Spilling inland from the coast southwest of Tokyo, Hakone serves up unreal scenery on all sides. The vermilion torii gate of the Hakone-jinja shrine seems to levitate out of Ashi-no-ko, a scenic lake born of a volcano. In the volcanic Ōwakudani valley, sulfurous steam gushes into the air as you float over its primordial scenery in a cable car.
History is written large on the landscape, too. Feel time bend as you walk in the footsteps of ancient samurai warriors who wore down the ancient pebble pathways of the Tōkaidō road, then sink into an outdoor onsen (Japanese bath) in Hakone-Yumoto, taking part in centuries-old ceremonies harking back to the heyday of dynastic Japan.
Life in the Hakone region has long been immortalized in ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), and you’ll still see art everywhere here today, in museums full of Japanese and international art treasures, dotted around the forests of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
For visitors on a short trip, Hakone is conveniently close to Tokyo, with connections by train taking as little as 1½ hours. Most people prioritize trips to the volcanic vents of Ōwakudani and the red Hakone-jinja gateway on the shores of Ashi-no-ko. If this describes your travel plans, base your trip around the Hakone Ropeway, which runs from the summit of Sōun-zan to Tōgendai, via Ōwakudani.
Whatever draws you to this intriguing corner of Japan, here are the best things to do in Hakone.
Relaxing in an open-air onsen pool is the classic Hakone-Yumoto experience. Thom Morris/Getty Images Thom Morris/Getty Images
1. Unwind in the hot springs of Hakone-Yumoto
The Hakone region is home to scattered villages and small towns such as Hakone-Yumoto, an onsen resort that dates back to the 8th century. Bathing at a spa complex such as Tenzan Tōji-kyō is imbued with prestige, and a soak in the rotemburo (outdoor onsen) will remind you that you are participating in a tradition as old as the ancient trees around you.
Similarly luxurious Hakone Yuryo provides a memorable rotemburo experience deeper in the forest, with the option of a meal package so you never have to leave this idyllic setting. However, at these more traditional spas, bathing is single sex and nude, and there are restrictions on bathers with tattoos.
If you’re traveling with children, family-friendly Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun has mixed bathing, so you’ll need a bathing suit. It resembles a water theme park more than a traditional onsen, with water slides, artificial waterfalls and a themed pool where red “wine” pours from a giant wine bottle! Come for laughter, not tranquillity.
Planning tip: Shuttle buses run to major spas from Hakone-Yumoto Station, on the Hakone Tozan Railway line, linking Odawara to Gōra.
2. Appreciate Japanese art, starting at the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Hakone is a place where nature is a key part of the artist’s canvas. At Hakone Open-Air Museum near Gōra, you can wander across a verdant hillside dotted with towering sculptures and installations by Henry Moore, Rodin, Miró and other big names.
If it’s raining, head inside the Picasso Pavilion, home to over 300 works by the legendary Spanish artist. Be sure to ascend Gabriel Loire’s Symphonic Sculpture, a spiral staircase encased in vibrant stained glass that offers breathtaking views of the park and the surrounding mountains.
Next, take a short walk to the Okada Museum of Art, displaying Japanese, Chinese and Korean art collected by industrialist Okada Kazuo. Nearby, in the village of Gōra, you can pop into the Hakone Museum of Art and take part in a matcha tea ceremony, or browse the photos in the Hakone Museum of Photography.
Take a bus to reach the Pola Museum of Art, an architectural marvel of soft turquoise glass that displays works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Renoir and Matisse alongside Japanese artists; it’s a few kilometers northeast of Gōra.
Your last stop should be either the Narukawa Art Museum at the southeast end of Ashi-no-ko, or the Enoura Observatory, a fantastical complex on the coast overlooking Sagami Bay combining seascape vistas, ancient stones, fossils and modern architecture that riffs on traditional Japanese themes.
On a clear day, Ashi-no-ko lake offers one of the definitive views of Mt Fuji. Florian Augustin/Shutterstock Florian Augustin / Shutterstock
3. Soak up volcanic views from the Hakone Ropeway
To get the best aerial views of the volcanic caldera lake of Ashi-no-ko, the fuming Ōwakudani valley and Mt Fuji (weather permitting), take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car from Gōra to the top of Sōun-zan mountain, then hop on the Hakone Ropeway for stunning vistas over Hakone’s surreal volcanic landscapes.
Connecting Sōun-zan Station with Tōgendai Station on the shores of Ashi-no-ko, the ropeway ride takes about 30 minutes. At Tōgendai, you can board a galleon-shaped sightseeing boat at Moto-Hakone pier to reach the lake’s best viewing points.
On your way to the lake, you’ll soar above Ōwakudani, Hakone’s “Great Boiling Valley” – created 3000 years ago when the Kami-yama volcano erupted and collapsed. The eruption also formed the lake of Ashi-no-ko, one of Hakone’s most iconic sights.
This stunning cobalt-blue crater lake offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from its shores, especially on still days, when the mountain is reflected perfectly in the calm waters. Winter mornings provide the clearest views.
For the perfect Hakone photo, capture the red torii gate of the Hakone-jinja shrine, which can be viewed from land, or from the water on a boat tour. You can reach the shrine on foot from Moto-Hakone, walking around the edge of the lake.
Planning tip: The volcanically heated waters of the Hakone area are used to boil kuro tamago – literally “black eggs.” The sulphur reacts with the eggshells, turning them black and giving them a distinctive flavor. Some say eating kuro tamago can extend your life by seven years. The black eggs are on sale at tourist stores if you wish to extend your expiration date.
4. Enjoy wagyu and traditional Japanese treats at Hakone’s best restaurants
If you’re looking for next-level Japanese-style hamburger steaks or premium wagyū beef cooked right in front of you, grab a bite at Kinosuke in Hakone-Yumoto. Another great option in this onsen town is 808 Monsmare, serving authentic wood-fired pizzas with mozzarella, fresh basil and excellent passata; their matcha gelato is a must-try.
For a lakeside meal near the Tōgendai Ropeway station, try Kotei for seafood curry (or spicy spinach and mushroom for vegetarians) on a terrace with lake views. At Amimoto Ooba, you can try crispy tempura wakasagi (whitebait-like fish), caught in Ashi-no-ko and served with matcha salt.
If you want something more traditional, try the mild katsu curry (pork cutlet with a spicy sauce) or omurice (omelet and fried rice) at the Tōgendai View Restaurant, with elevated views of the lake and its “pirate ship” sightseeing boats.
The Tōkaidō road was one of the ancient Five Routes of fuedal Japan. photoNN/Shutterstock photoNN / Shutterstock
5. Follow in the footsteps of shogun and samurai warriors on the Edo Road
To relive the glory days of Hakone, trace the footsteps of the shogun and samurai who journeyed along the Tōkaidō – one of the ancient Five Routes of Edo-period Japan. Its smooth cobbles have been polished by centuries of foot traffic (vehicles with wheels were forbidden by decree).
The best way to enjoy the serene forest scenery is on the 4km (2.5-mile) hike from Moto-Hakone to Hatajuku, a quaint village that preserves a hint of the feudal era. Take a bus to Hakone-jinja-iriguchi, one stop before Moto-Hakone, then walk up a short road to the wooden sign marking the trail entrance. From here, the hike is mostly downhill and easy to follow, with signs in English.
At the midway point, you’ll find a teahouse, Amazake-chaya, where you can take a break and sip amazake (sweet rice wine) or green tea. At the hike’s end point, it’s worth exploring the shops selling traditional woodwork, such as Hatajuku Yosegi Kaikan. To return to Hakone-Yumoto, hop on a bus from Hatajuku.
Planning tip: For another easy but rewarding walk in the area, take a stroll around Ashi-no-ko. The Western Bank Trek offers good views of Hakone-jinja, while the Eastern Bank Trek takes in stunning Mt Fuji views from Onshi Hakone Kōen.
6. Savor coffee or cocktails with a scenic view
Early starts are rewarded in Hakone. Start a morning in Gōra with a pick-me-up at Coffee Camp, where English-speaking baristas brew single-origin coffee and affogato in a hip, polished-concrete space.
After a day of forest and museum exploring, pause for afternoon tea, apple pie and French toast while you take in stunning Ashi-no-ko views from the terrace at Salon de thé Rosage, close to Hakone-jinja. Wrap up your evening at the Indigo Hotel’s Riverside Kitchen & Bar over whisky, gin and cocktails beside the Haya River.
Planning tip: It is considered rude in Japan to drink or eat while walking or on public transport, and this also applies to takeaway coffee. Do as locals do and settle in to enjoy your breakfast cup before you set off to explore.
Ride the Hakone Ropeway for epic views over the volcanic vents at Ōwakudani. Zen S Prarom/Shutterstock Zen S Prarom / Shutterstock
7. Make the most of the Hakone Free Pass
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to explore the Hakone region, the Hakone Free Pass is a fantastic choice. This popular travel pass gives you unlimited access to all the Odakyu-affiliated buses, trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways in the Hakone area, plus discounts on select tourist attractions over two or three consecutive days.
Pass-holders get round-trip travel on the Odakyu Line from Tokyo, as well as unlimited use of eight different modes of transportation, including the scenic, mountain-climbing Hakone Tozan Railway, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, and the Hakone Ropeway.
The pass also includes sightseeing cruises on Ashi-no-ko lake, plus free travel on the Kanko Shisetsu-Meguri Bus that connects popular spots to visit in the region.
Planning tip: If you’re planning sightseeing around the Hakone Pass, the package includes discounted entry to attractions such as the Hakone Yuryo and Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun onsens, Hakone Gōra Park and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
8. Stay in a Hakone spa hotel
Being an onsen town, Hakone-Yuomoto has plenty of lodging options that include an on-site spa. Fukuzumirō is a traditional ryokan inn from 1890, serving seasonal meals that you can enjoy in your room and shared stone and pine onsen baths.
If you prefer a gender-separated onsen experience, book a stay at Yoshiike Ryokan, a seven-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station, which offers spacious rooms with single-sex outdoor onsen baths amid lush Japanese gardens.
For an inexpensive, old-style Japanese experience, K’s House Hakone offers futon dorms, capsules, bunks and neat tatami-style doubles, plus both indoor and outdoor onsen pools. For a luxe stay, head to Hoshino Resorts Kai Hakone, a minimalist hotel offering partly outdoor infinity-style onsen pools, English-speaking staff and exceptional kaiseki (multi-course Japanese meals).
This article was adapted from Lonely Planet’sJapan guidebook, published in March 2024.
Memorial Day Weekend sneaks up on you, but it’s not too late to plan a fabulous last-minute trip. If you’ve waited until now to start thinking about travel plans, three of our editors have shared their top recommendations for the destinations across the US that they’re dreaming about this Memorial Day Weekend. Or you can save this list for the next long weekend – because it’ll sneak up on you, too.
Vibes: Somehow, Orange County feels both posh and laid-back. In Newport Beach, you could spend the morning luxury shopping, sunning yourself by the pool or going for a spa treatment, and in the afternoon, you could be cycling around Balboa Island or exploring the coastal Crystal Cove State Park. And it’s easy to get to – fly into SNA, and you’ll be within 20 minutes of wherever you’re staying.
Do: Go whale and dolphin-watching on a Zodiac boat. It’s a thrill of a ride, and you’re almost on the same level as the animals; it feels like you’re nearly swimming alongside them. If a slow cruise is more your vibe, hop on a Duffy boat tour of the harbor with prosecco and charcuterie (I call it an HGTV cruise because look at those mansions!). They’ll even drop you off at your dinner reservation.
Eat: For breakfast, have the breakfast burrito from Malibu Farm or the coconut-macadamia pancakes from Beachcomber Café. For everything else, seafood – like the creamy ravioli bianco with shrimp at JOEY and gumbo at the waterfront Bluewater Grill. For dessert, have frozen bananas on Balboa Island, either from Sugar ‘n Spice or Dad’s Donut Shop & Bakery.
