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Date: 2023-12-11 02:13:56 | Author: Worldcup 2026 | Views: 601 | Tag: LoL
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Hong Kong is one of the most visited cities on Earth, and it’s easy to see why – this compact metropolis has everything you could possibly need, from mega malls to indie boutiques, temples, markets, beaches, dramatic mountains, walled cities and dim sum restaurants LoL
Even as the cityscape evolves, seemingly in a blink, one thing remains a constant: world-class hotels LoL
While big brands have historically reigned, several notable boutique addresses have carved out a piece of the pie in recent years LoL
At these top Hong Kong hotels, you’ll find immaculate spas and flamboyant accents, head-turning art collections and enough to see, eat, and do on site that you may never leave until forced to check out LoL
14 of the best hotels in Hong Kong are:Best for jaw-dropping views: The Ritz-Carlton, Booking LoL
comBest for Michelin-starred dining: The Four Seasons, Booking LoL
comBest for historic atmosphere: The Peninsula, Booking LoL
comBest for a side trip: Tai O Heritage Hotel, Booking LoL
comBest for relaxation: Kerry Hotel, Booking LoL
comBest for all-out luxury: The Upper House, Booking LoL
comBest for atmosphere: Eaton Workshop, Booking LoL
comBest for environmentalists: Hotel Icon, Booking LoL
comBest for food: InterContinental Hong Kong, Booking LoL
comBest for shopping: Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Booking LoL
comBest for design: The Fleming, Booking LoL
comBest for those on a budget: Mojo Nomad Central, Hotels LoL
comBest for Hong Kong heritage: Mandarin Oriental, Booking LoL
comBest for star-spotting: Rosewood Hong Kong, Booking LoL
com14 of the best hotels in Hong KongShow all 141/1414 of the best hotels in Hong Kong14 of the best hotels in Hong KongThe Ritz-CarltonSome of the best views in Hong Kong await at the Ritz-Carlton's Ozone barThe Ritz-Carlton14 of the best hotels in Hong KongThe FlemingThe stylish restaurant bar area of Osteria Marzia at The FlemingThe Fleming14 of the best hotels in Hong KongThe Upper HouseTake a load off in one of The Upper House's deep-soak tubsThe Upper House14 of the best hotels in Hong KongKerry HotelAdmire the view from the Kerry Hotel's infinity poolKevin Kaminski/Kerry Hotel14 of the best hotels in Hong KongTai O Heritage HotelEscape the city crowds at the Tai O Heritage HotelTai O Heritage Hotel14 of the best hotels in Hong KongThe PeninsulaSoak up the scenery from a harbour view suite at The PeninsulaThe Peninsula14 of the best hotels in Hong KongLandmark Mandarin OrientalWeary shoppers will appreciate the close proximity of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental to designer shopsLandmark Mandarin Oriental14 of the best hotels in Hong KongInterContinental Hong KongThe interior of NOBU restaurant at InterContinental Hong Kong: complete with Victoria Harbour views InterContinental Hong Kong14 of the best hotels in Hong KongHotel IconHotel Icon features one of Asia's largest vertical gardensHotel Icon14 of the best hotels in Hong KongFour Seasons Hong KongFoodies will be spoiled for choice at Four Seasons Hong KongFour Seasons Hong Kong14 of the best hotels in Hong KongEaton WorkshopEaton Workshop is home to some of Hong Kong's most venerated creativesEaton Workshop14 of the best hotels in Hong KongMandarin Oriental Hong KongPierre, the eponymous restaurant of French chef Pierre Gagnaire, at the Mandarin Oriental Hong KongMandarin Oriental14 of the best hotels in Hong KongMojo NomadA XL room at Mojo NomadMojo Nomad14 of the best hotels in Hong KongRosewoodA suite bathroom, with freestanding bath and dual showersRosewoodRecommendedBest hotels in New York: Where to stay in Manhattan, Brooklyn and moreThe UK’s best seaside hotelsBest hotels in Paris for 2022Best for jaw-dropping views: The Ritz-CarltonNeighbourhood: West KowloonSome of the best views in Hong Kong await at the Ritz-Carlton's Ozone bar (Ritz-Carlton)Size queens will adore the dizzy heights of Hong Kong’s Ritz-Carlton, which occupies floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre – Hong Kong’s tallest building LoL
