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A Geisha in traditional dress standing in the street in full make up holding a umbrella in Kyoto, Japan

Japan Holidays


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Culturally rich, scenically beautiful and boasting a captivating blend of ancient and the modern, Japan holidays offer a truly unique experience.

Japan's main tourist cities are a study in contrasts where dazzling neon streets and the latest technological innovation sit side by side with imposing castles, elaborate temples and traditional gardens. Away from Japan's cities, a stunning landscape of mountains, lakes and valleys awaits, from the dramatic volcanic peaks of Hokkaido in the north to the sugar white beaches and aquamarine seas of the Okinawa archipelago in the far south.

Treasured Japanese traditions like the graceful geisha, sumo rituals and the art of the tea ceremony still hold their place in Japanese life. A stay at a ryokan, a traditional inn, is a must, providing a great opportunity to meet the locals and connect with Japan's unique heritage. With so much to offer, isn't it time to begin your journey of discovery?

Trailfinders offers a range of Japan holidays and we have a dedicated team of destination specialists who are a mine of information about what to do here, with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore Japan on a self guided holiday, a sociable small group tour, a stopover or a cruise holiday, they are the perfect people to ask.

A few of our favourite Japan 5★ reviews

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HOW TO GET AROUND JAPAN

Discover this fascinating country of dynamic cultures, ancient traditions and futuristic cities in a number of exciting ways. With an extensive network of high speed rail, journey through Japan by train on a guided rail journey, sociable small group tour or follow one of our classic self guided holidays.

Our cruise holidays are also a great alternative - slow the pace of travel down with an on board base to call home and sail from island to island to take in Japan's spectacular highlights. With so many possibilities, ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your Japan holiday to suit you.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO JAPAN

Nobody offers more ways to explore Japan than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some our most popular Japan holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
The Perfect Fortnight
Self Guided
17 days / 16 nights

Sensational cities, incredible alpine scenery, unique culture and even monkeys having a spa bath! Here’s one of our favourite ways to spend two weeks in Japan.

Guide Price: €5,599 £4,549 pp

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Classic Japan
Self Guided
13 days / 12 nights

Experience Japan’s many different faces, from Tokyo’s bright lights and Hakone’s spectacular mountain scenery to Kyoto’s historic sites.

Guide Price: €4,749 £3,829 pp

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Simply Japan
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
14 days / 13 nights

Travel from cosmopolitan Tokyo to the unchanged ancient castles and temples.

Guide Price: €4534 £3570 pp

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Japan Uncovered
Guided Small Group Journey
16 days / 15 nights

Discover Japan’s marvellous mix of ancient and modern sights, unique heritage and beautiful landscapes on this fascinating tour.

Guide Price: €8,985 £7,189 pp

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A Food Lover's Japan
Self Guided
17 days / 16 nights

Uncover Japan’s culinary hot spots on this gastronomic adventure, including the opportunity to learn to make sushi, try world-renowned Wagyu beef and sample delicious street food.

Guide Price: €5,949 £4,549 pp

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Undiscovered Japan
Self Guided
17 days / 16 nights

From unique fishing villages to magnificent Japanese gardens and outstanding coastal scenery to relaxing hot springs, delve into the lesser visited wonders of Japan on this captivating tour.

Guide Price: €7,729 £6,299 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN JAPAN

Each prefecture of Japan boasts its own attractions and it’s no exaggeration to say each merits a holiday in its own right. The vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka offer a chance to mix with the locals, whilst the mountains, lakes and national parks offer a never-ending selection of activities and adventures. Or maybe relax on Okinawa archipelago beaches.

Click on the tiles below the Japan map for more details on each holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration for your Japan holiday, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Tokyo
Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts, with the old historic streets of Asakusa, the sleek shops of Ginza and the edgy fashion centres of Shibuya and Harajuku.
Shibu Onsen
Tourists flock to see Japan’s ‘snow monkeys’, characterful macaques that live in the hills around natural hot springs.
Hakone
Located in Fuji Hakone National Park, Hakone is the gateway to Mount Fuji.
Takayama
Nestled at the base of the Japanese Alps, this small city retains a traditional touch with beautifully preserved inns, tea houses and shops, many dating back to the 18th Century.
Kyoto
Japan's cultural capital is home to a remarkable historical collection of monuments that has been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hiroshima
Despite the devastation of the atomic bomb, Hiroshima has blossomed into a modern and dynamic city, reminders of that notorious August day in 1945 are all around, but the optimism of the city’s inhabitants shines through.
Okinawa Archipelago
The islands of Japan’s southwestern prefecture stretch for over 400 miles and are geographically closer to Taiwan than Japan.
Japanese Alps
The Japanese Alps rise in the middle of the main island of Honshu, offering remarkable hiking in summer and fantastic skiing in winter.
Kyushu
The southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, Kyushu is an island of spectacular natural beauty combined with vibrant cities.
Hokkaido
Bursting with natural beauty, Hokkaido’s landscapes are defined by dramatic volcanic peaks, rolling hills, and vast stretches of untamed wilderness.
Osaka
Osaka's charm lies in its flamboyance, from its fun-loving inhabitants to its dazzling neon-lit streets and mouthwatering cuisine.
Kanazawa
Known as one of Japan's wealthiest towns during the 17th Century Edo period due to centuries of bountiful rice production, Kanazawa is one of Japan’s key cultural centres.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN JAPAN

