Visit Japan from the UK

17/04/2025

Mount Ibuki is the tallest mountain in Shiga Prefecture, boasting a height of 1,377 metres. Located on the border with Gifu Prefecture, it is loved by the people of both regions as one of the 100 famous mountains of Japan. The peak has been known as a treasure-trove of medicinal and alpine plants since ancient times, with certain nationally protected endemic species also growing on its slopes.

The legendary prince Yamato Takeru, who appears in both the ancient texts of the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki, is also said to have climbed Mount Ibuki. When the mountain and numerous important shrines in the region - Ise Jingu, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Izanagi Jingu, and Motoise Geku Toyo’uke Omikami are connected by straight lines, they create a beautiful five-pointed star on the map.

This star is considered to be a Japanese ley line, forming a barrier to protect the ancient capital of Heijo-kyo, and Mount Ibuki is therefore known as a highly spiritual place. You are sure to feel this incredible power as you walk its slopes.

14/04/2025

🔴🔵Let's Goooo EXPO 2025!!!!🔵🔴

✨Yesterday, 13 April, marked the start✨

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan has finally begun. 🎉

Fantastic excitements. ✨ Wonders beyond your imagination. ✨

Unforgettable moments await here. 👀

From signature pavilions and country pavilions, packed event schedules and the grand ring encircling the Expo site, there will be no shortage of things to do and experience.

We couldn't be happier to welcome you at the Expo site. 💕

#大阪関西万博 #ミャクミャク #日本 #関西 #大阪 #いのち輝く未来社会のデザイン #きたぞ万博

11/04/2025

Coastal retreats. 🤩

Nestled on the northern coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture, west of Nagato City, is Motonosumi Shrine. Composed of a multitude of red torii gates, the shrine resembles a similar spot in Kyoto Prefecture! 🗾

More than 100 torii gates line a path to and from the coast, with the offering box placed near the top of one of the large gates. Make sure to try to throw a coin in, if you make it, your wish might come true! ⛩️

Have you been to Yamaguchi Prefecture before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

07/04/2025

Weeping beauty. 🌸

There are a wide variety of different cherry tree blossoms that you will find around Japan during cherry blossom season. From different flower shape and petal count to differing colours, cherry blossom season is truly a beautiful time in Japan! 🗾

One specific type of cherry blossom tree is the Shidarezakura, or weeping cherry tree. With branches that flow down towards the ground from the stem, Shidarezakura are stunning versions that offer a unique view of the famous sakura. Koma Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, has a Shidarezakura of its own, perched right next to the Koma clan residence, a national Important Cultural Property. 🤩

Have you seen a Shidarezakura before? 🌸😊

📷: .is.lexy (Instagram)

04/04/2025

Enjoying the Shiogama Cherry Blossoms at the Shrine “Shiogama-sama” Oshu Ichinomiya (Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture) 🌸

The grounds of Shiwahiko and Shiogama shrines, which stand side by side in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, have been revered by the locals for over 1,200 years. Here, you'll find around 40 varieties of cherry blossoms, creating a stunning sight for visitors. ✨

Of these, the Shiogamazakura cherry blossoms around Shiogama Shrine are especially noteworthy. This beautiful double-flowered cherry tree features blossoms with 40 to 60 petals and a pistil in the center of each flower that grows into a small leaf. 🌸 Registered as a National Natural Monument, 27 of these trees grace the shrine grounds. They typically bloom around the end of April, with a flower festival held at the shrine on April 27. ⛩

Additionally, the shrine grounds offer plenty to explore, including buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties and a museum displaying swords, armor, books, and other valuable materials, so be sure to take your time looking around if you visit. ♪

03/04/2025

Oh wow! 🤩

You’ll be saying that a lot if you take a ride on the Tadami Line in Fukushima Prefecture. The small village of Oshi, set on the Tadami River, is one spot that you’ll pass on your journey through Fukushima and the Aizu area. There are various bridges where the train crosses the Tadami River, making for stunning scenes and backdrops - such as the snow in winter and changing leaves during the autumn. ❄️🍁

