Japan is a very safe country where you can travel with peace of mind. However, two things can scare off travellers; sexual assaults and the fallout from the nuclear accident.

Japan today: presentation and safely

Nature has always played an important role in Japanese culture, and the tradition survives with the celebration of the arrival of spring by observing the cherry blossoms. Here is some advice about this festival, the hanami, and the best places to observe the trees in full blossom.

Go to see the cherry trees in Tokyo

The Ainu are an aborigine population living in Hokkaido and in the extreme east of Russia. This population is considered to be the indigenous population of Hokkaido and even of Japan, as they arrived around 1300 before Jesus Christ. Different places in Hokkaido allow you to understand their culture and traditions.

On the tracks of the Ainu in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is a hiker's paradise, thanks to its majestic, wild mountainous landscapes.
 Its national parks provide stunning views as well as a wealth of plant and animal life.
 Some are very isolated and difficult to access, but offer, nonetheless, a great sense of freedom.

Hiking in the stunning countryside of Hokkaido


Japan's capital, Tokyo is one of the world's biggest metropolises and will unavoidably constitute an important stopping place for any traveller visiting the country.

Asia

A holiday in Japan is often&nbsp;the trip of a lifetime. Not only is this country very far from us and remains costly, but it is also a completely different culture and it will delight your senses. Japan fascinates all travellers that enter the country, and you will likely be enchanted as well. You will discover&nbsp;the best-kept traditions are mixed with the ultra-modern technologies. You will meet graceful Japanese women wearing Kimono or Yukata and you will encounter the most technologically developed gadgets... Visiting Japan is also a culinary odyssey, and you will the many ways of eating fish. All your sens will be bewildered during your trip to Japan!

Japan

Tokyo

Mitsukoshi

Tsukiji is the name given to the largest fish and seafood market in the world, located in Tokyo. A visit to this market will be a high point ofyour stay in Japan.

Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market

Shimbashi, or Shinbashi, is a district situated between Ginza and Shidome, to the east of the Tsuki-ji fish market.

Shiba-Shimbashi

A Japanese alpine town, overlooked by a castle.

Matsumoto

Kazakhstan

Taiwan

Tajikistan

Turkmenistan

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Middle East

Oceania

The town's famous for a black castle that towers over the city. It's home to a museum that has a collection of arms dating back through the centuries. Unfortunately, there's no English translation of the information available. Close by is a second museum, dedicated to local and regional history. 
The town's streets are lined with attractive boutiques, bars and restaurants. The old quarter was smaller than I expected, but fun all the same. 
You can reach local winter sports resorts from Matsumoto - the perfect opportunity to go hiking in the surrounding mountains. 
At the end of the day, during both summer and winter, you can unwind in one the of region's many onsen. Some have open air baths and soaking in their steaming hot water, surrounded by snow, is a real treat.

Matsumoto Vacations

Matsumoto: How to get there?

Matsumoto: See when to go ?

Matsumoto: For how long?

Matsumoto: What to see nearby?

Japan: our articles for your vacations