Destination: Japan

When organizing a Japan tour package, Odyssey meticulously plans travel logistics by incorporating a mix of coach rides and local transportation, such as trains and ferries. The detailed tour itinerary always delineates the specific modes of transport to be utilized. In Japan, a standout feature is its centralized and remarkably vast rail network, prominently highlighted by the Shinkansen bullet train. This high-speed rail system seamlessly connects various towns with major cities, complemented by an exceptionally efficient metro system within the urban hubs. During select Japan tours by Odyssey, the bullet train is often leveraged for intercity travel, especially when journeying towards Southern Japan or pivotal urban centres.

In bustling urban hubs, Odyssey accommodations are carefully chosen for their central locations, typically 3-4 star hotels that offer convenient proximity to public transportation. For serene getaways in quaint villages or rural landscapes, our preference leans towards charming family-operated hotels and cosy guesthouses.

For an Odyssey escorted tour, a team comprising a tour director and adept local guides well-versed in the region guarantees an authentic and seamless experience. This holds true for your Japan tour as well, where a tour director, backed by specialized local guides, facilitates a smooth and enriching guided tour. This setup ensures a perfect Japanese vacation, allowing you to delve deep into the history and culture of the destinations you explore in Japan.

Japan, spanning about 3,600 kilometres from north to south, consists of four main islands – Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu – along with over 6,800 smaller surrounding islands, totalling a land area of 377,907 square kilometres, slightly larger than Germany. The country’s topography is predominantly mountainous, rich with volcanoes, the most iconic being Mount Fuji, towering at 3,776 meters. Although classified as an active volcano, Mount Fuji has remained dormant for over three centuries. Forests cover a significant 66.4% of Japan’s land, while farmland makes up just 13%. Japan is administratively divided into 47 prefectures, experiencing a range of climates from cool temperate in the north to sub-tropical in the south. The overall climate is temperate with distinct seasons and a pre-summer rainy period, receiving annual rainfall between 1,000 to 3,000 millimetres. Visitors to Japan should be prepared for frequent rainfall throughout the year.

Japan is home to an impressive array of 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each site offers a unique and rich cultural experience that is well worth exploring if your schedule allows. Here are just a few standout highlights among these distinguished locations:

• The Horyu-ji Area stands out with its 7th and 8th-century Buddhist monuments, showcasing a significant historical and spiritual legacy.
• The sacred island of Okinoshima, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents a treasure trove of votive objects that provide a glimpse into ancient rituals practiced between the 4th and 9th centuries.
• Yakushima, known for its exceptional temperate rainforest teeming with epiphytes, geophytes, and the legendary Japanese cedar trees, including the ancient ‘Yakusugi’ trees that have thrived for over 1000 years, captivates visitors as another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These sites not only reflect Japan’s diverse cultural and natural heritage but also offer visitors a profound connection to its ancient traditions and stunning landscapes.

Japan’s calendar is brimming with vibrant festivals and events, known as matsuri, that pay homage to religious, cultural, and natural wonders. Among the standout occasions are the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, the Snow Festival, a captivating week-long extravaganza showcasing magnificent snow sculptures and intricate ice carvings, alongside entertaining shows and concerts. The Chichibu Yomatsuri, or Night Festival, is a celebration that venerates the Chichibu shrine through elaborately decorated floats adorned with colorful lamps, some even featuring plays and performances, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display with the floats parading at the City Hall.

An intriguing and unique event is the Saidaji Eyou Matsuri in Okayama, where 10,000 men don traditional loincloths, immerse themselves in cold water, and engage in a spirited competition to seize a pair of sacred sticks thrown from the temple’s pinnacle. The fortunate individual who captures the sticks is believed to be blessed with a year of good fortune and joy.

Notably, Japan’s most renowned event is the arrival of the cherry blossom season, known as sakura, which is ushered in with the beloved tradition of hanami, or flower viewing, often complemented by picnics beneath the resplendent cherry blossom trees during their brief flowering period. Initially linked to spiritual beliefs, these ethereal blossoms now symbolize the transient nature of life, encapsulating a poignant reflection on the passage of time.

• The Tale of Genji by Murusaki Shikibu
• Lost Japan by Alex Kerr
• An Introduction to Japanese Society by Yoshio Sugimoto
• Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Japanese cuisine holds significant allure for travelers, who quickly grasp its integral role in Japanese culture. Rooted in rice and miso, complemented by an array of fish, vegetables, pickles, and sashimi, the traditional culinary landscape captivates visitors. While Odyssey’s small group tours do not focus solely on food, their guides adeptly steer travelers clear of more adventurous Japanese dishes. What often surprises many is the diverse and seasonal nature of Japan’s culinary offerings, varying widely across regions.

Embarking on an escorted tour, participants benefit from the expertise of a tour director who unravels the nuances of Japanese cuisine beyond customary tea ceremonies, enhancing the overall travel experience in Japan. Interestingly, food stands out as a primary driving force for domestic travel among the Japanese populace. Amongst the plethora of regional delights, Okonomiyaki stands out as one of Japan’s most recognized dishes hailing from Hiroshima and Osaka. While fish features prominently in Japanese cuisine, Kobe boasts renowned locally sourced beef, appealing to connoisseurs. Notably, Kobe serves as a haven for those with sweet cravings, diversifying the culinary landscape further. However, Japanese gastronomy transcends mere sustenance, offering immersive experiences alongside delectable flavors.

Japanese dining culture encompasses various styles, from the novelty of kaiten-zushi (sushi trains) to the culinary theatrics of teppanyaki and the specialized establishments offering skewers, ramen, tempura, and sukiyaki. Restaurants in Japan, known for their welcoming ambiance, flavorsome dishes, excellent value, and impeccable cleanliness, epitomize the gastronomic journey awaiting every visitor.

While Japan is renowned for being one of the safest countries globally, visitors should remain vigilant and observant of any uncommon occurrences. In tourist hotspots, you may notice signs cautioning against pickpocketing, underscoring the necessity to closely monitor your belongings continuously.

It’s crucial to note that there is an existing advisory against visiting the vicinity surrounding the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant due to radiation concerns.

Regarding electrical supply, Japan boasts a robust and reliable system, ensuring a consistent power source for residents and travellers alike.

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. Japan accepts plugs of types A and B, and electricity runs at 100V/50-60Hz.