Japan will reopen to independent travelers on October 11. Guided vacation companies Trafalgar, Contiki and Luxury Gold saw an increase in bookings to the East Asian, island country. Several travel dates are already sold out across the brands for 2022 and 2023. Travelers are eager to explore the cultural and historical landmarks of the destination.
If exploring and learning more about Japan is on your vacation calendar radar, read on for more details regarding the best itineraries for your trip.
Global guided vacation company, Trafalgar’s two Japan itineraries are ready for travelers enthusiastic about exploring Japan in 2023:
- Splendors of Japan allows guests to explore both the iconic cities and mountain landscapes of Japan over the course of nine days with nights spent in Tokyo and Kyoto to start and end the Japanese adventure. Travelers will witness the magnificent Mt. Fuji and the Five Lakes District, the UNESCO mountain village of Gokayama and learn Japanese crafts such as making washi paper with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience before venturing on Express train to Kyoto.
- Classic Japan provides guests will the opportunity to dive deep into four iconic cities—Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka with multiple nights in each over the course of 10 days. With inter-city travel by Express train, travelers will explore the Ameyoko Street Market, the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple, visit a local farmer at his tea plantation in Sumiyama Village, ferry to Miyajima Island to the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima and cruise along the Okawa River in Osaka.
The social travel company for travelers ages 18-35, Contiki, offers three Japan itineraries with several departure dates sold out for 2022 as guests look forward to the reopening:
- Japan in A Week provides guests with a week-long adventure exploring the country’s biggest cities, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Guests will venture into Nakamise Street, Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, experience traditional tea houses and The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto and wander down Dontonburi to taste delicious street food in Osaka.
- Japan Winter Wonder guides travelers through the wonders of Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka in the wintertime with the option to embark on a skiing adventure at Hakuba Ski Resort.
- Japan Unrivalled gives guests a combination of city and country life over the course of 13 days with visits to the cities of Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto as well as the mountains of Hakone, the countryside in Takayama and Mount Koya for a stay in a Buddhist guesthouse. Travelers will get ample opportunities to explore both Japanese city and country life with visits to fish markets and temples, sake tasting and sushi making classes, attending a Buddhist morning service and more.
Luxury guided tour company, Luxury Gold offers one Japan itinerary with multiple departure dates already sold out in 2023:
- Majestic Japan takes guests on a 11-day adventure through the island country with stops in Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Tokyo, Sendai and Oirase Gorge and more. Travelers will take part in exclusive VIP experiences including a meeting with a survivor from the bombing of Hiroshima and a private Sake tasting with a brew master, as well as other exciting experiences such as exploring Osaka Castle, riding the Kachi-Kachi Ropeway Cable Car in Mount Fuji, taking a private cruise on Matsushima Bay and more.
