Japan

Showcasing diversity across its most popular cities and sites, these Japan tours are ideal for first-timers, or those who want to see the Japan of popular imagination in a limited amount of time. Each mixes popular stops with lesser-known attractions to make each tour more personal, while still capturing the essence of a good Japan vacation.

Let Kyoto Lure Your Lens

When we talk about photogenic Japan, we’re often talking about Kyoto. From the gold-leaf covered pavilion of Kinkaku-ji to the endless red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the city seems built around its stunning photo ops. Just be sure to put your camera down long enough to engage with some essential Japanese experiences such as a traditional tea ceremony or kaiseki multi-course meal, and a walk around the Gion district with a knowledgeable guide (far more satisfying than roaming around trying to spot a geisha by yourself). 

Once your itinerary has ticked off the must-sees, use your spare time to explore the quieter temples, shrines and gardens that often sit in their shadow. If there’s one thing Kyoto does better than photo ops, it’s moments for spiritual reflection.

Tokyo: Another Level of Big City Energy

Tokyo embodies Japan’s energy and passion at both work and play. A few days here is essential for understanding why Japan is one of the world’s top travel destinations, offering enough time to sample a range of the enormous capital’s activities. Dive into Tokyo’s traditional and spiritual side at Meiji-Jingu Shrine in the otherwise hip shopping neighbourhood of Harajuku, and visit Senso-ji, the city’s iconic Buddhist temple. While you can’t go inside the Imperial Palace of Tokyo, you can spend some time admiring its gardens, and the ruins of castles past. 

With kids in tow, don’t miss Odaiba for a mix of high-tech and kitschy thrills with a distinctly Japanese edge. If you’ve got gamers, anime fans, or other otaku (geek) travellers in your group, Akihabara is a must-visit (try not to lose anyone in the arcades). After dark, the neighbourhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku come alive with neon. Shinjuku in particular is known for its pocket-sized bars and restaurants that serve traditional Japanese favourites, while Shibuya’s legendary scramble crossing–the busiest on the planet–can now be viewed from the observation deck Shibuya Sky.

Hakone and Fuji-san

No picture is more Japanese than the perfect conical shape of Mount Fuji. Not to dissuade you, but don’t plan your whole trip around that one perfect Fuji photo. Depending on the season, visibility around the peak can be hit and miss, with winter usually offering the clearest conditions. But there is so much to see and do around Mount Fuji that it’s worth lingering for a day or two. Stop in beautiful towns like Kawaguchiko, take a cruise on Lake Ashi, and ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani volcano crater. A longer stay gives you a better shot at that perfect photo too!

Himeji and Hiroshima: A Road to Reflection

A few hours train ride west of Osaka, Hiroshima is a name sadly synonymous with one of the most devastating weapons ever deployed. Its biggest attraction, Hiroshima Peace Park, is a moving and highly educational appeal to the disarmament of nuclear weapons, and its skeletal Atomic Dome is a grim reminder of their consequences. Visiting Hiroshima is a must for understanding the deep scars these attacks left on Japan, and how its culture has evolved as a result.

Hiroshima is also a handy gateway to Itsukushima. While it’s difficult to visit all the sights on this island in one day, the most famous is the ‘floating’ torii gate of Miyajima. Another island worth visiting if you can spare a day is Naoshima. Located just south of the city of Okayama, Naoshima is an innovative outdoor art gallery showcasing cutting-edge modern Japanese art. Perhaps the most famous attraction however on the road to Hiroshima is Himeji Castle. One of only twelve original Japanese castles that has not been rebuilt or transformed, Himeji is also the country’s largest, and one of its most picturesque.

Feed your belly in Osaka and your spirit in Nara and Koya

Time to eat? Time to party? You’ll be doing both in Osaka, affectionately known as ‘Japan’s Kitchen’ and famous–particularly to Tokyoites–for its somewhat more laid-back, fun-loving vibe. From street-food to Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll savour every bite in Osaka. 

Nara Park, known for its gentle deer population, embodies the harmonious existence between nature and humans just beyond the edges of boisterous Osaka. Once you’re out of crackers however (and the deer lose interest), visit Todai-ji, which houses Nara’s incredible giant Buddha, and the shrine of Kasuga. If Japan’s spiritual side has caught your interest, extend the journey to Mount Koya just south of Nara, one of the holiest sites in Japan, where you can even stay overnight in a Buddhist temple.

Hit the Beach in Okinawa

A taste of the tropics in Japan, Okinawa is perfect for those seeking sun and sea. The region's rich history is preserved in sites like Shurijo Castle, resonating with the cultural influences of its past Ryukyu Kingdom. Okinawa’s unique cuisine, characterized by healthful ingredients and vibrant flavours, showcases local specialties such as goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry) and umibudo (sea grapes). This culinary adventure is sure to tantalize and intrigue the taste buds.

The Snowy Beauty (or Awesome Hiking) of Hokkaido

Less-travelled Hokkaido is a dubious addition to a list of ‘popular’ Japanese destinations, but Japan’s northernmost island deserves a mention for nature-lovers and hikers. Known for its captivating winter landscapes, the island transforms into a snow-lover's paradise during the colder months. The Sapporo Snow Festival showcases colossal ice sculptures and exhilarating winter sports, attracting visitors from around the world. In warmer months, Hokkaido's rolling fields of lavender and vivid flower gardens captivate visitors. Shiretoko National Park in particular is home to diverse wildlife and dramatic waterfalls that pour into the Sea of Okhotsk.Hokkaido also offers a respite from the summer heat that can grip the rest of Japan from late May to early September.