Japan: A Journey Through Culture, Craft, and Contrasts

By David Barclay | May 7, 2025

From mist-shrouded temples to glittering cityscapes, Japan is a country of elegant contrast. For first-time visitors—whether families, couples, or a small group of friends—this is a destination that promises both cultural richness and quiet refinement. Whether soaking in a mountainside hot spring, wandering through thousand-year-old shrines, or enjoying a meticulously prepared seasonal meal, travelers will find themselves immersed in a place where hospitality is an art form and everyday moments are imbued with beauty.

Tokyo

Where the Future Meets Tradition

Tokyo is where most journeys to Japan begin—and rightly so. As one of the world’s great megacities, it offers a dazzling blend of modern innovation and centuries-old tradition. Yet for all its futuristic sheen, Tokyo also knows how to slow down. One moment you might be admiring the orderly chaos of Shibuya Crossing, and the next, walking quietly beneath the lanterns of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.

Cultural encounters are layered into the city’s fabric: ancient shrines are tucked between skyscrapers, and peaceful gardens offer relief from the city’s buzz. For those who appreciate culinary experiences, Tokyo is a world capital of fine dining—home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else. Yet some of the most memorable meals are simple: a delicate tempura lunch in Ginza, or a hand-formed sushi tasting led by a third-generation master. Travelers interested in the craft of Japanese cuisine can even take a private cooking class or visit one of the city’s renowned knife shops, where artisans have perfected their craft over generations.

Beyond food and history, Tokyo surprises with its diversity of experiences. Art lovers can spend hours wandering around the Mori Art Museum or the National Museum of Western Art. Families might enjoy the whimsical Studio Ghibli Museum or visit teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum, an immersive digital art exhibit. Even shopping can feel like a cultural adventure—exploring the historic department stores of Nihonbashi or browsing handmade crafts in Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s most nostalgic neighborhoods.

Luxury travelers will find exceptional accommodations in neighborhoods like Marunouchi and Akasaka, where world-class hotels pair international sophistication with distinctly Japanese touches. Private river cruises, after-hours museum tours, and exclusive sushi counter experiences are all possible with the right planning. From curated shopping in Omotesando to catching a Kabuki performance in Ginza, Tokyo’s depth reveals itself best to those who explore slowly and with intention.

Kyoto

The Timeless Heart of Japan

While Tokyo pulses with the energy of the present, Kyoto stands as a quiet guardian of Japan’s past. Once the imperial capital, in Kyoto tradition is not merely preserved—it is lived. Here, centuries-old wooden teahouses still welcome guests in Gion, where geisha glide silently through the cobbled streets at twilight.

The city’s temples and shrines are among the most beautiful in the world. From the shimmering golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji to the hilltop serenity of Kiyomizu-dera, each offers its own moment of reflection. The atmosphere is especially enchanting in the early morning, when the crowds are still, the moss glistens with dew, and the sound of a temple bell lingers in the air. Just outside the city center, visitors can stroll through the bamboo forest of Arashiyama or take a peaceful boat ride down the Hozugawa River, surrounded by verdant cliffs and hidden temples.

Kyoto is also the perfect place to experience a tea ceremony, an artful expression of hospitality and mindfulness. Many travelers choose to stay in a ryokan here—traditional inns that offer tatami mat rooms, kaiseki dinners, and soothing communal baths. Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo, a beautifully restored complex of machiya townhouses, is an excellent choice for those seeking intimacy, design, and authenticity in equal measure.

For those with an interest in traditional arts, Kyoto offers opportunities to learn calligraphy, ikebana (flower arranging), or even how to wear a kimono properly—often in beautifully preserved historical homes. Food lovers will appreciate Nishiki Market, where stalls burst with seasonal ingredients and generations-old specialties, from yuba (tofu skin) to pickled vegetables and handmade sweets. In the evening, it’s worth reserving a table at a ryotei (traditional dining house), where the meal becomes a theatrical experience in taste, presentation, and service.

The pace in Kyoto is slower, more contemplative. It’s a place for wandering—through bamboo groves, through seasonal gardens, through history itself.

Osaka

Flavors, Boldness, and a Different Kind of Energy

Just a short train ride from Kyoto, Osaka offers a different side of Japan—one that’s warmer, bolder, and famously obsessed with food. While it may not carry Kyoto’s ancient elegance or Tokyo’s sleek polish, Osaka charms visitors with its outgoing personality and unapologetic love for life’s simpler pleasures. Locals are known for their humor and hospitality, and that spirit is contagious from the moment you arrive.

