Japan
COUNTRY OF JAPANESE CULTURE
Japan gently displays its many wooden temples, elegantly capped with their unmistakable golden roofs. Refined gardens sprout with the same muted abundance throughout the entire country. Shinto sanctuaries and Buddhist temples hide in rural havens or invest cities without ever competing. In Japan religions and sacred sites cohabit with no rivalry, impressing a stamp of unequalled elegance.
The essential
ENJOY A CHANGE OF SCENERY WITH A TRIP TO Japan
Japan elegantly exhibits a singular cultural palette - influenced both by ancient traditions and contemporary lifestyles - that took millennia to be perfected. The country is synonymous of refinement, distinctive culinary artistry, Asian exoticism and natural wonders. From the snowcapped Japan Alps to the quaint cobblestone alleys of Kyoto, the land of the rising sun sways between tradition and innovation. Tokyo is a wonderful illustration of Japanese modernity and it’s propensity towards futuristic concepts. You will be dazzled by Japan’s unique charm, an exotic alchemy made of Kabuki (classical theater), Hanami (blossoming cherry trees), Ryokan (traditional inns) and Onsen (hot springs). Discover this extraordinary country by booking a flight to Tokyo or a flight to Osaka.
Wednesday 29 January 2020
Tokyo
44 °FHeavy rain
Rain : 25 mm
Thu
7°-14°
Fri
3°-10°
Sat
2°-10°
Sun
2°-10°
Inescapables
Inescapables
Japan, a land of contrasts
From the extent of its varied landscapes…
Explore the Land of the Rising Sun and you will find it a country of striking contrasts, both natural and historical. Freshly landed from your direct flight to Japan, you’ll hop on board the Shinkansen, the famous bullet train which snakes from north to south. Whether you’re a snow sports fan or prefer to relax in the sun, by train you can reach both the beaches of Miyakojima and the ski resorts of Niseko. Raise your eyes to the heavens and you’ll spot the venerable Mount Fuji: standing at 3,776m it’s Japan’s highest point. Its pale pink peak matches the delicate cherry blossom on the nearby riverbanks.
…to the height of its imposing cities
Beautiful but capricious, the natural wonders of Japan have been tamed, megacities springing up in which futuristic skyscrapers stand next to ancient buildings. Book your plane ticket to Japan and stroll along Hanami-kôji street in Kyoto: where costumed geisha wander among machiya, traditional wooden houses. In Osaka, weave among the skyscrapers to find the 6th century temple of Shi Tennô-Ji, said to be the oldest in the country. Or snap up your Japan airfare deal and pay a visit to Hiroshima. Alongside modern constructions, old buildings still bear the scars of history. The Memorial Park, rich in symbols, is a place for reflection.
An inner, spiritual journey
A spiritual land, Japan has many sanctuaries and sacred places which invite introspection. At Mount Koya, screens and speakers now guide pilgrims, while in Nara Park, the sacred deer welcome visitors for a spiritual retreat among the trees. An architectural masterpiece built on the side of a mountain, the temple of Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most important religious centres in Japan. Booking plane tickets to Japan is a chance to take yourself on a spiritual journey through zen gardens and tranquil temples.
Event
Event
Discover the main events in Japan
Festivals
Feast
15/02/2020
to 16/02/2020
to 16/02/2020
Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival
Yokote 
Festivals
Feast
15/02/2020
to 16/02/2020
to 16/02/2020
Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival
Yokote
Description
practical information
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This Japanese tradition is more than 400 years old, but it's as magical today as it must have been in the centuries past. At the beginning of the year, once the New Year festivities are over, the inhabitants build kakakura all over the small town of Yokote. These snow mounds, like miniature igloos, are little shrines, lit after dark by candlelight. Passers-by are invited to enter these strange little shrines to make an offering of sake or rice, or to pray, according to tradition, for pure water.
From Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 February 2020 :
- Saturday, Sunday 24/7
Admission prices :
- Free
- Saturday, Sunday 24/7
Admission prices :
- Free
Adress
Centre-ville013-0000
Yokote
Festivals
Leisure
18/03/2020
to 18/03/2020
to 18/03/2020
Asakusa Golden Dragon Dance
Tokyo
Festivals
Leisure
18/03/2020
to 18/03/2020
to 18/03/2020
Asakusa Golden Dragon Dance
Tokyo
Description
practical information
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Each year in Tokyo a golden dragon dances outside the oldest temple in the capital. This shimmering gold-scaled dragon is carried by 8 skilled dancers. The number 8 is very important in Japanese Buddhism, and you can find it in the date of the ceremony (March 18), in the size of the dragon (18 metres) and in its number of golden scales (8888). During the ceremony, the dragon dances to the rhythm of Japanese flutes, before passing through the Kaminarimon gate, protecting a lotus flower made of gold, which is carried by another dancer.
