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.
This all-inclusive 12 night tour takes all the stress and worry out of travel in Japan, so you can concentrate on taking it all in and enjoying the experience.
Ever-welcoming and always fascinating, Japan is a land of ancient cultures, austere traditions and groundbreaking technology
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.
• Be captivated by Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, whose top floors shimmer with gold leaf, and the Silver Pavilion, once the retirement villa of a 13th century shogun
• Absorb the enchanting atmosphere of mountain-based Takayama, a World Heritage site containing a beautifully preserved old town
Visit Japans southern islands with fantastic walking and plenty of opportunity to experience Japanese cultural and historical features.
InsideJapan Tours has launched Portraits of Japan; a brand new 11-night guided photography tour in Western Japan. Guided by esteemed international photojournalist and photography master, Everett Kennedy Brown, capture exclusive encounters with memorable individuals from geisha to zen monks, fishermen to kimono ateliers.
Japan is famous the world over for its gastronomic and cultural delights. This itinerary combines unique cookery classes, including a lesson from an expert soba chef and a sushi making master-class. Alongside this, plenty of time will be spent experiencing Japanese cuisine including a visit to Tsukiji, the world’s largest fish market.
Cultural discovery and on foot adventures in Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun
Ancient wooden temples, raked-pebble Zen gardens and chanting Buddhist monks juxtaposed with space-age towers, neon lights and bullet trains; Japan’s captivating blend of old and new is legendary
