Japan Tour Packages

1. About Japan
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Japan
4. Our Best Budget Japan Tour Packages
5. Japan At A Glance
6. Top Reasons To Visit Japan
7. Best Time To Visit Japan
8. Top Things To Do In Japan
9. Foods To Try Out In Japan
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
11. Shopping In Japan
12. Top Cities to Visit In Japan
13. Art And Culture In Japan

About 35,000 years ago, the Palaeolithic people from the Asian mainland settled in Japan. Around 10,000 years ago, the Jomon culture developed in Japan at the end of the last Ice Age. The Yayoi people introduced weaving, rice cultivation, and metalworking to the Japanese during their reign from 300 BCE to 250 CE. The earliest era of recorded history in Japan was the Kofun Period, which lasted from around 300 to 538 AD. Several Chinese innovations and customs were adopted in Japan during this period.

Buddhism and the Chinese writing system came to Japan around the same time, during the Asuka period (538 to 710 CE). A strong central government developed in Japan during the Nara Period, which lasted from 710 to 794 CE. While members of the aristocratic class practised Buddhism, Shintoism was followed by the agricultural villagers. The imperial court developed prose, poetry, and art during the Heian Period. The samurai warrior class emerged during this time as well. The government of Japan was taken over by the samurai lords in 1185. Known as shogun, they ruled Japan till 1868.

Japan is the only country in the world with a reigning emperor. The position of the emperor isn’t associated with any political power; rather, it is seen as a symbol of Japan’s unity and traditions.

• Japan is made up of more than 6,800 islands.
• Japanese cuisine is on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
• Mount Fuji is the tallest peak in Japan.
• Japan is home to the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, which is located in Tokyo.
• In Japan, the number four is considered unlucky. It is sometimes pronounced as ‘shi’, which means death.
• The famous cherry blossom trees are different from the cherry trees that produce cherries for eating.
• Japan has the largest number of hot springs in the world.
• The Japanese have one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
• The Japanese language makes use of three alphabets.
• Tokyo is the most populated megacity in the world.
• Japan has the highest density of vending machines in the world.
• The Pokémon franchise originated in Japan in 1996.

• Starting April 2024, Japan has been offering eVISA, valid for up to 90 days.
• Exchanging cash is easy, you can exchange at hotels, airports, and banks.
• Electronic payments are widely accepted. But small restaurants, temples, etc., are still cash only.
• Wi-Fi access is easy and free in most places. But if you travel to remote areas, carry a pocket Wi-Fi. You can also avail international data roaming services from India before heading to Japan. For instance, a 10-day plan from Airtel costs about INR 900 and gets you 1 GB of data.
• Many Japanese know English (though not always fluent). However, in rural areas, you’ll need to learn basic Japanese.
• Buy a Japan Rail Pass, which is available for 7, 14, and 21 days and offers unlimited rides on most trains.
• Japan is one of the safest countries to travel in and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
• Local businesses can close on random days. For instance, small restaurants are closed on Tuesdays, and small independent shops and convenience stores can be closed on Wednesdays.
• Many tourist attractions, such as Mount Fuji, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Ghibli Museum, require prior reservations. Make sure you book your Japan tour package in advance.
• The season you book a Japan tour package can significantly impact your overall experience. For instance, if witnessing Sakura blossoms is high on your wish list, you must book a package during spring.
• Make sure to use Google Maps while going around Japan.

Looking for a reason to book our Japan tour packages? We’ll give you a handful of them. Listed below are the reasons why you should visit Japan at least once in your lifetime:

If the energy of the modern Japanese cities gets too overwhelming, you can always escape to the rural region for peace and quiet. From beaches and valleys to snow-capped mountains, Japan has a variety of diverse natural landscapes for tourists to feast their eyes on. One of the most iconic landmarks of Japan’s landscapes is Mount Fuji. As you travel around the country with our Japan tour packages, you will come across waterfalls, bamboo forests, rocky coastlines, and much more.

Did you know that Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world? This alone should give you an idea of what it is to experience Japanese cuisine. While you may have tasted sushi or ramen elsewhere, you can experience the authenticity of Japanese food during your trip to the country. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, delicious local beverages, or the various textures of noodles, Japanese cuisine has it all.