Stay: Book a room at Pendry Newport Beach. The rooms are spacious, there’s a fabulous pool deck for tanning, and the restaurant and bar are places to see and be seen. And it’s not a far drive from the harbor and beach. Or, if you want to test your luck, try to snag one of the charming beachfront cottages at Crystal Cove State Park.
Vibes: Preppy, nautical, coastal chic. Cobblestone streets and charming historic homes. Lots of striped shirts, boat shoes, sun hats. Long beach walks and plenty of bike paths.
Do: Rent a bike (or better yet, stay at accommodation that offers them as an amenity) to explore the island. Visit Sconset to do the Bluff Walk (it can get crowded in high season, so go early if you want to beat the crowds). The footpath brings you in close contact with incredibly dreamy shingled beach houses, some of which have been there since the 1800s. Visit Cisco Brewery for craft beers, live music, outdoor games and food trucks. Shop for vintage dresses (and wine) at Current Vintage. Learn all about Nantucket’s history at the Whaling Museum.
Eat: Eat seafood whenever you can. Make your way to Lemon Press for smoothies and bowls. A fun lunch outing is Topper’s at the Wauwinet – there is a boat that you can take there from the downtown boat basin ($25 per person). It harvests its own oysters just outside and makes a darn fine lobster roll. Dinner options abound, but I love the food and interiors at Via Mare – order the Boulevardier cocktail with baccala (salt cod) and kale salad.
Stay: The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin dockside accommodations offer incredible views of the harbor, free bikes and kitchens so you can make your own meals and morning coffee. They feel truly home-like but with the bonus of incredible service.
Paddleboarders on Grand Traverse Bay. Pure Michigan Michigan Economic Development Corporation
3. Traverse City, Michigan
Sarah Stocking, Editor
Vibes: Stylish but not stuffy, relaxed yet action-packed, Traverse gives pretty-as-a-picture beach town vibes like Taylor Swift gives a love song: catchy, on-the-nose and inarguably delightful.
Do: Get on the water. Rent a kayak and spend the day taking in the phenomenal views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore. After you’ve spent the day poking into the boutiques on Main Street or kayaking through the crystal clear water, find a spot on the beach to watch the sunset. Bring a cocktail and linger long after the sun has put on its evening show because watching all those stars fill up the sky as you dig your toes in the sand is a special kind of peace.
Eat: Make a reservation at Modern Bird. This area of Michigan is surrounded by small, independent farms, and Modern Bird sources its ingredients locally. The ever-changing menu is as elegant as it is homey, the perfect pairing for a weekend in Traverse City.
Stay: Look for waterfront accommodations as much as you can. I like the Bay Shore Resort. The Victorian vibes feel on-brand for this area of the country, and there is nothing like waking up with the beach steps from your door.
Dining on the Crystal Coast. Crystal Coast Crystal Coast
4. Crystal Coast (Southern Outer Banks), North Carolina
Ann Douglas Lott
Vibes: The lesser-visited Outer Banks (but no less deserving of a trip) is home to over 85 miles of gorgeous coastline. The beaches are uncrowded, and opportunities for outdoor adventure are everywhere, as is a healthy dose of small-town charm.
Eat: Eating here is very “dock-to-dish,” meaning you’re supporting local fishers and farmers. In Beaufort, go to City Kitchen for the seafood and waterfront views. In Morehead City, go to Circa 81 for Spanish tapas, or sample locally sourced caviar (with fresh chives, dill, crème fresh, pringles – all the fixin’s!) at Prime Bistro and Wine Bar.
Stay: If you’re not the Airbnb type, the Beaufort Hotel overlooks Taylor Creek and feels very coastal North Carolina, with on-property bike and golf cart rentals and a pool. Or check out the Pecan Tree Inn, a Victorian-style B&B with locally sourced breakfast and afternoon snacks (like homemade maple butter pecan cookies).
Taos Pueblo. Shutterstock Shutterstock /
5. Taos, New Mexico
Sarah Stocking
Vibes: Bohemian artist colony meets deep history in a spectacular natural setting. It’s a magical spot, even in the Land of Enchantment.
Do: Visit the Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the US. Take a guided tour to learn about the art and architecture of the Pueblo people and how they maintain their way of life.
Eat: Housed in a 19th-century chapel, the Love Apple is romantic, candlelit and oh-so-stylish. It serves New Mexican cuisine inspired by local growers, and the menu changes seasonally.
Stay: If you’d like to stay in town, La Dona Luz Inn has nine joyfully decorated rooms that embrace the feel of Old Taos. If you’re looking for a luxury getaway, check out El Monte Sagrado. Relaxing in the serene rooms nestled among the gorgeous Sangre De Cristo mountains is the perfect way to spend a long weekend. Pair your stay with a spa treatment, and you’ll be forever refreshed.
Vibes: Whether you’re devoted to Dolly, theme parks or are looking for something to do near Smoky Mountain towns like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Dollywood fits the bill for a long weekend excursion. Thrilling, family-friendly and a real charmer – just like Dolly – it’s America’s most legendary theme park. The food rocks, the staff are friendly and helpful, it’s clean, and there’s plenty to do when you need a break from the park’s rides (which are pure magic).
Do: In the past two years, the park has opened two brand-new attractions to look out for: Big Bear Mountain, the park’s longest roller coaster to date, and the Dolly Parton Experience, an interactive museum that invites guests to follow along with Dolly’s life story. I’m also a big fan of Lightning Rod (for big drop lovers) and Mystery Mine. If you have an extra day or want to explore the region beyond the park, check out the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, a gigantic replica of the famed ship where passengers can follow the timeline of its sinking. Or drive to Gatlinburg for a moonshine or cider tasting amidst the mountain town’s kitschy goodness.
Eat: Theme park food’s bad rap is forgotten at Dollywood. One bite that’s especially worth waiting in line for is the famous pull-apart cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill (don’t worry, the line moves quickly). Also, a trip to the region is not complete without pancakes (or flapjacks), and while it’s hard to mess up a flapjack, I don’t think you’ll find fluffier ones than those from Crockett’s Breakfast Camp in Gatlinburg.
Stay: Make it easy for yourself and stay on the park’s property at one of the two gorgeous resorts, which provide trolleys to and from the park and its neighboring waterpark. If you plan to explore the area further over the course of the weekend, book a cozy cabin on Airbnb – wrap-around porches and hot tubs are the norm around here.
You don’t have to know that lavender is a part of the Lamiaceae family, from the Lavandula genus, or that it’s a close relative to mint, to appreciate the flowering perennial’s gorgeous, stately appearance and its incredibly fragrant aroma. Because lavender’s small, tube-shaped flowers attract bees and butterflies, you’ll see more than just the purple-blue plants when visiting a lavender farm.
Long, slender stems bloom all over the world. They grow up to 3ft tall and display purple, blue, white and sometimes even pink flowers. Fun fact: Lavender is often associated with a calm, soothing energy. There’s a reason so many people keep a little spray by their bedside: A 2022 study found that lavender essential oil improved sleep quality before insomnia occurred.
Many lavender farms sell lavender sprays, satchels and essential lavender oil, so stock up on the good stuff when you embark on your journey.
And if it sounds like a stretch to call it a journey, consider this: Lavender often blooms in big, open fields. This can mean miles and miles of lavender, its peaceful hues providing a certain kind of sweet and calming element that may be especially appealing to busy travelers always on the go. You’ve been told to stop and smell the roses, and you probably know all about cherry blossom season. Now, with this list, shower lavender with some love and attention, too.
Lordington Lavender near Chichester in West Sussex. James Mortimer/Shutterstock James Mortimore / Shutterstock
Lordington Lavender in Chichester, West Sussex
Visiting the countryside in the UK in the summer is downright blissful. At this lovely farm in West Sussex, watch the sunset over the lavender fields in all their full and mighty bloom, and enjoy live music and other events amid the blossoms.
When is the bloom: July is peak season for the bloom
Where to eat: In nearby East Ashling, a small hamlet close to the lavender fields, the Horse & Groom welcomes travelers looking for a hearty meal of pub fare like a scotch egg followed by a steak sandwich after a day or evening taking in the pretty lavender landscapes.
Where to stay: Next to the farm is Lordington Park, a boutique bed and breakfast providing charming cottage stays. Meet other visitors in the tearoom, where you’ll find stronger libations and snacks.
Make it happen: Take a 90-minute train ride from London’s Victoria station to Chichester, and catch a bus (number 54) that stops at Lordington. It’s 2 hours by car from London.
The Abbey of Senanque in Provence. StevanZZ/Shutterstock StevanZZ / Shutterstock
Abbaye de Sénanque in Provence
Provence is probably one of the best-known places on the planet to see blooming lavender, and it’s hard to beat the picturesque Abbaye de Sénanque, where monks have long cultivated the glorious plant. It’s one thing to observe acres of purple and blue flowers (and hard to find any criticism in this postcard-like setting), but it’s an altogether different experience to see the thriving flowering plants set against a historic stone monastery.
And for true lavender geeks, a short drive to Cabrières-d’Avignon leads to the Lavender Museum, where you can learn about the plant’s heritage and production, as well as its uses in cosmetics, essential oils and local crafts.
When is the bloom: Mid-June, with the fields at their peak in the first weeks of July and then harvested in August
Where to eat: Make a reservation at Restaurant I’Alambic, a traditional French restaurant with a terrace on the banks of the Sorgue River. Order the côte de boeuf, and perhaps a Kir Royale.
Where to stay: Cool off in the pool when you book a stay at Residence Provence Country Club, which also has tennis courts and easy access to walking trails. There’s an on-site restaurant, too, along with plenty of other options within walking distance.
Make it happen: Fly into Marseille-Provence airport, which has regular flights to and from London, Manchester and Edinburgh, or stop in Paris first before making your way to lavender country.
Selah Ridge Lavender Farm in Selah, WA
Located in the stunning Yakima Valley, one of the top places in the state of Washington to catch the lavender blooms, Selah Ridge Lavender Farm’s hillside location sets the stage for the purplish hues to shine. Its location – an agricultural mecca with excellent wines, craft breweries, and bright, flavorful seasonal produce – makes a trip to this destination all the more appealing.
At the farm, get lost meandering the lavender fields and maybe even pick up a piece of knowledge or two, like how lavender is processed and turned into soaps and aromatic oils. Time your visit right, and you might get to join a workshop on lavender crafting and distillation. Selah Ridge’s lavender festival takes place every July.
When is the bloom: Starting late June with full bloom occurring by mid-July
Where to eat:Crafted Yakima is all about the farm-to-table approach to cooking (daily menu changes are possible based on what’s available and in season). Vegetables, in particular, get the royal treatment: Parsnips, for example, might be dressed with mole, matcha seca, peanuts and pepitas, and sprinkled with queso fresco.
Where to stay: Bunk up at The Hotel Maison, a boutique hotel that originally opened in 1911 and is now part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. Close to shops and restaurants, the hotel also provides easy access to hiking and cycling trails, and, of course, the lavender is not far away.
Make it happen: If you don’t want to rent a car after arriving in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (the most popular option), take the SeaTac Airport to Yakima shuttle.
Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm in Pine, Arizona. Courtesy of Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm Courtesy of Pine Creek Lavender Farm
Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm in Pine, Arizona
If you thought Arizona was all just a big dry desert, lacking colorful landscaping, you ought to visit Pine in the Northern part of the state. Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm has been around since the early 1900s and was taken over in 2015 by Terry Gorton and Rick Vesci (their two dogs help oversee the farm now). The couple planted 5000 lavender plants as a way to ward off hungry elk, and it worked! Leisurely walking around the farm to admire the robust flowering plants is, of course, highly encouraged.
Because the two lavender varieties harvested on the farm – Royal Velvet and Provence – are used in cooking, visitors can cook with lavender in a restored farmhouse kitchen.
When is the bloom: Mid-June through September
Where to eat:The Early Bird Cafe is just what it sounds like: A breakfast spot that opens early. Expect comfort food favorites like buttery pancakes swimming in syrup and flaky biscuits covered in gravy.
Where to stay: For a boutique mountain getaway, The Strawberry Inn is just as delightful as its name. Choose from a room at the inn, or stay in an airstream or cabin for deeper immersion in nature – everyone is welcome to hang out in the community yard space.