We feature a great range of accommodation in Japan, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you're looking for an arty hotel with a river view in Tokyo or a beach hotel in Okinawa. Or perhaps you're looking for something unique like a traditional ryokan home stay or a luxury mountain retreat.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Japan hotels to wade through. We’ve done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help you plan your Japan holiday, often with first-hand experience
Park Hotel Tokyo
4 star

Tokyo

This stylish and contemporary hotel is a perfect base to explore Tokyo from.
Vista Osaka Namba
3 star

Osaka

The Vista Osaka Namba is conveniently located only a few minutes’ walk from the train station and popular attractions in Osaka.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
4 plus star

Hakone

Set in the mountains surrounding Hakone National Park, this stylish ryokan offers a luxurious stay with stunning views of the valley below.
Hotel Kagetsu
3 plus star

Matsumoto

Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu is ideally located in the heart of the historic castle town of Matsumoto, just a five-minute walk from Matsumoto Castle and a short drive from the main station.
Biyu No Yado
3 star

Shibu Onsen

This charming ryokan is located in the onsen village of Yudanaka.
Shiba Park Hotel
3 plus star

Tokyo

This popular, comfortable hotel is conveniently situated near 2 subway and train stations.

WHAT TO DO IN JAPAN

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, Japan is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique insight into the culture that sightseeing alone simply can't replace.

One day you might be watching sumo wrestlers training in bustling Tokyo, the next kayaking past the floating torii gate of Itukushimato and across to sacred Miyajima Island. Experiences can be as refined as enjoying dinner with a geisha in Kyoto or as moving as exploring the haunting history at Hiroshima Peace Museum.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your Japan holiday to life.
Food & Culture Walk
2.5 hours
Departs: Takayama

Takayama’s streets are an absolute joy to wander around, but why not leave your map behind by ...

Samurai Sword Lesson, Tokyo
1.5 hours
Departs: Tokyo

Learn how to fight like a samurai in a private lesson given by arguably Japan’s most famous sword ...

Japanese Tea Ceremony, Kyoto
2 hours
Departs: Kyoto

Forget simply dunking a teabag in a mug - on this tour you’ll uncover the intricacies of the ...

Explore Kyoto by Bike
3 hours
Departs: Kyoto

See Kyoto the way the locals do - on two ...

Flavours of Osaka
3.5 hours
Departs: Osaka

Given Osaka’s motto is ‘eat till you drop’, there is no better place to experience the flamboyant ...

Sumo Feast & Fight
2 hours
Departs: Tokyo

Head to the traditional neighbourhood of Asakusa and witness the secret training methods and ...

WHEN TO GO TO JAPAN

Spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) are good times to visit, unless of course you wish to go skiing (December to March).

The cherry blossom in spring and the vivid hues of autumn's leaves add a tremendous amount of scenic beauty to your Japan holiday as well as milder and more pleasant temperatures.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit Japan.

Japan Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Richard Standen -  expert
Richard Standen

Living like a local is a great experience in any destination but staying in a Ryokan truly is something to remember. In certain areas, namely Hakone, you can upgrade the room to have your own private onsen which usually isn't too much extra!

Natalie Hart -  expert
Natalie Hart

The famous Fushimi Inari-taisha is so beautiful and vital to any Kyoto stay. Try climbing at dusk, it's much quieter, temperatures are cooler and the views as the city lights up are amazing!

Carrie Hawes -  expert
Carrie Hawes

Forget your inhibitions and experience a communal onsen (hot spring baths). Strictly no swimming costumes allowed, but it's a great way of chatting to the locals and your skin will feel amazing afterwards! Remember if you've got a tattoo you'll need to cover it up or risk not being admitted.

Japan Fast Facts

Time Zone: Japan is 9 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings

Getting to Japan: Japan is well served by multiple airlines, with five daily direct flights into major gateway cities including Tokyo and Osaka with British Airways & Japan Airlines. Alternatively, popular stopover options include Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and Dubai with Emirates.

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). ATM's are widely available and credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels

Tipping: Tipping is not practiced in Japan and attempts to leave a tip will lead to confusion and sometimes cause offence.

Language: The spoken language in Japan is Japanese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas

Visa: For stays over 90 days only (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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