase once January rolls around.

For the most part, there are also very few tourists in January, other than at ski resorts. Most travelers use all their vacation time over the holidays, so if you can visit Japan in January you may have popular places like Kyoto mostly to yourself.

Japan in February

By February, most people in Japan are starting to get excited about spring (which usually begins to make itself felt by mid-March), and February can feel cold and dreary for residents. But for tourists, it’s another excellent time to visit, if you don’t mind the cold.

For travelers who enjoy spectacle, consider planning in advance to attend the remarkable Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri). Held annually in February, Hokkaido’s Yuki Matsuri is one of the world’s great winter celebrations and features awe-inspiring ice sculptures, local cuisine, snow slides, snowball fights, ice bars, and more.

Just keep in mind that any holiday period tends to mean big crowds, and the Chinese New Year period (which often occurs in early February) is also a very busy time of year, with visitors flocking to Japan from throughout Asia.

Technically, winter lasts into March, though by the middle of March the cherry blossom season starts getting into full swing.

8 Experiences That Make Winter a Unique Time to Explore Japan

It can be hard for travelers to resist the pull of sakura (cherry blossoms) or fall foliage, but we think even people who normally dislike cold weather should consider visiting Japan in winter.

To help you decide when to travel to Japan, and whether this less crowded time of year is for you, let’s dive into what makes Japan such an appealing winter destination!

1. Fresh Sushi and Seafood

Eating local and seasonal food is nothing new in Japan, where people think little of traveling across the country to sample a local specialty in season. But while food is always a great reason to travel to Japan, winter is in some ways the best time of year for culinary travelers.

You’ll find extraordinary seasonal specialties at top sushi shops in Tokyo, and other sushi meccas such as Kanazawa, Toyama, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido. Hiroshima and Tohoku are just two of many destinations for oysters, where you can savor the bounty of winter paired with local nihonshu (sake).

2. Japanese Wintertime Comfort Foods

Along with seafood, Japan is also outstanding when it comes to comfort foods. If you’re in Sapporo, on the northern island of Hokkaido, make sure to sample the heartwarming specialties of soup curry and miso ramen.

Winter also marks the appearance nationwide of two wintertime favorites: oden and nabe.

Oden can be found everywhere from oden-specialty restaurants to izakayas (see below) and even convenience stores. Large simmering pots of dashi-based broth slow cook ingredients such as daikon, boiled eggs, tofu, and more.

Nabe are stews (often translated as “hotpot”) composed of any of a wide range of ingredients, from vegetables to meat and seafood. Nabe is traditionally shared with friends or family, and there’s nothing more convivial than gathering around the table to enjoy one, especially in winter!

3. Cozy Bars, Izakayas, and Cafes

Speaking of conviviality, few things are more comforting than warming up at a local izakaya over small tapas-style plates and sake (see our full post on izakayas in Japan).

An izakaya is typically a neighborhood establishment where locals go both for the food and the drink (it’s often translated as “Japanese-style tavern”). Izakayas have eclectic menus featuring anything from tofu, tsukemono (Japanese pickles), and grilled vegetables, to sashimi, yakitori, and karaage (fried chicken).

Eating and drinking at an izakaya is a great way to mingle with locals, and particularly comforting during winter.

4. Luxury Ryokans and Onsen

Without onsen (hot springs), winter in Japan would be beautiful, but perhaps not transcendent. Many countries around the world have pristine hot springs, but in Japan, the art of the onsen experience has been perfected to an extraordinary degree.

Visiting a ryokan (Japanese-style inn) with onsen, particularly in winter, is a quintessential Japanese experience and not to be missed (see more wonderful things to do in Japan).

When staying at a ryokan with hot springs, you pass the time by soaking in healing mineral waters, contemplating nature, drinking green tea in your tatami-lined room, napping, and partaking in incredible, memorable meals. Yes, food is also an integral part of the onsen experience. A ryokan stay typically includes dinner and breakfast, both of which normally feature a beautiful array of local and seasonal specialties.

The exceptional combination of nature, culture, food, and omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) result in an experience that is both incredibly relaxing and culturally fascinating.

5. Powder Paradise: Japan’s Legendary Skiing and Snowboarding

If you love outdoor sports, what could be better than skiing or snowboarding all day, then enjoying a delicious hot meal of local Japanese cuisine and a soak in the onsen?

Japan is blessed with abundant snowfall throughout its many mountainous regions, and you can find winter resorts around the country, particularly in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and the Japan Alps.

In Hokkaido, snowfall is so plentiful that skiers and snowboarders consider it to have some of the best-quality powder in the world. Niseko is by far Hokkaido’s best-known ski destination and is home to luxury accommodations and a thriving culinary scene. A small handful of Hokkaido’s other notable ski areas include Rusutsu, Furano, and Tomamu.

Tohoku and the Japan Alps are both slightly easier to get to (both are fairly convenient to reach by train, whereas the easiest way to get to Hokkaido for most people is by domestic flight), and can be great alternatives if you’re not attached to the idea of skiing in Hokkaido.

The 1998 Winter Olympics were held in Nagano, in the Japan Alps, and the region’s many ski resorts include Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, and Nozawa Onsen. In the Alps, you’re also within easy reach of the famous snow monkeys (see below). As for Tohoku, it’s one of Japan’s most off-the-beaten-path regions, and in addition to its many ski areas features pristine nature, history, and some of Japan’s best onsen.

While it varies a bit depending on the area, the ski season generally lasts from December to April, though expect the best conditions around January and February (naturally, it can vary a lot from year to year). And for the non-skiers traveling with the powderhounds, enjoy gorgeous snow-covered landscapes, onsen and spa treatments, and warm nihonshu!

6. Japan’s Snow Monkeys Love Winter

Humans are not the only ones enjoying onsen. Especially in winter, the Japanese macaques of the famous Snow Monkey Park soak in the remote onsen of Jigokudani.

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture in the Japanese Alps, the Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) is especially popular among family travelers, photographers, and of course animal lovers.

The Snow Monkey Park is open throughout the year, but it’s best experienced in the dead of winter, when the landscape is covered in deep snow and the local macaques have good reason to spend time savoring hot springs.

7. New Year’s Celebrations in Japan

While many restaurants and other establishments close for several days around the New Year’s period, which holds great significance in Japanese culture, it can also be a very special time to be in Japan.

Sure, you’ll find countless New Year’s Eve parties at bars, clubs, and restaurants in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, which have some of the best nightlife on Earth. But while we love a good party, perhaps the real magic of New Year’s in Japan is found in its more old-fashioned side.

This is especially apparent in historic cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa, where locals flock to traditional districts and Buddhist temple bells ring out at midnight, creating an unforgettable, timeless atmosphere. On New Year’s Day, many Japanese people visit Shinto shrines, such as Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo.

8. Enjoy Fewer Crowds in Winter

If you’re the type of traveler who loves getting off the beaten path, and avoiding touristy times of year, winter may be the ideal time for you to visit Japan.

Apart from the winter holidays, winter is generally a low season. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t quite apply to ski resorts, which tend to be at their most popular throughout the winter.

Ski areas notwithstanding, when speaking with clients who have flexible travel schedules we often ask: would you rather have warmer weather, or fewer tourists around? If you can tolerate a bit of cold, and enjoy feeling like you have a destination almost to yourself, consider bundling up for the chilly weather and travel to Japan in winter!

When to Begin Planning Your Winter Trip to Japan

We hope our introduction to the joys of winter in Japan helps you as you plan your adventure!

Depending on your dates and trip priorities, we recommend planning about 6-12 months in advance to ensure you can get your first choice accommodations and experiences.

You can see our real-time availability here, and if you’re curious to learn more about how we design each custom trip, check out our trip-planning process.

The post Top 8 Reasons to Visit Japan in Winter appeared first on Boutique Japan.

With so many amazing places to choose from, and so much online content to sift through, figuring out your ideal destinations can seem daunting, whether it’s your first time to Japan or a return visit.

The good news is that Japan has so many incredible urban and rural destinations (and bucket list-worthy Japan experiences) that you basically can’t go wrong. The “bad” news is that there may be no such thing as a true “best places in Japan” list, since so much comes down to personal preferences and interests.

To help you cut through the clutter and make informed choices for your Japan trip, we’ve compiled this in-depth curated guide to 30 of Japan’s best destinations.

Originally written in 2016, this post was updated and republished on October 14, 2021.

Your Guide to Japan’s Best Destinations

Our guide to the best places in Japan is based on our personal, firsthand experience living in and traveling throughout Japan. As Japan travel experts, this is our job!

Read more about our travel philosophy below, or jump straight into the destinations by clicking on one of the links below:

• Best Cities in Japan
• Most Beautiful Places in Japan
• How Long Should You Spend in Japan?

From our perspective, when it comes to something as personal as travel, there is no such thing as a true “must-visit.” It comes down to personal preference, above all. This is why we specialize in planning custom trips to Japan, so we can help our clients visit places that will be meaningful to them personally.

But we understand that “best of” lists can provide valuable inspiration, especially in the early stages of planning. So based on our travels — and our experience arranging custom Japan trips for travelers from around the world — we’ve compiled this “short” list of worthwhile and rewarding places to visit, both on and off the beaten path.

For most travelers, we suggest visiting cities and the countryside, for a varied and well-balanced experience. For example, even with as little as 1 week in Japan, you can get an introduction to the modern (and surprisingly peaceful) Tokyo, the historic (and surprisingly hip) Kyoto, and still have time for at least 1 night at a traditional ryokan in the Japanese countryside.

One final note: we couldn’t include every single place we love in Japan, and please also keep in mind that these are not listed in any particular order. Now that we’ve covered some key background, onto the fun part…

Best Cities in Japan

Japan is home to some of the world’s most dynamic and fascinating cities. While exploring Japan’s urban centers — from Sapporo to Fukuoka, and everywhere in between — you’ll be able to enjoy the best of Japanese food; shopping, art, and design; some of Japan’s best boutique and luxury hotels; and more.

Even if you’re the type of traveler who tends to avoid big cities, we recommend giving Japan’s cities a chance. Along with being worthwhile for so many reasons, they often surprise nature-lovers with how tranquil they can be. Yes, there are busy and hectic areas, but the peaceful backstreets of cities like Tokyo and Kyoto a totally different story.

Another thing that sets Japan’s cities apart is that, along with all the excitement they offer, they’re also incredibly efficient and safe. These are among the many, many reasons we love Japan so much.

If you can only visit a couple of Japan’s cities, you’ll probably gravitate towards Tokyo and Kyoto, for good reason. In many ways these are essential destinations, especially if it’s your first trip to Japan.

1. Tokyo

Tokyo needs little introduction, and while we typically recommend people spend at least 3-4 nights here, you can get a sense for how much there is to see and do in our mini guide to One Day in Tokyo.

One of the world’s most exciting and eclectic cities, Tokyo is full of amazing restaurants (with cuisine both high and “low”), beautiful gardens, cutting-edge architecture, charming neighborhoods, and a glittering neon-filled cityscape.

There are also countless great day trips near Tokyo, including Kamakura and Nikko (both featured below), among others.

2. Kyoto

Kyoto could not be more different than Tokyo, but is equally enthralling. One of the most culturally rich cities in the world, Kyoto is what many travelers dream of when envisioning Japan.

You could easily spend weeks exploring its backstreets, generations-old craft shops and restaurants, not to mention the ancient capital’s temples and shrines. For a sense of what the city offers, see our mini guide to 3 Days in Kyoto, but for a more comprehensive view don’t miss our Guide to Kyoto.

Day trip possibilities also abound, with options including Osaka and Nara (both featured below), Kibune and Kurama, Lake Biwa and Shigaraki, and more.

3. Kanazawa

Kanazawa is one of Japan’s loveliest traditional destinations, renowned for its beautifully preserved historical districts, elegant crafts, and some of the country’s best seafood and produce. Along with Kyoto, Kanazawa was spared air raids during World War II, leaving much of the historic city intact.

Along with its crafts and cuisine, highlights of Kanazawa include Kenrokuen (one of Japan’s best gardens), the city’s lovely geisha and samurai districts, the colorful Omicho Market, the D.T. Suzuki Museum of Buddhist philosophy, the striking 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and Myoryu-ji (the Ninja Temple). See more in our Introduction to Kanazawa.

4. Osaka

Despite its proximity to Kyoto, Osaka could not be more different from its more tradition-oriented neighbor. The rambunctious city of Osaka is best known for its culinary culture (see our guide to Osaka’s food) and wonderfully friendly people.

For our clients, Osaka tends to be less about sights and more about tastes, but the city also offers plenty in the way of things to see and do, including the reconstructed Osaka Castle, the world-famous Osaka Aquarium, and Universal Studios Japan. For a deeper look, see our Introduction to Osaka.

5. Hiroshima and Miyajima

Most people associate Hiroshima with its tragic past, but the city — along with neighboring Miyajima — offers much more than history.

Hiroshima is best known as the site of one of two atomic bombs dropped on Japan by the US at the end of World War II. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is located in the Peace Park, adjacent to the sobering sight of the iconic A-Bomb Dome (see our guide to the best things to do in Hiroshima).

The Peace Park and Museum are well worth visiting, but after reliving the horrors of 1945 you’ll see that Hiroshima’s present is much brighter. Hiroshima’s people are friendly and outgoing, and in addition to the famous local specialty, okonomiyaki, Hiroshima is full of bars and restaurants offering local sake (and, in winter, the amazing local oysters).

Miyajima, located just outside the city, makes for a perfect day trip, though some travelers choose to stay on Miyajima itself (instead of, or in addition to, a stay in Hiroshima proper).

Miyajima is famous for the picturesque Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a magnificent red torii gate that appears to be floating in the waters of the Inland Sea. But Miyajima is much more than simply Itsukushima Jinja: the island offers plenty to see and do, including sea kayaking, hiking, quaint streets offering tasty local snacks, and more.

6. Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a cosmopolitan city at the northern end of the rugged Kyushu island. Also known as Hakata, the city of Fukuoka is one of Japan’s culinary capitals, and is also blessed by relatively mild weather, a buzzing energy yet laid-back feel, and access to Kyushu’s beautiful landscapes.

Fukuoka’s food is the draw for many travelers. The city is legendary for its tonkotsu ramen, and also one of few cities in Japan with a thriving yatai culture. Yatai are humble and casual food carts, where you can drink and dine among locals. In addition to its culinary highlights, Fukuoka is a magnet for creatives with a vibrant arts scene, attracting young artists and designers from throughout Japan (and Asia).

