Before embarking on your trip to Japan, there are a few things you should know in order to make the most of your trip. This article will give you various tips ranging from when to go, what to do, and where to stay, to what to eat.
In Japanese society, the cherry blossom is important as it represents the beauty and brevity of life. The blooming season varies according to location, but is usually about late-March to mid-April.
As the season begins, cherry blossom trees are covered in light pink. Soon the petals start to fall. This beautiful season only lasts about two weeks, making the time especially precious.
It is no wonder that cherry blossom season is the peak time for tourists. Hirosaki Castle is a good destination if you are looking for cherry blossom scenes.
If, however, you do decide to travel during this season, make sure to book your accommodation early!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shinto is Japan's native religion. Most Japanese would consider themselves either Shinto or Buddhist. Even though Shintoism and Buddhism are two different belief systems, in Japan they seem to be well integrated and many people even practice both.
A recognizably Japanese icon from the practice of Shinto is the torii, a wooden archway commonly painted red. A torii symbolically marks the transition between the mundane and the sacred.
Most famous are the torii of the Itsukushima Shrine and the Inari Shrine. In the former, the torii stand on water, and appear to be floating. In the latter, many torii are lined up to form a beautiful red tunnel, popular among photographers. Stone foxes with red scarves stand guard at the entrance to the gate of the Inari Shrine.
Various Japanese traditions, including some of its festivals, originate from Shintoism. Many Japanese festivals involve procession with a Shinto deity, which would otherwise remain in its shrine.
|
98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
|
Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!!
Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More
Lianne Stone,
May 2023
|
11 days trip to Japan
I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More
LE,
May 2023
|
Japan trip
Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More
Serene Storslett,
May 2023
|
Quick, easy and detailed service
Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary More
Lynette Whittle,
Apr 2023
|
Japan Tour
Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets. The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs. More
Madhu,
Apr 2023
|
I organized a trip to Japan for my
I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More
Luisa,
Apr 2023
|
Trip to Japan. I have had the pleasure to book with…
For the reasons above, I decided to book again with Asia highlights for our trip to Japan this year in September. Until now it’s been a pleasure dealing with Albee Ning. She was so efficient and pleasant in adjusting our itinerary. Whenever I had any questions I could count on her to answer promptly. I am very lucky to have her as our organiser for our future trip to Japan. I have had the pleasure to book with Asia Highlights when we went to China in 2018. We were extremely satisfied with the exceptional services rendered by our organiser, Robert Hui and private guide William. More
Mrs Cristina Hidalgo Loris,
Apr 2023
|
Albee Ning and Asia Highlights - wonderful to work with.
I and my daughter planned a trip to China and Japan. We worked with Albee Ning who was fantastic in developing a itinerary based on our desires and needs. She was extremely responsive, taking into account all of our requests and worked closely with us, it wasn't just selecting from one of several pre-developed itineraries. We decided to postpone the trip until next year and received the guaranteed refund, minus a small deposit on next years trip. We look forward to working with her again on next years trip and trips in the future. We highly recommend Asia Highlights and Albee Ning More
Nancy K,
Apr 2023
|
Handcrafted tour of Japan by Asia Highlights
My initial inquiry to this company (based in China) was answered in under 10 hours by an amazing travel consultant, named Alisa. She is such a professional in the ways she conducts herself and serves her clients. Alisa is a great communicator and listener. She is very open to requests for additional experiences which require research on her part to arrange. Alisa also provides very detailed information about each experience, location, guides, private car transfers, trains, hotels. This approach is very appealing since detailed communication is so useful and important to me. Alisa also makes the process simple and easy to follow. Answered tons of questions and created the perfect tour for us. We are looking forward to this once in a lifetime visit to Japan and are so grateful we have had the chance to work with Alisa at Asia Highlights! More
Laurie Lee,
Feb 2023
|
Great Overall Experience
Our guide in Tokyo, Fuki, was outstanding. We saw things we would never have otherwise seen, if Fuki had not been there. More
Todd Hankinson,
Dec 2022
|
Plenty of options and personalized tours as needed
Monica Mo was very helpful from the beginning after I enquired about my travel plans to Japan. She listened with understanding and took careful notes and clarified things to make sure she got everything. More
Ginybel Belgira,
Sep 2022
|
Asia Highlights especially Ms. Kanae Chida superb
Asia Highlights and particularly our Tokyo guide, Ms. Kanae Chida, were the best. When Kanae met us, she asked for details of what we wished to see and she constructed an outstanding combination of visits for the day. More
Geoff Rayner-Canham,
May 2019
|
I have arranged a 27 day tour of China, Japan and Hong Kong China
Peggie's English is impeccable and she uses lots of nuances which usually only a native English speaker would know. I have found her very prompt in responding to emails and her knowledge is terrific. More
Ailsa West,
Jul 2018
|
Very professional, great customer service
We travelled to Japan this May (2018). We had contacted Asia Highlights to organise our trip for us. Miss Peggie Lyoo was very helpful, super-friendly, very professional and very prompt with all her replies! More
Tibor Marton,
May 2018
|
Great job!
