First timers - a few ideas and recommendations
The ideal first time visit to Japan will take in destinations that highlight the many contrasts and dichotomies that make up this fascinating country. The best access points for any itinerary are Tokyo or Osaka and either of these two dazzling cities will and ensure your holiday gets off to an electric start.
The temples, shrines and garden of Kyoto and Nara are not-to-be-missed examples of traditional culture and religion. Sights such as Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu dera in Kyoto or the gardens and Daibutsu (Big Buddha) in Nara are important World heritage sights which played a key-role in the formation of Japanese history and the country’s cultural values. Kyoto is also home to the only thriving geisha district remaining in Japan and we can arrange walking tours of the area as well as evening entertainment with a Maiko or Geisha.
The Daibutsukan in Nara, home of the Big Buddha View of Mt. Fuji and Ashinko, Hakone
Surely the most recognisable symbol of Japan is Mt Fuji and a stay in the Hakone National Park is a great stop for any first time visitor. The park flanks the southern slopes of this imperious mountain and – weather permitting – affords stunning vistas of soaring peak. For some their Japan visit is not complete without making the 6 hour climb to the summit of Mt. Fuji and this can be arranged during the official climbing season of July and August. Others prefer the more relaxing option viewing Mt Fuji from the lake-side or whilst riding one of the cable cars that criss-cross the region.
Apart from Mt Fuji, Hakone is also famous for its natural hot-spring baths (onsen) and a dip in the relaxing therapeutic waters is a quintessential experience for any visitor. As a country, Japan has a lot of Geo-thermal activity so there are a large number of hot-spring resorts dotted all over the country. As well as Hakone, you may like to consider the waters of Naruko Onsen in Northern Japan, Yudanaka Onsen in the Japan Alps, (where you may share your bath with snow monkeys!), or the relaxing beach resort of Shirahama onsen where you can gaze out to sea whilst soaking in the hot-springs.
After your wild ride around the cities, heritage sights, gardens, hot-springs and ascent of Mt Fuji, you might like to top off your trip with a real get-away experience; perhaps a visit to Mt Koya for a stay in Buddhist temple lodging in the stunning natural surroundings; or maybe you’d prefer some time on the beautiful beaches of Shimoda. Whatever I this you want to do and see on your first visit to Japan, let us know and we’ll do our best to make sure you have a fantastic trip.
Tailored Trips - A Japan Dream
Ancient mountain top temples; beautiful shrines and gardens; dramatic volcanic landscapes; national parks of outstanding natural beauty; wild bears and monkeys; massive neon-lit cities buzzing with energy; bubbling hot spring baths; soaring mountain peaks; and of course, fantastic food.
Japan has something for everyone, whatever their interests. Working closely with you we will help make your dream Japan holiday become a reality. We can cater for almost any budget, from backpack to the heights of five-star luxury and for a wide range of special interests. Our services cover the whole country so if it’s the wilds of the North, or perhaps the tropical paradise of the Okinawan islands that most appeal to you, no problem.
Japanese ryokan room Accommodation in Japan
One of the great things about travelling to Japan is the wide rage of different types of accommodation available. As you'd expect, there are the usual international 5 star hotels in the big cities. However, Western style hotels in Japan range from affordable and simple 'Business Hotels' right through to luxurious establishments such as the Imperial in Tokyo that bring Japanese style and service to their guests.
A trip to Japan is not really complete, however, without sampling traditional style lodgings. These are unique and even if you are on a tight budget this need be no problem with simple traditional 'Minshuku' (people's inns) being very affordably priced. However, if you have the money available a stay in a top class 'Ryokan' is a must - service and quality of a uniquely high standard.
The 'Shinkansen' Transport in Japan
The best way to get around Japan is to make use of the public transport system unrivalled anywhere else in the World. The 'Bullet' train, Shinkansen in Japanese, is a true symbol of modern Japan, whisking travellers across the country at speeds of up to 190 mph. However, in addition to this the rest of the rail, coach, ferry and air network is a marvel and makes travelling a pleasure.
All our tailored packages make extensive use of the public transport system making sure not only that your trip goes as smoothly as possible but also giving you the chance to experience Japan as the Japanese do.
'Ikebana' - Japanese flower arranging Special interest activities
Many of our customers visit Japan because of a special interest they have in an element of Japanese culture. So whether your passion is for Ikebana, ceramics, Sumo wrestling or baseball just let us know and we will be able to help you have the experience you are looking for.