An archipelago of volcanoes where ancient traditions are seamlessly interwoven with the digital era
Japan has a way of surprising you from the very first moment: ancient temples lie hidden behind the glass facades of skyscrapers, and in the alleys of sprawling cities, you might stumble upon a cosy teahouse peacefully coexisting with a robotic cafe. From the snow-covered slopes of Hokkaido to the subtropical beaches of Okinawa, from the serene shrines of Kyoto to the hyper-modern districts of Tokyo, every prefecture reveals a character all its own.
With over 6,800 islands and a population of around 125 million, Japan achieves extraordinary harmony between nature and urban life at every turn. It is not a country to be seen in a single visit — only explored, layer by layer.
To fly to Japan is to step into another dimension. Scenario Travel will help you connect with the culture of one of the most remarkable countries on Earth.
The capital of Japan, Tokyo, is a world unto itself, where centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge technology within the same district. A city that never sleeps welcomes everyone — whether travelling with children, exploring with friends, or venturing solo, there is something for all.
Tokyo takes great care in preserving its history. In the Shibuya district lies the Meiji Shrine, an oasis of tranquillity dedicated to Emperor Meiji. It's an ideal spot for a morning stroll beneath the shade of century-old trees.
A bit further north, in the heart of the city, stands the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and manicured gardens. In spring, cherry blossoms give the entire setting a particularly enchanting atmosphere.
Asakusa is one of the few districts that has retained the charm of old Japan. Its crown jewel is the Senso-ji Temple, originally built in the 7th century. The approach to the shrine is lined with Nakamise Street, famous for its traditional souvenirs and street food.
Tokyo also dazzles with its architectural landmarks. Don't miss the Tokyo Skytree, the second-tallest tower in the world (634 metres), after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. From its observation deck, you can take in sweeping views of the sprawling metropolis.
Fans of contemporary art will enjoy the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, a multifunctional skyscraper housing museums, designer boutiques, and another impressive observation deck.
Ginza is an elite district of boutiques and gastronomic delights, ideal for strolling and shopping.
Harajuku and Omotesandō are a fashionable mecca for young people, filled with shops, conceptual cafés, and art installations on every corner.
Shibuya is the beating heart of the city’s energy. Don’t miss the chance to walk across the famous diagonal intersection — the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.
Ueno Park is perfect for families. It is home to one of Japan’s oldest zoos, and in spring, the park is veiled in a pink haze of cherry blossoms.
Shinjuku Gyoen offers a tranquil escape: green lawns, traditional teahouses, and serene lakes — a paradise for strolls.
For those dreaming of futuristic Tokyo, there’s Odaiba Island. It features water parks, museums, robots, a replica of the Statue of Liberty, various attractions, and beaches with views of the Rainbow Bridge.
Visiting Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea is a real adventure for families with children. These large-scale theme parks offer diverse zones where guests, from toddlers to adults, can experience the pure joy of stepping into the magical world of their favourite characters.
For over a thousand years, from the 8th to the 19th century, Kyoto served as Japan’s imperial capital, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy. The city is renowned for its countless temples and shrines, earning it the nickname "the city of 10,000 shrines". It is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Kinkaku-ji Pavilion, whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf, shimmers in the sunlight and is reflected in the pond's mirror-like surface below.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its iconic path lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the wind rustles through the tall green stalks, creating a natural symphony and a uniquely serene atmosphere.
Nijō Castle, the grand residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, features “nightingale floors” that chirp at the slightest step to warn of intruders. The castle's wall paintings, intricately carved ceilings, and imposing gates showcase remarkable artistry and opulence.
Gion, Kyoto’s oldest district, is known for its traditional teahouses, carved wooden buildings, and cobbled alleyways. Here, it’s still possible to encounter real geishas, preserving ancient customs in the modern age.
Just a two-hour drive from Tokyo lies Nikko, a city renowned for its magnificent temples and natural beauty. Among its highlights is the Nikko Tōshō-gū Shrine — a dazzlingly ornate UNESCO World Heritage Site where artistic craftsmanship reaches its peak.
Nara is famed for the majestic Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and its parks where friendly deer roam freely. According to legend, these animals are considered sacred messengers of the gods.
