Does it sometimes feel like those places you’ve always dreamed of visiting are very far away? Not just geographically – does it feel like your dream destinations have a tendency to be so far-flung and dreamy that it can feel like you’ll never be able to explore all of them enough? That you’ll never have the time away from your everyday life to experience those bucket-list countries the way they deserve?
Travellers often feel this way with countries as historic, varied, and beautiful as Japan. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re planning a trip to this amazing country – do you focus on the temples? The modern cities? The stunning, serene nature?
That’s where INTRO Travel comes in. When you travel with an organized tour operator like Intro, you’re able to experience the best of your destination in a shorter amount of time, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Sound too good to be true? With INTRO Travel’s expert guides, amazing excursions, and meticulous planning, you’ll be able to experience the beauty of Japan as it’s meant to be experienced.
When to visit Japan
Japan is located in the Northern Hemisphere, which means the country’s cold months are from December until March, while the summer is June until September. No matter what time of year you visit Japan, you’ll always be able to find something special – if you don’t mind a little snow, winter can be a beautiful time to visit!
If you’re looking for those iconic Japanese cherry blossoms, time your visit with the spring, generally from late March until May – but keep in mind that you may find yourself spending more money and dealing with larger crowds than you would if you travel during an off-peak season! The fall, from September to November, is another excellent time to visit; not only will you enjoy less rain, but the country’s trees are also set ablaze in their gorgeous autumn colours.
How to spend two weeks in Japan
Visit the cities
Here’s the thing about Japan’s cities: of course you’ve heard of them. Of course, you’ve fantasized about joining Tokyo’s cosmopolitan hustle and bustle, or finding inner peace in Kyoto. But when you’re actually there, the cities take on a whole new meaning – especially when you’re travelling with INTRO Travel. Start your journey in Tokyo, where the sleek and modern beautifully contrasts with the ancient and traditional. Here, you’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, the world’s busiest intersection, and have a chance to shop in the city’s world-famous Harajuku district.
Osaka is another can’t-miss city in Japan, especially for those travellers who like to brush up on their culture along with getting to know a city’s nightlife – spend the morning exploring the 400-year-old Osaka Castle, and the evening dancing the night away!
Take in some culture
What’s the best way to explore a new country? By eating your way through it, of course! Visit Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, a bustling market that was once the largest in the world, and top the day off with a sushi-making lesson from a sushi master who has studied the art of sushi for years.
And what’s a visit to Japan without some sake? Visit Nagano for sips of locally-brewed sake and a tour of a brewery, and learn all about this iconic Japanese rice wine.
Of course, there’s more to Japan’s culture scene than their delicious food and drink, and if you’re spending two weeks here there’s so much to discover. When you have a limited amount of time to spend in Japan, it’s important to know where the best cultural sites are – not only in terms of historic and spiritual relevance, but also those hidden gem spots you may not have known about. INTRO Travel is about more than exploring temples – it’s about creating experiences that you’ll never forget. Why simply visit Koyasan Temple, a 1000-year-old Buddhist Temple in Koyasan, when you could spend the night there?
Embrace nature
Some people are surprised to learn that Japan is an incredible nature destination, while others can’t imagine visiting the country without taking in some of that amazing natural beauty! No matter where you fall on the spectrum and no matter what kind of experience you’re looking to have in Japan, getting in touch with the natural world here is an absolute must-do.
What’s a visit to Japan without an encounter with the famous Snow Monkeys? These adorable Japanese macaques can be found swinging from trees overhead if you visit in the summer, but if you’re lucky enough to experience Japan in the winter, get ready for cuteness overload: the Snow Monkeys love nothing more than a quick dip in natural hot springs to escape the cold!
For shutterbugs and Instagram-addicts alike, there are so many opportunities for some amazing photography in Japan. Visit Hakone for incredible views of the towering Mount Fuji, and then allow yourself to be transported to a different world with a visit to the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama.
If Japan is your dream, there’s no better time to explore it than the present, and there’s no better operator to visit with than INTRO Travel. When you’re far from home (or looking to explore a more familiar place in a completely unique way), you want to make sure you’re taking advantage of every new opportunity you come across, and sometimes opportunities only present themselves when you’re on a group tour, travelling with your new best friends under the careful guidance of someone who knows the absolute best places to go.
If you’re interested in experiencing Japan with INTRO Travel, or you’d like to check out some of their other amazing itineraries around the world, check out their tours here.
What are your can’t-miss spots in Japan?
