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Always been intrigued by the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’? Well, now’s your chance to explore it to the fullest, thanks to Japan-escorted tours with Travelsphere.
A land of harmonious contrasts, Japan is a truly fascinating holiday destination; seamlessly blending ancient customs and modern technology, the coming together of two seemingly opposite worlds is a key feature of our holidays. One minute you’re riding the country’s famous Bullet Train to Kyoto, the next you’re making your way through Matsumoto Castle, Japan’s oldest existing fortification.
No matter what your tastes, there’s so much on offer on a guided tour of Japan with Travelsphere. Nature lovers will get the chance to admire magnificent views of Mount Fuji, as well as take a trip to a traditional wasabi farm. The historic cities of Nara and Hiroshima are just some of the poignant sights you’ll get the opportunity to see with us, and you certainly won’t be short of souvenir ideas for friends and family while checking out the vibrant cities of Tokyo and Osaka
Discover everything from majestic temples to fragrant cherry blossoms on a handcrafted escorted tour of Japan with Travelsphere.
From Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka and beyond, discover the unforgettable highlights of Japan including an incredible high-speed ride on the Bullet Train.
With its fascinating contrast of cutting-edge technology and ancient traditions, Japan is a destination full of variety, and for most travellers, a week is simply not enough to experience everything it has to offer.
Travelsphere’s The Land of the Rising Sun tour allows you to experience the energy of bustling Tokyo as well as its more peaceful moments. You’ll also visit Hakone, the gateway to Mount Fuji, take a cable car ride over Owakundi Valley, visit the historic city of Nara, experience the famous bullet train, watch a sushi-making demonstration, enjoy a rickshaw ride through a bamboo forest, and so much more!
Japan is full of unforgettable sights and experiences, and it can often feel as though there’s something remarkable around every corner. Some of the highlights you won’t want to miss on escorted tours of Japan include:
Kinkakuji Temple – better known as the Golden Pavilion, this famous temple is covered in gold leaf and is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.
Miyajima Island - Japan has many beautiful islands, but Miyajima is often considered one of the most memorable. An ancient pilgrimage site and now a national park, it is also home to wild yet friendly deer.
The Shinkansen - Japan’s iconic bullet train is a highlight in its own right, combining speed, comfort and remarkable efficiency.
Shirakawago - famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old
Osaka building and Floating Garden - the striking Umeda Sky Building comprises two towers linked by the Floating Garden Observatory, which offers superb views across the city. In the basement, you’ll also find a themed dining area inspired by a town from the early Showa period.
Takayama - a traditional city in the heart of the Hida mountains, celebrated for the excellent preservation of its old buildings and temples.
Other things to try.... If time allows, a rickshaw ride, a sushi-making experience and a cruise on Lake Ashi are all memorable additions to a Japan holiday tour.
Japanese food is one of the great pleasures of visiting the country and is often a highlight of Japan tour holidays. Its popularity has spread worldwide, and many travellers also appreciate the emphasis on fresh vegetables, rice, seafood and seasonal ingredients.
At the same time, Japan’s cuisine has been shaped by outside influences over the centuries, including ideas introduced from China, Korea and Portugal. Rice, for example, was originally introduced from China and became a staple of Japanese cooking. Short-grain rice, with its slightly sticky texture, is especially suited to eating with chopsticks.
Tempura is another well-known example. This light batter-frying technique is widely linked to Portuguese influence and has become one of Japan’s most loved dishes.
As an island nation, Japan has long relied on the sea, which is why fish and seafood feature so strongly in the national cuisine. At the same time, vegetarian dishes also have an important place, particularly through Buddhist traditions.
Popular dishes to try when in Japan are:
Sushi – vinegared rice served with seafood, vegetables or other toppings, and often wrapped in seaweed. While many people associate sushi with raw fish, there are also cooked varieties and vegetarian options.
Rice – a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, rice is usually served simply so its natural flavour can be appreciated.
Tempura – seafood, fish or vegetables coated in a light batter and fried until delicate, crisp and golden.
Sashimi – thin slices of raw seafood or meat, served without rice and usually accompanied by dipping sauces such as soy sauce.
Miso soup – a traditional soup made with a soy-based paste and stock, often enhanced with regional or seasonal ingredients.
Noodles – Japan offers many noodle varieties, including udon, soba and rice noodles, served in broth, with toppings or with dipping sauces.
Okonomiyaki – a savoury pancake made with batter and cabbage, with ingredients and toppings that vary by region.
Kobe beef – highly prized beef from Hyogo Prefecture, known for its rich marbling and tenderness.
Takoyaki – small, round batter snacks filled with pieces of octopus and typically topped with sauce and other savoury garnishes.
Japan can be enjoyed in many seasons, and the best time to visit often depends on what you most want to see and do during your escorted tour of Japan.
January can be a good time to visit, thanks to generally pleasant sightseeing conditions and fewer crowds. New Year’s Day is an important holiday in Japan, although many shops, restaurants and attractions close for a few days between 29 December and 4 January.
February is also often sunny and dry, with fewer visitors at major sights, although days are still fairly short. March brings the first signs of spring, with flowering plants and milder weather beginning to appear.
April is one of the most popular times to visit Japan, thanks to the cherry blossom season in many regions and comfortable temperatures. The end of April and beginning of May are especially busy due to a major domestic holiday period, though the rest of May can be a lovely time to travel, with lush scenery and pleasant conditions. Travellers should note that the rainy season generally develops from late spring into mid-June.
June is usually the wettest month, with more overcast and unsettled conditions. July often sees the rainy season end by mid-month, but it also brings heat and humidity.
August remains hot and humid, though mountain areas can feel more comfortable, and many local festivals and fireworks displays take place during this month. September is typhoon season, particularly affecting Okinawa, Kyushu and Shikoku, although clearer skies often follow once storms have passed.
October is widely considered one of the most pleasant months for a holiday tour in Japan, with warm but less humid weather. November is another excellent choice, especially for autumn colour. December can also work well, with generally dry weather and good sightseeing conditions.
Travelsphere’s The Land of the Rising Sun tour includes return flights, 10 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels, plus 2 in-flight nights and 14 meals (10 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, plus a welcome drink).
You’ll also be travelling with a Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide, with overseas transfers and on-tour transport included, and you’ll experience many of Japan’s headline sights, including Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Hakone (including a Lake Ashi cruise and cable car over the Owakudani Valley), Kyoto (including Kinkakuji and Arashiyama), Nara, Hiroshima (including Miyajima and the Peace Memorial Park) and Osaka.
Yes, they can be a very comfortable way to travel solo, because you’re exploring as part of a group with a Holiday Director and specialist local guide to handle the day-to-day organisation.
With shared experiences and meals as part of the itinerary, as well as plenty of free time, you’ll have ample chance to mingle and make friends while also being able to step away for a solo adventure when you want one.
Japan’s currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), and it’s sensible to carry a mix of card and cash for day-to-day spending.
Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat pins) and runs on 100V, so UK travellers will need a Japan/US-style Type A adaptor; a universal adaptor that includes Type A is usually fine.
We had a great time, enhanced by the people in our group and our wonderful Holiday Director, Simona and Local Guide, Yoshi. These two were the perfect hosts for our trip - we were looked after from start to finish, we saw all the sights and they were on hand to make sure made the most of our free time too.
