A fusion of ancient culture and high-tech living, Japan is packed with a dizzying array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with the differences in language and culture, it’s a destination that’s often best approached in the company of experts, who can help you navigate Japanese society and get under the skin of this often enigmatic country thanks to insider perspectives from local guides and a tour leader who really knows their stuff.
This is why we often recommend small-group tours for those keen to see the real Japan beyond the major attractions. With a maximum group size of no more than 15, they offer fun, sociable companionship, and the chance to make new friends from around the world. And travelling in a small group means you’re more likely to stay in smaller independent hotels and ryokan (inns) and dine in homely local cafés and restaurants rather than big chains. Here are some of our favourite trips to have on your radar.
Tokaido Trail
This is a great way to combine Japan’s two great cities, Tokyo and Kyoto, in one unforgettable trip, with lots of time to explore both and time to squeeze in a visit to Hakone National Park with its onsen (hot springs) and traditional ryokan with tatami mats and futons for a memorable overnight stay.
You can also take a day trip by train from Kyoto: perhaps to Nara, another ancient capital, to Osaka with its famous street food, or to Hiroshima (using the iconic Shinkansen bullet train). Other highlights include Hikone Castle, an old samurai fort, and Hogon-ji Temple on sacred, uninhabited Chikuba.
Spring Elegance
This is a gorgeous time of year to visit Japan thanks to the blooming of the cherry blossom and the festivals in honour of these glorious flowers. But this trip goes wider, with a visit to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park with its Mount Fuji views and volcanic hot springs, to the beautifully preserved traditional city of Kanazawa, and to Kyoto.
You’ll also head to the Japanese Alps, the city of Matsumoto, the craft town of Takayama, the ‘Black Crow’ Samurai castle, and the Hida no Sato open-air museum of ‘praying hands’ farmhouses. Plus there’s time in Tokyo, with an initiation in Japanese cuisine and a visit to the peaceful Hamarikyu Gardens.
All-In Japan
A great one for those who want to cover Japan’s classic destinations but also enjoy a few offbeat asides, this is a culture-rich trip that includes all meals, local transport, and luggage handling, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. It’s a thrilling ride through the country’s history and traditions, from the geisha houses of Kyoto to taiko drumming workshops in Tokyo, from the largest original castle in Japan, at Himeji, to zazen meditation at a temple in Fukui prefecture.
You can also try confectionery-making in Kanazawa, visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum, ride the cable car up Mount Misen for views over the Seto Inland Sea, and tour Tokyo's trendy Omotesando and Aoyama districts with their fascinating architecture. Don’t miss the excellent evening entertainment and an array of cuisines - including DIY okonomiyaki pancakes – which are the cherry on the cake.
To book one of these small-group tours to Japan, call your Travel Counsellor today.
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