Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun, a stratovolcanic archipelago of 6,852 islands in the Pacific Ocean, defies the imagination. Few places on the planet provide such a seamless and intricate blend of past, present and future. From Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, tea ceremonies, sumo tournaments, and beautifully-clad geisha to sleek shopping malls, high-tech gadgetry, delectable cuisine and awe-inspiring scenic wonders, Japan will forever be an enigma.

Offering a unique blend of age-old customs and cutting-edge modernism, this island nation along the Pacific coast of East Asia is as intoxicating as its national drink, sake.

Head to neon-lit capital Tokyo for skyscrapers, state-of-the-art shopping malls, luxury hotels, trendy restaurants, and much more. Savour sashimi and sushi from Tsukiji fish market, see sporting giants complete at a sumo tournament, experience kabuki at the National Theatre, and don’t miss the Imperial Palace and the Sensoji Temple.

For some 2,000 shines and temples that are a legacy of Japan’s imperial past, visit Kyoto. Here you can dine with a geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) in the Gion district, marvel at thousands of orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, see cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park, and visit both the Golden Pavilion and the Shogun’s residence, Nijo Castle.

To reconnect further with Japan’s past, pay your respects to WWII victims at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum at Hiroshima, explore Osaka Castle in Osaka, relax in the Kenrokuen Garden at Kanazawa, and visit the sacred island of Miyajima to see its giant red ‘floating’ Otorii gate.

Beyond the urban centres, there is much to discover; from Hakone, crowned by the 12,388-foot-high Mount Fuji, to Nikko - a pilgrim town that is home to the sumptuous Tosho-gu shrine. Also impressive is Takayama, where April’s annual Sanno Matsuri is the beloved festival to celebrate the return of spring to a snow-covered town.

Other highlights include taking the bullet train from Tokyo to the ski resort of Hakuba in the Japanese Alps, spotting snow monkeys at Yudanaka, basking in the springtime beauty of cherry blossoms, and experiencing hospitality known as omotenashi at a ryokan - a Japanese-style inn. For beach thrills, hit the southernmost islands of Okinawa for white sands and turquoise waters.

Unique experiences in Japan

Japan is abundant in unique experiences. From learning the art of the samurai sword, sushi or sumo, to dressing up as a geisha, discovering the world of anime, visiting a sake brewery or trying your hand at calligraphy, there are so many activities to squeeze into your Japan itinerary.

Destinations

Tokyo

Kyoto

Hakone and Mount Fuji

Fukuoka

Kagoshima

Kanazawa

Kumamoto

Kumano Kodo

Mount Koya

Nagasaki

Yakushima

Japanese Alps

Hiroshima and Miyajima

Osaka

Japan's Coasts and Islands

Tokyo, Japan

The setting to the critically acclaimed film Lost in Translation, the Park Hyatt in Tokyo’s vibrant Shinjuku district is the epitome of contemporary luxury, offering dazzling city views, superb amenities and attentive service that rarely fails to delight.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Kyoto, Japan

With a prime location inside Kyoto station, Granvia Kyoto puts the entire city on your doorstep. Coupled with an impressive array of accommodation and dining options, Granvia Kyoto is perfect for guests wanting a comfortable base to explore the city.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a stylish luxury hotel ideally located in Japan’s enchanting cultural capital. A short walk from Kyoto’s geisha district and boasting superb facilities & great cuisine, the Hyatt Regency is a great base for exploring the city.

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Hakone, Japan

A former Imperial spa retreat in the foothills of Mount Fuji, Gora Kadan immerses guests in an ancient Japanese way of life, offering supreme comfort and relaxation, immaculate service and exquisite cuisine.

Gora Kadan

Tokyo, Japan

Just a short walk from the upmarket Ginza shopping area and Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is an elegant luxury hotel boasting three Michelin star restaurants and matchless views over the city from its towering skyscraper position.