7. Sapporo

Most travelers visit Hokkaido (featured in the Most Beautiful Places in Japan section below) for its nature, and some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding. But the island’s food is also a huge draw, and one of the best places to eat is the island’s largest city, Sapporo.

In Sapporo you can sample the mouthwatering variety of Hokkaido’s cuisine, including top-quality sushi, sashimi, and seafood in general; some of Japan’s best dairy and baked goods; premium Japanese fruits; heartwarming specialties including miso ramen, soup curry, and jingisukan (“Genghis Khan,” a grilled mutton dish); and more.

8. Kobe

Kobe tends to be synonymous with the iconic Kobe beef, and wagyu in general, but the city is much more than a place to eat top-grade meat (as a side note, see what many people get wrong about Kobe beef, and other myths and misperceptions about Japan).

Despite being so near Kyoto and Osaka, most first-time travelers don’t make it to Kobe. The pretty and cosmopolitan urban center, nestled between the mountains and the sea, has a fascinating history and boasts fantastic food (including one of Japan’s best Chinatowns) and local sake. The local baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers (who play in Nishinomiya, in between Kobe and Osaka), also has some of the most enthusiastic fans you’ll find anywhere on Earth.

9. Sendai

For travelers exploring Tohoku (featured below), Sendai can be a fun and memorable place to stop off for a night or two en route to more remote locations. The city has a lively nightlife scene, with countless izakayas offering up local specialties and nihonshu (sake) from around the region. Sendai is also a convenient base for exploring the nearby Matsushima Bay and the charming port town of Shiogama.

10. Takamatsu

Takamatsu is a pleasant city on the northeast coast of Shikoku Island, another of our favorite off-the-beaten-track regions.

Most travelers stop in Takamatsu en route to more out-of-the-way destinations, such as Naoshima and the Iya Valley (both featured below). But Takamatsu itself is worth a visit, with highlights including its renowned sanuki udon noodles, the gorgeous Ritsurin Koen Garden, and the serene Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum Japan.

Most Beautiful Places in Japan

Japan has no shortage of beautiful places, and below you’ll find some of our favorite villages, towns, and regions around the country. Even if you’re a hardcore city person, to complement your urban experiences we highly recommend at least one visit to the Japanese countryside.

Thanks to Japan’s world-class rail network (learn more in our Guide to Train Travel in Japan), getting into rural Japan is easy, though in certain regions you may want to hire a private driver or rent a car, as some of the most remote areas are best explored with a vehicle.

For more rural travel inspiration, see our feature on Japan’s Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Places. Lovers of nature and relaxing rural escapes will also find inspiration in our 13-day Luxury Ryokans & the Japanese Countryside sample itinerary.

11. Tohoku

Even though we love telling people how beautiful Tohoku is, few people take us up on actually visiting! This is unfortunate for travelers who love unique destinations, but great news for people who are happy to get off the tourist track to spend time in relatively out-of-the-way locations.

The Tohoku region, located in northern Japan (just south of Hokkaido), is vast and about as remote as it gets on the country’s main island of Honshu. There are far too many highlights to list, so for a deeper look at this little-visited region see the Tohoku section of our article on Japan’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations.

12. The Kiso Valley and Nakasendo Road

One of the best places in Japan to experience a village-to-village walk, the Nakasendo Way in the Kiso Valley is a rewarding destination for travelers who love a mix of nature and tradition. The Kiso Valley is located just south of the Japan Alps (known for cities including Nagano and Matsumoto) and north of the bustling city of Nagoya.

The best way to experience the Nakasendo Road is by spending at least a day or more walking between villages along the historic route, which was used by samurai to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period.

For a short trip, you can do the half-day hike between Magome and the stunning village of Tsumago, and spend the night at a quaint rural ryokan along the way. If you have the flexibility, consider spending 2 or 3 days along the trail, including stops in the more remote Kiso-Fukushima and Narai-juku village.

13. Izu Peninsula

Located just to the south and west of Tokyo, most visitors to Japan speed through Izu without even realizing it. The shinkansen (bullet train) traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto passes through the northern end of Izu, but the majority of its gems lie to the south.

Izu is overflowing with natural beauty, onsen (hot springs), and a few of our favorite spots in the peninsula include the quaint Shuzenji Onsen village, coastal Izu-Kogen, and historic Shimoda. Izu is home to several remarkable ryokans with hot springs, and is by far one of the best places to experience a luxury ryokan near Tokyo and Kyoto.

14. Koyasan (Mount Koya)

In recent years, Mount Koya has become more popular (and crowded), yet it’s still worthwhile for travelers with an interest in Buddhism and Japanese history. Approximately 2 hours south of Osaka (and 3 hours from Kyoto), it’s possible to visit Koyasan as a day trip, but for a deeper experience we recommend staying overnight in one of Mount Koya’s shukubo (temple lodgings). To learn more, see our Guide to Visiting Mount Koya.

15. Naoshima

Without a doubt one of Japan’s best art destinations, Naoshima is arguably a must for lovers of modern art and architecture. The island’s highlights include the museum-hotel Benesse House, Tadao Ando’s breathtaking Chichu Art Museum, and the quirky Art House Project. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind art island in our Guide to Naoshima.

16. Kurashiki

One of our favorite little places in Japan’s Chugoku region (partly because of our love for Ryokan Kurashiki), Kurashiki is a small city best known for its beautifully preserved historical district, located along a picturesque canal. Kurashiki’s old merchant district, known as the Bikan Historical Quarter, is lined with attractive former kura (storehouses) that have been lovingly preserved and converted into charming galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

17. Nara

Located less than an hour from Kyoto, the rural city of Nara actually preceded Kyoto as Japan’s original ancient capital. Today the city is rightly renowned for its treasure trove of UNESCO World Heritage sites, most of which are within relatively easy walking distance of one another around the central Nara Park (home to the city’s famously outgoing deer). Read more in our Guide to Visiting Nara.

18. Kinosaki Onsen

A perfect destination for travelers who love old traditional villages and hot springs, Kinosaki Onsen has been delighting onsen enthusiasts for generations. The city is blessed with a wealth of historical ryokans and bathhouses, and it is a joy to stroll through the old-fashioned town in yukata (light Japanese-style robe) and geta (wooden clogs) to soak it all in.

19. Kamakura

Another gem for lovers of history and nature, Kamakura is a laid-back seaside town about an hour south of Tokyo. Historical highlights abound, but complementing Kamakura’s rich tradition you’ll also find young transplants from cities like Tokyo running stylish little cafes and shops. To learn more, see our in-depth Introduction to Kamakura.

20. Nikko

A couple of hours north of Tokyo, in rural Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is a mountainous destination renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, surrounded by natural beauty. As a full-day trip from Tokyo, it is possible to take in many of Nikko’s highlights (which include Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the Kegon Falls), but Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen are also home to countless ryokans with hot springs for travelers who prefer to explore the area in more depth.

21. Onomichi

Along with Naoshima, the quaint port town of Onomichi is another of our favorite destinations in Japan’s colorful Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) region. Located on the southern coast of Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi charms travelers with its quirky atmosphere, a beguiling blend of retro and modern. Walking along its old-fashioned shotengai (central shopping arcade), you’ll encounter classic neighborhood mom-and-pop shops alongside tiny design-forward boutiques. To learn more about this offbeat town, see our Guide to Onomichi.

Onomichi is also the perfect jumping-off point for travelers looking to spend more time exploring the scenic Shimanami Kaido.

22. Hakone

Hakone is no secret, but despite its popularity remains a worthwhile destination for travelers who love nature, art, and luxurious accommodations. Along with Izu, it is one of the best and most convenient places to experience a ryokan when traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto. To read more about this scenic onsen destination, see our Guide to Visiting Hakone.

Hakone can also be a great base for views of Mount Fuji, if the weather is clear. Fujisan is notoriously “shy,” as it’s often obscured by cloud cover, but when visibility is good the vantage point from Hakone can be stunning. If seeing Mount Fuji is a top priority for you, consider the town of Kawaguchiko as an alternative.

23. Yakushima

It doesn’t get much more beautiful than Yakushima, a subtropical island off Kyushu’s southern coast. The remote island offers miles of untouched coastline and some of Japan’s most rugged hiking, with trails winding through lush forests full of mossy rocks and ancient cedar trees (some as old as 7,000 years!). Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima remains largely untouched by tourism, and is a magical place to experience Japan’s natural beauty.

24. Hokkaido

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido is renowned for its cuisine, whisky, world-class winter powder, and wide-open landscapes. Traditionally the home of the indigenous Ainu people, Hokkaido was colonized by Japan in the 19th century. Sadly, Ainu culture has suffered greatly, though in recent years there have been increasing efforts to value the history and also present-day culture of the Ainu.

You won’t find many traditional villages in Hokkaido, unlike in most other rural parts of Japan. But you will find pristine expanses of nature, unique wildlife in isolated places like the Shiretoko Peninsula, some of the best skiing and snowboarding on the planet in places like Niseko, and astoundingly good food and drink.

For more on the northern island, see the Hokkaido section of our post on Japan’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations.

25. Kumano Kodo

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is one of Japan’s most enchanting walks. Deep in rural Wakayama Prefecture, just a few hours south of Kyoto and Osaka, the UNESCO-recognized Kumano region is filled with spirituality and history, as well as beautiful landscapes, charming villages, hiking, and onsen.

Walks along the pilgrimage route range from day hikes all the way up to challenging multi-day walks for the more adventurous. The Kumano Kodo is also part of a Dual Pilgrim program with its sister walk, Spain’s better-known Camino de Santiago.

26. Takayama, Shirakawago & Gokayama

Established in the 16th century, Takayama is a historic town in the Hida Mountains of the Japanese Alps renowned for its traditional atmosphere and culinary offerings, including the famous Hida-gyu beef, wonderful rice and mountain vegetables, and premium sake. While the town has become popular over the years, even when the town center is filled with day-trippers a stroll in most directions will reveal quiet backstreets.

Within easy reach of Takayama, deep in the Japanese Alps are the UNESCO World Heritage historic villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama, and the off-the-beaten-path Hida-Furukawa.

27. Matsue

Matsue, located in western Japan’s beautiful but little-visited Shimane Prefecture, is one of Japan’s hidden gems. Most visitors travel to Matsue for the breathtaking Adachi Museum of Art. In addition to its impressive collection, the Adachi Museum is most renowned for its world-famous garden, which blends almost magically into the surrounding landscape.

In Matsue itself, enjoy excellent seafood and sake, and visit Matsue-jo (Matsue Castle), one of only a handful of surviving original castles in Japan. Matsue is also the ideal base from which to visit Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines, as well as the idyllic Oki Islands.

28. Noto Peninsula

Jutting out into the Japan Sea, to the north of Kanazawa, is the rugged Noto Hanto (Noto Peninsula). Made famous by the wonderful book Rice, Noodle, Fish (one of our favorite Japan travel books), Noto Hanto makes for a great self-drive destination. Visit the Wajima Market, enjoy dramatic coastal scenery, have lunch at Flatt’s, and consider spending the night at one of Noto’s beautiful onsen ryokans.

29. Yaeyama Islands

Japan is not the first place that comes to mind when most people think of beaches in Asia. Yet it’s home to one of the region’s most beautiful subtropical destinations: the Yaeyama Islands.

The whole Okinawan archipelago is full of gorgeous little islands, but for one of the most unique experiences Japan has to offer, the remote Yaeyama Islands have no equal. Geographically closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan, the Yaeyama Islands feature not only picturesque beaches and lush jungles, but a rich Ryukyu heritage and culture, not to mention Okinawan food.

30. Iya Valley

The beautiful Iya Valley in Shikoku is one of Japan’s most hidden regions, and when you traverse the terrain you will appreciate why. It is made up of narrow river gorges and steep mountain peaks, covered in thick vegetation. Although now more accessible than in centuries past, the Iya Valley remains a fantastic place to experience rural and traditional Japan. Read more about the whole of beautiful Shikoku in our feature on Japan’s best off-the-tourist-track regions.

How Long Should You Spend in Japan?

One of the most common Japan travel questions we hear is, How many days should I plan to spend in Japan?

Before we elaborate, the simple answer is: as long as possible! Next to a huge country like China, Japan may look small on the map, but it’s larger than it looks.

Purely in terms of area, Japan is slightly smaller than the state of California. But in terms of places and experiences, Japan is as dense as Europe, where you can travel an hour or two in any direction and arrive at a remarkable destination. This density of incredible places is what makes Japan feel larger than it otherwise might. Most travelers only fully grasp this after a first visit, which often prompts a desire to return again as soon as possible to explore further.

Thus, we recommend you “admit defeat” from the start, and accept that you won’t be able to “do” Japan in just one trip (whether you have 2 weeks or 2 months). Trust me: we’ve spent years exploring Japan, and are not remotely near “finished”!

This being said, here are some basic guidelines to give you an idea of the possibilities depending on how long your Japan trip will be:

Less Than 1 Week in Japan

While shorter than we might normally suggest, if you’re thinking of visiting Japan for less than a week, make sure to see our article on where to go if you have 5 days in Japan.

7 to 10 Days in Japan

This is typically the minimum timeframe we recommend. With 1 week to 10 days in Japan, you will have time for a well-rounded introduction to the country. Our 8-Day Japan Essentials: Tokyo, Kyoto & Hakone sample itinerary is a great example of how much you can see and do with about a week in the country.

10 to 14 Days in Japan

With a little extra time, you can include additional destinations, or simply spend more time immersing yourself in each place you visit. Our sample trips below provide some examples of how much you can see and do with about two weeks in Japan:

• Two Weeks in Japan: A Perfect Itinerary
• Luxury Japan: Art, Culture & Cuisine
• Japan Cities, Mountains & Art
• Luxury Ryokans & the Japanese Countryside

2 to 3 Weeks in Japan

With 2 to 3 weeks or longer in Japan, you begin to have more flexibility to visit a wider variety of regions, while also enjoying a significant degree of cultural immersion. While less common among our travelers from the US and UK, many of our Australian clients are fortunate enough to be able to devote 3 or more weeks to traveling around Japan. With this much time, the possibilities are virtually endless, so we hope our list helps you narrow things down to your own personal wish list!