Japanese cuisine focuses strongly on the principles of five: Gomi (five tastes), Gokan (five senses), Yoshiki (five colours), and goto (five cooking methods). Also, five ingredients are the building blocks of Japanese cuisine and are remembered through five syllables: Sa for Sato (sugar), Shi for Shio (salt), Su for vinegar, Se for Seuyu (soy sauce), and So for MiSo.

As with everything in Japanese culture, order is key to Japanese cooking. Ingredients must be added in their designated order to maintain flavour and texture. For instance, ingredients ending with se and so must always be added in the end, as heat can dilute their rich flavour and aroma. Similarly, ingredients in the same category must be added first, as they are the foundation on which flavours are built.

The concept of omotenashi is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting a deep sense of hospitality, warmth, and mindfulness towards guests. This is something you will experience as soon as you reach Japan. Despite the language barrier, the Japanese try to help those around them as much as possible. Everyone respects each other’s space, and you will never find people intruding in your personal space. The genuine kindness and pleasant attitude of the locals will truly win you over.

Traditional arts and craftsmanship are among the many reasons why tourists flock to Japan. Ancient artistic techniques, including Japanese tea ceremonies, have been passed down through generations in this country. You can attend several workshops related to the art of kimono weaving, calligraphy, pottery, and so on. Every region of Japan has its own artistic specialities for travellers to discover.

The Japanese are pioneers of several arts and crafts, viz., origami, bonsai, ikebana, and sensu or the art of folding fans. Japan has a longstanding tradition of ceramics and lacquer ware or maki-e. Japanese traditional dolls or kokeshis are a favourite souvenir and passed on hereditarily to children.

Japan is home to around 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many of which you can visit with our Japan tour packages. These include the Shiretoko National Park, Mount Fuji, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

The best time to visit Japan depends on the activities you’re looking for. However, spring and autumn are the best seasons to explore the country.

The peak season in Japan is from March to May and September to November. The summer season, which lasts from June to August, is the shoulder season. The low season in the country is from December to February, the winter season. Let’s take a look at what each season brings so you can decide accordingly when to book our Japan tour packages.

During the spring, Japan’s temperature oscillates between 3 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. The mornings usually have a crisp chill in the air. While the days are warmer, the weather usually remains pleasant. The southern region of Japan remains warmer at this time, while the northern region is cooler. This is considered one of the best times to visit Japan as it’s the cherry blossom season, and the entire country is embraced by the colour and vibrancy of the cherry blossoms.

Make sure to pack either a thin sweater or a lightweight jacket. You will need heavier woollen clothes if you travel to the country’s northern region. At this time, the festivals you can experience in the country with our Japan tour packages include Sanja Matsuri, Takayama Spring Festival, and Aoi Matsuri.

During summer, the temperature remains between 12 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. Summers in Japan are hot, humid, and sticky. Although 31 degrees Celsius is not that high a temperature, the humidity makes it almost unbearable. As summer comes to an end, the temperature does drop in the northern region of Japan. June is usually the wettest month of the year, followed by the heat that engulfs the country. Before the summer ends, the typhoon season begins in Japan.

Due to the heat, it’s an excellent time to escape to the mountains. This is why it’s an ideal time to trek in Japan, especially Mount Fuji. Since this is the low season, you can also get discounts on hotels and flights. Pack light clothes and rain gear if you travel to the country during this time. The festivals during the summer include Obon Festival, Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, Fuji Rock Festival, and Aomori Nebuta Festival.

The range of temperature you will witness in Japan during the autumn season is between 1 degree Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. The season begins with a higher temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and cools down eventually. The days are usually windy, making the weather seem colder. Since September is the peak of typhoon season in Japan, you can expect extreme variations in temperature. The trees display different hues of yellow and orange at this time, offering a sharp contrast to the colours of the cherry blossoms.

The pleasant weather is one of the main reasons why this is among the peak tourist seasons in Japan. Make sure to pack a light jacket along with your regular clothes. If you visit the country towards the end of fall, then do carry thick jackets and heavy woollen clothes. The festivals you can experience at this time are the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival, the Hokkaido Food Festival, and the Takayama Autumn Festival.

