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Explore Japan

Explore GoExploring guides to distinctive adventures, landscapes and experiences across Japan.

  • A riverside street in the hot-spring town of Kinosaki Onsen, Japan.

    Kinosaki Onsen: day trip or overnight ryokan stay?

    Plan a first Kinosaki Onsen visit: compare a day trip with a ryokan stay, understand bath passes and tattoo rules, and check bathhouse closures.

  • The white main keep of Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

    Hyogo, Japan: Himeji Castle, Kinosaki Onsen and mountain walks

    Plan a Hyogo trip beyond a single day out: combine Himeji Castle, a Kinosaki Onsen stay and Takeda Castle ruins with realistic transport choices.

  • A path passes beneath red torii gateways at Fushimi Inari in Kyoto.

    Fushimi Inari hike: from Kyoto’s torii gates to Ichinomine

    Walk beyond Fushimi Inari’s famous torii gates, climb the sacred mountain trail and decide whether to continue to Ichinomine.

  • Stone steps on the forest trail to Jomon Sugi, Yakushima.

    Jomon Sugi hike on Yakushima: trail, shuttle and timing

    Walk the forest railway and mountain trail to Jomon Sugi, and plan around the full-day hike and Arakawa shuttle.

  • A stone-paved path winds through forest on the Kumano Kodo in Japan.

    Kumano Kodo Nakahechi: day walk or multi-day pilgrimage?

    Choose a first Nakahechi walk on the Kumano Kodo, compare short sections with a multi-day route and plan accommodation, buses and luggage.

  • The historic post town of Magome along the Nakasendō in Japan at dusk.

    Walk the Nakasendō from Magome to Tsumago

    Follow an atmospheric stretch of Japan’s old Nakasendō through forest and post towns, with a simple overview of the route, transport and luggage forwarding.

  • A torii gate marks the summit trail on Mount Fuji.

    Mount Fuji: Yoshida or Fujinomiya Trail for a first climb?

    Choose between Mount Fuji’s Yoshida and Fujinomiya trails, check the climbing season and organize route-specific entry rules, huts and transport.

  • Sea ice gathered beneath the snowy mountains of Japan's Shiretoko Peninsula.

    20 Best Adventure Activities in Japan

    Discover Japan's best adventures, from mountain pilgrimages and volcano hikes to rafting, diving, skiing and wildlife encounters.

  • Forested mountains surrounding the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage landscape in Japan.

    10 Best Ancient Trails and Pilgrimage Walks in Japan

    Walk Japan's best ancient trails and pilgrimage routes through sacred mountains, post towns, forests and coastal landscapes.

  • The stone-paved Nakasendō trail through cedar forest between Magome and Tsumago.

    20 Best Hikes in Japan, from Sacred Trails to Alpine Peaks

    Explore Japan's best hikes across sacred mountains, volcanic peaks, ancient roads, subtropical forest and dramatic coastline.

  • The active Nakadake crater in the Mount Aso volcanic landscape of Japan.

    10 Best Volcano Experiences in Japan

    Compare Japan's best volcano experiences for summit hikes, crater views, geothermal landscapes and volcanic islands.

  • Red-crowned cranes standing together in a snowy Hokkaido landscape.

    10 Best Wildlife Experiences in Japan

    Discover Japan's best wildlife experiences, from cranes and sea eagles to whales, monkeys and subtropical island habitats.