Capitals & Culture

Boasting record-breaking bullet trains, more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, and the world’s tallest free-standing tower, Tokyo is known for pushing boundaries. Don’t miss the Shibuya Crossing, the ‘Times Square of Tokyo’, this famous intersection comes complete with towering billboards, neon signs and throngs of pedestrians. It’s the perfect place to check the city’s pulse. 

4* Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Nagano is famous for two reasons: hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics and its magnificent temple, Zenko-ji, visited by over four million people each year. Surrounded by mountains and skiing opportunities, it’s an attractive city, with the temple at its centre and plenty of onsen to choose from if you fancy a relaxing soak. Check out the reflections of Mount Togakushi in the tranquil Lake Kagamiike (Mirror Pond), in the forests outside town.

3* The Saihokukan Hotel

Takayama, or Hida-Takayama as it’s often known, is the Japan of your dreams. Picture a town of traditional wooden houses, ornate 17th century buildings, plenty of temples and shrines from the Meiji era, and an attractive riverside setting, complete with painted red wooden bridges. Not only that, but it makes a great base for excursions to the teahouses and hiking trails of the Northern Japan Alps. While in town, why not take part in a food and culture walk to learn more about the local traditions.

3* Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo

Breathtakingly beautiful and brimming with old-world charm, Kyoto is architecturally grand and culturally refined. Japan’s imperial capital for more than 1,000 years, this stately city is home to some of the country’s most impressive gardens and more than 2,000 historic temples. Perhaps sit down to a tea ceremony, a tradition dating back to the 13th century, or visit Nara to see the great Buddha of Tōdai-ji Temple, constructed in 752 and home to the world’s largest wooden building, the Daibutsuden, or Big Buddha Hall.

3* Vessel Inn Shiga Moriyamaekimae