Japan Tours
Our fantastic collection of Japan tours combine spectacular sights, rich culture and delicious Japanese cuisine. Japan mixes modern and traditional highlights with the soaring towers in Tokyo and Kyoto's ancient Buddhist temples. Admire the spectacular backdrop around Mount Fuji and reflect on Hiroshima's past in the heart of the city, which focusses on peace and tranquillity.
Finding & Loading Tours
- 13 Nights - Tokyo and Back
- Fly Tour from £3,659
Japan - an ancient culture of emperors, fierce shoguns, samurais and brutal martial arts. Yet it’s also a place of gentle geishas, colourful kimonos, exquisite garden design and Zen Buddhism.
- 18 Nights - Tokyo to Hong Kong
- Fly Cruise from £4,099
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture on this cruise-and-stay holiday. Quintessentially Japanese experiences and delicious cuisine await you - sample sake, sushi and soba, and sip tea made meticulously during a traditional ritual.
- 9 Nights - Tokyo to Hiroshima
- Tour Only from £4,702
A tale of three iconic cities and three former capitals - your epic journey through Japan blends old and new, with soul-stirring visits to ancient centres and modern cities.
- 13 Nights - Tokyo and Back
- Fly Tour from £4,849
Ancient and ultra-modern sit shoulder to shoulder in Japan. Over two weeks, we’ll experience both, exploring high-paced cities, hushed shrines and temples, and serene gardens.
China and Japan - Timeless Traditions
- 17 Nights - Beijing to Tokyo
- Fly Tour from £4,999
Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of these East Asian nations. In China, we’ll combine the sights and skyscrapers of Beijing and Shanghai with sleepy water towns and tai chi sessions.
- 10 Nights - Tokyo to Osaka
- Fly Tour from £5,399
From the natural beauty of Mount Fuji to the spectacular skyline of Tokyo, enigmatic Japan offers a unique holiday experience. Discover ancient temples, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and travel on the famous Bullet Train as you explore this country of contrasts.
- 15 Nights - Tokyo to Osaka
- Fly Tour from £9,995
- 18 Nights - Tokyo to Osaka
- Fly Tour from £11,845
Allure of Japan with Snow Monkeys
- 21 Nights - Fukuoka to Tokyo
- Fly Tour from £13,295
Japan and South Korea in Focus
- 24 Nights - Tokyo to Seoul
- Fly Tour from £14,845
Discover Japan
Japan is renowned for its seasonal attractions; in spring delicate cherry blossom, one of the best-loved symbols of Japan, sweeps dramatically across the country whilst fairytale wisteria gardens create a floral extravaganza. Japan’s gardens are particularly beautiful in summer colourful lotus flowers, hydrangeas and irises set against a backdrop of lush greenery.
Some of the biggest and best festivals take place in summer, from spectacular fire festivals and colourful firework displays to traditional lantern festivals. In autumn red, orange and gold maple and gingko trees create an amazing display, with parks and gardens holding special light-up events to illuminate the stunning foliage. During winter in the north of Japan you can bathe in natural hot springs whilst being surrounded by snow, and the mountain regions turn into world-class ski slopes.
The highly-volcanic archipelago of Japan features magnificent mountain regions where hiking paths offer spectacular views from the soaring peaks, including sacred Mount Fuji. Emerald green terraced rice fields are common in this mountainous area, where beautifully curved ridges are carved into dramatic steep slopes.
The country also boasts pristine beaches, particularly on Okinawa Island where the clear blue waters, soft white sand and amazing coral reefs makes it perfect for snorkelling and diving. Japan tours visit dynamic cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, where neon-lit streetscapes contrast with tranquil temples, ancient shrines and Zen rock gardens.
