Guntu, Seto Inland Sea
Dreaming of a private exploration of Japan’s Inland Sea? A private, luxurious floating adventure, undisturbed by any except the local sea... Read more
Japan is as unique as it is beautiful.
The archipelago of islands, known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is a place where ancient and modern collide. Where a tranquil Shinto shrine sits sandwiched between cloud-piercing urban skyscrapers. And where ladies draped in decorative silk kimonos wait to board bullet trains. The contradictions are illuminating, exciting and inviting.
Feel the vibrant urban pulse of Tokyo where neon-lit skyscrapers are juxtaposed against Edo-period palaces and shrines. Turn back time in Kyoto where the mysterious Geisha culture blends into a backdrop of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and World Heritage Sites. In Osaka, sample lip-smacking street food and in Hiroshima, pay your respects at the Memorial Peace Park and Museum. Discover onsen resorts around Hakone and marvel at the snow-clad peak of iconic Mt Fuji. And revel in the art and architecture of Kanazawa and Naoshima Island. Right across the country, enjoy authentic local insight and exclusive access to people and places. There’s something to captivate even the most well-travelled on an A&K journey in Japan.
Decades of in-country expertise means our Journey Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. Piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure or find them in our featured journeys.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Japan is a destination that is simply enthralling, offering an entrancing mix of ancient tradition and the ultra-modern.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Japan is highly regarded for its wealth of both traditional and modern arts and crafts and on this journey you’ll experience the full spectrum.
Cruises
Explore Japan’s coastal cities, mesmerising gardens and spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Private Jet Journeys
Travel on a globe-spanning adventure that brings you up close with the true wonder of the world: its incredibly diverse wildlife, from the placid whal...
Small Group Journeys
Explore two vastly different and evolving national legacies — each steeped in rich heritage and tradition — and each poised on the cutting edge of tom...
Small Group Journeys
Discover the incredible breadth of Japan’s culture and history, from the contemporary flair of Tokyo to the charms of traditional Kyoto, visiting hist...
Tailor-Made Journeys
An intriguing blend of modern and ancient, efficient and eclectic, rural and urban, Japan offers unique activities and experiences which can be specia...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Dine on the freshest seafood, sip the warmest whiskeys, and explore 2000 years of Northern Japanese history before taking to the snow-covered mountain...
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
Decades of in-country expertise means our Journey Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. Piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure or find them in our featured journeys.
The geisha tradition is a living culture and is as relevant today as it was in 19th century Japan. You can gain fascinating insight into its mysterious customs, attending a magical performance in Kyoto. Savour traditional Japanese cuisine while an attending geiko and maiko dance, sing, pour sake and converse about their intriguing lives.
Jump onboard a high-performance snowmobile. Experienced guides will take you romping through lush forest and snow-covered pastures to see breathtaking views of the Niseko range. This is a safe activity for beginners, with plenty of time to practise first and lots of stops to catch your breath.
The innumerable incarnations of Japan’s national beverage are celebrated throughout the world for their infinitely diverse flavour profiles. Put your palate to the test as you sample a flight of sakes handpicked from the 41 breweries on offer at Tokyo’s Meishu Centre, led on your flavour journey with a local expert.
Wander through timeless forests, explore lava caves and bathe in the serene hot springs Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Home to Japan’s most iconic peak, witness the majesty of the immense Mt. Fuji and discover a kaleidoscope of panoramic landscapes.
Sumo is Japan's national sport and a national obsession. Experience it up close on a visit to a sumo stable. Watch a morning training session and gain incredible insight into the centuries’ old sport seeing the athletes’ living and training quarters and understanding the years of strict training and discipline that is demanded.
Understand the history behind an icon of traditional Kyoto culture, the kimono. Explore the finer points of these silken works of art as you join a local craftsperson in a ceremonial kimono wearing. Learn the intricacies of wearing this beautiful layered garment secured around the waist with a silk obi.
Bed down in time-honoured Japanese fashion in a ryokan (traditional inn). Follow age-old traditions on entering, removing shoes, sipping tea and changing for dinner into a yukata (robe). Savour an exquisitely plated kaiseki meal on a tatami mat before slipping into your handcrafted futon for a sound night’s sleep.
Explore this time-honoured cultural institution which has been elevated to an art form as a local expert reveals the finer points of serving and enjoying a traditional Japanese tea ceremony within the tranquil surroundings of a serene Kyoto temple.
Dreaming of a private exploration of Japan’s Inland Sea? A private, luxurious floating adventure, undisturbed by any except the local sea... Read more
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World the spectacular Palace Hotel in Tokyo with its excellent location is the perfect base to expl... Read more
The sublime Gora Kadan is situated in the striking Hakone National Park. The former retreat of the Kanin-no-miya imperial family, the Gor... Read more
Japan flourishes throughout the year with three standout seasons to travel.
The peak travel season coincides with hanami – cherry blossom viewing – from late March to April. Streets, laneways, canals, parks and gardens burst with pink petals and the alluring scent of spring. Bookings for this time of year should be made well in advance.
Autumn foliage is another major drawcard from mid-November to early December. Golden ginkgo trees brighten boulevards. The indisputable king of autumn, the maple, glows in every toasty hue from city parks to mountain forests. Both spring and autumn bring mild temperatures with little rainfall and clear skies.
Japan is also beautiful in winter, where temples, gardens and towns glisten under freshly fallen snow. If you wish to hit the slopes as part of your Japanese journey, December through to March is the best time to travel.
Abercrombie & Kent’s love for Asia began in the 1970s and has grown stronger since those pioneering journeys. A&K has more than a dozen offices across Asia, including one in Japan, with hundreds of travel experts on the ground who are ready to turn your travel dreams into unforgettable experiences. We pride ourselves on crafting journeys that take you into the heart and soul of destinations in extraordinary style and comfort and we cover all parts of Japan from the four main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu) to the southerly Ryukyu Islands.
Our dedicated team of experts know and love their country, and are poised to bring you the best that Japan has to offer whether you’re looking to explore with your family, partner or going solo on luxury small group journeys, private tours, expedition cruises and exclusive private jet journeys.