On Wednesday 18 March 2020 :
- Wednesday from 10:00 to 18:00
Admission prices :
- Free
- Wednesday from 10:00 to 18:00
Admission prices :
- Free
Festivals
Feast
03/05/2020
to 04/05/2020
to 04/05/2020
Festival Hakata Dontaku
Fukuoka
Festivals
Feast
03/05/2020
to 04/05/2020
to 04/05/2020
Festival Hakata Dontaku
Fukuoka
Description
practical information
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An annual tradition that dates back to 1179, the inhabitants of Hakata pay tribute to the local lords of Fukuoka, as well as the celebrating the home. A grand parade marks the occasion, with marching bands and colourful floats decorated with flowers. Dancers in bright costumes twirl through the streets clapping their shamoji together, (these are the traditional wooden spoons used to serve rice) representing busy housewives rushing out to join in the parade. There are usually close to 2 million spectators crowding the streets to admire the decorated floats and the extravagant costumes of the parade.
From Sunday 3 to Monday 4 May 2020 :
- On Sunday and the Monday from 10:00 to 20:00
Admission prices :
- Free
- On Sunday and the Monday from 10:00 to 20:00
Admission prices :
- Free
Adress
Jigyohama812-0018
Fukuoka
To do
To do
How to make the most of your stay
Place of character
Hot spot
Mount Fuji
Tokyo 
Place of character
Hot spot
Mount Fuji
Tokyo
Description
coordinates
Japan's highest peak (reaching 3,776 metres above sea level), the iconic Mount Fuji has become a well-known symbol throughout the world. Its pure lines and perfect symmetry have inspired many a photographer and artist, including the famous painter Hokusai who made 36 engravings featuring the mountain.
Visible from Tokyo, the magnificent Mount Fuji rises from within a nature park characterised by immense landscapes. At the foot of the mountain lies Lake Kawaguchiko. Boats set off across the lake, taking keen walkers towards the banks which are strewn with pink cherry blossom in spring.
Splendour and purity: it's the essence of Japan.
Visible from Tokyo, the magnificent Mount Fuji rises from within a nature park characterised by immense landscapes. At the foot of the mountain lies Lake Kawaguchiko. Boats set off across the lake, taking keen walkers towards the banks which are strewn with pink cherry blossom in spring.
Splendour and purity: it's the essence of Japan.
Adress
Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0112106-0032
Tokyo
Hot spot
Tourist destination
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima
Hot spot
Tourist destination
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima
Description
practical information
coordinates
The name Hiroshima evokes the tragic historical events of August 1945. In memory of this terrible event, the city opened a park. The greenery seems to symbolise a renewal, the circle of life. Just as symbolic is the flame which has been burning here since 1964, its form echoed by the arched cenotaph which shelters the names of the victims. "Rest in peace", proclaims an inscription, "because we will never make the same mistake again".
A moving and necessary visit.
A moving and necessary visit.
Admission prices :
Free
Adress
1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku7300000
Hiroshima
Phone
0081 822 427 798 
Place of character
Classic
Spiritual
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Kyoto
Place of character
Classic
Spiritual
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Kyoto
Description
practical information
coordinates
Visiting Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is both a physical and a spiritual journey of discovery. At one time, this temple was an extremely popular site among pilgrims.
As well as being architecturally interesting as it is built on the side of a mountain, the temple is notable for the importance of its waters which the faithful flock to drink, hoping it will bring them health or success.
The temple's appearance changes with the seasons, whether it is scattered with pink cherry blossom in springtime, or set off by the flame red maple leaves in autumn.
As well as being architecturally interesting as it is built on the side of a mountain, the temple is notable for the importance of its waters which the faithful flock to drink, hoping it will bring them health or success.
The temple's appearance changes with the seasons, whether it is scattered with pink cherry blossom in springtime, or set off by the flame red maple leaves in autumn.