Japan tours explore the country’s unique culture which dates back thousands of years and is steeped in tradition. From the distinctive white face, red lips and elaborate hairstyle of the Geisha to the fierce warrior ways of the samurai, ancient traditions still thrive in modern Japan. Sumo dates back over 1,500 years and was originally a form of Shinto ritual which has developed into a popular professional sport, whilst the martial arts of karate, kendo and judo have been practised for hundreds of years. The Japanese tea ceremony is a long-standing tradition; this meticulously-choreographed ritual is a spiritual process as well as a way of preparing and serving green tea.
Highlights of Japan
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Tokyo
Japan’s compelling capital is a city of contrasts where the ultra-modern meets the traditional. Tokyo is a mega-metropolis with neon skyscrapers, cutting edge technology and show-stopping architecture, it also boasts the world’s highest volume of Michelin stars in a city. Yet this modern city is still deeply connected to its traditions and has ancient shrines, plant-covered wooden houses, small shanty bars and lantern-lit street-food stands. Devour fresh sushi, shop in the futuristic shopping malls for the latest gadgets, relax in the onsen (natural hot springs) and take in the dazzling panoramic views of the skyline from the top the world's tallest tower; Tokyo Sky Tree.
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Kyoto
Kyoto is the spiritual heart of Japan; the city boasts more than 2000 atmospheric temples and shrines which showcase true masterpieces of religious architecture. Whilst the rest of Japan scrambles to be the world’s most modern country, Kyoto opts for the old way of Japanese life and many traditional arts and crafts are kept alive by artisans from generation to generation. See robed monks meditate peacefully on tatami-mat floors, smell the burning incense and hear the prayer chants echo through the zen gardens. Kyoto is the perfect place to embrace the Japanese culture and spirit. It was the city’s exceptional historic and cultural value that spared it from being a target for the atomic bomb during WWII.
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Hiroshima
The city of Hiroshima is known for being the first city in history to suffer a nuclear attack in 1945 which killed thousands and almost completely destroyed the city. The atomic bomb, detonated by the U.S., was the start of the end of WWII. To gain a better understanding of Hiroshima’s intense past, visit the Atomic Bomb Dome which was one of the few structures left standing. It has been preserved as an iconic ruin to pay tribute to the people that lost their lives and remind visitors of Hiroshima's dedication to eradicate nuclear weapons. Allow time to visit the Peace Memorial Park and explore individual’s stories at the Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Museum. Despite its dark history, Hiroshima is now a flourishing city with a thriving food scene and a vibrant nightlife.
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Osaka
Japan’s third largest city has an admired, laidback attitude and friendly locals that welcome tourists with open arms. Osaka is a world of colour and each building is enveloped in dazzling neon lights that reflect off the lovely river cutting through the city centre. The city is best known for its love of food and Osaka boasts an array of eateries serving up some of the best food in the world. Osaka’s unofficial slogan kuidaore translates to ‘eat until you drop’ and each evening the city is buzzing with people out for a great meal and an exciting night. Osaka is also inexpensive compared to other Japanese cities such as Tokyo so it is great for bargain shopping; particularly in the Kita and Minami districts.
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Mount Fuji
The incredibly picturesque Mount Fuji is one of the most recognisable volcanoes in the world and is an icon of Japan. The dormant volcano was added to the World Heritage Site list in 2013 and each year during its two-month peak season, more than 300,000 people climb Mount Fuji. Although it is a massive accomplishment, the gruelling climb to the top is not known for its natural scenery, instead, the best place to view Fuji is from skyscrapers of Tokyo and from the Fuji Five Lakes area. Mount Fuji can be enjoyed all year round with vivid cherry blossom in spring, crisp maple foliage in autumn and snow activities in winter.
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Nara
Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital and is now home to one of the country’s most iconic shrines. The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) is located in the majestic Tōdai-ji temple and rivals Mt Fuji and Kyoto's Golden Pavilion as Japan’s most awe-inspiring sight. The Giant Buddha is one of the city’s eight magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spend some time exploring Nara-kōen, a huge park filled with beautiful shrines and temples, lush greenery and tame deer which roam freely and will happily approach tourists for food.
