beyond tokyo | regional cuisines | the year of the snake
Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun can be a paradox for visitors—and not in a "land of contrasts" type of way. On a practical level, Japan is simply so multifaceted that it can be overwhelming to plan a comprehensive trip. Which is OK (seriously!), because Japan is the type of destination that lends itself better to immersion than efficiency. The draw is that it’s a very hard place to pin down.
For every "must-see" temple or top-rated street market, there’s a hidden alley, a rural hot spring or an unheralded shrine that feels like a private discovery. Don’t worry, we have some recommendations for you—and the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, running from spring to fall, is as opportune a time to visit as any. But no matter which international airport you land in or where your Japan Rail Pass takes you, the country invites travelers to chase the highlights and the obscure with equal vigor.
While Tokyo is the beating heart of Japan, there are plenty of other areas worth your time. Kyoto, the former imperial capital, is where palaces, shrines and ancient temples abound, including Fushimi Inari Taisha’s iconic red torii gates and Kinkakuji, the "Golden Pavilion." Known as the younger, hipper sister of Tokyo, Osaka is famous for its futuristic architecture and animated nightlife. The Dotonbori district buzzes with food stalls, neon lights and the Gilco Running Man, while Osaka Castle and Nishinomaru Garden offer a serene counterpoint to the city's frenetic energy.
An hour's train ride from both cities, Nara is known for Todaiji Temple, which houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, as well as its free-roaming deer population. Deer crackers are sold around Nara Park, and some deer have learned to bow in exchange for a snack. Farther west, Hiroshima is home to the evocative Peace Memorial Museum—a sobering reminder of the atomic bombing in 1945. The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, in nearby Miyajima Island, is one of Japan's most photographed sites.
Infinite layers to discover
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Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion), Kyoto
Okonomiyaki
Beyond Tokyo
Regional cuisines
The Year of the Snake
Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima
Gilco Running Man in Dotonbori, Osaka
Kaiseki dining in Kyoto
Plan your trip
Japanese macaque | credit: JIGOKUDANI YAENKOEN, JNTO
Credit: Kamaishi Festival Executive Committee, JNTO
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Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano Prefecture
Sushi, a Tokyo specialty | credit: JNTO
Gion Matsuri, Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto
Matsusaka beef | credit: JNTO
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Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture, located northwest of Tokyo, Japanese Macaques, or "snow monkeys,” bathe in the natural hot springs to stay warm during winter. Watching these clever primates soak and socialize may inspire visitors to do the same at one of the many onsens (hot springs) in the area—perhaps while staying at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn).
Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and has cultivated a reputation as a world-class ski destination, not least for its resorts, including those in Hakuba Valley. And then there is Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, which boasts some of the best powder snow in the world. Resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu and Tomamu cater to all budgets, taste and skill levels.
Gastronomy has always been a main draw to Japan. Osaka is often referred to as the food capital of Japan, as evidenced by the nickname "Tenka no Daidokoro" (“the nation’s kitchen”). Takoyaki (ball-shaped fried octopus) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) are standout local dishes you'll find at carts that line the city's vibrant streets. Osaka is also said to be the birthplace of kuidaore, a term that essentially means “to eat yourself bankrupt,” so make sure to bring an appetite.
Hiroshima is famous for its regional take on okonomiyaki—a distinction rooted in the decision to layer the ingredients (which typically include wheat flour, cabbage, egg, meat and seafood) instead of mixing them together. Okonomimura, a tower filled with independent restaurants, is home to 25 diners, each serving its signature version of the dish.
Kyoto is the ideal setting for Kaiseki cuisine, a highly ritualized, multicourse dining experience that celebrates seasonality and presentation. Kitcho Arashiyama Honten, Kikunoi and Guilo Guiolo Hitoshina are among the city's best, though guests should be prepared to splurge on the experience.
Hokkaido is the birthplace of miso ramen (tip: consider adding butter and corn toppings). Ramen Alley in Sapporo is home to 17 restaurants serving the dish.
Local specialties in Tokyo include nigiri sushi and anago-meishi (freshwater eel over rice). Consult the "best-of" lists if you must, but it bears repeating: the sushi bar around the corner from your hotel is likely just as deserving of a visit as the Michelin-starred restaurant on the other side of town.
Note that restaurants often specialize in a single type of food. For example, okonomiyaki restaurants only serve okonomiyaki, and ramenya may only serve ramen. To eat on the run, bento boxes are ubiquitous and make for a tasty, portable meal.
As if Japan’s allure weren't strong enough already, 2025 marks a milestone year: the World Expo is coming to Osaka. The city last hosted the World's Fair in 1970 and is now preparing for the return of this global event from April 13 to Oct. 13, 2025, which will be produced around the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."
Seasonal festivities throughout the country are expected to feature Expo-related celebrations and activities, making these traditional calendar milestones even more memorable. Certainly, one of the country's most famous annual happenings is the arrival of the cherry blossoms. Every spring, Japan celebrates the ephemerally beautiful blooms, which coat the streets and parks in a delicate, fleeting pink hue. Osaka Castle, Hikone Castle, Nagoya Castle and the Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto) are some of Japan’s most popular spots for hanami, or “flower viewing.”
Takayama Festival (April), located in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture, features an elaborate display of ornate yatai (floats). Gion Matsuri (July) in Kyoto is a month-long celebration that dates back over 1,000 years, though the grand procession of floats is scheduled for July 17. Held on the 24th and 25th of July, Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka honors a 10th-century scholar named Sugawara no Michizane with traditional music, dancing, costumes and fireworks. Combined with Expo activities, this popular event promises to be especially notable.
The Expo’s arrival follows the expansion of the Shinkansen (bullet train) in March 2024, which has reduced travel times between major cities and made western Japan more accessible than ever. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) grants unlimited, affordable access to all high-speed trains, buses, ferries and airport transit. With the new upgrades, riders can now access Fukui City (dinosaur museum, Zen temple), Kaga Onsen (four hot spring towns south of Kanazawa) and Tsuruga (a port city with a quiet atmosphere).
Best Bet 2025
Japan was chosen as a Travelzoo Best Bet for 2025. Only nine worldwide destinations were selected for this honor, based on factors like increased interest among Travelzoo members, sustainability considerations or landmark events for the new year. See the full list here.
Best Bet 2025
Best Bet 2025
Best Bet 2025
Japan was chosen as a Travelzoo Best Bet for 2025. Only nine worldwide destinations were selected for this honor, based on factors like increased interest among Travelzoo members, sustainability considerations or landmark events for the new year. See the full list here.
Osaka Castle, Osaka | Photo credit: TRUE for Japan National Tourism Organization
Tower of the Sun, created for the 1970 Expo
Philosopher's Path, Kyoto
Tenjin Matsuri, Osaka
Ramen Alley, Sapporo
Cherry blossoms at Himeji Castle
Takoyaki
beyond tokyo | regional cuisines | the year of the snake
beyond tokyo | regional cuisines | the year of the snake