What it’s Like to Tour Japan

Japan’s reputation is well-known throughout the world as an incredibly safe, welcoming, and distinct country to visit. While it is high on most travelers bucket lists, it also draws more repeat visitors each year who have fallen for the charm of this fascinating place in East Asia.

Where to Go

While Global Basecamps specializes in creating a custom travel experience, there are a few cities we recommend for all Japan Tours. Tokyo, Kyoto, and the Hakone National Park region collectively are known as the Golden Triangle as this route hits so many highlights and provides a diverse view of both urban and rural regions. Even with just a week to explore the country, these locations give you access to myriad sites of interest, temples, shrines, museums, markets, local onsen, historic hiking trails, views of Mount Fuji and much more.

If you have a longer trip, we highly recommend venturing deeper into the 47 prefectures, using the efficient and incredibly punctual rail system with shinkansen (bullet trains) that connect the country. From the rocky coastlines of the island of Kyushu to the stunning mountain views of the Northern Alps and beyond, you’ll never find yourself lacking something new to discover on your Japan tour.

What to Do

Tokyo

Japan’s modern capital has a long history that is woven into the fabric of the city. You can spend several days here while you tour Japan to take in the diverse neighborhoods, excellent museums, fish markets, both Michelin-rated and small specialty restaurants, and to get a taste of the nightlife. With renowned party spots like Roppongi and Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, you can devour yakitori at a restaurant with the family, squeeze into a tiny hip cocktail bar, check out the Robot Restaurant, admire night views of the city, or dance the night away at a popular club. Options are endless and there is something for everyone!

In the daytime, Tokyo is dotted with peaceful gardens and parks like Hamarikyu, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the 100 year old Meiji Jingu Forest that surrounds this beautiful shrine of the same name. During a Japan tours experience you'll feel these contrasts between the ancient and the cutting edge. Electronic and technical oases of Odaiba and Akihabara. With their gadget stores and giant Gundam statue, they’re just a train ride away from the quiet residential streets of Yanaka where you can enjoy a glass of sake and a stroll through the picturesque cemetery.

Learn more about what to see and do on your Tour of Tokyo with our free guide.

Hakone National Park

This region encompasses several smaller towns, and has excellent tourist infrastructure with trains, buses, ropeways, and even a boat to traverse Lake Ashi. Views of Mt. Fuji are striking in clear weather, and light hikes are accessible in the mountainous region. These outdoor activities are essential for Japan tours. There is even a portion of the Tokaido Trail you can walk along in the footsteps of history on the path linking the shogunate capital of Edo (modern day Tokyo) to the imperial capital of Kyoto. After a day of wandering, be sure to soak in the famous onsen (hot spring) waters of the region, perhaps while relaxing at your traditional ryokan stay.

Kyoto

Considered the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto still maintains some well preserved districts with stone paved streets, wooden lattice storefronts, and geisha (known locally as geiko) making their way to work in the evenings. Days can be spent investigating the shrines and temples that are found throughout the city with moss gardens, zen rock gardens, and unique displays to make each special. Cultural experiences abound with years-old tea ceremonies, sake tastings, martial arts, calligraphy, and ikebana (flower arranging) available. Day trip options include the ancient capital of Nara with its friendly deer, UNESCO sites, and the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), as well as Himeji where you can visit Himeji-jo, often described as the best example of castle architecture in the country.

What to Eat

Having over 230 Michelin-star rated restaurants has made Japan tours a top booking request for foodies throughout the world. We recommend checking out some of these restaurants for a palette altering experience, but the country’s food scene has much more to offer. Tokyo alone has over 160,000 restaurants ranging from the humble bowl of ramen or udon to an elaborate kaiseki-ryori feast. Kyoto’s specialty cuisine is Shojin-ryori, based around Buddhist meatless principles. Kansai cuisine, in and around Osaka follows the kuidaore (eat till you’re broke) philosophy that leaves no stomach empty. There is no doubt you will be eating well during the duration of your Japan tours.

While some cities are famous for a specific type of food like beef in Kobe, or ramen in Fukuoka, each prefecture and many cities are fiercely proud of their seasonal offerings. These can be summer fruits like nashi (Asian pear) from Toyama, sea urchin from Hokkaido, or wild boar from Shimane. The variety to discover your during Japan tour is endless!

When to Visit

From snow-capped mountains in Hokkaido to subtropical beaches in Okinawa, despite its small size, Japan has a diverse variety of climates year-round. So, determining the best time to book your Japan tour is completely dependent on what you want to do when you arrive.

If you’re looking to witness Japan’s renowned cherry blossom season, you’ll want to visit sometime between the end of March and beginning of May. The sakura season also typically brings mild temperatures, clear skies and low rainfall. It also, however, brings the most tourists so if you’re looking to experience the island without the crowds, we recommend booking a winter visit. This will also give you the opportunity to hit the slopes and do some onsen hopping at some of the country’s amazing ski resorts.

Regardless of your travel desires and schedule, our Japan Travel Specialists can help create a custom Japan tour ideal for you.