ASIA & ISLANDS

Japan

Japan rewards attention: a carefully made bowl of noodles, a quiet garden, a neighbourhood street and the movement of a major city. Connect its celebrated places with enough time to notice what happens between them.

Plan your journey ↗

THE BEAUTY IS IN THE DETAILS.

Japan

01 / 03

A STARTING POINT

Tokyo / Osaka

LANGUAGE

Japanese

SUGGESTED STAY

9-12 nights

Places ↗

Food ↗

Culture ↗

When to go ↗

Suggested routes ↗

Before you go ↗

01 / PLACES THAT STAY WITH YOU

Find wonder in the everyday.

NEIGHBOURHOOD DISCOVERY

Tokyo

Historic Asakusa, contemporary districts and everyday shopping streets show how many different cities can exist within one capital.

Group visits by neighbourhood to reduce time spent crossing the city.

GARDENS & HERITAGE

Kyoto

Temples, gardens and traditional streets create a quieter counterpoint to modern city life.

Follow local photography rules and respect residential lanes and private property.

The Great Buddha Hall at Todai-ji temple in Nara, Japan

FOOD & HISTORY

Osaka & Nara

Osaka’s food culture pairs naturally with a separate visit to Nara’s historic temples and park setting.

Keep the Nara visit as a dedicated outing and follow the guidance around wildlife.

LAKES & LANDSCAPES

Hakone & Mount Fuji region

Lake views, mountain scenery and traditional stays can add an unhurried landscape chapter.

Mount Fuji visibility depends on weather; a clear view cannot be guaranteed.

02 / A TASTE OF THE PLACE

Follow the flavour.

Hakozen soba noodles at Chakodamari in Ginza, Tokyo

Soba & udon

Buckwheat or wheat noodles in different regional styles; check the broth and toppings.

Sushi

Vinegared rice with a wide range of toppings and preparations, from simple counters to elaborate meals.

Wagashi

Traditional sweets whose ingredients and shapes often reflect the season.

Ingredients and preparation vary. Share dietary needs before ordering.

03 / BEYOND THE POSTCARD

Meet the culture.

Raked gravel and rocks in the Zen garden at Ryoan-ji temple, Kyoto

Small gestures matter

Quiet public transport, orderly queues and careful attention to shared spaces are part of everyday travel etiquette. Follow signs for shoes and photography.

Traditional Japanese sweet shop in Tokyo

Season as an experience

Gardens, food and craft change with the time of year. Look for the local season rather than relying on a single iconic blossom photograph.

04 / FIND YOUR SEASON

When the timing feels right.

Spring & autumn, region by region

March to May and October to November are popular planning windows for the main island. Blossom and foliage timing changes by region, elevation and year.

Featured months: Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov

Another way to travel

Summer, winter sports and quieter shoulder periods each suit different routes. National holidays can make popular places and transport busy.

05 / PUT IT TOGETHER

A starting point for your journey.

8-10 nights

A first chapter in Japan

Tokyo
Kyoto
Osaka & Nara

Connect the main city and heritage experiences with a clear rail plan.

Plan this route ↗

11-13 nights

Cities, gardens & mountain air

Tokyo
Hakone & Mount Fuji region
Kyoto
Osaka & Nara

Add a landscape stay and a more relaxed pace between urban chapters.

Plan this route ↗

06 / A LITTLE PREPARATION

Before you go.

Make the rail plan first

Compare your actual journeys before choosing tickets or passes. Seat reservations, baggage arrangements and station transfers deserve attention.

Halal requires preparation

Pork stock, mirin, sake and other ingredients can appear in otherwise suitable-looking food. Research certified or clearly accommodating restaurants in each area.

Plan for a walking day

Stations and attractions can involve long walks and stairs. Choose accommodation and daily routes around the group’s needs.

FIND YOUR TRAVEL STYLE