Japan travel

Let us take you beyond the cliches to the real Japan.

From its sleek, modern cities to ancient towns that have barely changed in centuries; from the colourful - and often bizarre - pop culture to traditional customs shrouded in mystery and mystique. Japan is a land of contrasts, the breakneck speed of Tokyo becomes a distant memory when you sit in a quiet park under a cherry blossom tree in Kyoto. It becomes easy to believe that your gracious hosts equally embrace the ancient sport of sumo as much as they fanatically support baseball!

What to expect

Few destinations cast a spell on travellers the way Japan does. Japan’s history goes back to BC 30,000, yet today this island nation presents a quintessentially modern image. A 21st century economic superpower of skyscrapers and sprawling urban development, mesmerising Japan is also home to an array of ancient traditions, including delicate tea ceremonies, graceful theatre performances, and deft displays of calligraphy. Japan truly is a land of contrasts; a land which offers something for every traveller.

Kyoto is deservedly regarded as a highlight of any trip to Japan, dotted with more than 1,000 temples and shrines (many occupying whole city blocks), and the creative and cultural centre of the country. Further north, the electric appeal of Tokyo, the present day capital, provides a fast-paced and frenetic dive into an Asian mega-metropolis. In central Japan, however, visitors will be truly surprised. In the Kiso Valley, at the southern tip of the Japan Alps, towns such as Tsumago and Magome stand almost unchanged from Edo-era times, while beautiful Takayama rightly wears the title of ‘Little Kyoto’.

The travel industry in Japan is well-developed, but outside the major cities of Tokyo and Kyoto English is not widely spoken. By and large the Japanese are unfailingly polite - if you pack your sense of humour and a bit of patience you are sure to have a memorable and enjoyable journey.

View our full list of Japan tours.