Dotonbori is the city’s most iconic district—a lively stretch of neon signs, canal-side walkways, and sizzling street food stalls. This is where visitors can sample Osaka’s culinary staples like Takoyaki (octopus balls) or Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), often prepared right in front of you. Food here is not just sustenance—it’s entertainment. Those seeking a deeper dive into Osaka’s kitchen culture might enjoy a market tour of Kuromon Ichiba with a local chef, or a private dining experience at one of the city’s acclaimed kappo restaurants, where chefs curate seasonal menus with a touch of theater.

For cultural experiences, Osaka Castle is the city’s crown jewel. Its reconstructed keep stands proudly amid spacious grounds, offering panoramic views and insight into Japan’s feudal era. Nearby, the tranquil gardens of Sumiyoshi Taisha provide a moment of serenity and one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the country.

Families and groups will find plenty to enjoy, from exploring the vast and interactive Osaka Aquarium to spending a day at Universal Studios Japan—home to the immersive Super Nintendo World, which delights both kids and nostalgic adults. Those interested in the arts might spend an evening at the National Bunraku Theatre, where the intricate art of Japanese puppet performance comes to life.

For luxury travelers, Osaka’s top hotels—like those in the Nakanoshima and Umeda areas—offer skyline views, indulgent spas, and convenient access to the city’s culinary and cultural hotspots. It’s also a perfect base for day trips to Nara or Kobe, both less than an hour away by train.

Osaka invites you to loosen up, laugh a little louder, and enjoy the pleasures of travel in a more playful, flavorful way.

Nara

Ancient Temples, Sacred Deer, and a Slower Pace

Easily reached in under an hour from both Kyoto and Osaka, Nara offers a peaceful counterpoint to its busier neighbors. Once Japan’s first permanent capital, this small city holds some of the country’s oldest and most culturally significant treasures—yet it remains refreshingly uncrowded, serene, and deeply rooted in tradition.

The heart of Nara is Nara Park, a vast and gently sloping landscape where sacred deer roam freely among towering trees, open lawns, and quiet temple paths. Believed to be messengers of the gods, the deer are as much a part of the spiritual atmosphere as the temples themselves. Children and adults alike delight in feeding them the special “deer crackers” sold by local vendors—an interaction that’s both playful and unexpectedly moving.

Within the park lies Todai-ji, home to the Great Buddha—an immense bronze statue housed in one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Stepping inside is a humbling experience, as shafts of light filter through the ancient beams and incense lingers in the air. Nearby, Kasuga Taisha Shrine enchants with its forested paths and hundreds of stone lanterns, each moss-covered and softly worn by time.

While many visitors come for a half-day trip, those who linger a bit longer can discover quieter corners, such as Isuien Garden, a beautifully composed stroll garden that blends natural beauty with traditional architecture. The Naramachi district—once a merchant town—offers charming streets lined with preserved wooden townhouses, galleries, and artisan shops specializing in crafts like washi paper and ceramics.

Though Nara is often explored on foot, private guided experiences can offer deeper context, such as early morning walks through temple grounds before the day’s visitors arrive. For a truly special stay, a few elegant inns and boutique hotels are nestled in the hills nearby, offering views over rice fields and temples, especially magical during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons.

Nara doesn’t overwhelm—it gently invites. And for those willing to slow down, it offers a glimpse of Japan that feels both deeply spiritual and effortlessly beautiful.

Mount Fuji & the Fuji Five Lakes Region

Japan’s Most Iconic View, Framed by Lakes and Quiet Trails

Few images are more iconic than Mount Fuji—its snow-capped peak rising gracefully above the forests and lakes below. For most travelers, the best way to experience it isn’t by climbing, but by visiting the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes region, where the mountain reveals itself in moments of quiet beauty.

Lake Kawaguchi is the most accessible and popular of the five lakes, offering a blend of classic views, charming inns, and relaxed activities. Early mornings often deliver picture-perfect reflections across the lake’s surface, especially in spring when cherry blossoms line the shore or in autumn when fiery maple leaves frame the scene. Visitors can explore the area by bicycle, enjoy a boat ride, or ride the Mt. Tenjo Ropeway for sweeping views of the entire region.

The Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida is one of the most iconic photo spots in Japan—especially in cherry blossom season—while short hikes through the surrounding hills provide excellent Fuji views without the intensity of a full summit climb. Cultural experiences include artisan studios, peaceful shrines, and the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, where a private collection of richly dyed kimono is housed in a beautifully designed space overlooking the woods and lake.

The region’s ryokans range from traditional inns with lakefront views to modern retreats offering private onsen baths and multi-course kaiseki dinners. Some newer luxury villas also cater to travelers seeking seclusion, comfort, and views of the mountain from their own terrace.

With its quiet towns, fresh air, and ever-changing views of Japan’s most revered peak, the Fuji Five Lakes region is a perfect escape from the city—ideal for a one- or two-night stay that blends nature, culture, and rest.

Hakone

Art, Onsen, and Mountain Calm—All Within Reach of Tokyo

Just 90 minutes from Tokyo by train, Hakone offers a refined retreat into nature, where steaming hot springs, forested hills, and open-air art create a quietly luxurious atmosphere. Popular for centuries as a respite from city life, Hakone continues to attract both domestic and international travelers looking to slow down, breathe deeply, and take in Japan at a different rhythm.

The landscape here is layered—mountains rise above misty valleys, volcanic steam drifts from rocky vents, and Lake Ashi stretches wide beneath the gaze of Mount Fuji. A boat ride across the lake on one of the colorful, retro-style sightseeing ships is a popular way to admire the scenery. At the lake’s edge, Hakone Shrine emerges from the forest, marked by its iconic red torii gate standing in the water—a peaceful spot that feels timeless, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.

One of Hakone’s unique draws is its blend of natural beauty and cultural sophistication. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must-see: sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore and Niki de Saint Phalle are scattered across rolling green lawns, while a dedicated Picasso Pavilion holds a rare collection of his works. Nearby, the Pola Museum of Art offers an impressive modern space nestled in the forest, showcasing both Western masters and Japanese impressionists.

For those traveling with family, the Hakone Ropeway provides sweeping views over the Owakudani volcanic valley, where black-shelled eggs cooked in sulfur-rich hot springs are said to add seven years to your life. The area’s geothermal activity is visible and dramatic—adding a touch of science and wonder to the visit.

But perhaps Hakone is best known for its ryokan culture. This is where Japan’s tradition of restorative hospitality is elevated to an art form. Whether staying at a centuries-old inn or a modern retreat, guests can soak in open-air onsen baths, enjoy seasonal multi-course kaiseki dinners, and sleep on tatami floors in deeply quiet rooms. Top-tier properties like Gora Kadan, Gora Byakudan, and Yama no Chaya offer high levels of privacy, personalized service, and rich design rooted in Japanese aesthetics. Many rooms feature private open-air baths, forest views, or Mount Fuji glimpses on clear days.

Hakone also makes a convenient one- or two-night detour between Tokyo and Kyoto, especially when traveling by train. It invites travelers to shift gears, unwind, and experience a slower, more tactile side of Japan—where even a walk in the woods or a bowl of local soba feels like an intentional, curated experience.

Hiroshima

A City of Memory, Resilience, and Quiet Beauty

Few places in Japan evoke emotion as immediately as Hiroshima. Known to the world for its tragic past, the city today stands as a testament to resilience, peace, and thoughtful renewal. It’s a place that invites reflection—but also offers a surprisingly gentle and welcoming travel experience, especially for those interested in history, cultural depth, and natural beauty.

Most visitors begin at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where the Atomic Bomb Dome remains preserved just as it stood in 1945. Nearby, the Peace Memorial Museum offers a moving and deeply respectful account of the bombing and its aftermath. The exhibits are powerful, but never sensationalized—and visiting with a guide or audio commentary can help bring additional context to what is, for many, an unforgettable part of the journey.

Just across the water lies one of Japan’s most beloved destinations: Miyajima Island. A short ferry ride transports travelers to this wooded, mountainous island known for its iconic floating torii gate and the serene Itsukushima Shrine, both beautifully framed by the sea and forested hills. While the gate is under occasional restoration, the experience remains deeply atmospheric—especially at high tide, when the shrine appears to hover just above the water.

Beyond the famous sights, Hiroshima offers a slower, more grounded side of urban Japan. The city is compact and easy to navigate, with leafy boulevards, riverside promenades, and a growing scene of boutique cafes and refined restaurants. Okonomiyaki, a hearty layered pancake of cabbage, noodles, and savory fillings, is the city’s signature dish—and sampling it at a local counter-style restaurant is both casual and culturally immersive.