Where in Japan Will You Go?

While we couldn’t include every single one of our favorite places in Japan, we hope our guide to Japan’s best destinations helps you decide where to go on your trip.

At Boutique Japan, our specialty is crafting completely customized trips for travelers seeking unique, authentic experiences. If you are interested in learning more about working with us, please feel free to explore our trip planning process.

The post 30 Best Destinations in Japan appeared first on Boutique Japan.

If you want to see Japan at its liveliest, a high-energy matsuri is the place to do it! The celebrations themselves vary widely depending on the occasion, but almost always involve spirited processions of participants vigorously chanting, dancing, and bearing massive, intricately-decorated mikoshi (portable shrines) or floats.

As if all of this weren’t enough, festivals in Japan are also one of the best places to sample an incredible array of unique, casual, and seasonal Japanese foods. To the surprise of many, street food is not very prevalent in Japan (unlike in many other parts of Asia). But at matsuri you’ll find the streets lined with yatai (food stall) after colorful yatai, offering a remarkable selection of healthy (and not-so-healthy) festival snacks.

This article was last updated in October 2021.

The Best Japanese Festivals: Our Favorite Matsuri

Japan has too many fantastic matsuri to include in one list, and some of the most delightful are unsung festivals held in small neighborhoods throughout Japan. In our guide to Japan’s festivals below, we provide an introduction to what we consider some of the best and most interesting Japanese festivals, including:

• Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri
• Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri
• Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri
• The Awa Odori festival in Tokushima
• And many more!

To help you find what you’re looking for, here is a quick table of contents for easy navigation:

• List of Upcoming Japanese Matsuri (Festivals)
• Tokyo’s Best Festivals: Matsuri in Tokyo
• Kyoto’s Best Festivals: Matsuri in Kyoto
• Japan’s Best Matsuri Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto
• Hanabi (Fireworks) Matsuri
• Honorable Mentions: Other Great Festivals in Japan
• More Japanese Matsuri Resources

List of Upcoming Japanese Matsuri (Festivals)

If you’re in the trip-planning process and curious whether your travel dates overlap with any great festivals, here is an up-to-date list of notable matsuri taking place throughout Japan (we update this list frequently).

Festivals take place year-round, with a number of the most prominent in summer. Japan’s summer is hot and muggy (read more about the seasons and weather in Japan), and the sultry weather lends itself well to the rambunctious atmosphere at many matsuri.

Upcoming Festivals (Matsuri) in Japan in 2022

• February 5-12: Sapporo Yuki Matsuri Snow Festival (Sapporo)
• April 14-15: Takayama Spring Festival (Takayama)
• May 15: Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto)
• May 20-22: Sanja Matsuri (Tokyo)
• Month of July: Gion Matsuri (Kyoto) (Main parades, evenings of July 17th and 24th)
• July 24-25: Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka)
• July 30: Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)
• July 30: Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)
• August 2-7: Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)
• August 6: Edogawa Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)
• August 6: Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (Osaka)
• August 12-15: Awa Odori (Shikoku)
• August TBD: Hokkai Bon Odori (Sapporo) (15th day of the 7th lunar month; lasts for three days)
• August 16: Kyoto Gozan Okuribi, aka Daimonji Festival (Kyoto)
• October 9-10: Takayama Fall Festival (Takayama)
• October 22: Kurama Fire Festival (Kyoto)
• October 22: Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto)
• November 4, 16, 28: Asakusa Torinoichi Fair (Tokyo) (Held on Days of the Rooster in November; Days of the Rooster occur every 12 days throughout the month)
• December 2-3: Chichibu Yomatsuri (Saitama)

Tokyo’s Best Festivals: Matsuri in Tokyo

We begin with a selection of Tokyo’s best festivals.

Kanda Matsuri (Kanda Myojin Shrine, Tokyo)

Kanda was a key central district of Edo (and remains so in present-day Tokyo), and Kanda Matsuri is known as one of Tokyo’s big three festivals.

It takes place only in odd-numbered years (alternating with the Sanno Matsuri) and technically lasts an entire week, although the main parade occurs on the Saturday closest to May 15th, when over 300 people — bearing 100 mikoshi — march through the streets of central Tokyo.

This shinto festival began as a celebration of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s victory at the battle of Sekigahara, and continued as a show of wealth for the new Edo period shogunate.

Over time, the festival has come to represent prosperity for the residents, and it’s quite a spectacle to observe as the parade of portable shrines, musicians, priests on horseback, and dancers make their way through the streets, blessing local onlookers. The procession ends at Kanda Myojin Shrine.

Sanja Matsuri (Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo)

Sanja Matsuri is another boisterous shinto festival, held on the third Sunday of May (and preceding Friday and Saturday) in Tokyo’s old-fashioned Asakusa district.

The Sanja Matsuri – which draws around 2 million visitors over three days, and is considered the largest shinto festival in Tokyo – honors the three founders of Senso-ji Temple, who are enshrined in the Asakusa Shrine next door to the temple.

As the story goes, the three founders dedicated their lives to Buddhism after catching a small statue of the Boddhisatva Kannon in Tokyo’s Sumida River while fishing one morning, back in the 7th century. While the festival has possibly been around in some form since around that time, the shrine itself has only been around since 1649.

There are plenty of games and food to be enjoyed, and the festival itself is known for being relatively raucous. The streets are flooded with flute players, taiko drummers, and people chanting. On Sunday, at the height of the festival, three mikoshi — each with the spirit (kami) of one of the founders — are energetically carried through the streets before being laid back in their place of rest at Asakusa Shrine. It is said that the louder the chanting and music, and the more roughly the mikoshi are shaken, the more good luck will be bestowed upon the neighborhoods they pass.

Kyoto’s Best Festivals: Matsuri in Kyoto

Below is a small sampling of our favorite festivals in Kyoto.

Aoi Matsuri (Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto)

Also referred to as the Kamo Matsuri, the Aoi Matsuri is an ornate, elegant festival with a procession from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrine in the north of the city. Participants dress in the elaborate style of the the Heian period (794-1185), with some on horseback and in ox-drawn carriages, and others on foot while playing Heian court music.

The origins of the Aoi Matsuri actually predate the Heian period, and it may have begun in some form as early as the 6th century, when Emperor Kinmei would deliver offerings to the Kamo Shrine in the hopes of warding off natural disaster. Eventually, this evolved into an elaborate procession during the height of the Heian period. The festival’s name comes from the hollyhock (aoi) that adorns the costumes and carriages of the participants, once considered good luck charm against natural disasters.

The Aoi Matsuri’s procession begins at the Imperial Palace at 10:30 am, and finally arrives at Kamigamo Shrine at around 3:30 pm. In addition to the parade, there are also equestrian races and events in the preceding days.

Gion Matsuri (Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto)

Gion Matsuri is perhaps Japan’s best-known festival, and possibly the largest as well. It has a long history (dating back to the year 869) and lasts the entire month of July, culminating in a parade of floats — the Yamaboko Junko — on July 17th.

Although there are festival-related events throughout the month, the main festivities occur on the day of the Yamaboko Junko (July 17th) and on the three evenings before (known as the yoiyama evenings).

“Yamaboko” refers to the two types of floats: the smaller yama floats and the massive hoko floats. Hoko floats can be up to several stories (around 25 meters) in height, and can weigh as much as 12 tons carrying festival participants. The festival floats are elaborately decorated with gorgeous tapestries and paper lanterns, and hoko floats require around 40 people to pull them through the streets.

During the yoiyama evenings, streets are closed and packed with people enjoying yatai (food stalls), performances, traditional music and costumes, and possibly even spotting geiko and maiko. This is a chance to enjoy the impressive festival floats up close, and a special opportunity to see Kyoto residents let loose!

Another fascinating aspect of the yoiyama evenings is the concurrently-held Byobu Matsuri (“Folding Screen Festival”), during which many Kyoto families open the entryways of their homes to the public, offering a glimpse of precious family heirlooms.

There is also a slightly smaller parade (with fewer floats) that takes place on July 24th, and it too is preceded by its own yoiyama nights of revelry.

Japan’s Best Matsuri Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

Attempting to narrow all of Japan’s festivals down to a list of the best is a fool’s errand, but here is a small sampling of our favorites.

Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori Prefecture)

Nebuta Matsuri, held in the northern prefecture of Aomori, is one of Japan’s most visually striking festivals. During the Nebuta Matsuri, the streets of Aomori City come alive with breathtakingly vibrant lantern floats, which can take up to a year to build.

The magnificent floats — depicting imposing gods, warriors, kabuki actors, animals, and even TV celebrities — are made with washi (Japanese paper) and lit from the inside. Accompanying the floats are groups of dancers, taiko drummers, flutists, and other musicians.

All festival-goers are invited to join in the lively procession of dancers, provided they wear the traditional haneto dancer’s costume (readily available throughout the city).

Unlike most festivals, the Nebuta Matsuri features parades on every evening of the festival week, with the exception of the final day, when the parade is held in the afternoon.

Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival, Sapporo, Hokkaido)

As featured in our article on the top reasons to visit Japan in winter, every February the city of Sapporo — Hokkaido’s largest city — plays host to Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, one of the world’s great snow and ice festivals.

Renowned for its awe-inspiring ice and snow sculptures, the Sapporo Snow Festival (which dates back to 1950) attracts more than two million visitors a year. The painstaking effort and creativity that goes into each of the sculptures can be enjoyed by day, and they are even more magical in the evenings when they are beautifully illuminated.

Apart from the snow architecture, the Yuki Matsuri features a variety of events for young and old, including concerts, an international snow-sculpting competition, culinary happenings, snowball fights, snow slides, ice bars and much more.

Takayama Matsuri (Takayama, Gifu Prefecture)

Takayama’s Spring and Autumn Matsuri are among the most beautiful festivals in Japan, in great part thanks to their venue: the lovely and historic town of Takamaya in the Japan Alps.

Takayama is renowned throughout Japan for its highly-skilled craftspeople, and their handiwork is on stunning display in the spectacular festival yatai (apart from referring to food stalls, the word yatai can also refer to parade floats as it does here). The yatai are constructed with intricately carved wood, lacquer art, detailed metal work, woven textiles, and fully moving giant marionettes (karakuri ningyo).

The wheeled floats are masterpieces, but the real treat is watching the daily performances of the puppets, moved by dozens of strings and pushrods, operated from inside the float by a master puppeteer.

Takayama’s Spring festival (Haru no Takayama Matsuri) is held to pray for a great harvest after planting season, and takes place in southern Takayama at Hie Shrine (also known as Sanno Shrine). The Autumn Festival (Aki no Takayama Matsuri) gives thanks for the crops that have been harvested, and takes place in northern Takayama around the Hachiman Shrine.

Both festivals are equally worthwhile, showcasing the inimitable yatai, along with a magical evening procession (yomatsuri) on the first evening of each festival. When dusk falls, the floats — led by costumed dancers and musicians — are lit with hundreds of lanterns and pulled through the streets of Takayama, traversing the town’s picturesque bridges.

Tenjin Matsuri (Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka)

Tenjin Matsuri (“Festival of the Gods”) is an exuberant celebration that takes place at the end of July in the lively city of Osaka.

The festival celebrates Sugawara no Michizane, a poet and scholar from the Heian period who is deified at Osaka’s Tenmangu Shrine. During the procession, this patron god of art and education is paraded in his mikoshi alongside participants who include lion and umbrella dancers, musicians, goblins on horseback, and many more.

People from Osaka are known for being fun and outgoing, and while Tenjin Matsuri is a storied traditional festival with over 1,000 years of history, the atmosphere during the festival is pure fun, with endless food stalls and festive partying in the streets.

The festival peaks on its second day, when 3,000 people — outfitted in Heian period attire — proceed through the streets, then board torch-lit boats that continue along Osaka’s Okawa River. The evening culminates with a dazzling fireworks display over the flaming boats floating on the river.

Awa Odori (Tokushima, Shikoku)

The Awa Odori (Awa Dance) festival originated in rural Tokushima (formerly known as Awa Province), on the island of Shikoku.

Story has it that it dates back to the late 16th century when the feudal lord of Awa held a giant celebration at the opening of Tokushima castle. After drinking throughout the night, the attendees are said to have begun drunken singing and dancing, while musicians played a simple, syncopated beat. This became a lively annual event, and one of Japan’s most fun-loving matsuri.

Despite its somewhat remote location (we feature Shikoku in this post about great off-the-beaten-path destinations), Awa Odori draws over a million visitors to Shikoku each year.

The festival features fantastic traditional costumes, a dynamic (if stylized) dance, and highly energetic singing, chanting, and instrumentation. More than anything, it’s at its core a very friendly and colorful dance competition.

The procession is comprised of teams of dancers. Each team has its own unique costumes and spin on the traditional dance. The atmosphere is party-like, and the dance is known as the “fool’s dance.” The lyrics say it all: “The dancers are fools, and the people watching are fools. Since everyone is a fool, why not dance!”

For those who can’t make it all the way to Tokushima, it’s worth trying to catch the Tokyo version of Awa Odori, which has been held in Tokyo’s Koenji neighborhood since the 1950s.

While smaller than the original incarnation in Shikoku, even Tokyo’s version of Awa Odori has grown to attract over a million visitors each year. The Koenji neighborhood where it is held is a laid-back area just west of Shinjuku, known for its great food and drink, music venues, and vintage shops.

Chichibu Yomatsuri (Chichibu Shrine, Saitama Prefecture)

Held about 90 minutes from Tokyo, the Chichibu Yomatsuri is one of Japan’s most impressive float festivals, featuring human-powered floats that can weigh up to 20 tons. In fact, the intricately-carved floats are so large that they double as kabuki stages during the day.

A yomatsuri (night festival), the Chichibu Yomatsuri is famous for the brilliant display of lanterns covering the floats, which are accompanied by taiko drummers, flute players, and mikoshi from the 2,000-year-old Chichibu Shrine.

At the festival’s climax, the floats are pulled to the top of a slope, and the night concludes with a two-hour fireworks display – a rare treat in winter.

Hanabi (Fireworks) Matsuri

If you’re braving the heat and visiting Japan in summer, you may have the chance to attend one of the country’s dazzling hanabi (fireworks) matsuri. As anyone who has spent much time in Japan knows, fireworks are elevated to an art here, and hanabi artisans take their jobs seriously!

