Visit Japan from the UK

Visit Japan from the UK Japan National Tourism Organization is the ultimate resource for Japan travel information.
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This site will take you on a fascinating journey through Japan and give you the inspiration to fill many visits.

Sobalicious! 😋In Japan, there are so many different types of noodles that you can enjoy while you visit! From ramen, of ...
26/07/2024

Sobalicious! 😋

In Japan, there are so many different types of noodles that you can enjoy while you visit! From ramen, of which there are seemingly endless options, from miso, shio, shoyu, to Hakata Tonkotsu, to udon and tsukemen, no matter what you are looking for, you are bound to find it. 🍜

Soba is another delicious dish, especially in summertime. You can have it warm, but cold soba with dipping sauce is some of the best! You pour the dipping sauce into its own dish, then grab your cold noodles and dip them in the broth. Called zaru soba, it is a welcome relief from the summer heat! 😌

Have you had cold soba before? 🧐

📷: (Instagram)

Going around the island. 🥾Chikurinji is the 31st stop of 88 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a collection of 88 temples dotted...
24/07/2024

Going around the island. 🥾

Chikurinji is the 31st stop of 88 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a collection of 88 temples dotted all across the island of Shikoku. Pilgrims come from all over the country and the world to experience this beautiful and storied trail. Said to have been developed in relation to the Buddhist priest Kukai, or Kobo Daishi, who visited many of the 88 temples, the route takes you through all 4 prefectures of Shikoku - Ehime, Kochi, Tokushima, and Kagawa.🗾

Many pilgrims embark on the trek on foot, but others take various forms of public transportation or cars. If you are walking, be prepared, it is about 1200 kilometres in total! 😮

Have you visited any of the 88 temples before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

Filled with historical beauty. 😌Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture is known for its plethora of storied and beautiful templ...
23/07/2024

Filled with historical beauty. 😌

Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture is known for its plethora of storied and beautiful temples. One such temple is Meigetsuin, commonly referred to as the Hydrangea Temple. Founded more than 800 years ago in the 12th century, this Zen temple is the site of the tomb of Hojo Tokiyori, an influential player in the Kamakura Shogunate. 🗾

The temple has a stunning inner garden, framed perfectly through a unique window in the main hall, with irises and other flowers. It is open two times during the year, once in summer, and once in autumn for the stunning foliage. No matter the season, it is a top spot to see! 🍁

Have you been to Meigetsuin before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

TeamLab Planets (Tokyo, Toyosu) was recognized by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ as the most visited museum (single art group) ...
22/07/2024

TeamLab Planets (Tokyo, Toyosu) was recognized by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ as the most visited museum (single art group) in the world. A Massive “Athletics Forest” also to newly open in early 2025.

・RECOGNIZED AS THE MOST VISITED ART MUSEUM (SINGLE ART GROUP)

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM in Tokyo, Toyosu, recorded a total of 2,504,264 visitors between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. This accomplishment has earned it recognition by Guinness World Records as the "Most visited museum (single art group)" in the world.

・MASSIVE NEW AREA TO OPEN IN EARLY 2025

In early 2025, teamLab Planets will expand significantly with the addition of major new art spaces. The new area will feature the creative athletic space Athletics Forest, the co-creative educational project Future Park, as well as the Catching and Collecting Forest. The expansion will include over 10 art installations, greatly enhancing the teamLab Planets experience.

https://www.teamlab.art/e/planets/ 

Kanpai! 🥂In Japanese, the word ‘kanpai’ means cheers, and what better way to celebrate a get together out and about then...
19/07/2024

Kanpai! 🥂

In Japanese, the word ‘kanpai’ means cheers, and what better way to celebrate a get together out and about then with some sake? Sake is a traditional Japanese alcohol, made by fermenting rice, and occasionally stored in these stylish barrels. 😮

In Japan you can visit sake breweries across the country and get a full experience of what the process to create this drink involves. There is a huge amount of variety to sake in Japan, and also many different ways to enjoy it, from hot to cold. 😊

Have you tried sake before? 🍶

📷: (Instagram)

The Onsen Prefecture! ♨️Coming up later this month on the 26th and 27th, at Japan House London, is a weaving workshop us...
18/07/2024

The Onsen Prefecture! ♨️

Coming up later this month on the 26th and 27th, at Japan House London, is a weaving workshop using traditional shichitōi grass, cultivated only in Oita Prefecture. Integral to the creation of high quality tatami mats, this grass has 350 years of history in the Kunisaki Peninsula area of Oita Prefecture. You’ll see a demonstration of weaving by local experts, and then have the opportunity to learn how to make your own shimenawa, a rope commonly seen at Shinto shrines around the country. A separate talk will also be held on the 25th discussing in further detail the agriculture of the Kunisaki Peninsula area.