For travelers looking to stay overnight, Hiroshima has a mix of polished hotels with water views, modern ryokans offering quiet luxury, and convenient bases for exploring the wider region. Private guided day trips can include visits to the nearby town of Onomichi, known for hillside temples and cycling along the scenic Shimanami Kaido, or to the sake breweries of Saijo, where tastings and intimate brewery tours offer insight into one of Japan’s oldest traditions.

Hiroshima may not be a place of spectacle, but it offers something deeper: a quiet, graceful experience where past and present are held together with care. It leaves visitors with a sense not just of what Japan is—but what it has endured and become.

Naoshima Island

Where Art Meets Landscape in Japan’s Most Inspired Escape

Tucked into the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima is unlike anywhere else in Japan. Once a quiet fishing island, it has been transformed into a destination where contemporary art, minimalist architecture, and the natural world exist in striking harmony. For travelers seeking something distinctive—elegant yet understated, immersive yet calming—Naoshima offers an unforgettable detour from Japan’s urban centers.

Reaching the island takes a bit of planning: most travelers arrive via ferry from Uno Port, easily accessible from Okayama (which itself lies along the bullet train line). But the journey is part of the appeal—Naoshima feels purposefully removed, a place to slow down and absorb rather than rush through.

The heart of the island’s allure lies in the Benesse Art Site, a series of museums, installations, and outdoor works spread across Naoshima and neighboring islands. The Chichu Art Museum, designed by Tadao Ando, is almost entirely underground, illuminated only by natural light. Inside, visitors encounter works by James Turrell, Claude Monet, and Walter De Maria in quiet, reverent spaces that blur the boundary between art and environment. The nearby Lee Ufan Museum and Benesse House Museum offer similarly introspective experiences, each seamlessly integrated into the landscape.

Naoshima’s art extends outdoors: monumental sculptures—like Yayoi Kusama’s famous red and yellow pumpkins—dot the coastline, and art houses scattered through the Honmura district transform abandoned homes into immersive installations. The village itself is still home to local residents, creating a unique blend of lived-in authenticity and avant-garde creativity.

Despite its cultural focus, Naoshima never feels heavy. Visitors wander barefoot through sunlit galleries, ride rented bicycles between museum sites, and pause for coffee or a seaside lunch at small cafés tucked between pines and sea walls. The pace is gentle, the sounds quiet, and the overall experience deeply restorative.

Accommodations are intentionally limited and often fully booked in advance. For art lovers and design enthusiasts, Benesse House is the ultimate stay—part hotel, part museum, with a handful of rooms featuring direct views of the sea and access to after-hours gallery spaces. Several boutique guesthouses and ryokans, both on Naoshima and nearby Teshima, offer a more traditional or local feel, often with excellent seasonal cuisine and serene island hospitality.

Naoshima is not for those seeking action—but for travelers drawn to stillness, reflection, and visual beauty, it may well become the highlight of a Japan itinerary.

Hokkaido

Wide-Open Landscapes, Seasonal Beauty, and a Different Side of Japan

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido feels worlds away from the country’s bustling cities and ancient temples. With its vast landscapes, dramatic seasons, and slower pace, it offers a refreshing contrast—especially for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature, outdoor adventure, and regional cuisine. While it’s best known for winter sports, Hokkaido is a year-round destination, equally rewarding in spring, summer, and autumn.

In winter, the powder snow draws skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. Resorts like Niseko and Furano offer world-class conditions along with increasingly upscale accommodations, ski-in/ski-out chalets, and elegant dining options. Off the slopes, natural hot springs (onsen) are a welcome ritual—many tucked into mountain lodges or scenic outdoor settings where snow quietly falls as guests soak in steaming mineral water.

Come spring and summer, Hokkaido transforms. Lavender fields bloom in Furano, and the cool alpine air makes it one of Japan’s best warm-weather escapes. Hiking trails in Daisetsuzan National Park, canoeing on Lake Shikotsu, and cycling through flower-covered hills are ideal for active travelers and families. Wildlife enthusiasts can also spot red-crowned cranes, foxes, and even brown bears in more remote areas.

