Japan
Japanese cherry blossoms-sakura-are named for the Princess
Kono-han-sakuya-ime (tree-flower-blooming-princess), who, according
to legend, dropped from heaven onto a cherry tree. As a national
love affair with a long history, cherry blossom time is observed
with almost religious zeal. Japan under the trees of whispy pink
cherry blossom trees, the Japanese eat picnic lunches, drink sake,
view the cherry blossom flowers, and have a merry time. Autumn is
another beautiful time in Japan. Our regular programmes occur in
fall, as well as our Festivals and Theatres tour that includes the
Meiji Jingu at Tokyo's main Shinto shrine, the Daimyo Goretsu
Festival in Hakone, and the spectacular temples and shrines at
Kyoto, Nikko, and Koya-san, where we stay at a Buddhist temple.
Traveller Testimonial:
Just wanted to tell you that the trip to Japan was wonderful! I can't praise
[Tour Leader] Steven enough for his knowledge of the country and its history, as
well as his organizational abilities. We saw so many great and wonderful things;
some of my favorites were the temple of Hokokuji and the bamboo gardens, the outdoor
sculpture gardens of Hakone, the incredible shrines and temples, and not to forget
the Tsukijii fish market!
-Lynn Walker
Japan Food: Japanese cuisine involves very subtle flavours - fresh
crisp vegetables and an absence of richness. Specialties include
teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/fish served on a hot plate);
sukiyaki (thin slices of beef, bean curd and vegetables cooked in
soy sauce and then dipped in egg); tempura (deep fried seafood and
vegetables); sushi (slices of raw seafood placed on lightly-vinegared
rice ball); and sashimi (slices of raw seafood dipped in soy sauce).
Breakfasts on our Japan tours will be simple, with a combination of
Western and Japanese items - breads, fruit, pickles, rice, black and
/or green tea and coffee.
Local beverages are plentiful in Japan, including beers and sake, a
strong rice wine served warm.
Restaurants chosen for our evening meals may have table service or
raised floor seating where it is customary to remove footware.
Dining out in Japan is part of the overall cultural experience as
great emphasis is placed on presentation, ritual, and service.
Though the meals provided will be predominantly Japanese, there will
always be variety of dishes offered (ie don't worry, Japanese food
is much more than just raw fish). Western dishes may be available,
but please note that these will likely be Japanese versions of
Western food, and not necessarily what you are expecting.
Japan Tours - View our date and prices
Traveller Testimonial:
The different temples, parks, mansions, museums etc visited could not have been
improved on. The volcanoes and mountains all added to the wonderful diversity of places
visited. Being in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and seeing the War Memorials was special. They
epitomize man's inhumanity to man. We have spoken to many friends regarding this
trip/experience and the first points we mention are 'how civilised the Japanese people
are' and 'how safe it is to travel there'. We also mention 'Adventures Abroad'.
-Gordon and Doreen Hambrook Tour JP2: Japan By Rail
Japan is separated from the Asian mainland by 160 km (100 mi) of
sea. About 70% of the country is covered by hills and mountains, a
number of which are active or dormant volcanoes. A series of
mountain ranges run from northern Hokkaido to southern Kyushu. The
Japanese-Alps (the most prominent range) run in a north-south
direction through central Honshu. The highest mountain is Mount Fuji
at 3776 m (12,388 ft). Lowlands and plains are small and scattered,
mostly lying along the coast and composed of alluvial lowlands and
alluvial uplands. The coastline is very long in relation to the land
area, and has very varied features. The deeply indented bays with
good natural harbours tend to be adjacent to mountainous terrain.Check out
our Japan Tours to see all sides of the country!
Traveller Testimonial:
This Adventures Abroad tour offered the most comprehensive itinerary for Japan
that I have ever come across. I have been waiting to go to Japan for years and
was delighted to find this trip itinerary. The tour was fantastic, well organized,
great opportunities for connection with local culture and transportation was great on
the bullet trains. The food was incredible and diverse and for me the highlights would
include visiting cultural sites (temples, castles, Geisha theatre dance in Kyoto) and
experiencing spiritual aspects of Japanese culture in the Zen Gardens.
-Catherine Coulthard Tour JP2: Japan By Rail
Weather: Both Spring and early Autumn tours can expect warm to hot
temperatures with moderate humidity. April dates can expect daytime
high temperatures of about 23-26 C (74-78 F), with chilly mornings
and evenings. Humidity is higher for our early Fall (Sep/Oct)
departures, with temperatures ranging from 25-30 C (78-86 F).
Our later Fall Festival Tour (ZJF) will experience much cooler
temperatures in some locations (ie 12-15 C / 50 - 60 F in Osaka; 5 -
10 C / 40 - 50 F in Hakone and Kyoto), and especially in mountain (ie
Koya-san, which can have snow in November!) and seaside regions (Sado
Island).
Rain showers can occur at any time, though their likelihood
decreases the later we get into the Fall.
The 'Land of the Rising Sun' comprises more than 3,000 islands sprinkled across the mighty Pacific Ocean and though it is inferior in size to many a country, it certainly packs a lot within its borders. Not only is it one of the most populous and densely populated countries in the world, but Japan also offers travellers a huge spectrum of variety of attraction and experience, so much so that it's often difficult to fit it all in under a time constraint. It is a land of glistening skyscrapers and lush greenery on mountainsides, co-existing traditional and modern lifestyles, intermingling cultures and highly hospitable people. Our Japan tours are the ideal way to cover the many historic and cultural facets and sights and with us, you'll soon discover for yourself why Japan remains among the top tour destinations for travellers.
The 'Land of the Rising Sun' comprises more than 3,000 islands sprinkled across the mighty Pacific Ocean and though it is inferior in size to many a country, it certainly packs a lot within its borders. Not only is it one of the most populous and densely populated countries in the world, but Japan also offers travellers a huge spectrum of variety of attraction and experience, so much so that it's often difficult to fit it all in under a time constraint. It is a land of glistening skyscrapers and lush greenery on mountainsides, co-existing traditional and modern lifestyles, intermingling cultures and highly hospitable people. Our Japan tours are the ideal way to cover the many historic and cultural facets and sights and with us, you'll soon discover for yourself why Japan remains among the top tour destinations for travellers.
Our incredible Asia tours venture through a land of superlatives. Asia, the largest and most populous continent on Earth, is home to the world’s tallest peaks, its longest rivers, its deepest lakes, its oldest civilisations and its most fascinating traditional cultures, all of which combined make it a tough destination to match in terms of pure scope. Embarking on our tours of Asia finds travellers treading memorable paths through a continent whose grandness, in a number of senses, is without equal; Asia tours never fail to make a huge impact.