Luxury Japan Tours & Travel

What are the must-sees for a first-time trip to Japan?

Tokyo of course – you’ll almost certainly be flying in or out of the capital, and as one of the world’s greatest cities it demands thorough exploration. Kyoto is also a must – Japan’s former capital, littered with UNESCO heritage sites and offering a wealth of enticing cultural experiences. Hiroshima and attractive offshore neighbour Miyajima, buzzing second city Osaka, and stunning Hakone National Park, in the shadow of Mt Fuji, are also all worthy inclusions. There are plenty of incredible things to do in Japan for everyone.

How far in advance should I book my tour?

For certain periods it is very important to book in good time. Tours during cherry blossom season – March to May – should be booked at least 9 months in advance to secure first choice accommodation and guides, longer still if you’re keen to travel during the absolute peak weeks of late March and early April. Summer holidays in August, Christmas holidays in December, and the national ‘Golden Week’ holidays in early May are busy times for domestic tourism so again need a healthy lead time to avoid missing out on preferred hotels.

Isn’t Japan expensive for private touring?

Despite Japan’s reputation as a costly destination, at UTC we’ve travelled extensively throughout the country and know that this simply does not have to be the case. By taking a more thoughtful approach, and employing a little ingenuity, we’ve developed a style of operation which ensures we provide our usual exemplary standard of service, without passing on sky high costs. This involves a little more independence and self-guiding than our tours in other parts of Asia, but backed up with exceptionally comprehensive travel documents, meticulous planning from our specialists, and first-class assistance from our local representatives as you move through your trip.

What are your Japan Tour Guides like?

As with most Japanese – thoughtful, knowledgeable, and good fun! All our guides are certified by the JTGS (Japan Tour Guide Service) and are enthusiastic, well-experienced, and genuine local experts. They will help you get to monuments before the crowds, unlock the secrets of a hidden neighbourhood, or provide invaluable assistance with general queries – topping up a transport card, getting to the train station, locating a specialist souvenir, or finding out what the local speciality is and which place does it best. We’re also always careful to match guests and guides accordingly: some guides are especially good with families for example, while others have a particular flair for history, food, or hiking.