What Makes it Special?
- Swap Mount Fuji’s crowded viewpoints for a peaceful soak in Fujinomiya’s local onsen.
- Learn to gold-leaf your own keepsake in Kanazawa.
- Stroll Kurashiki’s willow-lined canal paths, far from Kyoto’s temple traffic.
- Taste melt-in-your-mouth beef at a Kobe izakaya known only to locals.
- Explore Nagasaki’s layered history, from Dutch traders to atomic bombs, with a guide who lived it.
- Hike between preserved post towns on trails once walked by merchants and monks.
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.
14 hours from London
When to go
- High season: October to April, July to August
- Low season: May to June & September
Average temperature
- January: 0°C
- August: 30°C
Average rainfall
- December: 50mm/month
- June: 240mm/month
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by Day
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.
Expand All
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.
Places you'll visit
We have hundreds of partner hotels across the world, with our tailor made trips you can pick from our range of beautiful hotels
What You're Saying
“
A highly knowledgeable and professional company that looks after you and your particular needs from beginning to end. Japan was my third trip through them and their team in the office, Fenton in particular, their local guides and their on the ground back up staff were brilliant. Faultless is the one word that springs to mind and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Judith Young
”
“
Emma planned our trip to Japan with us expertly. We explored Tohoku and had some wonderful guides. The travel, the hotels, and the advice and support we were given was just what we had hoped for. The adventure was truly memorable and totally enjoyable. A truly superb experience. Thank you!
David Price
”
“
Just back from an amazing time in Japan. Fenton looked after us brilliantly during the initial discussions, all the way to checking-in once we were back to see if there were things that could have been improved. The key thing for us was that Fenton listened to us, and asked about the things that interested us and would make the holiday special. He was able to use his experience and knowledge to guide us - including tweaking some of our initial ideas that would not have worked. Then he crafted an itinerary that really delivered on the promises. Proper small business service levels - highly recommend.
RD
”
“
Japan was our second trip arranged by Holiday Architects and like the first was a huge success, Emma helped us organise a wonderful three week itinerary, eight stops all connected by trains, Japans trains are a revelation and run perfectly. Everything from hotels, which were well located and comfortable, our well planned tours and excellent tour guides and Japan and the Japanese people made for a wonderful memorable trip.
Steve Ausden
”
“
We recently returned from an incredible trip to Japan, arranged by Holiday Architects, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the start, Fenton was attentive and professional, sharing his personal experience and expertise about Japan. He took the time to understand what we wanted from our trip – combining cultural experiences, visits to historic buildings and serene gardens, and the excitement of bustling city life – and created a tailored itinerary that suited us perfectly.
Maggie and Mark
”
“
I booked a holiday of a lifetime for myself and my daughter to Japan. Fenton at Holiday Architects organised everything to the finest detail. When we arrived in Tokyo, we were met by someone who had all our tickets prepared with full instructions on how to use them, where and when. Each hotel was chosen with us in mind, each within the vicinity of the main sights. Guided tours showed us the culture of Japan and its history. Fenton has great knowledge of the country, if you don’t. He can advise. Thank you Fenton!
Ian
”
“
Emma planned and organised an amazing trip to Japan for myself and a friend, which was just what we wanted. The quality of her advice and the tours organised for us were first class. We would definitely use Holiday Architects again. Thank you.
Jill Carnie
”
“
I could not have planned such a memorable adventure to Japan with my 19 year old son without Emma’s extensive and invaluable knowledge. She really listened to my brief, with the end result that we had a trip of a lifetime. We felt we were experiencing Race Across the World but in a good way and armed with all the information we needed. The App was brilliant which detailed our itinerary day by day including train times and local information. Excellent.
Cathy Stafford
”
Holiday Gallery
Meet our Japan experts
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.
Emma Higgins
Destination Manager
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
Destination Manager
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.
Ready to pack your bags?
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
Get a Quote 01242 253 073Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm
We'd love to keep in touch.
Sign up to get our latest team news, travel tips and holiday inspiration straight to your inbox.
“
Expert Comment
Emma Higgins
Meet Emma”