There is no shortage of historic temples in the area as well, such as Enzoji, which dates to the early 9th century. Make sure to stay and enjoy Yanaizu Onsen as well, stay at a traditional ryokan inn and take in all that the Aizu area has to offer. ✨

Have you been to the Aizu area before? Let us know in the comments below! 😊

📷: (Instagram)

31/03/2025

History in spring. 🌸

Toji Temple, found in Kyoto not too far from Kyoto Station, is a temple that is steeped in history and beauty. Dating back to the end of the 8th century, it has a variety of buildings and relics that exemplify the depth of history in Kyoto. Its 5 storey pagoda is the tallest wooden building in all of Japan, and the stunning cherry blossoms in spring are a sight to see. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto list. 📜

A large market known as Kobo-Ichi (named after the monk Kobo Daishi) is also held on the 21st of every month, perfect to pick up some great antiques or souvenirs. ✨

Have you been to Toji Temple before? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

28/03/2025

Fantastical festivals. 🎆

Japan holds festivals around the year and around the country. From the Yukimatsuri snow festival in Hokkaido to the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki, they are exciting and unique events, and wonderful to experience. 🤩

If you are around Japan in the summertime, you may have the chance to experience Tanabata, or the star festival, one feature of which is countless paper streamers with wishes on them tied to bamboo. Kifune Shrine in Kyoto is especially beautiful during this time, as it is illuminated, creating an otherworldly feel. 🎋

Tell us about your favourite festival in the comments below! 😊

📷: .m.lotus (Instagram)

26/03/2025

🌸 A sea of pink beneath Japan’s iconic mountain. 🗻

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival transforms the foothills of Japan’s iconic peak into a breathtaking landscape of over 500,000 pink moss phlox flowers, also known as shibazakura. The contrast of vivid pink against Mt. Fuji’s still-snowcapped slopes makes this one of the most photogenic spots in the country. 📸

Located at Fuji Motosuko Resort, this seasonal spectacle runs from mid-April to May, with the 2025 version slated to run from 12 April to 25 May. Beyond the view, visitors can enjoy local delicacies and even foot baths! 🍵

🌸 Have you been to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival before? Let us know in the comments! 👇✨

📷: (Instagram)

25/03/2025

Star studded nights. 🌟

Have you ever seen a star fort? Goryokaku, in Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido, was built in the 1860s, taking influence from the style of various European fortified cities. Opened as a public park in 1914, the fort has plenty of history and beauty within it. With plenty of cherry blossoms in the park to enjoy in spring, changing leaves in the autumn, summer greens, and blankets of snow, Goryokaku, and the city of Hakodate is a great place to experience what Hokkaido has to offer. 🗾

What’s your favourite spot in Hakodate? 😊

📷: (Instagram)

24/03/2025

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese art at Kyoto’s most iconic museum! 🏛✨

This spring, the Kyoto National Museum presents the groundbreaking special exhibition “Japan, an Artistic Melting Pot,” organized in conjunction with Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Featuring 200 stunning works—including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more—this must-see show explores how Japanese art has been shaped by dynamic interactions with diverse cultures. 🎨🖌️

Don’t miss this extraordinary journey through centuries of creativity. 🌟

More details here:

🌈 Special Exhibition Commemorating Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: Japan, an Artistic Melting Pot
📅 April 19–June 15, 2025
🔗 https://rutsubo2025.jp/english.html

出会いは、海を越える。日本美術の名品が一挙集結／2025年4月19日（土）― 6月15日（日）／京都国立博物館 平成知新館【東山七条】

20/03/2025

A celebration of flowers in Japanese art! 🌸

From delicate paintings to intricate decorative arts, “Flowers: Floral Masterpieces” at the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan, brings together 45 stunning works spanning centuries. This special exhibition is a tribute to the timeless charm of floral artistry. 🌼🎨

To make your visit even more memorable, free gallery talks in English, Chinese (Mandarin), and Korean will be held, giving you deeper insights into these timeless floral treasures.