Throughout the summer hanabi festivals take place all over the country, and range from major events in cities like Tokyo and Osaka to regional and local displays in smaller communities. Like other matsuri, these festive celebrations are a great opportunity to relax, spend time with friends and family, and indulge in cold drinks and festival food.

Here is a short list of some of Japan’s most notable hanabi matsuri. Especially if you’re planning to attend a popular fireworks event, make extra sure to arrive early to secure a good spot!

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival

Tokyo’s biggest hanabi event (usually attended by over one million people), with two different programs and venues, both along the Sumidagawa (Sumida River).

Edogawa Fireworks Festival

Another of Tokyo’s largest fireworks shows, held on the Edogawa (Edo River). The festival itself is around Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood.

Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival

Smaller in scale than Tokyo’s larger hanabi festivals, this matsuri is a good option if you want to ensure a good view. En route to the fireworks viewing area, walk through the old-fashioned streets leading to Shibamata Taishakuten Temple.

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

One of Osaka’s most iconic summer events, this festival is organized and run entirely by volunteers. The hanabi display is best known for showcasing its special, hand-made fireworks.

Honorable Mentions: Other Great Festivals in Japan

We couldn’t resist including a few honorable mentions, but there are countless more, as well!

Omizutori (Todaiji Temple, Nara)

During the beautiful Omizutori, every evening after sunset, priests carrying burning torches climb up to the balcony of Todaiji Temple’s Nigatsudo Hall. In addition to the beauty of the spectacle, and lovely views over Nara from Nigatsudo, the falling embers are said to grant the attendees below a safe year ahead.

Kanamara Matsuri (Kanamaya Shrine, Kawasaki)

The infamous Kanamara Matsuri (“Festival of the Steel Phallus,” most commonly known by its more colloquial name) is held in the city of Kawasaki, immediately south of Tokyo. Befitting its theme, you will find “unusual” mikoshi, candy, and trinkets, all modeled after symbols of fertility. The festival is a light-hearted and lively affair, and charitably donates proceeds to AIDS/HIV research.

Kanto Matsuri (Akita Prefecture)

As part of the Kanto Matsuri (“Pole Lantern Festival”), performers balance giant bamboo poles strung with lanterns, while drummers and other musicians play alongside. The festival’s highlights are the night parades, when the lanterns are lit with candles, and the incredible balancing acts illuminate the night.

Nagasaki Kunchi (Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki

Nagasaki Kunchi celebrates the Dutch and Chinese influences on the historic and cosmopolitan city of Nagasaki. Various neighborhood districts take part, with performances representing the cultural influences on this Japanese melting pot, including Chinese lion dances large ship-shaped floats. Though the main performances have paid seating, there are some free-seating events held throughout the city.

Jidai Matsuri (Heian Shrine, Kyoto)

Kyoto’s Jidai Matsuri (“Festival of the Ages”) takes you back in time through Kyoto’s thousand-year-reign as the capital of Japan. Over 2,000 samurai warriors, Heian court princesses, geisha, and other historically significant characters form a procession from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine in this photogenic reenactment of Kyoto’s storied history.

More Japanese Matsuri Resources

Hopefully you’re now excited to visit Japan and attend a dynamic matsuri or two!

Please keep in mind that for many of the above festivals — especially the most popular, such as the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri and the Takayama Festivals — significant advance planning is essential, as it’s not uncommon for accommodations to sell out months in advance.

For even more information on Japanese festivals, we also recommend the excellent Japan-Guide’s overview of festivals in Japan, and the useful Japan Atlas’ guide to Japanese festivals.

The post Japan’s Best Matsuri (Festivals) appeared first on Boutique Japan.

But when you’re planning a trip to Japan, it can be hard to know which places are worth visiting, and which places to skip. After all, some popular experiences are actually worthwhile and live up to the hype, while others are just as touristy as they look on Instagram.

If you’re looking for inspiration on where to go and what to do for a truly memorable Japan trip, we recommend the remarkable places and experiences listed below. Some are more well-known, while others will help you get off the beaten path (and into the Japanese countryside).

Originally written in 2015, this post was updated and republished on September 21, 2021.

To Tour or Not to Tour

While we specialize in planning custom trips to Japan, we realize many people refer to our website to help them plan their itineraries independently. Many of the experiences featured below can be done without a guide, though most can be greatly enhanced with a fun, local expert.

We hear from lots of travelers who have had mediocre tours in the past, and we get it. Few things are more frustrating than a boring, or bad, guide. Along with visiting boutique and luxury hotels and ryokans, perhaps the most important part of our team’s work is vetting guides and local experts (there are plenty of guides throughout Japan, but few who are knowledgeable, flexible, and authentically engaging).

Of course, even for travelers who appreciate a great guide, there may be times where you simply want to relax or explore on your own. This might mean wandering around a charming neighborhood, people watching at a stylish cafe, or enjoying a spa treatment. We take this into account when designing your Japan itinerary, and suggest local experts especially where we think it will most enhance your experience.

We hope our ideas provide you with travel inspiration, whether you contact us for your trip or plan independently!

Here are 30 unique and immersive experiences to consider for your Japan bucket list:

1. Drink and Dine at an Izakaya
2. Soak in Healing Onsen (Hot Springs)
3. Explore Art & Architecture on The Art Island of Naoshima
4. Splurge on a Night at a Tokyo Luxury Hotel
5. Attend a Japanese Matsuri (Festival)
6. Sample the World’s Finest Sushi & Sashimi
7. Ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Around Japan
8. Stroll Through Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest
9. Eat The Best Ramen of Your Life on a Ramen Deep Dive
10. Stay at a Shukubo (Buddhist Temple Lodging)
11. Watch Sumo and Baseball
12. Ski or Snowboard Japan’s Legendary Powder
13. Admire Sakura During Cherry Blossom Season
14. Taste Premium Nihonshu (Sake)
15. Hike Through the Japanese Countryside
16. Experience Nightlife in Japan
17. Cycle Through Kyoto or Tokyo
18. Trek Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
19. Eat Your Way Through Tsukiji’s Outer Market
20. Climb or Admire Fuji-san (Mount Fuji)
21. Marvel at Japan’s Modern Architecture
22. Find Zen in a Japanese Garden
23. Experience Japanese Coffee Culture
24. Savor Matcha, Genmaicha, and More
25. Visit an Original Japanese Castle
26. Get Lost in Tokyo’s Stylish Backstreets
27. Sip on Rare Japanese Whisky
28. Experience Paradise in the Islands of Okinawa
29. See the Famous Snow Monkeys in Nagano
30. Obsess Over Japan’s World-Class Baked Goods

1. Drink and Dine at an Izakaya

You’ll find an amazing variety of culinary experiences in Japan, but there’s nothing like eating and drinking at an izakaya.

In addition to being the perfect place to sample a wide variety of Japanese dishes — from sashimi and fried foods, to tofu and seasonal vegetables — eating and drinking at an izakaya is also a great way to mingle with locals. Kanpai!

2. Soak in Healing Onsen (Hot Springs)

Soaking in a remote onsen while the snow falls around you is one of the most magical experiences you can have in Japan, and makes braving the cold all the more worthwhile. It’s one of our favorite things about winter in Japan.

Combined with a stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inn), and you have all the makings of an unforgettable trip. For more ryokan inspiration, see our Luxury Ryokans & the Japanese Countryside sample trip.

3. Explore Art & Architecture on The Art Island of Naoshima

For art lovers, the so-called art island, Naoshima, is a must-visit, with museums designed by Tadao Ando and works by world-class artists from around the world. Stay at the museum-hotel Benesse House, and also make sure to visit the tiny nearby art islands of Teshima and Inujima.

4. Splurge on a Night at a Tokyo Luxury Hotel

Tokyo is home to some of Japan’s best hotels. Luxury options include Aman Tokyo, Palace Hotel Tokyo, and HOSHINOYA Tokyo. Stylish boutique hotels in Tokyo include TRUNK, K5, and Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten.

And there are many, many others (including, of course, the Park Hyatt Tokyo made famous in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation). With so many fun and beautiful options, it’s worth splurging on at least one night at a luxurious Tokyo hotel.

If you can, it’s also worth splurging on a night at a luxury ryokan in rural Japan, as well!

5. Attend a Japanese Matsuri (Festival)

If you want to see Japan at its liveliest, a high-energy matsuri is the place to do it! Japanese festivals (matsuri) are full of color, tradition, and exuberance. Some of the most remarkable include Hokkaido’s Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival), Shikoku’s boisterous Awa Odori dance festival, and the beautiful Gion Matsuri of Kyoto.

6. Sample the World’s Finest Sushi & Sashimi

Sushi and sashimi in Japan are, unsurprisingly, on a level of their own. Tokyo’s best sushi shops are just the tip of the iceberg, and you’ll find top-quality sushi and sashimi throughout the country, in places such as Kanazawa, Hokkaido, Toyama Prefecture, and beyond.

Even more price-conscious travelers will find excellent sushi and sashimi at moderately priced restaurants, and in beautiful depachika bentos.

7. Ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Around Japan

Whether or not you’re a train geek, you’re likely aware that Japan’s rail network is part of what makes traveling around Japan such a joy. Even though we typically don’t recommend the Japan Rail Pass for most of our clients, we do recommend getting around via shinkansen whenever possible, and fortunately Japan’s extensive rail system connects the country from Hokkaido in the north, to Kyushu in the southwest.

Part of the fun of riding the bullet train is the food. Before hopping on the train, pick up a delicious seasonal bento and a bottle of sake (eating and drinking on the train is a national tradition), and enjoy the landscape as it zips by.

8. Stroll Through Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest

Too touristy? Not necessarily. Yes, Kyoto’s scenic Arashiyama district (home to Zen temples and the iconic bamboo forest) can get extremely crowded at peak hours, and during peak seasons such as spring and fall.

On the other hand, if you visit off-season — or have the motivation to wake up early — you may have this magical place all to yourself. Depending on the time of year, the crowds often also begin thinning out in the late afternoon, when most tourists head back to their hotels.

9. Eat The Best Ramen of Your Life on a Ramen Deep Dive

These days you can find good-quality ramen in most major cities around the world, but there’s still nothing like ramen in Japan. Wherever you go, from Fukuoka (aka Hakata) in the southwest to Sapporo in the north, you’ll find incredibly good ramen shops with passionately devoted followers.

If you’re a hardcore ramen lover, geek out with a ramen-obsessed expert who will take you to a selection of great ramen-ya to experience distinct styles and varieties. There are also less obsessive ramen guides for travelers seeking a more basic introduction to these famous noodles.

For more on ramen, see our introduction to ramen in Japan and our guide to Tokyo’s 5 top historic ramen shops.

10. Stay at a Shukubo (Buddhist Temple Lodging)

For a taste of traditional Japanese Buddhist life, there’s no better experience than spending a night or two at a shukubo (temple lodging).

Temple accommodations are typically on the rustic side, but prepare for a fascinating and immersive cultural experience, and delicious vegetarian shojin ryori cuisine. Japan’s most famous destination for shukubo stays is sacred Mount Koya (Koyasan), and there are many other off-the-beaten-path options elsewhere in Japan as well.

11. Watch Sumo and Baseball

The chance to watch sumo in Japan should not be missed! Along with being highly entertaining, attending a sumo basho (tournament) is also a fascinating cultural experience.

And even if you’re not a baseball fan, few things are more fun than going to a baseball game in Japan. Japanese baseball fans are renowned for their liveliness, and the food and drink is also a highlight!

12. Ski or Snowboard Japan’s Legendary Powder

From the legendary powder of Niseko and Hokkaido, to the Japanese Alps and Tohoku, Japan has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. After a day on the slopes, rejuvenate with cozy izakaya food and healing onsen.

13. Admire Sakura During Cherry Blossom Season

We were torn about whether to include this on our list, as we generally believe Japan is best experienced with fewer crowds. On the other hand, despite the number of tourists, there is nevertheless something beguilingly magical about sakura (cherry blossoms).

During hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season, the country is covered in pink blossoms, and parks and gardens are filled with revelers celebrating over sake and seasonal bentos. It’s definitely not for everyone though, so make sure to read all about the pros and cons of visiting Japan in cherry blossom season.

A popular and slightly less crowded alternative is Japan’s autumn, renowned for its brilliant fall colors.

14. Taste Premium Nihonshu (Sake)

Many would-be nihonshu (sake) lovers have been turned off of sake thanks to subpar experiences at Japanese restaurants outside of Japan. But the quality of sake to be found in Japan is simply remarkable. Forget the sake you’ve tried in the US, Europe, or Australia. Come to Japan with an open mind and prepare to sample premium nihonshu from small local producers who rarely export.

15. Hike Through the Japanese Countryside

Japan is a hiker’s paradise, with wonderful day hikes and multi-day walks throughout the country (there are even great hikes near Tokyo, and many more in and around Kyoto).

Two of Japan’s best multi-day hiking adventures are the charming Nakasendo Road in central Japan’s Kiso Valley, and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in the Kii Peninsula, but for intrepid travelers there are also plenty of other options, on and off the beaten path.

16. Experience Nightlife in Japan

Japan is culturally thrilling during the day, and equally dynamic at night.

Whether you’re enjoying craft cocktails or Japanese whisky at a tiny bar, drinking with locals at a casual izakaya or tachinomi (stand bar), or singing all-night karaoke, Japan has some of the most varied and entertaining nightlife in the world. Tokyo’s nightlife is legendary, and you’ll also find bustling nightlife scenes in cities such as Sapporo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and more.

17. Cycle Through Kyoto or Tokyo

For serious cyclists, the Japanese countryside offers countless opportunities for distance rides (mountain biking is also popular in Japan). But even if you’re not looking to plan your whole trip around cycling, you can still fit some in while having fun exploring cities such as Kyoto and Tokyo.

Both are great cycling cities, especially when you’re winding your way through charming backstreets, away from the tourist centers. Think of it as a neighborhood stroll by bicycle, taking in quiet areas filled with authentic street life, old-fashioned shops, and neighborhood shrines and temples.

18. Trek Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Like Arashiyama’s bamboo forest, Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha tends to draw huge crowds. Yet also like the bamboo forest, Fushimi Inari is nevertheless still worth visiting.

One way to minimize exposure to crowds is by coming here early in the morning before most travelers have had their morning tea or coffee. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, hike up Mount Inari and you’ll see that gradually the selfie sticks give way to peace and quiet!