Make it happen: If traveling from Phoenix, the drive is just more than 2 hours by car, and is a pretty drive, so take your time. The lavender will be there!
Lavender field in Sale San Giovanni, Langhe, Cuneo, Italy. Framarzo/Shutterstock Framarzo / Shutterstock
Fioritura della Lavanda in Turin, Italy
Often called the “Provence of Italy,” this region bursts into bold shades of purple in the summer. Many travel here to see the blooms, skipping France’s fields entirely. Itay’s Piedmont region, of which Turin is the capital, known for its big, bold red wines (looking at you, Barolo), and rich foods like agnolotti and polenta, is a worthy stop on the Italy trail. The sleepy hamlet of Sale San Giovanni, with its nearly 100 acres of rich lavender fields, is an excellent place to stop and smell the lavender. Sense the sweet, floral scent on relaxing walks amid the fields, and as for pictures: Simply dreamy.
When is the bloom: Between mid-June and mid-July
Where to eat: Find the traditional meat-filled agnolotti (similar to ravioli) pasta at Consorzio, a no-frills space dishing up traditional Piedmontese food.
Where to stay: For a luxurious stay near the fields of Sale San Giovanni, check out the luxurious Principi di Piemonte UNA Esperienze in Turin. Set in a historic building, its architecture is a sight to behold, but it’s got substance too: world-class spa with Tunisian-style Turkish bath and Finnish sauna, and fine dining restaurant The Ristorante Casa Savoia by “UNA cucina.”
Make it happen: Many travelers make their way to Piedmont from Milan via train or bus. Once in town, access the lavender fields by foot. The entire route through the crops spans a little over four miles; it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour walk with some incline.
Lavender Bee Farm in Sonoma County, California. Jessica Ruscello/Shutterstock Jessica Ruscello / Shutterstock
Lavender Bee Farm in Sonoma County
You’ll get to ooh and ahh at plenty of pretty, purple lavender (English, Provence, and Grosso) at this locally owned farm, but you’ll get to see (and taste) a lot more, too. This family honey farm has more than 5000 lavender plants and multiple bee hives that produce pure, raw lavender honey (the farm is chemical-free, by the way), and the owners are all too happy to dispense some of their knowledge on curious visitors.
When is the bloom: Mid-May to early August, with peak bloom in early to mid-June
Where to eat: You don’t need to go far for a great meal in town, thanks to the on-site oyster bar and restaurant The Shuckery. Seafood is sustainable and local, ranging from ceviche to fried oysters.
Where to stay:Hotel Petaluma is more than 100 years old and an ideal base for visits to the bee farm. A stay here, in downtown Petaluma, means great access not only to the flowers but to wineries, shops and art galleries.
Make it happen: There are direct flights into Santa Rosa (Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport) from many cities in the US. If you don’t mind a 90-minute drive, fly to San Francisco and drive from there, as there are more flight options.
The glorious variety of Thailand appeals to all types of travelers.
Flavor-loving gourmets will love the street food, produce-laden markets and deluxe restaurants all over the country. Those seeking enlightenment can find wisdom and inspiration at its thousands of temples and monasteries. Outdoors enthusiasts can set out on a hike, exploring virgin forests and lush mountains.
Whether it’s your first time to Thailand or your twentieth, there’s always something new do discover. Here are eight places you’ll want to add to your list.
Many travelers to Thailand don’t get beyond the Bangkok airport. Yet this underrated city is a fabulous place to stay for a couple of days (at least!) for a thrilling introduction to Thailand.
Planning tip: Despite its go-go reputation, Bangkok has rules that prevent bars and clubs from staying open all night – in fact, most close at the relatively early hour of 1am.
Only an hour or so from Bangkok, you’ll find Thailand’s most famous floating markets, including Damnoen Saduak (at its busiest in the early morning) and Amphawa (more popular with locals and with a more nightlife-y vibe).
On land, the Maeklong Railway Market is also a treat: six times each day, its many vendors pull up part of their stalls to allow a train to (slowly) pass. In the sprawing green space of Bang Kachao, you can rent a bicycle to pedal through the wilderness on concrete passageways, passing over canals hiding monitor lizards and reaching the island’s own floating market, Talat Nam Bang Nam Phueng. You can even take a day trip from Bangkok to the beach for sea breezes and fresh seafood: Pattaya is only two hours away.
The Lard Yai weekend market in Phuket’s Old Town. Nirad/Getty Images Getty Images
3. Phuket
Best for a blend of cultures
The biggest island in Thailand, Phuket brings together a mix of Hokkien Chinese and Malaysian elements to produce a culture entierly different from the rest of the country. Hokkien-style fried noodles, o-aew (a jelly made from plant seeds), o-tao (an oyster omelet topped with pork rinds) and moo hong (braised pork belly stew) are all delicious dishes that originated in Phuket – and they’re hard to find even elsewhere in Thailand.
Phuket’s architecture testifies to the era when it was under Portuguese rule, and Sino-Portuguese shophouses – with their distinctive colors, tiles and details – still line the streets of the Old Town. Add in top-tier beaches, and you can easily spend a week enjoying all Phuket has to offer.
Planning tip: September to October is Phuket’s rainy season – a time to avoid visiting the island.
Bicycling in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Pongmanat Tasiri/Shutterstock Pongmanat Tasiri / Shutterstock
4. Chiang Mai
Best for temples
Chiang Mai is a great base from which to explore the surrounding mountains, caves and waterfalls – and merits at least three days of your trip. The region surrounding this former imperial capital is packed with temples: Doi Suthep is famous for its stunning viewpoints, while Wat Suan Dok serves as the final resting place for Chiang Mai’s former royal family. The charmingly weatherbeaten Wat Chedi Luang, founded over 600 years ago, is right in the center of town; Wat Phra Singh, home of the Lion Buddha, has golden stupas that dazzle in the sunlight.
After you’ve visited these memorable temples, you can feast on Northern Thai cuisine, which draws influences from China and Myanmar; listen for the regional dialect (called kum mueang); and enjoy regional dance styles. Chiang Mai’s many outdoor markets, such as Talat Warorot and Talat Jing Jai, sell food, clothing and knickknacks that make perfect souvenirs.
A 2½-hour drive from Bangkok, Khao Yai has been a popular weekend retreat for nature-loving Thais for decades. As a result, the area around the national park – Thailand’s third-largest – has many amenities, including houses, hotels, restaurants, shops and even amusement parks. Not surprisingly, it’s an ideal place to bring the whole family.
The top attraction, of course, is the 2166-sq-km (836-sq-mile) national park itself, which is blessed with a wealth of hiking trails for all levels; cooling waterfalls; and an impressive range of wildlife, including monkeys, bears, elephants and elusive leopards. You can hire a park ranger to maximize your chances of an animal sighting, or for help in choosing the best viewpoints or waterfalls.
Planning tip: You should hire a guide ahead of time if you are going wildlife spotting – ideally an official ranger, via the park’s website.
The historic city of Ayutthaya served as Siam’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, before it was ransacked by the Burmese. The site of the old city has since been established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is ideal for exploring. Bike rentals on the edge of the historical park turn Ayutthaya into an even easier place to navigate, making for a pleasant morning of culture and exercise under a canopy of green leaves.
Sukhothai, Siam’s first capital, was built on a smaller scale and also allows bike rentals, making it an ideal hands-on history lesson for families with smaller children. Also a World Heritage Site, Sukhothai’s towers and Buddha statues are less visited than its younger sister down south, making it preferable for those who dislike large crowds.
Planning tip: Ayutthaya can be accessed by river boat, which takes up to an hour from Bangkok (which is less time than driving). Get to Sukhothai by plane, train, bus or car.
Young elephants at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock
7. The far north
Best for hiking
Known as the Golden Triangle, the apex of Thailand’s far north – where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet – has served as a destination for die-hard nature lovers for decades. Whether by motorcycle, mountain bike or your own two feet, exploring this area yields remarkable scenes of natural beauty. Once associated with the opium trade, the Golden Triangle is today where visitors come to cruise along the Mekong against a spectacular background, camp in moderate (for Thailand) weather or visit an elephant camp. (Or all three.)
Sleepy yet graceful Chiang Rai is only 9km (6 miles) south of the Golden Triangle, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. This city has its own attractions, too – notably the weird, wonderful and picture-perfect Wat Rong Khun (White Temple).
Planning tip: It’s a 1½-hour trip from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle. Aside from renting a car, you can hire a taxi or take a bus.
Sea kayaking off Ko Samui, Thailand. Sergii Figurnyi/Shutterstock Sergii Figurnyi / Shutterstock
8. Ko Samui
Best for water sports
Ko Samui is the fantasy of a tropical island, all hilly coves and white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. (TV writers love it, too.) Besides its many charming beaches, Samui also hosts Ang Thong National Park, an archipelago of islands perfect for snorkeling and sea kayaking; the Na Muang waterfalls, for casual swimming; snorkeler favorite Silver Beach; and countless spots for scuba diving. On-land attractions are also abundant, including fishing villages, golf courses and a surprising number of wellness retreats.
Planning tip: Samui has a surprisingly long “dry” season, from December to August, when chances of rain are minimal.
Neon lights and ancient temples. Tranquil gardens and hedonistic nightlife. World-class dining and incredible hospitality. Visiting Tokyo – a veritable cultural powerhouse – is an unforgettable experience.
I’ve lived here for 20 years and still can’t imagine being bored by the Japanese capital. Yet although the city often appears on lists of the safest and best destinations in the world, a trip here can present challenges.
How long to stay? What to wear? What about earthquakes? Will you encounter discrimination? Are there any tips to make travel easier?
To answer those questions and more, here are some of the essential things you should know before heading to Tokyo.
1. Prep your drugstore essentials
You can buy almost anything in Tokyo, but it often won’t be the same brand you have at home and the packaging is unlikely to be printed in English.
Rather than going on a wild goose chase here, it’s a lot easier to bring baby products, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and any other essentials from home.
Just double check that your meds are legal in Japan. Anything containing Adderall, for example, isn’t. There are also limits on the amount of medications you can bring. The US Embassy in Japan has a useful page detailing what medications are and aren’t permitted.
For getting around Tokyo on public transport download Japan Travel by Navitime. It has a travel route planning function, plus info on weather forecasts, renting cars and exchanging currency.
For peace of mind, Safety Tips is another handy, free app. It sends emergency alerts and has info on everything you need to know in the event of a quake, typhoon or tsunami, as well as how to find an English-speaking doctor. A translation app such as DeepL could also be handy.
3. Stay at least a week
You can have a great 48 hours, but scheduling a week means you can slow down for a more immersive experience and add side trips.
4. Fashion-wise almost anything goes, but check the forecast
At the risk of sounding boring, knowing what to wear in Tokyo is often more about being sensible than following fashion – pack for the weather.
The summer heat and humidity are especially draining, and you’ll see lots of locals in hats, shorts and T-shirts, though it’s very uncommon to see anyone showing much skin on their upper body.
In the pre-summer rainy season, an umbrella is better than a rain jacket, as the humidity can turn even Gore-Tex into a sauna suit.
In terms of fashion, outside of a work environment, anything goes in Tokyo – just look at the vibrant fashions of Harajuku or the cosplayers of Akihabara. That said, there are some exceptions you might encounter. If you are going to a high-end restaurant, dress smartly.
If you’re eating sushi, don’t wear any perfume or cologne as that can interfere with the subtle flavors and is considered bad manners.
If you are going for a tea ceremony, make sure you are wearing something loose enough for kneeling on the tatami, then slip off any rings or bracelets just beforehand to avoid damaging the teacups.
5. Understand the rules around drink and drug use
Let’s start with the good news. If you like beer in the park, drinking outside is legal – as long as you are at least 20 years old (the legal age for drinking and buying alcohol).
Just be aware of manners when doing it: Don’t make too much noise and always clean up after yourself.
