Japan trip | Culture tasting in Japan

Matsumoto is a city on the island of Honshu in Nagano Prefecture and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps. The city developed around Matsumoto Castle, which still stands. The castle garden has more than 300 cherry trees and is known as one of the best places in Japan to view flowering cherry trees. About three kilometres outside Matsumoto is the Japan Ukiyoe Museum, which houses one of the world's largest private art collections of more than 100 000 pieces. Those who love wasabi should head to the Daio Wasabi Farm to wander the paths between the fields and taste interesting wasabi products such as wasabi chocolate, wasabi ice cream, wasabi-flavoured crackers and more.

The centre of culture and commerce in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa is a favourite destination for the Japanese. The entire city has been well preserved over the centuries and it feels like a contemporary museum with all its castles, geishas and gardens. Visit Higashi Chaya, where kimono-clad geishas serve green tea in the courtyards of tea houses during the day. Kenrokuen garden provides peace and quiet to enjoy among cherry blossoms and red azaleas. Most of Kanazawa has remained unchanged for centuries, and here you can see where and how Samurai warriors lived from the 16th to the 19th century.

Gelegen in het bergachtige gebied van de prefectuur Toyama strekt Gokayama zich uit langs de Shōgawa‑rivier en bestaat het uit afgelegen valleien, omgeven door dichte bossen. De historische dorpen Ainokura en Suganuma springen hier in het oog en staan bekend om hun traditionele gasshō‑zukuri‑boerderijen. Deze door UNESCO erkende huizen hebben steile rieten daken, ingenieus ontworpen om zware sneeuwval te weerstaan. Sommige gebouwen zijn meer dan tweehonderd jaar oud en weerspiegelen een gemeenschappelijke levenswijze, gevormd door strenge winters en beperkte landbouwgrond. Tijdens de Edo‑periode kende Gokayama industrieën zoals salpeterproductie en zijderupskweek, die een belangrijke rol speelden in de economische ontwikkeling. Vandaag de dag kunnen bezoekers overnachten in gerestaureerde huizen, lokale ambachten bekijken en genieten van regionale gerechten. Elk seizoen heeft zijn eigen charme: in de winter ligt het landschap onder een dikke laag sneeuw en heerst er een serene rust; de lente brengt bloeiende bergbloemen en toegankelijke paden langs de rivier; en in de herfst kleuren de heuvels rood en goud, met koele avonden vol seizoensfestivals en traditionele volksvoorstellingen.

Nara is de bakermat van het boeddhisme in Japan en in het hart van de stad, een beeldhouwwerk genaamd de Grote Boeddha zit op 's werelds grootste houten structuur. Maak een ontspannen wandeling door het Nara Park met zijn 1200 heilige herten vinden onderdak onder de Japanse taxusbomen, Japanse ceders, blauwe regen en Japanse andromeda. Het is geen wonder dat Nara bekend staat als een van de meest relaxte steden in Japan. De stad is doordrenkt van een rijke geschiedenis en de oudste bestaande boeddhistische tempel in Japan, de Horyu-ji-tempel, is ingeschreven als werelderfgoed.

The world's most populous metropolis. The contrasts between huge, rich and fascinating neighbourhoods with high-tech visions of the future alongside a glimpse of traditional Japan are stark. The Tokyo Metropolis, varied in its geography, includes not only the city but also spectacular rugged mountains to the west and beautiful subtropical islands to the south. The various neighbourhoods of this phenomenal city vary enormously in character, from the electronic appearances of Akihabara to the magnificent imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, from the vibrant mecca for youth culture of Shibuya to the beautiful pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. Tokyo's world-famous public transport takes you quickly, efficiently and punctually to the various districts.

