Japan Itineraries
Choose from our ready-made holidays
Discover your ideal Japan holiday. We’ve created a range of inspiring ready-made itineraries which include domestic travel, hand-picked accommodation and a selection of local experiences, all fully flexible to suit your needs.
If you’d like to get creative then take a look at our bite-sized trips which can be combined to build your own ideal holiday.
Not sure where to start? No problem, just get in touch and we’ll talk you through the options.
Ready-made itineraries Japan
Experience the incredible contrasts of Japan in this varied itinerary, taking you around the heart of the country in just over two weeks. You’ll see the unique pop culture of Japan’s neon-lit cities, try amazing foodie treats, take in the majesty of Mount Fuji, and glimpse the country’s intriguing and occasionally tragic history as you speed around on high-tech bullet trains.
Experience the incredible contrasts of Japan in this varied itinerary, taking you around the heart of the country in just over two weeks. You’ll see the unique pop culture of Japan’s neon-lit cities, try amazing foodie treats, take in the majesty of Mount Fuji, and glimpse the country’s intriguing and occasionally tragic history as you speed around on high-tech bullet trains.
If you’re a little short on time but still want to experience the magic of Japan, then this compact itinerary ticks the main boxes with a sprinkle of Rickshaw’s unique experiences, and might just be perfect for you. You’ll visit two of Japan’s most famous and fascinating cities – Tokyo and Kyoto with a dash of epic mountain views in Hakone. Experience the amazing history, epic views, ultra-modern culture and delicious cuisine they have to offer.
Our itineraries feature some of our favourite experiences, but if it’s not quite for you, we have a variety of unique tours that your Japan Specialist can help you pick.
If you’re a little short on time but still want to experience the magic of Japan, then this compact itinerary ticks the main boxes with a sprinkle of Rickshaw’s unique experiences, and might just be perfect for you. You’ll visit two of Japan’s most famous and fascinating cities – Tokyo and Kyoto with a dash of epic mountain views in Hakone. Experience the amazing history, epic views, ultra-modern culture and delicious cuisine they have to offer.
Our itineraries feature some of our favourite experiences, but if it’s not quite for you, we have a variety of unique tours that your Japan Specialist can help you pick.
See both sides of Japan on this itinerary, from stand-out cities Tokyo and Kyoto, to the blissful bays of Okinawa and epic views of Mt. Fuji in Hakone. You won’t want to miss this one!
See both sides of Japan on this itinerary, from stand-out cities Tokyo and Kyoto, to the blissful bays of Okinawa and epic views of Mt. Fuji in Hakone. You won’t want to miss this one!
Explore the highlights of Japan, starting with the bright lights of Tokyo, then heading into the alpine mountains, onto the charming Kiso Valley to trek the Nakasendo Way, then magical Kyoto, before returning to Tokyo. Travel by train to sit back, relax, and soak in breathtaking views along the way. This is a fantastic way to experience the best of Japan.
Explore the highlights of Japan, starting with the bright lights of Tokyo, then heading into the alpine mountains, onto the charming Kiso Valley to trek the Nakasendo Way, then magical Kyoto, before returning to Tokyo. Travel by train to sit back, relax, and soak in breathtaking views along the way. This is a fantastic way to experience the best of Japan.
Our Simply Japan itinerary travels from Osaka to Tokyo ticking off highlights such as Mt Fuji along the way. You’ll experience vibrant city life and immerse yourself in Japan’s spiritual and traditional heritage; staying in a mixture of modern hotels, traditional ryokans, and even in a local homestay. It’s the perfect blend of old and new Japan.
Our Simply Japan itinerary travels from Osaka to Tokyo ticking off highlights such as Mt Fuji along the way. You’ll experience vibrant city life and immerse yourself in Japan’s spiritual and traditional heritage; staying in a mixture of modern hotels, traditional ryokans, and even in a local homestay. It’s the perfect blend of old and new Japan.
If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-track Japan adventure, this itinerary is for you. Kyushu is Japan’s third largest island, yet it attracts only a handful of visitors. This varied tour showcases a different side of Japan, and introduces you to the natural wonders and unique cultural highlights of the charming island of Kyushu.
If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-track Japan adventure, this itinerary is for you. Kyushu is Japan’s third largest island, yet it attracts only a handful of visitors. This varied tour showcases a different side of Japan, and introduces you to the natural wonders and unique cultural highlights of the charming island of Kyushu.
Frequently asked questions about Japan
The best places to visit in Japan depend on what you are looking to get out of your holiday. Tokyo is usually the start of any Japan adventure, followed by the cultural neighbour of Kyoto, where you’ll find peaceful temples, tea houses and geisha districts. If you’re looking for incredible mountain scenery, then next you should head to the Japanese Alps, and spend some time exploring the iconic Matsumoto Castle. A highlight of many travellers’ Japan experience is seeing Mount Fuji up close in the scenic town of Hakone. For a true taste of Japan, you must head to the street food capital of Osaka, where neon signs light up the streets and food stalls serve up everything from takoyaki to okonomiyaki.
The best way to travel around Japan is by train. Japan’s rail network is fast, clean and always on time! Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass covers you for up to 21 days, and they’re generally the best value for any trip to Japan.
Short-term visitors with British citizen passports do not need to obtain a visa before travelling. This includes those coming for business, tourism, and to visit family and friends. Just make sure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity from the day you return to the UK.
Handy Hint: before departure, make copies of your passport, bank cards and insurance documents and leave them with family or friends in the UK. Also, keep a copy in your luggage, in a separate place from your original documents, and e-mail yourself scanned copies too. This will make things easy if you lose any paperwork during your visit.
The best time to visit Japan is between March and May, and September to November. During these months, you will experience warm and dry weather and the vibrant colours of the cherry blossom season, or the beautiful autumn leaves. However, this is also the most popular time to visit Japan, so you’ll need to book early, expect crowds and higher prices. For a quieter experience, head to Japan later in Autumn in November or earlier in March, before the cherry blossom season kicks off.
Speak to our Japan specialist, Miles
“I love the retro-futuristic vibes of Tokyo, not to mention the tasty donburi! Staying in a traditional ryokan and bathing in the natural hot springs (onsen) are particular highlights for me.”
