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The perennial favourite of globe-hopping adventurers, Japan has something for everyone. Whether you’re an avowed foodie in search of the perfect bite, a nature-lover seeking marvellously manicured gardens, or a history buff with a hankering for ancient architecture and storied shrines, Japan is a lively blend of past and future. From lightning-fast bullet trains to age-old city streets, there’s a reason travellers keep returning to the Land of the Rising Sun.
The most popular time to visit Japan is in the spring from March to May in hopes of catching the onset of cherry blossom season. Lesser known is the slightly earlier plum blossom season, which makes for a great excuse to enjoy Japan’s late-winter wonders. From December to February, northern Sapporo is transformed into a snow-dusted dreamscape – the perfect hub for a plethora of snow sports – while the autumn months provide the ideal conditions for a restorative stay at one of the country’s countless onsen ryokan – special inns with natural hot springs. In the summer, conditions can get hot and humid, so sun-seekers can book a trip to the tropical southern islands of Okinawa prefecture.
Of all the foodie destinations in the world, Japan is a country that struggles to name just one culinary capital. Fresh seafood and sensational sushi abound from Osaka to Tokyo, while famed Japanese dishes vary widely across prefectures. Flavours are complex and considered here, from umami Sapporo miso ramen to rich and creamy tonkotsu ramen, Hiroshima’s moreish okonomiyaki to the fresh fish of Tokyo’s thriving Tsukiji Market. Fans of Japanese whisky can visit the hundred-year-old Suntory Yamazaki Distillery just a short train ride out of Kyoto, while non-drinkers can stop in at one of the city’s many tranquil tea houses for a taste of the finest matcha, hojicha and more.
Visitors to Tokyo can travel to nearby Shiga Kogen – one of the country’s largest ski areas – but it’s the northernmost island, Hokkaido, where the Japan earns its acclaim for world-renowned skiing. Snow sports and elegant resorts are the name of the game, and a short two-hour drive from Sapporo will put winter travellers on the slopes of the famous Niseko Annupuri. Here, Higashiyama Niseko Village offers Ritz-Carlton renown to the resort, while Chatrium Niseko Japan is a chic, village-centre stay boasting the French-Japanese culinary excellence of onsite restaurant Kamimura. For valet service on the slopes and revitalising onsite facilities, the high-end offerings of Yu Kiroro are sure to delight.
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