Japan Travel Guide

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The secrets of Japan are endless.

The country is an ancient enigma and with our Japan Travel Guide you will get the location recommendations, experiences, location and inspiration to unlock it.

Discover the roots of a remarkable culture, a world-famous cuisine, thriving metropolises, and serene countrysides when you plan with the best. Connect with a travel specialist today to learn everything you need to know for the ultimate vacation.

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Spring cherry blossoms at Taiseki-ji Temple with Mt. Fuji in the background
Best Time to Visit Japan
The best time to visit Japan is from March to May and October to November, when the cherry trees bloom or there are fewer crowds in travel hotspots. Your experience will depend on your goals, whether...
Hiroshima Castle in Japan
8 Best Places to Visit in Japan
From Tokyo’s neon-lit neighborhoods and famous Shibuya Crossing to Kyoto’s golden temple and historic shrines, the best places to visit in Japan reveal a lively, modern atmosphere or preserved heritage....
Fuji mountain and Chureito Pagoda with cherry blossoms at sunset, Japan
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan
From exploring Japanese tradition at heritage sites to indulging in its culinary legacy, the top things to do in Japan will introduce you to the country’s unique charm and character. Japan is a spectacular...
Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, open air museum, in Oshino Hakkai
How to Plan a Trip to Japan: Frequently Asked Questions
A trip to Japan is an opportunity to immerse yourself in culture and cinematic regions, with these answers to common questions helping you to do so. With snowfall on Mount Fuji, imperial palaces flanked...
Tokaido Shinkanzen, Japanese bullet train, passing Mt. Fuji with spring flowers in the foreground
How to Get Around Japan: Best Transportation for Travelers
Getting around a new country can feel intimidating, but transportation in Japan often leaves travelers pleasantly surprised due to the ease with which you can travel there. How to travel around Japan...
Mt Fuji reflected in Lake Kawaguchi, Japan
10 Most Romantic Places in Japan for Couples
From snowy mountains to cherry blossom forests, these most romantic places in Japan for couples will provide you with the ultimate honeymoon getaway or dreamy couple’s retreat. Mixing rich culture and...
Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the background, Japan
10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Japan for Couples
Japan’s mix of modern charms and traditional treasures is magnetic, and you can elevate your couple’s escape by experiencing one or more of these 10 most romantic things to do in the country for couples....
Woman walking through tunnel of cherry blossoms in Kawazu, Shizuoka
6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
The six best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan accentuate the beauty of different cities and towns that can make all the difference to your custom trip. Attention turns to the spectacular flowers...
Cherry blossoms on Mount Yoshino in Yoshino, Japan
4 Tips for Your Japan Cherry Blossom Trip in 2024
The changing seasons in Japan are a time for locals and visitors to slow down and notice the beauty of nature. With this in mind, our four tips for your Japan cherry blossom trip in 2024 will help you...
Fall Foliage in Japan: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Fall in Japan can feel majestic, with the changing colors of the trees adding vibrant texture to the familiar sites and offering unique experiences to enjoy around the country. The following information offers insight into the weather, the best places to visit, and the experiences you can have when traveling to Japan at this time of the year.

Japan’s splendid fall foliage, the crisp but pleasant weather, as well as the abundance of renowned temples and shrines to visit create a perfect blend for an unforgettable fall trip to Japan. Explore the orange and red leaves, wander through traditional Japanese gardens, and enjoy the open spaces with fewer crowds than in the popular cherry blossom season.

Whether looking for the ideal place to stay, the right activities for you, or what the weather will be like, you can embrace the beauty of autumn in Japan during your trip.

Japan in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Japan in January can offer a winter wonderland or an escape from the cold, and the following information offers insight into the weather, best places to visit, and the top experiences you can have when traveling during the first month of the year.

Relax in the warm waters of a traditional onsen, ski down slopes that once hosted the Olympic Games, or embrace the fairytale ambiance of a remote village covered in snow. January is the perfect month to enjoy the unique perspective and experiences Japan offers.

We share some of the best places to discover as you find information on the weather in January, dive deeper into the things to do, and celebrate the very best of what the country has to offer at the beginning of the year.

Japan in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

December brings crisp, sunny days and chilly nights to most of Japan, along with festive light displays, markets, and seasonal delicacies. With smaller crowds, travelers can immerse themselves in ancient temples dusted with snow or partake in heartwarming holiday traditions.

The start of ski season sees enthusiasts flock to winter sports havens like Niseko, while Okinawa provides a warm escape to bask in subtropical sunshine. Across the country, regional winter celebrations let visitors dive into quintessential Japanese customs, from hot sake and boisterous festivals to quiet nights appreciating the contemplative mood of rural snowscapes in heritage villages.

Discover the top destinations to visit and activities to take part in on your winter tour of Japan in December. Plan an enchanting escape that matches your interests, whether family fun, snowy vistas, or holiday enchantment.