Recreational drugs, however, are a different matter. Japan has a zero-tolerance policy on marijuana and other drugs. One exception is CBD (cannabidiol) products, which are trendy right now. However, they legally cannot contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in Japan, the component that gives marijuana its high.
6. Beware the sex trade and touts
For a country that is in many ways very conservative, it can be a surprise to see how public sex work is in Tokyo. It comes in many forms, from hostess and host clubs where clients go to drink and flirt (and spend a fortune) to bathhouse brothels called soaplands.
Pornography is censored to a degree (with genitalia blurred out), but soft porn is still on display at child height in many stores, and animated versions often cover distressing fantasies. Sex work also has strong ties to the yakuza, Japan’s organized crime groups.
Although you can safely walk past “adult” venues in red-light areas like Shinjuku’s Kabukicho (also home to lots of regular bars and restaurants), avoid going in any bar or club with touts outside offering female company or anything that seems too good to be true.
In addition to the exploitation of the people working in these places, you could easily end up with a spiked drink, cloned credit cards or an exorbitant bill.
With close to 2000 feelable tremors in Japan annually, the locals are used to quakes. Thankfully, around 90% of structures in Tokyo are earthquake resistant, including everything built after stricter laws were enacted in 1982.
You also might encounter a typhoon or two, if visiting between May and October. The south and west of Japan typically bear the worst of the typhoons as they initially hit land, with Tokyo often receiving the less powerful death throes.
Still, typhoons are disruptive. Expect public transport to be badly affected for a day and businesses and attractions to close. Do as locals do and wait it out inside. With any natural disaster, keep up to date by turning on public broadcaster NHK or checking the Safety Tips app.
8. Unfortunately discrimination isn’t unheard of
Japan tends to both accept and discriminate quietly. As a traveler, it’s unlikely you will be turned away from a bar or restaurant for being foreign unless it’s in a red-light area, but it can happen, especially if you are a gaijin (foreigner) from Southeast Asia or Africa.
There are no laws against same-sex relationships and, with Shinjuku-nichome, Tokyo has one of the largest and most vibrant LGBTIQ+ districts in Asia.
There’s also an annual Tokyo Pride festival. Japan is still lagging, however, in gender equality, ranking 118 out of 146 countries on the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report.
Trains and subways have women-only carriages in the morning rush hour – something that highlights how common sexual harassment and abuse toward women is.
It doesn’t border Afghanistan. It isn’t part of Russia (or in Russia’s “backyard”). And it definitely is not in Iraq (that’s Kurdistan).
These are all questions I’ve gotten numerous times from well-meaning but poorly informed friends, family members and strangers in the nearly 13 years I’ve been based in Kyrgyzstan. While the country and region are slowly gaining popularity among international travelers, there are still plenty of misconceptions about this alluring Central Asian place.
From planning a trip to arriving in the country and social mores to be aware of while you’re traveling around, these are the things I wish I’d known the first time I travelled to Kyrgyzstan.
Women sell traditional handicrafts at a festival in Kyrgyzstan. Svetlana-NLF/Shutterstock Svetlana-NLF / Shutterstock
1. Kyrgyzstan is not just a summer or adventure destination
Popular perception holds that tourism in Kyrgyzstan is all about horse trekking and hiking through big mountains. And while these activities do indeed draw most visitors, they are certainly not the only things to do here. Adventure travelers can expect plenty of hiking in spring and fall, with pastures full of wildflowers in the former and changing autumnal leaves in the latter. Winter opens up the opportunity for skiing, cross-country, ice skating and snowshoe tours.
Yet tourism in Kyrgyzstan is also not the sole domain of adventure tourists; the country has fantastic opportunities for culture, too. You can explore the creation of felt handicrafts and shyrdak carpets through studio visits and hands-on classes; enjoy displays of traditional salbuurun hunting with trained eagles and hounds; and set out on culinary tours and cooking classes. Even a simple yurtstay will offer insights into Kyrgyzstan’s culture, appealing to those who aren’t adrenaline junkies or hardcore hikers.
2. You may not need a visa…
Citizens of 60 countries can travel to Kyrgyzstan without visas for periods of 30 days or more. This includes those with passports from European and North American countries, who are allowed to stay for up to 60 days within a 120-day period. Those who do need visas can typically get them on the government’s straightforward e-visa website.
3. …though you might need a border permit
Regardless of nationality (including Kyrgyz citizens), travelers require a “border permit” document to travel near the borders with Tajikistan and China, plus a small stretch of the border with Kazakhstan. While it is possible to arrange this independently, it can take several weeks and involve several bureaucratic steps – which means visitors would do better to contact a tour operator in advance and pay US$30–50 to have the permit arranged on their behalf.
Another nuance: the border permit is only required for visitors who stay in a border region; it’s not required for visitors who simply enter or leave Kyrgyzstan via an overland border checkpoint.
Trekkers in Ala-Archa Nature Park, Kyrgyzstan. Baisa/Shutterstock Baisa / Shutterstock
4. You should expect snow in any season
Since many tourists do come for the high mountains and big hikes, this type of traveler should pack for every condition. Son-Köl lake is a famous place that can experience the weather conditions of all four seasons in a single day, and anywhere in the Tien Shan can see sub-zero temperatures and unexpected snowstorms, even in the middle of summer.
5. Know your ground-transfer options before touching down at Manas International Airport
Walking out of the baggage claim at Manas Airport in Bishkek, you can expect a loud scrum of taxi drivers all clamoring for your business. (Some tourists have even reported having their bags taken from their hands, forcing them to follow.) If you plan to take a taxi, avoid this hassle, as well as the complicated queue of Yandex drivers, by looking for the taxi desk just before baggage claim. With fares to various points within the city hovering just above 1000som (US$11.50), it’s a touch more expensive than the alternatives – but avoiding the hassle is well worth it.
Alternatively, there are two options for public transport into the city center. Minibus 380 runs every half hour from around 7am to 9pm to the central intersection of Chuy and Moladaya Gvardia for 50som (US$0.57); the driver will often charge the same price for your luggage. The GoBus shuttle (hourly; 200som / US$2.30) costs more but travels farther in the city along Chuy and Sovietskaya/Abdrakmanov, terminating at the Tommi Mall shopping center in the south.
6. Pick up a SIM card for some of the cheapest mobile data in the world
Stay connected across the country by picking up a local SIM card, either at the airport or in any town or city. Kyrgyzstan’s mobile data is among the cheapest in the world, with 1GB costing as low as $0.05. Major local carriers offer free SIM cards to arriving passengers at Bishkek airport: Beeline is reliable in cities but often drops network in rural areas, while O! and MegaCom have stronger coverage in rural regions. If you’ll be staying in a specific area for a length of time, ask local contacts there which is the best choice.
A woman uses her mobile phone in a park in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Dina Lukoianova/Shutterstock Dina Lukoianova / Shutterstock
7. If you stay more 30 days, you’ll have to register your IMEI
If you’ll be using your mobile phone in Kyrgyzstan for more than 30 days, it will stop working unless you register the IMEI (your device’s unique identifier) with a government database. The process is inexpensive (around 550som / US$6.30) but cumbersome via the IMEI.kg website – and does raise privacy concerns that many visitors will find off-putting.
8. Count on Yandex to get around major cities
One of the benefits of a working SIM card is the ability to use Yandex Go, the Russian rideshare app present in post-Soviet countries. Many international credit cards will have authorization problems within the app, but it’s also possible to pay by cash – just don’t expect drivers these days to be carrying around change.
9. For cash, the dollar is king
While credit card payments and ATMs are common in cities, in towns and rural areas cash is king. If you’re changing currency, it is possible to change euros and pounds, with a markup – but in most places you’ll get closer to official exchange rates with US dollars than any other currency. Regardless of what you’re carrying, bring fresh, clean notes without tears or folds. If you’re carrying $100 bills, make sure they’re the new ones, in circulation since 2013.
10. When queueing, learn to ask, “Who’s last?”
Whether you’re heading to passport control or fighting to get into the stadium for a match of kok boru (a regional horse sport where teams face off for control of a goat carcass), orderly queuing is not a universal practice in Kyrgyzstan. Should you find yourself in a place with lots of folks milling about but no line (a government office, say), ask loudly: “Kto posledniy?” Whoever answers you is last in the “queue.” Be sure to listen for and stay ready to respond to the next person who poses the question.
11. Be prepared to shake a lot of hands
Central Asian men shake hands. A lot. When entering or leaving a room or gathering, expect to shake hands with every other male guest – even if you’ve barely interacted with them, or haven’t at all. Central Asian women don’t typically shake hands, save for in some (but not all) business environments. To be safe, men should allow local women to offer a hand – or not. Foreign women fall somewhere in between: a handshake is not expected but usually accepted – with the exception of greeting religious men, who may refuse to shake hands with an unfamiliar woman.
A spread of food traditionally awaits guests in Kyrgyzstan. Collab Media/Getty Images Collab Media/Getty Images
12. Go easy on the tablecloth spread
By tradition and as a sign of hospitality, a Kyrgyz tablecloth (dastorkon) should be piled with food. Even if you’ve just popped into a guesthouse or yurtstay there will almost always be a table full of sweets, fruit, nuts and other fare. Feel free to help yourself – but within reason. Local hosts have occasionally reported over the years that some tourists feel entitled to take everything on the table, sometimes even dumping it in their bags to take for their onward travels.
13. Bread is sacred
Bread will be served, or at least offered, at nearly every meal you eat in a public space in Kyrgyzstan. Feel free to eat or skip it – but always treat bread with respect. Never place it upside down on the table, always tear it with two hands (never breaking it with just one) and never, ever throw bread away. Just leave it be, and it will be collected for dogs or livestock.
Horse milk is a wildly popular drink throughout Kyrgyzstan. MehmetO/Shutterstock MehmetO / Shutterstock
14.Expect to encounter horsemeat and horse milk
The horse is central to Kyrgyz culture – a principle that extends to cuisine as well. Beshbarmak (noodles with broth) is often made with horsemeat (particularly at weddings or funerals) – and in recent years it’s become possible to find steak, shashlyk and other dishes prepared using horsemeat, too. Also wildly popular is kymyz, horse milk fermented in sheepskin sacks – most delicious when savored in a mountain yurt camp just a few steps from the source. (While connoisseurs claim to be able tell the origin of the milk from the terroir of the grass on which the horse grazed, we remain skeptical.)
Locals sometimes spend five days or more at special health retreats during which guests drink fresh horse milk at regular intervals throughout the day to cleanse the body and boost the immune system. The uninitiated, however, would be best advised to steer clear – unless they possess an iron stomach, or at least easy access to a private bathroom.
15. Kyrgyzstan is safe for visitors…
The vast majority of international visitors experience no problems with their personal safety in Kyrgyzstan; even the once widely discussed false-police scams targeting foreigners at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar have long been curtailed. Nonetheless, visitors of South Asian backgrounds would do well to read up on the ethnic riots of May 2024, and to keep alert when moving around the capital, especially at night.
16. …but road and trail safety can be an issue
The greatest risks most visitors to Kyrgyzstan face come when they’re on the move, whether that’s hiking or horseback riding or driving on the highways. Outdoor activities pose physical risks wherever in the world you do them – though in remote Kyrgyzstan you’re often a very long way from the nearest hospital.
But the greatest risk to most visitors is merely riding on the roads. Active enforcement and radar cameras have improved road safety considerably in the last decade, but you can still anticipate a lackadaisical attitude among drivers on Kyrgyzstan’s highways. Blind passing on short straights and even corners is still fairly common, and there’s always a real chance of livestock walking slowly across the highway just around the next curve.
Camping in Kyrgyzstan. Anton Petrus/Getty Images Anton Petrus/Getty Images
17. You can camp just about anywhere – but it’s polite to ask first
Wild camping is common for visitors more or less anywhere in the country – many cyclists even camp right on the edge of villages. If you see buildings nearby or someone who’s obviously working the land, it’s both logical and respectful to go shake hands and formally request to pitch your tent. Otherwise, you’re almost always in the clear.
