Awaken All 5 Senses in Japan: Unforgettable Food, Culture and Travel Experiences.

Taste your way through Japan - any food lovers dream destination with every region offering its own flavours and specialties. 

Savour fresh sushi and sashimi at local markets, warm bowls of ramen rich in regional flavours and perfectly grilled yakitori enjoyed alongside locals.

Don't miss iconic Japanese dishes like crispy tempura, savoury okonomiyaki, premium wagyu beef and sweet treats like mochi and matcha desserts.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden neighbourhood eateries, Japan's food culture is rooted in quality, seasonality and meticulous craftsmanship, making every meal an experience to remember.

They say touch grass, we say, touch sand - specifically the white sands of Sunset Beach on Ishigaki Island.

Part of the Yaeyama archipelago, Sunset Beach is on Ishigaki Island. Fly in from Tokyo and you can go from urban to utopia in just over 3.5 hours. With a beautiful beach and a semi-tropical location in Japan’s south, the sand is platinum white and the emerald sea is incredibly inviting. Of course Sunset Beach also offers the optimum spot to watch the sun sink into the East China Sea.

You won't want to miss The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park that commemorates all those impacted by the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing; the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack.

The park comprises several memorials and monuments, notably the skeletal remnants of a bombed-out hall known as The A-Bomb Dome, as well as a concrete cenotaph inscribed with the names of all known victims. And then there’s the Flame of Peace; destined to burn until all the world's nuclear weapons are destroyed.

Breathe in Japan’s pastel pink cherry blossom scent, which smell as good as they look. While the trees seldom bear fruit, the blossom flourishes every spring, and with it comes an intoxicating floral fragrance.

The Japanese celebrate Sakura (cherry blossom) with Hanami, literally “flower viewing” celebrations which take place in March and April. Locals organise flower appreciation picnics under the blossom, sitting beneath the bubble gum petals and sipping on ‘Sakura’ Pepsi. For a limited time, even the cola’s pink!

Listen to the monks chant in Koyasan when you stay in a monastery just 80 minutes south of Osaka. Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the monks chanting at 6am. Recognised as the birth place of Shingon Buddhism, several temples offer private, traditional Japanese rooms with shared bathrooms and simple, vegetarian meals.

As you'd expect, Koyasan is a spiritual place, far removed from modern civilisation and quite often coated in a blanket of befitting mist. Perfectly peaceful, it’s also Japan’s holiest place to be buried. Visit the mausoleum for ancient graves as well as those from wealthy modern families like Panasonic and Nissan.

Here are some dos and don'ts to make your trip to Japan more enjoyable and respectful.

1. Don’t put your chopsticks in your mouth. It’s considered the height of rudeness.

2. Do try the cans of iced coffee from vending machines. They’re delicious. And they're everywhere!

3. Do use a coin operated café (put your money in, order your dish, take a number and wait for your food) 

4. Do grab sushi from a 7/11. For quick and easy meals, the sushi is always fresh.

5. Don’t crease your money as it’s disrespectful. Keep it crisp in your wallet.

6. Don’t walk barefoot in sacred places, your actual feet should never touch the ground.

How do I get to Japan?

There are numerous airlines flying to Tokyo but Air New Zealand is the only direct flight from Auckland. Get there in 10h 50m.

How long do I need to spend in Japan?

We recommend a minimum 10 days to see all the major sights.

How do I get around Japan? 

Ask your House of Travel Japan specialist about a Japan Rail Pass. They’re comfortable, speedy and easy.

What currency is used in Japan? 
Japanese Yen.

Do I need a visa to visit Japan?

Kiwis travelling on a NZ passport can visit Japan for tourist purposes for up to 90 days. Rules can always change, so be sure to stay up to day on travel requirements on SafeTravel.

What's the weather like in Japan?

Japan has four distinct seasons. Southern Japan gets a milder winter and hotter summer than the north. Summer's hit to 30°c and over, while winter can drop to zero.

What do I do in an emergency in Japan? 

Call 119 for fire and ambulance, 110 for Police and 118 for the Coast Guard.

See Japan's vibrant sights, smell the delicate flavors, listen to the soothing sounds, feel the soft sand and taste your way through every region. Connect with our Japan specialists for insider knowledge and to book your ultimate Japan holiday.