It holds the triple accolade of being the world’s tallest hotel (490m), having the world’s highest swimming pool (465m), and bar, Ozone LoL
Even the most basic rooms offer gasp-inducing windows with panoramic views over Victoria Harbour and ample legroom in a city with a severe space deficit LoL
Pray for clear skies and watch the Symphony of Lights from the comfort of your room – a multimedia light show which occurs around the harbour every evening LoL
JWPrice: Doubles from HK$2,500 (£250) Book nowBest for Michelin-starred dining: The Four SeasonsNeighbourhood: CentralFoodies will be spoiled for choice at Four Seasons Hong Kong (Four Seasons Hong Kong)The five-star Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong made history at the end of 2018 by becoming the first hotel in the world to be awarded eight Michelin stars – the most to be found in one hotel LoL
However, there’s no danger of quantity prevailing over quality here LoL
In-house dim sum and seafood restaurant Lung King Heen was the world’s first Chinese restaurant to win three Michelin stars; there’s three-starred French fine dining restaurant Caprice; while Sushi Saito – the first overseas outpost of the Tokyo sushi restaurant – has won two Michelin stars in just eight months LoL
As is traditional of a Four Seasons, the hotel offers unrivalled service and exceptional views across Victoria Harbour LoL
JWPrice: Doubles from HK$4,100 (£410) Book nowRecommendedBest boutique hotels in London 2022: where to stay for character and charmBest hotels in San Francisco 2022: Where to stay in Downton, The Bay and moreBest for historic atmosphere: The PeninsulaNeighbourhood: Tsim Sha Tsui A harbour view suite at The Peninsula (The Peninsula)The grand dame of Hong Kong’s hotel scene makes quite the first impression, with a line of Rolls-Royce Phantoms outside a towering white colonial facade LoL
More than 90 years old, the ultra-glam Peninsula Hong Kong has long been the accommodation of choice for celebrities, diplomats and aspiring VIPs the world over LoL
A string quartet serenades upturned pinkies in the palatial lobby during daily afternoon tea service, while rooms feel when-can-we-move-in residential with soft creamy shades and Chinese floral artwork LoL
When you’re not luxuriating on your chaise lounge, book a spa treatment, tread water in the Roman-style indoor pool or dine at one of the various fine-dines LoL
There’s experimental European cuisine at sky-high Felix, French recipes at Gaddi’s and Michelin-starred dim sum at Spring Moon, just to name a few LoL
KSPrice: Doubles from HK$4,580 (£468) Book nowBest for a side trip: Tai O Heritage HotelNeighbourhood: Tai O, LantauEscape the city crowds at the Tai O Heritage Hotel (Tai O Heritage Hotel)Set on the edge of Tai O, a traditional fishing village on the western coast of Lantau Island, this heritage hotel feels a world away from the shoulder-to-shoulder crunch of downtown Hong Kong LoL
Built in 1902, originally as a marine police station, the Grade II building has no shortage of historic idiosyncrasies, from colonnades to cannons, French windows, turrets, and even a few bullet holes from a 1918 shoot-out LoL
Murder mysteries aside, the nine guest rooms and suites here feel classically nautical with antique fixtures, marble bathrooms and views over the South China Sea LoL
Breakfast, lunch and many a sundowner can be enjoyed at Tai O Lookout restaurant, where intricately carved furniture and tiled floors pay homage to old Hong Kong LoL
KSPrice: Doubles from HK$2,200 (£224) Book nowBest for relaxation: Kerry HotelNeighbourhood: Hung HomAdmire the view in the Kerry Hotel's infinity pool (Kerry Hotel)A sprawling property on the waterfront of Hung Hom Bay, about 30 minutes by MTR from Central, Kerry Hotel is about as close as it gets to a resort in downtown Hong Kong LoL
Designed by Hong Kong talent Andre Fu, the glassy facade reflects the ripples of Victoria Harbour, while extensive gardens weave a tropical Balinese vibe across the property LoL
Over 60 per cent of the 546 rooms offer views of the harbour, but the best table in the house can be found on the leafy terrace of Red Sugar rooftop bar LoL