Major event
Exotic
Nikko National Park
Nikko
Major event
Exotic
Nikko National Park
Nikko
Description
coordinates
All the beauty and splendour of natural Japanese landscapes is condensed into the 115,000 hectares of the Nikkô National Park. The park dates from 1934, and since then, walkers have been marvelling at the many natural wonders here, from the immense Kegon waterfall (97m high) to Mount Nantai which for the Japanese is sacred.
Overlooking gorgeous valleys which can be explored by walkers of all levels, the active volcano Mount Nasu emits a permanent plume of smoke, contradicting its tranquil appearance.
With water, lush greenery and mountains, Nikkô National Park has all the natural wonders you could wish for.
Overlooking gorgeous valleys which can be explored by walkers of all levels, the active volcano Mount Nasu emits a permanent plume of smoke, contradicting its tranquil appearance.
With water, lush greenery and mountains, Nikkô National Park has all the natural wonders you could wish for.
Adress
Tochigi 321-166221-1272
Nikko
To leave and eat
To leave and eat
Our selection on Japan
Luxury
Cosy
Gourmet spot
Kitcho Arashiyama
Kyoto
Luxury
Cosy
Gourmet spot
Kitcho Arashiyama
Kyoto
Description
practical information
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Gastronomically speaking, Japan now has the highest number of starred restaurants in the world. One of the most sparkling of this foodie constellation is Kitcho Arashiyama. This restaurant appears regularly on the world's best restaurant rankings.
Launched as a small family establishment, it has the appearance of a traditional teahouse with minimalist decor. The incredibly high standards of the food has led to glowing accolades from numerous guides. This also justifies the prices which are high by any standards. Such is the price of the sophistication and excellence of the chef's creations. Exquisitely beautiful and delicious, each dish is a marvel in itself.
Launched as a small family establishment, it has the appearance of a traditional teahouse with minimalist decor. The incredibly high standards of the food has led to glowing accolades from numerous guides. This also justifies the prices which are high by any standards. Such is the price of the sophistication and excellence of the chef's creations. Exquisitely beautiful and delicious, each dish is a marvel in itself.
Phone
0081 75 881 1101
Place of character
Luxury
Trendy
Lamp Bar
Nara
Place of character
Luxury
Trendy
Lamp Bar
Nara
Description
practical information
coordinates
Nara is known for its sacred deer, its temples... and its bars! As well as being a place of reflection and peace, the town is beginning to build a reputation for great nights out. One of the main venues for this nocturnal renaissance is Michito Kaneko's Lamp Bar. Crowned "world's best barman in 2015", this cocktail maestro invites you to discover his bar. The atmosphere is jazzy, intimate and the focus of the room is on the imposing wooden bar. Here you come to watch the master mixologist at work, mixing tailor-made cocktails for his customers. His cocktail recipes are unique, and their composition is a secret... can you guess what's in your delicious drink?
Phone
0081 742 24 2200
Classic
Unusual
Shooting Bar M4
Kyoto
Classic
Unusual
Shooting Bar M4
Kyoto
Description
practical information
coordinates
Japan is a land of many eccentricities. Among the numerous quirky spots worth discovering is the unique Shooting Bar M4. Both a bar and a shooting range, you can enjoy a beer while challenging your friends to a shooting contest, aiming at various targets. You can try your hand at firing anything from a Colt to an AK 47... of course, the guns are replicas which shoot pellets rather than bullets, and security is rigorous. The Shooting Bar M4 is an interesting concept and it's a sure-fire hit if you're looking for a fun night out among friends.
Phone
0081 80 5350 0556
Gourmet spot
Tooth Tooth
Kobe
Gourmet spot
Tooth Tooth
Kobe
Description
practical information
coordinates
Indulge in a little taste of sweet perfection à la française in Kobe. Pâtisserie Tooth Tooth is a French patisserie, cafe and shop with a mouth-watering display of beautiful traditional French desserts, cakes and sweet treats. You will find exquisite individual cakes and pretty fruit tarts, creations made with indulgent cream, custard or chocolate, and also some treats made using local flavours. Everything looks almost too good to eat.
The place is decorated in classic French style and there are cast iron chairs on the terrace so you can sit in the sunshine and enjoy your cakes with a cup of tea or coffee. A delicious French treat in Japan.
The place is decorated in classic French style and there are cast iron chairs on the terrace so you can sit in the sunshine and enjoy your cakes with a cup of tea or coffee. A delicious French treat in Japan.
email
sns@patisserie-toothtooth.com Phone
0081 78 332 1515