Japan sparks all the senses, from its temple bells, capsule hotels and breezy cat islands to outdoor sculptures, pine-forest hot springs and umami flavors in world-class dining. The downside of having so many incredible attractions in one country is feeling overwhelmed by the options – where to even begin? Don’t worry – we’re here to help with a round-up of the best things to do in Japan, both celebrated and under the radar.
1. Devour authentic Japanese food alongside locals
Wafting aromas of charcoal yakitori chicken skewers with sweet teriyaki sauce. The sizzle of okonomiyaki seafood and cabbage “pancakes” on the hotplate. Everywhere you turn, restaurants and tiny diners whip up magnificent Japanese dishes. Osaka and Fukuoka’s yatai (moveable stalls) make for a street-food paradise, and trying different flavors every day is one of the most exciting Japanese experiences.
For casual eating for couples and groups, a cavernous izakaya is a great choice – part bar, part restaurant, and dependable for a good-value meal of nabemono (hotpot dishes), Kobe and wagyū beef, sashimi and grilled fish. Alternatively, pick out sushi from a kaiten-zushi conveyor-belt restaurant such as Numazukō in Tokyo.
Modern Japanese snacks that are faves with children include cartoonishly fluffy hotcakes, omurice (rice-filled omelet and ketchup) and pyramids of strawberry-and-cream sando (sandwiches).
Plenty of small restaurants specialize in just one dish, such as kara-age (fried chicken), udon (thick wheat noodles), soba (thin buckwheat noodles) or katsu-kare (crumbed pork-cutlet in mild curry). Even small yakitori (barbecued chicken skewers) bars can wow you with their simple smoky flavors that pair perfectly with a glass of sake.
Local tip: A teishoku (set menu) lets you try a bit of everything (rice and miso soup included) and is a popular choice for lunch or a casual dinner.
Japan loves a festival. There are plenty of matsuri (festivals) to celebrate snow, summer, music or any subject you can dream up. They are an entertaining way to watch dancers and drummers in the traditional dress of each region, enjoy some street food and be dazzled by lanterns and fireworks. Things stay mostly orderly and child-friendly.
Cherry blossom viewing is nature’s festival and attracts a global crowd – the pink and white blooms signal the end of March and winter. The top spots to see loads of flowers are Mt Yoshino, the Fuji Five Lakes region, castles like Hirosaki-jō, and all across Kyoto.
Other big festivals worth planning for include Kyoto’s summer bash, Gion Matsuri, in July, when you can catch giant floats and locals dressed in elegant yukata (cotton robes). Sapporo’s annual snow festival in early February, Yuki Matsuri, includes the international snow sculpture contest, ice slides and mazes for kids.
3. Cycle between islands around the Seto Inland sea
The Shimanami Kaidō is a place spun from the stuff of cyclists’ dreams. A 70km (43-mile) blue-painted cycle route unfurls across six islands, taking in jade mountains, orange groves and sea air. From Onomichi on Honshū to Imabari on Shikoku, you can make stops to swim at secluded beaches, visit a museum dedicated to local painters, and visit shrines with sea views all to yourself.
Detour: To get even more off the beaten track, take the Tobishima Kaidō cycle route.
4. Sip sake in Saijō
Come to a sake town for a blissfully quiet and meditative experience. Lift the small cup with two hands, one supporting the bottom. Admire the gold leaf dancing on the clear sake. Sip and feel the smooth, crisp liquid go down, chased with a hint of plum. Then it’s on to another brewery next door.
The process of transforming rice into alcohol goes back 2000 years, and some Saijō breweries date back 150 years. The town is an austere set of eight white-washed breweries with brick chimney stacks proclaiming the name of each one in Japanese. Begin your taste-testing at the Kamotsuru Sake Brewing Company, where you can watch the brewing process. Feudal lords drank here during the Edo period (1603–1868), and it was this brewery that produced a gold-leaf sake that US President Obama tried in Tokyo, poured by late Japanese President Abe. It may even entice you to declare your devotion to the god of sake.
Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto. Rintaro Kanemoto for Lonely Planet Rintaro Kanemoto for Lonely Planet
5. Explore temples and gardens of ancient Japan in Kyoto
With over 2000 exquisite temples, Kyoto is where traditional Japan thrives. Visiting splendid gardens and ceremonial teahouses is part of the deep dive into its history. One of the most exquisite sights in the whole of Japan is the gold-leaf tiers of Kinkaku-ji. Its temple beams gloriously in the sun, with a mirror image in the pond below, framed by layers of pine trees.
The garden tradition in Kyoto has close ties to monks, emperors and philosophers. Japanese gardens have minimalist designs to allow breathing room for meditation and reflection. The finest gardens in Kyoto show personality even through subtle choices: a weathered bridge to represent the march of time or unique pebbles. The most intriguing Zen garden is Ryōan-ji, a mysterious arrangement of 15 rocks.
Planning tip: There is a lot to love in Kyoto, so arrive early on a weekday to beat intense crowds and enjoy a peaceful time reflecting on Japan’s living traditions. Come evening, stroll through lantern-lit streets lined with 17th-century traditional restaurants and teahouses in the Gion entertainment and geisha (known locally as geiko) quarter.
6. Zip across Japan on a bullet train
Its space shuttle nose glides into the station as if from another cosmos. That galaxy is Japan, where high-speed trains zip between cities at up to 320km/h (199mph) with extra-terrestrial speed and comfort. From the clean, comfortable seats, watch skyscrapers scroll by, transforming into pines and rural countryside in a flash.
There’s a touch of yesteryear to the hard-wearing carpets and putty-colored luggage racks of some train models, but nothing looks weathered; it’s just carriage loads of retro-futuristic charm.
Planning tip: The JR Pass and other all-inclusive train tickets can save you money and time. Some are cheaper to buy before arriving in Japan. Use the Japan Official Travel App to plan trips and compare costs with and without a pass.
7. Enter anime worlds in Tokyo’s Akihabara and Den Den Town
Akihabara in Tokyo and Den Den Town in Osaka are heaven for anime otaku (fanatics). Even if you aren’t a fan, these specialist districts are worth visiting to experience the height of artistic obsession done the Japanese way.
In Japan, anime is more than something you watch – it is toys, video games, fashion and a way of life. Anime characters even emblazon credit cards, trains and government brochures. Lose yourself in these neighborhoods and see fans bringing characters to life in costume.
It’s easy to be dazzled and transported into a cartoon world (and consumerism). Under towers of bright lights, French-style maids and cosplay characters tout you to enter maid cafes in Akihabara. Hundreds of stores have all the manga (comics), gashapon (gumball toy machines), retro collectibles and cutting-edge tech gadgets your otaku heart could want.
Detour: If you – or the kids – prefer a calmer way to be spirited away by anime, the Ghibli Museum in West Tokyo is also magical.
Get ready for a wonderfully unique Japanese experience. Scan the stacks of capsules and step up the ladder into your “space pod.” Sit cross-legged (there’s enough room) and enjoy the plush mattress and the feeling of being cocooned in comfort.
A capsule hotel is where a bed is for sleeping and privacy – paramount in Japan. Fortunately, there is plenty of space in the communal bathrooms that usually have ample shower cubicles.
On the weekends, the cheaper capsule hotels might get drunken revelers snoring, but people are generally very respectful. This is not a place for socializing, which is heaven for travelers who just want a good night’s rest in what looks like a spotless space station.
Planning tip: Capsules are separated into men’s and women’s sections. While originally intended for businessmen, today there are several women-only capsule hotels.
9. Indulge in a multi-course kaiseki meal
Capturing ingredients at the height of their freshness is the essence of a Japanese kaiseki meal. The tasting menu is where the pinnacle of Japanese design meets natural beauty and flavor with roots in 16th-century tea ceremonies.
In-season ingredients make up a formal kaiseki meal that might start with a course of sea urchin and horsehair crab, and then move on to a soup and a seasonal platter of dishes like sushi and Kameoka beef.
The subsequent courses are dedicated to in-season sashimi, color-coordinated vegetables and tofu, grilled seasonal fish, sake, rice in a clay hot pot and dessert. In spring, expect a budding cherry blossom to decorate your plate. Every course is a gasp-inducing journey through Japanese ceramics and presentation.
Local tip: You’ll find some of the best kaiseki in Kyoto, such as at Kikunoi. If your budget can’t stretch to the full kaiseki experience, attending a Japanese tea ceremony is an elegant way to capture some of the rituals and learn the traditions of tea.
10. See a kabuki show in Tokyo
Everything about a kabuki show is truly a spectacle. A typical kabuki show comprises three to four acts, each lasting about an hour. Shows often depict dramatized events from history, the most famous of which is the Chūshingura, which tells the tale of the 47 rōnin, a group of lordless samurai, who avenge the death of their master. From the actors’ dramatic makeup, elaborate costumes and exaggerated movements in tune with the live music to the impeccable stagecraft, it’s easy to see how it has managed to captivate audiences for centuries.
Planning tip: Kabukiza Theatre, adorned with red lanterns and towering banners, is Tokyo’s premier spot to witness the dramatic art form of kabuki; a type of stylised Japanese theatre.
Himeji-jō, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dates from 1580. gowithstock/Shutterstock gowithstock / Shutterstock
11. Live out samurai fantasies in Himeji and Tsuwano
Samurai warriors once ruled Japan, residing around Japanese castles that still exude an aura of power today. Crane your head up in Himeji to behold Himeji-jō (1580) – the most heavenly white, intact fortress of them all and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then wander the complex along its labyrinth of paths, thick with cherry blossoms (in April). Ascend the six-story castle keep and peek inside a former princess’ residence – the stuff of peak Japanese fantasy.
The castle has crumbled, but samurai residences live on in Tsuwano, a Japanese mountain town where time seems in no hurry. Zig-zag up to its hillside temple through the many torii gates. At the heart of town, surrounded by sleepy sake storefronts, you can step into former samurai houses, once off-limits to commoners. Tsuwano delivers a sense of Japanese fairy tale without the crowds. Golden carp swim the narrow canal running through the tow center as they have for two centuries.
12. Try every Japanese snack in a konbini
Japanese konbini (convenience stores) are one of Japan’s most fun local eating experiences. They might not be fine dining, but they’re part of many Japanese bullet train journeys, and they surprisingly (to most visitors) offer high-quality snacks wherever you are in the country, 24 hours a day.
Tasty sushi, onigiri (rice balls filled with tuna, meat or plum) and grilled-fish bentō (boxed meals) are delivered around the clock, so you will likely get something fresh. You’ll find more novelty and an explosion of choice (and matcha flavors) in the candy, beer and green tea aisles.
Planning tip: The most reliably good konbini are Family Mart, 7-Eleven and Lawson, which all have ATMs that accept foreign cards.
13. Dissolve away your stress in onsen hot springs
An onsen hot spring takes volcanic energy and converts it to a hot bath with the power to evaporate your worries. A 3000-year tradition, onsen are found all over Japan and are among the most authentically Japanese experiences you can have, whether you’re bathing at humble public bathhouses or in Zen gardens. The natural settings allow you to feel the delicious contrast of the hot waters against the pine-fresh open air.
You can try them in many ryokan (traditional inns) and in resort towns such as Kusatsu and Beppu, where budget options are available in public bathhouses. To literally dip your toes in, there are free outdoor public foot baths in onsen towns.
Local tip: You have to bathe thoroughly at separate facilities before getting into a hot bath. Expect to get completely naked (modesty towels are allowed at some modern baths) and refreshed head to toe.
Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkin sculpture on the jetty in Naoshima island. VTT Studio/Shutterstock VTT Studio / Shutterstock
14. Hunt for art outdoors in Naoshima and Hakone
Encountering contemporary art on an island village is a delight. On Naoshima and the surrounding islands, you’ll find traditional Japanese buildings converted into modern art installations incorporating the island’s history; he sunshine and sea air add an extra layer of sensory magic. One of the most famous and joy-filled is the Yayoi Kusama Yellow Pumpkin sculpture waiting for you at the end of a jetty.
Nearer Tokyo, over a hundred monumental sculptures pepper the hills of Hakone Open-Air Museum. Thanks to this magical setting, works by Japanese and international artists such as Takao Tsuchida, Henry Moore and Picasso transform along with the seasons.
