by Eshaa G · 2026-10-26T11:31:29.199Z · 17 min read
Best Places, Hidden Gems & Voyaah Insider Tips
by Eshaa G · 2026-10-26T11:31:29.199Z · 17 min read
Japan packs neon cities, temple towns, snowfields and coral beaches into one holiday from India. Best Places: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Sendai and Okayama, plus Nara, Okinawa, Hakone and Kanazawa Best Time: Spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (September to November) for fiery leaves Holiday Length: 7 to 10 days for the highlights; 10 to 12 days for an immersive holiday Getting There: Nonstop flights to Tokyo from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru; Indian residents apply for a single-entry tourist eVISA through an accredited agency Money Tip: Carry some yen, as many small shops, temples, shrines and rural restaurants are cash-only
From futuristic gadgets and snowy peaks to calm lakes, hot-spring resorts, white-sand beaches, cherry blossoms, neon-lit cities, historic castles and samurai districts, Japan is a wonderland. It's dreamy, magical, adventurous and leisurely all at once. Did you know Japan has over 14,000 islands, and more than 70% of the country is mountainous? Interesting, right? Its villages charm with tradition and serenity, while cities like Tokyo dazzle with modern energy. Everywhere you go, you'll find that the Japanese are warm, hospitable and deeply disciplined. Thanks to their culture, exploring Japan feels both welcoming and inspiring.
Whatever your travel style, Japan has a version of itself waiting for you. Peace-seekers? Japan's Zen gardens, bamboo forests and ryokans (traditional inns) will relax your body, mind and soul. Craving adventure? Ski in Hokkaido, dive in Okinawa, or hike Mount Fuji. Tech buff? Tokyo's anime, manga and gaming districts will blow your mind. Looking to unwind? Slip into a steaming hot spring in Hakone or Beppu. Love culture? Japan's Buddhist temples are a treasure. Visit iconic ones like Kodai-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, and don't miss Otagi Nenbutsu-ji in Kyoto's Arashiyama, where 1,200 stone rakan statues (representing Buddha's disciples) line the paths. Visitors carved them over ten years from 1981, and each statue has its own quirky expression: some serene, some playful, some downright funny.
For your first holiday, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are the core. Add Hiroshima for history, Hokkaido for snow and summer flowers, and Sendai or Okayama for a slower, less crowded side of Japan. 1. Tokyo A city that barely sleeps. Discover neon signs at Shibuya Crossing, anime culture in Akihabara, the quiet gardens of the Imperial Palace, and fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. End your night in a karaoke booth or explore the digital art wonderland of teamLab Borderless. Top Things To Do In Tokyo Sensō-ji Temple: Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Walk under the giant red lantern of the Kaminarimon, or "Thunder Gate", then down Nakamise-dori's snack and souvenir stalls, with incense drifting over the main hall. Tsukiji Outer Market: Narrow lanes of stalls grilling seafood, slicing fresh sushi and selling tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelette) on sticks. Go hungry and go early, as many stalls wind down by early afternoon. Tokyo Skytree: At 634 metres, Japan's tallest tower. From the observation decks, the city spreads out in every direction, and on clear days you can spot Mount Fuji. Shibuya Sky: An open-air rooftop above Shibuya Crossing. Stand at the glass edge with the wind in your hair and see thousands of people stream across the crossing below. Tokyo Disneyland: Cinderella Castle, themed lands full of rides, and parades that fill the streets with music. Try the popcorn, as the flavour changes from cart to cart. Go-karting in Shibuya: Drive a street-legal go-kart through real Tokyo traffic, past Shibuya Crossing and glowing billboards. Carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention, paper booklet) issued in India, along with your Indian licence and passport. Shinjuku: Neon streets, tiny bars in Golden Gai and smoky yakitori stalls under the train tracks at Omoide Yokocho. It only gets louder and brighter after dark. Tokyo Tower: The 333-metre red-and-white tower glows orange at night. Stunning by day, magical by night. Tokyo DisneySea: The world's only DisneySea, built around ocean-themed ports with a smoking volcano at its centre. Expect thrill rides and Fantasy Springs, the newest area, based on Frozen , Tangled and Peter Pan . Ueno Park: Wide paths lined with cherry trees, lotus-covered Shinobazu Pond and big museums like the Tokyo National Museum. Come spring, it fills with picnic mats under the blossoms. 