Matador's Ultimate Guide to Japan

Take an incredible journey through this enchanting country ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  [Matador's Guide to Japan]( Matador's Ultimate Guide to Japan Hi all, From its centuries-old temples to vibrant city lights and splendor of nature, Japan is the perfect destination for intrepid travelers. From high in Hokkaido's mountains to Okinawa’s sun-kissed beaches, each region offers an invitation into its own distinct culture. Take your pick from Kyoto to Nara; dive into Tokyo's neon landscape or visit the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossom season — whatever you choose here, you truly can't go wrong. Japan is a nation of beauty and adventure, offering travelers an array of diverse and offbeat experiences. This week, Matador explores Japan. [Let’s dive in](. [EXPLORE JAPAN](  GET INSPIRED [Kansai]( Kansai Is One of the Most Underrated Regions of Japan. Here’s Why. Kansai is the cultural, natural, and spiritual heart of Japan, with a diverse array of attractions and experiences. From the towering Himeji Castle, futuristic Osaka, to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, here are some of the highlights in the Kansai region of Japan. [READ MORE]( [Jimbocho]( 5 of the Best Under-the-Radar Neighborhoods in Tokyo While marveling at Shibuya Crossing or exploring the pop-culture towers of Akihabara are worthwhile endeavors, there’s a lot more to the Japanese capital. Venturing into less charted territory, you’ll find plenty of equally great neighborhoods which have managed to slip under the radar of Tokyo’s tourism sphere. Here are five of the best. [READ MORE]( [ekiben]( The Bullet Train Is One of the Best Places To Try Regional Japanese Cuisine Eating ekiben while you make your way across the country on a bullet train is the ideal way to both see the country’s diverse terrain and taste iconic Japanese cuisine without leaving your seat. It might take a lifetime to explore all of Japan’s intricate culture, landscape, and history, but you can get started with its cuisine, one ekiben at a time. [READ MORE](  NATURE + ADVENTURE [seto islands]( On Japan’s Seto Islands, the Art Is Fun, Modern, Outdoors, and Everywhere Twelve islands, known collectively as the “art islands,” are home to contemporary artworks and exhibits that have become an integral part of the islands’ scenery. They’re found scattered along sandy shores, in the abandoned buildings of ancient villages, and hidden along trails in the dense coniferous forests. [READ MORE]( [Miyako Island]( The Crystal-Clear Waters of Japan’s Miyako Island Are a Diver’s Paradise Known for its incredible coral reefs and variety of marine life, this is a dream destination for divers and snorkelers. Located off the south coast of Okinawa, this subtropical paradise is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse marine life in the world. [READ MORE]( [Nikko]( Day-Tripping To Nikko, Japan’s Strawberry Capital Nikko lies in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture, just two hours via express train from Tokyo. While planning your trip here, you’ll need to decide whether you want to explore the historical center, the outdoor museums to the east, or the natural beauty of the serene west. Here’s a breakdown of each area and its highlights. [READ MORE](  FOOD + CULTURE [Sushi]( Tokyo Insider Guide: How to Eat Like a Local Whether you like cheap and cheerful chow or fine dining, sipping sake or sampling sweets, there’s a Tokyo joint — or 10 — for you. We profiled a few different categories of cuisine and a whole bunch of recommended spots to get you dreaming about a culinary tour of Tokyo. [READ MORE]( [Ramen Tour]( 5 Food Tours That Show You the Tastiest Side of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan, is the best place in the world to eat. The city is divided into four parts — Central, Northern, Western and Southern Tokyo — and the intricacies of your dining experience depend on where you are in the city. If you want to dive head first (or stomach first) into Tokyo’s food scene, check out these food tours in Tokyo that you can book via Airbnb. [READ MORE]( [Cup Noodles Museum]( 7 Peaceful, Wacky, and Adorable Museums To Check Out in Japan With Japan being one of the most creative and innovative countries out there, it comes as no surprise that it has taken the very concept of a museum and turned it into something more. From a museum that lets you create your very own instant noodles to the famed Ghibli Museum, here are some of the most unique museums in Japan. [READ MORE](  TIPS, ADVICE + DEALS [Tohoku]( Lesser-Known Tohoku Is the Perfect Place To Experience Japan’s Tranquil Side Most itineraries are focused around the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, and while those cities definitely deserve all the praise and attention they receive, with 47 prefectures that are divided into eight separate regions, Japan has so much more to offer. The northeastern Tohoku region in particular packs just as much of a punch as its big-city counterparts — and with just a fraction of the crowds. [READ MORE]( [Ryokan]( This Traditional Japanese Ryokan Offers A Luxurious Experience, No Tech Required These ancient inns previously catered to samurai and wealthy traders on the backroads of rural Japan. Today, Japanese visitors and tourists seek out the wooden historical refuges to disconnect, decompress, and experience omotonashi — wholehearted luxurious hospitality. [READ MORE]( [Tokyo Airbnb]( 10 of the Best Airbnbs in Tokyo, From a Zen Garden Art House To the Central City Here are some of the best Airbnbs in Tokyo that will put you close to the best izakayas, nightlife and entertainment districts. These units are perfect for experiencing the urban Tokyo lifestyle without breaking the bank, saving you that extra cash for eating as much ramen and yakitori as possible. [READ MORE]( [Epic Stays TikTok](  [Facebook](  [Twitter](  [Linkedin](  [Youtube](  [Instagram](  [Tiktok](  [Pinterest]( [Update your email frequency and topic preferences here](. Or [unsubscribe from our newsletter.]( We'll be here when you need us! Copyright © 2023 Matador Network, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Matador Network, PO Box 7775, Suite 40021, San Francisco, CA 94120, United States Â