Japan Tours

Why Japan

Learn to prepare rolled sushi

Japan has always been a popular destination for tourism. The main reason is that the country has a special quality created from a magical mixture of traditional heritages, lively cities, and breathtaking landscapes.

Japan offers a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, because here you can not only visit incredible ancient castles, temples and shrines, but can also become involved personally by preparing sushi at a local home, sampling finger food at a local market lined with hundreds of shops and stalls, enjoying a cup of matcha tea and Japanese sweets at a teahouse, and learning how to make traditional handicrafts.

Cherry blossom

Cherry Blossom at Philosopher's path

Japan is famous the world over for its magnificent cherry blossom festivals celebrated each spring. Today, cherry blossom viewing is most closely associated with people having a good time. They drink and eat, making the entire tradition of blossom-viewing much like a picnic under the trees. Oftentimes, thousands of people make their way to the parks to participate in these activities.

The Philosopher's Path is well known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. Usually, in early April, hundreds of cherry trees explode with color, making this a great place for enjoying the cherry blossoms while taking a peaceful walk.

Geisha shows

Maiko, apprentice geisha, are a Kyoto-only phenomenon

In Japan you will find unique entertainers, who are incredibly good at business but often are unreachable for the common people. During the long history of Japan, they have earned the respect of the whole of society, and their service is highly revered.

Gion, one of Kyoto’s historic geisha districts, has many ochaya, tea house, where geisha are booked to entertain prestigious clients. If you go to Japan as a tourist, we strongly recommend you attend a geisha performance; it is an intimate and unforgettable experience that you will cherish.

Japanese garden

Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's "great three" gardens

The design of Japanese gardens is carefully thought out, so as best to represent the religious and philosophical ideas of its creator. Every decorative object, from the sand to the rock, from the bridges to the ponds, is chosen to be part of a greater plan, with harmony being the most important element.

Gardens can be found all over the country, but there is an incredible concentration in Tokyo and, especially, in Kyoto.

Shinto shrines

Ladies wearing kimonos at Fushimi Inari

Japan is home to 90,000 Shinto shrines. These can be categorized into a few major groups, including imperial shrines, Inari shrines, Hachiman shrines, and many more.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most photographable and popular places to visit in Kyoto. With its beautiful shrines and magical winding paths that are covered in over 5000 vibrant tori gates, this mountain temple is as peaceful as it is striking.

Buddhist temples

Ginkaku-ji is considered to be a masterpiece of garden design

The complex cosmological beliefs and morality of Buddhism permeate modern Japanese life, especially in the emphasis on mental control found in Zen Buddhism. Japanese temples are always good for a visit. Some used to be monasteries, while others still function as such.

Ginkaku-ji is an elegant temple set in beautiful grounds at the foot of Kyoto's eastern mountains. Its grounds are an outstanding example of Japanese landscape architecture. There a moss garden which features ponds with islands and bridges, streams and various plants.

Hakone

Get a glimpse of Mt Fuji in cable car

Hakone is a fantastic tourist attraction with panoramic views of mountain scenery, including Mt Fuji, the beautiful Lake Ashi, a fantastic ropeway and cable car, and historic remains such as the old Hakone Check Point.

We explore Hakone using various means of transport such as: the world’s second longest cable car up Mt Owakudani, the Hakone Tozan train for views of beautiful valleys and mountain-scenery, and a majestic pirate ship on Lake Ashinoko.

Throughout the day you will have the chance to get a glimpse of Mt Fuji, however please keep in mind that she is a notoriously shy mountain and it needs to be a clear day.

Onsen

an open-air onsen

An onsen is a Japanese hot spring. Some ryokans (Japanese traditional inns) have rooms with private open-air baths. This kind of bath is popular since you can enjoy a bath with wonderful views, without having to worry about others.

Traditionally onsens were outdoors, because the water was geothermally heated. But now many inns have built indoor bathing facilities as well, with naturally heated water. You can alternatively enjoy an indoor bath, offered by most of the ryokan in Japan, and take advantage of the relaxation and healing sensation from it.

Sushi

Sushi

Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish outside of Japan, and one of the most popular dishes among the Japanese themselves. Sushi applies to a variety of dishes in which sushi rice is topped or wrapped up with raw fish or other items such as pickles, cooked fish, egg, cucumber and a strip of seaweed.

Restaurant specializing in sushi vary in style from low-priced conveyor belt kaiten-zushi shops to expensive single sushi restaurant, mainly consisting of a sushi bar and some table seats, where you will be served everything, from the fish to the ginger, is optimum quality.

Shibuya, Ginza and Shinjuku

Shibuya crossing

Tokyo offers visitors a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining. Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku and Harajuku are regarded as Tokyo’s best neighborhoods.

Shibuya usually refers to the busy commercial area around Shibuya Station. The most popular part of it for youth is Center Gai Street, directly across from the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station and the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Best time to visit

Japan is an all-around great destination for every type of traveler. Its unique mixture of ancient culture and modern technology means that people of all ages will find something incredible to enjoy in Japan.

Cherry Blossom at Himeji Castle

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Japan because of the beautiful, comfortable weather and the arrival of the cherry blossoms. The blooming of cherry blossoms or sakura has been a major part of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years and can only be experienced in the spring.

