In Japan, walk past ancient temples and blossoming cherry orchards. Discover futuristic cities full of neon lights and serene tea houses. Behold the iconic Mount Fuji, enjoy refined Wagyu beef and experience warm hospitality. Japan excites all your senses, offering a perfect harmony between tradition and modernity.
Japan reveals its beauty in places where time and nature merge. You stroll along the serenely rippling waters of the Arashiyama bamboo forest, where sunlight glistens softly through swaying culms. Sophisticated gardens and temples await in Kyoto, enveloped in mystical tranquillity. Hiroshima impresses, because of its disastrous history. On the island of gods off its coast, Miyajima, the iconic torii gate seems to float in the sparkling tide. Each location envelops you with an almost tangible magic, mainly because of its purity and authenticity.
If you prefer to travel in a different way, choose from our other travel styles. Of course, it is also possible to combine different travel styles. We will be happy to tailor-make your dream trip!
We carefully put together your tour of Japan. In doing so, we look not only at the well-known places, but above all at a comfortable pace of travel and a route that flows logically. You’ll stay in good hotels and, where appropriate, in a traditional ryokan. Well-known highlights are interspersed with quieter spots that are less commonly included in standard itineraries. Transport also plays an important role. Travelling by shinkansen is comfortable and efficient, allowing you to explore different parts of Japan without wasting time on journeys. The result is a bespoke trip that is perfectly tailored to your interests and preferred way of travelling.
The islands of Japan
Japan consists of four major islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. In addition, there are thousands of smaller islands, including Okinawa. There are significant differences between the regions. In the north, you’ll find mountainous areas, forests and cold winters, whilst the south has a warmer and sometimes subtropical climate. The islands and regions also differ culturally. This means you can combine major cities, historic sites, nature reserves and coastal regions in a single trip. The excellent train links make Honshu particularly easy to travel around, whilst domestic flights and hire cars can be useful for more remote areas.
Hokkaido: nature in all its splendour
Hokkaido is the northernmost of the four main islands and is best known for its natural beauty. In winter, there is plenty of snow and excellent ski resorts. In summer, temperatures are pleasant, and the mountains, national parks and fields of flowers attract many visitors. The coast and the interior also offer opportunities to spot wildlife. Hokkaido feels more spacious and peaceful than many other parts of Japan, making it an attractive destination for travellers who like to combine city breaks with nature and longer stays away from the hustle and bustle.
Honshu: culture and history
Honshu is Japan’s largest island and is home to many of the country’s best-known cities and attractions. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are all located on Honshu, as are the Japanese Alps. Around Matsumoto, Takayama and Kiso-Fukushima, you’ll find mountainous landscapes, ancient villages and historic trade routes. Staying in a ryokan here is a wonderful way to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Honshu is therefore ideal for travellers who wish to combine culture, cities, nature and history in a single trip.
Discover Tokyo: the city of innovation
Tokyo is vast, bustling and remarkably well-organised. Each of its different neighbourhoods has its own distinct atmosphere, from the luxury shops in Ginza to the traditional streets and temples in Asakusa. The city is also renowned for its restaurants and boasts a large number of Michelin-starred establishments. There is also plenty to see in terms of art, design and architecture. Museums, galleries, modern buildings and small specialist shops are scattered throughout the city. Precisely because every neighbourhood has its own distinct character, it’s well worth not just seeing Tokyo as the start or end point of a tour, but setting aside several days to explore it properly.
A journey to the unspoilt south
South of the best-known cities, Japan becomes quieter and greener. On Shikoku, for example, you can visit the Iya Valley, a mountainous area with small villages, forests and walking trails. Kyushu is known for its volcanic landscapes and numerous hot springs. Here you’ll find various places where a stay in a ryokan can be easily combined with a visit to an onsen. Thanks to the high-speed trains, large parts of southern Japan are easily accessible. For more remote areas, a hire car is sometimes more practical. These regions are ideal for those who, as well as visiting the well-known cities, wish to discover a quieter side of Japan.
Japan: a dynamic country
Japan combines a long history with a modern society. Temples, ancient trade routes and traditional customs coexist alongside high-speed trains, modern architecture and major cities. The landscape also varies greatly, from mountainous regions and forests to coastlines and tropical islands. As a result, a tour can be organised in many different ways. One day you might visit a museum or restaurant in Tokyo, whilst a few days later you could be staying in a mountain village or nature reserve. This variety makes Japan ideal for travellers seeking culture, nature and relaxation all in one trip.
Japan can be visited at almost any time of year. The best time to visit depends mainly on the regions you wish to see and the type of trip you have in mind.
Spring (March – May): In spring, cherry trees are in bloom in many places. Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka are particularly popular during this period. The exact flowering period varies from year to year and from region to region.
Summer (June–August): Summer is hot and, in many places, humid. At the same time, various well-known festivals take place, including the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. For walking and enjoying nature, Hokkaido is often a pleasant choice during these months due to its milder temperatures.
Autumn (September–November): In autumn, the leaves turn red, orange and gold. Temple complexes, gardens and mountain regions are particularly attractive at this time of year. Kyoto and Nikko are well-known destinations for viewing the autumn colours.
Winter (December – February): Winter is ideal for travellers wishing to go skiing or snowboarding, particularly in Hokkaido. Cities such as Tokyo and Sapporo are also well worth visiting, although temperatures can be low.
Please note: June coincides with the rainy season in much of Japan. Typhoons may also occur later in the summer and at the start of autumn. However, the weather varies greatly from region to region.
Japan has many famous sights, but it is precisely the combination of cities, nature and historic sites that makes a tour so interesting.
1. Do I need a visa for Japan?
For many nationalities, including travellers from various EU countries, a visa is not required for a short tourist stay. The conditions depend on your nationality and are subject to change. You should therefore always check the current entry requirements before departure.
2. How much time should I allow for a tour of Japan?
For a tour of Japan, around 14 to 21 days is a comfortable duration. During this time, you can combine several cities and regions without being constantly on the move. If you’d also like to visit Hokkaido, Kyushu or more remote areas, it’s best to allow a little extra time. By choosing fewer places and staying in each for several nights, you’ll also have more time to really get to know a destination.
3. What is the best way to travel around Japan?
For longer distances, the shinkansen is a fast and comfortable way to travel. The regular train and metro network is also very extensive. For travelling between islands or over long distances, domestic flights can be a convenient option. In rural areas, a hire car can offer greater freedom, particularly in Hokkaido, Kyushu and regions with fewer train services.
4. Can Japan be combined well with another travel destination?
Japan can be combined with other destinations in East Asia, including South Korea and Taiwan. Thanks to good flight connections, these countries are relatively easy to reach. Whether such a combination is a good idea depends mainly on the length of your trip. Japan itself has many different regions, so it is often worth setting aside sufficient time to explore just one country.
5. Can I get by in Japan speaking English?
In major cities, hotels and many tourist areas, you can usually get by with English. In smaller towns and rural areas, English is spoken less frequently. Signage at stations and on public transport is often available in English as well. A translation app can be useful when travelling outside the most well-known destinations.
Our travel specialists are happy to assist you with any questions you may have about itineraries, travel times and the different regions of Japan. Together, we’ll put together a trip that suits your interests and the pace at which you’d like to discover Japan.
Travelling across Japan by train offers speed, comfort and stunning views, from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
Exploring Japan by cruise offers a relaxing way to discover historic ports, modern cities and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
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