JAPAN

Where to start with this fascinating country? There’s so much to see - but the trick is to try not to do too much. Whilst Japan appears exceedingly modern - travelling around offers numerous opportunities to connect with the country's traditional culture.

Traditional Experiences

Spend the night in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Meditate with monks or learn how to whisk bitter matcha into a froth. Get to grips with the intricacies of marquetry or lacquerwork. Take a lesson in Taiko drumming. There are so many different options.

Tokyo

If you’ve not visited Japan before I’d advise spending at least 4 or 5 days in the exhilarating city of Tokyo. A couple of great day trips would be visiting iconic Mount Fuji and Lake Hakone and travelling to the fascinating temple complex of Nikko.

Kyoto

This city is Japan's cultural centre and merits a stay of at least 3 or 4 days. There are hundreds of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and gorgeous gardens.

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Longer Stays

If you have longer than a couple of weeks, you should consider visiting the beautiful Japanese Alps and its traditional villages (particularly in the autumn with the fabulous colours of the foliage) or visiting the Northern Island of Hokkaido with its famous snow monkeys.

LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

TRAVEL GURU SUMMARY

The trick with Japan is not to bite off more than you can chew, and to craft a tailor-made itinerary that allows you to explore each destination in depth. And talking of chewing - Japanese food is absolutely delicious –whether that's a simple bowl of ramen or a luxurious kaiseki banquet.

DONT MISS...

If you’re in Kyoto, visit the amazing Fushimi Inari shrine. Walk to the top of the mountain passing through the thousands of vermillion tori gates.

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