19 Day Treasures Of Japan Small Group Tour
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Intimate small group experience, with no more than 20 people
✓ Quality accommodation in both Western-style hotels and traditional Ryokans
✓ 1 night in a traditional Japanese ryokan on the sacred Mt Koyasan
✓ All transportation, including the iconic Japanese bullet train
✓ Daily breakfast, 3 dinners
✓ Fully escorted with expert, English-speaking tour guide
✓ Tour guide assistance for departure transfers by rail
✓ In-depth discovery of northern and western Japan
✓ Visit several of Japan’s most sacred sites
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entry fees – See the forested islands of Matsushima Bay, visit beautiful temples, tombs and gardens and explore UNESCO sites like White Heron Castle and the Golden Pavilion
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Once you check in and collect your welcome pack, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the capital of Hokkaido.
Perhaps you could start with Odori Park, a popular picnic and relaxation spot in the centre of the city. A popular spot year-round, it's about 1.5km east to west (12 blocks) and the site for major events like the Snow Festival in winter.
Sapporo is also home to the Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum featuring historical buildings to show Hokkaido as it was in the Meiji and Taisho eras. The village is divided into four sections: a city area, farm village, fishing village and mountain village. There is a horse-drawn trolley in summer and horse-drawn sled in winter.
This evening you’ll join your guide and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting and dinner, to give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers.
Check In and Arrival Information:
Today there are no arranged activities until dinner time.
If requested in advance, we can pre-arrange an arrival transfer for an extra $135 per person.
Alternatively, you can travel between Sapporo Airport and your hotel by train. Your hotel is located only 450mts from Sapporo Train Station. The train ticket will cost you approximately ¥1,150 per person and a taxi from the train station to the hotel approximately ¥ 1,000 per car.
Check-in time is 3pm. If arriving before this time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available.The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
After breakfast we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Sapporo. Visit Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, the Sapporo Beer Museum and the lively Susukino district. It’s a haven for food, shopping and entertainment. It’s positively buzzing, with neon signs, noise, shopping and nightlife.
You will have evening at leisure to explore the city at your own pace
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Please note, the Sapporo Beer Museum is closed on Mondays. If your tour falls on a Monday we will visit the Museum the following day.
After breakfast, we’ll embark on an exciting journey to Shiraoi, a charming town located in the heart of Hokkaido. Our first stop will be the Upopoy Ainu Museum and Park, a cultural hub dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Ainu people, the indigenous group of the region. The park surrounding the museum enhances the experience with its picturesque landscape, offering a tranquil environment to learn and reflect on the cultural significance of the Ainu heritage.
Later, we will continue our journey onto our next destination, Hakodate, where you can enjoy some free time in the evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Please note - your travel time today 1.5 hrs and 3 hrs
Please note - Today your luggage will be transferred to Sendai in preparation for our arrival. You will need to pack a bag for two nights and your luggage will arrive on Day 5 in the evening.
After breakfast we’ll visit the Goryokaku Tower and Hakodate Morning Market – be sure to check out the live crabs and shellfish in their massive tanks.
For the afternoon, we will enjoy a walk through the city and catch a glimpse of Motomachi – this Western-influenced neighborhood was the heart of the city's foreign settlement, one of only three allowed in Japan some 150 years ago. We'll also visit Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a quaint shopping mall housed in a complex that dates back to the 1860s.
We’ll then ride up the 334m Mt Hakodate on the Hakodate ropeway, an aerial lift that takes about three minutes. On a nice day the views are spectacular across the city.
Inspiring Highlights
This morning, we take a four-hour train ride to Sendai, for an evening arrival. In the north of Honshu island, Sendai is famous for several traditionally significant monuments. It’s home to the remains of 17th-century Sendai Castle, built for samurai lord Date Masamune on Aoba Hill, which overlooks the city.
