‘The nation’s bullet train network is celebrating its 60th birthday’

Tokyo, Japan

Japan, land of the rising tourism numbers, is back. The longtime appeal of the iconic volcanic archipelago – where inbound tourist levels are now higher than before the pandemic – perhaps needs little introduction.

There are the timeless elements of Japan’s enduring attractions – the cherry blossoms, futuristic skyscrapers, ancient temples, and its status as nirvana for all things gastronomic – and then there are the new reasons to visit. Tokyo remains the country’s ever-changing heartbeat: the capital recently witnessed the opening of Azabudai Hills, a major city-in-a-city development more than 30 years in the making.

The complex – home to Japan’s new tallest skyscraper – has more than 150 new shops and restaurants in addition to homes and offices. It is here, in March, that Aman’s new sister hotel brand, Janu, will make its debut.

Nearby in Azabudai Hills, art collective teamLab will open its new Borderless museum in February, while Pace Gallery plans its first Tokyo outpost in the same complex. Weary travellers could do worse than stay at the newly opened Hotel Toranomon Hills, which sits inside a freshly-unveiled twisted glass skyscraper.

If you want to go further afield, Kyoto – the ancient capital – is awash with news. Six Senses Kyoto is expected to make its Japan debut in the ancient capital in March while other openings include Hilton Kyoto and Banyan Tree.

Tying it all together? The nation’s bullet train network is celebrating its 60th birthday following its 1964 Tokyo Olympics debut. Despite its age, it is showing no signs of slowing down: a new section of bullet train track, between Kanazawa and Tsuruga stations, will open in March.

How to do it

InsideJapan (0117 244 3380; InsideJapanTours.com) has a new 14-night Majestic Japan group tour costing from £7,300pp and travelling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto. The price includes some experiences, all accommodation, transport, and some meals, but excludes flights.

Danielle Demetriou is a British writer who swapped London buses for Japan’s cherry blossoms and sushi-on-tap in 2007. She lives in a wooden house in the old kimono textile district of Kyoto.