During the winter season, the temperature in Japan ranges from -8 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius. While the southern region of Japan remains dry, the northern areas experience snowfall.

Japan is not too crowded during this time, and you can book your flights and hotels at a much more affordable price. If you plan on visiting the country’s northern side, pack some heavy woollen clothes in your luggage. The festivals you could experience during the winter season in Japan include the Sapporo Snow Festival, Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, and Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival.

Listed below are the places to visit and the activities to partake in with our Japan tour packages:

The Todaiji Temple, also known as the Great Eastern Temple, is located in Nara, Japan. Construction of the temple, which was completed in 752, was completed as the head of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan.

The temple is home to one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). The statue stands 15 metres tall and represents Vairocana, the supreme Buddha. It is kept in the Big Buddha Hall, also known as the Daibutsuden. As you approach the Todaiji Temple, you will encounter the Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden gate with two fierce looking statues that oversee it.

The Kotokuin Temple is home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Standing 11.4 metres high, it is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha and is Japan’s second tallest bronze statue of Buddha.

After being cast in 1252, the statue was placed within a large temple hall. However, in the 14th and 15th centuries, the temple buildings were destroyed by a tsunami and numerous typhoons. Hence, the statue has been kept in the open since the late 15th century. The statue of Great Buddha is a 5 to 10 minute walk from Hase Station. The temple where the statue can be found belongs to the Jodo Sect of Buddhism.

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, standing at 3,776 metres. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been worshipped as a sacred mountain in Japan since ancient times. Mount Fuji is an active volcano, and the last time it erupted was in 1707. It is situated on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. On clear days, the mountain can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama.

Every summer, around 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 people climb Mount Fuji. Climbing it at sunrise is a popular activity. You will often see climbers beginning their climb the previous day. They usually halt and stay at a mountain lodge for the night, after which they continue their journey to witness the sunrise over the horizon.

Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle, is regarded as one of the most well preserved castles in Japan. Unlike several other castles in Japan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has never been destroyed by fires, earthquakes, or wars, which is why it remains one of the 12 original castles of Japan.

The castle is located at a strategic point along the western approach to Kyoto, the capital of Japan. The construction of the castle complex, as visible today, was completed in 1609. It consists of more than 80 buildings spread across numerous baileys.

The Snow Monkey Park, also known as Jigokudani Monkey Park, is home to wild Japanese Macaques or Snow Monkeys. Here, you can witness the monkeys taking a bath in a natural hot spring. It’s part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. The monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park live in large social groups, and they gather at the manmade pool that the park is home to, located a walk away from the entrance of the walk.

Visitors aren’t allowed to touch or feed the monkeys at the park. However, they can be observed from up close. Since the animals are so used to human presence, they ignore you completely unless you disturb them.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is situated in the centre of Hiroshima. It was built to honour the victims who lost their lives during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Since Hiroshima was the first city to face an attack by a nuclear weapon, the park also serves as a symbol of world peace, advocating an end to nuclear weapons.

Sprawled over an area of more than 120,000 square metres, the park is visited by over a million people every year. The area where the park is currently located used to be the city’s commercial and political centre, which is why it was chosen as the target of the attack.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine or Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. Serving as the head of all the Inari shrines in Japan, the shrine is known for its endless trail of orange torii gates that lead to Mount Inari. These gates are a famous symbol of the country and are situated at the entrance to mark the separation of the sacred from the ordinary.

Since foxes are considered to be the messengers of Inari, several fox statues are found across the shrine’s grounds. The shrine is known to have existed before Kyoto became the capital of the country in 794.

The Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s grandest castles. It was built on the plains rather than on a mountain or hill. Owing to the castle’s structure and the characteristic black wainscoting, the location exudes poise and grandeur.

The castle has a secondary donjon and a turret attached to its main keep. The main castle keep and the second donjon were constructed between 1592 and 1614. The five-tiered, six-story central tower is Japan’s oldest surviving castle tower and was built in the late 16th century. During the spring season, the castle is an ideal spot to enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms.

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium was the first aquarium to successfully raise and breed Mobula Alfredi, or the reef manta ray, one of the world’s largest ray species. The primary attraction of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the Kuroshio Sea Tank, one of the largest aquarium tanks in the world. A wide variety of fish can be found in the tank, including giant whale sharks and manta rays.