Oita Prefecture is located on the island of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Easily accessible from across Japan, whether you are flying from Tokyo or taking the Shinkansen from Fukuoka, this gem of Kyushu is filled to the brim with things to do.

You can visit the famous city of Beppu or Yufuin, known for their onsens. Especially in Beppu, when you walk the streets you’ll see steam from onsens, known as yukemuri, coming out from nearly all the surrounding buildings, making for an ethereal sight.

Visit the Kunisaki Peninsula, on the eastern part of the prefecture and see the historic Fukiji Temple, which dates back to the 8th century. Or even Usa Jingu, the head of all the Hachiman shrines in Japan!

Make sure to book your spot at the workshop at the Japan House website!

https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/weaving-with-kunisaki-shichitoi-grass/

Weaving photos credit to: Tani Tomohide

On the bank. 🏯Okayama Castle, sometimes known as the ‘Crow Castle’, is located just a short ride away from Okayama Stati...
17/07/2024

On the bank. 🏯

Okayama Castle, sometimes known as the ‘Crow Castle’, is located just a short ride away from Okayama Station. Originally built in 1597 during the Sengoku Period by Ukita Hideie, the castle was rebuilt in 1966. 🔨

Sat on the bank of the Asahi River, visiting Okayama Castle is the perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the local area, and try your hand at various cultural workshops, such as creating your own pottery! 😮

Have you ever been to Okayama Castle before? 😊

📷:

Taking a happy break. 😊Around many different temples in Japan, you may encounter these friendly statues. They are depict...
16/07/2024

Taking a happy break. 😊

Around many different temples in Japan, you may encounter these friendly statues. They are depictions of Jizo Bosatsu, known to be the guardian of children. At times you may even encounter them wearing red bibs or other types of clothing. 😮

They are a wonderful sight to see all year round, whether you are hiking in summer, exploring in autumn, or admiring the cherry blossoms. They can make a temple walk even more enchanting especially in the autumn time when the leaves are all changing. 🍁

Have you seen Jizo statues before? 🧐

📷: .y (Instagram)

Tasty tonkatsu. 😋Tonkatsu, or Japanese deep fried pork cutlet, is one of Japan’s most well known dishes. Found at many d...
12/07/2024

Tasty tonkatsu. 😋

Tonkatsu, or Japanese deep fried pork cutlet, is one of Japan’s most well known dishes. Found at many different restaurants, and having a plethora of restaurants dedicated to the food, you’ll find it easy to locate a restaurant if you are hungry. 🗺️

There are many other forms of katsu available in Japan, you could try chicken katsu, beef katsu (called gyu-katsu), or menchi-katsu, a type of fried mince patty. There’s even lots of seafood options, such as ebi-fry (fried shrimp), aji-fry (fried horse mackerel), and kaki-fry (fried oyster)! 🍤

Have you had tonkatsu before? 🧐

📷: (Instagram)

Summer sun. ☀️Toyama Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region, has stunning scenery ranging from seaside views of the Sea of J...
10/07/2024

Summer sun. ☀️

Toyama Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region, has stunning scenery ranging from seaside views of the Sea of Japan to Tateyama and the Japanese Alps. However you mustn’t forget the other wonderful views the prefecture offers! 🗾

There is the setting sun over flooded rice paddies, reflecting the orange light, or the tulip fields of Tonami, and even the historic thatched roof houses of Gokayama. 😮

Have you been to Toyama before? 😊

📷: .619_____ (Instagram)

Standing guard. 🐕If you’ve ever visited any shrines in Japan, you’ve most likely come across various statues of animals ...
09/07/2024

Standing guard. 🐕

If you’ve ever visited any shrines in Japan, you’ve most likely come across various statues of animals around the shrine grounds. These are called ‘komainu’, and are known to be guardians of the shrine. They usually come in the shape of dogs, and are placed strategically around the shrine entrance or main hall. ⛩️

You may even see statues around the grounds that are not dogs. Some shrines have statues of foxes, monkeys, and other animals! 😮

Have you seen any komainu before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

Weathering the outside. ☔Kanazawa, in the Hokuriku region of Japan, is a perfect spot to visit no matter the season. Som...
08/07/2024

Weathering the outside. ☔

Kanazawa, in the Hokuriku region of Japan, is a perfect spot to visit no matter the season. Sometimes you’ll get the best of weather, sunlight and warm temperatures, but snow and rain are also on the menu! ❄️

