6 trips
Ancient meets urban in Japan, and the extraordinary contrasts blend together effortlessly. From awe-inspiring shrines and temples to neon-lit megacities and mountains that reach out to the sky, experience it all on our Japan group tours. Sample sake, sing your heart out in private karaoke booths, attend tea ceremonies with a geisha, and embrace your inner Samurai as part of your gap year in Japan. The sense of adventure that Japan offers is rare, and no matter how niche your interests are, you’ll feel at home inside this mesmerising destination!
Read more in our Japan Travel Guide.
10 or 14 days from £1,789
5.0 56Explore the Land of the Rising Sun over 10 or 14 days
Join this unforgettable group tour of Japan for the experience of a lifetime! From the neon lit streets of Tokyo to Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and more.
9 or 13 days from £1,279
5.0 18Affordable adventure in the Far East's most intriguing country
Discover Japan's incredible highlights while still on a budget. An epic journey over 9 or 13 days from Tokyo to Osaka or Hiroshima. Includes temple visits, Mount Fuji, snow monkeys, street food tours and more!
17 days from £2,899
5.0 18The best of Japan: temples, sushi, shrines, cities and more!
It's the dream trip to Japan you've been waiting for! Experience this destination's incredible highlights over 17 days, from Tokyo to Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Nara, Hiroshima and more. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
From 38 days from £4,799
5.0 38Tick China, Japan and South Korea off your Asia bucket list
Amazing combo of our best-selling China and Japan trips. See the geisha in Kyoto, marvel at the Terracotta Army, learn sword skills from a Samurai master, and spend a night camping on China's Great Wall!
25 days
from £3,999 £3,599
Explore the highlights of two amazing Asian countries
Looking for bucket-list moments? This trip has them in spades. Look into North Korea from the DMZ, stay in a Buddhist monastery, make sushi in Tokyo, meet geisha in Kyoto and much, much more.
Tokyo is a cultural and culinary powerhouse. Encounter exciting contrasts throughout this megacity, from the swift speed of Shibuya Crossing to the serenity of Senso-ji Temple. Slurp noodles served by robots, or dine at centuries-old establishments. And if you’re an anime fan, then the Pokemon Center and Shuga Shrine stairs are calling your name.
Japan’s highest mountain is the source of legend. This active volcano is a sacred spirit in the Shinto faith and features in Japan’s most iconic artwork, The Great Wave. Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peaks are easily accessible on a guided hike or can be admired from the five lakes and iconic Chureito Pagoda viewpoint.
There is something special about Japan in the spring from March to May. Partake in the tradition of Hanami (“flower viewing”) during Sakura season. With live performances and picnics, Japan’s spring festivals are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travellers. If you miss out on seeing them on your trip to Japan, then it’s a good reason to go back.
Discover old-world Japan in Kyoto. From the Golden Pavilion to the Imperial Palace and Miyama Village, this destination is like stepping into another century. Learn about ancient samurai culture, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and wear a kimono while exploring this ancient capital with a rich history.
Stepping inside the Fushimi-Inari shrine is a one-of-a-kind experience. Take in the enchanting scenery as you wander through 1000 Torii gates, each as vibrant as the next. This magical path whisks you through Mount Inariyama, with the crowds dispersing the higher you hike. You can see Kyoto at the summit and even spot Mount Fuji in the distance!
Towering bamboo shoots, winding paths and captivating soundscapes make this forest one of Japan’s most magical destinations. The endless emerald scenery and tranquil atmosphere are unlike anything you have experienced before. While beautiful photos are taken here, nothing compares to visiting this natural wonder in person.
Befriend the locals inside Japan’s sacred deer sanctuary. Valued as sacred messengers in the Shinto faith, over a thousand Sika deer roam around this charming park. Well-accustomed to photos, the deer confidently approach visitors and are happy to bow in exchange for a rice cracker – sold at the vendors set up around the park.