Great job!! We had an amazing vacation to Japan. We will use Asian highlights for all of our trips to Asia More
Joe,
May 2018
|
Trip-of-a-lifetime
In addition, I want to specifically mention the guides provided in certain locations. Rum, in Siem Reap, made the most memorable experience possible. His positivity was contagious - even when it felt like 1000 degrees and we were tired. He brought it all to life, and created a couple days of Ankor Wat, etc. that we will never forget! He heard my daughter's request for specific Cambodian food, and changed our itinerary to go to a village and eat at a locally known shop. He brought the dessert she asked about to us in the car! Overall, he and his driver "Lucky" were a reason to go to Siem Reap. In addition, the other guides (minus one which was switched out immediately) were stupendous. Mon in Bangkok was friendly and provided a great day there; Eak in Chiang Mai gave us a world-class food-tour and day touring the city and its surrounding temples with lots of laughs; Tommy in Hanoi kept us from getting killed in the traffic and gave a stupendous food and architecture/history tour - so very friendly and funny; the fishing village tour in Hoi An, as well as the side-car tour in Saigon, were both unforgettable! Thank you Sharon, and Asia Highlights. Would definitely use again for future trips! More
Teri Simpson,
Apr 2023
|
Cambodia and Vietnam adventure!
Our guide in Cambodia, Meas Darapolaith (Pol), was absolutely amazing. He was knowledgeable, friendly and so helpful. His English was excellent and he shared important insights about history and the magnificent sites we visited. We highly recommend him! More
Jennifer Roth Krieger,
Apr 2023
|
My daughter and I wanted to discover SE…
My daughter and I wanted to discover SE Asia. Being the first in that region, we wanted to use a tour service company. We ended up using Asia Highlights. From the beginning we were impressed with their services. We left home with of mind because all the pre-travel arrangements were taking care and communicate to us efficiently. All our questions were answered promptly. Once in the countries, we were welcome by our excellent tour guides. Everything was taking care for us. We did not have one issue. They selected the right tours guides for us, they were highly knowledgeable and so much attentive to our needs. We had Dhat in Vietnam and Borin in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I highly recommend Asia Highlights. I came back home so much rested, and with plenty of wonderful pictures and memories. I will definitely use Asia Highlights again for my next trip to Asia. More
Isabelle Dessaux,
Apr 2023
|
Fabulous tour and guide in Cambodia
We have been touring Cambodia, guided by Borin ( and driver 007) for the last 2 days. What a fabulous experience! Borin has been a wonderful guide, the best so far in Southeast Asia, explaining the history and culture of Cambodia through his tours of the temples in and around Angkor, as well as the Landmine museum. He has answered all our questions, made sure we were comfortable, and that we have had great food. 007 made sure we always had enough water and cool towels for our face/neck.We highly recommend Borin as a tour guide for Cambodia!! More
Monica,
Mar 2023
|
Best Travel Service for Asia Travel
Alisa Liu was in charge of making the arrangements and she helped us from the start to make all of the arrangements and also helped us when we had questions and requested some adjustments. Her service is of the highest professional level. We are 100% confident that our trip will be perfect. We’re also 100% confident that, if anything comes up during our trip, that Alisa will be there to guide us through and take care of us. We won’t even consider using another agency for travel around Asia and we would like to have Alisa work for us again. More
Leo Pospichal,
Mar 2023
|
Even if you have never visited Japan, you might be familiar with the distinctive sight of Geisha, women with pale white make-up, red lips, elaborate hair styles, and brightly patterned kimonos.
