Summary
Known for its landscapes of Mount Fuji and cherry blossom as much as for its futuristic cities, Japan is utterly unique. Fiercely protective of its traditions, geishas continue to strut the ancient alleyways of the ancient capital Kyoto and Sumo wrestling matches still draw in big crowds – and huge amounts of prize money. But at the same time, a Japan guided tour will show how the country has embraced modern technology, allowing travellers to hop from Tokyo to evocative natural landscapes of mountains and hot springs in record time thanks to the country’s impressive bullet train network.
Explore Japan
Japan
Description
From authentic ryokan inn stays to capsule hotels and historic pathways to impressively speedy bullet trains, the contrasting aspects of life in Japan make it a must for anyone with the travel bug.
In Tokyo, expansive districts offer up very different views of a city which has been the national capital since 1868. Join the crowds at the famous Shibuya Crossing, then soak up some of the country’s rich history and culture at the Imperial Palace, the official residence of the world’s last emperor. Capture the extent of the city from Tokyo Tower – reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower – or Tokyo Skytree, before exploring Japan’s deeply religious side at Meiji Jingu shrine.
Kyoto, though also once the national capital, is perhaps the heart of Japan’s traditional ways of doing things. Head to the cobbled streets of the Gion District on Japan escorted tours and you’ll still encounter geisha women entertainers and formal multi-plate kaiseki meals. Dotted with ancient wood-built shrines, untouched bamboo forests and perfectly-manicured gardens, Kyoto feels more like a country town than one of the globe’s biggest cities.
Less well known but equally enthralling is Hakone, the site of a natural hot spring kept warm by underground volcanic activity and a formalised affair since warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered baths to be constructed here in 1590. On a grandeur scale still, the waters of Lake Ashi provide the perfect spot for a boat trip to take in the region’s glorious surrounds.
Another destination kept semi-secret by the Japanese is the city of Takayama, enclosed by glorious mountains. First recorded in 377 AD, Takayama’s natural positioning has helped preserve many of its historic buildings, including merchant houses turned into private museums. Arrive at the right time of year, and there’s also the chance to take in the mesmeric twice-yearly Takayama Festival, celebrated with street floats and complex puppetry since at least the 1600s.
Whether you stick to the heart of Honshu, Japan’s main island and home of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone and Takayama, or whether you travel further afield, there’s no shortage of sights and attractions that will wow and make you wonder, from monkeys soaking in hot springs in the north to near-tropical beach escapes in Japan’s far south. The ‘land of the rising sun’ is without doubt an astonishing destination to visit. To experience the very best of Japan for yourself, check out our Highlights of Japan tour.
FAQs
The best time to visit Japan is April. Besides autumn, April is often considered the best time to visit Japan because the cherry blossom are in bloom and the weather is pleasant.
7 days is the minimum for the Japan trip, but 10-14 days would be good length for the holiday.
The currency of Japan is Japanese yen.
No, tipping is not customary, in fact it can be considered rude in some cases.
The flight from UK to Japan takes approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes.
Japan is 8 hours ahead of UK.
Japan is famous for natural sights like cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, technology, cars and bullet trains, anime and manga, and food like ramen and sushi.
The official language is Japanese.
The traditional Japanese dishes are sushi, sashimi, gyoza (fried dumplings), onigiri. natto rice bowl, fluffy Japanese pancakes, yakitori (chicken skewers) and miso soup.