The aquarium consists of three floors, with the third floor the entrance and the first floor the exit. Next to the tank is a high-definition movie theatre that provides an insight into the marine life of Okinawa.

The Tokyo National Museum is the largest and oldest national museum in Japan. It was established at the Yushima Seido Shrine in 1872 and relocated to Ueno Park, where it is currently located. Home to almost 100 national treasures and more than 100,000 individual items, it is among the country’s best and largest collections of art and archaeological artefacts.

Six separate buildings are located within the museum complex. Each specialises in distinct types of art and exhibitions. In 1938, the main Honkan building was opened, displaying various kinds of Japanese artwork dating from the ancient era to the 19th century.

The Shibuya Crossing is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. During its busiest times, about 1,000 to 2,500 people pass through its intersection every two minutes. Since pedestrians cross the area from every direction, the crossing earned the nickname ‘scramble’.

Three humongous television screens are mounted on the buildings facing the intersection. These screens flash all day long, while the rest of the area displays lights and advertisements. The Shibuya Crossing has appeared in movies like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and Lost in Translation.

The Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is an ancient Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. It’s the oldest temple in the city. According to legend, two brothers in 628 fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River. Despite putting the statue back into the river, it kept returning to them. Therefore, the temple was built nearby for the goddess.

The temple’s construction was completed in 645, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple. The outer gate of the temple is known as the Kaminarimon or the Thunder Gate, which is a symbol of Asakusa and the city of Tokyo.

• Diving
• Skiing
• Kayaking
• Rafting
• Snowboarding
• Camping
• Paragliding
• Surfing

One of the many delightful things you will get to experience with our Japan tour packages is Japanese cuisine. When you think of the food of Japan, you might remember sushi and ramen, but Japanese food is so much more than that.

UNESCO recognised washoku, the term for Japanese cuisine, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity back in 2013. In fact, it’s much deeper than just the country’s cuisine. Washoku is a social practice based on traditions, practices, skills, and knowledge regarding food processing, preparation, and consumption. The features of washoku and Japanese cuisine include balance and harmony, seasonality, presentation, techniques, using fresh and local ingredients, and having rice as a meal staple.

The Japanese diet is known to be very healthy and helps reduce the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease while increasing life expectancy. Thanks to its diversity, Japanese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its heritage, healthiness, and innovativeness. Let’s take a look at all the delicious dishes you must sink your teeth into when you travel the country with our Japan tour packages:

Ramen is a noodle soup made of wheat noodles, broth, seasonings, and toppings. The toppings usually include meat, vegetables, and protein. You will often find ramen with fun toppings such as sliced pork, spring onions, nori seaweed, and bamboo shoots.

Ramen is one of the most popular delicacies in Japan today, available in ramen bars and restaurants across the country. The broth can be made using several bases, including soybeans, soy sauce, pork bones, and salt. Although ramen noodles are usually wheat-based, they can vary in terms of thickness and stretchiness.

Soba is the Japanese word for ‘buckwheat’, which naturally means that soba noodles are buckwheat noodles. It’s one of the three most popular noodles eaten in Japan, with the other two being ramen and udon. While ramen and udon noodles are made from wheat flour, soba noodles are primarily made using buckwheat flour. This gives the noodles an earthy and nutty flavour, which is perfect for combining with stronger flavours such as sesame and garlic.

The popularity of soba noodles increased in Japan during the Edo period. Soba noodles can be served cold with a garnish of wasabi, shredded nori seaweed, green onions, and tsuyu sauce on the side. When having hot soba noodles, you could eat them with the toppings of kamaboko fish cake, crispy shrimp tempura, and spring onions.

Udon noodles are one of the main noodle varieties in Japan. They are made from wheat flour, water, and salt. These thick, chewy, and soft noodles can be served in numerous forms, such as cold udon noodles with tsuyu sauce or in hot pots and stir-fries. The most common way of consuming udon noodles is in a noodle soup, with a flavourful broth and different kinds of garnishes.

The toppings in an udon noodle soup could include tempura, meat, or vegetables. You will find versions with garnishes such as ginger, seaweed, scallions, and chilli peppers. Some of the varieties of udon noodle soups include chikara udon, tempura udon, and kitsune udon.

