Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point – a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Japan experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect Japan holiday to match.
Perhaps you’ve been to Japan before, but you’re keen to witness more than just the well-trodden route again? Or maybe you prefer to steer away from the crowds in general and discover the places that other travellers might not have time to visit? Our ‘alternative’ route through Japan will give you all the things you dream of – big neon-lit cities, well-preserved old towns, comfortable ryokan inns, delicious local cuisine – but we’re skipping out the ‘essential’ stops on this occasion.
None of these places are secrets, or completely ‘hidden gems’ – they’re the destinations that don’t usually make the cut in a typical fortnight’s holiday to Japan. We always think that’s a shame, so here’s our perfect remedy. Wander the quiet geisha neighbourhoods of Kanazawa as opposed to tackling crowds in Kyoto. Learn about the tragedy of the atom bomb in Nagasaki instead of Hiroshima – and discover a city that has an unbreakable spirit. Soak in the hot onsen waters of Fujinomiya, rather than Hakone, and try to spot Mount Fuji through the clouds. Some of our favourite destinations in Japan are included on this itinerary – visit them for yourself to find out why.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Japan holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your holiday will be tailored to suit you.
Your alternative Japan adventure begins with a flight from the UK to Tokyo, either direct from London or via another city if using a regional airport or a cheaper airline. Arrive the following day in this mega-city, the perfect start to your Japan holiday.
You'll be welcomed at Tokyo airport by our friendly local team, and given all the documents and tickets you’ll need for the next few weeks. They’ll make sure you get to your first hotel in the city, where you can relax after the long flight, or choose to head straight out into the city for some neon-lit exploring. If you arrive early enough and would like to have something planned for the day ahead, we'd suggest our photography tour. It's the chance to explore the city with a different perspective, capturing the images that no one else will.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Emma and Fenton are dedicated to all things Japan and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
A self-confessed ramen lover and hiking enthusiast, Emma fell hard for Japan’s food and lush countryside. She’s full of ideas for getting off the well-trodden trail and soaking up the quieter, greener side of this one-of-a-kind country.
Fenton’s passion for Japan runs deep – he’s studied the language, explored all corners of the country from Hokkaido to Kyushu, and even named his cat Kyoto. If you want an expert who lives and breathes the place, he’s your guy.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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Emma Higgins
Meet Emma”