Holidays in Japan

Japan: A World of Contrasts

Japan is a country like no other, where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side. Futuristic cities, centuries-old temples, geisha districts and high-speed bullet trains are all part of the experience. Beyond the bright lights of Tokyo and historic streets of Kyoto, discover the spectacular Japanese Alps, traditional mountain villages, volcanic hot springs and the iconic Mount Fuji. Each region has its own character, from the subtropical islands of Okinawa to the wild landscapes of Hokkaido.

There’s much more to a holiday in Japan than ticking off its famous sights. Stay in a traditional ryokan, soak in an outdoor onsen, explore lively food markets, walk ancient pilgrimage trails or time your visit for the cherry blossoms and spectacular autumn colours. With an incredible food culture, warm hospitality and one of the world’s most impressive rail networks, Japan is a fascinating country to explore. Our tailor-made Japan holidays give you the freedom to experience it at your own pace, combining the highlights with quieter places and memorable local experiences.

Best Time To Visit Japan

Japan is a wonderful destination throughout the year, with each season bringing something different. Spring (March to May) is famous for its cherry blossoms, when parks, temples and gardens turn shades of pink and white. Autumn (September to November) is equally beautiful, with colourful foliage transforming the mountains and historic towns. Both are popular times to visit, particularly April and November.

Summer (June to August) brings lively festivals, lush green landscapes and excellent hiking in the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido, although much of the country can be hot and humid. Winter (December to February) is a fantastic time for skiing, seeing the snow monkeys of Nagano and relaxing in traditional hot springs surrounded by snow.

For a first holiday to Japan, we’d generally recommend spring or autumn for comfortable sightseeing temperatures and beautiful scenery. However, with Japan’s varied climate and landscapes, the best time to visit really depends on the places you’d like to explore and the experiences you want to include.

Things to Do and See in Japan

There’s something quite special about travelling through Japan. One day you could be speeding between cities on a Shinkansen bullet train, the next wandering through Kyoto’s narrow streets, where you may catch a glimpse of a geiko or maiko on her way to an evening appointment. Japan’s temples and shrines are fascinating to explore, but it’s often the smaller experiences that stay with you, like joining a traditional tea ceremony, watching sumo training or spending an evening in a tiny neighbourhood restaurant.

Make time to explore beyond Tokyo and Kyoto too. Walk the old Nakasendo Trail between beautifully preserved post towns, spend a night sleeping on a futon in a traditional ryokan, or enjoy a long soak in an outdoor onsen. The Japanese Alps offer wonderful mountain scenery, while Nagano’s snow monkeys, Mount Fuji and the gardens of Kanazawa are all worth considering for your itinerary.

And don’t overlook the food. Visiting local markets, trying regional dishes and discovering small family-run restaurants is as much a part of experiencing Japan as visiting its famous sights. The beauty of a tailor-made holiday is having time for these experiences rather than rushing between attractions.