Mount Fuji is a majestic symbol of Japan. Its perfect cone can be seen from hundreds of kilometres away. For the adventurous, there is an opportunity to climb to the summit in summer, from July to September. For others, the best views are from the lakes of Kawaguchiko or the Fuji-Q Highland observation platform.
The Three Great Gardens of Japan: Kenroku-en, Koraku-en and Kairaku-en.
The Japanese Alps — with their rugged ranges, snow-covered slopes, scenic hiking trails, and cosy onsen — offer a blend of adrenaline and tranquillity. Spanning the prefectures of Yamanashi, Nagano, Toyama, Shizuoka, and Gifu, the region is home to some of Japan’s finest ski resorts, spectacular scenery, hot springs, and year-round outdoor activities.
Okinawa and Its Beaches. These tropical islands' white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters are a paradise for sea lovers.
Daisetsuzan National Park (Hokkaido). Japan’s largest national park features mountain plateaus, alpine meadows, and rich wildlife.
Nachi Falls (Wakayama Prefecture). At 133 metres, this is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Japan, surrounded by ancient shrines and lush forest.
Kamikochi Valley (Nagano). With its pristine rivers, alpine meadows, and breathtaking views of mountain peaks, this is one of the best hiking destinations in the country.
Himeji Castle (White Heron Castle) is the finest example of Japanese castle architecture, preserving 83 original structures. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1993.
Matsumoto Castle (Raven Castle) is one of five castles designated as National Treasures of Japan. It is notable for its black exterior and well-preserved original main keep (tenshu).
Kumamoto Castle is an impregnable symbol of the samurai spirit, having withstood the fires of the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877—a garrison of 3,500 defenders held out against 13,000 enemy troops for 50 days.
Hiroshima is a city of peace and remembrance. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands at the epicentre of the 1945 atomic blast, uniting powerful symbols of grief and hope: the Peace Memorial Museum, the Children's Peace Monument, and the Flame of Peace, which will burn until humanity renounces nuclear weapons entirely.
The Genbaku Dome, which survived the bombing, became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site to commemorate a 20th-century tragedy.
Hiroshima Castle, rebuilt from the ashes, preserves within its restored walls the centuries-old legacy of the Mori samurai clan — from the turbulent Sengoku period to the present day — symbolising the city’s enduring will to live.
In addition to the usual Western-style hotels, Japan offers unique accommodation options that provide a deeper insight into the local culture:
Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns featuring tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and yukata (light cotton robes) for guests. Many include dinner and breakfast served in the kaiseki ryōri (traditional multi-course meal) style.
Minshuku are family-run guesthouses — a more budget-friendly alternative to ryokans, offering a warm, homely atmosphere.
Capsule hotels are a Japanese innovation for budget-conscious travellers, providing individual sleeping capsules with basic amenities.
Machiya guesthouses offer authentic accommodation in traditional wooden townhouses, particularly in Kyoto and other historic cities.
For a truly immersive experience in Japanese traditions, we recommend combining different types of accommodation — for example, spending a few nights in a modern hotel followed by a relaxing stay in a ryokan with an onsen (hot spring bath).
Japanese cuisine is a philosophy that values the freshness of ingredients, the harmony of simple flavours refined to perfection, and the aesthetics of presentation.
Beloved dishes such as sushi and sashimi reveal the magic of seafood, while fragrant ramen bowls have become the country's gastronomic symbol. Try the tender shibuki-nabe (meat stewed in broth), crispy tempura, or okonomiyaki — savoury Japanese pancakes with a variety of fillings.
Finish your meal with traditional desserts such as matcha sweets, dorayaki, dango, or wagashi. This is a cuisine of the seasons, where every dish pays tribute to nature.
And don’t miss the chance to try the street food: taiyaki filled with hot red bean paste, sizzling takoyaki with octopus, and steaming yakiniku grilled over charcoal — all part of the authentic taste of Japan.
When to Fly to Japan
The best time to visit Japan depends on your goals:
Tip: Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) — prices soar and everywhere is overcrowded.
Here, everyone will find something of their own: some will discover the morning silence of temples, others the thrill of mountain trails, or the comfort of cosy ryokans and tea with views of maple trees. This is more than just a trip — it's a journey you'll want to take more than once.
Scenario Travel will help make this journey memorable, without the fuss, with attention to detail, and at a pace that suits you. Japan will reveal itself as it should — authentic and unforgettable.