Tours in Japan

Japan Experience does not provide air tickets for tours. Departures are therefore flexible, and you can leave from wherever you prefer: Paris, Brussels or elsewhere. On a self-guided tour, you can choose the departure date that suits you best to discover the wonders of Japan. In the case of a small group tour, departure dates are fixed, so those interested are asked to arrange their own flights to arrive on the tour departure date.

Our Japan tours vary in length, generally comprising between 7 and 21 nights.

Each tour combines must-see stops with lesser-known destinations to offer a unique discovery experience. Highlights include cosmopolitan cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, historic sites such as Hiroshima, and timelessly elegant regions and cities such as Kyoto and Nara.

Here's a description of some key cities:

• Tokyo is the contemporary city par excellence, with its impressive skyscrapers and frenetic pace. This Japanese metropolis offers a unique urban experience, harmoniously blending ancestral traditions with futuristic innovations.
• Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a timeless destination that charms visitors with its rich cultural and historical heritage. Its majestic temples, Zen gardens and traditional districts bear witness to the beauty and elegance of the imperial era.
• Osaka is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city, renowned for its delicious cuisine. Nights here are particularly lively. Its historic castle and ultramodern aquarium are must-see attractions for visitors.
• Okinawa, a tropical archipelago in southern Japan, offers heavenly beaches and a unique culture influenced by its proximity to China and the Philippines. Lovers of scuba diving and snorkeling will find exceptional seabeds here.
• Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is famous for its deer park and thousand-year-old temples, including Tōdai-ji, home to a gigantic bronze Buddha. The city offers a journey back in time to Nara, the cradle of Japanese culture.
• Hiroshima, a symbol of peace and resilience, is a moving destination where the Peace Memorial recalls the horrors of the atomic bomb. Nearby, the island of Miyajima enchants visitors with its Itsukushima Shrine and its famous torii floating on the waters of the Seto Inland Sea.

Our Japan tours are designed to offer total immersion in Japanese culture. Travelers will discover the traditional architecture, Zen gardens, temples and shrines that dot the Land of the Rising Sun. They'll also have the chance to sample must-try Japanese culinary specialties during typical lunches, and explore the creative art scene of this multi-faceted country.

Yes, some of our tours include visits to iconic mountains such as Mount Fuji, Mount Koya and the Japanese Alps. You can also explore the country's islands, such as Miyajima Island, famous for its floating torii, or Shikoku Island, rich in temples and breathtaking natural landscapes. The island of Naoshima, meanwhile, is home to the famous pumpkin of the creative Yayoi Kusama, an iconic contemporary Japanese artist.

It's very simple and easy, just book directly online through our website:

(1) Choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and indicate the number of participants. Several options are available to you.
(2) Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount* online and confirm your reservation.
(3) You will then receive an e-mail confirming the conditions of your registration.
(4) Book your flight ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the necessary schedules for your tour)
(5) One month before departure, settle the balance of your booking.

For more information on the tours or to make a reservation, please contact our advisors on +33 (0)1 42 61 60 83 or at contact@japan-experience.com, or come and visit us at our agency in Paris.

* travel insurance and options included

There are 4 seasons in Japan.

Spring, from the end of February to the end of May, is a mild season suitable for all kinds of activities. It is of course the period when sakura (cherry trees) bloom, the perfect occasion to admire them (hanami). Their blooming period is between March 20 and April 10 for Tokyo and Kyoto areas, while it is possible to admire them earlier in the south of the country and later in the north. The cherry blossom period is very popular and generates a lot of crowds. However, there are other beautiful flowers that bloom during this season: plum blossoms, with their sparkling pink at the end of February; fabulous azaleas in April-May; hydrangeas of all colors or irises during June.

Summer, from June to August, is generally synonymous with heat with a rainy season in the last two weeks of June during which you can expect rain several days a week. During this very hot and humid season, it is possible to enjoy fireworks (hanabi) in July and August, as well as matsuri, traditional Japanese festivals. Among the most famous are the Gion matsuri, which is held in Kyoto in mid-July or the Obon Matsuri in mid-August.

Then comes the high wind season (taifu), which reaches its peak between August and September, but it is not necessary to avoid going during this period. Indeed, there is little chance that they will involve changing your travel plans, few of them even reaching the main island. 

Autumn, from September to November, is the season when temperatures are generally the most pleasant, quite similar to the continental European climate. It is also the season when the country is decorated with red tones and when one can admire the momiji (literally red leaves) which are usually visible in Tokyo, Kyoto and their region during the last two weeks of November.

Finally, winter, from December to February, is the coldest season but also the opportunity to admire the striking beauty of winter landscapes. December is a period of calm before the holiday season, while January is marked by a drop in temperature and the presence of a number of festivals. In central Japan, temperatures usually range from -4 to 10°C. In the mountains and the north of the country, temperatures drop significantly, while in Kyushu and Okinawa, winter tends to be milder.

The most touristic periods are : 
- in February, the 10 days around the Chinese New Year, which marks a strong influx of tourists from all over Asia;
- between the end of March and the beginning of April, the cherry blossom period;
- between the end of April and the beginning of May, during the "Golden Week", a period with many public holidays and during which many Japanese go on vacation;
- mid-August, during the Obon Matsuri;
- at the end of November, the best period to observe the momiji;
- early January, for the New Year, when many businesses and activities are closed.
 
So, if you want to go during a less crowded period, Japan Experience recommends you to go :
- in February, outside the Chinese New Year period, for the cool but nevertheless pleasant weather and the splendid blooming of plum trees, before the cherry trees;
- between mid-May and early June, to take advantage of the mild weather, lower traffic and the blooming of hydrangeas, azaleas and irises;
- from September to early December, to take advantage of good temperatures, a reasonable level of tourism and the momiji period in late November.

It all depends on the tour you've chosen. Some include breakfast only, especially on free-ride tours, while others include all meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals may also vary according to the stage, with dinner included on certain evenings, for example a night in a ryokan in the Japanese Alps.