Japan is served from most European capitals by nonstop or one-stop services. From the UK, British Airways flies London Heathrow–Tokyo Haneda direct (approximately 12 hours); Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) both operate Heathrow–Haneda and Heathrow–Narita with one technical stop. From France, Air France and JAL fly Paris-CDG to Tokyo Haneda nonstop (around 12 hours). Travellers from other European cities typically connect via Amsterdam (KLM), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Helsinki (Finnair) or a Gulf hub (Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad) — total journey times of 13–16 hours. Economy return fares range from £650–£950 / €700–1,000 in low season to £1,500–£2,000 / €1,500–2,000+ during cherry blossom and Golden Week. Business class runs £3,500–£7,000 / €4,000–8,000 depending on airline and booking window.
On arrival at Tokyo Haneda (HND — the most convenient airport, 30 minutes from central Tokyo by Keikyu Line, ¥570) or Narita (NRT — 60 minutes by Narita Express, ¥3,070, or Limousine Bus, ¥3,200), two items are immediate priorities. First, a Suica or Pasmo IC Card: a rechargeable smart card accepted on all urban rail, metro and bus networks nationwide, and in most konbini. iPhone users can add a digital Suica directly in their Apple Wallet before departure. Second, a data connection: a Japan SIM (from ¥2,000/week at the airport from IIJmio, Mobal or similar) or an eSIM activated before leaving home. The JR Pass must be purchased outside Japan — it is no longer available to tourists from within the country — and exchanged for a physical rail card at a JR ticket office in major stations on arrival.
Internal travel is handled by one of the world's finest rail networks. The shinkansen (bullet train) system connects Tokyo to Kyoto in 2 h 15 (¥13,320 on the Hikari), Osaka in 2 h 30 (¥14,720), Hiroshima in 4 hours and Sapporo in 5 hours via the Hokkaido Shinkansen (operational since 2024). Trains run to the second: a delay of more than five minutes is a statistical rarity and triggers a formal written apology from the operator. For destinations unreachable by rail — Okinawa, Yakushima, the Amami Islands — domestic flights operated by ANA, JAL and the low-cost carriers Peach and Jetstar Japan offer competitive fares booked in advance.
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- Kyoto, Japan's ancient soul — Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Gion and cherry blossoms — the old imperial capital in all its splendour.
- Osaka, street food capital of Japan — Dotonbori, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and izakaya — Japan's most convivial and deliciously indulgent city.
- Hokkaido, wild nature and legendary ski — Powder snow at Niseko, lavender fields in Furano, exceptional seafood in Sapporo.
- The Kansai: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara — Japan's cultural and gastronomic triangle, from ancient temples to covered market streets.