19. Eat Your Way Through Tsukiji’s Outer Market

Wait, didn’t Tokyo’s fish market move to Toyosu? Yes, it did! But Tsukiji remains a must for food and market lovers. While the market’s wholesale operations have moved to the slightly out-of-the-way Toyosu, the jogai (outer market) at Tsukiji is still thriving.

In Tsukiji’s Outer Market you’ll find historic lanes and alleys packed with a colorful array of shops and small restaurants, not to mention atmosphere and charm to spare. For more info, see our guide to visiting Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market.

20. Climb or Admire Fuji-san (Mount Fuji)

As the old saying goes, there are two types of fools in the world: those who never climb Mount Fuji, and those who climb it more than once. On the way up you’ll see children and grandparents, and while not the most scenic trek, it is all worthwhile when you reach the summit in time for sunrise.

There are other great ways to admire Mount Fuji, as well. One is to visit Hakone, which offers good views of the mountain if and only if the weather is clear. For an even closer vantage point, and incredible views when it’s clear, head to the lakeside resort of Kawaguchiko. And for active travelers seeking a vigorous hike with views of Mount Fuji, there are some excellent off-the-beaten-path in the Fuji-san area.

21. Marvel at Japan’s Modern Architecture

Along with its traditional gems, Japan is home to some of the world’s most accomplished architects, and you’ll find stunning architecture throughout the country.

In Tokyo, you could spend hours strolling the main avenues and backstreets of the Ginza, Aoyama, and Omotesando neighborhoods, filled with iconic buildings by Japanese luminaries and Pritzker Prize winners. Throughout Japan, from tiny villages to major cities, you’ll come across the work of legendary architects such as Tadao Ando and Kengo Kuma, often in the most surprising of locations.

22. Find Zen in a Japanese Garden

Kyoto is particularly renowned for its wealth of gardens (not to mention shrines and temples). Even beyond Kyoto, impeccable gardens abound in Japan, from stroll gardens like Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, to the gorgeous gardens of the Adachi Museum of Art. See our full guide to the best gardens in Japan.

23. Experience Japanese Coffee Culture

Coffee has been an art form in Japan for decades, and while tea may still be a more prevalent part of traditional daily life, coffee is also deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Throughout Japan you’ll find classic kissaten (old-school tea and coffee shops), where part of the experience is slowing down.

You come to a kissaten to sit for a while, chat quietly or read a book, and enjoy an expertly, laboriously prepared cup of coffee. As with most things in Japan, you’ll find that kissaten proprietors on the whole take a meticulous approach to quality and technique. At some shops, the obsession with perfection is taken to another level!

To complement your quaint kissa experiences, you’ll also want to seek out some of the modern temples of specialty coffee in Japan.

24. Savor Matcha, Genmaicha, and More

Even coffee-obsessed travelers should make sure to sample tea in Japan.

Though best known for green tea, while exploring Japan you’ll come across an incredible variety of teas, ranging from matcha and genmaicha, to tea made from sakura and more. Whether at a specialty tea shop, or as part of a tea ceremony, few things are more heartwarming than a thoughtfully prepared cup of matcha.

25. Visit an Original Japanese Castle

Lovers of history and traditional architecture should go out of their way to visit at least one original, preserved Japanese castle. Most castles you see in photos (for example, Osaka Castle) are reconstructions, with beautiful external appearances but lackluster interiors.

Japan retains a small but wonderful collection of preserved original castles including Himeji-jo (Himeji Castle), Matsumoto-jo (in the alpine city of Matsumoto), Hikone-jo, Matsuyama-jo, and more. With gorgeous exteriors and captivating interiors full of intrigue, these national treasures are a must for history buffs.

26. Get Lost in Tokyo’s Stylish Backstreets

Getting lost is not everyone’s idea of fun, but in a safe and gem-filled city like Tokyo, it can lead to some delightful travel experiences.

For expert insight to complement your wanderings, spend some time walking through the maze-like backstreets of Daikanyama and Naka-Meguro, two of Tokyo’s most unique neighborhoods, with a fun local guide. Leave the main streets behind as you find endless inspiration in the labyrinthine (and astoundingly quiet) lanes of these fashionable and picturesque districts.

27. Sip on Rare Japanese Whisky

One option for spirit lovers is to visit some of Japan’s whisky distilleries, but you don’t necessarily need to go to the source to enjoy some of the country’s best whisky.

There are few better places to drink Japanese whisky than in Tokyo (and other major cities, including Kyoto and Osaka), which are home to some of the best whisky bars on the planet. You can venture out on your own, or with a local whisky expert be introduced to exclusive whisky establishments where you can splurge on rare samples.

28. Experience Paradise in the Islands of Okinawa

The islands of Okinawa are home to stunning beaches, world-class scuba diving, and fascinating culture and history. In particular, the remote islands of Okinawa — such as the pristine Yaeyama Islands — feel worlds apart from mainland Japan. For culinary travelers, Okinawa’s food is also a highlight.

29. See the Famous Snow Monkeys in Nagano

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, animal lovers flock to the Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park) to see Japan’s famous snow monkeys up close. While possible to visit throughout the year, the best time to visit the onsen-loving snow monkeys is in deep winter, when the landscape is completely covered in snow.

30. Obsess Over Japan’s World-Class Baked Goods

It’s easy to focus on Japanese cuisine when traveling through Japan, but for lovers of bread, croissants, and pastries, do not miss out on enjoying baked goods while in Japan! You can find top-quality bakeries and patisseries around the country, from the remote countryside of Hokkaido, to cities like Osaka and Tokyo. While you’re at it, make sure to save a meal for one of Japan’s legendary pizza specialists, too.

Japan Has Even More Amazing Places to Experience

Whether you usually plan your own trips, or normally work with a destination expert, planning a trip to Japan can seem overwhelming at times.

At Boutique Japan, our specialty is crafting completely customized trips for travelers seeking unique, authentic experiences. If you are interested in learning more about working with us, please feel free to explore our trip planning process.

The post 30 Japan Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List appeared first on Boutique Japan.

As experts in Japan luxury travel, one of the “hardest” parts of our jobs is visiting our favorite destinations in Japan — from Tokyo and Kyoto, to off-the-beaten-path gems — to check out unique and luxurious accommodation options around the country.

Based on our firsthand experience, and feedback from our clients, we’ve curated this short list of Japan’s best and most splurge-worthy boutique and luxury hotels and ryokans.

Before you dive in, keep in mind that the “best” hotel or ryokan is ultimately one that matches your personal travel style. What may be the perfect property for one traveler may not be quite right for you (this is why we believe in highly personalized trip planning).

We hope our list, which features both small properties and larger luxury hotels (not to mention an incredible boutique cruise), helps you decide where to stay during your Japan trip.

Originally written in 2014, this post was last updated in August 2021.

Table of Contents: Japan’s Best Hotels & Ryokans

For context we suggest reading (or at least scanning) each section, but if you’re ready to skip ahead here are helpful links:

Tokyo’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels

• Aman Tokyo
• The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
• TRUNK Hotel Tokyo
• Palace Hotel Tokyo
• Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
• K5
• Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
• Conrad Tokyo
• HOSHINOYA Tokyo
• Park Hyatt Tokyo
• Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten
• Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
• Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
• The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
• The Peninsula Tokyo
• The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
• Hotel Niwa Tokyo
• Kimpton Shinjuku
• Four Seasons Tokyo Hotels at Otemachi and Marunouchi

Kyoto’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels

• The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
• Hotel Kanra Kyoto
• Ace Hotel Kyoto
• Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto
• Aman Kyoto
• Park Hyatt Kyoto
• Hyatt Regency Kyoto
• Sowaka
• node hotel
• Four Seasons Kyoto
• Machiyas (Traditional Townhouses)
• HOSHINOYA Kyoto

Best Hotels & Ryokans Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

• Beniya Mukayu
• Ryokan Kurashiki
• Asaba
• guntû
• Masuichi Kyakuden
• Benesse House
• Nishimuraya Honkan
• kishi-ke
• Zaborin
• Gora Kadan
• Azumi Setoda
• HOSHINOYA Fuji
• Takefue

Tokyo’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels

The city of Tokyo is a hotel lover’s dream, full of properties that will make you want to simply stay in your room and enjoy the view.

The Tokyo metropolis is blessed with some top-notch luxury properties, and one thing they all have in common is impeccable service (Japanese hospitality is one of our favorite things about Japan).

Here is a short list of Tokyo’s best and most unique boutique and luxury hotels.

Aman Tokyo

A minimalist’s dream, Aman Tokyo is truly a stunning property. Featuring an unbelievably spacious lobby with sweeping views over the Imperial Palace and the Tokyo metropolis, Aman’s rooms are also extremely spacious, with roomy suites and the largest entry-level rooms in the city.

The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon

One of Tokyo’s most exciting hotel openings in recent memory, The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon was designed by superstar hotelier Ian Schrager and iconic Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. While the Toranomon district remains rather sleepy itself, the location is highly central and convenient, with great access to all of central Tokyo and beyond. Enjoy spectacular views, and consider booking a room or suite with private terrace.

TRUNK Hotel Tokyo

TRUNK is about as hip as it gets. This small boutique hotel is located on a charming backstreet right in between the fashionable Shibuya and Harajuku neighborhoods. It tends to have a bit of a party atmosphere, which will come as no surprise when you pop in for a coffee or cocktail at its uber-stylish bar.

Palace Hotel Tokyo

One of our perennial favorites in Tokyo, the Palace Hotel (which was beautifully renovated and reopened in 2012) features bright, elegant rooms with splendid balconies overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens. The Palace Tokyo should be a top contender for travelers seeking a luxury property not run by one of the major international hotel chains.

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

The sleekest Hyatt property in the city, Andaz Tokyo is housed in the gleaming Toranomon Hills complex, right in the heart of the city. Enjoy beautiful city vistas (we love Tower View, but all rooms and suites feature views), and complimentary extras such as wine in the evenings.

K5

One of Tokyo’s newer boutique hotels, K5 is also one of Tokyo’s few Design Hotels members (along with TRUNK, featured above). The rooms — there are 20 in all — range from very compact and cozy, to luxuriously spacious. K5 features colorful style conceived by a Swedish design team, and a location in the very heart of Tokyo, in the sophisticated Nihombashi district.

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

Cerulean Tower has an amazing location in the heart of Shibuya. Unlike most of Tokyo’s luxury hotels, which tend to be situated in and around the Ginza/Tokyo Station sections of the city, Cerulean Tower is conveniently located near so many of Tokyo’s most stylish neighborhoods, such as Naka-Meguro, Daikanyama, Aoyama, and Omotesando. (Read more about Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.)

Conrad Tokyo

Yet another beautiful luxury property, Conrad Tokyo is particularly remarkable for its one-of-a-kind views over Tokyo’s skyline and Tokyo Bay. Located in the modern Shiodome district, Conrad Tokyo also offers super convenient access to the nearby Ginza district and Tsukiji Market, along with the booming Odaiba area.

HOSHINOYA Tokyo

Hoshino Resorts is a major player in the Japanese accommodations world, and their Tokyo property is a stunner. Styled to feel like an urban ryokan, HOSHINOYA Tokyo is a great choice for travelers seeking a highly Japanese aesthetic when visiting the city.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Legendary for its role in Lost in Translation, the Park Hyatt Tokyo is a classic luxury hotel in the city, though some travelers may find its location (deep in Shinjuku) on the inconvenient side. Whether you stay at Park Hyatt Tokyo or not, it’s always fun to enjoy a whisky at the New York Bar, which offers wonderful city views.

Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten

Another of Tokyo’s few true boutique hotels, Ryumeikan is a small hotel with impeccable Japanese hospitality. Located in the non-touristy Ochanomizu district, Ryumeikan Honten is nevertheless quite convenient. Ochanomizu is right in the heart of Tokyo, within easy reach of most of the city’s points of interest.

Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo

Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo is a nice upper mid-range hotel with a very convenient location in the heart of Ginza. Even the smaller, entry-level rooms here are fairly spacious by Tokyo standards, and all rooms and suites feature a pleasant if relatively basic modern style. While certainly not as luxurious or unique as many of the other hotels on this list, Hyatt Centric Ginza can be a great practical option for travelers not looking to splurge all the way.

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

No article on Tokyo’s best luxury hotels would be complete without mention of the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. One of the city’s most renowned high-end properties, the Mandarin Oriental also has a legendary concierge team (though most of the city’s luxury hotels have excellent concierges).

The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

A member of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho is a nice high-end hotel in the business district of Akasaka (not to be confused with historic Asakusa!). We are not especially drawn to its location or style (which is attractive but not standout), but it’s a good property and fairly popular with travelers using Marriott Bonvoy points.

The Peninsula Tokyo

Certainly one of Tokyo’s most famous luxury hotels, The Peninsula Tokyo is blessed with a convenient location by the Ginza district. While not our favorite hotel in the city (there are so many other great properties), The Peninsula Tokyo remains popular among visitors to Tokyo.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu

Another high-end hotel from the Tokyu Hotels group (see Cerulean Tower above), The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is a sophisticated, slightly understated luxury hotel in a quiet section of central Tokyo near the National Diet Building. On the map, the location would appear to be quite central and thus convenient, though in reality it can feel a bit isolated. Nevertheless, the Capitol Tokyu is a very nice and comfortable hotel with excellent service, and suitable for travelers not in need of a cutting-edge vibe.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

Located atop the Tokyo Midtown complex in Tokyo’s Roppongi district, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is as opulent as you might expect. Since its renovation (completed in 2015), it has become a favorite of ours. It’s worth splurging on Club Floor rooms to be able to savor the Club Lounge. The surrounding Roppongi area is full of dining options, not to mention some of Tokyo’s best art offerings.

Hotel Niwa Tokyo

Hotel Niwa Tokyo is one of our favorite mid-range properties in Tokyo. Not quite a luxury or boutique hotel, Hotel Niwa is ideal for travelers seeking a pleasant stay in a convenient, comfortable hotel with helpful staff.

Kimpton Shinjuku

It’s hard to call this a “favorite,” but if you must stay in the Shinjuku area (not something we would usually recommend) then Kimpton Shinjuku is a nice and relatively reasonable option (and a go-to for pet-toting locals). On the other hand, if you are staying in Shinjuku then our top choice would be the classic Park Hyatt Tokyo featured above.

