Wayfairer Travel Guide: Japan

Rich culture, delicious Japanese cuisine, epic cityscapes & natural landscapes

If you’re planning a holiday to Japan, our travel guide will help you decide where and when to go, and what to do whilst you’re there. Plus, our travel essentials section at the bottom of this page provides advice about flights, visas, vaccinations, currency and an information about travelling with medication.

Where to go in Japan

Our Japan holidays focus on the following areas:

• Tokyo
• Hiroshima
• Kyoto
• Osaka
• Hakone
• Shikoku
• Takayama
• Kanazawa
• Naoshima
• Mount Koya
• Matsumoto

What to do in Japan

Things to do in Tokyo

• Experience the unique atmosphere of old Japan at Shinjuku’s Golden Gai
• Discover the district of Asakusa and see the iconic Kaminarimon Gate ("Thunder Gate") at the entrance of Senso-ji Temple
• Visit Shibuya and cross the road at the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection
• Watch the sunset over the city from Tokyo Skytree's Tembo Galleria observation deck 450m above sea level
• Discover the tranquil oasis of the Emperor’s Imperial Gardens, particularly spectacular during sakura (cherry blossom) season
• Take a day trip from Tokyo to the seaside town of Kamakura and discover the Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines

Things to do in Hiroshima

• Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates the explosion of the first atomic bomb, and the Peace Memorial Museum, which documents the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II
• Experience quintessential Japan with a relaxing dip in the hot spring bathhouses of Kinosaki Onsen
• Take a day trip out to Miyajima Island to see the famous “floating” torii gate

Things to do in Kyoto

• Discover Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including ancient temples, shrines and an historic castle
• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most visited Shinto shrines in Japan
• Explore the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Discover the historic Gion district, one of the most well-known geisha districts in Japan
• Enjoy a panoramic view of the city at the Kyoto Tower
• Visit Pontocho and dine at a restaurant overlooking the Kamogawa River
• Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere at Eikando Zenrinji Temple
• Climb to the top of Mount Kurama and relax in the hot springs

Things to do in Osaka

• Explore the restaurants, cafes, bars and street stalls around the canals of the Dotonbori district and see the famous Glico Running Man sign, one of the city’s most well-known landmarks
• Enjoy a guided cycling tour of Osaka
• Visit Shitennoji, Japan’s first Buddhist temple
• Visit Kuromon Ichiba Market, popular with tourists and locals alike
• Discover Osaka Castle, the shining jewel amongst Osaka’s tourist attractions and one of the most historically significant sites in Japan

Things to do in Hakone

• Stay at Yamanochaya, a traditional ryokan guesthouse 
• Enjoy the natural beauty of Fuji-Hakone National Park and views of the snowy peaks of Mount Fuji (Fuji-san)
• Boil eggs in the volcanic waters
• Take a dip in the mineral-rich onsen baths
• Explore the outdoor sculpture park and Picasso gallery

Things to do in Shikoku

• Visit Dogo Onsen Honkan, a wooden bathhouse that dates to 1894
• Discover the beautiful landscape gardens of Ritsurin Koen in Takamatsu
• Hike to the summit of Yashima Mountain and enjoy fantastic views of Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea
• Explore the Iya Valley as part of a self-drive road trip

Things to do in Takayama

• Discover the iconic architecture and nostalgic atmosphere of Sanmachi Suji, a group of three main streets at the heart of Takayama city
• Buy local crafts at the morning markets on the Miyagawa River
• Visit Takayama’s many temples and shrines
• Enjoy a sake tasting session at one of Takayama’s micro-breweries
• Join in with the Takayama Matsuri celebrations in April and October
• Discover nearby villages, such as Shirakawago and Furukawa

Things to do in Kanazawa

• Explore the old samurai residences of Nagamachi
• Discover the quaint teahouses of the Higashi Chaya geisha district
• Visit Kenrokuen, Japan’s best and most celebrated landscape garden

Things to do in Naoshima

• Stay at Benesse House, a contemporary museum and a boutique art hotel
• Discover Naoshima’s indoor and outdoor art installations, world-class galleries and quirky architecture on a private cycling tour

• Enjoy a unique bathing experience at the I Love Yu bathhouse

Things to do in Mount Koya

• Spend the night at Shojoshin-in, one of the largest and oldest temples in Mount Koya (Koya-san)
• Join the Shojoshin-in's resident monks in an early morning prayer and chanting session
• Learn about Buddhism with a lecture at a temple

Things to do in Matsumoto

• Hike in the mountains surrounding Matsumoto
• Visit the Matsumoto Castle (also known as the “Crow Castle”), one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles in Japan
• Take a dip at Asama Hot Springs
• Discover Nakamachi Street, known for its traditional "kura" storehouses
• Explore the city or local countryside by bicycle
• Visit the Daio Wasabi Farm, the largest wasabi plantation in Japan
• Learn about Japanese art and culture at the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum

When to go to Japan

Japan is a spectacular year round destination, however it has four distinct seasons which means that choosing when to go to Japan depends on what you want to do and see during your visit.

Weather patterns and temperatures vary across the four main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu). In our opinion, the best time to visit Japan is during spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November), when you can expect plenty of sunshine and very little rain, plus of you can witness the spectacular cherry blossom (sakura) season and autumn leaves (koyo).

