For a small country, Japan comprises some strikingly diverse landscapes. We check out 10 of the most breathtaking towns in Japan.

Japan

The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Japan

Wondering where to take your next great shot? Culture Trip takes you on a tour of the most Instagram-worthy places in Tokyo, Japan.

Most Instagrammable Spots in Tokyo

Spend the perfect week seeing the sights of Tokyo with this comprehensive seven-day itinerary.

How To Spend One Week in Tokyo

Only have 48 hours to spend in Kyoto, check out our suggested itinerary for some great ideas on places to visit. You will still want to come back!

How to Spend 48 Hours in Kyoto

From performing arts to contemporary versions of historical artisanal crafts, here are some of the best places in Tokyo to visit to learn about the city’s traditional art forms.

Where to See Traditional Japanese Arts in Tokyo

At once ultra-modern and enduringly traditional, Japan’s capital is a kaleidoscope of pop culture, history and innovation. There’s something to stimulate the senses around every corner, whether it’s the buzz of a pachinko parlour, the scent of incense at Sensō-ji temple, the neon lights of Kabukichō or the sight of blossoming cherry trees.

Tokyo’s tech-savvy reputation is embodied in its futuristic skyscrapers, high-speed bullet trains, robot restaurants and nine-storey electronics stores. Japan’s penchant for all things eccentric is evident everywhere, from eye-popping street style to stores, streets and whole districts devoted to manga, anime and kawaii culture. Meanwhile, old-world Japan can be found in the city’s historic shrines, Japanese gardens and in the narrow streets of old-fashioned quarters such as Asakusa.

Introducing Tokyo

Tokyo is an incomparable city where everything you do will be unlike anything you’ve known before. Eating is an experience in itself, with concepts ranging from monster, maid and animal cafés to traditional tea ceremonies. To eat and drink like a resident, head to Shinjuku and explore the Golden Gai’s maze of tiny drinking dens and Omoide Yokocho’s izakaya (Japanese pubs). Take in the sheer size of the world’s most populated city from atop the 634m-tall Tokyo Skytree, or by braving the crowds at the infamous Shibuya Crossing. Finally, make sure to enjoy quintessentially Japanese traditions, whether by watching a sumo tournament or soaking in an onsen (natural hot spring).

Tokyo travel and culture

Tokyo neighbourhoods

Things to do

Food & Drink

Places to stay

Check out this guide to the 12 most beautiful islands along Canada's extensive coastline.

North America

Canada

12 Beautiful Islands You Need to Visit in Canada

Read on for a brief look at the complex concept of muxe, Mexico's so-called third gender, which is at times rejoiced and reviled in equal measure.

Mexico

Life Outside the Binary: Meet Mexico’s Muxe Community Celebrating Genderqueerness

Muxe: Meet Mexico's Third Gender Community

Think that Day of the Dead is just Mexican Halloween? Think again! Here's a brief history of the Mesoamerican festivities which celebrate death.

A Brief History of Mexico’s Day of the Dead

Read about the best places in Texas to find a mural background for your next Instagram photoshoot.

Texas

Texas Murals For The Perfect Instagram Backdrop

Read our guide to find some tasty places in Austin for snacks, BBQ, and contemporary Mexican cuisines.

The 10 Best Restaurants in Austin, Texas

Come with Culture Trip’s Hungerlust team to Mexico City, where we track the re-emergence of pulque, an alcoholic drink first brewed by the Aztecs.

Hungerlust: Mexico’s Pulque Drink Is Undergoing a Hip Revival

Hungerlust takes you to East Austin, Texas, where a BBQ joint's third-generation owners have perfected the art of smoked meat – and the art of community.

Hungerlust: BBQ in Texas Is All About Community and State Pride

If you think Mexico is just mole and tacos, you are in for a big surprise. Read on to learn about Mexico's Bajio region and its delectable cuisine.

Menu of the Day: Mexico's Bajío

From glaciers to deserts to majestic peaks, the national parks in the USA are varied but equally beautiful. Discover some national gems in our travel guide.

The 12 Most Beautiful National Parks in the USA

Los Angeles's top attractions include a cemetery-cinema, unconventional museums, a mega-shopping destination and outstanding urban hiking.

California

20 Must-See Los Angeles Attractions

Find out our 20 favorite must-do activities in New York City that are best while you're young, like dancing and eating your way through the city.

New York

20 Things to Do in New York City in Your Twenties

Between New York City’s crowds, never-ending lists of things to do and relentless attitude, the City That Never Sleeps can be overwhelming. Make your NYC experience a little bit easier with these hacks.

New York City Hacks Even Locals Don't Know

We pay homage to the vast, varied beauty that is the U.S. with 10 lovely towns that would take even the most seasoned traveler's breath away.

The 10 Most Beautiful Cities In The USA

Read our guide for why San Francisco is the best place to go for fresh seafood, world-class art, thrilling wildlife experiences, and so much more.

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit San Francisco

From history and art, to music, theater, hiking and food – here are 16 reasons why you need to visit LA.

16 Reasons Why You Should Visit Los Angeles at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Discover Culture Trip's wishlist for Tokyo, a ready collection things to do, see and eat if you're travelling solo in the city.

The Wishlist: Solo Travel in Tokyo

From historic castles and eye-catching floral displays to unusual landscapes that look pulled from a completely different country, we give you the most beautiful places in Japan you have to see to believe.

The 16 Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Didn't Know Existed

Explore Japan's most beautiful national parks. Find everything from tropical beaches and active volcanoes to ancient forests and crater lakes.

The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Japan

The Best Travel, Food and Culture Guides for Japan, Asia - Local News & Top Things to Do