Japan is a land of contrasts, a corner of the world where high-tech modernity moves hand in hand with traditions. An empire made up of over 6000 islands, where remote villages and Shinto shrines coexist in perfect harmony with cutting-edge skyscraper metropolises.
In short, Japan has fascinated travelers for centuries travelers, but setting off for this distant land can seem like a real challenge. So read our guide to discover how group travel in Japan can help you better manage your trips, what their advantages are, and above all, which stops you absolutely cannot miss on your adventure in the legendary Land of the Rising Sun!
What to Know Before Planning a Trip to Japan
Visiting Japan literally means going to the other side of the world, and as much as the desire to leave is strong, it’s natural to have some fears about it.
First of all, Japan is not a country for organizing a short tour of just a few days, but requires at least ten days of travel if you want to properly explore not only the biggest cities but also the villages and inland areas.
Moreover, it can be tough to face a reality where everything seems diametrically opposed to ours, from the language to the currency.
Organizing a tour in Japan on your own is indeed difficult, but this shouldn’t convince you to give up on traveling. The solution is very simple: join a group trip.
Why Travel with a Tour Operator
The advantages of organized departures are many; we’ve already discussed them in an article we refer you to, but here’s a brief overview.
Travel packages generally include in their price most of the expenses you will face, such as daily excursions, visits to monuments and museums, accommodation in hotels or ryokan, and even flights. In Italy, there are two airports offering direct flights lasting about 12-13 hours: Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino.
By choosing a group trip, you will save significantly on the final vacation price because travel agencies offer discounted rates for both small and larger groups. This way, you can travel lighter and perhaps rely solely on credit cards, accepted in all stores, without needing to exchange currency or carry a bulky wallet.
Additionally, by choosing this type of experience, you can truly say goodbye to organizational stress, both before departure and during the trip. You will always be guided by a tour leader, an expert in the Japanese language and traditions who will not only make you feel comfortable with your fellow travelers but also with the new culture, its rituals, and codes of conduct..
Indeed, the contrasts in Japan are many: you can go from the seriousness of people in suits and ties to groups of men and women dressed like characters from manga and anime. However, prejudice must not be allowed. Japan itself is an experience to be lived with an open mind and heart to embrace every impression.
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When to Go
Another way to save is to book your trip well in advance.Japan is a very popular destination among travelers, and group tours sell out quickly. So if you’ve decided to go, book immediately without hesitation, because prices are only going to rise.
The best time to visit Japan is considered to be spring,and it’s no secret why. Between late March and early April, nature comes alive thanks to the blooming of the cherry blossom (sakura in Japanese). It’s the perfect occasion to experiencehanami,literally the custom of viewing flowers. During this great national celebration, people gather in gardens and parks across the country for picnics under the cherry trees.
Hanami is a deeply felt ceremony throughout Japan because the flower, with its beauty and delicacy, lasts only a very short time and is therefore considered a symbol of human fragility.At the same time, it also symbolizes the beauty of life and hope for renewal.
What to See in the Land of the Rising Sun
Before choosing a tour, the main advice is to carefully evaluate the trip’s duration and the types of experiences included.As mentioned, Japan is a country made up of very diverse areas, and choosing to visit only one part is almost like not going at all.
So rely on a group tour that includes multiple options within the package and make sure it covers some essential stops among the various islands. As for travel and duration, there’s no need to worry. Japan boasts a truly advanced train network, the shinkansen,the high-speed trains, fast and affordable!
Now let’s look at some destinations that cannot be missed on any group trip to Japan!
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan, a metropolis that boasts over 13 million inhabitants, where the nation’s soul is best expressed, one contrast after another. Located on the main island of the Japanese archipelago, Honshū,Tokyo is a city strongly oriented toward the future, yet it’s not uncommon to encounter tradition.
Thus, your itinerary in the Japanese capital will first take you to the Shibuyadistrict, famous for its busy crossing, and to Ginza,the realm of luxury shopping. Then you’ll find yourself walking through landscapes you wouldn’t expect in such a technologically advanced city.
For example, the beautiful Yoyogi Park,the nearby Meiji Jingu Shrine, or the temples of Ueno Park.Don’t miss a visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace.During the year, access to the residence is possible only on two occasions, January 2 and February 23. On other days, only the splendid outer gardens can be visited.
Kyoto
Kyoto is theancient capital of Japan, and compared to Tokyo, it presents itself as a more human-scale city where tradition still plays a very important role, at the expense of skyscrapers and modernity.
Kyoto’s center is still mostly made up of low traditional houses, and there are numerous temples you can visit. The most famous? The Kiyomizu-dera,founded in 700 AD, from whose terrace you can enjoy an unparalleled view, especially during cherry blossom season.
Mount Fuji
Participating in group trips to Japan without visiting the foot of Mount Fuji is unthinkable! The volcano, inactive since 1707, is one of the national symbols, considered a sacred mountain and a pilgrimage destination for Shintoists. The setting in which Mount Fuji is located is nothing short of majestic. Indeed, we are in the
Five Lakes region, surrounded by lakes, waterfalls, and caves. This place is ideal for organizing a day of trekking and outdoor excursions, to find some relaxation in a trip that is certainly hectic. and outdoor excursions, to find a bit of relaxation on a journey that is certainly hectic.
Osaka
A tour of the Land of the Rising Sun cannot miss Osaka. Here too, tradition clashes with the new, and after a visit to the History Museum, it’s only natural to head to Universal Studios Japan,a huge amusement park with attractions ranging from Harry Potter to Jurassic Park.
Osaka is also known for its nightlife and for the shops, bars, and restaurants that fill the Nambadistrict, one of the favorite spots for travelers.
Miyajima
The island of Miyajima is one of the most spiritual places in all of Japan.Despite the large crowds that visit daily, it remains an unspoiled natural treasure dedicated to reflection and self-discovery.
The island is famous for the red temple submerged in the waters,a pilgrimage destination that is even more evocative in the evening hours. But it’s not the only attraction on Miyajima, an island much loved by hikers who will undoubtedly want to venture to the summit of Mount Misen and let their gaze wander over the tiny surrounding islets.
Himeji
A proper trip to Japan cannot skip the city of Himeji.Here stands the eponymous castle, a building that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
The castle had a purely military function and was built during the Sengoku period,between the 1400s and 1600s, and is one of the few examples from that era to have survived almost intact to this day.
From Himeji, you can also take the cable car up to Mount Shosha,to visit the beautiful Engyo-ji Temple..
These were our tips on how to choose the best group trips to Japan.This will be an experience that will truly change your life, so choose your tour carefully and get ready to embark on a unique adventure in the world!