Four Seasons Tokyo Hotels at Otemachi and Marunouchi

Four Seasons’ original hotel in the city, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, was always a little “controversial” to us. Some travelers praised its location and small size, but to us the location — while central — always felt too hectic to be pleasant. And while some rooms were very nice indeed, others had disappointingly uninspiring views of nearby office buildings (unlike many of the city’s high-end accommodations, it is a low-rise hotel).

On the other hand, the brand’s newest property, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, is a welcome addition to Tokyo’s luxury hotel scene. Walking distance from other top-tier hotels such as Aman Tokyo and Palace Hotel Tokyo (both featured above), this new oasis offers beautiful city views and has one of Tokyo’s very few open-air rooftop terraces.

Kyoto’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels

The hotel scene in Kyoto is booming, with exciting new openings every year.

The city is also home to some renowned traditional ryokans, however for most travelers we typically suggest staying at a comfortable and convenient hotel while in Kyoto, and saving your ryokan experience for a sublime stay in the countryside (some of our favorites are below).

Here is a selection of our favorite boutique and luxury properties in the ancient capital.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Located along the picturesque Kamogawa (Kamo River) in the center of the ancient capital, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto elegantly infuses its highly modern property with tasteful Japanese style. In addition to its spacious and modern rooms, The Ritz has arguably the best location in the city, within easy walking distance to all of central Kyoto. We recommend splurging on a Grand Deluxe Kamogawa River View room — the views are worth it.

Hotel Kanra Kyoto

Hotel Kanra Kyoto is a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Kyoto, with incredible staff and service. Kanra’s rooms and suites feature an elegant blend of Japanese aesthetics with ultra-modern conveniences. The Kanra is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a high-end (yet boutique) experience, and prefer a Japanese hotel rather than an international chain.

Ace Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto’s modern design scene continues to experience an inspiring boom, and Ace Hotel Kyoto is a welcome addition to the city’s ever-exciting hotel offerings. The stylish common spaces, dining areas, and guest rooms exquisitely blend quintessential Ace aesthetics with brilliant Japanese design (legendary architect Kengo Kuma was a key collaborator).

Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto

For travelers averse to international chains, considering a property from Marriott’s Luxury Collection may seem counterintuitive, but don’t discount the lovely Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, which features awe-inspiring design from André Fu, luxurious accommodations, soothing onsen, and a fairly central location by Kyoto’s Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo).

Aman Kyoto

Aman Kyoto is a stunning retreat in a quiet, secluded area of northern Kyoto, just a 15-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). The Kerry Hill-designed pavilions feature a breathtaking blend of modern and traditional aesthetics. Wellness options include spa treatments, rejuvenating onsen — including open-air hot springs — and more.

Park Hyatt Kyoto

Park Hyatt Kyoto is a luxurious oasis in the heart of the Higashiyama district, overlooking the beautiful Yasaka Pagoda and just steps from the lively Ninenzaka street. In the morning, choose between a healthy and delicious Japanese breakfast or fantastic western options, and in the evening visit the dining floor for sweeping views over cocktails at the bar.

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Long Kyoto’s most luxurious western hotel, Hyatt Regency Kyoto has in a way been eclipsed in recent years with the opening of so many new luxury hotels. Yet it has continued to age well, and remains one of our favorite high-end properties in Kyoto. To be clear, it’s not as extravagantly luxurious as properties like Park Hyatt, Ritz, or Four Seasons. It is, however, a classic luxury hotel deep in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, and we continue to recommend it.

Sowaka

A high-end boutique hotel with a lovely location in the backstreets of Gion, Sowaka has a variety of rooms blending Western and Japanese style. Referred to by some as a ryokan, this attractive Kyoto hotel features countless ryokan-inspired elements, from its garden and architecture to its impeccable cuisine. An excellent option for travelers seeking a ryokan-esque experience with modern comforts and convenience.

node hotel

The only official member of Design Hotels in Kyoto, node hotel is an uber-stylish yet quite reasonable hotel, ideal for lovers of modern art and design. If node’s aesthetic matches your taste, consider staying at this well-located 25-room boutique hotel.

Four Seasons Kyoto

Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district (near the Hyatt Regency), the Four Seasons Kyoto is more or less on par with The Ritz-Carlton when it comes to luxurious hotels in Kyoto. In many ways the Four Seasons feels like a resort in the heart of the ancient capital, though you’re also within easy reach of so many of the historic Higashiyama’s highlights.

Machiyas (Traditional Townhouses)

A machiya is a traditional Kyoto-style townhouse, and all over the ancient capital there are beautifully renovated machiyas where you can temporarily experience “living” in Kyoto. Most machiyas are private and run by small, independent operators. For our clients, we typically suggest specific machiyas depending on party size, accommodation priorities, and desired location.

HOSHINOYA Kyoto

Located deep in Kyoto’s outskirts, a short boat ride from the center of the Arashiyama district, HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a relaxing retreat. While not necessarily ideal for travelers who plan to spend time actively exploring Kyoto, HOSHINOYA is a beautiful, rejuvenating resort.

Best Hotels and Ryokans in Japan: Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

Of course, many of Japan’s best boutique and luxury properties are not in Tokyo or Kyoto.

So to give you a taste of what to expect elsewhere in Japan, here is a short list of our favorite hotels and ryokans around the country.

A note about ryokans: while Japan has no shortage of amazing hotels, we highly recommend the ryokan experience for at least one or two nights. It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, and a lovely way to experience Japan’s legendary hospitality.

Beniya Mukayu

Located in the beautiful Hokuriku region (about an hour from historic Kanazawa), the modern-yet-traditional Beniya Mukayu is a wonderful option for travelers seeking an appealing balance of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comforts. Enjoy splendid cuisine, soothing onsen (hot springs), and the option to relax or partake in authentic cultural activities.

Ryokan Kurashiki

Ryokan Kurashiki is a small and luxurious ryokan in western Japan. The charming town of Kurashiki has a beautiful historic district, and is known for its textiles and pottery. Ryokan Kurashiki is rightfully renowned for its cuisine and heartwarming hospitality.

Asaba

Asaba is a luxurious ryokan with healing onsen (hot springs) and impeccable service. Located in the charming Shuzenji Onsen, in the Izu Peninsula, it is also featured in our sample itinerary, Luxury Ryokans & the Japanese Countryside.

guntû

guntû is a boutique cruise that leisurely traverses the scenic Seto Inland Sea. The small vessel features 19 lovely cabins with a modern Japanese aesthetic, and dining and sitting areas created to showcase the exquisite views of the surrounding landscape. On board guntû offers mouthwatering local cuisine, and during the day the cruise offers a variety of unique excursions oriented around daily life in the remote and laid-back islands of the Setouchi region.

Masuichi Kyakuden

Deep in Nagano Prefecture, in the charming and historic town of Obuse, you’ll find the lovely Masuichi Kyakuden, a stylish boutique property featuring modern comforts with a tasteful local flair. This is a wonderful property for travelers who love unique, comfortable hotels with highly personalized service. Spend a couple of days or more exploring Obuse’s offerings (which include excellent sake, art museums, secret gardens, and the famed local chestnuts) and savoring the slow pace of life in the Japanese Alps.

Benesse House

The place to stay on Naoshima, Japan’s famous art island. Benesse House doubles as a hotel and modern art museum, and was designed by iconic Japanese architect Tadao Ando. A must for art and architecture lovers.

Nishimuraya Honkan

The most luxurious ryokan in the quintessential hot springs town of Kinosaki Onsen, Nishimuraya Honkan is a luxuriant destination for lovers of elegant kaiseki cuisine, rejuvenating onsen baths, and top-notch traditional service.

kishi-ke

kishi-ke is a modern private ryokan located by the ocean in beautiful and historic Kamakura. The stylish property’s concept is chisoku, being fulfilled in the present moment. Functioning as a private villa, kishi-ke accommodates just one party at a time, giving you the chance to fully unwind as the only guests. Every aspect of the experience — from the thoughtful service (provided by Kishi-san, his wife, and their small team) to the property’s award-winning design and architecture, which complements the surrounding ocean and hills — is geared towards helping guests find tranquility in the now.

Zaborin

An ultra-luxurious modern ryokan in the Niseko area of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Zaborin features minimalist design amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

Gora Kadan

One of a handful of Relais & Chateaux properties on this list, Gora Kadan is an old-fashioned ryokan housed in stunning historic surroundings. The property is located in the Gora area of mountainous Hakone on the grounds of a former Imperial summer villa. The architecture is certainly a highlight here, as are the soothing onsen. Along with shared gender-separated hot springs, guests can also reserve the private open-air onsen (with attached steam sauna) on a complimentary basis. The service and atmosphere at Gora Kadan are highly traditional, and kaiseki meals are prepared utilizing strictly seasonal ingredients. Additional facilities include an excellent spa and warm-water swimming pool.

Azumi Setoda

In recent years, Japan’s Setouchi region has become increasingly popular with travelers, thanks in great part to Naoshima (see Benesse House above) and, to a lesser degree, Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido. The Seto Inland Sea and its many islands are often referred to as “Japan’s Mediterranean,” and with good reason: think citrus and olive oil, fresh seafood, pristine islands, and charming fishing villages.

On the small island of Setoda — a key stop along the Shimanami Kaido cycling route — you’ll find Azumi Setoda, a charming rural property spearheaded by Aman founder Adrian Zecha. Amanjunkies beware: this is a lovely property, but not quite luxurious in the Aman sense. On the other hand, it’s an appealing option for travelers who love unique, off-the-beaten-path properties in rural, traditional surrounds.

HOSHINOYA Fuji

In the scenic if slightly touristy town of Kawaguchiko, local hotels and ryokans are known for touting their views of Mount Fuji, which towers over Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko). While most accommodations line the lake shore, the beautiful HOSHINOYA Fuji is located on a hillside overlooking the lake, with virtually uninterrupted views of the iconic Fujisan. A self-proclaimed “glamping resort,” HOSHINOYA Fuji is perhaps more aptly described as a glamping-themed boutique hotel, offering a fun and peaceful escape to nature.

Takefue

Kurokawa Onsen, deep in a remote section of Kyushu, is a beautiful getaway for onsen enthusiasts. Kurokawa is home to a handful of amazing ryokans, none more luxurious than the magnificent Takefue, which features an irresistible selection of Japanese-style suites.

More of Our Favorite Luxury Ryokans

We hope you’ve enjoyed our selection of Japan’s best hotels and ryokans!

Looking for even more accommodations inspiration? Don’t miss our article on the best luxury ryokans for a short Japan trip.

The post Japan’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels & Ryokans appeared first on Boutique Japan.

The best time to visit Japan, particularly when it comes to weather, is generally considered to be spring, between March and May, or fall, between October and November. However, other times of year have the benefit of being less crowded and also offer seasonal activities like summer matsuri (festivals) and winter onsen (hot springs), skiing, and snowboarding.

If your dates are flexible it’s worth thinking about which time of year you might enjoy most. After all, some travelers hate the cold — or the heat and humidity of summer — while others will do whatever it takes to avoid crowds! (When planning a trip to Japan, a key question to ask yourself is: would you rather have better weather, or fewer tourists around?)

Because there is so much to consider, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on the best time to travel to Japan, including information on the seasons, weather, national holidays to look out for, and more.

Originally written in 2014, this post was last updated in September 2021.

When to Visit Japan: Table of Contents

This is a detailed article, so if you ever need to skip ahead please refer to this table of contents:

• The Basics
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Fall in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Overview of Japan’s National Holidays and Peak Seasons

Japanese Seasons 101: The Basics

Japan is truly a year-round destination, and Japanese culture is remarkable in its profound appreciation of the changing of the seasons. As you’ll see when you visit, each season — and even sub-season — is celebrated with seasonal foods, and often festivals. Because of this, we typically recommend taking advantage of any chance to visit Japan.

Summary of Japan’s Seasons

To begin, here is a brief synopsis of each season’s highlights:

• Spring is famous for the cherry blossom season, and if you’re lucky — and don’t mind the crowds — you may experience hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) in all its glory. This romantic time of year is popular for honeymoons in Japan.
• Summer is arguably the most festive time of year, with colorful matsuri throughout the country, the chance to hike in the mountains, and lovely coastal areas where you can enjoy the sea.
• Fall is another magical (and highly popular) time of year, with brilliant autumn colors and crisp, pleasant temperatures.
• Winter offers amazing seafood, incredible hot springs, not to mention some of the best powder in the world for skiing and snowboarding.

Weather in Japan by Month

Here is a brief overview of the pros and cons of each month in Japan:

• January (after the New Year’s holidays) and February can be great if you don’t mind the cold, because there are very few tourists.
• Late March and early April (cherry blossom season) are beautiful, but it’s one of the most crowded and expensive times of year.
• Mid to late May is great, with pleasant weather and not so many crowds.
• June can be nice, but is often rainy (and humid).
• July and August are very hot and humid, but also lively with lots of festivals.
• Mid to late September can be nice (if hot), with fewer tourists than summer or fall.
• October and November have very pleasant autumn weather, but also crowds rivaling spring (especially for the fall foliage in November).
• Early December can be great if you don’t mind some cold, but mid to late December gets very crowded for New Year’s.

Japanese Geography 101

When discussing the seasons and weather in Japan, it’s also helpful to have a very basic understanding of the country’s geography. While Japan may look rather small on the map — especially next to a massive country like China! — it is surprisingly large.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that seasons and weather in Japan vary a lot from place to place. Japan stretches from the frigid northern island of Hokkaido, all the way to the subtropical islands of Okinawa in the far southwest.

As you can likely imagine, Hokkaido experiences longer and more pronounced winters than the rest of Japan. In contrast, Okinawa enjoys longer summers and relative warmth almost year-round. In between — in places like Tokyo and Kyoto, on Japan’s main island of Honshu — things tend to be less extreme.

For the purposes of this article, to keep things as simple as possible, the information below is primarily based on the seasons and weather in Honshu – and specifically places like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Generally speaking, locations to the south and west tend to be slightly warmer, while locations to the north and east tend toward being cooler. Also keep in mind that higher-elevation areas, such as the Japanese Alps, tend to be colder as well.

So let’s get into it, starting with Japan’s most famous season: spring!

Spring in Japan

Ah, spring.

Spring in Japan lasts from about mid-March to May, depending on the location. The weather in spring is notoriously fickle, with temperatures ranging from approximately 40 to 65 °F (4 to 18 °C). On some days you may still want your winter coat, while on other days you may not even need a sweater.