Outside of summer and spring, visiting Kanazawa in the autumn and winter can make for some memorable experiences. You can see the famous Kenrokuen covered in snow, or relax in the many historic onsens in the area. They may be some of the best times to visit! 😊

Have you been to Japan in winter or autumn? 🍁

📷: .sceaphierde (Instagram)

Fields of green. 😮Japan is famous for its many types of delicious teas. From mugi-cha, hoji-cha, to the ever famous matc...
05/07/2024

Fields of green. 😮

Japan is famous for its many types of delicious teas. From mugi-cha, hoji-cha, to the ever famous matcha, there is something for every palette out there. In the Yame area of Fukuoka you’ll find some of the coolest tea fields and most delicious tea in the country. Why not try some of the local Yame-cha as well? 🍵

Yame is also known for having wonderful Japanese paper, paper lanterns, and stone lanterns. From fireflies to wisteria, mountains and shrines, Yame is abound with natural scenery and beauty. 🏞️

Have you been to Yame before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

Cascading threads. 💦Shirahige Falls, in Hokkaido, is a beautiful example of some of the magnificent waterfalls that can ...
04/07/2024

Cascading threads. 💦

Shirahige Falls, in Hokkaido, is a beautiful example of some of the magnificent waterfalls that can be found in Japan. From hundreds of metre tall cascades, to small threads of water spread over wide rock faces, there are so many options for you to choose from. 😮

Japan also has a list of their top 100 waterfalls compiled by the Ministry of the Environment in 1990. Six falls in Hokkaido were chosen, all amazing in their own unique way. From Kegon Falls in Nikko to Daisen Falls in Tottori, the waterfalls in Japan are indeed spectacular! 😊

Have you ever been to one of the waterfalls on the list? 🧐

📷: (Instagram)

Views from the city. 🗻Mt. Fuji is ever present from the street in some cities in the surrounding areas. Especially in Sh...
03/07/2024

Views from the city. 🗻

Mt. Fuji is ever present from the street in some cities in the surrounding areas. Especially in Shizuoka, you can find unique views of the mountain from spots such as Fujinomiya city. While there you can also visit Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine, which holds festivities nearly year round. ⛩️

Head a bit further north and you can visit Shiraito Falls, included in the list of the 100 Waterfalls of Japan made by the Ministry of the Environment. Multiple threads of water stretch 150 metres with Mt. Fuji in the background, making it a perfect combination. 🌊

Have you been to Shizuoka before? 😊

📷: (instagram)

Follow the flowers. 🌺Nestled in Nara Prefecture, in the Asuka area in the southeast of Nara City, Okadera, or its origin...
02/07/2024

Follow the flowers. 🌺

Nestled in Nara Prefecture, in the Asuka area in the southeast of Nara City, Okadera, or its original name of Ryugai-ji, is a temple that dates back to the 7th century. It was founded by the Buddhist priest Gien, who is said to have defeated a dragon here. 🐉

It is well known for being beautiful in the summer for its blooming hydrangeas, but also being part of a pilgrimage path! The Saikoku Kannon Pilgrimage Route names Okadera as the 7th temple in its order. Don’t forget to visit the main hall and see Japan’s largest clay Buddha! 😮

Have you been to Okadera before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

Looking over the town. 🏯Himeji Castle, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is another one of the 12 castles in Japan that retai...
01/07/2024

Looking over the town. 🏯

Himeji Castle, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is another one of the 12 castles in Japan that retain their original keeps. With the current complex finished in the early 17th century, walking around the castle grounds will transport you back to the Edo Period! You can see the many defences built into the castle walls, and enter the keep to learn more about the castle. 😮

The keep is 6 storeys tall and gives wonderful views of the surrounding areas and the city of Himeji. A short walk from Himeji Station, it makes for a perfect day trip if you are in the Kobe area. 🗾

Have you been to Himeji Castle before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

#日本 #感動 #国内観光

The castle in the north. 🗾Hirosaki Castle, located in Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku, was built by the Tsugaru clan in the ...
28/06/2024

The castle in the north. 🗾

Hirosaki Castle, located in Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku, was built by the Tsugaru clan in the early 1600s. Located to the south of the capital of Aomori, the castle keep is now 3 storeys tall, down from its original 5 after being struck by lightning in the 17th century. 🏯

The grounds around the castle are amazing year round, wandering around the moat and seeing the fortifications makes for a perfect day. There are also cherry blossom festivals in spring and a snow lantern festival in winter. ❄️

The castle walls are currently under construction and the keep has been moved from its original location, but will be moved back once construction finishes. ⚒️