2. Kyoto The cultural soul of Japan. Wander through peaceful temples, teahouses and centuries-old shrines. It feels like stepping back in time. Top Things To Do In Kyoto Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A Zen temple with its top two floors covered in gold leaf, mirrored in a shimmering pond. Arrive early to enjoy the view before the crowds. Philosopher's Path: A stone path along a canal, lined with cherry trees. In spring, petals float on the water; in autumn, the maples around it turn red. Gion District: The traditional heart of Kyoto, with wooden townhouses, lantern-lit teahouses and, in the evening, the chance to spot a geiko or maiko (Kyoto's geisha and apprentice geisha) on her way to a performance. Ninenzaka: A stone-paved slope lined with teahouses, lanterns and souvenir shops, leading up towards Kiyomizu-dera. Stop for a matcha sweet on the way. 3. Osaka Osaka is packed with character, quirky nightlife and an unapologetically fun vibe. Get ready to laugh, eat and be charmed. Top Things To Do In Osaka Dotonbori: A canal-side strip of neon lights, giant billboards, the famous Glico running man sign and stalls frying takoyaki. Come hungry, stay late. Umeda Sky Building: Two towers joined at the top by the Floating Garden Observatory, an open-air deck with city views that shine brightest at sunset. Kuromon Ichiba Market: A covered market where stalls grill scallops, slice fresh tuna and sell fruit by the piece. A sensory overload in the best way. Osaka Castle: A white castle tower with gold trim, rising above stone walls and wide moats. Walk the park in cherry blossom season or climb the tower for city views. Universal Studios Japan: Hogwarts, butterbeer and wand shops in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Mario Kart and power-up bands at Super Nintendo World. Pure fun. 4. Hiroshima A city reborn from history. The Peace Memorial stands as a reminder of resilience. A short ferry ride away on Miyajima Island, the torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine seems to float on the sea at high tide. Top Things To Do In Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome: The skeletal ruins of a building left standing after the 1945 atomic bombing, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A quiet, moving stop in Peace Memorial Park. Shukkeien Garden: A traditional Japanese garden around a pond dotted with tiny islands and bridges. A stroll here? Absolutely unmissable!
5. Hokkaido (Sapporo and Beyond) Volcanoes (even the active ones), snowy wonderlands, ski slopes, steaming hot springs, and the Sapporo Snow Festival every February with its giant ice sculptures. Really, giant! During summer, the lavender fields of Furano are both fragrant and a treat to the eyes. Top Things To Do In Hokkaido Otaru Canal: Old stone warehouses lit by 63 gas lamps, now home to cafés and glass shops. Totally unforgettable at sunset! Niseko: World-famous ski slopes with deep powder snow. Evenings mean hot springs and steaming ramen after a day on the mountain. Shiroi Koibito Park: A chocolate factory theme park where you can see biscuits being made and bake your own. Sweet escape, anyone? Mount Meakan: An active volcano in Akan-Mashu National Park. Its summit trails are closed as of September 2026 because of volcanic activity, so check the latest status before you plan a hike. 6. Sendai A city of green hills, historic sites and soothing rivers. Hilltop views of the city are calm, scenic and refreshingly quiet. Top Things To Do In Sendai Mikamine Park: Hundreds of cherry trees around a wide lawn, a local favourite for spring picnics. Zuihoden Mausoleum: The ornate, richly coloured resting place of Date Masamune, the samurai lord who founded Sendai, set among tall cedar trees. Aoba Castle: Hilltop castle ruins with a statue of Date Masamune on horseback and panoramic city views. Sendai Mediatheque: A glass building by architect Toyo Ito, with a library, galleries and film spaces inside. Jozenji-dori Avenue: A tree-lined street, especially magical during the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight in December. Voyaah Insider Tip: Don't hesitate to use public toilets in Japan. These restrooms are clean, futuristic, and oddly fun. Think heated seats, built-in bidets, buttons for music (yes, for privacy), and even warm air dryers. 7. Okayama Gardens, castles and culture meet starlit skies. From historic streets to serene landscapes, Okayama is a gentle mix of tradition and natural beauty. At night, head to Bisei, Asia's first certified Dark Sky Community, for stargazing and soaking in the calm. Top Things To Do In Okayama Korakuen Garden: One of Japan's three great gardens. Stroll past ponds, teahouses, open lawns and seasonal blooms, with Okayama Castle in the background. Okayama Castle: The "Crow Castle", named for its black walls, rises above the Asahi River. The top floor looks out over the city. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter: White-walled merchant warehouses line a willow-fringed canal. Take a slow traditional boat ride past them. Mount Washu: Hike or drive up for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea's islands and the Great Seto Bridge. Ohara Museum of Art: Japan's first museum of Western art, featuring Monet, Renoir and more. Kibitsu Shrine: Walk the 360-metre covered corridor of this Shinto shrine. Legend tells of Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto slaying the ogre Ura, a tale linked to the Momotaro (Peach Boy) folk story. Bitchu Kokubunji Temple: A Buddhist temple with a five-storey pagoda rising over the fields. It traces its roots to Emperor Shomu's 8th-century network of temples built to protect the nation. Want Tokyo's neon, Kyoto's temples and Osaka's street food in one holiday? Chat with your Voyaah Holiday Manager to plan a Japan itinerary around your dates and pace, or visit the Create Your Itinerary section to build it yourself.