Takoyaki are octopus balls or octopus dumplings invented in Osaka by a street vendor named Tomekichi Endo in the 1930s. They are cooked in a special takoyaki pan with rows of half-sphere moulds. Once the moulds are filled with a savoury batter mixture, a small piece of tako is placed in the centre.

Every minute, the takoyaki are turned using a skewer or a toothpick to cook the interior evenly, and the exterior turns lightly golden brown. These octopus balls are usually served in six, eight, or ten sets. They are topped with takoyaki sauce, aonori seaweed, mayonnaise, and katsuobushi bonito fish flakes.

Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake derived from the combination of two words: ‘okonomi’ means ‘what you want’ or ‘what you like’, and ‘yaki’ means ‘grilled’ or ‘cooked’. Its origin can be traced back to the Edo period when it was born from a thin pancake known as funoyaki. Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake in which the toppings, fillings, and batter are cooked on a hot griddle.

There are two different styles of okonomiyaki, one from Kansai and the other from Hiroshima. Okonomiyaki flour is the primary ingredient of the Kansai-style variant, consisting of flour, dashi, and other seasonings. Once the flour is mixed with water, shredded cabbage and egg are added to the mix. The batter is fried until both sides are cooked well. The final result is topped with mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, and aonori seaweed powder.

In the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, yakisoba or fried noodles are used. This variant uses more thinly sliced cabbage and less batter. The batter is poured onto a griddle until a thin crepe is formed. The ingredients include pork slices, green onions, beansprouts, cabbage, and tenkasu.

Curry rice is considered to be one of Japan’s national dishes. It is popular at restaurants and as a home-cooked meal, and it’s also served at parties and summer camps. Compared to Indian curries, Japanese curries are sweeter, thicker, and less spicy. The British Navy introduced its version of the Indian dish to Japan in the late 1800s.

Various kinds of meats and vegetables are used to make Japanese curry. You can use chicken, beef, pork, or even duck. The vegetables in this curry could be carrots, onions, and sweet potatoes.

Miso soup is a significant part of Japanese cuisine, and most people consume it at least once a day. Its roots can be traced back to ancient times when the samurais had it every day during the Kamakura period. It was also popular during the Japanese Civil War.

Made using miso paste and dashi broth, miso soup is often served as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are different types of miso, namely red, white, barley, and blended. Various toppings, such as wakame seaweed, green onion, and firm tofu, can be found in miso soup.

Gyoza are Japanese dumplings made from a minced mixture of savoury fillings. These half-moon-shaped dumplings usually contain cabbage, pork mince, mushrooms, and green onions, but other fillings can be used as well.

Made with a wheat wrapper, the other gyoza ingredients could include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, chives, and sesame oil. They are cooked so that the interior is juicy and moist. The dumplings are usually pan-fried and then steamed. Some deep fry them, and others boil them and serve them with broth. Gyoza can either be served alone or with a tangy and salty dipping sauce.

While most pubs around the world serve fries or peanuts as snacks, the Japanese izakaya pubs serve edamame for snacks. These are young soybeans that are harvested early. They are then boiled or steamed while they are still in their pods. You can have these snacks or appetisers in a lightly salted form, or they can be flavoured using a garlic and chilli paste sauce.

• Eating or drinking while walking around is frowned upon in Japan.
• In Japan, it’s prohibited to walk around while smoking.
• Before having a meal, say “itadakimasu” to show respect for the ones who have prepared the food and to express gratitude for the meal.
• Slurping while having noodles is an accepted practice in Japan and is taken as a compliment to the chef.
• Burping at the table is considered bad manners in Japan.
• Sticking your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl is considered bad luck and rude, as it’s a ritual associated with funerals.
• Don’t rub your chopsticks together.
• Stabbing your food with chopsticks is considered disrespectful and rude in Japan.
• Japan has very few public trash cans, so hold on to your trash till you find a trash can or dispose of it at home.
• Tipping in Japan is not customary and could be considered rude.
• Don’t blow your nose in public.
• Make sure to stand on the left side of an escalator, as the right side is kept open for people to walk up and down.
• People are expected to remain quiet while riding public transport. Keep your phone silent, limit phone conversations, and don’t talk too loudly.
• Take your shoes off indoors, whether in a temple, school, hospital, restaurant or someone’s home.
• Avoid public displays of affection in Japan as it is considered taboo.
• Maintain your manners and follow the rules when standing in a queue.
• Remember that Japanese people aren’t too fond of physical contact; respect others’ personal space.
• In Japan, cash is very rarely passed from one hand to another. Instead, it’s placed on a small tray, and the respective change is also placed on the tray.

