Best Japan Day Trips & Things to Do

Japan is an island nation comprising a volcanic archipelago stretching across the northwest Pacific Ocean. What sets Japan apart is its unique blend of a reserved culture and vibrant energy. This contrast is particularly evident in the capital city of Tokyo, where dazzling neon lights stand alongside the tranquil spiritual sanctuary of Meiji Jingu. In Kyoto, the architecture shifts to weathered wood and golden leaf, best epitomized by the floating beauty of Kinkaku-ji. To the north, the alpine heights of Hokkaido offer a stark, snowy wilderness, while the southern islands of Okinawa provide a turquoise, subtropical reprieve. Traveling in Japan offers diverse experiences. You can ride the Shinkansen through breathtaking landscapes, pausing to witness the symmetry of Mount Fuji or the monastic quiet of Koyasan.