Top 10 things to do on a Japan tour

Cherry blossom season in Japan runs from around mid-March to early-April, with the full bloom at the beginning of April. The cherry blossom trees burst with colour, their hues complementing vibrant temples and colourfully-clad locals. Read our blog to discover 7 things you didn’t know about cherry blossom season.

An alternative to visiting in the cherry blossom season is to go in autumn when the trees are like fire, exploding with bright oranges and deep reds.

Experience Japanese living with a stay in a ryokan, a type of inn that features traditional furnishings such as tatami mats, futon beds and sliding doors. Many of our Japan tours feature at least one night in a ryokan, where you’ll learn about Japanese etiquette such as taking your shoes off and sitting on the floor to eat. During your stay you’ll wear a yukata, a Japanese robe, and get to sample authentic Japanese food and teas.

Onsens, traditionally, are hot springs that Japanese people bathe in, usually communally (although men and women bathe at separate times or in separate pools). They can be natural hot spring pools, as Japan is very volcanically active, or pools fed by hot springs. Onsens are believed to have healing properties and the minerals are thought to be good for your health. You must wash before you enter the water and if you’ve got tattoos, check the signs as they sometimes have rules forbidding you to use the onsen.

When it comes to onsen etiquette, one rule that can be a little uncomfortable to travellers at first is that you must bathe naked. This is a very alien concept to many, but you have a 'modesty towel' for the walk to the water and once you're in your nerves will likely start to settle. Try not to let this put you off, it’s one of the best ways to experience Japanese culture and it will all be worth it when you’re relaxing in the warm water.

Hop on a bike to see Japan in a different way. On our Cycle Japan trip we take in the uninterrupted coastal views as we ride the scenic Noto Peninsula. Ride along Chirihama Beach, known for its unique tightly-compacted sand that is perfect for cycling on, stop off to enjoy temples and gardens, and explore Wajima's famous morning market. And after a worthwhile few days cycling the Pensinsula, there's no better way to relax your muscles than with a soothing soak in a traditional onsen bath. 

Discover Japan in a different way on our Walk Japan tour. On this tour you’ll get to explore Japan on foot, reaching out of the way places and wonders. The trip includes four days walking on the Kumano Kodo Way, an ancient pilgrimage trail connecting Buddhist shrines on the mountainous and rainforest-covered Kii Peninsula. Hike through dense forest thick with giant camphor trees up to ridges looking down over the blanket of mist covering the valley below. And along the way you’ll stay in traditional lodges and ryokans where you’re rewarded with delicious local food and scenic mountain views.

We finish the way at Nachi Taisha, the last of the shrines, which sits beside the impressive Nachi-no-Otaki, Japan’s tallest waterfall.