After a lazy afternoon by the infinity pool, book a table at Hung Tong for contemporary Chinese fare or dig into all-you-can-eat Asian dishes at Big Bay Cafe LoL
KSPrice: Doubles from HK$1,720 (£171) Book nowBest for all-out luxury: The Upper HouseNeighbourhood: AdmiraltyTake a load off in one of The Upper House's deep-soak tubs (The Upper House)There’s a reason why The Upper House is one of the most sought-after hotels in town LoL
Sleek, interiors designed by Hong Kong hotshot Andre Fu whisk travellers away from the stresses of the real world LoL
The woodsy, purple-toned suites are the definition of minimalist with zero distractions from the stop-in-your-tracks views of Hong Kong’s skyline – best enjoyed from your spacious living room or deep-soak tubs (the latter tend to garner rave reviews) LoL
While there’s no spa on site, the hotel makes up for it with private in-room massages as well as yoga on the sixth-floor alfresco Lawn LoL
Before checking out, guests should sample the gourmet offerings, particularly a multi-course set menu at Cafe Gray Deluxe on the top floor LoL
KSPrice: Doubles from HK$3,300 (£337) Book nowBest for atmosphere: Eaton WorkshopNeighbourhood: Yau Ma TeiEaton Workshop is home to some of Hong Kong's most venerated creatives (Eaton Workshop)Opened in 2018 after a head-to-toe makeover, Eaton Workshop is one of the world’s first “activist” hotels LoL
Established by Hong Kong hospitality heiress Katherine Lo (her family owns the Langham Hotels group), the design-forward address exudes a retro-chic atmosphere that’s punctuated by colourful art installations, graffiti and neon signs LoL
Furthering its social agenda, the hotel plays hosts to several progressive workshops, music performances and festivals, plus it also runs its own radio station and co-working space on site LoL
The guest rooms pack as much attitude as the events line-up with smart technology, geometric accents, organic amenities, and a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in every bedside drawer LoL
But let’s not overlook the food: Eaton sates gourmets with Food Hall, inspired by Asia’s popular hawker centres and must-try dim sum restaurant, Yat Tung Heen LoL
KSPrice: Doubles from HK$1030 (£105) Book nowBest for environmentalists: Hotel IconNeighbourhood: Tsim Sha Tsui EastHotel Icon features one of Asia's largest vertical gardens (Hotel Icon)A training hotel run by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hotel Icon has racked up a long lists of “firsts” for Hong Kong, if not Asia LoL
It was the first hotel to introduce a fleet of all-electric vehicles (including several Teslas), import the now-ubiquitous Impossible Burger and install in-room water filters to reduce plastic waste LoL
The design is equally as refreshing: the triple-height lobby plays host to Asia’s tallest vertical garden, and the rooms pair relaxed Scandinavian vibes with sweeping harbour views LoL
When it comes to dining, you’ll have your pick of award-winning Cantonese cuisine at Above & Beyond on the 28th floor, expansive brunch at The Market and healthy light bites at Green cafe LoL
KSPrice: Doubles from HK$1,682 (£171) Book nowBest for food: InterContinental Hong KongNeighbourhood: Tsimshatsui EastThe interior of NOBU restaurant at InterContinental Hong Kong: complete with Victoria Harbour views (InterContinental Hong Kong)Sitting on the banks of Victoria Harbour, right beside Hong Kong’s new Victoria Dockside arts and design district, InterContinental Hong Kong draws a loyal following LoL
The hotel not only provides formidable views of the harbour but also a line-up of exceptional restaurants – think NOBU, Rechy by Alain Ducasse, The Steak House Winebar + Grill, Harbourside all-day cafe and recently renovated Yan Toh Heen, an award-winning Cantonese restaurant LoL
Even without Michelin-starred meals filling up the itinerary, there’s still plenty to do LoL
Stretch out by the pool terrace, book a spa treatment, or simply relax in your room – traditional Chinese silk screens and feng shui design elements should ensure total harmony LoL
