Avila Travel japan Geisha Maiko Kyoto

Tradition & mysticism

Round trip Japan

Japan is a dream destination for travellers. Its ancient culture, combined with extraordinary hospitality and memorable cuisine make for an exceptional experience. Travel through Japan by high-speed train from north to south to get off in between in beautiful landscapes. A trip to Japan offers unique experiences and guarantees unforgettable memories.

View our Japan sample tours

Discover the highlights of Japan

Japan guarantees an adventure full of surprises. Taste super fresh sushi and admire samurai arts in Osaka. Become a spectator of a live sumo match, or enjoy a kaiseki dinner with a geisha or maiko in Japan's cultural heart, Kyoto. Be enchanted by the fairytale cherry blossom and experience national pride by travelling on the high-speed shinkansen trains; a source of speed and perfection. Discover world-class ski resorts on the snowy island of Hokkaido and stroll the idyllic streets in Kanazawa. Unwind on one of the beautiful tropical islands such as Yaeyama and Okinawa. Marvel at the ultra-modern architecture in Tokyo, or relax in a traditional onsen (hot spring).

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Sample trips from Japan

Well-organised travel through Japan

Your Japan round trip will be taken care of by us down to the last detail. Travelling through Japan with Avila means staying in special accommodations, a relaxed travel pace, experiencing the highlights just a little differently and hidden gems away from the crowds! Japan is also the ultimate destination for a special train journey.

Country information on Japan
Best travel time Japan
Sightseeing in Japan
Frequently asked questions Japan

The islands of Japan
Japan is made up of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, as well as thousands of smaller islands, including Okinawa. Each island offers its own unique beauty and cultural richness, perfect for exploration.

Hokkaido: nature in all its splendour
The northern island of Hokkaido is known for its dramatic coastlines, ideal climate in summer, and impressive snow festivals. Explore vast mountains with white peaks, colourful summer flower fields and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

Honshu: culture and history
Honshu is Japan's largest island and is home to the largest cities, iconic landmarks and beautiful alpine areas around Matsumoto, Takayama and Kiso-Fukushima. Stay in a traditional ryokan and get a taste of Japanese life from days gone by.

Discover Tokyo: the city of innovation
In the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, immerse yourself in exceptional attention to detail and enjoy outstanding Japanese cuisine in more than 230 Michelin-starred restaurants. Visit art galleries, world-class museums or discover the latest technology.

A trip to the pristine south
Travel south by high-speed train and discover Japan's natural beauty. Hike through the hidden Iya Valley on Shikoku, or immerse yourself in one of the many onsen on Kyushu; each region offers a unique experience.

Japan: a dynamic country
With its rich history, stunning nature and hospitality, Japan is a dynamic and diverse country. It offers the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation, where the holiday feeling is complete.

Avila travel Japan Kyoto The Old City of Japan spring
Avila travel Japan Mount Fuji

Japan is a great destination and can be visited practically any time of the year. Here are the seasons as an illustration:

Spring (March-May): The famous cherry blossom (sakura) attracts visitors worldwide. The landscape turns a beautiful pink, especially in Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka.

Summer (June - August): Warm temperatures and festivals such as Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. Ideal for those who love mountains, hiking and nature in places like Hokkaido.

Autumn (September - November): Autumn colours (koyo) make the parks and temples spectacular. Kyoto and Nikko are known for their bright red and golden leaves.

Winter (December - February): Perfect for skiers and snowboarders, especially in Hokkaido. Cities like Tokyo and Sapporo also offer cosy winter atmosphere.

Note: It is better not to travel to Japan in the month of June given the high temperatures and the rain/typhoon period.

Avila travel Japan Katsura river in Arashiyama
Avila Travel Japan Osaka Japan

Japan is a country full of icons and hidden treasures that will enchant any traveller. Here are some of the most popular sights:

  • Mount Fuji: The world-famous symbol of Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers both a popular climbing destination and stunning views for visitors.
  • Tokyo: The vibrant capital, where you can explore the lively Shibuya Crossing, the ancient Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and the futuristic Odaiba district. Tokyo is also famous for its world-class dining and shopping districts such as Ginza and Harajuku.
  • Kyoto: The cultural heart of Japan, with icons such as the Fushimi Inari-taisha (torii gates), the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
  • Nara: Home to the famous Todai-ji Temple, the huge Buddha statue and Nara Park, where deer roam freely.
  • Hiroshima: The Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park offer impressive reminders of the city's tragic history.
  • Osaka: Known for the iconic Osaka Castle, the vibrant Dotonbori area and delicious local dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
  • Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with traditional gassho-zukuri houses, set in a picturesque mountain landscape.
  • Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine): The famous Torii Gate, which seems to float on the water, makes this location one of the most photographed spots in Japan.
Avila travel Japan Cherry Blossom Tea
Avila Travel Japan Takayama old town Sannomachi street

1. Do I need a visa for Japan?
Many nationalities, including travellers from the EU and the US, do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Always check the current entry rules for your country.

2. How much time should I take for a tour of Japan?
An average tour of Japan takes between 14 and 21 days, depending on the cities and regions you want to visit. This provides enough time to explore both the major cities and quieter, less visited areas, and to enjoy the unique culture and nature.

3. What is the best way to travel around Japan?
The Shinkansen(high-speed train) is the fastest and most efficient way to travel long distances. For flexible routes, domestic flights and rental cars are also an option, especially in rural areas.

4. Is Japan easy to combine with another travel destination?
Japan is less easy to combine with other destinations due to its location, but a combination with South Korea or Taiwan is possible thanks to good flight connections and relatively short travel time between the countries.

5. Can I get around with English in Japan?
In big cities and tourist areas, many people speak basic English, but in rural areas communication can be more challenging. A translation app or basic knowledge of Japanese polite phrases helps immensely.

Our travel specialists are happy to help with any questions you might have about a trip to Japan.

Avila Travel Japan Kyoto Japan
Avila Travel Japan Hakone

Special train journeys

Travelling across Japan by train offers speed, comfort and stunning views, from bustling cities to serene landscapes.

View our special train journeys
Avila Travel japan skinhansen high-speed train

Cruises

Exploring Japan by cruise offers a relaxing way to discover historic ports, modern cities and breathtaking coastal landscapes.

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Avila travel Japan Mount Fuji

Your travel specialist

Philip van den Hurk

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Avila travellers about travel to Japan

"Five weeks through Japan with a beautiful train journey, equipped with local guides, fine hotels and spectacular highlights." - Carmen

Our customers give us a rating of 4.6/5, based on 100 reviews.
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Why travel to Japan with Avila Travel?

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