Have you been to Hirosaki before? 😊

📷: .matsuoka (Instagram)

Magical walks. 🌲Nikko, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is easily accessed from Tokyo, taking around 2 hours to reach the ...
27/06/2024

Magical walks. 🌲

Nikko, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is easily accessed from Tokyo, taking around 2 hours to reach the area. While there, you’ll find yourself surrounded by tall trees and dense forests, populated by historic shrines and buildings. ⛩️

You can visit Nikko Toshogu, the shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, cross the red Shinkyo Bridge over the Daiya River, or even see the 97 metre tall Kegon Falls. Every attraction in Nikko offers stunning sights, with hiking trails all around the area. 🏕️

While the area is famous for its autumn foliage, summer is a wonderful time to come and see all the sights, as so many leaves turn their beautiful summer green! 🌳

Have you been to Nikko before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

City on the sea. 🏙️Shikoku is home to some of the best views and experiences of Japan. While it may not be the biggest i...
26/06/2024

City on the sea. 🏙️

Shikoku is home to some of the best views and experiences of Japan. While it may not be the biggest island in the archipelago, the things you can do there are endless. Whether you are after the udon of Kagawa or completing the 88 temple pilgrimage across the island, you’ll come back with lifelong memories. 🗾

You can explore the city of Kochi, which sits on Tosa Bay and looks out towards the Pacific Ocean. See Kochi Castle, one of the 12 castles left in Japan with original keeps, or have some delicious yuzu citrus food! 😋

Have you been to Kochi before? 🤨

📷: (Instagram)

A perfect treat. 😋At food markets and stalls all around Japan you can find some fantastic treats. Tamagoyaki is one food...
25/06/2024

A perfect treat. 😋

At food markets and stalls all around Japan you can find some fantastic treats. Tamagoyaki is one food that is very popular! Traditionally made out of egg that is cooked in a square pan, the egg is folded and flipped multiple times to make a layered delight. 🍳

You’ll see tamagoyaki served often as parts of high-end omakase experiences, but also out and about during the day.

Have you had tamagoyaki before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

Setting for the day. ☀️Shinjiko, or Lake Shinji, is located right next to the city of Matsue, the capital of Shimane Pre...
24/06/2024

Setting for the day. ☀️

Shinjiko, or Lake Shinji, is located right next to the city of Matsue, the capital of Shimane Prefecture in Japan. Known for having stunning sunsets that reflect on the water, the lake has a circumference of 48 kilometres, making it the 7th largest in the country. 🌇

In the summertime, alongside more and more beautiful sunsets, come firework festivals! Usually held in August, the Matsue Suigosai Firework Festival stuns visitors with fireworks set off from a barge sitting in the lake. Spanning two nights, there will be more than 10,000 fireworks launched each day! 🎆

Have you been to Lake Shinji before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

Peacefulness in a golden city. 😌Kanazawa, the capital of the Hokuriku prefecture of Ishikawa, is stunning no matter when...
21/06/2024

Peacefulness in a golden city. 😌

Kanazawa, the capital of the Hokuriku prefecture of Ishikawa, is stunning no matter when or where you go. Easily reachable from Tokyo by the shinkansen bullet train, the second you step off the train you can start exploring. 🤩

Try the historic Kenrokuen, ranked as one of the 3 best gardens in the country. After spending some time strolling in the garden, you can then head to Kanazawa Castle Park to see the former home of the Maeda Clan. 🏯

Kanazawa is a great spot to set off on a Hokuriku adventure. You can head south on the new Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Fukui Prefecture, or head north to Niigata to continue your travels. 🗾

What’s your favourite spot in Kanazawa? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

Summer outside. 🎋Bamboo is plentiful in Japan. You’ll find them in backyards, parks, and towering over roads. Forests an...
19/06/2024

Summer outside. 🎋

Bamboo is plentiful in Japan. You’ll find them in backyards, parks, and towering over roads. Forests and groves are some of the best places to spend some time, walking and weaving through them, and even listening to them as the wind whistles through. The lush green leaves add even more charm to the groves, making for an even better view. 🗾

One charming bamboo grove that you can find is at Enkoji Temple in Kyoto. Located in the northeast of the city, the temple has year round beautiful views of the foliage. Summer comes to life with the green leaves and trees surrounding a dry landscape garden and pond. 😌

Have you been to Enkoji before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

#日本 #感動 #国内観光

Beautiful flowers. 🌷Hydrangeas, or ‘ajisai’ in Japan, come out in full force in the summer and the rainy season. All acr...
18/06/2024

Beautiful flowers. 🌷

Hydrangeas, or ‘ajisai’ in Japan, come out in full force in the summer and the rainy season. All across the country, from gardens to shrines and temples, these colourful flowers bloom. In Tokyo you can visit Juban Inari Shrine, located in the heart of the city near Azabu-Juban Station.

