Japan

No country on earth embraces its contradictions quite like Japan. Steeped in tradition, yet eager to embrace innovation, formal and polite, yet wildly social, deeply spiritual, yet practical and progressive. On a classic Japan vacation, you’ll see it all, from Tokyo’s frenetic pace to Kyoto’s stately shrines. Take a sobering moment to reflect at Hiroshima, drink with a cheerful kampai in party-loving Osaka, and hope you catch the perfect symmetry of Mount Fuji on a clear day. These trips are all about the essential Japan experience, ideal for first-timers, or those who want to experience it all again.   

What to Do in Tokyo: A City That Never Sleeps

There’s a good reason Tokyo is the starting point on many Japan tours. The city brings together neon-lit skyscrapers, historic temples, tranquil gardens, and most importantly, every aspect of Japanese culture. Visit Asakusa to see the majestic Sensō-ji Temple or scramble your way across Shibuya Crossing, the busiest in the world, before taking in views of this exquisitely choreographed chaos from Shibuya Sky. Browse the cutting-edge fashions of Harajuku, hunt down vintage video games and admire the cosplayers of Akihabara, try to catch a sumo match at Ryōgoku Kokugikan or let your imagination run free at the Ghibli Museum, or in the immersive art of teamLab: Borderless.

A Japan Tour Through History in Kyoto and Beyond

A first trip to Japan is incomplete without visiting Kyoto. Tour packages that include this imperial capital offer a peerless glimpse into Japan's rich past. Stroll through the historic Gion district, keeping your eyes peeled for (but never chasing!) an elusive geisha as she hurries to an appointment. Visit the meticulously preserved Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and follow the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha. On the other side of town, ponder evocative sights like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or explore Nijo Castle before tasting your way through the delights of Nishiki Market.

A short train ride away, the city of Nara harbours the awesome Tōdai-ji and the giant Buddha it houses, as well as Nara Park, where 1300+ free-roaming deer cozy up to visitors in the hope of a snack.

Exploring Western Japan: Osaka, Hiroshima and More

A step beyond the introductory tourist trail, Osaka is a big city that offers great sightseeing, but also a very different taste of Japan. We say taste, because it’s known for being ‘Japan’s kitchen’ but in between plates of takoyoki (fried balls of batter and octopus), and okonomiyake (a fresh pancake of shredded cabbage and other ingredients), you’ll find some of Japan’s warmest and most welcoming people.

Infamously the site of the world’s first atomic bombing, Hiroshima has remade the blast’s epicentre into Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a collection of moving memorials, fascinating museums and gardens centred around the skeletal dome of what was once the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. Inviting just as much reflection is Miyajima Island, where visitors flock to take their photo with the floating torii gates of Itsukushima Shrine.

Natural Wonders of Japan: From Fuji to Okinawa

No symbol of Japan endures like Mount Fuji. The perfectly symmetrical volcano with its snow-capped dome embodies Japanese balance and precision purely through the majesty of nature. Viewing it from the tranquil shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone is an experience that will stay with you forever. Even when Fuji-san is cloaked in clouds, its surroundings are some of the most beautiful in Japan.

For those yearning for sun, sea, and discovery, the Okinawa Islands offer beaches, lush forests, and an ecosystem removed from the rest of Japan. Ishigaki Island offers clear waters ideal for snorkelling, while the historic Shuri Castle on Okinawa Island presents a glimpse into the Ryukyu Kingdom’s past.

Culinary Delights: A Feast for the Senses

Japan’s culinary scene is a journey as rich and varied as a good Japan itinerary. Walk around Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Fish Market and feast on freshly caught and prepared sushi. The market itself has moved, but Tokyo’s freshest sushi is still served up here every morning. Enjoy a bowl of steaming ramen at a street stall, order a pint with a bowl of hearty comfort food at a boisterous izakaya, or indulge in the delicately flavoured kaiseki meals in Kyoto, where each dish is a masterpiece of local, seasonal ingredients.

Should it arise, don’t miss the chance to join an authentic tea ceremony—a harmonious blend of aesthetics and tradition that is pure Japan.

Practical Tips for a Trip to Japan

The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a popular option for foreigners, offering convenient travel across the country’s extensive rail network. This pass offers unlimited rides on JR trains over a specific period, making it an excellent option for those looking to visit multiple regions. If you’re planning a simple itinerary with only a couple of train journeys however, the JR Pass may not pay for itself, so check with your Asia travel specialist if you’re unsure.

First time visitors won’t be expected to know or observe all Japan’s cultural nuances, but polite interactions and respect for traditions go a long way. When visiting temples, remember to dress modestly and always remove your shoes. As a rule, shoes have no place in a Japanese home or bathhouse either, and some restaurants and even hotels may ask you to remove them. Check our Japanese etiquette 101 to avoid the basic blunders.