KSPrice: Doubles from HK$1,141 (£116) Book nowBest for shopping: Landmark Mandarin OrientalNeighbourhood: Central Weary shoppers will appreciate the close proximity of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental to designer shops (Landmark Mandarin Oriental)Stylish and serene, the Landmark Mandarin Oriental sits inside the eponymous mall – one of the poshest towers in town LoL
Located smack in the heart of Central, the ultra-luxe sanctuary is home to a surprising number of facilities despite its boutique size LoL
There’s a 25,000-square-foot spa, an 18-metre indoor pool, enormous fitness centre, two Michelin-starred Amber restaurant (which just emerged from a major renovation), perennially buzzing MO Bar and intimate PDT speakeasy (find this New York implant behind a faux telephone booth at the far end of MO Bar) LoL
Designed by Hong Kong wunderkind Joyce Wang, the feminine rooms are kitted out with curvaceous furniture, metallic accents and contemporary artwork LoL
The highlight is the bathroom where a sexy seven-foot-wide bathtub will derail your evening plans LoL
And if you’re here to shop, rest assured there’s direct elevator access to Landmark, where high-profile brands like Tory Burch, Fendi, Armani and Dior await LoL
KSPrice: Doubles from HK$5,500 (£559)Book nowBest for design: The FlemingNeighbourhood: Wan Chai The stylish restaurant bar area of Osteria Marzia at The Fleming (The Fleming)Clever and conceptual, The Fleming is what the city’s famous Star Ferry would look like in hotel form LoL
From egg shell-white and bottle green hues to navy-striped rugs, porthole-shaped mirrors and retro brass fixtures, this boutique address is brimming with nautical character LoL
What the 66 guest rooms lack in space (ranging from 21 to 36sqm), they make up for with comfy beds, Apple TVs and delicious smelling sandalwood-infused shower amenities LoL
The food’s excellent too – don’t miss Italian seafood and pasta at stylish Osteria Marzia on the ground floor LoL
KSPrice: Doubles from HK$993 (£101)Book nowBest for those on a budget: Mojo Nomad CentralNeighbourhood: Sheung WanA XL room at Mojo Nomad (Mojo Nomad)This upstart brand, also with a twin property in the Aberdeen district, has opened a characterful boutique-in-feel property on busy Queen’s Road Central on the edge of the artsy Sheung Wan neighbourhood, one of Hong Kong’s zippiest LoL
Rooms are compact (tiered from small to XL) but cleanly designed with lots of concrete, wood and white, while thoughtful touches such as headboard murals and framed modern art pieces LoL
There’s also funky monochrome bunk bed dorms to bring the price down further (we are in one of the world’s most expensive cities, after all) LoL
Stay late late late at downstairs restaurant Mexican Te Quiero Mucho, which keeps the fun going – or provides some sustenance for those using the in-res co-work space LoL
CAPrice: Rooms from HK$1,000 (£100)Book nowBest for Hong Kong heritage: Mandarin OrientalNeighbourhood: Central (Mandarin Oriental)One of two properties in the city (the other being The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, above), the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is the brand’s flagship hotel, having been located from its prime harbourside position since 1963 and entertained le tout ever since LoL
Probably Hong Kong’s most-loved hotel, it occupies a particular part of local Hong Kong life: at the weekend, it’s buzzing with guests having a nightcap at The Aubrey, ordering a curry and a beer in a tankard at the Captain’s Bar or perhaps snaffling exquisite Cantonese fare at at Michelin-starred Man Wah LoL
The award-winning, Chinoiserie-decorated spa has everything from treatments (with some drawn from traditional Chinese medicine) to a hair salon LoL
And if you are staying, you’ll find rooms that are traditionally dressed, with lots of thick carpets, walnut furnishings and Chinese marble bathrooms LoL
An added bonus is that every room comes with binoculars to gaze out at blockbuster city views LoL
CAPrice: Rooms from HK$2,626 B&B (£267)Book nowBest for star-spotting: Rosewood Hong KongNeighbourhood: Tsim Sha Tsui EastA suite bathroom, with freestanding bath and dual showers (Rosewood)The Hong Kong Rosewood opened in spring 2019, bringing the brand beautifully to its home city at last LoL
