Japan is one big bucket list sensation after another and you won’t stop pinching yourself as you jump from the neon lights of Tokyo to the sacred temples of Kyoto to the ancient castles of Osaka. While you excite your senses with cherry blossoms and steaming ramen, we’ll take care of all your Japan tour essentials. You’ll get to create your ultimate Japan trip with our Choice Experiences, so whether you want to explore the beautiful and ancient Osaka Castle, or see the iconic orange torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, you’ll always do Japan your way.
Essential Japan Bucket List Items by Us
Our Japan tours are packed with bucket list experiences from the beautiful island of Miyajima to the wonderful markets, parks and shrines of Kyoto.
Experience the Buzz of Tokyo
Join us on a thrilling Tokyo tour where ancient history meets the futuristic. We’ll take you 243 metres into the sky at the Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory then head to Old Tokyo to explore the Nakamise Street craft shops and hear the stories of the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. You’ll even find an inner-city forest oasis at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine!
See the Stunning Shrines of Kyoto
Kyoto is one of our favourite places to go in Japan, famed for geishas, temples and traditional teahouses. We’ll take you to all the highlights on a sightseeing tour, starting with the iconic Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the beautiful Heian-jingu shrine and the 25-metre high torii gate that might just be even more stunning than the shrine itself.
Learn More About the History of Hiroshima
Destroyed beyond recognition in 1945 by the world’s first atomic bomb attack, this is a city that remembers its tragic past and also looks to the future with hope and optimism. Your local Japan guide will share stories and take you to the peace memorials and museums to reflect on the horrors that changed history forever.
Japan Tailored by You
Tailor the Japan tour of your dreams with our range of Choice Experiences. Choose from adventures like exploring the ancient Nijō Castle and soaking in an open-air onsen in the beautiful wilderness.
Gemma Myhill
Costsaver team member
Visit Nijō Castle
Kyoto is by far one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. Filled with ancient architecture and traditional ryokans it's a sight to behold. Head to Nijō Castle for a glimpse into royal life from centuries ago and partake in a traditional tea ceremony. Experience you will never forget!
Lewis Miller
Costsaver team member
An Onsen Nestled in the Wilderness
After a morning wandering through shrines and temples of Japans of capital, take a tram to Kurama, a quaint mountain town about 30 minutes outside of Kyoto. From here, enjoy a light walk to Kurama-Dera Temple, which is a serene mix of cultural and natural beauty. As the sun is setting head to Kurama Onsen, you can unwind in the mineral-rich waters and enjoy the views which the open-air onsen provides. You can purchase a tram ticket which includes access to the temple and the onsen from as little as 1000 yen!
Irina Gorskaia
Costsaver team member
Discover Kurashiki
Kurashiki was once an important point along the distribution route of Japan's most important commodity, rice. The weeping willow trees that line the canal and the stone bridges that cross over the water make for a picturesque scene. Along the canal, there are many of the original storehouses that were so central to the city's identity. A sunset stroll here is an unforgettable experience.
Ramen
You can’t visit Japan without tasting an authentic bowl of ramen, a delicious noodle soup. You’ll find different recipes all over the country and you’ll quickly become obsessed with slurping up the tasty noodles with flavours like soy sauce, miso and spring onions.
Tempura
Tempura has got to be one of Japan’s most iconic dishes and you’ll find this delicious snack almost everywhere. It’s made from seafood like shrimp, and vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms and carrots, soaked in a unique batter and fried until delightfully crispy.
Sake
If you’re wondering what to drink in Japan, you can’t go past a glass of sake, the famous Japanese rice wine. It’s enjoyed in izakaya (Japanese bars) all over the country and your Japan guide will let you in on all the different flavours and sake drinking etiquette. Kanpai!
When is Best to Visit Japan
Japan is the place to be 365 days a year, whether you want to see the cherry blossoms of spring, play in the snow of winter, or catch the sunny days of summer.
Best Time to See the Cherry Blossoms in Japan
The cherry blossom season is one of the ultimate Japan highlights and you can catch the trees in full glorious bloom in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto usually from late March to early April.
Best Time to Catch the Snow in Japan
If you’re keen to see the famous powdery snow of Japan, head there between December and February for a magical winter wonderland.
Best Time to Explore Mount Fuji in Japan
Mount Fuji is beautiful in every season, from the cherry blossoms of spring and the golden leaves of fall, to the snowy peak of winter and the sunny trails of summer.
Best Time to See the Cherry Blossoms in Japan
The cherry blossom season is one of the ultimate Japan highlights and you can catch the trees in full glorious bloom in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto usually from late March to early April.
Best Time to Catch the Snow in Japan
If you’re keen to see the famous powdery snow of Japan, head there between December and February for a magical winter wonderland.
Best Time to Explore Mount Fuji in Japan
Mount Fuji is beautiful in every season, from the cherry blossoms of spring and the golden leaves of fall, to the snowy peak of winter and the sunny trails of summer.
Packing tips for Japan
How to travel responsibly in Japan
Get to Know Bathing Etiquette
If you want to soak in a Japanese onsen, you’ll need to brush up on all the cultural rules, like washing before you enter and never dunking your head under the water.
Be Respectful of Geishas
The Gion district of Kyoto is famed for Japanese geishas, but it’s important to never get in their way and only take photos from a distance - geishas are human too and the ones you see are probably just trying to get to work!
Learn the Local Way of Eating
It goes without saying that you’ll be enjoying plenty of Japanese food on your trip, but there are a few customs to be aware of, like chopstick manners and saying itadakimasu before eating.
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