Japan Tours & Holidays

Japan is a multifaceted country made up of many different cultures, rituals, and traditions influenced by Confucianism (introduced in AD285), Buddhism (introduced in AD552), and Shintoism (Japan’s ritualistic native religion). The rise of technology and international trendsetting has also played a part in the culture of Japan today as the younger generation embraces fashion-forwardness, online personas, and high-tech gadgets.

This is in direct contrast to the Confucian-influenced, old-school Japanese culture that the older generations still live by with a larger emphasis on modesty, respect, and discipline. This can sometimes cause conflict between the two demographics, however, there are still some traditions that are considered sacred regardless of age – tea ceremonies, bowing, kendo, geisha, and sumo.

How to be a respectful traveller in Japan

Etiquette is important to pretty much everyone in Japan, regardless of age or subculture. As a traveller, it can be a little daunting at first, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind (list). 

• Shoes off – it's customary to remove your shoes before entering homes or ryokans. Make sure you pack your best socks!
• Bow back – as a foreigner, no one expects you to bow back, but it is definitely a nice and well-received gesture.
• Let grandma go first – elderly people are very much respected in Japan, and it's customary to allow them to go first when entering buildings or public transport.
• Save the snack – eating on the go is a big no-no in Japan. Aside from the immediate area around street food carts, you should avoid eating in public (non-restaurant) spaces.

Japan has had an interesting past with its ancient history, pre-modern history, and 20th-century history all influencing the country we all know and love today.

Ancient history

While there is evidence the archipelago has been occupied by humans for around 35,000 years, what we know now as ‘Japan’ began to take shape about 1700 years ago as disparate tribes started to unify.

Pre-modern history

Over the centuries, Japan has alternated between feudal, empirical, religious and government rule, with each period birthing different styles of art, architecture and spirituality. Buddhism and Confucianism, introduced in 552 BC and AD 285 respectively, both proved massively influential on the class structures and governance of pre-modern Japan.

20th century

It’s difficult to discuss the emergence of modern Japan without talking about WWII. During the war, the Empire of Japan used aggressive military tactics in an attempt to expand its reach and control in Asia and elsewhere. In response, the US Army instigated a strategic bombing campaign that included the notorious use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The result of these attacks was mass human and structural devastation.

These bombings, along with depleted armed forces and the looming threat of invasion from the Soviet Union, led the Empire of Japan to surrender unconditionally to the Allies in September 1945.

The ‘Empire of Japan’ became ‘Japan’ as part of the extensive terms of surrender, and the nation faced the prospect of rebuilding and reinventing itself in the second half of the 20th century.    

Today

After WWII, Japan found its feet operating as a free-market economy based around the manufacture and export of automobiles and electronics, experiencing particularly rapid growth between 1960 and the late 1980s. The late 20th century saw the country emerge as an economic superpower and with that came the flourishing of several cultural sectors such as the arts and cuisine. 

Food lovers, including vegetarians and vegans, will be more than satisfied with the variety and quality of Japanese cuisine. With a focus on fresh, seasonal produce that is prepared meticulously and presented beautifully, dining in Japan is a memorable experience.

Must-try dishes and drinks in Japan

1. Sake
   Consumed for centuries, this fermented rice wine is usually served in small cups and is drunk at restaurants and bars as well as during ceremonial rituals and special occasions. Sake has quite a high alcohol content – you've been warned.
2. Sushi and sashimi
   As an island nation, Japan has an abundance of seafood to sample. Try fresh sushi and sashimi made with tuna, salmon, squid, eel or octopus, served with soy, ginger and wasabi, prepared carefully by a sushi chef.
3. Vending machine munchies
   Japan has more vending machines per capita than anywhere else in the world. With ice cream, instant ramen, cold beer, sake and hot meals all available, you can’t leave Tokyo without trying at least one vending machine snack
4. Green tea
   Cleansing, refreshing and packed with antioxidants, green tea is simply known as ‘tea’ or ‘ocha’ in Japan. A traditional Japanese tea ceremony is an experience not to be missed and a great way to try a few varieties of green tea.
5. Ramen
   This tasty, salty broth of noodles and meat comes in many different flavours and regional varieties. Sit and indulge at a ramen restaurant or slurp down a bowl at a market or karaoke hall.
6. Meat-free morsels, monk-style
   Even if you identify as a carnivore, the vegetarian (sometimes vegan) lunches and dinners served in temples are an experience you don’t want to miss.
7. Okonomiyaki
   The savoury pancake known as okonomiyaki may well end up being your new favourite dish. Batter layered with cabbage, cheese, sauce and other toppings and grilled to perfection, these babies are also the perfect hangover food.

