Japan is a fascinating land of contrasts, an engaging combination of futuristic cities, ancient culture, traditional performing arts, great architectural works and stunning natural landscapes.

"Beautiful, relaxing, nostalgic, profound, fashionable, mouthwatering, exciting, historic, cultural and poignant – all intertwined with genuine, heart-warming hospitality... Japan really does has a little bit of everything."

From the big-city buzz of Tokyo and the mountain hot springs of Hakone, to the tranquil beauty of Kyoto and traditions of Takayama, each region of Japan has something exceptionally special to offer.

A vast archipelago consisting of over 7000 islands, four main islands form the most-frequented and best-known areas of Japan: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Honshu is home to Japan’s key destinations, while the other three islands offer a whole host of landscapes, environments, and cultural activities.

Our bespoke itineraries mean you can choose which of the country’s highlights to explore. For starters, cosmopolitan Tokyo is one of the most exciting metropolises in Asia, where traditions from centuries past exist side-by-side with the ever-moving elements of the latest in urban culture.

Remaining firmly at the top of most visitors’ ‘must-see’ lists however are the country’s veritable melting pot of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: including the beauty of the solitary, often snow-capped, stratovolcano Mount Fuji; the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities); the Historic Village of Shirakawa-go; the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome); and the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine.

What you need to know

  • Capital City

    Tokyo

  • Time Difference

    GMT +8

  • Best Time to Visit

    March to May & September to November

  • Currency

    Japanese Yen

Japan

Explore

Choose from the cream of Japan's finest hotels.

  • Aman Tokyo Tokyo

    Occupying the Otemachi Tower’s top six floors, steps from Tokyo Station and the Ginza shopping district, Aman Tokyo is brilliantly convenient; and a gasp-inducing experience from top to bottom.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Tokyo

    With its coveted address in Nihonbashi at the very heart of the city; soaring views of the city and beyond; sky-high, cutting-edge style; a heavenly spa; and an enticing array of dramatic dining, can’t think of anywhere better to stay in the city.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Gora Kadan Hakone

    This former retreat of the Imperial Family in the heart of Hakone National Park, now a chic Japanese ryokan (guest house), will completely immerse you into the ancient Japanese way of life.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Wanosato Takayama

    There’s something magical about taking the train through the mountains of Hida-Takayama and catching your first glimpse of Wanosato’s fairytale-like cluster of quaint and majestic 160 year-old minka tucked away in the forest.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto Kyoto

    Inspired by a traditional ryokan, this luxuriously modern Ritz-Carlton gives you the very best of both worlds: most accommodation has breathtaking views of the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama Mountains; and we adore the customised Kyoto activities.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto Kyoto

    Discover the style and vibe of today’s Japan at this intimate hotel set in the scenic district of temples, steeped in Kyoto’s wealth of traditional artistry, yet exhilaratingly contemporary.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa Kanazawa

    This crescent-shaped landmark building is a great base for exploring the big-city essentials, with a rooftop beer garden in summer months that’s super popular with the locals.​​ It’s situated just in front of JR Kanazawa station too.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Araya Totoan Kanazawa Kanazawa

    Run by the same family for 18 generations, you’ll be completely immersed in Japan’s rich culture from the moment you arrive at this intimate, luxurious 18-room ryokan: greeted like old friends with green tea and mochi.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Ryokan Kurashiki Kurashiki

    This traditional ryokan – in the heart of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and once a sugar storehouse – is now one of the best (if not slightly unconventional) ryokans in town.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel Kurashiki

    Brilliantly located for sightseeing, in the cultural and historical district of central Kurashiki City, this is a more modern hotel experience with Japanese and Western-style rooms, and a restaurant set in a refurbished 200-year-old rice warehouse.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu, Shikoku Island

    Takamtasu’s tallest hotel, this is true Western-style luxury. The rooms are spacious and sound-proofed, with rousing views of the city or the Inland Sea (particularly from the upper floors’ corner rooms).

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Hotel Iya Onsen Iya Valley, Shikoku Island

    This is really the only place you want to stay in the Iya Valley – a secluded hotel perched up high, famous for the steep cable car that uniquely connects to its rotenburo (open-air baths) some 170 metres below.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Setouchi Aonagi Matsuyama, Shikoku Island

    Architecture aficionados will love this intimate seven-room retreat just outside of Matsuyama. Originally completed 17 years ago as a private guesthouse, later becoming a small modern art museum, it’s now a minimalistic wonderland.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Sekitei Hiroshima

    A must for the landscape gardener in all of us, this garden ryokan stands high on a gentle hill, with a central ornamental garden that embeds the five maisonettes: each cleverly arranged to offer views over Miyajima across the water, without compromising privacy.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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Inside Knowledge

Creating special moments

  1. Su-su-Sumo

    Su-su-Sumo

    Six tournaments for this traditional Japanese sport are held over 15 days in January, May and September each year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Going out of season? Then catch an early morning training session at a beya (sumo stable).

  2. Land of Enchantment

    Land of Enchantment

    Arashiyama is Kyoto’s second-most important sightseeing district (and a great spot come cherry blossom season). The star attraction though is famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.

  3. Breathtaking Blossoms

    Breathtaking Blossoms

    One of Japan’s most beautiful sights has to be the groves of cherry blossoms in bloom from the end of March to April; the pick of the spots in cherry-central Kyoto is Maruyama-kōen, its centre-piece a massive weeping cherry tree.