Dominated by the towering Japanese Alps, Honshu is the largest island in the Japanese archipelago. This huge island is home to most of Japan's population and boasts the majority of the country's most popular attractions. Visitors come here from all over the world to enjoy the impressive geothermal spas, ski resorts, ancient castle and temple towns and charming traditional villages tucked away in remote valleys. From the neon lights and pulsating energy of Tokyo in the east, to the dramatic Alps in the central Chubu region, to the tranquil rural beauty of the Chugoku region in the west, Honshu offers an extraordinary variety of scenic landscapes, attractive attractions and world-class cities. Must-see attractions include: the iconic Mt Fuji; the historic town of Nikko; and the Peace Park in Hiroshima.

Japan is one of the most visited countries in the world and many tourists wax lyrical when sharing their travel experiences. The landscape offers an interesting mix of beautiful nature, well-kept religious shrines and temples, historical sites, modern cities and world heritage sites. The influence of Japan's fascinating cultures and unusual subcultures have such an international impact that foreigners flock here to experience sumo wrestling, traditional tea-drinking ceremonies, anime comic art, samurai legends and more. Japan is also known as the birthplace of sushi, aikido and calligraphy. A trip here would not be complete without experiencing the otherworldly music scene and varied nightlife.

Ishikawa stretches to the Sea of Japan and is a prefecture on the Japanese island of Honshu, best known for its Kenroku-en garden, designed to remain beautiful in every season. Each season in Ishikawa offers a different scenic view with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumns and white winters. With both coastal and mountainous settings, visitors can expect spectacular views, especially in Noto, where many of Japan's natural landscapes have been preserved. The Higashi Chaya District boasts tea houses preserved from the Edo period and historic hot springs, such as the Kaga Onsen, exist all over Ishikawa. Don't miss the impressive Ninja Temple; the towering Mount Maru; and the view of a thousand rice fields covering the foothills of Senmaida; one of Japan's three sacred mountains.

As one of Japan’s ancient capitals, Kyoto plays a significant role in the country’s history and, even today, retains all the atmosphere and elegance you would expect from the former imperial residence. The city boasts seventeen historic sites that have been designated as World Heritage Sites. Visit Nijo Castle to see an example of Japanese architecture combined with stunning interior design. The city is famous for its vibrant colours, gastronomy and lush natural surroundings. The nearby Arashiyama, known for its bamboo forests, is within easy reach by train and highly recommended for a second or third day in Kyoto.
For a stunning view of Kyoto, we recommend the large wooden veranda at Kiyomizu, built high above a deep valley.

Kyoto is a picturesque prefecture famous for its classical Buddhist temples, Japanese gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. The capital, the city of Kyoto, has served as the national capital for over a thousand years and assures a rich history with unique Japanese customs, such as kaiseki dining and traditional geishas. Feast your eyes on the beautiful Uji tea fields; take a boat ride on the beautiful Hozu River; or explore Kyoto's forests, known for their rows of thatched-roof houses and delicious matsutake mushrooms. Absolute must-sees are Amanohashidate, a pine-covered sandbar over the mouth of Miyazu Bay; the impressive Fushimi Inari and Ujigami-jinja shrines; and the ancient Nijo Castle, dating back to 1603.

Osaka is a major port city and busy commercial centre on the Japanese island of Honshu, known for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. This bustling city has a number of attractive attractions, including the restored 16th-century Shogunate Osaka Castle, surrounded by a moat, plum and cherry blossom trees. The city also has an impressive array of museums, including the National Museum of Ethnology, the Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farms and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum. Other must-see attractions include Universal Studios Japan and the Expo Commemoration Park, with its iconic Tower of the Sun.

Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Osaka is Japan's second smallest province after Kagawa. The prefecture's capital of the same name is a major port city known for its innovative, modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. Visitors can look forward to exploring a number of historic temples and shrines, as well as an impressive variety of museums, such as the National Museum of Ethnology, the Osaka Museum of History and the Open Air Museum of Ancient Japanese Farms. Other popular attractions in the area include the beautifully restored 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle and the 300-metre-high Abeno Harukas, the country's tallest skyscraper with stunning views from an observation deck on the 60th floor.