Nara, Okinawa, Hakone and Kanazawa are easy to add to a Japan holiday, and each one shows you a different side of the country.
1. Nara About 35 to 45 minutes by train from Kyoto, Nara is where friendly deer roam temples and gardens. Pat a deer, soak in the calm, offer them special crackers and admire Todai-ji's giant Buddha. Bow to a deer and it might just bow back, usually because it has spotted your crackers. 2. Okinawa A tropical side to Japan that many don't expect. Get ready to explore coral reefs, turquoise water, white sand and a laid-back island vibe. 3. Hakone Hot springs with Mount Fuji in view. Relax, recharge and let nature do its thing. Also, definitely ride the Hakone Ropeway for sweeping views of Lake Ashi and the volcanic Owakudani valley. 4. Kanazawa A city where samurai once lived and wooden teahouses still stand, beautifully preserved. Kenrokuen Garden, another of Japan's three great gardens, stuns with bridges, ponds and seasonal blooms.
Kyoto's Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama top most bucket lists, and Nikko, Kamakura, Himeji and Mount Fuji are easy to reach from Tokyo or Osaka. Don't Miss These Icons Fushimi Inari's thousands of red torii gates (Kyoto) Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (Kyoto) Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (UNESCO) Quick Stops You'll Love Nikko: About two hours by train from Tokyo, with shrines and waterfalls to explore. A real breather. Kamakura: Seaside town. Giant Buddha. Perfect for a peaceful day out. Himeji Castle: White, striking, beautiful architecture. Japan's crown jewel of castles. Since March 2026, adult visitors who don't live in Himeji pay ¥2,500 to enter. Lake Kawaguchiko: A calm lake at the foot of Mount Fuji, iconic for mirror-like reflections, blossoms in spring and fiery leaves in autumn. Mount Fuji: A snow-capped peak, best admired at sunrise or climbed in summer. The official climbing season runs from July to 10 September, and every climber pays a ¥4,000 fee. For an unforgettable experience without the climb, ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway up to an observation deck on Mount Tenjo in about three minutes, with sweeping views of the mountain, Lake Kawaguchiko and beyond. Check live weather updates on Google before you go to see visibility and conditions. Voyaah Insider Tip: Always carry cash since Japan is heavily dependent on cash. While major cities accept cards, many smaller shops, temples, shrines, and rural restaurants are cash-only. ATMs in convenience stores like 7‑Eleven or Lawson are reliable for withdrawals. And did you know your INR is stronger than the yen? Time to feel a little richer while sipping matcha!
Japan's best photographs follow the seasons, from spring blossoms to autumn leaves and winter snow.
Snow monkeys chilling in hot springs (Nagano) Autumn leaves in Nikko Cherry blossoms in full bloom, with soft pink petals drifting in the breeze, lining paths and ponds, turning every stroll into a fleeting, poetic spectacle. Voyaah Insider Tip: At night, many parks light up their cherry blossoms, casting a magical glow over the trees. The Japanese call it yozakura.
