Beppu
Discover bathing heaven in Beppu. This city is home to more hot springs than any other part of Japan, with 2,000-plus onsen where locals and visitors go to revive the soul and boost their health. The life-affirming geothermal
Tokyo
Living history, futuristic cityscapes and some of the world’s best dining
Tokyo is a city of invigorating contrasts, from Zen rock gardens to quirky cafes. In Shinjuku, neon-lit towers appear like architectural modern art, illuminating the nightlives of Tokyoites enjoying their city. Nearby Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an expansive green space where cherry blossoms reflect in the pond during springtime, and the botanical garden features orchids and waterfalls.
Just a couple of kilometres away in Harajuku is the heart of Tokyo youth culture. Here, new fashions are forged on street corners, where young people hang out to see and be seen. Bold street art surrounds vintage clothing stores, while dessert shops are ideal spots to pick up a treat for a picnic in Yoyogi Park next to Harajuku Station. From there, it’s a short train ride to Shibuya, with its busy junction that makes crossing the street a world-famous sight.
Tokyo has historical sights to rival Kyoto, including Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa. The temple, along with its historic shopping street stretching 200 metres between it and the massive Hōzōmon Gate, has been a site of important festivals for centuries. If you visit Tokyo in May, dive into the river of life that is Sanja Matsuri festival, and try to catch its opening procession led by locals dressed in Edo-period attire. Don’t miss the forest-lined Meiji Jingu near Yoyogi Park, or the colourful Kanda Shrine across the city in Chiyoda. Tokyo’s variety is once again on display in nearby Akihabara, the idiosyncratic district known for electronics and manga stores.
Lunch and dinner are another adventure in Tokyo, a city with more Michelin stars than any other in the world. When you’re not fine dining, dip into a ramen shop just big enough for a few counter seats, where customers get to work and think about nothing but the soul-satisfying broth. If you’re in Shinjuku at night, grab your camera and head to Omoide Yokocho, a maze of narrow alleyways where locals and visitors cram into eateries and feast on skewers of sizzling meat.
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Nara
Nara's history as a centre of government, religion and learning dates back to 710, when the city became the first permanent capital of Japan. The Buddhist temples and official buildings constructed around that time were designed
Okinawa
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Sapporo
A former host of the Winter Olympics, Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido is a city hugged by snow-capped mountains. The unique food is lovingly crafted with ingredients world renowned for their freshness and quality,