Outside of Tokyo you can visit Shimoda Park on the Izu Peninsula, or Unshoji Temple in Akita Prefecture.

Make sure to visit as many parks and green spaces as you can to make the best of hydrangea season! 💐

What is your favourite hydrangea spot in Japan? 😊

📷: .is.lexy (Instagram)

It’s almost time! 🎇A quintessential part of Japanese summer are fireworks. Firework festivals, or ‘hanabi taikai’ are he...
17/06/2024

It’s almost time! 🎇

A quintessential part of Japanese summer are fireworks. Firework festivals, or ‘hanabi taikai’ are held all around the country, lighting up the sky to amaze all who come to see. It’s always best to arrive a little bit early to the festivals so you can grab a bite to eat and drink, and also find the best spot to view them. 🤩

The Lake Biwa Great Firework Festival is one such festival, with thousands and thousands of fireworks set off over Japan’s largest lake. From Kyushu to Hokkaido, and everywhere in between, it’s going to be firework season soon! 🎆

Have you been to a firework festival before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

Okinawa Day in London! 🎉Next Saturday June the 22nd is the 11th annual Okinawa Day in London. Held at The Blue Market in...
14/06/2024

Okinawa Day in London! 🎉

Next Saturday June the 22nd is the 11th annual Okinawa Day in London. Held at The Blue Market in Bermondsey, it will be celebrating Okinawan culture with a variety of food stalls, performances, workshops, and more.

Okinawa comprises 160 islands in the south of Japan, only a 3 hour flight from Tokyo. With stunning beaches, lush forests, and a perfect climate, in addition to deep Ryukyu culture and history, Okinawa is one of Japan’s best places to visit. 🏝️

Organised by the London Okinawa Sanshinkai, the day will include performances such as Ryukyu Classical Music and demonstrations of Ryukyu Karate.

Okinawa Day will be held from 11AM - 5PM on June 22nd at The Blue Market in Bermondsey, make sure to check it out! 😊

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/okinawadayinlondon/

Crossing the blue. 🤩The ‘Yume no Tsuribashi’, or suspension bridge of dreams, is named that for a reason. When you cross...
12/06/2024

Crossing the blue. 🤩

The ‘Yume no Tsuribashi’, or suspension bridge of dreams, is named that for a reason. When you cross over the bridge, it will be like a dream! ☁️

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, and crossing the Oma Dam Lake on the Sumata River, this suspension bridge spans 90 metres and offers amazing views across the seasons, ranging from the greens of summer to the bright reds and oranges that come in autumn. There’s more bridges than just Yume no Tsuribashi bridge in the area, make sure to check them all out! 😊

The nearby Sumatakyo Onsen is a great addition to a trip, providing a relaxing way to unwind and enjoy the spring water. ♨️

Have you been to Shizuoka before? 🗾

📷: (Instagram)

A garden of wonders. 🤩If you are a fan of the flowers of summer in Japan, then Yushien Garden in Shimane Prefecture is o...
11/06/2024

A garden of wonders. 🤩

If you are a fan of the flowers of summer in Japan, then Yushien Garden in Shimane Prefecture is one of the best spots to check out. 😊

In late spring, the garden comes to life with 30,000 peonies all decorating the water in the garden. Hydrangeas also dot the garden in summer with their many colours, making this spot a wonderful place to visit year-round. Located just outside the capital of Matsue on a small island called Daikon-shima, the garden is reachable by bus from Matsue city. 🚎

Have you been to Yuushien before? 🤨

📷: (Instagram)

A train with a view. 🔭The JR Himi Line travels down Toyama Prefecture’s stunning coastline along Toyama Bay. On a good d...
10/06/2024

A train with a view. 🔭

The JR Himi Line travels down Toyama Prefecture’s stunning coastline along Toyama Bay. On a good day you’ll be able to see some of the beautiful Japanese Alps in the distance, in winter covered in snow, but melting by summer. ☀️

You can get to the Japanese Alps from Toyama to explore in the summer in a variety of ways. One popular way is to take a bus tour through the mountains themselves, giving you access to alpine lakes and some towering snow walls that will leave you speechless! Known as the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, this bus route takes you all the way from Toyama to Nagano Prefecture! 🏔️

Have you ever been to Toyama before? 😊

📷: .619____ (Instagram)

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