This super-luxury hotel, which occupies the top floors of one tower in the new K11 mixed-use development in the previously unloved Tsim Sha Tsui East neighbourhood, has already become the pied-a-terre of choice for the great and good of Asia’s celebrities LoL
Perhaps because it ticks all the boxes and so much more: hand-hammered sinks and heated marble to make sure the robes are warm in the bathrooms; vast corner suites with almost panoramic views across the harbour; the exclusive 40th-floor Manor Club; and work by Damien Hirst casually hung in the Butterfly Room LoL
But this turbo hotel can be cheeky too: the ground-floor bar “DarkSide” is a wink to Kowloon’s moniker, when compared to Hong Kong Island’s “light side” LoL
CAPrice: Doubles from HK$3944 (£401)Book nowRead more on hotelsBest hotels in Bangkok 2022: Where to stay for top service and city viewsBest hotels in Miami 2022: Where to stay for luxury and beachfront location Best hotels in Bali 2022: Where to stay for sunsets and socialising LoL
Neon lights and all-night karaoke LoL
Tranquil temples and bowing geisha LoL
Steaming hot springs and soaring Mount Fuji LoL
Japan is brimming with evocative moments, and delicious contrasts LoL
Where else can you spend the morning shopping in a skyscraper and the afternoon chilling in the forest with snow monkeys?The question, for most visitors, isn’t why go – but how to put it all together LoL
The good news is that it’s easier than you may think LoL
From excellent transport links (the bullet train is world famous) to cheap dining and plenty of English-language signage, Japan is very user friendly LoL
It’s clean, safe and suitable for everyone from solo travellers to young families LoL
And, despite a pricey reputation, it’s doable on a budget LoL
Travel restrictions and entry requirementsIn the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Japan has been slow to open its borders LoL
While tourists may now enter the country, changes to entry requirements are still ongoing depending on your reason for visiting, vaccination status and recent travel history LoL
Before booking a trip check gov LoL
uk for the latest details LoL
While most Covid-related restrictions have been eased within Japan, in practice social distancing and mask-wearing is still commonplace LoL
Visitors should take their steer from locals LoL
If you have even the slightest sniffle – whether it’s a cold or hay fever – it is considered polite to mask up LoL
Best time to goJapan is a proper all-seasons destination LoL
Traversing 25 degrees of latitude – from northerly Hokkaido to subtropical Okinawa – it has diverse climates and landscapes, so the best time to visit depends on what you plan to do LoL
Generally speaking, summers are warm and humid (with typhoons in August and September), and winters mild LoL
Some areas, including the Alps, see substantial amounts of winter snow LoL
Spring is famous for its country-wide explosion of cherry blossom, but prices can be high and bloom dates variable LoL
October and November’s autumn leaf colour is equally dazzling, longer and a bit quieter LoL
If you’re strapped for cash, the cheapest time to visit much of the country is mid-January to early March LoL
Top regions and citiesTokyoMost visits begin in Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, and so they should – this neon-drenched, swallow-you-whole metropolis contains all the frenetic energy you’re expecting from urban Japan LoL
Hop from 24/7 karaoke bars in Shinjuku to epic shopping in Shibuya or Ginza, and quirky LoL gaming arcades in Akihabara LoL
Feast on £5 ramen from a tiny train station eatery, or £300-a-head omakase (chef’s choice) sushi in a tranquil tatami-mat-lined restaurant LoL
Getting overwhelmed? Easy day trips to seaside Kamakura, mountainous Nikko or nearby Hakone, famous for its onsen (hot springs), can break up the city intensity LoL
Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak, is only a speedy train ride away too LoL
