Tours to Japan

Must Visit Destinations in Japan

Japan has beautiful archipelagos, ornate temples, and breathtaking nature to impress any traveller. There are more than 14000 islands, and here is a list of the Japan’s places to visit: -

Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital city where most visitors start their Japan tour. This city presents an amazing blend of art, architecture, theme parks, and modern technology. The centuries-old temples will hold your attention as well as the futuristic skyscrapers. The districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku are vibrant and youthful while places like Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace are all about tranquillity. Shopping is a must here.

Kyoto

Japan’s heart lies in Kyoto with over a thousand temples, shrines, and gardens. The iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, Golden Pavilion, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are some of the must-visit places here. You would marvel at the elegance of the traditional tea houses, preserved wooden streets in Gion, and geisha culture here.

Hokkaido

If you want to explore fabulous seafood, ski resorts, and natural beauty, Hokkaido is the place for you. During the summer months, you can visit the lavender fields in Furano or national parks like Shiretoko. During the winter months, you can go to Niseko for skiing and Sapporo for its magnificent Snow Festival. You will get to click many unforgettable Instagram-worthy pictures of Hokkaido’s serene nature.

Osaka

Osaka has the best street food in Japan, making it a paradise for all foodies. It is known as the “nation’s kitchen” and you would get to enjoy some delectable dishes here. The lively city also entertains its visitors with Universal Studios, Bunraku puppet theatre, and modern anime culture. Don’t forget to taste the nightlife here – from expensive clubs to tiny bars, you will get everything here.

Hiroshima

The world will never forget what happened here some 80 years ago. This city is an example of how valour takes you forward in life. Reborn from a tragedy, this city today serves as a symbol of peace and strength. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Hiroshima Castle, and the Atomic Bomb Drone. You can also go to Miyajima Island, taking a ferry to witness the floating Itsukuhima Shrine.

Mount Fuji

This is Japan`s prime USP. Mount Fuji is the tallest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are visiting during the summer, you can trek the mountain or enjoy its divine view from Lake Kawaguchi or Chureito Pagoda. Visitors also spend leisure time at the nearby Fuji Five Lakes, enjoying its beautiful view, hot springs, and outdoor activities.

How to Reach Japan?

With international flights flying from all over the world to Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo, travelling to Japan is easy. Once you reach Japan, you will find all other tourist destinations very well-connected by rail, bus, and domestic flights.

Here is how you can reach Japan by various means: -

• By Air: The major international airports in Japan are Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND) in Tokyo, and Kansai (KIX) in Osaka. The travel time will vary from your starting point. For example, it will take around 6 hours to travel from New Delhi, while 15 hours from New York.
• By Sea: You can reach Japan by sea from countries like China and South Korea.

(P.S. – Japan is an island nation, and that’s why reaching there via rail is impossible, but if you want to roam around Japan internally, use Japan Rail Services, which are believed to be the best in the world.)

Best Time to Visit Japan

Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November) are the best seasons to plan your trip to Japan because the weather is pleasant and you get the best scenic beauty. But expect a crowd as these are the peak seasons. If you want fewer crowds, plan your Japan tour before Christmas in December, late April, or late November.

Here is a breakdown of seasonal specialities in Japan: -

• In Spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossom, which is the USP of Japan.
• In autumn, you can witness the red and orange leaves on trees that make Japan the most picturesque country in the world at that time.
• In the summer season, from June to August, you can consider beach vacations. But the weather would remain hot, humid, and rainy.
• Winter is cold and snowy, and you can spend your time skiing and snowboarding.

Food & Cuisine of Japan

Japanese food and cuisine is very simple, clean, and has minimal seasoning which reflects their cultural values of mindfulness, quietude, and discipline. Your Japan trip plan would be incomplete without experiencing the world-famous Japanese sushi and other local food items. Take a note of the irresistible food items to try out in Japan: -

• Sushi and Sashimi
• Tempura – seafood deep fried in a light batter
• Miso Soup – soup made from dashi broth and fermented soy paste
• Shabu shabu – thinly sliced veggies and meat in hot broth
• Yakitori – grilled chicken skewers
• Kaiseki Ryori – a multi-course meal

Historical Places to Visit in Japan

Japan is a treasure trove of history. From ancient temples and shrines to memorial parks, you will be stunned by the beauty of Japan. There are many historical places to see in Japan and some of them are listed below: -

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima
• Osaka Castle, Osaka
• Golden Pavilion, Kyoto
• Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island
• Todai-ji Temple, Nara
• Meiji Jingu, Tokyo
• Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto
• Himeji Castle, Himeji

 Shopping Points in Japan

Japan offers some of the best fashionable clothes, the best electronic items, and traditional crafts to be gifted as souvenirs to your friends and relatives. You can shop from the following places in Japan: -

• Shibuya 109 and Takeshita Street in Shibuya – famous for its high-end fashion
• Osaka Station City and Grand Front Osaka are next to Osaka Station
• GINZA SIX and Ginza Mitsukoshi in Ginza, which is famous for luxury goods, trendsetting beauty products, and tasty gourmet food items
• DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba for popular brands
• Nakano Broadway for anime and manga lovers
•  Daiso, Seria, and 3 Coins for budget-friendly 100-yen and 300-yen shops for small items

 Travel Tips for Japan

• Always remove shoes before entering homes and temples
• Respect the quiet nature of Japanese people and refrain from loud talking in public places
• For a budget Japan travel, use the Japan Rail Pass
• Remember that the public transport in Japan is never late, so be punctual while visiting Japan’s famous places
• Public dust bins are limited, so you should follow their trash disposal rules strictly, as they are very strict about cleanliness
• Wear shoes that are easily removable, as you need to open them often while entering temples or certain buildings
• Bow down to local etiquette like not eating while walking

FAQ’s

What would be the best time to visit Japan?

The best time to visit Japan is the spring season, which is March to May, to witness the cheerful cherry blossoms. Autumn, from October to November, is another convenient time to plan a Japan trip to enjoy the colourful foliage.

How safe is Japan for tourists?

Japan is very safe for tourists from all over the world. It has a very low rate of crime and an excellent public transport system which make Japan one of the most comfortable places to travel.

What are some of the must-visit cities/places in Japan?

Some of the best cities to visit in Japan are Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Osaka.

Is travelling to Japan expensive?

Yes, the Japan tour is moderately expensive, but budget stays, local eateries, and transport passes make it reasonable for all types of travellers.

What makes Japan a famous destination for visitors from across the world?

Japan is famous for jaw-dropping technology, authentic sushi, beautiful temples, breathtaking cherry blossoms, and impressive cleanliness.