Japan travel guide




Discover more about this extraordinary collection of islands and ideas in the rest of our Japan travel guide.
Japan is...
Japan isn't...
Our Japan Vacations
Japan small group vacation, Japan unmasked
Whistlestop Japan highlights with an expert tour leader
Japan golden route vacation
9 night classic Japan trip: Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto
Japan self guided trekking vacation, Nakasendo Trail
Self-guided walking along Japan’s ancient Nakasendo trail
Honshu hiking vacation in Japan
A challenging walking and hiking vacation in Japan.
Japan tailor made tour on a shoestring
Japan's classic sights on a shoestring!
Nakasendo Trail walking tour, Japan
Village-to-village walking on the historic Nakasendo trail
Japan classic tour by rail
A visually striking railway journey through Japan
Japan rural cultural tour
- The Culture of Rural Japan, including Osaka and Kyoto
Japan multi activity vacation
Japan's Inland Sea - cycling, kayaking and hiking
Nikko and Yumoto Onsen walking tour, Japan
Explore Nikko and hike in the beautiful Oku Nikko plains.
Japan activity vacation, bike, hike and kayak
Multi activity vacation in Japan
Hidden Japan vacation
Get beneath the surface into the heart of Japan
Japan honeymoon tour on a shoestring
Simple hotels, rustic ryokan, unforgettable honeymoon.
Japan small group tour, in the shadow of mountains
Western Honshu's coasts - Japan Sea and Inland Sea
Kumano Kodo trail self guided trekking vacation, Japan
Self guided trekking on the Kumano Kodo Trail
Shikoku Pilgrimage self guided walking tour, Japan
Shikoku 88 Pilgimage route self-guided walking
Wheelchair accessible vacation to Japan
Wheelchair-friendly version of Japan's highlights
Nakasendo self guided walking tour
The Nakasendo Trail and Kamikochi -or extend to Nikko
Luxury Japan vacation, tailor made
Beautiful country that offers beauty, tradition and history
Japan culture tour, Takayama to Kiso Valley
A journey through Japan's diverse cultural landscapes
Japan small group vacation by bullet train
Japan's must-see cities and beautiful, rural countryside
Japan trekking vacation, North from Tokyo
A walking journey, rich in spirituality and tradition
Japan ancient capitals self guided walking tour
Ancient Capitals, historic trails and cultural treasures.
Nakasendo Trail winter tour, Japan
The tranquil magic of winter on the Nakasendo trail
Japan discovery tour, 14 days
Discover authentic Japan in one incredible itinerary
Japan family vacation
Throw yourself into the whirl of Japan
Japan vacation, ancient and modern
Explore the attractions of this vibrant nation
Japan walking tour of Shikoku
Beautiful Shikoku Island and the 88 Pilgrimage trail
Hokkaido vacation in Japan
Explore the mountains and tranquil lakes of Northern Japan.
Southern Japan small group vacation
Off the beaten track in Kyoto, Nara & Kyushu
What we rate & what we don't
Ryokans rock
Islands
Taking the kids
Winter
Food
Rail-y good trains
Bath time
Hike through history
Geisha tourism
Dolphinariums
Tsukiji fish market
Our top Japan Vacation
Japan small group vacation, Japan unmasked
Whistlestop Japan highlights with an expert tour leader
2021: 1 Mar, 26 Apr, 10 May, 7 Jun, 28 Jun, 23 Aug, 6 Sep, 27 Sep, 11 Oct, 8 Nov, 22 Nov
2022: 28 Feb, 25 Apr, 23 May, 27 Jun
Food, shopping & people
Eating & drinking in Japan
I scream for green tea ice cream.Okonomiyaki, is like an omelette, prepared on a hot plate in front of you.
Mugicha, tea made from roasted barley, very cooling in summer.
Nabemono, or nabe, is a good old winter stew, with lots of variations.
Be warned: ‘unesu’ or ‘onomi’ is whale meat. Don't go there.


People & language
Itadakimasu means, “I humbly receive” and is said before meals, like Bon Appetit.
ohayo gozaimasu - good morning
konnichiwa - good afternoon
konbanwa - good evening
oyasumi nasai - good night
arigatou – an informal thank you
Gifts & shopping
Ukiyo-e prints are the traditional wooden block prints, with intricate designs.Japan is great for junk shops, with gems like antique kimonos and antique pottery or ceramics.
Green tea comes mostly from the hills and plateaus around Shizuoka. Check out the powder form, matcha, with the beautiful handmade bamboo whisks to mix it.
Warosoku Candles with wax from the hazenoki tree and a wick made of traditional Japanese paper.
A Yukata is like a light kimono, wonderful for summer.


How much does it cost?
Glass of sake: £1.20
Bowl of lunchtime noodles for lunch: £3 for fast street food
Set dinner menu in modest restaurant: £8.50 always with free green tea and water
3 kms taxi in Tokyo: £6-£8