English / Omotenashi / Sushi / Michelin / Shinkansen
From omotenashi to technology, Japan captivates the world
Japan's cherry blossoms are one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world. Every year from March to April, more than 60 million people enjoy hanami across the country. Somei-Yoshino cherry trees have been planted in over 50 countries, beloved worldwide as a symbol of Japanese culture. The cherry blossom front takes two months to travel from Okinawa to Hokkaido.
Tokyo has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world (over 200). Sushi, ramen, tempura, and kaiseki cuisine captivate food lovers worldwide. There are over 180,000 Japanese restaurants overseas, and washoku was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013.
The Shinkansen, launched in 1964, boasts a 60-year safety record with zero fatalities. Reaching speeds of 320 km/h, it connects Tokyo and Osaka in just 2 hours and 22 minutes. Over 300 million passengers ride it annually. Japan's railway technology has become the model for high-speed rail worldwide.
Japan's anime and manga industry is worth $25 billion annually. Studio Ghibli, One Piece, and Demon Slayer have become global cultural phenomena. Comiket attracts over 700,000 attendees, and Akihabara is the holy land of otaku culture worldwide. Japanese pop culture influences the entire world.
Japan has over 27,000 hot spring sources and more than 3,000 onsen resorts. Hakone, Beppu, and Kusatsu are world-famous hot spring destinations. The tea ceremony has a 500-year history, and the wabi-sabi aesthetic has influenced design worldwide.
Kyoto served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1869 and holds 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove welcome over 50 million visitors annually. Geiko culture, Noh theater, and ikebana carry on traditions spanning over 1,200 years.
Moments that shaped Japan's history
794 — Emperor Kanmu moves the capital to Kyoto
January 3, 1868 — Meiji Restoration · Imperial Rule Restored
October 10, 1964 — Tokyo Olympics Opening
October 1, 1964 — Tokaido Shinkansen Inauguration
Population: 125M|Hotels: 68,058|Cities: 986|GDP: $34K|Michelin Stars: 400+|UNESCO: 25
Japan's strength by the numbers
Closest neighbors — Deep cultural and economic ties
The number of mutual visitors between Japan and Korea exceeds 8 million annually. Top destinations for Japanese travelers in Korea are Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Busan. Top destinations for Korean travelers in Japan are Osaka, Tokyo, and Fukuoka. Increased LCC flights continue to accelerate exchanges between the two nations.
The K-Pop market in Japan is worth 800 billion yen annually. BTS, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN fill the Tokyo Dome to capacity. Shin-Okubo has become a Koreatown and a hub for Korean culture. Korean cuisine and K-Beauty have deeply permeated Japanese youth culture.
Popular world destinations for Japanese travelers
Korea · Myeongdong · Gangnam
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Taiwan · Jiufen · Night Markets
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Thailand · Grand Palace · Massage
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SG · Marina Bay · Chicken Rice
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Hawaii · Waikiki · Paradise
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France · Eiffel Tower · Louvre
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USA · Manhattan · Broadway
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China · The Bund · Pudong
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Australia · Opera House
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Austria · Music · Palaces
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The heart of Japan — Our cities
Tokyo · Shibuya · Asakusa · Akihabara
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Kyoto · Kinkaku-ji · Fushimi Inari · Arashiyama
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Osaka · Dotonbori · Takoyaki · Tsutenkaku
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Hokkaido · Sapporo · Furano · Onsen
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Interactive experiences with WIA Trip
Best flights & hotels at the best prices — From Japan to the world