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Cherry blossom season in Japan

Japan travel guides

Where is this? Hakone & Mount Fuji

A country of glorious contrasts, Japanese culture, heritage and traditions are unlike anywhere else in the world.

It’s a destination that appeals to young and old alike, so whether you’re planning a tailor-made holiday to Japan with your family, are keen to take in the world-famous cherry blossom or are simply hoping to explore on a budget, our Japan country guides are an invaluable reference.

Our travel guides share our specialists' passion and knowledge for Japan. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions.

Ideas for how to explore Japan

Family holidays to Japan

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.

7 min read

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Stay in a ryokan

Stay in a ryokan

A stay in a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, is often the highlight of a trip to Japan. From the warm hospitality and exquisite food to bathing in the steaming waters of an onsen, Japan specialist Tesia talks you through the experience.

5 min read

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Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond

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.

13 min read

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Luxury holidays to Japan

Luxury holidays to Japan

Japan is a country where historic traditions and modern living blend seamlessly, and there are a number of ways to combine luxury and culture. One of our Japan specialists, Katherine, details some of the most appealing ways to indulge in this unique destination.

6 min read

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Honeymoons in Japan

Honeymoons in Japan

Honeymoon couples looking for a cultural adventure will be spoiled for choice in Japan. Country specialist, Layla, discusses some of the highlights for those wishing to honeymoon here.

6 min read

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Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide

Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide

Japan has long been celebrated for its high-speed train innovations. Japan specialist Phil explains why, for him, Japan’s bullet trains are an ideal way to see the country. He shares his experiences riding the trains through Japan and how to incorporate them into your trip.

7 min read

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Gardens of Japan

Gardens of Japan

From Kenrokuen’s venerated views to gardens hidden deep in the countryside, specialist Amanda recommends her preferred gardens to visit in Japan. She also explains what makes Japan’s gardens so interesting and why gardening is an important national art form.

8 min read

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Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is, along with geisha, sushi and the bullet train, one of the most iconic images of the country. We can offer advice on where to view Japan's most famous landmark, as well as how to incorporate some of these other sights into a tailor-made trip to Japan.

4 min read

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Driving in Japan: the logistics

Driving in Japan: the logistics

In this how-to guide, our Japan specialist Toby explains what it’s like driving around Japan. We’ve asked him some practical questions about traffic, navigation and the quirks of Japanese motoring.

3 min read

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Driving in Japan: Hokkaido Island

Driving in Japan: Hokkaido Island

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a volcanic, alpine-forested wilderness with bubbling hot springs and vivid-blue caldera lakes. Japan specialist Toby explains how you can make the most of your visit by self-driving across the island.

9 min read

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Japan: a year in festivals & celebrations

Japan: a year in festivals & celebrations

Japan specialist Rachael had time to take part in many festivals and celebrations while living in the country. She explains why attending such an event in Japan is an ideal way to explore Japanese culture, and discusses a few of her most memorable celebrations.

8 min read

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What to eat in Japan: sushi and beyond

What to eat in Japan: sushi and beyond

You might know your sushi, but it’s just the tip of a cuisine that’s garnered UNESCO heritage status. Our Japan specialists delve into some of the culinary experiences Japan has to offer, from kaiseki multi-course dinners to convenience-store specialties.

7 min read

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11 best places to visit in 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.

15 min read

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Top 9 trips to Japan

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.

13 min read

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Highlights of Kanagawa

Highlights of Kanagawa

Just outside of Tokyo, Kanagawa includes Hakone National Park and the sleepy seaside town of Kamakura. Japan specialist Rebecca explains how an overnight visit here gives you the chance to rest and reset after the capital’s frenetic rush.

5 min read

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Japan, the Joanna Lumley way

Japan, the Joanna Lumley way

Spotting red-crowned cranes on a snow-dusted field, riding the ultra-modern bullet train, swimming with female free divers who represent a centuries-old tradition… Inspired by the 2016 docuseries Joanna Lumley’s Japan, Audley’s specialists share some like-minded experiences to include on a Japan trip.

8 min read

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Speak to a Japan specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday...

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Alice, Japan & Canada Specialist

Alice

Japan & Canada Specialist

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