Natural wonder

A volcano as a national symbol
The iconic Mount Fuji with its snow-capped peak is not only world-famous - the Japanese consider the volcano sacred. Those who climb the 3776-meter-high giant are rewarded with stunning views of the five Fuji lakes. fujisan-climb.jp

©Pexels

Gourmet tips

Meiji Kinenkan

Built in 1881 as a reception hall, the historic Meiji Kinenkan invites you to six excellent restaurants. Whether authentic sushi or kaiseki haute cuisine, the diverse culinary offerings have something for every palate. meijikinenkan.gr.jp

©Meiji Kinenkan

Four Seasons Kyoto

At Sushi Wakon, the culinary heart of the Four Seasons Kyoto, you can experience culinary tradition live. The chefs create outstanding sushi specialities directly at the chic hinoki counter - those who prefer to keep to themselves can retreat to the separee. fourseasons.com

©Four Seasons

Hotel tips

Hoshinoya Tokyo

In the heart of the city, the ryokan, the traditional Japanese guesthouse, has been given a rather chic new interpretation. Modern luxury and elegant customs are skillfully interwoven on 17 floors. Sake lounges, like living rooms, bring all the guests together. In the sandalwood-scented suites, guests have their own kimonos at the ready. The restaurant serves the finest Nippon cuisine, and soothing tranquillity can be found in the thermal baths with a view of the city. The elegant Hoshinoya is not only a hotel, it is a quiet experience in pulsating Tokyo. 

Hoshinoya Tokyo
1 Chome-9-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
Tel: +81 570 073 066
Web: hoshinoya.com
Price: From € 750,- per night including breakfast

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

©Suiran Kyoto

Whoever passes through the wooden gates of the Suiran has arrived in Kyoto, between modern luxury and well-kept tradition. The boutique hotel with a spacious spa is in harmony with nature; fine wooden structures create a play of light and shadow and behind the typical room dividers chic furniture is revealed. 

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Saga-Tenryuji, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
Tel: +81 75 872 0101
Web: marriott.com
Price: From € 956,- incl. private garden and hot spring

K5 Hotel

©Yikin Hyo

K5 shows Tokyo from its international side: modern interior design by Claesson Koivisto Rune is unpretentiously combined with Japanese stylistic confidence. Here, one discovers numerous highlights, from the fiery red library bar "Ao" to the "Coffee Bar" with its jungle feeling to the elegantly simple suites. 

K5 Hotel
3-5 Nihonbashi Kabuto-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0026, Japan
Tel: +81 3 5962 3485
Web: k5-tokyo.com
Price: From € 274,- per night incl. breakfast

Shopping tips

Fashion statement
The fashion label Sacai from Tokyo captivates with contrasting textures and newly interpreted patterns - innovative, experimental and yet timelessly elegant. sacai.jp

©Sacai

Arts and crafts
Usaburo's kokeshi wooden figurines are among the most beautiful in Japan. usaburokokeshi.com

Related: Finally long distance travel again - Japan

Text: Karin Cerny, Marion Genetti and Christina Horn