Niseko
Home of the famous 'Japow,' finest snow in the world. With the recent influx of tourists, a lot of development has occured to make this area english-friendly. Plenty of backcountry runs as well as beginner courses.
Ski in Japan
Japan is home to some of the best powder in the entire world and nicknamed "Japow." Visit the legendary Niseko Resorts or the classic resorts in Nagano. Enjoy the hot springs of Nozawa after a long day on the slopes as well as explore the snow valleys of Hakuba.
Hakuba Valley
Big alpine terrain and variety across multiple connected resorts. Hakuba has long been a snowy resort town with hot springs and great food with beautiful views.
Shiga Kogen
Japan’s largest recreational ski area with lift-connected resorts across 18 resorts. Located only 1 hour away from Nagano City, Shiga Kogen continues to be one of the most popular places to visit during the winter.
Nozawa Onsen
Hosting the longest ski run in Japan at 10km long, this ski area has many hot spring and traditional Japanese Inns.
Naeba
One of the most famous resorts in Nagano, this ski resort is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Shinkansen and is a popular spot amongst those from Tokyo.
Japan Ski Guide / MagazineClick Here for Japan's Ski Guide and Magazine
Japan's Largest Cities
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to Sapporo's snowy charm, each city blends tradition with modern life.
Tokyo
Experience the bustling capital of Japan with it's blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional temples
Kyoto
Discover ancient temples, traditional geisha districts, and serene bamboo forests in Japan's Old Capital
Nara
Meet the famous bowing deer and explore Japan's first permanent capital
Sapporo
Explore Japan's city of snow and freshly caught seafood
Fukuoka
Taste the incredible Hakata ramen and experience Kyushu's gateway city
Osaka
Explore Japan's second biggest city and the people with the best sense of humor
Japan Travel Guide /
MagazineClick Here to Explore
Best Places to Visit Japan in October
Summer festivals and late-season fireworks give way to early foliage in cooler regions—here are five great picks.
Japanese Interior Design MagazineClick Here for Inspirations on Decorating your Home in Japan
What To Do in Japan for One Week
A balanced 7-day plan covering tradition, modern cities, and unique regional culture.
Day 1: Tokyo Arrival
Land in Tokyo and explore Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa. End with city views from Tokyo Skytree or Shibuya Sky.
Day 2: Tokyo – Day Trips
Take a short trip to Kamakura or Nikkō. Return for Tokyo nightlife in Shinjuku Golden Gai.
Day 3: Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari’s 1,000 torii gates, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion’s geisha district.
Day 4: Kyoto & Nara
Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, then Nara Park and Tōdai-ji.
Day 5: Osaka
Dōtonbori street food, Osaka Castle, nightlife. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Day 6: Hiroshima & Miyajima
Peace Memorial Park, then Itsukushima Shrine’s floating torii.
Day 7: Return to Tokyo / Departure
Ginza or Harajuku shopping; relax in an onsen near Hakone.
Unique Things to Do in Japan
Go beyond checklists—hands-on, local-first experiences.
Watch Early-Morning Sumo Practice
Visit a stable (beya) to see wrestlers train up-close. It’s intense and respectful.
Soak at a Traditional Onsen Ryokan
Mineral-rich baths and kaiseki dinners. Try Kurokawa, Beppu, or Kinosaki.
Island Art Pilgrimage on Naoshima
World-class museums like Chichu and Benesse; outdoor installations by the sea.
Forest Bathing in Yakushima
Ancient cedar giants and misty moss valleys. Pack rain-ready gear.
Yatai Night Eats in Fukuoka
Open-air stalls for ramen, yakitori, and oden; chat with locals.
Craft Washi Paper in Kanazawa
Traditional papermaking workshops—scoop, press, dry, and take home.
Ride a Scenic Limited Express
Kuroshio (Wakayama coast) or Thunderbird (Lake Biwa & Hokuriku) for views.
Best Places to Visit with Kids
From playful parks to interactive museums—fun for the whole family.
Ueno Zoo, Tokyo
Japan’s oldest zoo—kids love the pandas, while Ueno Park offers space to run and play.
Nara Park
Meet and feed friendly deer wandering freely in a huge park setting—kids adore it.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Whale sharks and manta rays in massive tanks—magical undersea experience.
Fuji-Q Highland
Big coasters for teens, Thomas Land for younger kids near Mt. Fuji.
Sapporo Snow Festival (Winter)
Giant snow and ice sculptures—sledding and hot cocoa included.
How to Travel in Japan
Even If You Don't Know Japanese
Here are some ways to travel in Japan without being fluent in the language.
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1. Use Translation Apps
Google Translate camera mode helps with menus, signs, and quick chats. Many restaurants have picture menus.
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2. Rely on Train English Signage
Shinkansen/subways have English announcements and signage in major areas.
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3. Stay at Hotels with English Support
Look for 'English-speaking staff'—they’ll help with bookings and local tips.
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4. Learn a Few Handy Phrases
Even 'Arigatō' (thank you) or 'Sumimasen' (excuse me) goes a long way.
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5. Use Cashless & IC Cards
Suica/Pasmo simplify transit and shopping—just tap and go.
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6. Look for Tourist Information Centers
Major stations offer English brochures, maps, and assistance.
Traveling Japan by Train
Clear English signage, frequent departures, and renowned punctuality—ride like a local.
Punctual
Shinkansen often to the minute
Easy Tickets
Kiosks + IC cards accepted
Everywhere
Dense network nationwide
IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)
Tap in/out on JR and subways; also works at convenience stores and many buses. Top up at station machines.
Buying Tickets
For local trains, tap IC. For Shinkansen/limited express, use machines or ticket counters to choose time and seat.
Seat Types
Ordinary vs. Green (first class). Reserved seats guarantee a spot; non-reserved is flexible but first-come-first-served.
Luggage
Carry-ons above seats; larger bags at car ends. Some Shinkansen require a free oversized baggage reservation.
Transfers & Signage
English signs/announcements are standard in major areas. Follow platform numbers and line colors/arrows.
Timing & Etiquette
Arrive early, queue in lines, keep phone on silent, avoid eating on local trains (OK on Shinkansen).
Shinkansen Seats & Reservations
| Option | What You Get | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
Non-Reserved (自由席) First-come seating | Cheapest option on eligible trains; sit in designated cars. | Off-peak hours or short hops when you want flexibility. |
Reserved (指定席) Assigned seat | Guaranteed seat, choose window/aisle; calmest travel experience. | Peak seasons, families, or when carrying luggage. |
Green Car (グリーン車) Premium seat | Wider seats, extra legroom, quieter cars; like first class. | Long rides, work on the go, or if you value comfort/quiet. |
1. Pick Route
Search stations & lines; note transfer points and platform numbers.
2. Get Ticket
Tap IC for locals; use machines/counters for Shinkansen/express.
3. Board & Store
Queue at markings, store luggage overhead or car-end racks.
4. Enjoy the Ride
Follow displays/announcements; snacks OK on Shinkansen.
Immerse Yourself in aRich Culture
Location-Based Guides
Discover hidden histories and local legends in every destination.
Fun Experiences
Engaging guides that share cultural insights and stories.
Self-Paced Tours
Explore at your own rhythm and pace.