4 Female Sushi Chefs Challenging Japanese Tradition in the Best Sushi Restaurants in Japan

The sushi kitchens of Japan have traditionally been dominated by men, however, women have been shirking tradition and stereotypes by becoming pioneers of sushi-making with the top four female sushi chefs you can visit during your Japan trip.

While stigma surrounding female sushi chefs continues to plague the industry, women are brushing off the myths and crafting perfect sushi dishes from the kitchens of progressive restaurants as well as their own, women-led eateries.

From the perfect piece of nigiri to a sensational slice of sashimi, this list compiles the best sushi restaurants in Japan where female sushi chefs are challenging Japanese tradition.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps

Explore the world with Zicasso by working with top travel specialists who will bring your dream vacation to life.

Our primary goal is to make the planning, booking, and traveling process easy and enjoyable as you create the vacation experience you want most. No matter where you go and what you do, Zicasso can help you experience the best of travel without the stress.

Working with our destination experts, you can plan a trip to anywhere in the world and suit your travel style. Using insider knowledge of your chosen destination, itinerary ideas, and planning strategies, your Zicasso travel specialist can guide you through the following four steps.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Knowing your budget is an essential component of any trip-planning process. Whether the sky's the limit or you have specific parameters, Zicasso is here to help you set your priorities to maximize your investment.

Your interests and preferences on a couple’s trip will differ from a family-friendly vacation, while a highlights tour will result in wildly different experiences than one designed to take you off the beaten path.

There are three steps in considering the costs of your trip, as a vacation that has been customized for you allows maximum flexibility with your spending.

Japan in November: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Japan in November is a surprising burst of fall foliage and pleasant autumn weather perfect for sightseeing. Cool, crisp conditions make this one of the best times for experiencing Japan's beautiful natural landscapes or soaking in an open-air hot spring bath.

November's moderate temperatures across most of Japan create ideal conditions for hiking to see vivid red and gold maple leaves when the fall colors typically peak, making popular spots like Kyoto and Nikko picturesque. You can also enjoy seasonal harvest festivals, traditional cuisine, and celebrations of light.

Find the best places in which to see peak fall colors, the top things to do, and more to make the most of Japan in November.

Japan in October: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Japan in October brings pleasant autumn weather and the start of breathtaking fall foliage across the country.

Crisp, sunny days, cool evenings, and vibrant maple leaves make it one of the best times to visit for outdoor activities, cultural events, and seasonal cuisine, whether wandering the shopping districts of Tokyo or exploring the cultural charms of Kyoto.

Find more information on the top places to go, things to do, average temperatures, and more to help you plan your perfect fall trip to Japan.

7 Best Beaches to Visit in Japan

Japan and its many islands offer incredible beaches, from tropical escapes to dramatic coastlines.

Whether you seek seclusion, adventure, or cultural immersion, Japan’s pristine beaches provide dream settings for unforgettable vacations. With renowned shores and hidden gems to discover, embrace the breathtaking natural backdrops and enjoy the exclusivity of high-end resorts and world-class dining experiences when visiting the country’s top beach destinations.

Explore why Japan’s beaches rank among the most exquisite in the world as we share where to visit during your vacation and the experiences possible when visiting these beaches.

Japan in September: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Japan in September offers a true period of transition as the seasons merge from summer into autumn, making it an ideal time to blend experiences while discovering the country’s aesthetic charm.

September also marks the beginning of the harvest season, allowing you to indulge in the nation’s culinary delights and witness traditional festivals that celebrate nature’s bounty. From the tranquil gardens of Kyoto to the rugged landscape of Hokkaido, Japan unveils a plethora of unforgettable experiences during one of the most popular months to visit the country.

As the temperatures drop, autumn ushers in transformative beauty, with landscapes adorned in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. The cooler temperatures provide respite from the summer heat, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and cultural explorations.

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Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.86 stars based on 549 reviews.

Japan Vacation Review: Local Culture, 10-Day Tour
"Zicasso's travel partner put together a very thorough itinerary,...

Reviewed By Margaret M.

Japan Trip Review: Miyajima Island, Nikko, Temples, Peace...
"Zicasso’s travel agent and his team in Japan provided exceptional...

Reviewed By Toni W.

Japan Travel Review: Hakone, Kyoto, Temples, 13-Day Trip...
"Our Zicasso travel agent was extremely helpful in planning...

Reviewed By Alan B.

Japan Vacation Review: Kyoto, History, Ryokan, Cuisine,...
"Our trip to Japan can be summed up in one word… perfect."

Reviewed By Raj C.

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"Our tour operator thought of just about everything and...

Reviewed By Anthony D.

Japan Vacation Review: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, Nine-Day Trip...
"Our trip to Japan was extraordinary due to the expertise...

Reviewed By Bonnie B.