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Japan tours,
trips & holidays
Fascinating, historical, beautiful, bizarre - some of the words to describe a trip to Japan. The ‘Land of the Rising sun' is a country where the past meets the future. The culture of this country stretches back centuries yet it also leads the way in modern fashions and crazy fads. Travelling on the Shinkansen aka the bullet train, our Japan adventure tours will take you on a high speed journey from Tokyo to get under the skin of this stunning country.
Japan cannot be beaten for its beautiful lakes, bamboo-covered woodlands and spectacular cherry blossoms, but a view not to be missed is that of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Our Japan tours offer you classic Japanese experiences from visiting temples and shrines in Kyoto to sake tasting in Takayama. How about taking a dip in an onsen, a communal Japanese bath house? If a communal bath isn’t quite your style why not head out for a meal of sushi before belting out a few songs at the karaoke bar! From the modern glitzy cities to tiny rural villages our Japan trips and tours will show all sides of this incredible country.
Group Tours of Japan with Tucan Travel
Tucan Travel offer four group tours to Japan starting in either Tokyo or Kyoto. The great thing about our Japan trips is that they are modular, with our longest tour travelling in a loop from Tokyo in 15 days. Most of the travelling is done on the Shinkansen bullet train, an experience in itself! Our group tours in Japan offer you the chance to explore the cities and towns at your own pace. Whilst there are plenty of included highlights, you will also get enough free time to enjoy your own interests whether it’s manga or museums.
Top 12 places to visit in Japan
The old, the new, the fascinating and the bizarre, that is Japan. From historical, wooden towns bursting with charm, to hectic yet utterly entrancing cities. To places where deer freely mingle amongst crowds of tourists, to coastal town serving up the best sushi in the world. It can be difficult to know where to begin when planning your trip, but here’s our bucket-list of the top 12 places to visit in Japan.
1. Tokyo
One of the busiest cities in the world, Tokyo is huge and a few days should be pencilled in to explore the highlights. It is truly a destination where the past meets the future, ancient temples a stone’s throw away from modern shopping streets and futuristic tech.
Visit Golden Gai and uncover tiny bars where you can mingle with the locals, pass through the huge Torii Gate at Meiji Shrine and even try your hand at go-karting Mario Kart style on the roads of Tokyo.
Travel Tip
A Japan Rail Pass is the best way for travellers to explore Japan. It includes all Japan Rail trains including the Shinkansen and local lines. All of our tours include your Japan Rail Pass.
2. Kyoto
Did you know that Kyoto was formerly the capital of Japan? It has a long-standing history and was the home of the Emperor until 1868. It also boasts over 2000 temples and shrines including the spectacular Golden Pavilion, which should be on anyone’s itinerary when visiting Kyoto. Head to the geisha district in Gion and if you are lucky you may spot a geisha or maiko, but please do not disturb them as they are very private. When it’s time for lunch stroll through Nishiki Market and grab Japanese treats from seafood to sweets.
3. Hiroshima
An important destination in Japan with a sobering past, Hiroshima was the site of the first nuclear weapon dropped in warfare during World War II. The atomic bomb devastated the city, causing thousands of deaths and radiation pollution that continued for years.
Today the city pays respects to those who suffered with a memorial, museum and peace park. Here you can see the Flame of Peace, a flame which has been burning since 1964 and will only be put out when nuclear weapons are rid from the entire world.
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4. Osaka
Most people starting our Japan tours in Kyoto will have their international flights landing in Osaka, but this city is so much more than a transfer link. Osaka is Tokyo’s smaller and arguably cheaper little sister with fabulous food spots and great shopping opportunities. Make sure you visit Osaka Castle and it’s park for a spot of beauty in this urban city. For great photo opportunities head to Shinsekai, originally designed to replicate Paris and New York, it is brightly coloured with fantastic shop fronts.
5. Nara
Arguably one of the prettiest cities in Japan, Nara can be visited from Kyoto or Osaka. It is famous for its beautiful temples and shrines as well as Nara Park, home to wandering and curious deer. You can also visit Todai-ji temple which boasts the biggest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
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6. Mount Fuji
When people think of Japan it’s impossible to not think of the spectacular snow-capped Mount Fuji. You may be lucky enough to spot it peeking from the clouds on the Shinkansen bound for Tokyo, but to really maximise viewing opportunities why not head to Hakone which is easy to get to from the capital. From Lake Ashi you can enjoy fantastic photo opportunities.
