Japan holidays
Neon-lit cities, centuries-old temples, superb food and the best powder snow in the world. Japan rewards every kind of traveller.
Powder heaven
Hokkaido's light, dry snow has made Japan one of the world's most sought-after ski destinations.
Why Japan should be your next holiday
Japan feels like nowhere else. In a single trip you can wander Tokyo's busy neighbourhoods, sleep in a traditional ryokan, soak in an onsen hot spring and eat some of the freshest sushi of your life. The country is famously safe, clean and efficient, which makes it surprisingly easy for first-time visitors.
The Shinkansen bullet train links the main cities, so you can be in Kyoto just over two hours after leaving Tokyo. Many travellers combine the two with Osaka, Nara or Hiroshima on a first visit.
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hokkaido's capital is the gateway to the island's ski resorts and is famous for its winter snow festival, beer and miso ramen.
Things to do in Japan
In Tokyo, explore Shibuya and Shinjuku by night, visit Senso-ji temple in Asakusa and eat your way through a department store food hall. In Kyoto, get up early to see the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, the bamboo grove of Arashiyama and the old streets of Gion.
Outside the big cities, Japan opens up into mountains, coastline and small towns. Hike a stretch of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, see Mount Fuji from the lakes around Hakone or Kawaguchiko, or head north to Hokkaido for national parks and hot springs.
Beautiful surroundings
Japan's mountain resorts combine deep snow with hot springs, small villages and spectacular forest scenery.
Skiing in Japan: powder hunting in Hokkaido and Honshu
Japan has hundreds of ski areas, and its reputation for powder is well earned. Cold winds from Siberia pick up moisture over the Sea of Japan and drop it as light, dry snow, especially on Hokkaido. Niseko is the best-known resort, while Hakuba in the Japanese Alps on Honshu is easier to combine with a trip to Tokyo.
Read our guide to powder hunting in Japan for where to go, how to get around and why après-ski here means ramen and onsen. For more destinations across the region, see our Asia holidays guide.
Easy to get around
Japan's ski resorts are well connected, and many can be reached by train and bus from the main cities.
Best time to visit Japan
Spring (late March to early April) is cherry blossom season and the most popular time to visit, so book early. Autumn, from October to early December, is just as beautiful, with red and gold leaves and comfortable temperatures.
Summer is hot and humid, with a rainy season in June and early July, but it is the time for festivals and hiking in the mountains. Winter is cold and clear in Tokyo and Kyoto, and it is peak ski season in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps from December to March.
Japan holidays: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Japan?
Ten days to two weeks is ideal for a first visit, giving you time for Tokyo, Kyoto and one or two side trips such as Nara, Hakone or Hiroshima. A ski holiday in Hokkaido usually lasts a week, and many people add a few days in Tokyo at the start or end.
Is Japan expensive to visit?
Japan can be more affordable than many visitors expect. Accommodation in the big cities and ski resorts in peak season can be pricey, but everyday food is excellent value, from ramen shops to convenience stores, and public transport is efficient and reasonably priced.
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Many nationalities, including UK and EU passport holders, can usually visit Japan without a visa for short tourist stays. Rules can change, so always check the current entry requirements and your government's travel advice before you book.
When is the best time to ski in Japan?
January and February usually bring the most reliable and heaviest powder, especially in Hokkaido. December and March can also be very good, with fewer crowds, although snow conditions are more variable at the start and end of the season.