Shopping around in Japan is a delight, enabling you to come across products tied to the country’s cultural heritage. Here are the souvenirs to buy during your trip with our Japan tour packages and the best places to shop from:

Traditional Japanese ceramics have been some of the most popular souvenirs for ages. The art of creating porcelain products in Japan was initially inspired by Korea and China before the country developed a distinct craft of its own. Unique kinds of ceramics are produced by all 47 prefectures in Japan using local materials. Some ceramic products you can purchase from Japan include bowls, teacups, and flower vases.

Furoshiki refers to traditional Japanese wrapping cloths used to wrap or transport goods such as gifts or bento boxes. These clothes are available in different materials, including cotton, silk, and synthetic. Like various other souvenirs in Japan, furoshiki is aesthetically pleasing, with hemmed edges and hand-painted designs.

Even though chopsticks originated in China, they have been integral to Japanese dining and culture since the 7th century AD. They are easy to carry and store and can also be customised to your preference. You can choose ones with ornate designs or even metal ones.

Traditional Japanese tea ceremony rituals can be traced back centuries. It involves preparing and serving matcha tea in a specific manner. This is why it makes perfect sense for you to buy a Japanese tea ceremony set during your trip with our Japan tour packages. Such a set usually includes a bamboo whisk, teacups, and a teapot.

Omamori is the name given to a very popular amulet or lucky charm in Japan. These amulets can be found outside the country’s temples and shrines. The word omamori translates to ‘protection,’ and the charms are available in various shapes and sizes. They are often given to people when they achieve different milestones, such as getting married, passing an examination, etc.

Folding fans or sensu fans are popular souvenirs from Japan. They are useful and beautiful gifts, and they are crafted with ornate designs.

Kimonos are the national dress of Japan. These traditional Japanese garments are available in modern and vintage avatars. So, you can get one for everyday use or something that’s more formal and can be worn for special occasions. Most Japanese people wear kimonos these days for special events and occasions, including cultural events and summer festivals.

Manga are Japanese comics or graphic novels that exploded in popularity worldwide a few years ago. If you’re a manga fan, you must grab some of these for yourself while exploring the country with our Japan tour packages. You can pick up popular manga such as Death Note, Dragon Ball, and Akira or also go for manga versions of popular classics such as Jane Austen’s novels.

Japan is the world’s primary producer of matcha. This powdered green tea is known to have several health benefits. You can buy matcha in the form of unique treats apart from tea, such as chocolates, macarons, and biscuits.

Daruma dolls are some of the best souvenirs you can take back home for your loved ones. They are round, hollow, brightly coloured, and have unique designs. These dolls are modelled after the founder of Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma.

• Asakusa: For kimonos, local crafts, handmade goods.
• Ginza: For luxury brands and designer items.
• Akihabara: For electronics, anime, manga, gaming equipment.
• Odaiba: For clothes, accessories, fashion items.
• Shinjuku: For electronics, books, cosmetics, toys, homeware.
• Nakamise Shopping Street: For craft items, snacks, sweets, clothes, and accessories.

• Most retailers and shops in Japan are open from 10 am to 8 pm.
• Bargaining is only generally done in some of the stores in Japan.
• The local markets and traditional eateries in Japan may only accept cash.
• Many stores offer tax exemption for tourists in Japan. To take advantage of this option, make sure to carry your passport and present it at the tax refund counter.
• The sizes of clothes in Japan are different from those in Europe or the United States, and it can be challenging to find something in your size. It’s best to buy clothes a size or two bigger than you usually get.