You’ll have free time to explore this city. Perhaps head to the top of the AER building to get a birds-eye view of the ‘city of trees’ from the observation terrace on the 31st floor.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
After breakfast we’ll take a day trip to Matsushima. It’s known for the hundreds of forested islands that dot Matsushima Bay, and is regarded as one of Japan's three most scenic views; here, we'll enjoy a cruise around the islets.
Next, we'll visit the Zuiganji Temple – one of the most famous in the Tohoku region. The Zen temple is designated as a National Treasure of Japan and was first founded in 828 CE. You will find yourself mesmerised by the exquisite artwork on the sliding screen doors in the Main Hall.
We’ll then return to the hotel this evening and suggest finding a local eatery for dinner.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
After breakfast today’s bullet train ride takes us right across Japan to the city of Kanazawa on the western coast.
During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan’s second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. This means that parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived.
On arrival, we’ll enjoy a short visit to a samurai residence and Higashi Chaya district. The rest of the day is free for your leisure. You’ll have a one day bus pass to explore this city.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
Please note: Today your luggage will be transferred to Osaka in preparation for our arrival in two days time. You will need to pack a bag for the two nights in Kanazawa and your luggage will be waiting for you on arrival in Osaka.
After breakfast we'll visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful in Japan. Developed over the course of more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species.
We'll also enjoy a walking tour of Omicho Market – Kanazawa's largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colourful network of covered streets lined with some 200 shops and stalls.
We’ll finish our sightseeing with a visit to the Higashi Chaya District, famous for its well-preserved wooden teahouses where geisha perform.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast we’ll board a new type of train today, the Thunderbird, and pass through the picturesque Japanese Alps on our way south to Osaka. Your luggage will arrive today.
This afternoon, we will head to Osaka Castle and explore the Dōtonbori area – one of the city's most popular tourist destinations, Dōtonbori Street runs parallel to the eponymous canal. It’s a popular shopping and entertainment district and an area famed for its street food and plentiful restaurants. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
After breakfast we’ll leave for Koyasan today, one of the most spiritual locations in all of Japan, and the centre of Shingon Buddhism – an important Buddhist sect that was introduced to Japan in 805 CE by Kōbō-Daishi, also known as Kūkai. A small, secluded temple town has developed around the sect's headquarters that Kōbō-Daishi built on Mount Kōya's wooded mountain top.
Here you’ll experience an Inspiring Stay at a Monastery (Shukubo) in Koyasan, where you’ll get a taste of a monk’s lifestyle. Enjoy vegetarian monk’s cuisine (shōjin ryōri), sleep on futons laid on the Tatami floor and attend the morning prayers.
Upon arrival, we'll take the scenic and monumental walk to Okunoin Temple, one of the holiest locations in Japan; it's said to be Japan's largest cemetery with memorials and monuments to more than 200,000 souls.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
Please note: Today your luggage will be transferred to Hiroshima in preparation for your arrival. You will need to pack an overnight bag for Koyasan.
Today starts with a prayer ceremony and breakfast at the temple. We'll then make our way along the coast of Honshu to Hiroshima. Your luggage will arrive today.
A modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, Hiroshima was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II.
We’ll see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, home to the ruins of Genbaku Dome, one of the few buildings that was left standing near ground zero. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage Site structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we'll never forget the tragic events that took place here.
This afternoon we’ll then have a town orientation walk.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Please note - the morning prayer ceremony in Koyasan may not be available and will depend on the temp schedule and temple location. Temple locations will differ for all tour departures.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
This morning, after breakfast, you’ll board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima.
Known for its lush forests, ancient temples, and freely roaming sika deer, this island is just as popular with Japanese tourists as it is with international visitors. Just offshore we'll spy a 'floating' vermilion torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. Nearby, the Museum of History and Folklore houses cultural artifacts in a 19th-century merchant’s home.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
After enjoying our breakfast, we will travel to Kyoto. Kyoto, considered by many to be the jewel in Japan’s crown and one of the only cities in Japan to escape destruction during World World II, leaving its countless relics intact.
