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Japan is a fascinating land of contrasts: ancient and hyper modern, traditional and high-tech, peaceful and exhausting. Intriguing history, energetic cities, dazzling natural beauty, ancient cultural traditions and a gracious, humble people make this a remarkable destination worthy of your next adventure.

Pummel your senses with world-class food, shopping and people watching in non-stop, neon Tokyo; then hop on a bullet train to stunning Kyoto, where you can stroll among sublime gardens, temples and traditional architecture. Picnic under a pastel canopy of sakura (cherry blossoms) in bloom, and visit the famous Geisha district to learn the intricacies of traditional Japanese culture.

Explore ancient temples, imperial palaces and historic sites; experience Japanese hospitality in a comfortable ryokan (family inn); and soak your cares away in an onsen (hot spring) or sento (bath house).

For those who desire a more active Japanese adventure, you can walk Japan's ancient pilgrimage trails; challenge yourself with a climb to the summit of majestic Mount Fuji; or take one of our superb Japanese cycling trips and explore Japan's scenic backroads at handlebar level.

Whether you want to stick to Japan's fabulous cities and cultural icons or venture off the beaten track and explore the country by foot, bike or kayak, our unique Japan adventures can help you combine the best of Japan's contrasts into one trip of a lifetime.

 
 

Find your Japan trip


 

Our all inclusive approach

Our adventures offer phenomenal value for money featuring top quality service and handpicked, atmospheric accommodations. We aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in the tour cost such as most meals, high speed rail transportation, site entry fees and gear hire, allowing you to focus on the memorable journey without hassles.

Japan walking specialists

We were the first company to offer a walking holiday in Japan when we released our first walk there in 1997. Since then we have crafted a range of inspiring Japan walking tours to suit most fitness levels.

Multi-activity itineraries

From hiking the Komodo pilgrimage trails to cycling the back roads of Hokkaido and kayaking the Izu Peninsula, our Japan itineraries satisfy adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Incorporating the 'must see' sights and authentic experiences, our adventures travel down the paths less travelled to discover the intriguing culture Japan is renowned for.

Authentic accommodation

Japan offers incredibly atmospheric and unique accommodation - an element that we integrate into our adventures. Our itineraries include variations to the standard hotels such as traditional ryokans, complete with futons and tatami mats, or monasteries that allow you to capture the true essense of Japan.


 

Carbon travel minimisation

Our itineraries are designed to minimise the amount of carbon produced, using the most efficient transport with the least carbon impact, which is often Japan's great rail network.

Plastic reduction

We use reusable chopsticks and cloth shopping bags on our itineraries to reduce single use plastics.

Support of local economies

We use small, locally owned accommodation to support the economy and to encourage communities to preserve their traditions.


Ryokans

Traditional ryokans offer a taste of Japanese culture, sleeping on futon bedding laid out on tatami mat floors.

Inns

We use quality inns typically situated in natural environments. They are not luxury inns however we ensure they offer you a truly authentic experience.

Hotels

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

Minshuku

Similar to a ryokan with the use of futon bedding arrangements, a minshuku is usually a boutique, family run operation where you will feel like you have been welcomed into their home.



A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.


Trip reviews


Kyoto and Izu, Japan: National Geographic Adventure | World Expeditions
Currency

The unit of currency is the Yen

It is strongly recommended that you buy Yen prior to departure as the rate in your home country is likely to be more favourable than in Japan.

Japan is still very much a cash-only society.

Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of expensive shops and restaurants, and there are surprisingly few opportunities to change money.

Our inns will not have cashing facilities, and currency other than Japanese Yen will not be accepted.

Visits to ATM machines will be scheduled in Tokyo and again near the tour’s end. There will be an opportunity for one bank visit around the tour mid-point, which may be the only opportunity to cash travellers cheques.

International Dialing Code

+81

Electricity
Type A plug

Electricity in Japan is 100 Volts, at 50/60 hertz. The most common pin type is A. (2 flat prong).

Visas

The following passport holders can travel to Japan for up to 3 months without a visa:

Australia

New Zealand

USA

UK (6 months)

Canadian

If you are travelling on any other type of passport we would request that you contact us, or your travel agent, to check the visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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