Japan guide
From bullet trains to bubbling hot springs, we show you why Japan is such an interesting and unique country to visit.
Japan cultural vacations travel guide
The Japanese welcome is part of the country’s makeup, not only to foreigners but from neighbour to neighbour. Which means that traveling here is simply a joy. Because nothing is done just for tourism but is inspiringly innate.
Japan has one of the most well preserved cultures in the world with traditions such as tea ceremonies, gift giving, temple going and bathing still part of everyday life.![]()
The ancient architecture is revered and, thus, preserved, with waterside temples looking like they have been Photoshopped, they are so perfect. There are four main islands and so it is bigger than you think. And so with highlands and islands, sacred trails and ancient tales, this country’s cultural heritage is as layered as one of its beautifully wrapped gifts. And yes, it keeps on giving and giving.
Find out more in our Japan cultural vacations travel guide.
Japan golden route vacation
9 night classic Japan trip: Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto
From
US $2625
10 days
ex flights
Japan classic tour by rail
A visually striking railway journey through Japan
From
£5995
14 days
inc UK flights
Japan tailor made tour on a shoestring
Japan's classic sights on a shoestring.
From
US $1463
8 days
ex flights
Hidden Japan vacation
Get beneath the surface into the heart of Japan
From
£4610 to £5080
13 days
ex flights
Japan vacation, ancient and modern
Explore the attractions of this vibrant nation
From
US $6095 to US $7695
14 days
ex flights
Japan small group vacation by bullet train
Japan's must-see cities and beautiful, rural countryside
From
£4840 to £5330
14 days
ex flights
Best time to go on a Japan cultural vacation
Japan is falling down with festivals, from the O-bon Buddhist festivals to the Sapporo Snow Festival. However, a simpler seasonal event is the planting of paddy fields, a serene sight happening everywhere during May and June.![]()
There are no extreme climates to deal with in Japan, although there are definite seasonal influences on cultural happenings. The famous cherry blossom festivals vary geographically, starting in January in Okinawa, but at their best in late March to April in the Honshu region. In Hokkaido, you want to get there in May for the full array.
Japan’s ‘rainy’ season is from mid-May until the end of June, but visiting temples enshrouded in moody mists makes them look as if they are floating ethereally in air. And although the countrywide Buddhist O-bon festivals are planned around the lunar calendar, they are very seasonal, falling in August. Japanese travel en masse for O-bon, when trains take on a lunatic status as well.
Japan Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
0
10
43
FEB
1
10
58
MAR
4
13
94
APR
9
19
119
MAY
14
23
132
JUN
18
25
181
JUL
22
29
128
AUG
24
31
147
SEP
20
27
181
OCT
14
21
158
NOV
8
17
84
DEC
3
12
44
Our top trip
Japan golden route vacation
9 night classic Japan trip: Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto
From
US $2625
10 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Japan culture or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
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Things to do on a Japan cultural vacation
Things to do on Japan cultural vacation…
Things not to do on a Japan cultural vacation...
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The Golden Route, Hakone, Nagano and Nara all contain numerous national treasures and some truly unique highlights.
Just what is the J-factor that keeps people coming back time and time again?
