Cherry Blossom Tour
Celebrate with the Japanese in Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) as you witness Japan's unofficial national flower change the scenery to a shade of pink.
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Japan Gourmet Connoisseur Tour
This journey is for people who love to eat, drink and travel. Venture beyond the familiar sushi and saki perception of Japanese food culture.
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Yokohama Quilt Show
Travel with fellow quilters to view one of the largest patchwork and quilting events on the Japanese calendar.
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The Path to Traditional Japan
This all-embracing journey explores the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, which all have distinct proud histories and are unique in their own right.
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Japan's Timeless Sea Coast
The Japan Sea Coast is relatively unexplored by the foreign tourist, yet this stunning region of Japan opens the door to an exceptional appreciation and awareness of Japanese life.
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Spiritual Japan
This region of Japan easily warrants a week to truly discover the ancient cities of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, not to mention the remoteness of Mt Koya-san.
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Contemporary Japan
Japan has some of the most acclaimed museums and art galleries in the world. Take the time to appreciate art culture along side Japanese tradition.
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Extensive Japan
Explore the land of the rising sun with the Japan Tour Specialist. Gain an extensive appreciation of this unique corner of the world.
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Japan's Cities
TOKYO
Tokyo is the capital and thriving business metropolis of Japan. The city has amazing energy, the largest concentration of population and offers a wide variety of activities to cater to a greater spectrum of interests. Excellent produce from fresh seafood markets makes for exciting meals, a wonderful public transport network, designer shopping, the latest in electronic gadgetry, high-rise business areas amongst temples and shrines and theme park entertainment – all of which make up modern day Tokyo.
KYOTO
Kyoto, once the capital for more then a thousand years, is the undisputed cultural epicentre of Japan. Surrounded by beautiful hills its past is thick with Shogun, Samurai and political upheaval and in calmer times, traditional theatre, Geiko dancers, Bunraku puppets and the delicate art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. This is a city of vast contrasts with many places of historical and religious significance set on a backdrop which changes with the distinctive four seasons.
OSAKA
Osaka city is as food crazed as they come and this city has traditionally been referred to as the ‘Kitchen of Japan’, or the mecca of gourmet food. Home also to some wonderful shopping and traditional theatre districts such as Dotonbori, Namba and Shinsaibashi. Osaka is also the gateway to the Kansai region including cities such as Nara, Kyoto and Himeji.
HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima has a place in world history due to its destruction in World War 2 by the atomic bomb. Today the city is recognised as the "City of Peace" and this is displayed through its Peace Memorial Park and Museum. There are also numerous historical places of interest along with ancient gardens, castles and shrines. The true pearl of the region is the island of Miyajima, a place famous for its large floating Torii Gate, tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty that is today a World Heritage Site and the source of much local pride.
KANAZAWA
Kanazawa also has its place in history books as once the home to one of Japan’s most powerful feudal families. They sought to encourage cultural activities rather than military campaigns hence the high standards of fabric dying, pottery and other crafts the region is known for today. Here you are able to catch a glimpse of life as a Samurai as well as visit shrines, markets and other culturally rich sites. Kanazawa is also home to one of Japan's most famous gardens, Kenroku En. This stunning garden was established in 1822 by the Maedas and is located right in the heart of the city.
TAKAYAMA
Takayama is a very small and beautiful village located high up in the Japanese Alps. It is extremely special because, perhaps more than any other town or village located in these mountains, it has been able to preserve its old houses, shops and most importantly it’s cultural atmosphere. There are numerous museums, temples and local saki breweries to explore whilst visiting the region. The region also provides a wonderful opportunity to partake in the onsen experience.
FUKUOKA
Fukuoka is one of the main port cities on the island of Kyushu and is known for its colourful festivals, silk textiles and traditional pottery. The city centre lies between two rivers, with the entertainment area of Hakarta and Fukuoka Castle being popular places for travellers to visit. Whilst visiting Fukuoka be sure to visit Ohori Park known for its beautiful gardens and lakes.
NAGOYA
Nagoya was the stomping ground of the Tokugawa shoguns until the beginning of the Meiji period which saw this city turn from a classic castle town to a classic factory city. Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine are two of Nagoya’s most famous sightseeing attractions. Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 however a large section was burnt down in the fires of World War II. Atsuta Shrine is home to over 4,400 national treasures representing its 2,000 year history.
SAPPORO
Sapporo is the gateway city to some of the worlds most spectacular ski and powder snow conditions found not only here in Japan but amongst the world. Home to the eponymous Sapporo Brewery and the internationally renowned Sapporo Snow Festival where nearly 2 million visitors ignore the chilling conditions to view the gigantic snow sculptures with a variety of themes, including world famous land marks and Japanese fairy tales.
NAGASAKI
Throughout time no city in Japan has had as much contact with the outside world and foreigners then Nagasaki. Due to its mountain surrounded harbour and a local feudal lord that was friendly towards Christianity the Portuguese were the first to found the city in the 16th century. This then opened the doors as a trading post to the Dutch and then finally the British. Due to its harbour and location Nagasaki became a major Imperial Japanese Navy base which assisted in its nuclear attack during the Second World War.
SENDAI
Known as the ‘City of Trees’ Sendai is the capital of the Tohoku region. Aoba Castle dominates to the west of the river and on a clear day from certain city high spots you can see Matsushima Bay’s pine clad islets.
MATSUYAMA
Few feudal castles in Japan dominate the cities below them more then Matsuyama Castle. From nearly everywhere in town you can look up at the view the three story tower fortress especially at night when the castle is illuminated. Matsuyama is also home to Dogo Onsen a spa which claims to be the oldest in Japan with a history of 3,000 years.
DISCOVER YOUR OWN JOURNEY WITH DESTINATION JAPAN & BEYOND – TAILOR MADE TOURS & GROUP BOOKINGS.