As we arrive in Kyoto, we will visit Ninnenszaka and Sannenzaka which are the historic old part of the city. Following our time in this district, we will then move on to Gion which is famous for it's Geishas.
With the evening at leisure to explore the city at your own pace
Special Information
Please note: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
Please note: Today your luggage will be transferred to Kyoto (arriving on Day 15). You will need to pack an overnight bag.
After breakfast we’ll visit some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like the Tenryuji Temple in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The temple is famous for its beautiful gardens, designed by Muso Soseki, a famous landscape designer who also designed the gardens of Saiho-ji (Moss Temple).
We'll also take in breathtaking Nijō Castle. Constructed in the 17th century under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nijō Castle's buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and as such it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
We’ll visit Ryoanji Temple, the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden and finish at Nishiki Market, a five-block long shopping street where everything from seafood to handmade Japanese knives are sold.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your luggage will arrive today
After breakfast we’ll leave for a day tour to historic Nara, ancient capital of Japan.
We’ll visit Todaiji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and home to the country’s largest Buddha statue. We’ll then see Kasuga Shrine, featuring over 3000 stone and bronze lanterns.
Our last stop is at Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, to see over one thousand tame deer roaming freely in this vast, tranquil space.
We’ll take the local train back to Kyoto and the evening is free time for you. Perhaps stroll the streets of Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. With any luck you might spot a geisha, otherwise known as a geiko or maiko.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
It’s a free day in this historic city until your walking tour in the evening. You’ll have a one day bus/subway pass to get around Kyoto.
After breakfast, it's time for your last bullet train trip to Tokyo. On the way you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji.
Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free time until dinner.
Tokyo is arguably one of the most extraordinary capital cities on the planet. It’s the world’s most populous metropolis but very modern and efficient – it’s a breeze to get around on its excellent subway network. To get a view of this buzzing city, head to the Tokyo Skytree for incredible panoramic views from its observation decks, at 350 and 450 metres high. Tokyo Tower – a bright orange Eiffel Tower-inspired structure – also has two observation decks. The Shibuya Crossing is a must-see, with its neon displays and hordes of people crossing the intersection. It’s hectic, crazy and so Tokyo.
The Imperial Palace, previously home to samurai warriors, is a sprawling complex with its beautiful 17th-century parks in the heart of the city. Sensō-ji Temple is the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo – which means it’s very busy. If you can head there at night, it’s much less crowded and very pretty with its lights. The Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a 175-acre evergreen forest, is an important religious site where visitors can write and hang their deepest wishes on the wishing tree.
If it’s shopping you’re interested in, Tokyo is home to some of the world’s biggest and most unusual shopping experiences. The Akihabara district is known for tech shops and otaku and anime culture. The Ginza district, the city’s busiest shopping area, is also a great spot to just stop and watch the world go by. Or rush by, rather. If you need some respite from the frenetic pace of this city, head for the serenity of Ueno Park, the city’s largest green space and home to numerous temples and museums. There’s even a zoo here.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours
Please note: Today your luggage will be transferred to Tokyo in preparation for your arrival. You will need to pack an overnight bag.
It’s a free day for you to explore this energetic, fascinating city.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group and tour guide to celebrate your time in Japan.
Special Information
Your luggage will arrive today.
Meeting Point: Ningyocho Station
Approx Start Time: 12.45
Approx Finish Time: 15.45
Duration: Approx 3 hrs
Spend your day with us browsing Ningyocho, a charming neighborhood known for its special, traditional souvenirs and goods made right here in Japan and get some insight to the foods and snacks the Japanese people eat and typical items they use in everyday life.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 7.30am
Approx Finish Time: 10.00am
Duration: Approx 2.5hrs
Stroll through Tokyo’s kitchen and delight in the tastes, smells and sights of the world’s largest fish market. Discover new flavour sensations and learn about the people who work here. Round off the morning with an introduction to sake and a spirited tasting to whet your appetite.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
We hope you have enjoyed your journey through this magical country.
