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Japan Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Japan in a way like no other. A bewitching blend of old and new, Japan takes you on a journey from timeless traditions to gleaming futurism. The country’s beautiful landscapes range from the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji to gorgeous cherry blossom gardens, while the history stretches for centuries. Discover feudal castles, the customs of the geisha and samurai, the WWII tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the modern rebirth into a land of astonishing technology. A Japan holiday with Trafalgar takes you from the neon skyscrapers of Tokyo to the historic Ameyoko Street Market, and from the high-speed bullet train to the ancient Buddhist temples of Kyoto. Meet a Tea Master and discover the art of the Japanese tea ceremony, and enjoy a kaiseki dinner in a traditional ryokan in the mountains. From learning how to make sushi, to sampling sake on the Edo-style streets of Takayama, we’ll reveal all the intriguing layers of Japan. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

If you’re traveling again soon, you can check what travel restrictions are in place in Japan.

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Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Based on 94,519 independent reviews
"Japan is one of the most captivating places on earth, where you can go from Tokyo's flashy streets to the snowy peak of Mount Fuji or a traditional ryokan in a day."
Travel Director
Japan at a glance
A bewitching blend of old and new, Japan takes you from timeless traditions to gleaming futurism. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director as you discover snow-capped Mount Fuji, gorgeous cherry blossoms, feudal castles, astonishing technology, ancient tea ceremonies, high-speed bullet trains and traditional ryokans.
Currency
Japanese yen
Winter avg
2°C
Summer avg
27°C
Time Zone
GMT+9
Capital City
Tokyo
Language
Japanese
Good morning
Ohayōgozaimasu
Good evening
Konbanwa
Japanese Food

Our top 5 things to do in Japan

Our Japan tours take you from the dizzying heights of Mount Fuji and the bustle of the Ameyoko Market, to the tranquility of a Japanese tea ceremony.

Admire the snow-capped Mount Fuji

See the towering peak of Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan and a UNESCO-listed site. We’ll take you up to the 5th station of Mount Fuji, a spectacular vantage point at 2,300 metres, before taking a ride on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway with views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
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Take a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto

Board the high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and the ancient epicentre of Japanese culture. After whizzing through the country, you’ll meet the locals at a traditional ryokan and learn about traditional Japanese customs, then explore the Gion District and glittering Kinkakuji Temple, the symbol of Kyoto.
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Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

We’ll introduce you to a professional Tea Master who has spent many years learning the craft of the tea ceremony. You’ll learn about the history of Japanese tea making, and watch how the matcha is prepared with a bamboo whisk. You’ll even have a go at making (and tasting) your own tea.
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Admire Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory

The Floating Garden Observatory is an open-air viewing platform, stretching between the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. We’ll take you to the top of the 173-metre buildings for panoramic views over Osaka, including the city’s dazzling rivers, bridges and soaring skyscrapers.
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Wander through Ameyoko Street Market

With nearly 200 shops selling everything from fresh fish and spices to clothing and bags, you can spend hours roaming through Ameyoko Street Market. Located in Tokyo along the Yamanote Line tracks, it was once a black market selling American goods and sweets after WWII, when sugar was hard to find.
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Best museums in Japan

A Japan tour package with Trafalgar takes you through the country’s top museums, from one of the world’s best collections of Asian art, to the ornate temples of Tokyo.

Tokyo National Museum

The largest and oldest museum in Japan, Tokyo National Museum holds one of the world’s best collections of art and archaeological artifacts from Asia. There are over 110,000 items, including 87 National Treasures of Japan, and you can find everything from art along the Silk Road to medieval Japanese art.
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Kotokuin Temple

Located in the city of Kamakuru, the Kotokuin Temple is a Japanese Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect. It’s home to the ‘Great Buddha’ or ‘Daibutsu’, a 37-foot bronze statue of Amida Buddha, constructed in 1252. The towering statue is a National Treasure and one of the most iconic sights in Japan.
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Tokyo

Sensoji Buddhist Temple

One of the most famous temples in Japan, the Sensoji Buddhist Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It was originally built in 628 but was rebuilt after being destroyed in WWII. Today, you’ll find a beautiful five-storey pagoda, woven with incense and crimson eaves.
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Best food in Japan

A Japan group tour with Trafalgar will have you indulging in the country’s fantastic cuisine, from fresh sushi to piping hot ramen.

Sushi

Although sushi is now a popular dish around the world, you’ve never really tried it until you’ve eaten the best in Japan. Our Local Specialists will help you navigate the endless varieties of this iconic dish, from raw vegetables to fresh fish wrapped in rice and seaweed.
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Hida Beef

Hida beef comes from a Japanese breed of black-haired cattle raised in the fresh air and pure water of Gifu Prefecture. Hailed as the best beef in Japan, we’ll take you to the top restaurants to try one of the beautifully tender and marbled Hida beef steaks.
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Ramen

A beloved dish found all over the country, ramen is a delicious Japanese noodle soup. Each region has a different variation and it usually involves a tasty pork or chicken broth, seasoned with plenty of rich flavors like miso, soy sauce and spring onions.
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What to pack for Japan

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Adaptor plug

In Japan, the standard voltage is 100 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard frequency is 50 / 60 Hz.

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Comfortable sandals

Japanese culture requires you to take off your shoes when entering traditional restaurants, temples and ryokans. Bring a comfortable pair of sandals so you can easily slip them off all day.

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Japanese phrasebook

Learning a few Japanese phrases will help you connect with the friendly Japanese locals, and offers the chance for some rewarding interactions.

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Japanese yen

Most shops and restaurants in Japan primarily accept cash, so it’s best to come prepared with some Japanese yen for your trip.

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Versatile clothing

Japan’s weather ranges hot and humid to freezing cold, with mild springs in between. Pack versatile layers to be prepared for all conditions on your Japan vacation.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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