Get your ultimate Japan travel guide
A trip to Japan is always going to be an incredible adventure. A temple-hopping, sake-sipping, onsen-soaking, garden-strolling adventure. We’ve been designing and refining tours to Japan for years – we know the sights to see, the places to visit and the experiences that’ll elevate a holiday here from so-so to spectacular.
So, we thought it was about time we poured some of that expertise into an informative, inspirational online guide. And here it is: our inspiring Guide to Japan. It’s a fantastic read, with pages of insider tips, essential experiences, practical information and personal recommendations. There are interactive maps, festival calendars, video guides and much more.
Fill in your details, download your copy and journey with us to the Land of the Rising Sun… Or read on below to find out more about travelling to Japan.
Our exclusive new guide to Japan
How expensive is a trip to Japan?
While Japan is definitely not a ‘cheap’ destination, as goods and services such as hotel and transportation are relatively expensive, if you choose to see this incredible country on an escorted tour, you'll find it better value for money, with an expertly designed itinerary that includes so many exciting and fun excursions and activities. Fancy making udon noodles? Or cheering on sumo wrestlers? We include all these and more. Japan has been and continues to be a ‘hot’ destination, so don’t delay in booking as space can be limited.
When is a good time to visit?
March and April will always be the most popular times to travel to Japan due to cherry blossom season, but don’t overlook September and October, which area also great times to travel. The big secret is November where you can travel during the Japanese Koyo season to witness the Autumn colours. Or, if you'd love to see extraordinary ice sculptures at Sapporo, or snow monkeys bathing in steaming hot springs, then winter is the perfect time to go.
Japan's main attractions
When it comes to big cities, nothing comes close to Tokyo: over 36 million live in the wider metropolitan Tokyo area. Kyoto, while similar to Tokyo by name (just swap the syllables around, essentially they both mean ‘city of the east’) by contrast is much smaller, with some wonderful temples.
Hiroshima is infamous as the site of the first of two atomic attacks by the USA in WWII. This event marked an obvious turning point, not just in terms of ending the war, but in the outlook of the entire population and their new focus on peace.
The peace memorial in Hiroshima showcases all of this, and its significance has been justifiably recognised by UNESCO. While you'll learn a lot here, the war and the atomic attacks were such seismic and traumatic events, you may still find some Japanese people uncomfortable about discussing this turbulent part of their history.
What many people do not realise until they visit Japan is that the main cities are mainly located on the coast or at low altitude, and the central inland of Honcho is actually a vast mountainous area. You cannot get any further removed from the hustle of Tokyo and the preserved way of life at the UNESCO listed Shirakawago village, located in the Japanese Alps. Beautiful Takayama is also well worth spending time in. Meiji-era inns, hillside shrines and a pretty riverside setting - it's traditional Japan at its finest.
Public transport in Japan
Japan can be congested when travelling by road, which is why taking the train is the best (and most exciting) option. Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way of exploring Japan – especially if you’re short on time. The Japan Rail (JR) network is extensive, and the trains reach a top speed of 199mph. So, watch as countryside and towns whizz past while you’re sat in the comfort of your seat. This is something that really has to be experienced to be believed.
Japanese cuisine
If you’re not a sushi fan, then don’t worry – Japanese cuisine isn’t all about sashimi and nigiri (although their fresh fish delicacies are exceptional). Head to Japan’s infamous Seven Eleven convenience stores where you can pick up tasty and affordable food like egg sandwiches and karaage fried chicken. From steaming hot bowls of ramen soup noodles topped with pork and vegetables, to Japanese curry rice – the famous being chicken and pork katsu. There’s a lot of choice, even for those whose taste buds aren’t used to such exotic flavours and spices.
Useful Japanese phrases for the first-time traveller
We’ve pulled together the need-to-know phrases and a bit about what makes this language so unique. To make things easy, why not print it off and keep it in your back pocket as an on-trip cheat sheet – or download our exclusive Japanese guide.
Japanese greetings
Keep these basic greetings in your back pocket and bluff your way around Tokyo.
How do you do - Hajimenashite
Good morning – Ohayoo gozaimasu
Good afternoon - Konichiwa
Good evening – Konbanwa
Good night – Oyasumi nasai
Good manners
The Japanese are a very polite society and have over 20 different ways to say sorry. Over indulging in pleasantries is practically a national tic in Britain, so keep these phrases handy and then at least you can apologise in your host country’s language.
Please - Kudasai
Thank you – Arrigato
Excuse me – Sumimasen
Sorry – Gomen nasai
Yes – Haii
No – Iie
Our exclusive new guide to Japan
Ting has a serious case of wanderlust. Having travelled to over 40 countries, it’s her mission in life to make her way through her ever-growing list. Her two young sons have also caught the travel bug, and recent trips have seen them making snow angels in Iceland while watching the Northern Lights, as well as walking alongside elephants in South Africa.
Ting | About the author
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Why choose a Titan tour?
Titan Travel have always been about seeing more and doing more – which is why we meticulously plan our award-winning escorted tours so that our expertly crafted itineraries make sure that so much is included. Once you book your holiday, you can relax knowing that every element has been taken care of. Choose the tour that gives you more.
VIP travel service
Smooth transfers to and from home with unlimited mileage
More value
From excursions to hotels, entry tickets and dining packages, we include more than any other tour.
More knowledgeable
Be guided by some of the most passionate and knowledgeable tour managers in the world, on hand to help every step of the way.
More flexible
Feel free to amend or extend your travel plans, up until final payment, and enjoy free time on your tour with us too.