Spring is Japan’s most famous season, and is symbolized by the iconic sakura (cherry blossoms), which typically bloom sometime between the second half of March, and the first half of April (sakura bloom schedules, too, vary significantly depending on location).

Without a shadow of a doubt, we receive far more inquiries for travel to Japan around cherry blossom season than for any other time of year. In fact, it is such a popular time to visit that we are often forced to stop even considering new inquiries months and months in advance.

While the beauty of the cherry blossoms in bloom is undeniably alluring, whether or not flower viewing in Japan is worth the potential downsides is not quite as clear!

Would-be travelers to Japan often try to coordinate their trips to coincide with hanami season, but Mother Nature is unpredictable. In some years, the sakura bloom early, and in others they arrive late; in “lucky” years they might linger on the trees for a couple of weeks, while in others a strong wind or rain may scatter them early.

Of course, it is in great part this unpredictability and impermanence that has provided inspiration to Japanese poets for centuries.

Why You Might Want to Avoid Cherry Blossom Season

First, a confession: we can’t deny that cherry blossom season can be amazing. The question is whether or not it’s worth the trouble, added expense, and endless crowds.

Apart from their unpredictability (alluded to above), the problem with the blossoms is that they’ve almost become too famous for their own good. Cherry blossom season has always been an appealing time of year to visit, but in the past few years Japan has received steadily record-breaking numbers of visitors (primarily from Asia, Europe, the US, Australia, and beyond).

The “worst” of peak cherry blossom season lasts from mid-March until around mid-April, and in terms of popularity and crowds it’s comparable to Europe during summer vacations.

What this means for you, the traveler:

• More tourists
• Lower accommodation availability
• Higher accommodation prices
• A need to plan much further in advance

JAPAN’S ACCOMMODATION SHORTAGE

We typically begin receiving requests for cherry blossom season up to a year in advance or more, and many hotels and ryokans begin to fill up surprisingly early (fortunately, some accommodations don’t start accepting bookings this far in advance, meaning it’s not impossible to plan with less advance notice).

One of the main problems most travelers don’t realize is that Japan’s recent rise in popularity as a tourist destination has, to a great extent, taken the country by surprise. Whereas the JNTO’s (Japan National Tourism Organization) main challenge used to be drawing more travelers to Japan, its main challenge now is dealing with the huge influx.

Sadly, for would-be travelers, there are simply not enough hotel rooms to go around. This is particularly dire in the city of Kyoto, which has a striking shortage of rooms relative to demand. It’s also of course an issue when it comes to the best hotels in Japan, which tend to have fewer rooms in the first place.

It’s worth noting that guides, too, are in disappointingly limited supply. The best guides in Japan are often booked just as early, making it a challenge to find great guides when booking without significant advance notice.

Golden Week in Japan

Despite the downsides, cherry blossom season can be a lovely time to visit, provided you plan wisely.

However, there is one week in spring that we definitely recommend avoiding, unless you simply have no choice: Golden Week. Along with the New Year’s holiday (and the Obon holiday in August), Golden Week is one of Japan’s peak travel weeks.

Golden Week usually begins at the very end of April, and runs through the first week of May (each year’s calendar varies slightly). During this time of year, Japanese people travel heavily, making it an extremely busy and expensive time to travel around Japan.

In case you’re wondering what all the fuss is about (after all, maybe holidays and festivals are your thing) it’s important to mention that there is nothing particularly exciting about being in Japan during Golden Week. It’s simply a collection of several non-particularly-exciting public holidays in a row.

If you must travel during Golden Week it can be done, but if you can shift your dates a little you should consider doing so.

Final Tips on Visiting Japan in Spring

Having read all of the above, some of you may be thinking you might want to skip the cherry blossoms (and Golden Week) in favor of fewer crowds.

Late April can be a good time to try and visit, though lately the popularity of the cherry blossom season has started to spill over into this part of the month (also, if considering late April, beware of Golden Week). Mid- to late May can be a wonderful time to be in Japan, too, and tends to have a good combination of warmer temperatures and fewer tourists (though even May is starting to become popular).

As May gives way to June, the spring weather noticeably transitions into Japan’s hot and humid summer…

Summer in Japan

Summer in Japan lasts from about June to mid-September, depending on the location. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from approximately 70 to 90 °F (21 to 32 °C).

July and August are typically the hottest and most humid times of year, and can be uncomfortable for sightseeing if you are averse to humidity. But despite (or perhaps because of) the torrid climate, summer can also be one of the liveliest times to be in Japan.

Japan has more festivals than almost any other country in the world, and Japanese matsuri – in all their color, tradition, and exuberance – are often spectacular.

While there are great ones throughout the year, summertime features many of Japan’s best festivals — including Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri, Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri, and the Awa Odori festival in Tokushima, on the island of Shikoku – not to mention countless lively (and delicious) neighborhood matsuri throughout the country.

In addition to matsuri, summer is also renowned for its extraordinary fireworks extravaganzas. Hanabi (fireworks) are taken seriously in Japan, and going to a hanabi taikai is both entertaining and quite culturally immersive. Tokyo’s Sumida River Fireworks are especially famous, but throughout the summer fireworks displays take place all around the country.

This all sounds fun – and it really is – but is it worth subjecting yourself to Japan’s summer heat and humidity?

How Hot & Humid is Summer in Japan?

Apart from the usual summer crowds (thanks in great part to summer vacations taking place across half the world), one of the potential downsides of visiting Japan in summer is the heat and humidity, which can be uncomfortable at times.

In our experience, summers in Tokyo feel more or less like summers in New York City. It’s hot and humid, but the days are long, people are out enjoying themselves, and it’s worthwhile as long as you aren’t the type of person who melts in this type of weather. Kyoto is more comparable to an even muggier city like Washington, DC. If you’re not accustomed to this type of weather, it can be tiring to try and fit too much in.

Whether or not it is worthwhile depends on your own ability to enjoy yourself in this type of weather. Californians accustomed to mild weather may find it challenging, while those from places with distinct seasons will probably be fine.

But fortunately, even if you’re not the hot-and-humid type, there are ways to experience a milder version of Japanese summer, even during the summer months!

Tips on Visiting Japan in Summer

As explained above, Japan stretches quite a long way from the northern extremes of Hokkaido, to the southern subtropics of Okinawa. This leads to significant variations in weather, meaning that — to a degree — you can choose your own desired climate when visiting Japan.

Additionally, even within central Japan itself, mountainous areas such as the Japan Alps enjoy cooler temperatures than places like Tokyo and Kyoto.

So if you’re visiting Japan in summer, but want to mitigate your exposure to heat and humidity, it’s worth trying to spend as much time as you can in places such as the Japanese Alps, Tohoku, and Hokkaido. You’ll still have the chance to experience summer, but in a milder way than if you were in the major cities.

Japan’s Rainy Season and Typhoon Season

Fortunately, compared to most countries in Asia, Japan has a relatively mild rainy season. The rainy season (known as tsuyu, the plum rain) goes from early to mid June until mid July, depending on the location.

Despite being the rainy season, travelers shouldn’t necessarily expect rain every day. In addition, the rains – while often persistent – are not usually terribly intense (unlike in many Asian countries, torrential rain is not the norm). Some of us love this time of year, but if you are particularly averse to rain it is worth considering other dates.

Typhoons (in other words, hurricanes) generally occur between May and October, with the peak taking place in late summer. Okinawa and southwestern Japan are particularly vulnerable to typhoons, though they can affect other parts of Japan as well. In late summer it’s not uncommon for typhoons to affect travel plans (e.g., flight cancellations) to and from Okinawa, though this tends to happen less in most other parts of Japan.

Japan’s summer extends into September, but as October peeks around the corner the coveted autumn season gets underway.

Fall in Japan

Autumn in Japan lasts from about mid-September to early December, depending on the location. Fall is widely considered to be the most pleasant time (weather-wise) to visit Japan, with temperatures ranging from approximately 50 to 70 °F (10 to 21 °C).

Apart from its comfortable temperatures and generally clear weather (particularly in later autumn), fall is perhaps most famous for the vibrancy of the changing foliage (koyo).

While autumn technically begins in late September, it’s still usually quite warm (sometimes very hot) at this time of year, but with the arrival of October the fall definitively gets underway.

With the pleasant change in weather, tourists also begin pouring in to enjoy the lovely temperatures, making October a very popular travel season in Japan. But its popularity doesn’t compare to November’s, when the peak autumn travel season begins. By November, autumn is in full swing, and throughout Japan you can begin to witness the fall foliage.

Tips on Visiting Japan in Fall

Due to the popularity of October and November, if you would like to try and avoid tourists to the extent possible, you may wish to consider early December, when you may still catch some of the koyo, though likely with fewer tourists around. Soaking in an outdoor onsen while gazing at the autumn foliage is also an unforgettable experience.

Japan’s fall foliage season is in many ways similar to cherry blossom season, in terms of the appeal and potential downsides (described in more detail above). As with hanami season travel, koyo travel means contending with more tourists, lower accommodation availability, higher accommodation prices, and a need to plan further in advance.

Please refer to our thoughts in the spring section above to get a better idea of whether fall (or spring) travel may be right for you.

Winter in Japan

Winter in Japan lasts from about December to mid-March, depending on the location. Winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from approximately 30 to 45 °F (-1 to 7 °C). Yes, it is cold, but if you can get past this basic fact (which is a potential “dealbreaker” for some), you’ll find that winter is in fact one of the best times to experience Japan all for yourself.

Aside from a few exceptions (described below), Japan – like many other destinations around the world – tends to receive fewer travelers during the cold winter season. This is partly because most people prefer to visit at more well-known times (such as cherry blossom season), and also in part because not everyone is able to utilize vacation days to visit at this time of year. This is unfortunate, especially if you are keen to experience Japan with fewer tourists around!

In the mountains of Japan, snowfall is especially plentiful, making Japan an incredible ski and snowboarding destination. The most well-known places to enjoy Japan’s legendary powder are Hokkaido and the Japan Alps (the latter played host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games).

One of the best parts of visiting Japan in winter is the chance to really enjoy Japanese hot springs. While onsen can certainly also be enjoyed at other times of the year, nothing compares to sitting in a mountain hot spring, surrounded by a white landscape with snow falling on you as you soak. It’s one of the quintessential Japanese experiences, and not to be missed.

Tips on Visiting Japan in Winter

In general, you’ll find far fewer tourists visit Japan in winter, but there are some notable exceptions to keep in mind.

We receive lots of requests for travel around the New Year’s holidays, and while it can be a magical time to visit, it’s also worth considering the potential drawbacks. Because it’s an extended holiday period (not just in Japan, but in many places worldwide), the days before, during, and after New Year’s Day tend to become quite busy with both tourists from abroad, as well as Japanese people visiting family or taking vacations.

This means, for example, that the charming old streets of Kyoto will likely be bustling and full of people from around Japan and the world. For some, it’s a magical atmosphere, full of holiday spirit (Japanese style), but for those who prefer more peace and quiet it is worth a consideration.

Additionally, since Japanese people have several days off for the New Year’s holiday (far more than in places like the US or Europe), accommodations throughout the country are typically at very high occupancy, making availability low and prices higher than usual. Luxurious ryokans, in particular, tend to be booked up to a year or so in advance by “repeaters.”

As far as the New Year in Japan is concerned, it’s also important to point out that – from the end of December (generally sometime after Christmas) until a few days into January (usually until around January 3rd or 4th or later), many places are closed.

This can include (but is not necessarily limited to) some restaurants, museums, shops, and more. While there are increasing exceptions, in the past it’s been fairly reasonable to expect that most restaurants will be closed from at latest December 31st until at least January 2nd or 3rd (apart from certain high-end restaurants, as well as those located in department stores, hotels, and those catering particularly to travelers).

On the bright side, this can be a beautiful time to get off the beaten path and visit more remote areas of Japan. Additionally, most temples and shrines (for example, in Kyoto) do remain open around the New Year’s holiday, and thus it can in fact be a very peaceful and rewarding time of year to visit.

Japan’s National Holidays and Peak Seasons

Japan has become an extraordinarily popular destination, and many travelers ask us for advice on when to visit to avoid the crowds.

The good news is that it is possible, to some extent, to avoid crowds at any time of year. Of course, this requires making a special effort to explore at “off” hours (such as early in the morning), or focus on off-the-beaten-path places (as opposed to popular tourist spots).

But if you really want to feel like you have Japan to yourself (to a degree, at least!), simply avoid visiting during any of Japan’s peak seasons.

Japan’s Peak Travel Seasons

Below is a short list of the most crowded times of year in Japan. In addition to crowds, it’s safe to expect the price of accommodations at hotels and ryokans to skyrocket during these peak travel periods.

• New Year’s: From around the last week of December, into the first week of January.
• Cherry Blossom Season: From around the second half of March, into the first half of April.
• Golden Week: An extended holiday week that usually occurs in the first week of May.
• Obon: An extended holiday period that usually occurs in the middle of August.
• National Holidays: Refer to the list of Japanese national holidays below

Japan’s National Holidays in 2021 and 2022

Japanese people love to travel, and will take advantage of any 3-day weekend to travel domestically. To help you plan around these busy weekends, here is a list of of Japan’s national holidays, when you can expect travel demand to be high.

REMAINING NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN JAPAN IN 2021

• December 31 to January 3: New Year’s Holidays

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN JAPAN IN 2022

• January 1: New Year’s Day (Shogatsu)
• January 10: Coming of Age Day (Seijin no hi)
• February 11: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku kinenbi)
• February 23: Emperor’s Birthday
• March 21: Spring Equinox Day (Shunbun no hi)
• April 29 to May 5: Golden Week Peak Travel Days
• April 29: Showa Day (Showa no hi)
• May 3: Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo kinenbi)
• May 4: Greenery Day (Midori no hi)
• May 5: Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi)
• July 18: Ocean Day (Umi no hi)
• August 11: Mountain Day (Yama no hi)
• August 12-16: Obon Peak Travel Days
• September 19: Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no hi)
• September 23: Autumn Equinox Day (Shubun no hi)
• October 10: Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no hi)
• November 3: Culture Day (Bunka no hi)
• November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro kansha no hi)
• December 31 to January 3: New Year’s Holidays

When Will You Visit Japan?

Deciding when to visit is often the first step in planning your Japan trip. We hope this guide has helped you form a clearer picture of what each of Japan’s seasons is like, and when would be ideal for you.

