Momiji in Japan

About the destination: Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest urban area in the world. Tokyo is the financial center of Japan and a blend of high-technology and tradition. Tokyo is huge and a well-organized modern city. The city landscape of Tokyo consists of temples and shrines, quiet nature reserves, historical buildings, futuristic architecture and neon lights. The core of the city includes Chiyoda and Chuo. This area features the impressive Imperial Palace, the national government buildings, the famous shopping area of Ginza, Tsukiji fish market, Akihabara electronics market and the historic Tokyo Station. The quiet neighborhood of Asakusa has some must-see attractions such as the Sensoji Temple, the Nakamise-dōri shopping arcade, and the Golden Poo. Nearby is the Ueno area, including the Ameyoko market. A perfect spot to shop for traditional gifts and see a great Buddhist temple. Another major attraction of the city is the Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya. Tokyo is a unique city that has something for everyone, busy shopping areas, famous nightlife, historical sights, quiet parks, and amazing scenery.

About the destination: Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, blends modern industry with deep-rooted tradition. Often overlooked in favor of Tokyo or Kyoto, it rewards those who stop with spacious boulevards, excellent museums, and fewer crowds. The city is historically linked to the Tokugawa shogunate, and that legacy still shapes its character: orderly, proud, and quietly refined. Begin with Nagoya Castle, famous for its golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish) adorning the roof. The reconstructed main keep and the exquisitely restored Honmaru Palace showcase lavish samurai-era interiors and provide insight into feudal power and aesthetics. From there, visit the Tokugawa Art Museum, which houses armor, swords, and elegant tea ceremony utensils once owned by the ruling Tokugawa family, all set beside a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden. Nagoya’s spiritual heart lies at Atsuta Jingu, one of Shinto’s most important shrines. Surrounded by a peaceful, wooded park, it’s a calm retreat from city life and a chance to observe traditional rituals and seasonal festivals. In contrast, the Osu district buzzes with energy: a mix of old temples, vintage shops, arcades, and manga stores that encapsulate contemporary urban Japan. Food is a highlight in Nagoya, with its own distinct “Nagoya-meshi” cuisine. Try hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice eaten in three different ways), miso katsu (pork cutlet with a rich red miso sauce), and tebasaki (crispy seasoned chicken wings). The city’s central location and excellent rail connections also make it a convenient base for day trips to places like Inuyama, Gifu, and the Japanese Alps, rounding out a stay that combines history, culture, and modern comfort.

About the destination: For over a thousand years Kyoto was the capital of Japan and it is probably the best preserved of all its cities. It’s a beautiful vibrant city where modern life meets old traditional Japan. The city is surrounded by the mountains of Western Honshu and is a perfect base when visiting the Kansai region. The city is rich in heritage sites and culture, it has a great variety and number of restaurants and is fairly easy to navigate around. Its rich culture and heritage permeates from each and every architecture and customs. Kyoto has thousands of temples and shrines, including the spectacular golden Kinkaku-ji, Ryoanji with its Zen garden, the popular Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo with its life-size statues of Kannon and the more tranquil Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama. Also in Arashiyama, there is the famous Bamboo Grove. A wonderful thing to do in Kyoto is a walking tour of Gion, one of the main Geisha districts. Its wooden buildings and lamps create the perfect ambiance. Kyoto is one of the greatest historical cities in the world, filled with temples, shrines, teahouses and imperial residences. Kyoto is a city steeped in culture and heritage it’s a must for anyone with an interest in Japanese history and culture.

About the destination: Osaka is a big modern city in Japan. It is the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio. It is a lively and exciting place that exudes a definite charm. Its history is rich, its scenery is gorgeous, and it's well-located close to the major cultural centers of Kyoto and Nara, and just a few hours by bullet train to Tokyo. Osaka has two major city centers, Kita, north side, and Minami, south side. Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district. Osaka’s major attractions are the impressive, beautifully restored, castle and the truly wonderful aquarium. Osaka has some striking modern architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene and tasty local cuisine. To experience the city’s nightlife head to bustling Dōtonbori, a street jammed with restaurants and bars. There are also some beautiful places to visit just outside of the city. Minoo is a suburb of Osaka which offers pleasant woodland, an impressive waterfall, hiking opportunities and a relaxing spa. Osaka combines historical, cultural and artistic attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese metropolis. Japan's third-largest city offers an exciting atmosphere, with fantastic connections to some of the most historic cities in Japan.