Japan Holidays
Japan Holidays
Cherry blossom, Mount Fuji, ancient temples, bullet trains and the world's greatest food city — the most extraordinary destination in Asia
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Flight Time
12–13h from London
Best Time
March to May (cherry blossom); October to November (autumn colours)
Country
Japan
Suppliers
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Japan Holiday Guide
Japan is the most extraordinary destination in Asia — a country of breathtaking contrasts that consistently exceeds the expectations of first-time visitors. Ancient temples and Zen gardens alongside neon-lit skyscrapers and bullet trains, cherry blossom in spring and snow monkeys in winter, the world's greatest food city and the most iconic mountain on earth.
The classic Japan itinerary is the Golden Route — Tokyo, Hakone (Mount Fuji), Kyoto and Osaka, connected by the Shinkansen bullet train. This circuit can be done comfortably in 10-14 nights and covers the essential highlights of Japan. A Japan Rail Pass makes travel between cities extremely cost-effective.
Tokyo deserves at least 4-5 nights — the city is endlessly fascinating and the food scene alone could occupy a week. Kyoto deserves 3-4 nights — the temple and shrine density is extraordinary and the city rewards slow exploration. Osaka is best as a day trip from Kyoto or a one-night stop.
Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn colours (mid-November) are the most popular times to visit — book well in advance as accommodation sells out months ahead. The summer (July-August) is hot and humid but has excellent festivals. Winter is cold but beautiful and the ski resorts of Hokkaido are world-class.
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Popular Areas in Japan
Average Temperatures
Jan
6°C
Feb
7°C
Mar
11°C
Apr
17°C
May
22°C
Jun
25°C
Jul
29°C
Aug
31°C
Sep
27°C
Oct
21°C
Nov
15°C
Dec
9°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Japan
The ancient temples, futuristic cities, extraordinary food and iconic landscapes that make Japan the most rewarding and unforgettable destination in the world.
Tokyo — The World's Greatest City
Tokyo is the most extraordinary city on earth — the world's largest metropolitan area (37 million people), the world's greatest food city (more Michelin stars than Paris and New York combined), the most efficient public transport system in the world and a city of extraordinary contrasts. Shibuya Crossing, Shinjuku's neon canyons, the ancient Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, the teamLab digital art museums and the extraordinary Tsukiji outer market.
Kyoto — Ancient Capital & Temple City
Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for over 1,000 years and has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other city on earth — 17 in total. The Fushimi Inari shrine (10,000 vermilion torii gates climbing a forested mountain), the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, the Gion geisha district and the extraordinary Nishiki Market ('Kyoto's kitchen') are all unmissable.
Cherry Blossom Season — Hanami
Cherry blossom (sakura) season is Japan's most celebrated natural event — for two weeks in late March and early April, the entire country transforms as the cherry trees bloom. The tradition of hanami (flower viewing) sees Japanese people gather under the blossoms for picnics and celebrations. The best hanami spots are Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Ueno Park in Tokyo, Hirosaki Castle in Aomori and the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto.
Mount Fuji & Hakone
Mount Fuji (3,776m) is Japan's highest peak and most iconic image — a near-perfect volcanic cone that has inspired Japanese art and culture for centuries. The Hakone resort area, 90 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train, offers the best views of Fuji across Lake Ashi. The Hakone Open Air Museum, the Owakudani volcanic valley and the traditional ryokan hot spring inns (onsen) make Hakone a perfect overnight stop.
Osaka — Japan's Food Capital
Osaka is Japan's most hedonistic city — a city that lives to eat, with the concept of kuidaore ('eat until you drop') at its heart. Dotonbori is the most famous food street in Japan — takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and ramen. Osaka Castle, the Shinsekai retro entertainment district and the extraordinary Kuromon Ichiba market are all worth visiting.
The Shinkansen — Bullet Train Network
The Shinkansen bullet train network is one of Japan's greatest achievements — trains running at up to 320km/h with a punctuality record measured in seconds. The Japan Rail Pass (purchased before travel) gives unlimited travel on the Shinkansen and most JR trains for 7, 14 or 21 days and is the most cost-effective way to travel between cities. The Tokyo-Kyoto journey takes just 2 hours 15 minutes.
Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Hiroshima is one of the most moving and important cities in the world — the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, built at the epicentre of the 1945 atomic bomb, is a profoundly affecting experience. A short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima Island has the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its 'floating' torii gate rising from the sea — one of Japan's most photographed images. Sacred deer roam freely around the island.
Ryokan & Onsen — Traditional Japan
A ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) stay is one of the most memorable experiences Japan offers — sleeping on futons on tatami floors, wearing yukata robes, bathing in communal hot spring baths (onsen) and eating a multi-course kaiseki dinner. The best ryokan areas are Hakone, Kinosaki Onsen, Nikko, Beppu and Yufuin. The snow monkey park at Jigokudani (Nagano) — where Japanese macaques bathe in outdoor hot springs — is extraordinary in winter.
Explore Japan on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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