Japan your way
Tailor-made Japan holidays shaped around your passions
Where is this? Kyoto
Japan’s distinct culture, futuristic cities and striking natural landscapes make it one of our most rewarding destinations. While the lifestyle may seem intimidatingly different, our specialists have spent years getting under the skin of the country, so they can help you feel at home from the first morning.
In one bullet train journey, you can travel from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the fresh, clean air of the Japanese Alps. Buddhist temples dot the country, and you can stay in traditional ryokan inns where kaiseki meals and onsen baths set the pace of the evening.
They can also arrange for you to see Japan from a different vantage as you cruise the archipelago. During your time in port, you can taste fresh seafood in Sakaiminato, take a private calligraphy class, or step straight into a city that still feels like a discovery.
Suggested tours for Japan
Whether you want to visit the snow monkeys at Yudanaka Onsen, take in the vibrant culture in Kyoto, or relax on one of Okinawa’s pristine white beaches, our range of suggested itineraries are a great starting point as you begin to plan your trip to Japan.
Suggested activities for Japan
Enjoy a guided walk around the Geisha district of Gion, hike in the Northern Alps or take the family to Tokyo Disneyland. Whatever captures your interest, our specialists will suggest experiences designed to enhance your trip to Japan.
Tokyo city tour
Begin your day with a visit to Meiji Jingu shrine in Harajuku, one of Tokyo's busiest sights but an oasis of calm in the early morning. From here wander through the shopping streets of Harajuku and head south to Shibuya for morning coffee and people watching at the Hachiko pedestrian crossing.
Geisha district walk
Explore around the Gion district and other parts of Kyoto to help shed some light on the exclusive and mysterious world of the Geisha and other aspects of Japanese culture.
Visit the Ghibli Anime Museum
Mitaka is a pleasant suburb of Tokyo. The town is home to the Ghibli Museum, an interactive exhibition containing all things related to the animated world created by Studio Ghibli, Japan's premiere animation studio.
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 30 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Japan, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Best time to visit Japan
Useful information for planning your holiday in Japan
Japanese is the official language of Japan, though some English is spoken in major cities. Many signs are in English, particularly on public transport and roadways, making it easy to navigate. The currency in Japan is the yen. There’s no culture of tipping in Japan, and nobody expects it. Compulsory service charges are levied in some hotels and restaurants. For the latest travel advice for Japan, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.
Japan in pictures
Our expert guides to travelling in Japan
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Japan. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Japan at its best.
Japan: the Audley way
Get to know Japan’s true character on a trip crafted for you by Audley’s specialists. You could explore Tokyo’s restaurants with a food expert, don a kimono for a green tea ceremony, or glimpse a geisha on the streets of Kyoto.
Family holidays to Japan
A futuristic and vibrant country, Japan is a destination that appeals to family members of all ages. Safe, clean and with a good infrastructure, there are plenty of ways to explore. Japan specialist, Jake, talks us through how to get the most of your family holiday in Japan.
Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Each Japanese season brings a raft of distinct experiences, from spring’s cherry blossom to winter’s snow crab delicacies. Japan specialist Laura shares the highlights of each time of year to help you decide when to visit Japan.
11 best places to visit in Japan
To help you decide where to go in Japan, we’ve put together a list of our top places to visit. You might stay in a Buddhist temple on Mount Koya, learn how to make udon noodles in Shikoku, or attend an authentic tea ceremony in Kanazawa.
Top 9 trips to Japan
An authentic tea ceremony in Kyoto, Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, the volcanic landscapes of Kyushu… where will your trip to Japan take you? We’ve curated our specialists’ top tour ideas to inspire your travels.
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Why travel with Audley?
100% Tailor made
- Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements
- Explore your interests at your own speed
- Select your preferred style of accommodation
- Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists
Expert knowledge
- All our specialists have travelled extensively or lived in their specialist regions
- The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish
- Make the most of your time and budget
The best guides
- Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one
- Hand picked by us or our local partners as the best available
- Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country
Trusted service
- FCDO Travel Aware Partner
- 24/7 emergency UK support while abroad
- Established in 1996