Please note: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Inspiring Stays
Inspiring Sights
You may choose to include 1 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
The remaining 3 inspiring sights may be purchased prior to departure if you would like to participate in all optional Inspiring sights (see full details under 'Optional Tours').
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Booking Process
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “4”:
4 – Active Tour: A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Room size
Japan is a densely populated country and space is at a premium. On average, Japan's room sizes are the smallest you will encounter. At times, single beds are separated by a 30 cm to 40 cm gap.
Storage room is also limited - for your own comfort, ensure to pack as lightly as you can.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $0.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. All rooms provided to single travellers will be smaller than the twin rooms we recommend for two people. Unfortunately, this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments, and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveler
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveler of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your traveling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organized by travelers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after
Twin Share Bedding Configuration
At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays.
Triple Share
Not available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for travel to Japan.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.safetravel.govt.nz for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Minimum: 8
Maximum: 20
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Luggage
You will be required to manoeuvre your own luggage throughout this trip. We have included luggage transfers from city to city for the longer journeys so you can travel unencumbered. However you'll need an overnight bag for 1-2 night stays which you are comfortable carrying/wheeling and lifting. We recommend for your convenience you limit your luggage to 15kgs per person.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
You have the choice of 1 of 4 Inspiring Experiences to enhance your journey. If you wish to purchase the remaining 3 you may purchase the additional optional tours as follows:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency, therefore we suggest you book before you go to avoid disappointment. We appreciate your understanding.
Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is not included in the price. You will be required to make your own way to the starting point of the optional tour, as well as back to your hotel. Your tour guide can provide you with the direction and guidance needed to make your own way.
The main form of transportation used on this tour is the Japan rail network.
Due to limited luggage space on the Japan rail network, it is necessary to transfer your large pieces of luggage via a luggage transfer operator.
We use one of Japan's largest door-to-door delivery service companies. Due to the large distances travelled, they will need one or two nights to deliver your luggage. Unfortunately no same day delivery is possible.
On this tour we have the following deliveries scheduled:
Sapporo to Sendai (two nights without main luggage)
Sendai to Osaka (two nights without main luggage)
Osaka to Hiroshima (one night without main luggage)
Hiroshima to Kyoto (one night without main luggage)
Kyoto to Tokyo (one night without main luggage)
Since you will not have access to your main luggage, you should bring a daypack, rucksack or small suitcase for the days that you do not have your larger bags. A backpack is preferable, however if you have any concerns or mobility issues you can use a small roller suitcase. This bag needs to be light enough for you to carry it yourself. It also needs to be small enough so it can be stored on the train, either overhead or in front of your knees, similar to airline cabin bag.
When travelling, you will need to carry this small bag from each hotel to the departure train station and on to the train. Upon arrival at your next destination, you will take your bag from the arriving train station to the destination hotel.
Japanese hotels provide many amenities in the rooms, including a night gown, slippers, toothbrush, shampoo, etc. We stay at hotels near the train stations so that the walking distance is short (approx 500 meters), and also so the group can drop off their smaller bags upon arrival before starting any touring for the day. If hotel drop off is not an option, those that wish to store their bags at the train station, lockers are available for a small fee.
Please limit your luggage to one large piece of main luggage per person. Each passenger is entitled to one piece of luggage shipped throughout the journey. Shipping of an additional piece of luggage may be accommodated but not guaranteed and will be at the cost of the passenger paid direct.
For travellers new to Japan and our Japan tours, travelling to and from Japan's major airports—Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo, and Kansai and Itami airports in Osaka—can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. These four airports are well-connected to their respective cities, and several transport options are ava...
A country that charms in any season, you’ll find winter delights aplenty in this wonderland Japan really is a country for all seasons. Tourists have already cottoned onto the renowned beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring and the rich foliage of autumn, but winter brings a crisp, festive prettiness. Think snow-c...
Hanami is one of Japan’s most beautiful spring traditions. Translating to "flower viewing," Hanami refers to the custom of gathering beneath blooming cherry blossom trees (sakura) to appreciate their fleeting beauty. Each year, as the delicate pink petals begin to bloom, the atmosphere across the country shifts. Parks...
