)
Holidays to Japan are your window to ancient traditions, captivating beauty spots, and cutting-edge fashion and technology. This island country in East Asia stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north, right down to the Sea of China in the south, and it’s made up of almost 7,000 isles. Most are uninhabited, and there are four main islands – Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
Experience the exhilarating rush of neon Tokyo, then seek out pockets of tranquillity in the hushed calm of a Buddhist temple or by contemplating the transience of the cherry blossom in an immaculate garden. From the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji to the geishas that stroll the streets of Kyoto, Japan’s beauties are many and varied – prepare to be intrigued and delighted in equal measure.
If you’re thinking of Japan for your next holiday, you’ve come to the right place. Our group tours invite you to travel with a knowledgeable tour manager and local guides so you can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, cuisine, and history.
Springtime in Japan with snow monkeys Cruise & Tour
)
Japan is a scenic treat all year round, but in springtime, with the chance to see the famous cherry blossoms in bloom, it’s perhaps at its prettiest. Against this beautiful backdrop, we’ll tour Japan and experience its unique culture and contrasts. After that we’ll slow the pace on a luxury two-week cruise circumnavigating Japan and her islands, hopping between historic ports and maritime towns.
)
)
)
)
Highlights of holidays to Japan
A tour of Japan can offer everything from a taste of Buddhism, ryokan spas and the Shinkansen Bullet train to tea ceremonies, sake tasting and unforgettable memories with newfound friends.
)
)
)
)
)
A large portion of Japan is mountainous, while the countryside is given over to rice fields and woodlands. There are 34 national parks to discover here, the most popular being Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, where Mount Fuji – Japan’s tallest peak – towers above ground at 3,776 metres high. First climbed by a monk in 663, it’s considered to be sacred, and there are a number of shrines and temples on and around its slopes.
)
Key Japan travel information
Travel in springtime and you’ll be treated to Japan’s cherry blossom season in all of its candy-hued glory. An autumnal holiday brings the red and gold of the maple trees sweeping across the country from north to south. Summer is hot and wet, but there are some great festivals to experience across these months. Winter brings snow to the northern parts of the country – watch Japanese macaques warm up in steaming onsen, tuck into a warming bowl of udon noodles, and admire the spectacular creations at Sapporo’s annual Snow Festival.
Flight time from the UK to Tokyo is around 13 hours.
Japan is nine hours ahead of GMT.
Japanese is the official language, although it differs greatly from the east to west of the country. Some English is spoken in large cities, but you may struggle to find many English speakers in rural areas. On our Japan holidays, you’ll have a guide with you who speaks Japanese and can translate when needed.
Currently, visas aren’t required for British Citizens. Entry requirements are subject to change, though – visit GOV UK or CIBT visas for more advice on passports and visas.
You can expect to see cherry blossom in Japan from the end of March to the beginning of April.
)
)
)
)
Discover a holiday created with you in mind. We take care of all the finer details, so you can sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you’re getting the high quality and personalised service you’d expect from Saga, every time.
70 years’ experience
Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.
Peace of mind
You’re in safe hands with Saga. We’re an ABTA member and your holiday is ATOL protected.
Great value
We’re constantly monitoring prices and negotiating the best deals with our travel partners.