Good to Know

Best time to visit:
November to May.

Flight duration:
Eleven hours from Vienna to Tokyo.

Covid-19 measures:
Negative PCR or antigen test required before and after entry, then quarantine for seven days, except for those who have been boosted. Due to Omikron, no new tourist entry is currently possible.

Etiquette:
Shaking hands is considered impolite in Japan; instead, slightly bow when greeting. Be sure to take off your shoes before entering a private home!

Don't miss it:
The island of Yakushima lures with enchanted cedar forests and imposing green mountain ranges.

©Illustration: Blagovesta Bakarjieva by carolineseidler.com

After a long day in Tokyo it can happen that your eyes fall shut in the subway. No problem: A different melody plays at every station - so you can be sure you're getting off at the correct stop. Little things like this show how well organized everything is in this cool megacity, which still has something futuristic about it. Everyone knows the famous pictures of the intersection in the Shibuya district from movies. In real life, the hustle and bustle is even more impressive, with up to 15,000 people crossing the crosswalks per traffic light phase during peak hours. Nevertheless, it is easy to get around in Japan. The country is manageable in size, the train system works brilliantly and connections are fast.

You don't need a car to get anywhere. It is also amazing how many different things can be found in such a small space. A few hours by train and you are in a different era. Kyoto takes you to ancient Japan with its historic temples and imperial palaces, but it is also a shopper's paradise (the best tea and the most beautiful handmade knives can be found here). The city is ideal to recover from bustling Tokyo and check into one of the luxurious spa hotels. Mount Fuji, on the other hand, is reminiscent of the Semmering region - a summer resort paradise with accommodations steeped in tradition. Many Japanese families also come here to enjoy the fresh air and escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

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But there are also oases in Tokyo; Parks where cherry trees are in bloom, little diners where you can get the best ramen for little money. Or you can visit the onsen, the Japanese sauna. Even better is a trip to Fukuoka, which has blossomed into a hipster metropolis in recent years. The city is not only considered the cradle of Japanese culture (the oldest Zen temple!) but also has a beach that's a great place to relax and recharge your batteries; for example Kamakura, home to the famous bronze statue of Amida Buddha. In the city of shrines and temples, there are numerous festivals throughout the year - ideal for experiencing Japan's culture up close.

Related: Best of Japan - The best hotels, restaurants and souvenirs

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Text: Karin Cerny, Marion Genetti and Christina Horn