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Japan travel guide

Places to visit, things to do and where to stay in 4 destinations across Japan.

Destinations4 city guides
Flights from$602 to Kyoto
Things to do412 experiences
Best time to visitSeptember to February and April to June
CurrencyJPY · ¥
CapitalTokyo

About Japan

Japan is in Eastern Asia. Its capital is Tokyo, the main language is Japanese and the currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Our guides cover 4 destinations across Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. The most comfortable time to visit is generally September to February and April to June.

Cheap flights to Japan

The lowest fares Destina Holidays travellers found to destinations in Japan in the last 30 days.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, last checked 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Must-see sights in Japan

  1. Senso-ji

    Senso-ji

    Religious · Tokyo

    Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, entered through the Kaminarimon gate and the Nakamise shopping street. Visit early or after dark when it is quieter and lit up.

  2. Fushimi Inari-taisha

    Fushimi Inari-taisha

    Religious · Kyoto

    A major Shinto shrine famous for the thousands of orange torii gates lining trails up a wooded mountain. Go very early or near dusk, and walk farther up the hill to leave the crowds behind.

  3. Osaka Castle

    Osaka Castle

    Historic · Osaka

    A rebuilt castle tower on massive original stone walls, surrounded by moats and a large park. The inside is a modern museum, so the park and walls are the main draw, especially in cherry blossom season.

  4. Kenroku-en

    Kenroku-en

    Park · Ishikawa

    One of Japan's three most celebrated landscape gardens, with ponds, teahouses and carefully shaped pines in central Kanazawa. Come early for quiet paths, or visit in winter to see the rope supports that protect the trees from snow.

Things to do in Japan

412 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across Japan. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.

Best time to visit Japan

Based on recent weather records across 4 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in Japan are September to February and April to June. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Know before you go

Currency
Japanese yen (JPY)1 US dollar ≈ ¥158
Language
Japanese
Capital
Tokyo
Calling code
+81
Driving
On the left
Time zone
Asia/TokyoUTC+9

Upcoming public holidays in Japan

  • Culture Day文化の日
  • Labour Thanksgiving Day勤労感謝の日
  • New Year's Day元日
  • Coming of Age Day成人の日
  • Foundation Day建国記念の日
  • The Emperor's Birthday天皇誕生日

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Check visa requirements

Getting to Japan

The closest airports to the most popular destinations in Japan.

  • HND Tokyo International Airport11 mi from Tokyo
  • ITM Osaka International Airport24 mi from Kyoto
  • KMQ Komatsu Airport18 mi from Ishikawa
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Japan travel FAQ

What are the best places to visit in Japan?

Popular destinations in Japan include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Ishikawa. Our Japan travel guides cover 4 cities and regions, with places to visit, things to do, where to stay and the best time to go.

When is the best time to visit Japan?

Across our Japan destinations, the most comfortable months to visit are September to February and April to June. Weather varies by region, so check each city guide for local temperatures and rainfall.

How much are flights to Japan?

The cheapest one-way fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Japan in the last 30 days was $602 to Kyoto from Vancouver, travelling 1 Feb.

Which airports should I fly into for Japan?

Main airports for popular Japan destinations include Tokyo International Airport (HND) for Tokyo, Osaka International Airport (ITM) for Kyoto and Komatsu Airport (KMQ) for Ishikawa.

What are the top things to do in Japan?

Destina Holidays offers 412 tours and activities across Japan. The most popular types are city tours (152), day trips & excursions (75), art & culture (69) and gastronomy & nightlife (55).

What are the must-see sights in Japan?

Highlights include Senso-ji in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto, Osaka Castle in Osaka and Kenroku-en in Ishikawa.

How many hotels can I book in Japan?

Destina Holidays lists 4,298 properties across our Japan destinations, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.

What currency is used in Japan?

Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ¥158.

What language is spoken in Japan?

The official language of Japan is Japanese.

What is the capital of Japan?

The capital of Japan is Tokyo.

What time zone is Japan in?

Japan uses the Asia/Tokyo (UTC+9) time zone.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Japan?

Traffic in Japan drives on the left. The international calling code is +81.

What are the upcoming public holidays in Japan?

Upcoming public holidays include Culture Day on 3 November 2026, Labour Thanksgiving Day on 23 November 2026 and New Year's Day on 1 January 2027. Flights and hotels often fill up early around holidays.

Do I need a visa to visit Japan?

Visa rules for Japan depend on your nationality, passport and the length and purpose of your trip. Check our visa requirements page or contact our travel experts before you book.

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