In a country where electric car charge points now outnumber petrol stations, Japan wears its conflict on its kimono sleeve. One moment you could be following in the graceful wake of a geisha past feudal-era castles, and the next taking a Shinkansen bullet to the heart of Tokyo’s skyscraper jumble. Our Japan specialists have travelled the length and breadth of this glorious country to bring you the very best of its culture, landscapes and cuisine. Call them today to start planning your trip, or browse our itineraries for inspiration.

Japan's unique culture

It’s not difficult to read between the lines of Kyoto’s grid system to discover golden lakeside pavilions and moss covered temples. Japan’s ancient capital is home to no fewer than 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But remember, when it comes to exploring cities, don’t forget to look up. Many a dinner date has been missed despite neon signs covering the entire fifth floor restaurant. Indeed, from Michelin-starred subway station sushi counters to holes in the wall serving steaming gyoza dumplings, Japan is a gastronomic delight. And, throughout your trip, you’ll be greeted by that quintessentially Japanese architecture style that favours bold reds and graceful arcs. It’s one that’s lasted from 7th century Nara temples to 18th century Edo period residences.

Kyoto, Honshu

Japan's natural world

Step outside the bustle of urban Japan to discover the country’s best kept secret – its natural world. Southern islands feature palm tree fringed sands while northern Hokkaido’s lakes, mountains and coasts are home to sea eagles and iconic Japanese cranes. The, of course, there's iconic Mt. Fuji – that famous backdrop for a million Japanese snapshots. And, after a day spent on the trails and in the teahouses of the Japanese Alps, return to a ryokan inn where onsen (hot spring) baths, tatami mats and traditional gardens are as welcoming as when they first hosted travelling shoguns. 

Lake Ashi and Mt Fuji

Japan's thrilling cities

Main island Honshu forms the insular and cultural backbone of the Japanese archipelago. In Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima, it’s home to city superpowers but don’t be blinded by the lights. Kyoto and Nara’s ancient capital heritage, Miyajima’s floating island iconography and its idyllic alpine retreats prove that there’s much more to Japan than skyscraping glamour.

Tokyo crossing

Japan's islands

A chance to head off the tourist trail, Shikoku – the smallest of Japan’s four main islands – rewards with hidden valley hot springs, artist island retreats and grand Edo period castle towns. Don’t miss out on its most sacred shrine whose hilltop perch offers views out over pristine farmland to gently sloping mountains beyond. Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island has endured an explosive past. However, volcanoes that once formed its imposing ridges now fuel bubbling onsen baths and timber castles that fought off mercenary samurai today welcome visitors with cherry blossom blushes. Nagasaki has similarly shrugged off its difficult history with picturesque memorial gardens and a thriving food scene. 

Kumamoto Castle, Kyushu

Japan's national parks

Swap southern subtropical islands for Japan’s northern borderlands where well-heeled Tokyoites come to get away from it all in vast national park wildernesses. In winter, warm up in lakeside resorts after witnessing crashing ice floes off the coast and, come summer, enjoy walks that take you through patchwork lavender fields and up forested mountains. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a Japanese crane or perhaps a sea eagle, perched on a freshly calved iceberg.

Lake Toya, Hokkaido, Japan