Enjoy sci-fi cityscapes, tranquil green tea plantations and placid, eternal lakes in Japan
Japan is a land where the future meets the past. You’ll find ancient customs and craftsmanship woven together with cutting-edge modern technology and futuristic fashions in this 6,800-island volcanic archipelago.
The dazzling capital of Tokyo is often people’s first introduction to Japan and to say it is an assault on the senses is an understatement. This is a city that moves at an astonishing rate but take the time to step back and you’ll discover that just like any big city around the world, there is a more sedate side waiting to be explored. Other cities, such as Kyoto and Kanazawa, while by no means small, have an altogether more relaxed feel thanks to their beautiful castles, pagodas and quaint wooden buildings. In Kyoto it’s not uncommon to see kimono-clad geisha shuffling along the narrow streets, a reminder this is a country where traditions are still embedded in everyday life.
A patchwork of bamboo forests, sparkling lakes and hot springs, Japan’s beautiful countryside provides the perfect antidote to its frenetic cities. Here it’s all about taking the time to appreciate the natural environment and really tuning into yourself.
And then of course there’s the food. Without a doubt one of the highlights of any trip Japan, every meal offers something special. From fresher-than-fresh sushi to steaming bowls of ramen and crunchy tempura, there is so much to look forward to.
Let Jacada help you to discover this diverse region with a seamless and personalised itinerary. Take a look at our example itineraries for inspiration, and then speak to our Japan Travel Designers to start planning your own tailor-made trip.
Highlights
Travel by high-speed trains from the sci-fi cityscapes of Tokyo and Osaka to tranquil landscapes of the east
Watch kimono-clad geisha shuffle down a Kyoto street
Explore the medieval castle town of Kanazawa
Feel your troubles melt away in the warm waters of a traditional onsen resort in Hakone or Yamashiro and Yamanaka
Re-imagine Hiroshima, a city once destroyed by an atomic bomb and now a thriving, international metropolis
Discover Okinawa, a laid-back and idyllic island with a surprising fusion of cultures
Rachel O’Leary
Travel Designer
Travel to Japan just for the food. The emphasis on excellent, farm-to-table fare is second only to Italy, but with very different flavours. When you’re there you’ll be blown away by the striking countryside, the bright and manic cities, the depth of their customs and traditions and the serenity of the temples and gardens. It’s an intriguing and unique country of contrasts and one that everyone should visit during their life.
Rachel O'Leary
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Japan
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Where to go
Hakone
Endowed with more than its fair share of natural beauty, Hakone in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a town with water at its heart.
Discover moreHiroshima and Miyajima Island
Hiroshima has emerged from its nuclear past as a thriving and internationally minded community.
Discover moreIse Shima National Park
From its magnificent vistas, to its peaceful coves, to it’s stark mountains and dense forest, the park is a cultural and culinary landmark in Japan.
Discover moreJigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani is the ultimate and privileged location to watch snow monkeys interact, bond and just chill out.
Discover moreKanazawa
A thriving historical centre, Kanazawa escaped destruction in World War II leaving it standing as a beautifully preserved example of medieval Japan.
Discover moreKyoto
Kyoto is where you’ll find ancient and contemporary Japan collide in a fascinating cultural hub.
Discover moreMatsumoto
The charming town of Matsumoto offers an attractive departure point for hikes in the beautiful deep mountain domain of Kamikochi.
Discover moreMount Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japan‘s highest mountain, a picture-perfect snow-capped cone that dominates the landscape of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Discover moreMount Koya
Revered as a dwelling place of the gods since ancient times, Mount Koya rises mysteriously from the Kii peninsula.
Discover moreNaoshima Island
Its laid back pace, beaches and bright weather give it a wonderfully Mediterranean atmosphere, but it’s art enthusiasts more so than sun-seekers that flock here.
Discover moreOkinawa
With a dreamy subtropical climate and some of the best beaches in Japan, most come to Okinawa for its sunny weather and beachside relaxation.
Discover moreOsaka
Osaka is a full bodied metropolis brimming over with contemporary architecture, animated nightlife and delicious street food.
Discover moreSado Island
Sado is a rural summer getaway of rocky coasts, green hills and quaint fishing ports far away from the frenzy of the mainland.
Discover moreShikoku
A wonderful place to appreciate some of Japan’s most beautiful natural scenery and sacred sites.
Discover moreTakayama
Takayama's remote location means that it’s remained somewhat isolated from the rest of Japan, creating and conserving a unique cultural character.
Discover moreTokyo
A city of excitement and bright neon lights set against the backdrop of the vast and towering Mount Fuji.
Discover moreYamashiro and Yamanaka
For more than a thousand years, Japanese holiday makers have been coming here to sooth body and mind in their warm therapeutic waters.
Discover moreMeet your Asia team
When to visit
Japan is a year-round destination. Visit in March and April to catch the cities cloaked in cherry blossom and from October to November to see the maple trees explode in clouds of orange and red.
Cherry Blossoms
March–April
Autumn Leaves
November–December
See Mount Fuji
November–February
Japan Travel Guides
The 8 Best Snow Destinations in the World
Read more
A Guide to Japanese Etiquette
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Our Guide to a Foodie Vacation in Japan
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The Best Places to Travel in Asia Pacific in 2024
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Our Guide to a Family Vacation in Japan
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The Best Ryokans in Japan
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12 Best Destinations for Seafood Lovers
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Asia Bucket List: Top 15 things to do in Asia
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Plan your trip to Japan
Whatever you want from your adventure in Japan, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Jacada Travel organized our once in a lifetime bespoke tour of South Korea and Japan. We have travelled extensively to all continents with the exception of Antarctica. I do all the arranging so our trip with Jacada was our first ever organized tour and it was simply the best. Rachel O’Leary and Gita Widyasari organized an absolutely amazing trip. Every…
Jacada delivered a fully customized Japan vacation for my wife and I that was outstanding in every respect. The itinerary was developed in close coordination with our specific interests and needs. On the ground support for guides, transfers and restaurant reservations was top notch. We can’t wait to begin planning our next trip with Jacada!
We loved everything about our trip to Japan and Thailand. The hotels, tour guides and restaurant recommendations were all excellent.
Our trip was to Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore. This is the second trip we plan with Jacada and they have both been outstanding. We were two couples travelling and we are very appreciative of the hotel and tours recommendations we received on the planning stage and the flexibility and courtesy of the local tour guides whom accommodated all our requests.…
I've traveled a lot, but never like this! My recent trip to Japan with Jacada exceeded my expectations in every aspect. Working with Lauren and Leanne was easy right from the beginning, and they truly turned it into the most effortless and relaxing vacation I've ever experienced. There's no way I would have ever been able to plan a trip…
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.