De stad Okayama is de hoofdstad van de prefectuur Okayama en hier zijn een aantal kunst- en wetenschapsmusea te vinden. De stad ontwikkelde zich als een kasteelstad tijdens de Edo-periode en een bezoek aan Okayama Castle geeft historisch inzicht in deze tijd in de geschiedenis. De Koraku-en-tuin op het kasteelterrein duurde 14 jaar voordat het af is en is een van de top drie grote tuinen in Japan. Bezoekers van deze tuinen lopen over kronkelende paden om schilderachtige vergezichten te bereiken. Degenen met fietsen nemen de Kibi-vlakte-route die door rijstvelden, tempels, pagodes en sleutelgatgraven loopt. Toeristen gebruiken Okayama als uitvalsbasis om Naoshima, Inujima, Kurashiki en Onomichi te verkennen.

Kurashiki, een van de grote oude handelssteden van Japan, ligt in de prefectuur Okayama, niet ver van de prefecturele hoofdstad Okayama City. Kurashiki (wat letterlijk vertaald 'verspreiding van pakhuizen' betekent) ligt aan de oevers van een schilderachtig, met wilgen omzoomd kanaal aan de voet van de Tsurugata berg en staat bekend om zijn talloze historische witgekalkte pakhuizen met zwart-wit betegelde gevels, waarvan de meeste zijn omgebouwd tot galeries, musea, boetiekjes en restaurants. In dit prachtige oude deel van de stad, bekend als de 'Bikan Chiku' historische wijk, vind je het Ohara Museum of Art met indrukwekkende collecties van bekende westerse kunstenaars, waaronder stukken van El Greco, Gauguin, Matisse, Monet en Renoir, maar ook van Aziatische en hedendaagse kunstenaars. Mis de Kurashiki Kawabune Nagashi niet, een boottocht in gondelstijl over de prachtige grachten.

Located in the Chugoku mountain region and bordering the Seto Inland Sea on Japan’s main island of Honshu, Okayama is a prefecture known as the ‘Land of Sunshine’ due to its pleasant sunny climate. The eponymous capital city of this prefecture is famous for its preserved historical canal area known as Kurashiki. Other highlights in the Okayama Prefecture include Inujima Island, a small island turned into a modern art site, and Bitchu-Takahashi, a pretty town with the highest mountaintop castle in Japan. Visitors can also look forward to exploring two famous caves in the city of Niimi and wandering through Houfukuji Temple in Soja city where the priest Sesshu is said to have painted a mouse with only his tears.

Dubbed the "Roof of Japan", Nagano Prefecture is a mountainous sports mecca with the highest mountain ranges in the country. Quaint rural villages that could have been plucked straight from a samurai film dot the country landscape, and the chic town of Karuizawa is one of the most popular summer getaway spots in Japan. Stroll down the trendy main street lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants with cosmopolitan cuisine. Other popular sights include Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, Lake Kizaki, and the hot springs of Nagano Onsen. Take a journey through history at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's oldest shrines, as well as Zenko-ji, an important pilgrimage site. Natural beauty abounds in Nagano Prefecture with its exuberant highlands, soaring mountain peaks that provide hiking trails that are challenging but beautiful, and some of the country's largest ski resorts, most notably Shika Kogen and Mount Hakuba.

Het Kaga Onsen-gebied ligt aan het zuidelijke uiteinde van de Kanazawa vlakte in de Ishikawa prefectuur en staat bekend als het mekka van de warmwaterbronnen. Het omvat de warmwaterbronnen dorpen Katayamazu Onsen, Yamashiro Onsen, Awazu Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, die allemaal beschikken over openbare baden (soyu) in het centrum van elke stad. Kaga Onsen is het oudste en populairste heetwatergebied van Japan en heeft veel traditionele houten 'ryokan'-herbergen. Er zijn ook oude tempels, prachtige rivieren, watervallen en majestueuze bergen. Bezoekers kunnen zich verheugen op een scala aan attracties, waaronder de Shibayama-gata lagune in Yamanaka, die zeven keer per dag van kleur verandert, de warmwaterbronnen van Katayamazu aan de oever van het meer en de warmwaterbronnen in Yamashiro, die meer dan 1300 jaar geleden werden ontdekt.