15. Watch a sumo match at Tokyo’s Ryōgoku Kokugikan
An ancient sport dating back some 1500 years, sumo’s origins are rooted in religion: bouts were originally performed at shrines as part of a ritual for the gods, in return for a bountiful harvest. Today’s sumo matches are still very ritualistic and tied to the Shintō faith.
Planning tip: Witness Japan’s national sport of sumo wrestling at Tokyo’s Ryōgoku Kokugikan in January, May and September. Even if you know nothing about sumo, you’ll still want a ticket to see the rituals and strength on display.
16. Stay in a traditional ryokan
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that, at its best, is fit for a feudal lord. Staying in a ryokan room is easy and rewarding – remove your slippers, slide open the shōji paper-screen door and step across the tatami mat floor of your room to the window. When ready, change into your yukata (traditional cotton robe) and head to the dining room for a multi-course kaiseki meal of the region’s cuisine. Afterwards, take a dip in the onsen or slip straight into your reassuringly firm bed.
People on the snowy slopes in Hokkaidō’s Niseko Ski area. atthle/Shutterstock
17. Embrace winter weather, skiing and ice sculptures in Hokkaidō
Snow poised on the eaves of temples. Trees glazed with ice. Steam wafting over the onsen. Winter in Japan’s north peaks in January, and February is the perfect time for skiing and hiking across powdery snow in the wilds of Hokkaidō. Or enjoy the Japanese art of coziness in izakaya (taverns) with winter comfort dishes like oden fishcakes in a dashi broth.
For families, the ice sculptures of the Sapporo Snow Festival and the bathing wild monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park are fun for all ages. You might even spot Japan’s iconic red-crowned cranes.
Detour: A side trip for taste-testing at Nikka Whisky is a warming delight.
18. Immerse yourself in digital art at teamLab Planets in Tokyo
There are plenty of themed museums in Japan, but the most avante garde is teamLab Planets. Every surface is a digital screen with a world of flowers, animals and scenery transporting you to another “planet.” Prepare to get your feet wet as you walk on water, causing ripples and digital koi goldfish to dart.
Detour: Check out a Nintendo-themed cafe, Pokémon-themed cafe or Tokyo Character Street if you’re visiting Tokyo with kids. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are also accessible from the capital.
19. Eat fresh sushi and sashimi
Japan is the largest fish-eating nation in the world. Preparing fish and seafood is an art, and its fish markets are the life force of that tradition. They are impeccably clean places with barely any fishy smells. Early risers can catch the wholesale auctions at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market from behind glass. The laneways of its former home at Tsukiji Market may have become a tourist-focused attraction, but restaurants across the country (especially in coastal towns) still sell excellent platters of sashimi and sushi prepared before you.
If it’s all a little confusing, choose sushi sets in sushi-ya (sushi restaurants and bars). Or trust the chef at omakase restaurants, where your personal chef will prepare in-season and classic sushi and sashimi in front of you based on your tastes. Bill shock is quite possible.
Local tip: Karato Ichiba in Shimonoseki is a favorite market for a local vibe. On weekends, fisher folk set up stalls selling bentō of sashimi and cooked dishes of the local specialty, puffer fish (with the deadly parts removed, of course).
Sunset over the island of Yomegashima in Lake Shinji, Matsue. maso11/Shutterstock maso11 / Shutterstock
20. Relax in a seaside town
Japan is a country born of the sea. In its seaside towns, you’ll see squid drying on spinning racks in the sun, eat the freshest sashimi, find wooden shopfronts of yesteryear and soak up the lazy rays.
Tomonoura inspired anime maestro Hayao Miyazaki to create the 2008 animated film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea – get ready to be entranced by the green hills that shelter a port of bobbing white boats. In Kamakura near Tokyo, you can stroll from a giant Buddha statue to the black-sand beach and admire sunsets from Enoshima Island.
There are 260 inhabited islands to retreat to. The Oki Islands are an oasis of sea coves, the highest sea cliffs in Japan and pristine waters all to yourself. To really slow down, Okinawa is an island dreamland with its own distinct culture and cuisine.
There are a handful of cat islands where hundreds of spoiled felines roam near the ports. From Tokyo, the most convenient is Tashirojima. Cats have wandered this island for hundreds of years – first to control the mice eating the silkworms, then as a lucky companion to fisherfolk.
Local tip: Matsue has one of Japan’s best sunsets. The giant red orb melts into the water with a silhouette of a torii gate on a distant shimmering island.
21. Find your tribe in Tokyo’s nightlife
Tokyo is the cool kid of Japan’s club and bar scene. That means a reliable night of house music at Womb and EDM at Atom Tokyo. Punk, metal and indie bars rock hard throughout “Shimokita” (Shimokitazawa).
Leading the way for LGBTIQ+ inclusion, the raucous crowds spilling onto the street around the gay clubs of Shinjuku-Nichōme show how progressive Tokyo can be.
Detour: For something more laid-back, excellent whiskey bars operate across Tokyo. Japanese distillers regularly beat Scotland in whiskey competitions. Indulge at one of the best whiskey purveyors, Bar Benfiddich, if you can find this hidden, menu-less cocktail speakeasy.
22. Make a wish at a Shintō shrine
Shintō shrines – a place in harmony with nature, where the trees and wind are framed by a giant gate – are where the Japanese pray or ask for good fortune. The kami (deities) range from Princess Konohanasakuya, the Shintō deity of Mt Fuji, to founders of powerful clans, or neighborhood deities. A wall of ema (wooden tablets) hangs at many shrines, where you can write down your wish or offering for the deities to read. For a visitor, it’s a chance to reflect and appreciate the tranquil surroundings.
Pray to the kami of rice at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari-Taisha and its tunnel of vermillion torii gates, ask for good exam results at plum-tree decorated Tenjin shrine Dazaifu Tenman-gū, or pray for general good luck at what is thought to be Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine, Izumo Taisha.
Hiroshima today is an attractive city of boulevards and okonomiyaki restaurants. It’s also a city that can change the way you think about world conflicts. The impressive Peace Memorial Park shows how the human tragedy of the atomic bomb attack on the city has been transformed into a message of peace.
The Peace Memorial Museum is moving, while the outdoor space gives visitors the breathing room to reflect. There, the Children’s Peace Monument is decorated with strings of thousands of paper cranes sent from schoolchildren around Japan and the world. The origami symbol of longevity and happiness is an ongoing living message of peace.
24. Discover your favorite ramen
Is it a bowl of noodles in a dashi broth topped with sliced roast pork, or is it a cult? Ramen is both. Evangelists insist that the best ramen is at nothing-fancy ramen-ya (ramen diners), which boomed after WWII. Today you can slurp it your own way: shōyu (soy sauce) ramen, miso (soybean paste) ramen, Kitakata ramen (pork shōyu), dipping ramen or, the most famous internationally, tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen.
Each region has its own spin on the meal – from thin noodles in a clear soup (closer to its Chinese origins) to a thick ginger broth. Nearly all offer an optional side dish of gyōza (pork dumplings) and a heavenly gooey egg.
25. Surf and chill
Japan has a vibrant scene of two million surfers who know where to find turquoise waters and sparkling sand. Even if you can’t yet catch a wave, the best surf beaches in Japan have a chilled vibe that you can enjoy. Learn to surf at one of the schools at Shirara-hama, which has year-round, easygoing breaks. Swells tend to be smaller in Japan (outside of typhoons), making it a great spot for newbies. Ōkinohama in Shikoku is a surfer’s paradise. The jewel-like water is warm year-round and sees very few visitors.
Detour: Even if you are in Tokyo, the waves and summer beach shacks are just an hour away at Yuigahama Beach in Kamakura.
26. Fall in love with Mt Fuji
Outside of Tokyo, Mt Fuji seems to be everywhere you turn. More than Japan’s loftiest mountain, Mt Fuji is a spiritual symbol that represents perfect beauty. Hiking its alien slopes takes the dedication of a Shintō pilgrim.
For easier admiration, make day trips to Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes. Here, whether you see Mt Fuji from behind a frame of golden leaves, cherry blossoms and a shrine or even a konbini; there is something bewitching about witnessing Fuji as it dominates the horizon.
In China, antiquity and heritage meet 21st-century innovation and lighting-fast development.
This is a country packed with highlights – so many that it might be hard to craft a manageable itinerary. Start by immersing yourself in one of China’s gigantic, sprawling cities – which contain plenty of frenetic energy, as well as hidden pockets of serenity. Take a break from the crush by soaking up China’s natural scenery – think jagged peaks and pine forests draped in a sea of mist that look like they’ve been lifted straight from one of the country’s masterpiece scroll paintings. As one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, China also offers wonderful opportunities to explore astounding relics from its millennia of history.
Whether you dream of gilded temples, boisterous urban environments, fabulous food or the wonders of the Great Wall, here are our picks of the best places to visit in China.
One of the world’s greatest cities and China’s absolute can’t-miss destination, Beijing is home to many big-ticket attractions: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace and more. But its appeal goes well beyond blockbuster sights. Get lost among its labyrinth of traditional hutongs (alleyways), marvel at its cutting-edge modern architecture, feast on Peking duck and a million other dishes from across the country. Check out the local indie music scene, admire Ming-dynasty ceramics, drop by a traditional teahouse or enjoy a boisterous evening sampling the local baijiu (sorghum wine).
The Mogao Caves and Thousand Buddha Grottoes along the Silk Road. Marcin Szymczak/Shutterstock Marcin Szymczak / Shutterstock
2. Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang
Best for art lovers
Along the ancient Silk Road, the atmospheric frontier town of Dunhuang is home to one of the world’s most important collections of Buddhist art. Among more than 490 Buddhist caves in the area, the mural and statue-filled Mogao Grottoes represent perhaps the zenith of Buddhist artistry in China.
One of China’s most famous treks, this 22km (14-mile) hiking trail winds through a World Heritage-listed gorge in Yunnan, one of Asia’s most striking landscapes. Framed by spectacular snow-capped mountains and the scenic Jinshajiang River, the natural monument plunges to depths of 3900m (12,795ft), making it one of the deepest gorges in the world.
Standing at the confluence of two rivers, the monumental 1200-year-old Buddha image at Le Shan is carved directly into the rock face. World Heritage–listed, the extraordinary monument stands 71m (233ft) tall and 28m (92ft) wide, making it the largest ancient Buddha in the world. Whether you’re spiritually inclined or not, coming face to face with this sculpture is quite a moving experience.
Glitzy, elegant, historic and cosmopolitan: everything you’ve heard about Shanghai is true. Just take a stroll through the French Concession or along the Bund, and you’ll see for yourself. From the grand display of 1920s architecture to the city’s sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars to the sci-fi neon-lit skyscrapers across the bay, Shanghai is the past and future China brought to vivid life.
Snaking through China’s majestic mountainous terrain, the spectacular Great Wall is the nation’s most iconic landmark. Built over two millennia, this awe-inspiring, 21,196km-long (13,170-mile-long) fortification is a true marvel of human accomplishment. In fact, it’s not one wall but many, stretching from the east coast all the way to the far western desert. The most easily accessible stretches can be reached by car from Beijing.
With its charming teahouses, lively nightlife and fiery Sichuan food, Chengdu is one of China’s most popular cities for travelers. But most folk visit here for one reason: pandas. And while you’d be very lucky to spot one in the wild, sightings are guaranteed at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Other draws of this inland regional capital include temples, pavilions and museums devoted to the culture of the ancient Shu kingdom.
Spanning the distance from Guilin to Yangshuo, the picture-perfect karst-limestone peaks offer an extraordinary backdrop to the scenic Li River and rice paddies. Grab a bicycle or board a raft to tour this beautiful countryside, passing farmers and water buffalo along the way.
A spread of dim sum, Guangzhou. Jerry Jian/Getty Images
9. Guangzhou
Best for sampling dim sum
This vibrant and dynamic megacity is one of China’s most fascinating hubs. You’ll find an intriguing mix of old and new in a city where skyscrapers nudge the clouds and monks shuffle around 1500-year-old Buddhist temples. But it’s the Cantonese cuisine that lures in many, with some of the finest dim sum in all of China.
