Both the Land of the Rising Sun, and a place where it never seems to set

Composed of thousands of volcanic islands, Japan stretches from chilly Hokkaido in the north all the way down to tropical Okinawa in the south. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the wealth of choices, while city folk will find plenty to keep them entertained in cosmopolitan cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Whether you’re headed to the Land of the Rising Sun to sample the world’s best sushi, to search for enlightenment at a Buddhist monastery, to test your endurance on Mt Fuji’s slopes, or to party all night with robot showgirls, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. And as Japan has all manner of hidden facets, you may even encounter a few unexpected surprises along the way.