Known as the ‘land of the rising sun’, Japan balances tradition with high-tech modern technologies. Japan is truly a country of contrasts – from the natural spectacle of Mount Fuji and idyllic islands and beaches in the south, to the cosmopolitan energy of Tokyo and Osaka and the ancient temples, shrines and wooden houses of Kyoto. Japan is unlike anywhere else in Asia and is a truly enthralling holiday destination.
We are specialists in travel to Japan – our experts have both travelled and lived there. We recommend travel year-round as there are positives to each season: Winter is ideal for skiing; Spring brings the beauty of cherry blossom – a must-see at least once in your life; Summer offers ideal weather conditions for climbing Mount Fuji and beach holidays; and Autumn sees the landscape turn to a myriad of colours and cooler temperatures make sight-seeing very pleasant. Whenever you decide to travel, as Japan experts, we can recommend the best places to stay and visit.
Gliding into the forefront of train travel in 1964, the bullet train, or Shinkansen, has continued to wow the world with its blistering speed and soundless stealth ever since. Now linking the very north to the south, the Bullet Train has become the reliable backbone of Japan, joining the rural to the cosmopolitan in the blink of an eye. Snaking its way across Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago, the bullet train rattles up and down the country at a staggering speed of up to 320km an hour. As synonymous with the Land of the Rising Sun as Mount Fuji, sumo or sushi, the bullet train is arguably the only way to travel in Japan.
Japanese cuisine has taken the world by storm. And whilst sushi bars revolve their way around eateries in cities across the globe, the original home of this deliciously fresh and seasonal delicacy is a culinary force to be reckoned with. With its humble beginnings in street food, sushi has earned its stripes in haute cuisine and now claims many a Michelin star in decadent eateries across Japan and further afield. You only have to watch a sushi master chef in action in Japan to see why. Japanese food is an art form, it is an intrinsic part of the country’s cultural identity and motivation enough to visit.
Found across Japan, ryokans are traditional Japanese guesthouses which offer the perfect glimpse into Japanese history and culture. Most predominantly located near onsen towns, they are the perfect place to rest travel weary legs along the Nakasendo Way or as an addition to your itinerary on a tour of Japan’s highlights.
Leave behind the stress of daily life at Beniya Mukayu as you immerse yourself in the contemporary luxury of this woodland retreat. Enjoy natural hot springs, traditional kaiseki cuisine and stunning guest rooms in this tranquil, open plan property.
With over 800 years of history, Araya Totoan is a traditional Japanese ryokan providing guests with luxurious accommodation and first-class Japanese hospitality. Enjoy authentic ryokan experiences, including a private onsen and a Kaiseki dinner.
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.
A contemporary hotel in the middle of Osaka, ANA Crowne Plaza is a great choice for those seeking a convenient base for exploring the city. The hotel has comfortable rooms and good restaurants, including a Michelin star chef in their midst.
With its stunning and varied landscapes, Japan is a walker’s paradise. From a self-guided trek along the Nakasendo Highway to tackling the imposing peak of Mount Fuji, there are endless opportunities to get out and about on foot. Here are a few of our favourites...
Biyu No Yado is a friendly ryokan providing a comfortable stay amongst the mountains in Yamanouchi town. With traditional dining, a fun bar, and a range of onsen, Biyu No Yado is a great choice for social couples and families alike.
For those with a passion for art, this itinerary brilliantly combines some of the best of Japan such as Tokyo and Kyoto with the artistic island of Naoshima. Visit classic and contemporary art galleries, explore gardens and learn ancient crafts.
The perfect itinerary for those wanting to combine Kyoto and Tokyo with some of Japan's more authentic destinations. Trek along the ancient Nakasendo Walking Trail for two nights along with visiting Kanazawa, one of Japan's more historic cities.
This is a fantastic option for first time travellers to Japan, wanting both highlights and variety. Enjoy the neon lights of Tokyo, the ancient gardens and geisha districts in Kyoto, the samurai quarter in Kanazawa as well as idyllic Takayama.
Go with an open mind. It is going to be different to what you know, but this is what I found most exciting – Japan’s history and culture is fascinating. Dive right in and enjoy! I would also add that you have to visit somewhere other than Tokyo because, although the capital is great, heading to other towns and the countryside will give you a much better insight into what the country has to offer.
No. Travelling around Japan was what I was most anxious about before I went, but it was incredibly easy. It was hard to get lost and public transport is so punctual – 30 seconds late is considered a delay.
As my trip was drawing to a close, I was feeling rather smug about how well I had done, having read extensively about the customs and etiquette beforehand. I had been bowing rather than hand-shaking, receiving and giving business cards with two hands and been very careful with my chopsticks never to let them be too vertical. But then, I took an onsen. These are hot springs found throughout the country in both indoor and outdoor facilities – and they come with strict rules. I will spare you the details, but basically you have to bathe nude – and males and females are separated into two separate areas. I got a little muddled up – it was all very embarrassing.
Technology is everywhere. If there’s a perceived need for a gadget, they have it. I’m not sure I’d call it ingenious, but the technology I was wowed by the most is found in the toilets. Wherever the facilities were located, whether in a five star hotel or humble public loos on a side street, they were impressive. They all had a seat heater, massage facilities, and a button you could press to get the flushing noise without actually flushing the loo –to name just a few. To be honest, I was too scared to try out all the buttons but it was a rarity to find a seat without these extras.
I wasn’t daring enough with the food and I have come back regretting this. I gorged on miso soup in the mornings (which I thoroughly enjoyed); ate some chicken giblets (which I really didn’t enjoy) at an izakaya restaurant (which is a bit like a tapas bar); tried some octopus sushi (a bit plain); and had more types of fish than I knew there were in the world. Overall, I thought the food was excellent though, and I went to some of the best restaurants I have ever eaten in. One thing I noticed, which I wasn’t expecting, was how often the Japanese eat. Walking around a city, you’ll see one person munching on a stick of chicken, another eating a bit of fish – their meals are much smaller and snacking is the norm.
What I loved the most was the variety, but if I had to pick one place, I think Kanazawa would win. It’s a reasonably small town, with a bustling feel, but not overcrowded and you can go everywhere on foot. The Kenroku-en Gardens, with their classic design incorporating ponds and streams, were the best I visited. I was incredibly lucky that I was there during the Hyakumangoku Matsuri Festival that commemorates Lord Maeda Toshiie’s first entry into the castle in 1581. There was loads going on over three days, but my highlight was seeing thousands of lanterns lit and floating down the river. It was very romantic and it was at this point I wished I could transport my girlfriend straight there.
Japan is a year round holiday destination and there is really no bad time to go. Cherry blossom season in April is by far the most popular time to travel and even though this is really beautiful, I would argue that autumn is just as good. Starting from mid-November, all the trees begin to turn a stunning, autumnal deep red. It is a really special time to be there and is far cheaper and less crowded than the cherry blossom season.
Explore Japan’s distinct culture on our Japan Highlights itinerary, uncovering both the fascinating old and new faces of Japan.
Immerse yourself in this country of dramatic contrasts, exploring bustling cities packed with delicious cuisine and historical buildings, whilst staying in luxurious accommodation and making your journey along picturesque Japanese rail roads.