Don’t miss this chance to visit before the museum temporarily closes—blooming beauty awaits! ✨

Learn more:
https://pr-shozokan.nich.go.jp/2025flowers/index_en.html

🖌️First image: National Flowers of Japan (right screen) Ikegami Shuho, Taisho era, 1924.

🖌️Second image: Colorful Realm of Living Beings (National Treasure) Ito Jakuchu, Edo period (18th century) "Peach Blossoms and Small Birds"

🖌️Third image: Colorful Realm of Living Beings (National Treasure) Ito Jakuchu, Edo period (18th century) "Roses and a Small Bird"

13/03/2025

What is the Golden Route to West Japan? 🧐

“The Golden Route to West Japan” offers visitors a chance to encounter an “authentic Japan”, where they can experience traditional culture, history, food, art, and other aspects of Japan‘s origins. 🤩

Stretching from Kobe to Kyushu, this route features majestic mountains, seaside views, picturesque islands, and thrilling outdoor adventures. 🗾

Furthermore, this route is marked by ancient castles, serene temples and shrines, fascinating museums, and rejuvenating onsen experiences. ♨️

Look forward to special experiences that you can't have in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

https://japan-west-goldenroute.com/

11/03/2025

It's almost springtime in Japan! 🌸

With spring comes the beautiful cherry blossom season - blooms will line the streets and fill temples and shrines, creating amazing scenes. Kyoto will especially be a wonderful spot full of blooming trees, however before you go, make sure to brush up on some of the rules and manners of the city. Being aware of proper etiquette will make your Kyoto trip even more enjoyable. 🗾

Let's mind our manners when visiting Kyoto! 😊

10/03/2025

Feel the pulse of beauty and artistry in Japan's craftsmanship. ✨

On this tour of Fukui Prefecture’s Echizen region, start with Echizen lacquerware craftsmanship, where you can apply lacquer by hand, followed by traditional local hospitality cuisine🍱

Wrap up your journey with an Echizen washi calligraphy session in a charming old house, taking home your hand-drawn masterpiece.🖌️

Discover Japan’s rich culture through hands-on experiences.🌟

Click here for more information:
https://craftinvitation.jp/en/workshop/cit1005/

07/03/2025

Why settle for ordinary when you can wear something extraordinary?👓🌟

In Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture—renowned as Japan’s hub for premium eyeglass craftsmanship—you’ll discover the art of creating frames like no other.

Join this exclusive workshop and collaborate with master craftsmen to design glasses that reflect your personal style. The result? A one-of-a-kind frame that turns heads and tells a story.❤️

Elevate your daily life with a creation that’s uniquely yours.✨

Click here for more information:
https://craftinvitation.jp/en/workshop/sunoputical_orderframe/

05/03/2025

Discover the elegance of silk weaving✨

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of shike silk, renowned as the “natural reflector” for its soft, radiant glow. Visit a traditional silk workshop in Toyama Prefecture and experience the artistry of weaving firsthand. 🧵

After the workshop, indulge in a unique treat—cookies made with silkworms, prized in traditional medicine—and enjoy them with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. ☕🍪

Let the calming atmosphere and timeless craft of silk weaving soothe your mind and refresh your spirit. 🌸

Click here for more information:
https://www.rakudoan.jp/en/experience/905/

03/03/2025

Spring flowers.🌸

Jonangu, found in Kyoto in the south of the city, is a shrine that dates all the way back to the 8th century. Said to have been built in 794, in the Heian Period, and its large gardens are a beautiful sight to see when all the flowers are in bloom. 🌺

There are five gardens that are on Jonangu’s grounds, collectively known as Rakusuien. Some of the flowers and trees that you’re able to see in the gardens are weeping plum, maple, wisteria, azalea, and more. Two of the gardens are also in the karesansui style, also known as a dry landscape garden. 🏞️

Have you been to Jonangu before? 😊

📝Go on, save this post for later!

📷: (Instagram)