Japan

Simultaneously modern and traditional, with a deeply fascinating culture that can take you into the future or deep into the past, the Land of the Rising Sun is truly in a class by itself.

Cover photo: Luke Zeme

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8 of Tokyo´s best Michelin-starred Japanese restaurants

Azabu Kadowaki These days it´s no surprise to anyone that Japan´s capital is also one of the world´s greatest dining capitals. By some counts there are a staggering around 160,000 restaurants, ranging from casual hole-in-the-wall eateries to fine Michelin-starred temples of gourmet excellence (of which, by the way, there are more than any other city in the world - an impressive 135), and covering the entire gamut of world cuisines. And since you probably didn´t travel all the way here to eat…

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Experiencing Tokyo: Top 10 Musts and 8 Helpful Tips

Benh LIEU SONG Japan´s vibrant capital and largest city (its metropolitan area with a mind-bending population of 37 million) blends futuristic innovation with pockets of traditional charm, its streets filled with a variety of allures including historical landmarks, culinary and cultural delights, world-class shopping, amazing entertainment, and of course cutting-edge technology. It´s a truly extraordinary and unique experience for the visitor. read post

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While hiking in Japan, exploring the the heart and soul (and tushes!) of a most singular country

Peter Van Bossche; other photos by Fyllis Hockman unless otherwise noted How often do a toilet and a tea ceremony form perfect metaphors for the culture of a country? But so it is in the Land of the Rising Sun. The toilet falls into the realm of delightful personal discoveries. First a warm toilet seat along with musical options with a variety of buttons that cleaned more areas with water spray than I have nether-region body parts, a portion of the large bathroom mirror that remained…

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A beautiful bespoke journey to Japan

Linda Cooper In Japan (or Nippon as the Japanese call it), broken objects are often repaired in gold, a practice known as Kintsugi. As a philosophy, its flaw is seen as a unique piece of the object’s history, therefore celebrating its beauty rather than something to disguise. It’s this approach combined with a constant “nod” reflecting old and new blended so seamlessly into Japanese modern life that makes the Land of the Rising Sun one of the most travelworthy around the globe. read…

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María José January 16, 2026 at 12:40pm

I´d add to Barbara´s comment below that CNN also put it on its must-travel list for this year, but for Kanazawa, a city on the Honshu coast 2 hours by bullet train from Kyoto. Find out why (OK, one reason is that it supposedly serves up Japan´s best sushi!): https://edition.cnn.com/travel/where-to-travel-in-2026-the-best-pla...

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/where-to-travel-in-2026-the-best-places-to-visit?cid=ios_app
Barbara Necker January 14, 2026 at 3:18pm

Japan is making plenty of "best destinations of the year" for 2026 lists. For the New York Times, it´s because of Nagasaki and Okinawa: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/travel/places-to-travel-de...

52 Places to Go in 2026

Our list for the new year features an eclipse, a revolution and a tiger reserve. What’s on yours?
Jordan Simon October 18, 2025 at 7:08pm

Winter being right around the corner, it´s a good time to read up about Japan´s ski capital Niseko, up on Hokkaido: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/niseko-japan-powder-capital-ski-reso...

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/niseko-japan-powder-capital-ski-resorts?cid=ios_app
Jorge Carlos Tejada Sobrino October 16, 2025 at 1:58pm

My wife and I visited Japan a year ago, and we loved it so much we´re going back in November. So I was interested to read this from Travel+Leisure about all the wonderful lesser known destinations to consider after you´ve done the big ones like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc. https://www.travelandleisure.com/japan-hidden-gem-destinations-1177...
Ed Wetschler October 14, 2025 at 8:18pm

Why Osaka made Frommer´s list of best places to go in 2025: https://www.frommers.com/slideshows/848621-frommer-s-best-places-to...
Riccardo R December 12, 2024 at 12:42pm

Frankly, I was surprised this didn´t happen sooner! https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/12/1157901

Sake-making and other national treasures make latest UNESCO heritage list

Intore dance in Rwanda, equestrian art in Portugal, Tomyum soup in Thailand, and the artisanal knowledge surrounding the making of sake in Japan, are…
Dave Acton October 7, 2024 at 9:27am

Japan is tops for spring cherry blossoms, but this piece also makes an excellent case for Japan´s gorgeous autumn foliage: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/japan/japan-mo...

Forget New England – Japan is the perfect autumn destination
Ken Kok Lee January 9, 2024 at 10:59am

Sounds like some serious shredding in Nippon! https://www.travelandleisure.com/ski-resorts-in-japan-8404507
David Paul Appell September 29, 2023 at 10:58am

In its look at best foliage destinations outside the USA, the Wall Street Journal cites Nikko National Park, two hours from Tokyo: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/where-to-see-fall-foliage-inte...

New England, New Schmengland! Where to Find the Most Stunning Fall Foliage Outside the U.S.

Would you fly overseas to do some world-class leaf-peeping? Before you answer, consider these six dazzling destinations—and factor in post-hike hot-s…
Max Pesling July 7, 2023 at 5:52pm

Hot off the presses: as of just eight months ago, visitors to Tokyo have an entertaining (and interactive!) chance for a look at traditional Japanese sumo wrestling: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/07/sport/sumo-retirees-play-for-lau...

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/07/sport/sumo-retirees-play-for-laughs-tourists-spt-intl