Because of the opportunity to witness sakura and the beautiful weather throughout the country, spring is high season in Japan, the time of year with most crowds and highest cost. If traveling to Japan in spring, it will be important to book flights and hotels well in advance.

Summer is the festival season in Japan, offering visitors an opportunity to experience multiple holidays and firework-shows in another country. Crowds are smaller in Japan in the summer, which means that standard prices for accommodation and flights are often lower.

Garden of Tenryu-ji Temple in Autumn

Although not as busy as spring, fall is the second most popular time to travel to Japan. In the fall, the weather cools down and the lower humidity allows for more comfortable traveling outdoors. Many people choose to visit Japan in the fall due to the changing colors of the leaves, turning brilliant orange and red, in the countryside near Kyoto and Tokyo.

During winter, especially at the north of the Japanese islands, there are icy winds from Siberia often accompanied by heavy snows. This makes for great opportunities to participate in winter sports, such as skiing, in some of the many famous resorts and mountains.

Western-style and Japanese traditional accommodation

A deluxe Western-style Japanese room with scenic view in Hakone

Japan offers a wide range of accommodation in both Japanese and western styles. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that offer a glimpse into a more traditional way of life. A ryokan room usually has tatami (traditionally rice-straw, today sometimes polystyrene foam or compressed wood chip) mat flooring, a futon (mattress), tables and chairs. Guests sleep on a futon laid out on the tatami.

While ryokans are the perfect places to stay in Hakone and other scenic and rural areas of Japan, when staying in the larger cities such as Tokyo or Kyoto, it's often best to choose hotels according to comfort, combined with location and convenience.

Typical business hotel, with Western-style standard double room

Business hotels, catering to budget-conscious business travelers, are generally located in city centers near train stations. They are very convenient, especially for tourists with a half-independent, half-guided itinerary. Most hotels provide two room categories — standard twin and standard double. Rooms are western-style, small (usually 16-22 square meters) and clean.

Safety and health

The crime rate is extremely low compared to most other countries. Japan is a safe country for women travelers or travelers with kids. If you leave your stuff somewhere, somebody might just run after you to give it back. But if you do lose any belongings, report it immediately to the friendly police officer.

As expensive as they are, medical facilities are abundant in Japan, with their treatments and medicines being of a high caliber. To ensure the medical bills don’t rack up, make sure you are covered by a travel insurance. No vaccinations are required before entering Japan. Take legal prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health.

Japanese meal

Japan’s cuisine is based on combining staple foods, typically rice or noodles, with a soup and okazu — dishes made from fish, meat or vegetables, to add flavor to the staple food. These are typically flavored with dashi, miso and soy sauce.

A typical set dinner of Japanese cuisines

The most famous Japanese food is sushi. This is cooked vinegared rice (shari) combined with other ingredients (neta). Other prominent foods are: sashimi, fresh raw meat, most commonly fish, sliced into thin pieces; tempura, seafood or vegetables covered in batter and deep fried; and sukiyaki, a popular dish of thinly sliced beef, served with vegetables, tofu and vermicelli, and usually cooked on a sizzling iron skillet at the table.

Come with an open mind and open mouth, and you won’t be disappointed.

Traveling around by bullet train

Shinkansen bullet train

Public transport services in Japan are admirable. Most major cities are connected by shinkansen bullet trains, which speed along at an incredible 300 km/hour. Many famous sightseeing areas lie on or near the bullet train lines between Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, making it convenient to visit places such as Kyoto, Himeji Castle and Hiroshima.

The Japan Rail Pass offers overseas visitors unlimited travel on a vast network of trains. You can choose a 7-day, 14-day or 21-day pass, first or standard class.

Traveling within cities by bus and subway

Take subway in Tokyo

Local transport systems in major cities are efficient, safe and clean. For example, Tokyo has an extensive metro and over ground rail system, and it is best to use a pre-loaded transport card, such as Suica, to get around.

Kyoto’s bus system is quite convenient for getting around the city and is the best way to reach many of the main attractions. The ICOCA electronic card or a 1-day pass are valid on most forms of city transport.

Etiquette

Japanese etiquette can be quite complex, as there are many rules according to the social context and the social status of those involved. However, foreigners don’t have to worry too much, as they will be easily forgiven for their mistakes. Just try to be sensitive, imitate those around you, and embrace this new experience.

Discover Japan your way

We like to arrange itineraries according to the goals of the traveler, the must-see sites, and the chances of experiencing authentic local culture. We recommend visitors to have a half-independent half-guided itinerary and use public transportation. Not only is public transport typically very convenient in Japan, it is also much cheaper than the average $1,000 a day needed to rent a private car with driver.

A local guide is explaining how to brew a cup of tea

Having a local guide on your journey through Japan can be incredibly important. Guides know the local language and which areas and attractions are being visited. They can arrange for deals and activities that people traveling alone would not know how to organize.

Guides can also teach travelers about important features of visiting Japan, such as how to navigate public transportation in order to see every attraction you wish to see, which can be complicated in large crowded cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Want to experience the best Japan has to offer? At Asia Highlights, our professionals are experienced and knowledgeable and can plan the perfect trip. Here we believe in tailor-making our packages to suit travelers’ needs and to make their experience the most memorable possible! Just make an inquiry and our specialist will respond within 24 hours.