Cat crazy?
The island nation of Japan has four main islands – Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu – but the Japanese archipelago actually consists of a whopping 6,852 islands, from the beautiful to the bizarre. If you have the time, it is worth considering adding some of the smaller islands to your itinerary.

Forget the Cat Café, in Japan there is a cat island, in fact, there are several. The most well known ‘cat islands’ are Tashirojima and Aoshima. The feline residents outnumber their human counterparts and, in what sounds like a gift from the cat gods, dogs are forbidden. Not usually considered a beach destination, Japan has some beautiful coastlines. The best beaches are found in the subtropical Okinawa Prefecture. Home to stunning beaches and coral reefs, the islands are also famous for the longevity of their residents – with the highest number of centenarians than anywhere in the world. A highlight of many trips is a visit to Miyajima, near Hiroshima. The islands key shrine Itsukushima, and the torii gate must be one of the most photogenic places in Japan.
Japan has no shortage of incredible cities and landscapes, but one of the best reasons to visit is to experience the truly unique Japanese culture…
Japanese culture
Dunk in an Onsen
A fantastic way to experience Japanese life is to visit one of the thousands of onsens scattered around the country. A part of Japanese life for centuries, onsens are hot springs that are used as bathing houses. Japanese people visit an onsen to relax, socialise or simply to bathe. They are tranquil places, which can be either outdoors or indoors, and vary in size and style. Before dipping your toe in, you will need to familiarise yourself with onsen customs and be willing to bare all as etiquette dictates that you bathe naked (ooer).
If you would like to see how one set of locals do it, head to the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano. This is a particular highlight of any winter trip, where bathing macaques surrounded by snow and steam are an unforgettable sight.
Japanese hospitality at a traditional Ryokan
The traditional Japanese inn, a Ryokan, is as far from a charmless international hotel chain as you can find. These inns, so distinctly Japanese in atmosphere and appearance that they could not possibly be anywhere but Japan, are more than just accommodation. They offer travellers the opportunity to experience true Japanese hospitality. Each Ryokan is unique and offers different services.
Common features of these inns are traditional tatami mat rooms with minimal furniture, a futon bed and most offer a multi-course Kaiseki dinner and an authentic breakfast. Many Ryokans also have their own onsen. Staying at a Ryokan offers the chance to immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture. You can stay at a Ryokan in the beautiful town of Takayama with us (read our 5 Reasons to Visit Takayama post too!).