Japan is beautiful at any time of year, and we hope you have the chance to visit soon! If you’re interested in learning more about our service, make sure to check out our sample Japan itineraries.

The post When Is The Best Time of Year To Visit Japan? appeared first on Boutique Japan.

Historically, Shirakawago and Gokayama were very difficult to access, and thus quite isolated from the surrounding areas. But in the modern era they’ve been connected via an impressive network of mountain highways and tunnels, making them almost too accessible.

To experience the villages in a meaningful way — and minimize your encounters with large tour groups and buses — it’s worth doing a bit of extra planning, and this article is here to help you do just that.

On the other hand, if you’d prefer to travel to parts of Japan where fewer tourists go in the first place, don’t miss our article on Japan’s best off-the-beaten-path places.

Originally written in 2015, this post was updated and republished on March 2, 2021.

When to Visit Shirakawago and Gokayama

If you’ve done a fair amount of research into planning your trip to Japan, chances are you’ve come across photos like the one above.

The UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama are remarkably photogenic, thanks to their steeply-sloped gassho-zukuri thatched roofs (capable of withstanding heavy snowfall) and beautiful mountain surroundings.

Because of how popular they are, you may want to avoid visiting during Japan’s peak seasons if possible. To help you plan around this, see our full article on the seasons and when to visit Japan.

Generally speaking, you’ll find fewer travelers in winter (when the villages are quite picturesque in the snow) and summer (when Japan as a whole is hot and humid). Spring and fall tend to be more crowded, and this is particularly true around the times of the annual Takayama Matsuri (Festivals), which take place in both seasons. You can read more about this and other festivals here.

All of this being said, the villages are year-round destinations. But no matter when you visit, we recommend arriving as early as possible. Shirakawago and Gokayama are most peaceful in the early morning, and increasingly crowded as the day goes on and tour buses begin to arrive.

Getting to Shirakawago and Gokayama

One thing many travelers don’t initially realize is that Shirakawago and Gokayama are in two different areas, and for most people it makes sense to visit either Shirakawago or Gokayama (rather than both), based on your preference and logistical convenience.

Getting to Shirakawago

Located in Gifu Prefecture (Gifu-ken), Shirakawago is home to Ogimachi, the most visited of the region’s UNESCO villages. Ogimachi’s extreme popularity stems in great part from its utter convenience. The village is located directly en route between the coastal city of Kanazawa and the mountain town of Takayama.

As there is no access by train, our favorite way to get to Shirakawago’s Ogimachi village is by car. Some of our travelers enjoy renting a car to self-drive, while others prefer to have a private driver.

There are also convenient buses between Kanazawa and Takayama, which stop briefly in Ogimachi. When purchasing bus tickets, you can include a stopover, and for most travelers 1-2 hours is the right amount of time. However, while the bus is a good option, we still prefer going by car — whether self-drive or private driver — for maximum flexibility.

Getting to Gokayama

The villages of Gokayama are located in neighboring Toyama Prefecture (Toyama-ken), about 20 miles (approximately 32 km) from Shirakawago.

Thanks to the fact that they are a little more out of the way, Gokayama’s villages of Ainokura and Suganuma have a slightly more off-the-beaten-path feel than Shirakawago. This being said, Gokayama is still quite popular (and many tour buses visit), so expect to encounter plenty of other travelers admiring the lovely architecture and scenery.

As with Shirakawago, we recommend travel by car if possible. Otherwise, there is a fairly convenient bus between Takaoka and Shirakawago that provides access to Gokayama.

Where to Stay in Shirakawago and Gokayama

For a more in-depth and slower-paced experience, it’s possible to spend the night in charming rural surroundings. In the evenings and early mornings, you can almost feel like you have the villages to yourself.

Many of the villages’ old houses have been converted into simple minshuku, offering a truly quiet and remote Japanese experience. A minshuku is a traditional Japanese guest house, and staying in one has many similarities to staying in a ryokan, though minshuku are generally more rustic (read: basic!).

Most minshuku are are run by lovely local couples who enjoy introducing their culture and cuisine to intrepid visitors from around the world. Expect simple tatami rooms, a shared bath and toilet, and humble (but delicious) meals featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

While the winters are very cold, there is nothing cozier than sitting around the irori (hearth), drinking tea, taking a hot bath, and enjoying winter comfort food.

We hope this article helps you decide whether to visit Shirakawago and/or Gokayama, and is useful to you as you plan your Japan trip.

For even more Japan travel inspiration, check out our post on Japan’s best destinations!

The post Introduction to Shirakawago and Gokayama appeared first on Boutique Japan.

Along with sushi, ramen is the Japanese food you’ll find on the must-eat list of nearly every traveler to Japan (for more foods, see our full post on Japanese culinary experiences).

But asking which ramen-ya (ramen shop) has the best ramen in Tokyo (or Japan) is akin to asking which pizzeria in New York has the best slice, or which taqueria in Mexico City makes the best tacos.

It’s not just up for intense debate, it’s basically a ridiculous, unanswerable question — though fun to consider regardless!

Originally written in 2015, this post was updated and republished on November 18, 2020.

The Modern Ramen Boom

Despite ramen’s rising reputation, until fairly recently the word ramen (at least outside of Japan) was synonymous with instant ramen: the iconic Cup Noodles made famous worldwide by now-legendary Osaka entrepreneur Momofuku Ando.

Then the modern ramen boom began.

Much like sushi before it, shops specializing in ramen began to pop up in cities around the world. Nowadays, even non-foodies have come to realize that ramen can be much more than a cheap and convenient means of sustenance (though you’ll also find an astounding variety of instant ramen at convenience stores in Japan).

While some ramen evangelists — most notably chef David Chang — have proclaimed ramen to be “dead,” for noodle-lovers in Japan and worldwide it’s fair to say ramen is better than ever.

Interview with Brian MacDuckston of Ramen Adventures

To talk ramen, we spoke with Brian MacDuckston, the Tokyo-based founder of Ramen Adventures.

Brian is a prolific writer on all things ramen, the author of a bilingual English/Japanese guide to 50 Great Tokyo Ramen Shops, and a private guide offering ramen tours of Tokyo.

If you’re visiting Japan and planning to eat some ramen — or simply want to learn more about noodles, broth, and ramen etiquette — we hope this interview helps your next bowl taste that much better.

Welcome, Brian-san!

Andres Zuleta (Boutique Japan): Before we get into noodles and broth, let’s start with a bit of your story: how did you end up going down this ramen road?

Brian MacDuckston: Back in 2006, I was living in the US and essentially I burned out of computer work (the work I was doing at the time). I hated it and I was miserable, and instead of just taking a vacation I thought, “You know, maybe I can go and live in Japan for a year.” It was super easy at the time (and even now), to get a one-year contract at a language school.

Were you based in Tokyo at the time?

Not far. I was living in Kawagoe (in Saitama prefecture, just north of Tokyo), and then I moved to Hiroshima for about six months.

But the whole time I wanted to live in Tokyo, so finally when my contract ended I just moved here and started looking for work. I had some money to survive, so I picked up some small jobs at the start, but mostly I had a lot of free time – and that’s how the ramen started.

So one fateful day you had some life-changing ramen, and here we are?

I just had a regular blog, you know, where I would post things about my life in Japan. One day I went to this ramen shop in Ikebukuro [a Tokyo neighborhood] with a long line, and it was really good. And I thought, OK, I want to find more places like this.

I started posting all this ramen stuff on my regular blog, and people started saying, “All you do is post ramen photos!” So I just decided to make the ramen site. I didn’t have any grand plans for it.

When did you realize ramen could be more than just a hobby for you?

I started meeting other ramen bloggers, and then I got a call from The New York Times. One of their travel writers, Matt Gross, was coming to Tokyo for a week and wanted me to help him out (read the article here). Of course I said yes, and then that kind of propelled stuff.

Overseas it didn’t get picked up as much, but in Japan a few magazines picked it up, and from there I started getting TV offers and a lot of interviews. I started taking it a bit more seriously after that, because people were genuinely interested in it.

And of course this leads us to your ramen book. How did this come about?

It’s always been something that I wanted. I’m connected with all kinds of ramen people here, and some guys had a contact at a Japanese publisher. We set up a meeting, and since I basically had the data ready to go, they said, “Let’s do it.”

Let’s talk Ramen 101. With so many kinds of ramen – not to mention regional variations – how do you normally explain the different types of ramen?

It’s a tough question because some people say there are like 150 varieties, some people say there are 26, and then there are some people who say 4.

26 is the number of regional varieties according to the Yokohama Ramen Museum, but then there are super minor regional varieties, where they’ll tweak something slightly and then make it a local thing.

But I like to put it into just two categories, which is usually how I do my tours. There are clear soups and thick soups.

Clear soups are your shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt) base, where it’s a lighter, clear soup. And of course thick ones are cloudy, heavier soups.

People who visit Japan are limited for time, so I always say get one of each and that’s your introduction to ramen in Japan.

Tell us a bit more about the thicker, cloudier soups.

When you cook bones at high heat for a long time, it draws the collagen out. That’s what makes the soup cloudy and thicker.

There’s tonkotsu ramen, which is mostly pork bone based. A lot of people know Ippudo. This is the one that’s probably the most popular overseas because it’s such a new taste – and it’s so good.

Miso ramen is also thicker, and in Tokyo a big one is tonkotsu gyokai tsukemen. It’s a really thick pork-based soup, and then you add in fish products – dried skipjack tuna, dried sardines, all kinds of dried stuff from the sea. It has this really crazy umami flavor going on.

This brings up an interesting question: what makes ramen ramen, and how strictly do people define it?

Modern ramen is a new idea. It’s fifty or sixty years old, and there are really no strong rules.

People love to debate and be smarter than everyone else, but really for me the noodles need to be ramen noodles, Chinese-style noodles — basically flour, water and kansui [potassium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate solution] — as opposed to egg noodles.

And the broth?

You could put anything in the broth, but generally a meat-based soup is ramen. To make it further Japanese, you’re using some dashi to flavor it as well. You’re using kombu and maybe some bonito. You’re using things to get that umami flavor, which you don’t get as much of with Chinese-style noodles.

Broth and noodles are both essential, but which do you see as more important to a good ramen?

Ramen is about balance. Of course, it’s the balance of the soup and the noodles and the toppings. But I think most people (myself included) feel that the soup is the most important part of ramen.

In Japan, you can get top-quality noodles from a noodle company that will be fantastic. Of course, there are shops that make their own noodles, and you notice it. But really for me, it’s the soup that sets shops apart from each other.

Aside from people who think ramen is just instant noodles, what is the biggest misconception you see among non-Japanese when it comes to ramen?

The biggest misconception is that it’s fast food and it’s cheap. A lot of people equate ramen with being cheap food. It’s a problem, especially in places like New York, where people see a bowl of ramen for $15 and think, “This is absurd.”

The preparation of ramen takes vast amounts of time. The soup can take days, and prepping the noodles and everything else – it’s really labor intensive. But when you go to a ramen shop it comes out to you quickly, so people kind of equate it with being a fast food.

They’ll pay $20 for a pasta dish at an Italian restaurant, but then see ramen for $15 and think it’s overpriced.

Ramen restaurants in the US or elsewhere have a very different feel from those in Japan. Talk a bit about what it’s like to actually go to a ramen shop in Japan.

A great thing about eating ramen in Japan is that a lot of shops have the ticket machine: you just go in, get your ticket and sit down.

They’ll ask for your ticket, but essentially tourists can get away without any grasp of the language.

When you walk in they’ll usually yell out, “Welcome to the shop!” You give them your ticket and then whoever takes your ticket might yell out what your order is.

Then whoever is on the noodles — or different prep — is going to repeat that, and they’ll also yell it out. At shops with two or three employees, they’re just yelling at each other basically to keep the pace going. The pace is very, very important in ramen shops – I’d say more so than at any other type of restaurant.

It can appear a little daunting because the shops are noisy and boisterous, but I think once you get over that initial fear it’s no problem.

What are some ramen etiquette dos and don’ts, and the most common “mistakes” you see tourists make?

Most people know about slurping. Slurping definitely improves the flavor and cools the noodles down.

But the biggest thing — the number one rule — is eat quickly. Don’t eat too fast, but generally speaking you should be done with your ramen in between 5 and 10 minutes. Essentially you get it, eat it, and then get out. Don’t sit around chatting for 20 minutes.

For one, the noodles start to get soggy – people put it at like eight minutes, that’s the golden number. In the States, I’ve seen people get their bowl, and then they’ll take some pictures, and walk away, go to the bathroom, come back. Fifteen minutes later, they’ll start eating. You’ll just ruin your ramen.

Also, if you’re taking your time at a shop with a line, you’re inconveniencing other customers — not to mention the shop, which relies on customers to eat quickly and go.

[See our guide to sushi etiquette.]

In your opinion is Tokyo the best ramen city in Japan?

By far. It’s cool to go out to the small cities that have their own unique styles, but as far as variation, Tokyo has the biggest variety.

You go to a place like Hakata [aka Fukuoka] and there’s great tonkotsu ramen. There are all these street stalls and the ramen culture is absolutely amazing, but you don’t have that variety, so for me it’s got to be Tokyo.

But if you’re into tonkotsu then you have to make a pilgrimage to Hakata.

Oh, man. Yeah, if you want to do it proper, it’s epic.

What are your thoughts on a place like Tokyo Ramen Street?

Tokyo Ramen Street is awesome. It’s such a cool concept. They’re all very good shops there, and it’s super easy for people to just roll in there.

Your ramen “last meal” – where and why?

There are many amazing shops in Tokyo, but maybe it would be Ore No Appare, a shop near Kyoto. Very far from anything, and one of the best shops in the country. It would mean a day of riding my motorcycle in the Japanese countryside for an amazing bowl.

Thanks so much for your time!

If you have more unanswered questions about Japan, we put together a complete list of the most common questions travelers ask about Japan.

This Concludes our Ramen Adventure

We hope you enjoyed our noodly chat with Brian-san, and that you’re inspired to get out there and eat some more ramen yourself, whether in Japan or elsewhere in the world!

Make sure to check out Brian’s fantastically informative sites, Ramen Adventures and Best of Ramen, as well as his YouTube channel — and for more inspiration also see our guide to Tokyo’s best historic ramen shops.

The post Ramen in Japan appeared first on Boutique Japan.