The capital city, Sapporo, blends urban energy with a laid-back atmosphere. Its wide boulevards and European-inspired architecture reflect a different historical background from the rest of Japan. The local food scene is especially noteworthy—Hokkaido is renowned for its fresh seafood, dairy, and produce. Don’t miss Sapporo’s famous miso ramen or a tasting of local crab, scallops, and uni at the morning seafood markets.

Hokkaido also offers understated luxury for those seeking solitude and scenery. Boutique hotels, luxury ryokans, and mountain retreats emphasize space, calm, and design that complements the landscape. Many offer locally sourced meals, private open-air baths, and guided access to nearby natural wonders.

With fewer crowds, a distinct culture, and boundless space, Hokkaido invites travelers to experience Japan from a different perspective—wilder, quieter, and deeply tied to the rhythm of the seasons.

Staying at a Luxury Ryokan

Where Tradition, Tranquility, and Indulgence Come Together

No experience captures the spirit of Japanese hospitality quite like a stay at a ryokan. These traditional inns, some centuries old, are designed to offer more than just accommodation—they provide a complete sensory retreat rooted in calm, service, and seasonal beauty. For luxury travelers, staying at a ryokan is often a highlight of the trip: a moment to pause, reflect, and immerse oneself in a uniquely Japanese way of life.

At the heart of a ryokan stay is attention to detail. Guests are welcomed with tea and sweets, guided through the rituals of bathing and dining, and invited to leave the outside world behind—literally, as shoes are swapped for slippers and soft tatami mats take the place of hardwood floors. The experience is intentionally unhurried, with meals, baths, and sleep arranged in a gentle rhythm that encourages rest and reconnection.

Asaba Ryokan, located in the hot spring town of Shuzenji on the Izu Peninsula, is one of the country’s most revered. With a 500-year history, it offers an atmosphere of deep serenity—its rooms opening onto a private pond surrounded by bamboo and forest. The seasonal kaiseki cuisine is exquisitely prepared and presented, and many rooms include private open-air baths. Asaba is a destination in itself, perfect for couples or small groups seeking quiet indulgence in a storybook setting.

In Hakone, ryokans such as Gora Kadan, Gora Byakudan, and Yama no Chaya combine timeless tradition with refined design. Gora Kadan, a former imperial family retreat, blends ryokan customs with sleek, modern architecture and impeccable service. Many offer rooms with private onsen and sweeping mountain views—an ideal complement to the region’s art museums and lake scenery.

In Kyoto, options like Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo offer a boutique experience within walking distance of historical sites, fusing tradition with modern comforts. Other notable ryokans in the region, such as Hiiragiya or Tawaraya, have hosted writers, artists, and dignitaries for generations.

Ryokans can also be found in Takayama, Nikko, Kinosaki Onsen, and even on Naoshima Island, where a few art-focused inns offer a peaceful stay amid galleries and sea views. In Hokkaido, ryokans near Lake Toya and Noboribetsu provide mountain scenery, open-air baths, and fresh, locally sourced meals that reflect the island’s seasonal abundance.

For first-time travelers, it’s important to note that ryokan stays are most rewarding when approached with openness and curiosity. The pace is slower, the etiquette more nuanced—but for those willing to embrace the experience, the reward is unforgettable.

Beyond the Itinerary

A Journey Through Culture, Craft, and Contrasts

Japan is a country of contrast—ancient temples and avant-garde art, neon cities and mountain quiet, the hum of bullet trains and the stillness of a forest path. For first-time travelers, it can feel like a place of endless discovery: each region revealing a different side of the country, yet all bound by a shared sense of beauty, precision, and hospitality.

From the immersive energy of Tokyo to the timeless elegance of Kyoto, the spiritual calm of Nara to the bold creativity of Naoshima Island, Japan invites visitors not just to see, but to feel. Whether savoring a hand-prepared kaiseki meal in a ryokan, walking through a centuries-old shrine, or simply soaking in the view of Mount Fuji from a quiet lakeside, the richness of experience here lies in the details—and the care with which they are delivered.

For those drawn to luxury travel, Japan doesn’t flaunt—it whispers. Its indulgences are subtle, thoughtful, and deeply personal: a perfectly brewed cup of tea, a room with a view designed to calm the spirit, a private guide who opens a door to the unseen.

No matter where the journey leads—through cities, countryside, or coast—Japan leaves an impression that lingers long after the trip is over. It’s not just about what there is to do, but how it all makes you feel: inspired, grounded, and gently transformed.