Japan by interest
Temples, onsen, castles, food, festivals and more: find the parts of Japan that match what you love, then plan a trip around them.
- TemplesWhere to see Japan's great Buddhist temples, from Kyoto's Zen gardens to Nara's giant Buddha and the mountain monasteries of Koyasan.
- ShrinesJapan's most striking Shinto shrines, from the thousand torii of Fushimi Inari to Ise, Izumo and the floating gate of Miyajima.
- CastlesJapan's best castles, including the original keeps at Himeji and Matsumoto that survived wars, fires and earthquakes.
- OnsenJapan's best hot spring towns, how onsen etiquette works, and where to stay for a private bath.
- HikingJapan's best hikes, from pilgrim trails and Edo-era post roads to the Japan Alps and Mt. Fuji.
- Cherry blossomsWhen and where to see Japan's cherry blossoms, how the season moves north, and how to plan around it.
- Autumn coloursWhere and when to see Japan's autumn leaves, from Hokkaido in late September to Kyoto in late November.
- SnowJapan in winter: powder skiing, snow festivals, snow-covered villages and outdoor onsen in the snow.
- FoodJapan's regional food, where to eat it, and how to get the most out of markets, food halls, izakaya and street stalls.
- GardensJapan's great gardens: the Three Great Gardens, Zen rock gardens, moss gardens and the strolling gardens of the old lords.
- RyokanWhat a night in a Japanese inn is like, what's included, how to behave, and where to stay in one.
- FestivalsJapan's biggest festivals through the year, from Kyoto's Gion Matsuri to the lantern floats of Aomori, and how to see them.