Longji’s swirling terraces of rice paddies. Shutterstock
10. Longji Rice Terraces, Guangxi
Best for dropping into a rice paddy landscape
You’ll find rice paddies all over China – but few are as spectacular as the ones in Longji, built against a backdrop of lush mountains. Walks here lead to viewpoints overlooking sculpted, iridescent green terraces with swirling patterns resembling the contours of a giant thumbprint.
Unearthed in Xi’an by unsuspecting rural workers in 1974, this enigmatic army of life-sized statues remains one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological finds. Dating back 2200 years, they were built to protect the underground tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Meeting these warriors face to face is an experience you’ll never forget.
In a country where cities seemingly spring up overnight, this is one of the oldest and grandest. Known to most for its extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an is also remarkable in its own right – notably as the beginning of the Silk Road, a trade route with a legacy that remains intact within its atmospheric Muslim Quarter.
Rising dramatically from the subtropical forests of northwest Hunan, the pinnacle rock formations of Zhangjiajie inspired the scenery in the film Avatar (2009). Take it all in as you walk over a vertiginous glass-bottom suspension bridge floating 300m (984ft) above ground. If that’s not daring enough, you can bungee jump off it, too.
The scale of the Forbidden City amazes, even with hordes of visitors. Shutterstock
14. Forbidden City, Beijing
Best for a Ming Dynasty snapshot
Among China’s imperial sights, none can compare in size, grandeur or mystique to Beijing’s Forbidden City. Built between 1406 and 1420, this sprawling palace was off-limits for 500 years until the overthrow of the last Qing emperor in 1911. Today, it’s very much open to the public, attracting nearly 20 million visitors each year. Despite the crowds, its massive scale remains humbling.
Colombia has become one of the most sought-after stops on any South American ticket. This is in large part due to its awe-inspiring landscapes – among the best in the region – with Caribbean and Pacific coastlines to the north and west, and the Amazon rainforest in the south.
Adventure travelers will thrill at the scenic options, from rugged mountain trails and wildlife-rich jungles to bountiful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Visitors that prefer a little less of literal wildlife can choose from beautiful, modern cities full of music, culture and the warm welcome of the Colombian people.
It’s difficult not to fall in love with this country – and even harder to leave. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, showstopping nature, or a fabulous party, here are the top things to do in Colombia.
1. Photograph Colombia’s national plant in the Valle de Cocora
Adjoining the lower reaches of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, one of the best national parks for hiking in Colombia, the Valle de Cocora is one of the country’s most breathtakingly beautiful destinations.
A land of lush green farmland divided by rushing mountain rivers, it’s home to swathes of lofty Quindío wax palms, which tower over this idyllic rural landscape and can reach the height of a six-story building.
Planning tip: Take a Willys Jeep (an experience in itself) from nearby Salento into the valley, from where a 15km (9-mile) circular hike heads along a pretty river and up into the hills for spectacular views of the palms backed by rolling emerald hills topped with tracts of cloud forest.
2. Snorkel or dive in the coral reef surrounding Providencia
Colombia’s Caribbean coastline feels like paradise – and that description applies even more to emerald-green Providencia, a mellow tropical island that spans just 17 sq km (6.5 sq miles) and lies around 800km (497 miles) north of mainland Colombia.
Providencia was flattened by Category 5 Hurricane Iota in late 2020, which destroyed houses and affected the surrounding reefs, especially those in shallow waters.
Fortunately, life on the island is now getting back to normal and the crystal-clear warm waters remain one of the best places in Colombia for snorkeling or scuba diving.
Lying off the island’s northeast coast, the McBean Lagoon National Natural Park is characterized by waters tinted with a glorious patchwork of colors. It’s been dubbed the “Sea of Seven Colors,” and is inhabited by an amazing variety of tropical fish, manta rays, and sea turtles.
3. Learn to salsa in dance capital Cali
Staking its claim as the world capital of salsa, in party-loving Cali the music rings out loud whatever the time of day or night. Here the only dilemma facing DJs is which particular subtype of salsa to play.
Embrace the city’s favorite rhythm and take group or private classes at one of the many fun dance academies, then get your hips moving on a high-energy journey through its legendary salsa bars and clubs.
A good place to start is the friendly and always-packed La Topa Tolondra, while those looking for a fully local experience should check out Zaperoco Bar. Don’t bother looking for a dance floor, it’s perfectly legit to dance between tables.
Planning tip: If visiting during September, don’t miss the Festival Mundial de Salsa, where more than 5,000 superb dancers from around the world compete dressed in brilliant costumes, and big-name acts perform concerts.
The ancient archeological site of Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is a challenge to get to, but worth it when you arrive. Dronopter/Shutterstock Dronoptera / Shutterstock
4. Hike through the jungle to Ciudad Perdida
Hiking through lush tropical vegetation for three days before you even catch a glimpse of Colombia’s aptly named Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is an opportunity to experience the thrill of setting forth into a magnificent lost world.
The muddy, ascending trails and humid temperatures of the jungle mean it’s a challenge to get here, but all the sweat (and tears) will feel worth it when you arrive.
Once a thriving pre-Columbian city, Ciudad Perdida was built atop a ridge in the northern stretches of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta by the Tayrona people more than 1,000 years ago.
Today, the houses are gone, but the stone pathways, walls and foundations remain, and with a bit of imagination it’s possible to imagine how the mountain kingdom may have looked at its peak.
The site receives very few visitors and it’s no wonder: it’s a tough five-day round-trip hike to reach it and one of the most adventurous things to do in Colombia.
Along the way, refreshing swimming holes and striking jungle scenery ensure your efforts are fully rewarded.
Planning tip: You’re required to hire an experienced tour guide or join a tour group for this hike through the jungle.
The Plaza de los Coches in Cartagena, which has historic plaza and restored mansions. Alex Segre/Shutterstock Alex Segre / Shutterstock
The picturesque walled city of Cartagena feels like a movie set, with its historic plazas, majestic churches, and restored mansions that have been converted into swanky boutique hotels and restaurants serving Caribbean-infused seafood dishes.
But beyond Cartagena’s colonial opulence – built off the back of the trade of enslaved people and Spanish plunder, it’s important to remember – the city has other less-examined origins that played an enormous role in the development of its vibrant culture. At the Museo del Oro Zenú, you’ll see displays of gold artifacts from the Indigenous people who were the original inhabitants of the Cartagena region.
Today, weavers from this community continue to produce the traditional Colombian sombrero vueltiao hat, which can be bought at market stalls around the city. To find a good handmade hat, look for one that can be twisted and folded and springs back into shape.
Planning tip: Meet the artisans themselves and learn about the challenges they face as a culture in modern Colombia on a community-led city tour.
Colombia’s most energetic street party can be found in the pulsating streets of Barranquilla during the city’s annual Carnaval celebrations. Kicking off officially four days before Ash Wednesday every February or March (although smaller verbenas – pre-Carnaval public parties – begin some 10 days beforehand), the festivities are a full-color expression of costeño culture with four packed days of floats, beauty contests, traditional rhythms and – in true Colombian fashion – plenty of dancing.
The Carnaval de Barranquilla is so integral to the identity of the city that the event was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2008. It ranks among the continent’s liveliest carnival celebrations alongside Rio de Janeiro’s festivities and those held in Oruro in Bolivia. Throw yourself into the dancing, and you may even wind up joining a local dance troupe on their float, which could end up being the most memorable moment of your trip to Colombia.
7. Ride a rail cart through the jungle to San Cipriano
Once a little supply stop on the Cali to Buenaventura railroad, the Afro-Colombian village of San Cipriano was left isolated when the line all but stopped functioning with the construction of the highway.
Surrounded by thick rainforest miles from the nearest road, the ingenious residents of the town have come up with a solution to their mobility problems: homemade motorized rail carts that zip through the forests at alarming speed.
Board one of the mostly-wooden contraptions and sit back and enjoy the scenery as you hurtle through walls of dense foliage and over rickety bridges into the heart of the jungle to reach the Reserva Forestal San Cipriano, where you can float down a crystal clear river in an inner tube or hike to towering waterfalls. Run by the local community, a visit to the reserve is a refreshingly unpolished adventure that is as much a cultural experience as a natural one.
8. Learn about Medellín’s extraordinary transformation
Whether it’s Netflix’s Narcos or reports from the ’90s that have colored your perceptions, prepare to be astounded by the reality of modern Medellín. Having shed the cloak of drug-incited conflict, this is a city transformed, with such modern neighborhoods as Poblado and Laureles showcasing upmarket restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
Planning tip: Take a tips-based walking tour of the center with Real City Tours, whose local paisa guides have lived through the city’s metamorphosis and can talk with authority about its rebirth. The tour of the former rubbish dump–turned–thriving neighborhood of Moravia is similarly enlightening.
9. Sample coffee, Colombia’s tastiest export
World-class coffee is one of Colombia’s most important exports, and caffeine addicts will find their home-away-from-home on one of the coffee fincas located in the lush hills in the Zona Cafetera.
Established fincas such as the fourth-generation Hacienda Venecia near Manizales allow you to learn about the production of the bean and try “cupping,” the act of tasting the flavors of freshly made coffee. Another excellent tour can be found at the family-run Hacienda Guayabal near the small town of Chinchiná. But beware: you might struggle to enjoy a cup elsewhere after trying some of the world’s finest coffee beans at their source.
Bogotá is a city that can take a while to work its charms on travelers and is often overlooked based on initial impressions that belie what’s beneath the surface. While its gridlocked streets, often slick with rain, might take some time to traverse, the capital of Colombia is a cosmopolitan place packed with dynamic nightlife and a rich range of cultural offerings.
A staple of the city’s cultural scene, the Museo del Oro displays a thousands-strong array of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. Similarly crucial in the canon of Colombian cultural history is the Museo Botero, a museum dedicated to Colombia’s most famous artist, known worldwide for his humorously engorged figures.
Planning tip: For a taste of more contemporary creations, head to the stylish La Balsa gallery, or take a graffiti walking tour with Bogotá Graffiti Tour, which uses proceeds from tips-based excursions to invest in community projects around the country.
At Cabo de la Vela, consider windsurfing or kitesurfing. Chrispictures/Shutterstock Chrispictures / Shutterstock
11. Take a road trip to La Guajira, South America’s northern tip
After the lush plantations of the coffee region, La Guajira is an assault on the senses. This arid desert peninsula that spears out into the Caribbean Sea on the northern edge of the South American continent is home to some of the country’s most dramatic terrain.
The main attractions include the glorious ocher dunes of Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela, which have ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Although independent travel is possible, it’s easiest to organize a tour from the regional capital, Riohacha.
One of the most impoverished parts of Colombia, this region is home to the Indigenous Wayúu, a people renowned for their weaving and whose ways of life and access to water are threatened by Latin America’s biggest open mine. Ensure your money goes into local hands by purchasing local handicrafts and using sustainable operators, such as Pura Guajira Travel, who employ Wayúu guides.
While Chile’s Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is known internationally for its monolithic statues, Parque Arqueológico San Agustín in southwestern Colombia lays claim to the largest clutch of pre-Columbian sculptures in South America. Archaeologists still don’t know much about the culture dating back to between 5 and 400 CE that carved hulking bodies and fanged, animalistic faces from volcanic tuff.
Located around the park, these figures mark the tombs of the culture’s dead. Home to more than 50 burial sites, the archaeological park is an enthralling (if mysterious) insight into a culture for whom death was merely a transition into another life and where funeral rites were a significant ritual.
Not too far away, another mysterious pre-Columbian site is Tierradentro, also worth visiting for archaeology buffs. This vast necropolis is believed to have been built between 600 and 900 CE and contains more than 150 enormous burial chambers whose walls are decorated with remarkably well-preserved complex geometric designs.
Planning tip: Despite being one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, Tierradentro receives few visitors, which adds to the excitement of exploring the impressive mountains of the park on a self-guided hike.