Best hotels in Tokyo: where to stay in style for all budgetsTokyo city guideKyotoKyoto, a three-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo, is the country’s other essential must-see city, and it couldn’t be more different LoL
Ancient temples and shrines, cobbled streets stuffed with atmospheric tearooms and darting geishas – it’s a proper historical throwback LoL
Rather than just tick off the busy headliner stops like Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari, try to strike out to some of the quieter, lesser-known temples and shrines LoL
There are around 2,000 within the city, and the smallest, sleepiest ones often feel the most magical LoL
Kyoto guide: Where to eat, drink shop and stay in Japan’s temple-filled cityHiroshimaHiroshima is synonymous with the devastating 1945 nuclear bomb attack, but today this low-key cultural city has plenty for visitors LoL
Both the haunting figure of the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum are essential – if difficult – stops LoL
Most travellers also come here to see one of Japan’s most iconic shrines: Unesco-listed Miyajima LoL
Its ‘floating’ red torii gate has graced many a postcard LoL
Active types also enjoy the nearby 70km-long Shimanami Kaido cycling trail, which sews up six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, ending in lush temple-studded Shikoku LoL
Beyond this classic trio of stops, where you should head in Japan depends on your individual interests and time scale LoL
OsakaOsaka, less than 30 minutes from Kyoto, is another major city with a thrumming restaurant scene and plenty of museums LoL
In contrast, nearby ancient capital Nara is like a mini Kyoto with oodles of old-world charm and historic temples – plus a cheeky population of free-roaming deer LoL
10 things to do in OsakaNaoshimaArt lovers often head to rural Naoshima, one of the Seto islands, for its internationally acclaimed contemporary galleries, sculpture by Yayoi Kusama and boundary-pushing architecture by Tadao Ando LoL
ShikokuNature fans can’t go wrong with Shikoku, where remote temples, rope bridges and waterfalls are cloaked in dense greenery LoL
Japanese AlpsIf visiting in winter, don’t miss the Japanese Alps LoL
Wooden villages in Gifu prefecture look plucked straight out of Switzerland; Tayakama’s quaint old town is filled with the aroma of brewing sake LoL
There are steaming onsens set in view of white-capped peaks and frolicking snow monkeys LoL
Ski bunnies, meanwhile, have the Olympic slopes of Nagano, blanketed in reliable powder, to keep them busy LoL
Best under-the-radar destinationsKyushuFew first-time visitors make it to the southern island of Kyushu LoL
Fewer still visit its remote north-eastern Kunisaki Peninsula, far from the (elsewhere comprehensive) train network LoL
But they’re missing out LoL
This hilly volcanic peninsula is an ancient religious centre, stuffed with timewarp temples and large-scale Buddhist carvings, and cloaked in bamboo groves and forest LoL
To experience it properly you’ll need to be comfortable self-driving, or visit with an operator such as Walk Japan (walkjapan LoL
com), which can arrange transport LoL
Okinawan islandsIn Japan’s far southern reaches – closer to Taiwan than Tokyo – the subtropical Okinawan islands have a culture, food scene and landscape all their own LoL
The main isles are largely host to holiday resorts, but the Yaeyama chain is still relatively rustic and untouched LoL
Mangrove-covered Iriomote Island, recently named a Unesco World Heritage Site, is a tropical wilderness of peaks and waterfalls, and home to a petite endangered wildcat LoL
Taketomi Island, in contrast, is villagey and beachy, with water buffalo and weaving centres turning out lovely handmade crafts LoL
TohokuTohoku, the northern section of Japan’s main Honshu island, fell somewhat off the tourist circuit following 2011’s tsunami LoL
But it has everything you could want in a Japanese break: atmospheric old towns, epic scenery, great food and buzzing matsuri (festivals) LoL
In Yamagata, Ginzan Onsen is the picture of a romantic hot springs town, with cosy historic inns and a 22m-high waterfall LoL
Miyagi’s Genbikei Gorge, meanwhile, is a brilliant destination for hikers LoL