Geishas are trained in various traditional arts, and they entertain guests with conversation, dance, music, and pouring drinks. They were very popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, but declined during the First World War (1914-18).
The best place to see a Geisha in action is in the Gion district in Kyoto. There you can also have an opportunity to try on a traditional kimono and take beautiful photos as mementos.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A wide range of tea equipment is necessary for even the most basic tea ceremony.Different styles and motifs are used for different events and different seasons. All the tools for tea are handled with exquisite care.Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns. They are more commonly found in the rural areas of Japan. They include breakfast and dinner and often include hot spring facilities. You can experience various aspects of traditional Japanese lifestyle by staying in a ryokan.
For example, you can:
Onsen, Japanese hot spring baths, are very popular amongst locals as well as tourists. The tranquil experience of bathing in thermal water reinvigorates mind and body. The bathing areas are gender-segregated and some have outdoor areas where you can enjoy nature while bathing.
Yudanaka is a spa town in the Japanese Alps famous not only for hot springs, but also for snow monkeys. The sight of these sociable monkeys enjoying a hot bath is very amusing.
Another excellent destination for an onsen experience is Hakone, where you can find centuries-old hot spring baths and ryokans. You can have hot spring baths either in public bath houses or ryokans. Many ryokans also make their baths available to day-visitors.
Japan has a delightful variety of cuisine to try. In general, Japanese food tends to be less spicy. Japanese people are more health-conscious about what they eat and pay careful attention to the aesthetics of their food. Even the tableware is thoughtfully arranged.
Many Japanese restaurants specialize in a single type of dish, for example ramen shops and tempura shops. But you should also try their kaiseki meals, with multiple courses of delicious side dishes.
Each district has its own delicacies to offer. You can try monjayaki in Tokyo, takoyaki in Osaka, tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka, and fresh seafood in Hokkaido.
The most distinctive feature of Japanese transportation is the bullet train, shinkansen, which is used for long-distance travel between cities. Apart from their really fast speed, shinkansen are known for being safe and punctual.
Shinkansen allow people to move smoothly from one city to another. Many popular sightseeing places are near the train lines, between Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. The cost of hiring a private car can be high in Japan, but the nationwide network of tracks provides a relatively cheap option for traveling around the country.
When taking shinkansen, you can experience the breathtaking views of Japan in comfort, while enjoying a delicious bento bought from the station.
Shopping in Japan is an amazing experience. There are so many beautiful things you can buy. No matter what your interests are, you will surely find something interesting, from fashionable clothes, good quality toiletries, exquisitely packaged local delicacies, and beautiful tableware, to exceedingly cute stationery. Japan has it all.
Japanese culture puts an emphasis on aesthetics and presentation. The people like to give souvenirs when they travel. You will find many beautifully packaged local delicacies ideal for souvenirs.
There are many types of store, from department stores, convenience stores, shopping malls, and flea markets, to supermarkets. They all offer exciting shopping experiences.
One unique type of shop you should visit when you're in Japan is the hundred yen shop. Everything in the shop costs 100 yen (plus 8 yen tax), which is only about USD 0.90, so it is very affordable. Even though prices are cheap, the quality is usually reliable and a wide range of useful products is sold.
Social etiquette is important in any culture, but Japanese culture takes it to a higher level. The people are extremely polite and considerate to others. Foreigners are often stunned by the hospitality and kindness they meet there.
While excellent etiquette is a positive aspect of Japan, it does mean that you have to behave carefully there so as not to do things that are considered impolite and offend someone unknowingly. Just a few of the most basic things you should know include:
Book with Asia Highlights and we will help you plan for a memorable trip to Japan with your family, where you will experience in full what Japan has to offer.
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
1-to-1 Expert PlanningYour tour will be tailor-made to suit you by a destination expert. Your personal travel advisor will always reply within 24 hours. |
Personal JourneysEnjoy having your own personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have as much flexibility as possible. |
Authentic ExperiencesGo beyond the sightseeing. Understand the destinations by practicing the local culture and interacting with local people. |
One-Stop ServiceLeave all the booking work to us, including international and internal transportation, visas, hotels, meals, and activities. |
Rated
4.9 out of 5 | Excellent
