Japan is not the only Modern city of Tokyo and the Historical city of Kyoto. The reason domestic travel in Japan is so popular among Japanese is each region and city is so different and unique such things as landscape, culture, festivals, folk craft, language and last but not least Food!
You can also enjoy Japan all year-round. Each season has own beauty and festivals. The most popular and comfortable weather is Spring and Autumn. Of course everybody wants to visit Japan during the Cherry blossom season. It does not last long like Vancouver, Canada. Usually, it lasts about one week or so and it can be different each year. It starts around the end of March and lasts untill mid-April from Southern Japan and goes to the North or to the Mountain areas. There is a cherry blossom chaser map. If you do not want to miss the blossom, plan your trip not staying in one place. Try to include places in the South, North and mountain areas. I like flowers but I think my favorite season is Autumn because of Autumn colors, crisp air and food. It’s harvest season. New rice taste so good. You can enjoy plain rice without any seasoning. Seafood is getting in season. Lots of hot pot dishes. Nice warm food is so good in cooler weather. Especially it tastes so good and enjoyable eating with friends and family.
Japanese study English but most of them cannot speak English very well. There are English sign in the big cities or major transportation systems but not many. There are no street names. It can be hard to get around in rural areas where you can experience authentic Japan. Japan is a safe country but what makes you uneasy sometimes is the huge population and busy environment. It is overwhelming even for Japanese from the countryside or small cities. When you are getting off shinkansen, you should get ready and line up for the door when you hear the announcement or people are getting ready. If you try to grab your bags once the train stop, you are too late and you will miss your stop. They have to keep their schedule on time. Then how to travel? For the first timer or even repeat travelers, small group tours are the best way to see and experience Japan economically also tour leader will be with you a whole duration helping you travel from A to B as well as travel around the city, plus ordering food. Once you get used to traveling in Japan you can return to Japan or stay longer in Tokyo or Osaka which are the gateway cities at the end of the tours to wonder around by yourself.
If you like active and love nature, these tours should intrest you.
Japan Hike, Bike & Kayak 13days Osaka to Tokyo with G Adventures
Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak 12days Tokyo to Osaka with Intrepid Travel
For this type of multi active tour, each of activities is mostly easy. The level of activities with G Adventures is leisurely. If you are in good health, enjoy the outdoors and walk regularly and do some exercise you will enjoy their tour. If you are looking for tours with longer hikes, Intrepid tour will be your choice. Both tours have a good mix of big cities and rural towns includes famous highlights and must to visit cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Both tours take you to the famous historical trail Kumano Kodo. Visit Katsuura which is known for good seafood. With this itinerary, you can travel extensively including rural areas by taking local buses and trains. So it is really good to have a tour leader.
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun 13days Tokyo to Kyoto with Intrepid Travel
If you are not interested in activities but want to visit rural places and popular highlights, this is a good one. Great temples and Mt. Fuji. Himeji castle which is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. Modern to very old history and the sad history of Hiroshima reminds us of peace. There are so many places to visit Kyoto and this itinerary includes 3 days in Kyoto. If you want to stay longer, you can extend your stay in Kyoto or instead of taking Shinkansen fast train to Tokyo take a one hour local train ride to Osaka and spend some time in Osaka and you can fly out from Osaka airport. You can take airport bus to the airport which is easier with bags and most likely cheaper.
Southern Japan Experience 12days Osaka to Osaka with Intrepid Travel
This tour does not visit Kyoto but you can easily access Kyoto from Osaka. So you can see Kyoto yourself before or after the tour, or you can add another tour. Southern Japan will be different from what you think of Japan. You can enjoy nature, history and food. It can be a noodle tour. Shikoku island where Takamatsu, Kotohira and Matsuyama are known for Japanese Udon noodle destination. Nagasaki is popular for Ramen noodle called Nagasaki Champon. The island where Nagasaki is situated it is called Kyushu. Ramen in Kyushu is different from the other areas. They use mainly pork stock and has a rich flavor. Osaka is known for Okonomiyaki, Japanese pancake. Also, people go for “ Kuidaore”. People enjoy good food and spend too much money until they are broke. Of course people won’t be broke now but which means there are many gourmet dishes you can try. But don’t worry with this tour, you have a chance to burn the calories,too. Kotohira has famous shrine called “ Konpira -san “ . One of the pilgrim shrines. Depending on how far you want to go. To the main shrine will be 786 steps and all the way to the top will be 1368 steps. You have also chance to do trekking in Yakushima.
Real Food Adventure – Japan 12days Tokyo to Kyoto with Intrepid Travel
As I said, Food is one of the highlights in Japan. The rule of thumb is to try the food or restaurants where the locals recommend. Good things about adventure tours is the local leader will take you around. They will show you the best places and the also their favorite ones something tourist won’t know. Plus if you do not know the language you do not know what to order or how to order. You can try fancy food like Hida Beef to street food. Also you can try so many different depachika food ( high-end delicatessen / food market under luxury department store ) and beautiful vegetarian Buddhist food ( Shojin Ryori) . Food tour includes cooking class to learn Japanese dishes and you can enjoy food at home or share with your family and friends when you go home.
Discover Japan 14 days, Tokyo to Tokyo with G Adventures
An another main stream itinerary with Mt Fuji Hike between June 20th to August 18th departure ( in 2018) . Outside of these departure dates, you do not hike up to summit of Mt. Fuji but you have optional walks around Lake Kawaguchi ( Mt Fuji rejoin )
Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo 9 days, Osaka to Tokyo with G Adventures
If you are not interested in hiking up to Mt. Fuji but want to see Mt. Fuji. This is the one for you. Also if you only have 2weeks holiday from home, this will fit. This itinerary also takes you to Koyasan which is the center of Buddhism in Japan and it’s on the mountain. You can stay at the temple and try Shojin Ryori. You can also watch monks pray in the morning. It is not on their itinerary but temples offer some classes and Japanese go there to try classes such as meditation, joining morning prayers, and more. Programs are dependent on the temples and an extra cost. So if you are interested, you can ask your tour leader if she or he can arrange some classes for you.
Japan Winter Highlights 9 days Tokyo to Kyoto with G Adventures.
This tour only operates in Winter and you can combine with the Ice Festival in Hokkaido. Or on particular departures, you can experience Kobe Luminarie Festival or Nara mountain burning Festival. Shirakawago is very cute traditional mountain village and the architecture is very unique and designed for heavy snow. It looks like the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer and this village is also called “ Gassho-mura “. You can visit this village all year around.
I choose standard adventure tours but G adventures also offers budget tours for 18 ~39 years old and National geographic which is more unique and deeper into cultures with better accommodation. Intrepid also offer basic tours, comfort tours, family tours and cycling tours. Several other tour companies offer tours in Japan. Depending on your needs and interests, I can find the tour for you or organized a private customized tour.
The key to enjoy your trip is to find the right tour for you. Let me help you out.