Six experiences worth building your Japan holiday around. Board the Shinkansen bullet train, a serene ride where you can bring snacks, see the landscape blur past, and feel the speed (literally) as it leaves on time, almost always. Unwind in a steaming onsen, aka a hot spring bath. Roll sushi with a master chef. Sleep in a ryokan with tatami floors and futons. Walk through glowing lantern festivals. Wear a kimono, Japan's traditional attire (renting one is easy), and feel like a local for a day. Voyaah Insider Tip : If you miss your reserved Shinkansen on a regular ticket, you can catch a later train the same day in the unreserved section. This doesn't apply to some discounted online fares, or to peak-season Nozomi trains that run fully reserved. Heading from Osaka to Kyoto on a weekend or holiday? Hop on Hankyu's Kyo-train Garaku from Osaka-Umeda instead, for the regular Hankyu fare.
"In Japan, even the smallest things are beautiful." — Marie Kondo, , Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Start with sushi, ramen and matcha desserts, and lean on convenience stores for quick, good-quality meals. Local Delights Sushi: You might have tried it back home. But nothing beats eating it in the country that made it famous! Rice, seaweed and toppings that just melt in your mouth (yes, veggie rolls too). Matcha desserts: More than just an Instagram trend. Cakes, ice creams and lattes, all with that earthy green tea taste. Ramen: Hot broth, springy noodles, soft eggs and more in a bowl. Voyaah Insider Tip: You can always get takeaway items from 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. They offer fresh sushi, bento boxes, and desserts of quality that could rival big restaurants. Also, while restaurants close early, 7-Eleven will still have you covered. Craving something sweet? Grab a box of doughnuts from Misdo (Mister Donut). Did you know Japan has close to 4 million vending machines? Most sell drinks, but some sell ramen, hot corn soup, fresh eggs and even sake! Is Vegetarian Food Easy to Find in Japan for Indian Travellers? Vegetarian food in Japan can be a bit tricky, more so outside the big cities. We'd recommend that you download the HappyCow app to spot vegan and veg-friendly options easily. In Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, you'll find plenty of Indian places and cafés with veg menus. You can try tofu, vegetable tempura, veggie ramen with a plant-based broth, or a simple rice bowl. Watch out for dashi, a stock usually made with bonito fish flakes. It hides in miso soup, noodle broths and many sauces, so ask for dishes made with kombu (kelp) dashi instead. Heading to rural areas? Carry some snacks or instant meals as backup. A packet of theplas or khakhras from home will earn its place in your bag.
(AKA Things You Didn't Know You Needed) Japanese tea sets and matcha kits Anime and manga collectables High-tech gadgets from Tokyo Kimono fabrics and yukata robes Traditional pottery from Kyoto Lucky charms (omamori) from shrines
A little planning around seasons, visas, trains and cash makes a Japan holiday far smoother.
1. What Is the Best Time to Visit Japan? Spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms Autumn (September to November) for fiery leaves Winter (December to February) for skiing in Hokkaido Summer (July to August) for Okinawa beaches, once the rainy season is over; keep an eye on typhoon forecastsnce entirely. For a season-by-season breakdown, read our guide on the best time to visit Japan. 2. How Many Days Do You Need in Japan? 7 to 10 days to soak in the joy of Japan. 10 to 12 days for an immersive experience. 3. How Do You Get Around in Japan? Hop on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to get from Tokyo to Osaka in under 2.5 hours. In cities, metros are spotless and efficient. For comfort and flexibility, go for private vehicles (like Voyaah provides). 4. What Should You Pack for Japan? Layers for shifting weather, comfortable shoes for temple walks, and an extra bag, because trust us, the souvenirs will test your willpower. Did you know Japan has designated umbrella stands outside hotels, shops and restaurants all year round? 5. What are the Best Money-Saving Hacks in Japan? Try convenience store meals (7-Eleven food is surprisingly good). Before you buy a Japan Rail Pass (¥50,000 for 7 days on the official JR site), compare it with single tickets. It pays off mainly on long-distance itineraries, and the fastest Nozomi trains need an extra supplement. 6. Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit Japan? Yes. Indian nationals need a tourist visa. If you live in India, you can apply for a single-entry tourist eVISA, valid for stays of up to 90 days, through an accredited agency. Apply well before your travel dates. 7. Are There Direct Flights From India to Japan? Yes. Japan Airlines, ANA and Air India fly nonstop to Tokyo from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. From other Indian cities, you can connect through these hubs or through Southeast Asian hubs like Singapore and Bangkok.
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