Japan

Tokyo is one of the great cities of the world — a metropolis of 14 million people that functions with a precision and cleanliness that still astonishes first-time visitors. The city rewards exploration by neighbourhood: Shinjuku for the neon-lit entertainment district and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck (free, open until 10:30pm); Shibuya for the famous scramble crossing and the energy of youth culture; Asakusa for the Senso-ji temple complex, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and the traditional craft shops of Nakamise-dori; Harajuku for Takeshita Street and the Meiji Shrine; Akihabara for electronics and anime culture. Allow at least three full days for Tokyo alone.

Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years and remains the cultural heart of the country — a city of 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The essential experiences: Fushimi Inari Taisha, the shrine of ten thousand vermilion torii gates climbing the forested hillside south of the city (arrive before 7am to beat the crowds); the Arashiyama bamboo grove and the Tenryu-ji garden; the Gion district at dusk when maiko (apprentice geisha) move between engagements; Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion); and the Philosopher's Path in cherry blossom season. Kyoto is best explored by bicycle — rent one from any guesthouse.

Osaka has a reputation as Japan's kitchen — a city that takes food more seriously than anywhere else in the country, which is saying something. The Dotonbori entertainment district is the epicentre: a canal-side strip of restaurants, street food stalls, and neon signs where the essential Osaka foods are all within walking distance — takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and fresh ramen. Osaka Castle is worth a morning visit. The Kuromon Ichiba market is the best food market in the city. Osaka is also the most affordable of Japan's major cities and has a warmth and directness that sets it apart from Tokyo.

Riding the Shinkansen is one of the great travel experiences in Japan — a bullet train that connects Tokyo and Osaka in 2 hours 30 minutes at speeds of up to 320 km/h, passing Mount Fuji on clear days in a fleeting, unmissable moment. The Japan Rail Pass (available to foreign tourists, purchased before arrival) covers unlimited travel on most Shinkansen lines and is excellent value for itineraries covering multiple cities. The Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka is the busiest high-speed rail line in the world. Book a window seat on the right side of the train (travelling from Tokyo) for the best Mount Fuji views.

Hiroshima is one of the most moving destinations in Japan — a city that was destroyed by the world's first atomic bomb on 6 August 1945 and has rebuilt itself into a thriving, forward-looking city while maintaining the Peace Memorial Park and Museum as a permanent testament to what happened. The A-Bomb Dome — the skeletal remains of the Industrial Promotion Hall, the only structure left standing near the hypocentre — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most powerful historical sites in the world. A 30-minute ferry from Hiroshima reaches Miyajima Island, home to the Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate — one of the most iconic images in Japan.

Mount Fuji — at 3,776 metres the highest peak in Japan — is the country's most iconic image and one of the most recognisable mountains on Earth. The official climbing season runs from early July to mid-September; outside this window the summit trails are closed. The most popular route is the Yoshida Trail from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (accessible by bus from Kawaguchiko or Shinjuku). For those who prefer to admire rather than climb, the Fuji Five Lakes region — particularly Kawaguchiko — offers the classic postcard view of the mountain reflected in the lake, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in April.

The onsen — natural hot spring bath — is one of the defining experiences of Japanese culture, and visiting one is essential on any trip to Japan. Onsen towns (onsen machi) are found throughout the country: Hakone, an hour from Tokyo, has dozens of ryokan (traditional inns) with private and communal onsen overlooking Mount Fuji; Beppu in Kyushu is the most prolific onsen town in Japan; Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo is a beautifully preserved hot spring town where guests walk between seven public bathhouses in yukata (cotton robes). The etiquette is simple: wash thoroughly before entering, no swimwear, no towels in the water, and silence in the bath.

Japan has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country in the world, but the most memorable food experiences are often the most humble: a bowl of tonkotsu ramen at a counter in Fukuoka at midnight; a plate of fresh sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo at 7am; a bento box from a convenience store (7-Eleven and Lawson in Japan are genuinely excellent); a kaiseki multi-course dinner at a Kyoto ryokan. For Malaysian travellers, note that pork and alcohol are present in many Japanese dishes — halal options are available in major cities but require research. The Japan Muslim Guide app and Halal Gourmet Japan website are useful resources.