Symbolic of Japan’s samurai past, Osaka Castle’s origin story is fascinating. This majestic fortress was constructed in celebration of Japan’s unification and has been burned down and rebuilt multiple times throughout history. Today, this ivory castle embellished with gold is a mesmerising contrast to Osaka’s vibrant cityscape.
Only 45 minutes away from Hiroshima is the spectacular island of Miyajima, where you will discover the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine. Built over water, the floating Torii gates transform with the high and low tides. If you have the chance to see this awe-inspiring shrine at sunset, take it.
Japan’s climate varies depending on which area you visit, making this country an exciting all-season destination. While the East and West of Japan both have hot and humid summers, the East experiences heavy snow during the winter. Japan’s southern islands - Kyushu, Amami and Okinawa - have subtropical climates, while the northern island of Hokkaido has freezing winters and refreshing summers.
The best time to visit Japan’s main islands is during the spring from March until May, or in the autumn months of September to November. This is when the weather is cool and dry but still sunny. From the famous Sakura blossom in the spring to the lesser-known red foliage in autumn, Japan’s scenery is especially colourful during these times of year.
Japanese culture is deeply respectful and hierarchical. It is polite to bow to greet someone and to accept gifts with both hands. Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, and try to avoid eating, blowing your nose and loud behaviour while in public. It is customary to show up to events and meetings 5-10 minutes early.
British passport holders can stay in Japan for up to 90 days. You will receive a visa in your passport on arrival and do not need to apply for one before travelling. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. Please note that you will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
We recommend staying up to date with FCDO advice before you go travelling, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change.
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Japan, as it’s regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
Flights to Japan from the UK generally take 14 hours and it is possible to find non-stop flights from London to Tokyo. There are also flight options that include one layover.
While you can generally expect to pay similar prices to the UK while in Japan, it is more than possible to travel around Japan on a budget. There are a tonne of high-quality and cheap restaurants throughout the country, and most of the country’s major attractions can be visited for free.
The cherry blossom season in Japan takes place during the spring. Sakura festivals typically begin around March and finish in May, with the specific dates changing every year with the flowers!
At Gap 360, our biggest priority is ensuring that travellers feel safe and supported on their adventures abroad. Before your departure on our Japan tours, you will have access to our health and safety information with advice for your travels and country fact-files for Japan. You’ll also have access to a 24/7 emergency support number, operated by our UK-based team, to assist you while you're travelling. We always encourage travellers to do their own research before visiting a destination, or if you have any questions, we are just a message or phone call away.
Absolutely! Whether you’re a first-time traveller or looking to explore more of Asia, Japan is an amazing choice for gap year travel. From the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to the exciting modern cities, Japan has an exhilarating blend of activities and scenery. While this destination is worth visiting by itself, you could also add on a tour to South Korea and China for the ultimate East Asia experience!
Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.
Tipping is not customary anywhere in Japan and can be considered impolite.
Japan is a thrilling country of contrasts containing endless discoveries. It is full of culture, whether you want to see the older traditional parts or the new and modern ones! Japan is home to one of the world’s most astounding cities - Tokyo. This city is known for its entertainment, shopping districts, cleanliness and the cityscape. Let's...
Last updated: 12th February 2024
Japan is one of the world’s most magical destinations to explore, and part of that is down to the country’s rich and fascinating cultural heritage. Any trip to Japan is incomplete without visiting at least one sacred site, especially since you’re spoiled for choice with around 80,000 shrines and 75,000 temples to choose from. If you...
Last updated: 13th August 2024
Colourful temples, neon-lit cities and steamy bowls of ramen: Japan’s charm is irresistible. Whether you’re passionate about the culture or want to explore more of Asia, there is so much to see and do in 10 or 14 days in Japan. Let’s dive in! Getting to and Around Japan Tokyo has two international airports, and many...
Last updated: 16th December 2024
Your Recently Viewed Trips
@gap360official | Japan