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan, offering a wonderful blend of the old and the new to tourists everywhere. It has historical sites such as the Edo-Tokyo Museum, Meiji Jingu, and Nezu Shrine. There is the Akihabara district, which is a haven for all the pop culture lovers out there. The city also offers a variety of culinary experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the cuisine of Japan through streetside stalls as well as Michelin-starred restaurants.

Some of the best tourist attractions in Tokyo include the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Edo-Tokyo Museum, and Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan till 1868, after which the government was moved to Tokyo. The city is home to numerous Buddhist and Shinto shrines. There is the renowned Nishiki Market that you can visit to consume the most delicious seafood, sweets, and Japanese culinary specialties. While you’re in Kyoto, you can try renting a kimono and participating in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony to get a deeper insight into the country’s culture.

The must-visit sightseeing spots in Kyoto include the Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and the economic centre of the country. The city is known for its welcoming locals, mouthwatering street food, and vibrant atmosphere. There is the district of Dotonbori with its lively nightlife, restaurants, bars, clubs, and dazzling lights. Universal Studios Japan is yet another major attraction in the city that you will thoroughly enjoy experiencing with your family.

When you’re in Osaka, make sure to visit the Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Dotonbori, Umeda Sky Building, and Sumiyoshi Taisha.

Situated in the southern region of Tokyo is the city of Yokohama, which is the capital of the Kanagawa Prefecture. It’s the country’s second-largest city by population. If you love to eat ramen, then you must go to the Cup Noodles Museum in the city. This is where you can learn about the history of this beloved Japanese dish and also make your own customised cup noodles.

Some of the best places to visit in Yokohama are the Yokohama Landmark Tower, Yokohama Cosmo World, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama Marine Tower, Sankeien Garden, and the Cup Noodles Museum.

Hiroshima is known to many around the world due to its tragic history. There are numerous spots that are dedicated to honour the lives of those who passed away due to the atomic bombings. Despite its tragic past, the city managed to rise from the ashes and become a symbol of hope, resilience, and peace. The cuisine of Hiroshima will surely be one of the main highlights of your vacation. Don’t forget to have okonomiyaki, a savoury layered pancake that is a speciality of the city.

The tourist attractions in Hiroshima that you can’t miss out on include the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, Itsukushima Jinja, and Shukkeien Garden.

Calligraphy is practised by people of many ages in Japan, and most children in the country are taught calligraphy in elementary school. You can also take calligraphy lessons in Japan, mostly in Tokyo and Kyoto. Such an experience initially involves learning about the craft’s history before exploring its numerous techniques. After the end of these lessons, you usually get your work packed in protective packaging so you can carry it back home with you.

The art of preparing tea forms an integral part of Japanese culture. The Japanese people usually prepare and drink green tea in a traditional tearoom with tatami flooring. The main goal of this tea ceremony is for the guests to relish their host’s hospitality and engage in a peaceful ambience away from their fast-paced daily lives.

Japanese pottery is famous for being among the finest in the world. Many well-known pottery towns in Japan are worth visiting. You can admire the ceramicware displayed in museums or even participate in pottery classes during your trip.

Early Japanese literature was often written in Classical Chinese, and most of its influence was derived from Chinese literature. The country is known to have one of the oldest printed works in the world, called Hyakumanto Darani. During the Edo Period, books began to reach a wider audience in Japan. New printing techniques emerged during the initial days of the Meiji Period. The people of Japan are known to be avid readers, and the country has one of the world’s highest per capita consumption rates for books and periodicals. Japan is one of the world’s central book publishing countries, with Tokyo being the focal point of the country’s publishing industry. Some of the most well-known Japanese authors include Haruki Murakami, Natsuo Kirino, Kobo Abe, Banana Yoshimoto, Yoko Ogawa, Yukio Mishima, and Sayaka Murata.

Traditional Japanese music varies from Western music in many aspects. Instead of being based on mathematical timing, the country’s music is based on the intervals of human breathing. Japan’s music deeply emphasises the complexity and richness of the sound spectrum of every instrument. The music industry in Japan is the second biggest in the world, coming right after the United States, and is the largest in Asia. Some artists and musical groups that gained popularity during the 20th and 21st centuries are Yoko Ono, Koji Tamaki, Haruomi Hosono, Mrs. Green Apple, Bump of Chicken, and The Oral Cigarettes.