Top Culture Trips to See the World's Coolest Cities and Towns

Japan’s contrasts are writ large between its densely populated, neon-lit cities and the peaceful beauty of the country’s rural areas, where you can spot wildlife, visit bamboo forests and tick off ancient temples. Want to experience both sides? Culture Trip’s 12-day Rail Trip starts in the large port city of Osaka and finishes in Tokyo. Along the way, you’ll stay in traditional ryokan inns with on-site onsen (hot springs), marvel at Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi and visit the Fushimi Inari shrine.