Plant-based options

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in Japan but can be a little tricky to figure out as an English-speaking visitor. Dishes are sometimes seasoned with dried fish or egg that isn’t listed on the menu.

Some (generally) safe dishes to look out for in standard restaurants are eggplant or bamboo nigiri, tempura vegetables, natto rolls, kappa maki (cucumber rolls), oshinko maki (Kyoto-style pickled vegetable rolls) and mushroom nigiri.

Travelling with a local who speaks the language makes this all a lot easier. If you travel with Intrepid, you’ll have a local leader who can help you decipher menus and recommend good plant-based choices.

Read more about what to eat in Japan

Read more about what to drink in Japan

Japan is an archipelago of more than 6000 islands located in the Pacific Ocean in Asia. The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. Lying on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is prone to destructive earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity.

Japan has plenty of forested, mountainous terrain that is unsuitable for agriculture and development, so much of the population lives in the coastal cities. This has led Japan to become one of the most densely populated countries in the world and the majority of its inhabitants are used to living in very small spaces, with a heavy reliance on public transport.

Although life is fast-paced and crowded in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, rural areas typically feature low-density, traditional housing and a slower pace of life surrounded by greenery such as lush forests and plenty of moss-covered boulders. 

Shopping in Japan is fun but expensive, so be sure to have a budget for souvenirs planned in advance! In cities like Tokyo, there are loads of quirky stores and funky galleries showcasing the works of independent fashion designers and gadget creators. From the outlandish to the kitsch, you're guaranteed to find loads of colourful clothing and edgy art that you won't be able to find elsewhere. 

If you’re planning to bring back leaf tea or any other perishable or edible items, it's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand, in particular, have strict quarantine laws.

What to buy

1. Kimonos
   This quintessential Japanese souvenir looks great hung on the wall as an interesting decorative piece. If you plan on wearing one, make sure you do so respectfully and learn the correct way to fold the garment.
2. Paper lanterns, kites and fans
   Japanese paper goods make great, relatively inexpensive souvenirs. Choose from high-quality, traditionally-made kites or delicate rice paper lanterns.
3. Electronics
   Shops in Japan are bursting with the latest tech gadgets. Just be sure to check that they are compatible for use at home.
4. Fashion
   Have fun with the amazing diversity of popular street culture fashion available in Japan. Vibrant, brash and sometimes bizarre – find something that no one back at home will be wearing.
5. Anime and manga paraphernalia
   Another inexpensive gift option, even for people who can’t read Japanese. Pick up a book, magazine, t-shirt or print from one of Japan’s many anime and manga stores.

If you want an adventure with a point of difference, consider planning your travels to coincide with these popular festive events in Japan. 

Sapporo Winter Festival

Held every February since 1950, this festival features hundreds of statues and ice sculptures, snow slides and mazes, regional food and artistic performances. Winter in Japan is truly amazing, and the Sapporo Winter Festival is a magical way to celebrate.

Hadaka Matsuri

Head to Okayama to watch thousands of men wearing nothing but loincloths vie to touch the chosen 'naked man'. It may look like a bizarre male-bonding exercise but it's actually a historic cleansing ritual dating back thousands of years. Dates change yearly.

Fuji Rock Festival

Held annually in the stunning surroundings of the Naeba Ski Resort, this outdoor music festival is huge and draws in big-name acts and local bands Thousands of music lovers flock to Naeba for three days of camping, music and partying in the summer months. 

Read more about festivals in Japan

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to smarttraveller.gov.au

From Canada?

Go to travel.gc.ca

From the UK?

Go to fco.gov.uk

From New Zealand?

Go to safetravel.govt.nz

From the USA?

Go to travel.state.gov

From South Africa?

Go to gov.za

From China?

Go to 12301.cn

The World Health Organization also provides useful health information. Go to who.int for more details.

Read more about safe travel in Japan

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Japan adventure, check out these books:

• The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle – Haruki Murakami
• Sembazuru – Yasunari Kawabata
• Moshi Moshi – Banana Yoshimoto
• Goodnight Punpun – Inio Asano
• Okinawa Notes – Kenzaburo Oe
•  A History of Japan – George Sansom
• Embracing Defeat – John W Dower