Planning a trip to Japan this spring? Here are our must-visit spots across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Naoshima to make the most of your journey.

TOKYO

For a well-rounded itinerary in Tokyo, add Nezu Museum in Minato City to your list. It is a worthwhile stop, especially for its peaceful garden.

If you are looking for an immersive experience, TeamLab Borderless is a must. You could easily spend a few hours exploring its digital landscapes. It is located right next to the Mori Art Museum, so we recommend visiting both together. Depending on the exhibition at Mori, you could spend an entire morning or afternoon here. If you are looking for a restaurant afterwards, Sun & Moon is nearby and serves great food.

For those willing to go beyond central Tokyo, the Enoura Observatory is about an hour outside the city and is another must-see.

Architecture and design lovers should visit 21_21 Design Sight. Even if there is no major exhibition on, the building itself, designed by Tadao Ando and Issey Miyake, is worth seeing. The permanent Issey Miyake exhibition is also a highlight. If you are looking for a restaurant recommendation, Sahsya Kanetanaka is a great choice.

KYOTO

For a stylish stop, visit The Shinmozen, a boutique hotel designed by Tadao Ando and Issey Miyake. Whether you stay overnight or just visit the restaurant, it is well worth seeing.

Among Kyoto’s must-see cultural sites, the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) is an essential stop. Another highlight is Sanjusangendo Temple, known for its extraordinary hall of 1,001 statues.

While in Kyoto, try to take part in a traditional tea ceremony for a unique cultural experience.

NAOSHIMA & TESHIMA

If you plan to visit Japan’s famous art islands, book accommodation at Benesse House as early as possible, as it fills up months in advance.

The two islands worth prioritising are Naoshima and Teshima. On Teshima, the Teshima Art Museum is a must-visit. More of a site-specific installation than a conventional museum, it offers a meditative experience.

On Naoshima, visit Chichu Art Museum as early as possible to avoid crowds. The works by James Turrell and Walter De Maria are unmissable. Plus, the highly anticipated Naoshima New Museum, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, will open on 31 May. Marking Ando’s tenth work at the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, the three-story museum will showcase a curated collection of major and commissioned works by prominent artists from Japan and across Asia.