Multiple beaches are located within the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona. Oscar garces/Shutterstock oscar garces / Shutterstock
13. Sleep in a rustic cabin in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Want to kick back and enjoy Colombia’s wealth of gorgeous beaches? For sunseekers, swimmers and snorkelers alike, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona on the country’s Caribbean coast is a real paradise, where white-sand beaches are lapped by crystalline waters and enclosed by tropical jungle filled with monkeys, toucans, and wild cats.
More than 30 spectacular beaches are located within this park, although with deceptively strong currents posing a risk to life, just six are safe for swimming.
Planning tips: For a relaxing couple of days, rent a hammock or a rustic thatch roof cabin right by the beach at Cabo San Juan or Cañaveral, from where you can wander to your beach of choice for a day of soaking up the sunshine.
Seek out the unique landscapes of the Tatacoa desert. Bruno M Photographie/Shutterstock Bruno M Photographie / Shutterstock
14. Stargaze in the Tatacoa Desert
With its Mars-like undulations of red clay, the Tatacoa Desert looks like it could have been transposed from Chile’s Atacama.
It’s actually a dry tropical forest, but what it does share in common with its Chilean neighbor is its global renown as a place for crystal-clear night skies, making it perfect for stargazing. The area’s warm, dry climate is the key to the extraordinary visibility.
Planning tip: For a stargazing tour, visit the Observatorio Astronómico Astrosur, a 20-minute drive from Villavieja and which is the labor of love of a Colombian astronomer who has spent years gazing up from the desert sands and has several quality telescopes. The enthusiastic owner can introduce you to more than 80 different constellations on the clearest of nights.
Croatia’s top destination, Dubrovnik’s diminutive UNESCO-listed old town lies within sturdy medieval fortifications, overlooking the deep blue Adriatic. Whether you’re heading here to see its Game of Thrones filming locations, devour fresh seafood or take a trip to nearby islands, Dubrovnik is an incredible city to explore.
Historic attractions include noble baroque buildings, museums and galleries, and beyond the walls there’s a glorious coastline to discover.
Here are the top 15 things you don’t want to miss in Dubrovnik so you can plan your stay.
Of all the things to do in Dubrovnik, the absolute unmissable experience is a walk around the battlements of the medieval city walls. A complete 2km (1.25 mile) circuit reveals fantastic views over the old town’s terracotta rooftops and out to sea. Originally built in the 13th century, the walls protected the city – then known as Ragusa – from the outside world. At night, the two entrances into the city, Pile Gate and Ploče Gate, were locked, and wooden drawbridges hoisted up to prevent intruders from entering.
When the Balkan peninsula came under threat of attack by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century, the walls were further reinforced with sturdy towers and bastions, plus some 120 canons. The main access point to the battlements is up a flight of stone steps on your left as you enter town through Pile Gate. In summer, the number of daily visitors is limited to prevent overcrowding, so early online booking is recommended. If you’re lucky enough to be here in winter, you might have the walls all to yourself.
Local tip: Dubrovnik was caught in the crosshairs of the war that followed Croatia’s declaration of independence in 1991. Today, the town walls are once again intact, the gleaming marble streets are smoothly paved, and famous monuments have been lovingly restored – all with the help of an international brigade of specially trained stonemasons.
2. Drink morning coffee on the Stradun
Drinking coffee is a morning ritual in Dalmatia. In Dubrovnik, the place to do it is the Stradun (aka Placa). This 300m-long (984ft) white limestone-paved promenade, the main thoroughfare through the old town, effectively links Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. The 17th-century baroque stone buildings that flank the Stradun host small shops and open-air cafes at street level. This is where locals meet for coffee, read the morning newspapers, and watch the world pass by. One of the best spots is Gradska Kavana, located on a raised terrace at the end of the Stradun. Interestingly, the Stradun used to be a shallow sea channel – it was filled in during the 12th century, creating the city as you see it today.
Local tip: The entire old town is a pedestrian area, public transport is good, and parking is expensive, so you’re better off not hiring a car until you’re ready to leave the city.
3. See how local aristocrats once lived at the Rector’s Palace
Until 1808, Dubrovnik was a tiny but sophisticated self-governing republic called Ragusa. Each month, local councilors would choose a different citizen to assume the role of Rector – this short-term appointment was intended to prevent any one person from becoming too powerful. During their term in office, Rectors lived on the upper floor of the 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace.
These quarters now house the Cultural History Museum. Here you can see how local aristocrats once lived, amid baroque furniture, gilt-framed oil paintings, lavish costumes, weapons and even a sedan chair.
Down at ground level, off the internal courtyard, note the entrance to the former meeting rooms of the Great Council and the Senate. Above the door is a plaque, saying Obliti privatorum publica curate (Forget private affairs, and get on with public matters). There is also a prison cell and a chapel.
Local tip:Game of Thrones fans, you might feel like you’ve been transported to Qarth in the grand atrium.
4. Encounter Adriatic marine life at the aquarium
Below the Maritime Museum, on the ground floor of St John’s Fortress, you’ll find the aquarium. This dark, peaceful space offers respite from the hot summer sun (especially worthwhile if you’ve got tired children in tow). It displays a vast array of Adriatic underwater life in 31 fresh seawater tanks. Look out for tiny delicate seahorses, ugly scorpionfish, scary conger eels, cute starfish and shape-shifting octopuses. Afterward, stop for homemade ice cream or traditional Dubrovnik pastries at Gianni in the narrow alley out front.
Oysters being collected at Mali Ston Bay. Dreamer Company/Shutterstock Dreamer Company / Shutterstock
5. Taste raw oysters at Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar
For centuries, Dubrovnik gourmets have relished oysters from Mali Ston Bay on the Pelješac peninsula, formerly part of the Republic of Ragusa. If you haven’t tried them, you can eat them here in Dubrovnik’s old town. The owner of Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar cultivates his own oysters in Ston and brings them into town fresh each morning. Said to be a powerful aphrodisiac, they are served on crushed ice, still in their shells, with a wedge of lemon. If you’re queasy about the slippery texture, you can order oyster tempura instead and have them fried in a light batter.
6. See medieval golden reliquaries at the treasury
It may sound ghoulish, but in the Middle Ages, people believed that relics (body parts of long-deceased saints) could bring about divine intervention. As these human remains were considered sacred, they were encased in gold plating and decorated with intricate filigree and valuable jewels. The treasury adjoining Dubrovnik Cathedral displays a horde of 138 gold and silver reliquaries – the centerpiece is the skull of St Blaise (Dubrovnik’s patron saint) encased in a golden crown. Many of these reliquaries originate from the Byzantine Empire and were brought to Dubrovnik by local seafarers returning from voyages to the East.
7. Shop for quirky designer gifts at KAWA
Just outside Ploče Gate, KAWA is a concept store stocking one-off clothing items by young Croatian designers, as well as jewelry, tote bags, ceramics, nicely packaged cosmetics, olive oil and rakija (a potent spirit). It’s a great place to buy authentic presents to take home, as well as a nice way to support local creatives.
8. Watch the sunset over a drink at Buža bar
On the rocks high above the sea, below Dubrovnik’s south-facing walls, you’ll find two open-air bars, somewhat confusingly both called Buža: Buža I and Buža II. They’re both good, so it doesn’t matter which you choose. Better still, try both. Informal and fun, they have rock-and-concrete terraces with tables shaded by big white parasols.
The choice is basic, just beer or wine (payment by cash only), but the views over the open Adriatic are absolutely stunning. Come in the morning and have a swim. Or come in the evening and enjoy the sunset followed by the romance of a star-filled sky.
9. Discover 20th-century Yugoslav design at the Red History Museum
Opened in 2019, the funky Red History Museum shows how people lived in Croatia when it was part of Socialist Yugoslavia (1945-1991). Displays include a series of rooms from a typical 1970s apartment, complete with furniture from that time. The retro look is certainly hip, as are the ceramics, posters, and graphic design of the magazine and record covers. More sinister aspects, such as the Yugoslav secret police and the Goli Otok political prison, are also referenced.
10. Buy natural cosmetics at the Franciscan Monastery pharmacy
Entered off the Stradun, the Franciscan Monastery centers on a 14th-century Romanesque cloister, with a garden of palms and citrus trees. One of Europe’s first pharmacies was founded here, by the monks, in 1317. There’s a small museum displaying old-fashioned laboratory equipment and storage jars. Nowadays, the Franciscan Pharmacy lies just inside the monastery’s arched entrance gate. Its glass-fronted cupboards are stocked with well-known international brand medications.
But on the marble counter, you’ll see several pots of natural hydrating face creams based on rose, lavender and rosemary, each labeled “Mala Braca 1317 AD.” These creams are still prepared here in the pharmacy, according to secret centuries-old recipes known only to the monks.
Maritime Museum at St John’s Fortress. goga18128/Shutterstock Shutterstock / goga18128
11. Learn about Dubrovnik sea power at the Maritime Museum
Dubrovnik lived its Golden Age in the 16th century, when its extraordinary wealth was based on shipping and trading. At that time, the tiny republic of Ragusa had one of the biggest fleets in the world, with some 180 ships and 4000 sailors. At the Maritime Museum in St John’s Fortress, you can learn more about Dubrovnik’s former naval power. Exhibits include model ships, paintings, maps, navigational equipment and sailors’ uniforms.
12. Reflect on the horror of conflict at War Photo Ltd
Dubrovnik knows how devastating war can be, having been under siege for eight months between 1991 and 1992. Witness the human suffering caused by the break-up of Yugoslavia at War Photo Ltd. On the upper floor, you can see scenes from everyday life during the conflicts that plagued Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, as documented by photo reporters. On the ground floor, the gallery hosts temporary exhibitions of photojournalism from war zones around the world. Past shows have featured Syria, Sudan, Congo and Northern Ireland.
The tiny island of Lokrum is a 10-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik’s old harbor. But a more memorable way to visit it is by joining a sea kayaking tour, departing from a small beach near Pile Gate. You’ll paddle around Dubrovnik’s fortifications, then head to Lokrum to swim, snorkel, hike and cliff jump.
Green and lush, Lokrum is home to an abandoned 11th-century Benedictine Monastery, a botanical garden with peacocks, and a hilltop fort built by Napoleon in 1806. Local legend says that the monks, angered that Napoleon had closed their monastery, put a curse on anyone who should try to possess the island. It may be superstition, but still today, no one is allowed to remain on Lokrum overnight.
Local tip: To reach the nudist beach (some have declared it the best nudist beach in the world), head left from the ferry and follow the signs marked FKK; the rocks at its far end are Dubrovnik’s de facto gay beach.
14. Hike up Mt Srđ for a panoramic picnic overlooking Dubrovnik
Surely one of the most picturesque views of Dubrovnik is to be had from Mt Srđ, which rises directly behind the old town. One day in advance, contact Piknik Dubrovnik and ask them to prepare you lunch, which is packed in an easy-to-carry insulated backpack, complete with a map and blanket. Then, to reach the peak of Srđ, hike a two-kilometer zig-zagging hillside path, following the Stations of the Cross. At the top, there’s a 19th-century fortress, a bar-restaurant and a viewing deck that affords stunning vistas down onto town and out across the Adriatic. If the hike up looks too steep, you can always catch the modern cable car up, then hike back down.
Šunj beach on Lopud island. Giuseppe Piazzese/Shutterstock Giuseppe Piazzese / Shutterstock
15. Swim and sunbathe at Šunj beach on Lopud island
Sandy beaches are rare in Dalmatia, but there is one near Dubrovnik – Šunj on Lopud. Catch a white-and-blue Jadrolinija ferry from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port to Lopud. As you sail into the bay, note the fortified Franciscan monastery, high above the sea – recently renovated, it is now an ultra-luxurious retreat known as Lopud 1483.
From the palm-lined seafront promenade, follow a two-kilometer path through lush Mediterranean vegetation to reach Šunj (golf-buggy rides are also available). A glorious swathe of sand, giving onto a sheltered bay with warm shallow sea, it has several seasonal bars serving drinks and snacks, and hiring sun-beds.