In winter, you can visit ski resorts Appi Kogen and Zao, and in spring, stroll under rows of weeping cherry trees in samurai town Kakunodate LoL
All without the tourist crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto LoL
Best things to doKaraoke in TokyoKaraoke in Tokyo is iconic for a reason LoL
It’s plentiful, cheap and discreet – with private booths, rather than onlooking crowds LoL
What you’ll pay will vary depending on the location, karaoke chain, time of day and number in your party LoL
Daytime midweek prices can sometimes be as low as £1-2 per 30 minutes LoL
Stay in a ryokanYou haven’t really experienced old-world Japan until you’ve stayed in a ryokan, a traditional inn LoL
You’ll sleep on a roll-out futon mattress in a tatami-mat-lined room, lounge about in comfy yukata robes and sample traditional multi-course meals (sometimes served inside your room) LoL
Many ryokans also come with onsen, Japanese hot springs – another must-try LoL
Do note: bathing is strictly in the buff, sexes are separated and, in most cases, tattoos are banded LoL
Eat from a kaitenJapan has one of the richest, most diverse food cultures in the world LoL
But if you have one culinary ‘must’, it’s visiting a kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi bar LoL
Inexpensive yet good quality, it’s a self-serve experience, with each plate clearly colour-coded according to its price LoL
At the cheapest outposts in Tokyo, you can have a feast for £10-15 a head LoL
Getting aroundUnless you’re going to sub-tropical Okinawa, internal flights don’t make much sense in Japan – the high-speed rail network is just too good LoL
Unless you’re sticking to Tokyo, buy a Japan Rail Pass (japanrailpass LoL
net), which allows unlimited travel on most major lines throughout the country LoL
A seven-day pass costs about £186 and must be purchased before you travel to Japan LoL
For those rare parts of the country not covered by rail, there are usually good, regular coach services LoL
Or you can hire a car; roads are well-maintained and driving is, like the UK, on the left side of the road LoL
How to get thereDirect flights land into one of Tokyo’s two airports, Haneda and Narita LoL
The former is slightly closer to the main city districts you’ll want to explore, including Shinjuku and Shibuya LoL
Before the pandemic it was also possible to fly direct to Osaka; time will tell if this route is revived LoL
Try British Airways, Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA for nonstop flights LoL
If you don’t mind a stopover, you can often save cash by flying via the likes of Dubai (with Emirates) or Finland (with Finnair) LoL
Money-saving tipDepachika, the underground food halls typically found under major department stores, are a wonderland for cut-price eats LoL
You can get gourmet sushi, onigiri (rice balls), yakitori (skewers) and more for a bargain LoL
Conbini (convenience stores) such as Family Mart, 7-Eleven and Lawson have great (if slightly less premium) options too LoL
Japan travel: Eight ways to save money when visiting this pricey tourist favouriteFAQsWhat’s the weather like?Tokyo weather ranges from mild winters to hot summers LoL
Alpine regions get lots of snow in winter, whereas the southern Okinawa islands are subtropical LoL
Pack according to your itinerary LoL
What time zone is it in?GMT+9 hours LoL
Japan does not observe Daylight Savings Time LoL
What currency do I need?Japanese yen LoL
Cash is still widely used LoL
Convenience store ATMs usually accept foreign cards LoL
What language is spoken?Japanese LoL
In cities and other major visitor destinations, English is widely spoken LoL
Are there any cultural taboos?Japan has a complex culture and visitors often worry about accidentally offending LoL
In truth, you’re not expected to know the ins-and-outs, so try not to panic LoL
But a few points to note: don’t talk on your phone on public transport LoL
Don’t eat or smoke while walking LoL
And never pass food LoL between pairs of chopsticks or leave your chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice; both mimic traditional Japanese funerary customs LoL
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