Japan Tours & Holidays

Japan is known for its ultra-modern cities, high-speed bullet trains, and for its fascinating culture and history. The country is home to many traditional Buddhist and Shinto shrines and temples, many of which include unique Japanese gardens. Japanese food is popular throughout the world, and attracts many visitors. Japan is also famous for its outstanding natural beauty, including Mount Fuji and the Hakone National Park.

Autumn is widely considered to be the best time to visit Japan, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 21 °C. Autumn lasts from about mid-September to early December. Cherry blossom season is also a popular time to visit Japan, which differs depending on location, beginning in January in some places, to April, and lasting for around two weeks.

In Japan they speak Japanese, which is spoken by an estimated 120 million people worldwide. The Japanese language is complex and encompasses several different non-cyrillic alphabets and dialogues. Below are a few useful phrases, with pronunciation in brackets.

Hello – こんにちは (kon'nichiwa)

Goodbye – さようなら (sayōnara)

Please – おねがいします。(o-negai shimasu)

Thank you – ありがとう。(arigatō)

Do you speak English? – えいごをはなせますか。(eigo o hanasemasu ka)

Japan once had a reputation as being one of the world’s most expensive countries However, in recent years prices in Japan have stabilized. By planning carefully or booking onto an escorted tour, it is possible to visit Japan and not spend too much. Buying a rail pass in advance and eating at local food markets are also good ways to cut costs.

Given its position off the coast of mainland Asia, flying is by far the easiest way to reach Japan from the UK. It is possible to fly direct to Tokyo from London in around 12 hours. However, most flights have a stopover, with an average journey time of around 15 hours.

Generally speaking, Japan is a year-round destination, with four distinct seasons that offer something for everyone. The mountains in the north get snow during the winter, but pleasant temperatures of around 20°C attract hikers. In the south, beaches are busy during the summer, with temperatures around 30°C. Spring and autumn are mild, and boast sakura (cherry blossom season), and koyo (autumn leaf viewing), make them popular times to visit, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 21 °C

Food in Japan varies significantly by region. Generally speaking, the Japanese eat a lot of fish, rice and noodles. Traditional dishes in Japan include sushi, ramen, sashimi and tempura. That being said, Japan is one of the world’s culinary hotbeds, and international food is also popular, especially in the big cities. Tokyo holds more Michelin stars than any other city in the world.

Travellers visiting Japan should pack appropriate clothing for the season, along with an appropriate travel adaptor. Jet lag can affect visitors to Japan, especially those travelling from Europe, so jet lag pills are advisable. Earplugs can also be useful for light sleepers.