Amanda PhillipsJapan is a multi-faceted country with beautiful landscapes at one end and glittering neon cities on the other (with lots of temples, anime, sushi, technology, karaoke and hot springs in the middle). It’s a fabulous destination that can also be overwhelming for a first time visitor. If there’s anywhere in the world where an organised tour would be a great decision, it’s Japan.
Thankfully numerous organised and escorted tours are available. Whether you want a short trip around Tokyo, or you’re looking for a month-long itinerary that covers every mile of the country – you’ll find what you’re looking for in our choice of tours. Here are five destinations that are especially popular on an organised Japan tour.
1. Tokyo
First off is the world famous Tokyo. A larger than life metropolis that combines modern-day neon skyscrapers and futuristic technology with ancient shrines and old-school sweet shops. It’s also a haven for foodies, with a higher volume of Michelin-star restaurants than any other city in the world. Shopping is also world-class, offering high-tech gadgets, colourful anime toys, traditional crafts, and trendy clothing.
2. Kyoto
While Tokyo is one of the world’s most futuristic cities, Kyoto celebrates the old ways. Sometimes known as Japan’s spiritual heart, it is home to 2,000 temples and shrines and it’s not unusual to see monks and geishas wandering the streets. If it’s traditional Japanese culture that you’re looking for, this is where you’ll find it.
This includes traditional Japanese foods. In the afternoon you can stroll into a traditional teahouse, or tuck into some hearty ramen. Then in the evening, you can visit an izakaya (Japanese pub-eateries) or Michelin-star restaurant. Finish the night off at one of the trendy cocktail bars.
3. Hiroshima
While it is certainly an unsettling part of Japan’s history, a visit to Hiroshima is essential for anyone interested in the country’s past. While it was once believed that the city would remain uninhabitable, the city has now been re-built (including the reconstruction of monuments such as Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden) and Peace Memorial Park was constructed as a reminder of the city’s past.
4. Osaka
Osaka is Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo – and is a popular nightlife destination. The Kitashinchi and Dōtonbori districts are the most popular places for locals and tourists to head out to in the evenings.
During the day, we recommend you try out the unique cuisine (which differs from that of Tokyo on the east coast). Some local foods include battera (a block type sushi topped with mackerel), okonomiyaki (fried cabbage cakes that resemble a cross between a pancake, pizza, and omelette) and takoyaki (bits of octopus inside fried dumplings).
Also remember to visit Kaiyukan (one of the world’s largest aquariums), Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum and – of course – Universal Studios Japan.
5. Hakone
Only an hour and a half in the car from Tokyo, the mountainous town of Hakone is the polar opposite of Japan’s capital city. Its main draw is its hot springs, which makes it a great final destination on a Japan tour. It is also a place of picturesque natural beauty with impressive views of the iconic Mount Fuji and is on the doorstep of the scenic Lake Ashi, which you can tour by boat and is overlooked by the stunning Hakone Shrine.
