Tailor-Made Japan Trips with Local Experts | Rough Guides

Q: What does a trip to Japan look like?

A Japan trip usually starts in Tokyo , a neon-soaked city where high-tech meets tradition, before heading to Kyoto for its ancient temples and peaceful gardens. Osaka brings street food and nightlife, while Hiroshima offers moving history and leafy parks. You might soak in a hot spring near Mount Fuji or catch the snow in Hokkaido . Looking for something quieter? Try Kanazawa’s samurai district or Naoshima’s avant-garde art museums. Every Japan itinerary is crafted around you, the big names, and the backroads.

Q: Can I customize my Japan trip?

Absolutely. Every Rough Guides journey is tailor-made, meaning your trip moves at your pace. Love food? We'll focus on izakayas and markets. More into nature? Think hikes in the Japanese Alps or cycling on Shimanami Kaido. You choose the regions, style, and focus. Then our local experts build your Japan trip around your interests, with insider recommendations and seamless logistics, from boutique stays to private guides.

Q: How far in advance should I start planning?

We recommend starting at least 3 to 6 months before your travel dates, even earlier if you're eyeing cherry blossom season or festivals like Gion Matsuri. Japan's hotels and trains can book out fast, but tailor-made travel gives you more flexibility. The earlier you plan your trip to Japan , the better the options, and our local experts help you make the most of them.

Q: Is it more expensive to book Rough Guides tailor-made travel?

Not really. Prices are similar to planning it yourself, but you get better value. Our local experts know which ryokans are worth the splurge, which ramen spots are tourist traps, and how to avoid the crowds. You also get pre-vetted accommodations, local insight, and 24/7 support while you travel. It’s smarter, safer, and more efficient.

Q: Who are the Japan local experts?

Our Japan specialists live in-country and know it inside out. They're the kind of people who know which festival is worth changing your route for, or how to find the quietest spot to see Mount Fuji. They’ll help you balance the famous sights with authentic experiences, ensuring your trip feels personal, not packaged. Start planning your Japan trip with a local expert today.

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A trip to Japan is a thrilling mix of hyper-modern cities, serene temples, bullet trains, and steaming onsen. You'll hit highlights like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Mount Fuji, while also discovering lesser-known gems such as Kanazawa and art-filled Naoshima.

With Rough Guides' tailor-made travel in Japan, everything is taken care of, no stress, no guesswork. Local experts design each trip around what you love, no matter if that’s sushi and street food, ancient shrines, or hiking through Hokkaido. You’ll travel deeper, smarter, and without the hassle.

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Things to know before your Japan trip

What does a trip to Japan look like?−

A Japan trip usually starts in Tokyo, a neon-soaked city where high-tech meets tradition, before heading to Kyoto for its ancient temples and peaceful gardens. Osaka brings street food and nightlife, while Hiroshima offers moving history and leafy parks. You might soak in a hot spring near Mount Fuji or catch the snow in Hokkaido.

Looking for something quieter? Try Kanazawa’s samurai district or Naoshima’s avant-garde art museums. Every Japan itinerary is crafted around you, the big names, and the backroads.