Tailor-Made Japan Holidays
Japan Holidays
Holidays in Japan are tailor-made for enriching, connected travel. Whether you’re immersed in cities that never seem to sleep, pottering through rural villages that let you slow the pace, walking ancient trails or relaxing in hot spring resorts, you’ll experience unrivalled levels of customer service, comfort and cleanliness.
Much of Japan is connected by one of the world’s most effective railway systems - in Tokyo, you’ll find the starting station for the first ever bullet train, or shinkansen, and the primary hub for an excellent rail network that can whisk you across the country’s four main islands in a matter of hours.
Japan has a reputation for racing towards the future, but this country of contrasts is also securely rooted by unbroken traditions that stretch back thousands of years. Much of the country's cultural heritage stems from nature, with colourful festivals that celebrate the seasons, and leisure that centres on bathing in volcanic hot springs and feeding the body and soul with excellent local food.
This mix of electric modernity, deep tradition and seamless efficiency is enticing, and draws visitors back again and again to enjoy further holidays in Japan that show the country in a different light. The hot springs of Kinosaki Onsen may feel a world away from Tokyo in terms of landscape and ambience, but are just an hour by train. See ancient aesthetics in Kyoto, the poignant memorials of Hiroshima, the pilgrim trails of Shikoku and the wild nature of Hokkaido.
Find Space & Tranquility in Shikoku
Cycling enthusiasts, even those of calmer spirit, will love Shikoku’s Shimanami Kaido. Best approached from the charming town of Onomichi, you'll cross a littering of small islands, each connected by dramatic suspension bridges. Explore hidden corners on the smallest of Japan’s main islands, from the calmness of everyday small-town life in Takamatsu to the rural stillness of the Iya Valley. Relax in tranquil ryokan, bathe in the dappled shade of peaceful forests, and nourish body and soul with delicious dishes.
Food & Feel-good vibes in Osaka
Same, same, but different: Osaka’s neon-lit streets mirror Tokyo’s on a smaller scale, but definitely come with their own flavour. While it’s well worth discovering the elegant history of Osaka Castle and admiring the natural beauty and modern art of the Botanical Gardens, for us, it’s all about the food. From the colourful bustle of Dotonburi’s streetfood stalls to the narrow retro eateries of Shinsekai, you can feast on takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakitori, ramen and more until you’re fit to burst!
Delight in Naoshima
Known as 'Art Island', the often misunderstood island of Naoshima has quickly risen to become a much talked about addition to many of our holidays in Japan. Just a short ferry ride from Uno or Shikoku's Takamatsu, the picturesque Naoshima hides within its boundaries an inspiring collection of installations, outdoor sculptures and impressive gallery spaces.
Step off the usual trail…
The ‘Golden Route’ linking Tokyo with Kyoto and on to Osaka, or the other way around, is a much-loved classic for holidays in Japan that hit the headline places, and there’s lots to love about it. However, our preferred way to see the very best of Japan steps beyond the Golden Route, slightly aside from this well-shinkansen-ridden trail, to see some of the country’s less-lauded gems. Combine Tokyo’s glitz and Kyoto’s measured tradition with Ine’s coastal calm, Kakunodate’s samurai legends, Nagano’s mountain horizons and Toyama’s community spirit.
