Postcards from Japan: 13 photos that will make you want to visit right now

What is it that makes Japan so photogenic? Could it be the pink cherry trees that blossom each spring, or the snow-capped hulk of Mount Fuji? The cheeky red-faced snow monkeys, or the bright neon lights of Tokyo? Seen individually, each is stunning, but together they combine in a feast for the eyes – and all of your other senses, too.

To celebrate our trip to new 'Beauty of Japan' holiday, we take a look at the most incredible things to do in Japan – many of which are included on our W&Hholiday too... See the details

1. A geisha in Gion, Kyoto's 'Geisha Quarter'

2. Mount Fuji, photographed at sunrise fromLake Shoji

3. The bamboo forest of Arashiyama

4. The Great Buddha at Nofukuji Temple, Kobe

Discover Japan's best bits for yourself on our fantastic-value 12-day holiday to Japan – including three nights in Tokyo, the famous cherry blossom, a thrilling bullet train journey, a day at sacred Mount Fuji, and a full-board 8-night cruise around Japan's beautiful coastline. See the details

5. Terraced rice paddies in Kumano

6. Cherry blossom, or 'sakura', along the Maguro Canal in Tokyo

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7. Snow monkey at Jigokudani hot springs

8. Winter lights at Nabana No Sato theme park

Discover Japan's best bits for yourself on our fantastic-value 12-day holiday to Japan – including three nights in Tokyo, the famous cherry blossom, a thrilling bullet train journey, a day at sacred Mount Fuji, and a full-board 8-night cruise around Japan's beautiful coastline. See the details

9. Miyajima's famous 'floating' Torii gate

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10. Giant wisteria trellis at Ashikaga Flower Park

11. Seigantoji temple and Nachi no Taki waterfall

12. Tokyo skyline at night

13. Kinkaku-ji, the 'Golden Pavilion', in Kyoto

All images from Alamy