Japan is a big and diverse country and you won't get to know it all in a month. What are the main activities that make a trip to Japan worthwhile?

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Onsen and thermal baths

Onsens are traditional Japanese spas that originate near natural hot springs.

In Japan, hot springs spring up in a huge number of places and on all the main islands, which is why you'll find onsen in large numbers, both in the biggest cities and in the countryside.

Onsens are very popular among the Japanese and usually contain several pools with thermal water, whirlpools, saunas and more.

Rules in onsen

Japanese onsens have specific rules that must be followed.

• You must enter the baths completely naked, even swimsuits are not allowed
• Onsen are always separated into male and female sections
• Entry with tattoos is forbidden
• It is forbidden to take photographs

Big cities and nightlife

There are several big cities in Japan, where life flows day and night.

There are a huge number of entertainment venues in Tokyo. The entertainment districts with the highest concentration of places of interest are Shinjuku with its many karaoke bars, sushi restaurants and entertainment multiplexes, Shibuya with its shopping galleries and clubs, and Ikebukuro as Tokyo's business district is full of bars, brothels and capsule hotels in case you stay out too late.

Osaka's downtown Dotonbori is basically one big entertainment district. A huge number of restaurants and eating establishments in general are complemented by hundreds of karaoke bars and small and larger pubs and bars. Compared to Tokyo, Osaka has a completely different character that is worth seeing for yourself.

Kyoto 's nightlife tends to revolve around dining in restaurants and small pubs. Don't expect big parties and huge discos and concerts like in Tokyo or Osaka, but rather a nice dinner with good food and a cup of sake.

Nature and hiking

All Japanese islands are densely forested and very mountainous.

For lovers of short nature walks and long mountain treks, Japan is a promised land.

Mountainous areas are literally everywhere and numerous national parks are criss-crossed with thousands of kilometres of marked hiking trails.

Shopping

For shopping in Tokyo, the best shopping district is Shibuya. Many large shopping malls and galleries in one place. If you're more into alternative fashion, don't miss the Harajuku district, where perhaps all Japanese fashion subcultures collide. The narrow streets are filled with often bizarre clothing and accessory shops of all kinds.

If you're looking for kitchen equipment or like to cook, don't miss Kappabashi Dogugai in the Asakusa district. This over 100-year-old market sells Asian and European kitchen goods. For the discerning shopper, there's the upmarket Ginza district with its many department stores of all the world's leading brands. The main street of Ginza is one of the most expensive streets in the world.

Osaka's Umeda shopping district is a shopaholic's paradise. Several huge department stores combined into one huge shopping mall, one of the largest in the world. Near the centre of the Namba district there are long shopping arcades full of beautiful Japanese tableware and electronics at very low prices.

In Kyoto, we find the famous Nishiki market full of local specialities, pickled fish or vegetables. There are also shops selling clothes or sweets. However, keep in mind that the market is primarily for the use of restaurants and businesses in Kyoto and not just for tourists. Therefore, some shops only sell goods in large quantities or only offer ingredients to prepare meals.

Parks and Japanese gardens

Japanese gardens are among the most beautiful parks in the world and can be found in large numbers throughout the country.

Typical beautifully landscaped Japanese bonsai gardens are usually at Buddhist and Shinto temples or around historical sites.

Amusement parks

Fuji-Q Highland - an amusement park under Mount Fuji. A large amusement park filled with the best roller coasters and similar attractions. Carries several first place awards and many local attractions are in the global top 10 rankings.

Tokyo Disneyland - the famous fairytale world, now in a Japanese version.

Universal studios in Osaka - a large theme park aimed at movie fans of all genres and popular films such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and more.

Gastronomy

Japanese cuisine is renowned all over the world and there are many reasons for this. It doesn't just consist of sushi, which is very popular in Japan, but far from the most popular or common dish.

There are many places to eat well in Tokyo. The menu also changes with the seasons.

There are many famous restaurants and sushi bars in the center of the Shinjuku district. Be prepared to wait in line for a seat at a restaurant. This phenomenon is very common in Japan and a normal part of a restaurant visit.

In Asakusa, you will find smaller establishments with popular noodle soups such as ramen or udon. In the evening it is not so crowded and Asakusa has a very pleasant traditional atmosphere. Tsukiji market is the most famous fish market in the world. From early in the morning, auctions of the best fish from all over the world are held here and there are dozens, maybe hundreds, of stalls and small restaurants selling fish and seafood. Unfortunately, due to the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the market will be closing and gradually moving.

The Dotonbori district in the heart of Osaka is again the district most associated with food. Here you will find many restaurants with local specialties that are definitely worth trying. Osaka is known as the city of food, and not for nothing.

The most famous dishes are agetakoyaki (fried balls of soft dough with a piece of octopus), the local version of okonomiyaki (a variant of the omelette made from a special dough with vegetables, meat, soy sauce and mayonnaise) or the delicious gyoza meat-filled bags.

Kyoto's Gion district is famous for its old traditional teahouses and original tea ceremonies with the best local tea. Kyoto is also home to many excellent restaurants serving traditional and modern Japanese cuisine and several renowned ramen restaurants.

In all major cities we also come across chain restaurants with good food at low prices, such as Curry house Coco.

Beaches and swimming

The most amazing place for a beach holiday is definitely Okinawa with its long sandy beaches. If you're near Tokyo, take a trip to Kamakura.

After a cultural experience, you can check out the beach there. Japan is surrounded by two seas and one ocean and has countless bathing beaches. Others can be found in Shizuoka, Shirahama or Takamatsu.