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

Offering commanding views over the city and Imperial Palace Gardens, The Peninsula holds an iconic spot in the Tokyo cityscape. Luxurious comfort, sophisticated facilities and the famed Peninsula service make this one of Tokyo’s most exclusive properties.

Peninsula Tokyo

Hakone, Japan

Perched high in the beautiful mountains of Hakone southwest of Tokyo, Hakone Ginyu is a stunning contemporary ryokan offering fantastic service, delicious kaiseki cuisine and Japanese flair amidst serene surroundings.

Hakone Ginyu

Hiroshima, Japan

Conveniently located for exploring the poignant and historically important sites of Hiroshima and nightlife of Nagarekawa, the ANA Crowne Plaza is a comfortable and contemporary hotel with good facilities.

ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima

Tokyo, Japan

Reached by a three-minute elevator ride above Tokyo’s Shiodome metro station, Park Hotel Tokyo is a contemporary city hotel offering fantastic transport access and stunning city views, a desirable combination in city like Tokyo.

Park Hotel Tokyo

Kyoto, Japan

A blend of traditional grace and chic interiors, The Screen is Kyoto’s first contemporary design hotel, and offers a wonderfully refreshing ambience and luxurious amenities in this ancient city of geishas, rickshaws and teahouses.

The Screen

Japan Mountains, Japan

This full day tour is led by a local guide who will take you to the beautifully preserved ancient town of Takayama, and the spellbinding UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go village, before returning to Takayama.

Full Day Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour

Tokyo, Japan

Just a few steps from one of Tokyo’s centres for alternative trends and pop culture sits one of it’s most stylish and up-and-coming areas. Your guide will introduce you to the boutique bars and eateries of Tokyo’s young elite on this evening tour.

Harajuku Backstreet Gourmet Tour

Takayama, Japan

A full day tour of Takayama, visiting the eclectic Miyagawa Market, the historical and charming San-machi Suji district, the old Takayama Jinya, and the Matsuri no Mori museum, with some sake tasting at a brewery.

Full Day Takayama Highlights Tour

Tokyo, Japan

This half-day tour offers a great insight to the history of anime in Japan before giving you the opportunity to produce your very own anime clip at the Suginami Animation Museum, a great experience for both young and old.

Half Day Tokyo Make Your Own Anime Tour

Tokyo, Japan

During this half-day lesson, your guide will take you to a local home to learn the traditional art of sushi making, one of Japan's most famous exports.

Sushi Making at a Local Home

Miyajima, Japan

A half-day tour to Miyajima Island, the home of the famous floating torri gate. Here you can explore the temples and shrines in the complex and look around the rest of the island before returning to Hiroshima on the ferry.

Half Day Miyajima Highlights Tour

Kyoto, Japan

Writing and calligraphy in Japan is an art form in its own right. With roots in china, the characters came to Japan well over a thousand years ago. This lesson will teach you the complex skills of calligraphy and let you try some writing yourself.

Kyoto Home Visit - Calligraphy

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto has a rich history in crafts and today you will get to try your hand at both pottery making and also the intricacies of kimono dyeing. This full-day tour also includes stop-offs at several landmarks before ending in the city’s Geisha district.

Kyoto Traditional Crafts

Kyoto, Japan

A flat city laid out on a grid system with plenty of back streets to explore, Kyoto is perfectly suited to exploring by bicycle. This guided full-day tour combines off the beaten track exploration with some of the city’s most interesting landmarks.

East Kyoto Cycling

Tokyo, Japan

Away from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo, this half-day tour takes you slightly off the tourist trail to explore one of the city’s finest gardens and then on to a residential Buddhist Temple to witness a traditional fire ceremony.

Tokyo Garden and Fire Ceremony Tour

Introducing Japan

Inspiration

Japan Guidebook

Japan Small Group Tour

A Guide to Ryokans

Japan's Cuisine

Unique experiences in Japan

Walking in Japan

Geishas in Japan

Rural Japan

Ten days in Japan

Two weeks in Japan

Bullet Trains

Lost in Translation: Pete discovers Japan

Snow Monkeys in Japan