If you’ve always wanted to visit Japan but have never got round to it yet – or if you want to come back for another look see – here are our top 10 tips of places or events to include on your Japan itinerary. The events are held at specific times of year and we’ve included a heads up on the approximate timings but, as the exact dates change from year to year, check before booking to make sure you don’t miss out.

Tokyo

The capital city of Japan and a major global economic power in itself, Tokyo has a buzz that sets it apart from other destinations. For the techno whizz there are gadgets galore in Akihabara, while for the culturephile there are tea ceremonies, local festivals and Japanese Gardens dotted all round. Don’t just pass through Tokyo and assume it’s just another big city. Stop and take a proper look around – you’ll be glad you did.

Fuji Rock Festival

For the music lovers out there, if you’re in Japan towards the end of August, head out to Niigata for the Fuji Rock Festival. Bring your suntan lotion as it gets hot in the hills at this time of year. You can chill out walking in the countryside as you move between the different stages or take a dip in the river that runs through the middle of the area during the heat of midday.

Kyoto

The old capital and traditional heart of the country, Kyoto oozes history and charm with that extra special dash of Japanese elegance. Must sees are Kinkakuji – the Golden Temple, Kyo Mizu Dera – a temple that sits on the hillside on huge wooden stilts, and Nijojo – Nijo Castle complete with nightingale floorboards made in the days of the Shogun. If you get lucky you’ll catch sight of an apprentice geisha making her way round the city and the backstreets are a great place for some truly original souvenirs.

Tokyo Motor Show

Tokyo Motor Show usually takes place at the end of October. The actual site of the show is not in Tokyo but in the next prefecture along, Chiba. This is an enormous event and if you love bikes, cars, trucks or anything else with wheels that is powered by an engine, you’re likely to find it here. The Toyota stand is famous for the high tech shows it always puts on and the ‘green’ developments it showcases every year. There is a certain glitz and glamor to the Tokyo Motor Show that definitely sets it, and the girls who strut their stuff next to the hard goods, apart from similar events I’ve seen.

Hakone

A couple of hours away from Tokyo is Hakone. Here you can take in glorious views of Mount Fuji (best viewed in winter when the air is clear), go walking in the hills, or take a pirate boat trip across the lake. While you’re here, take the cable car and jump off at a station named Owakudani. As you get off you’ll notice lots of steaming vents around you thanks to the volcanic nature of the area. The local speciality are eggs that are boiled in the volcanic water pools that you can see all around. Just don’t breathe in too hard as the smell gets a little overpowering after a while! The eggs do taste good though – I’ll personally vouch for that.

Sapporo Ice Festival

This festival takes place around the 8th – 11th of February every year. Check out the ice statues that line the main street and try a cup of hot sake to warm your insides. Hokkaido also gets excellent snowfall during the winter months and has made a name for itself for the quality of it’s powder snow for skiers and snowboarders.

Okinawa

A tropical paradise set way down in the south of Japan, Okinawa was, for a long time, considered to be separate from Japan. A visit to this area should include your bathing gear, your sunnies and if you drive, it’s worth renting a car. Unlike the mainland of Japan, this area is not so easy to access via public transport so to find those out of the way places, a car is best. There are also some great dive sites and if you want a complete get away from it all, try some of the smaller islands close by.

Hanabi Fireworks Festival

July and August see fireworks come in with a bang across the whole of Japan. These festivals are not like the regular fireworks I used to play with when I was a kid. These are huge, pyrotechnic affairs that usually last for a couple of hours. On average you can expect to see around 1,500 fireworks in a show, but the larger events can set off up to 20,000. Just be ready to go early and covet a seating area as many people love these displays. Also take a second to admire the beautiful yukatas that people will be wearing because it’s summer.

Hiroshima

A 4 hour bullet train ride from Tokyo takes you to Hiroshima and the memorial site of the atomic bombing that took place in WWII. This may seem like a strange vacation recommendation but the museum is a real thought provoker. If you are a fan of history, this should be on your to do list. Hiroshima city itself, is a clean and very organized area which also gives you access to Miyajima, a well documented shrine destination.

Asakusa Brazilian Samba Festival

If you’re in Tokyo in August, check out the Asakusa Brazilian Samba Festival for some summer fun. Take to the streets and join in the dancing or watch from the sidelines enjoying a drink with your friends. The choice is yours.