Japan is the holy grail for travellers; a country that remains resolutely, uncompromisingly different. That doesn't mean it's not welcoming; from the snowy wastes of Hokkaido in the north, to the Caribbean style beaches in the southern islands, Japanese people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Head to the capital, Tokyo, for a snapshot of Japanese life at its most frenetic and futuristic, while Kyoto is the place to glimpse the country's exotic past.
In all my years of travelling, I've never been anywhere quite like Japan. Everything is different, from breakfasts of salmon roe, rice porridge and pickled ginger, to the nightlife, where bars and restaurants are packed onto different floors in high-rise buildings, with little clue as to what to expect until you step out of the lift. My dream trip? To visit Kyoto in cherry-blossom season, when the city shimmers in pink and the whole nation celebrates.
Best of Japan from Japan is an exhilarating holiday in Japan. Available from 16 Apr 2019 to 13 Jun 2030 this 17 day trip costs from £3,520.
Luxury Japan from Japan is an exhilarating holiday in Japan. Available from 4 May 2019 to 18 Sep 2030 this 9 day trip costs from £7,545.
Comprehensive tour of Japan
Explore the best of Japan from the historic shrines and temples to the stunning Mt Fuji and heritage rich Kyoto. Enjoy hot onsen baths, stay in a Japanese-style ryokan, watch a Geisha performance, witness the monks at prayer in Koyasan, visit the delightful towns of Takayama, Kanazawa and Shirakawa-Go
Kyushu and Shikoku Discovery tour
Discover the hidden treasures of Southern Japan. Begin your discovering tour with a stay in UNESCO-heritage Kyoto before travelling to Shikoku Island to explore arts and handicrafts villages, ancient pilgrimage routes and nature.
Japan Discovery from Japan is an exhilarating holiday in Japan. Available from 4 May 2019 to 23 May 2030 this 12 day trip costs from £2,570.
Cherry Blossom viewing from Japan is an exhilarating holiday in Japan. Available from 5 May 2019 to 20 Jun 2030 this 12 day trip costs from £4,140.
Japan Nakasendo Way: A journey into the heart of Japan
An iconic walk of Japan on the Nakasendo Way that linked Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period. Join this small guided tour starting in Tokyo for a walk along the best-preserved parts of the old road into the mountains for an intimate experience of Japan off the beaten track.
Japan Cherry Blossom Tour
Springtime in Japan is nothing less than magical. From late March to early May Japan’s iconic sakura (cherry blossom) captures the attention of visitors and locals alike as their beautiful pink flowers blanket the country.
Autumn Colours from Japan is an exhilarating holiday in Japan. Available from 5 May 2019 to 30 Jan 2031 this 12 day trip costs from £3,985.
Wild Hokkaido Fly Drive
Hokkaido is the northernmost of the country's four main islands, where the summers are refreshing and humidity free and the winters provide excellent snow fields. You will discover amazing sceneries with sweeping vistas, wildlife and breath taking nature. Hakodate is your first entry point into Hokkaido.