Each year, Japan transforms into a living watercolour painting as delicate cherry blossoms, or sakura, bloom across the country. From Tokyo’s parks to Kyoto’s temple gardens and the misty hills of Yoshino, cherry blossom season in Japan is more than a photo opportunity—it’s a national event steeped in beauty, celebrati...
Japan celebrates the changing seasons through its beautiful floral displays, with each bloom holding deep cultural significance. From the keenly anticipated cherry blossoms and plum blossoms to the cheery sunflower, flowers hold a special place in Japanese society. There is even an ancient language of flowers known as...
Where to experience the prettiest landscapes in Japan during the autumn foliage season Japan might be all about cherry blossom season, but once September hits, summer is farewelled and the focus shifts towards welcoming autumn and koyo zensen or tracking the progress of the leaves turning red. Much like the pink bloomi...
From September to November, Japan undergoes a stunning transformation. The hot, humid summer gives way to crisp days, and the trees respond with a spectacular show of colour. Japan in autumn is an experience like no other: ancient temples blanketed in red maple leaves, golden ginkgo trees lining wide boulevards, and mi...
A needle-nosed train speeds past the base of beloved Mount Fuji. It's an image as synonymous with Japan as a geisha shuffling through the streets of Kyoto or a steaming bowl of ramen—and for good reason. Travelling on a Japan bullet train is a bucket list fixture for many visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan'...
Discover five faces of Japan’s sprawling capital over as many days with a jaunt through these diverse areas Day 1 – Shinjuku and Harajuku Dive headlong into two of Tokyo’s most colourful neighbourhoods. Begin in youthful Harajuku, where edgy boutiques line Omotesando Avenue and Cat Street and all things cute reign on T...
From the delicious to the quirky, Japan is bursting with fun things to do If you're all templed-out or just have some time to kill while visiting Japan, here, 101 ideas to keep you busy. 1. Queue up for sushi at Daiwa Sushi in the Toyosu Market (Tokyo) Recently located to a new, larger location, the sprawling fish...
Japan is a country with buckets of charm and ancient history, but its customs can be tricky to navigate There’s a lot to love about Japan. Its quirky streets, delicious cuisine and centuries-old castles attract millions of visitors each year, but while its culture intrigues, it also confuses. Manners and strict etiquet...
From sights to scenery and five-star fare, Japan is the ultimate Asian all-rounder Japan is undoubtedly one of the hottest destinations in the world right now, and for good reason. This geographically blessed country is spectacular year-round, easy to navigate and packed with ancient sights. In between attractions, d...
From modern classics to guides and memoirs, the many facets of Japan are best explored through literature These days, it seems like everything you need to know about a place can be found with a quick Google search. But sometimes, the best way to find out about the history or culture of a country is to turn to a good ol...
Japanese food is treasured across the globe, but there’s much more to it than teriyaki chicken With such a vast array of flavours, dishes and regional specialties, it’s no surprise that Japan’s capital Tokyo, has been awarded the most Michelin Stars in the world, defeating culinary superpower Paris for 11 consecutive y...
Japan can be visited year-round, with each season showcasing its own special charm While its eclectic capital Tokyo exudes modernity and is one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, there are many prefectures throughout Japan that resemble their traditional forms with wooden minka architecture and t...
Deep into Japanese snow season, the northern city of Sapporo hosts the country’s largest winter festival Japan has long been considered a leading winter destination, thanks to its powdery slopes and heavy snowfall. From February 4-11, 2025, the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) turns the capital of Hokkaido into a f...
Japan is one of East Asia's most beloved countries, with a cherished ancient culture and exquisite sights. But, when is the best time to go? Japan is an island country full of contrasts. From ultra-sleek modern cities, to soaring alps, traditional villages and ancient shrines. And with four distinct seasons that e...
Australia
United States
Canada
India