During the summer months (May to September) cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are very hot and humid, and there’s typically heavy rainfall throughout most of Japan during June and July (with the exception of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island). During the winter months (December to February), days are cool and crisp, with heavy snowfall in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps.

For further information about Japan’s seasons please read our when to go to Japan guide or call one of our luxury travel specialists on 0203 143 4293.

Where to stay in Japan

Our Japan accommodation ranges from modern, luxurious Western-style hotels (such as the Osaka Marriott Miyako, The Hyatt Regency Kyoto and The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon in Tokyo’s Asakusa district), to authentic family-run ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). There’s also an opportunity to stay at a Buddhist temple on Mount Koya (Koya-san) and at a contemporary museum and boutique art hotel on the island of Naoshima. You can view all our accommodation options at the bottom of our Luxury Japan Holidays page.

Itinerary ideas for Japan holidays

The suggestions below are examples of holidays which we can arrange and can be tailored to suit your personal preference.

• Highlights of Japan - 14 days

This fantastic holiday is ideal for first-time visitors to Japan. The itinerary includes the exciting cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, plus Hakone National Park and the Japanese Alps.

• Food & Art: A Cultural Tour of Japan – 15 days

This itinerary focuses on the food and art scene in Japan, plus it features unique experiences such as staying in temple lodgings in a Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya and spending the night at an art gallery/hotel on Naoshima Island.

• Japan Honeymoon - 14 days

This honeymoon itinerary starts in bustling Tokyo. Your next destination is the spectacular Fuji-Hakone National Park and then you’ll spend time in the romantic city of Kyoto. From here, you’ll travel on to Hiroshima and then you’ll visit the hot spring destination of Kinosaki Onsen, before heading to Osaka where your Japan adventure comes to an end.

• Rural Japan Explorer - 15 days

This itinerary is perfect for those seeking an authentic experience outside of Japan's futuristic cities. This tour includes a self-drive excursion around the picturesque Iya Valley and visits to Japan's lesser-known destinations. Read our Off the Beaten Path in Japan blog.

Responsible Travel in Japan

We encourage all of our clients who are visiting Japan to travel in a responsible and respectful manner. You can read our tips for responsible travel in Japan in our Responsible Travel Guide to Japan.

Travel Essentials for Japan

Arrival & Departure:  Our Japan holidays start in either Tokyo or Osaka. You’ll need to fly into Tokyo International Airport, commonly known as Haneda Airport, or Osaka Kansai Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your own private driver who will transfer you to your first hotel.

Depending on your itinerary, you’ll either finish your Japan adventure in Tokyo or Osaka. Whichever city you end in, we will arrange a private taxi transfer to take you back to the airport in time for your return flight home.

Flying time: London Heathrow (LHR) to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): 11 hours 40 minutes (direct). London Heathrow (LHR) to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): 13 hours 30 minutes (with one stop), however British Airways have announced a new direct route from Heathrow to Osaka, starting in March 2019.

Recommended airlines: British Airways, Japan Airlines

Currency: The unit of currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). There are six different denomination coins in circulation: 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1, as well as four denomination notes – 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000.

The highest denomination note is the 10,000 yen note (Ichiman-en satsu in Japanese). Japan is still a cash-based society and relatively safe, therefore despite their high value you’re likely to see plenty of 10,000 yen notes in circulation.

The exchange rate (as of October 2023) is UK£1 =181.45 JPY, US$1 = 149.94 JPY and €1 =158.48 JPY

Visa requirements: British passport holders can enter Japan as a visitor for up to 90 days without a visa. Those with other passports should check the visa requirements with your nearest Japanese Embassy. You may need to provide evidence of a return or onward ticket and your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

Medication: Travellers to Japan should be aware that the use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned under the country’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. The ban includes Vicks inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems, cold and flu medication that contains Pseudoephedrine and some over-the-counter painkillers, including those containing codeine. Foreign nationals have been detained and deported for offences, therefore we advise you to check the status of your medication with the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate before you travel.

If you’re travelling with prescription medication that is permitted under Japanese law, you’re allowed to enter the country with up to one month’s supply. You’re advised to bring a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating the medical condition that the medication has been prescribed to treat.

Vaccinations: Visitors to Japan should consider the following vaccinations: 

• Seasonal flu vaccine - recommended for all travellers from November to April
• Japanese encephalitis - recommended for visits of more than one month and for those travelling to rural areas between June and September
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) - two doses recommended for anyone born after 1956
• Tetanus-diphtheria – re-vaccination is recommended every 10 years.

There is no need to take any anti-malarial medication. If you’re visiting Japan in the summer or autumn you will encounter mosquitoes, therefore we recommend that you take mosquito repellent with you.

Japanese Language Tips

We encourage our clients to travel with a Japanese phrasebook and make an effort to learn some key words and phrases.

• Hello: Kon'nichiwa
• Please: Onegaishimasu
• Thank you: arigatou gozaimasu
• Cheers: Kanpai
• How much? Ikura

When dining with others in Japan, it is customary and polite to say "itadakimasu" ("I gratefully receive") before eating and "gochisosama” ("thank you for the meal") after finishing the meal. For more about Japanese cuisine, read our Japan Food Guide.

If you'd like to plan a holiday to Japan, call our Luxury Travel Specialists for a chat about your dream trip or fill out our no-obligation enquiry form.