7. Miyajima
The island of Miyajima is an incredibly picturesque part of Japan and famous for it’s ‘floating’ Torii Gate. The giant orange gate is iconic for looking like it’s floating off the water during high tide and is the entry to Itsukushima Shrine which can be visited whilst exploring Miyajima. The island is also home to wild deer, make sure you keep any tickets or maps close to you as they can get quite peckish! Miyajima is easily reached by ferry from Hiroshima and can be explored within a day.
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8. Yufuin
An ideal day trip from Fukuoka, Yufuin is primarily a hot spring resort, with a number of public and private onsens to enjoy. The train journey there is also part of the fun - jump on board the vintage Yufuin no Mori train and take in scenic views as well as souvenir photo opportunities. On arrival you will be immediately greeted with the beautiful view of Mount Yufu. As well as the onsens there are also lots of cafes, boutique shops and Lake Kinrinko to wander around.
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9. Nagasaki
Nagasaki is a coastal city in southern Japan. It was the second location of the atomic bombings in World War II after the first one was dropped in Hiroshima days before. The city has a fascinating history, being the main port of European trade from 1641 to 1854. The Dutch traders lived on man-made island in Nagasaki known as Dejima which can be visited today. Nagasaki also boasts a lively Chinatown. Enjoy steamed bao buns on the go, or head to one of the many Chinese restaurants usually teeming with locals.
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10. Fukuoka
Sushi-lovers and ramen-addicts should pay Fukuoka a visit. The harbour city has fantastic seafood due to its coastal location and it also is home to Yatai - pop up tiny food spots where you can grab a seat and order the speciality, Hakata Ramen. Fukuoka has a bit of everything - beautiful temples, huge shopping centres and is a great base for exploring Nokonoshima - aka Flower Island.
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11. Takayama
For a taste of traditional Japan head to Takayama in the mountainous Hilda region. Wander through the Sanmachi Suji district - a well-preserved old town with picturesque buildings and family-owned sake breweries. Takayama is also the base for the Takayama Matsuri Festival where stunning floats are paraded through the town during April and October.
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12. Hokkaido
Hokkaido is perfect for anyone who likes the great outdoors. Situated on the northernmost island of Japan it is a haven for people wanting winter spots with great skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The summer months provide excellent hiking conditions - head to Akan-Mashu National Park for picturesque trails past shimmering lakes and epic forests.
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Why Tucan Travel
Holidays don’t need to break the bank. Group tours with Tucan Travel are the perfect way to explore what Japan has to offer, even if you’re on a bit of a budget. Our holidays in Japan were built to be the perfect balance of value for money, authenticity and unforgettable experiences. We also take you all the way to southern Japan, visiting Nagasaki which often gets overlooked by many other operators. As an adventure tour specialist, we work hard to provide a truly authentic experience.We only work with the best and take extra care to make sure we are supporting the local businesses and communities in a sustainable and ethical way.
Top 7 dishes to eat in Japan
Japan offers a smorgasbord of experiences and visiting the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ should be on every traveller’s list at least once. From the historical city of Kyoto to the sprawling capital, Tokyo, apart from the incredible temples, pagodas, markets and shops, each destination also offers a variety of delicious food options to sink your teeth into!
Japan by season
If there was ever a land that embraces its seasons, it’s Japan. Speak of spring and you’re instantly transported to the candy floss canopies of the blossom festivals. Winter offers evocative views of snow-dusted pagodas on mirror lakes and monkeys in hot springs with icicle-crusted fur; autumn, the brilliant red and orange hues of elegant Japanese gardens and summer the lush emerald countryside. Month by month there is an abundance of natural beauty and a sense of harmony with the people that live alongside it.
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All Tours of Japan
Open Filters4 Tours
UP TO25% OFF
Route: Tokyo to Kyoto
Days: 7
Code: JJH
Style: Group Tour
US$2,449
From
US$ 1,836
UP TO25% OFF
Route: Kyoto to Tokyo
Days: 10
Code: JBR
Style: Group Tour
US$3,099
From
US$ 2,324
UP TO25% OFF
Route: Tokyo to Nagasaki
Days: 11
Code: JJD
Style: Group Tour
US$3,779
From
US$ 2,834
UP TO25% OFF
Route: Tokyo to Tokyo
Days: 15
Code: JJA
Style: Group Tour
US$5,019
From
US$ 3,764
