Wooden bridge in the autumn trees in Kyoto, Japan.
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Japan Vacation Ideas

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
<p>Japan vacation ideas abound with immersive ambiance and unique experiences that span ancient traditions and futuristic design. From timeless temples to secluded hot springs, the spirit of artisan crafts to the incredibly intricate cuisine, life in Japan focuses on the beauty of little details. Zicasso travel specialists can design a personalized trip according to your interests to personalize every moment. Discover more opportunities and ideas with our sample itineraries to inspire your Japan vacation.</p>

Japan vacation ideas abound with immersive ambiance and unique experiences that...

Japan vacation ideas abound with immersive ambiance and unique experiences that span ancient traditions and futuristic design. From timeless temples to secluded hot springs, the spirit of artisan crafts to the incredibly intricate cuisine, life in Japan focuses on the beauty of little details. Zicasso travel specialists can design a personalized trip according to your interests to personalize every moment. Discover more opportunities and ideas with our sample itineraries to inspire your Japan vacation.

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

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    Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

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    Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Skyline of Tokyo with Mount Fuji in Japan

Tokyo Tour to Remember: Sushi to Go-Carts

Places Visited: Tokyo 
Places Visited: Tokyo 

8 Day Custom Tour

From $5,600

Heritage and modernity: Buddhist temples against the backdrop of a metropolis, Tokyo, Japan

Japan Through the Eras Tour: Iconic Traditions to Neon Lights

Places Visited: Kyoto, Hiroshima +6 more
Places Visited: Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kanazawa, Takayama +3 more

15 Day Custom Tour

From $9,800

Deer walking around Nara Park in Nara, Japan

Essential Japan Family Tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Oksaka, and More

Places Visited: Tokyo, Toyama +5 more
Places Visited: Tokyo, Toyama, Nara, Kyoto, Osaka +2 more

14 Day Custom Tour

From $9,100

Osaka Castle in Japan

Shogun Inspired Heritage & Traditions of Japan Tour

Places Visited: Tokyo, Takayama +6 more
Places Visited: Tokyo, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto +3 more

10 Day Custom Tour

From $7,500

Ryokan appetizer dishes

Flavors of Japan: 10-Day Private Culinary Tour

Places Visited: Tokyo, Kanazawa +10 more
Places Visited: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Higashi Chaya, Gokayama, Shirakawa-go +7 more

10 Day Custom Tour

From $6,500

Landmark of Japan - Torii Gate on Miyajima Island

Best of Japan Itinerary in Seven Days

Places Visited: Tokyo, Shinjuku +18 more
Places Visited: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Harajuku +15 more

7 Day Custom Tour

From $4,600

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Japan Kyoto Temple Daigo ji Japan

A Family Friendly Japan Tour: A Lifetime of Memories

Places Visited: Kyoto, Hiroshima +7 more
Places Visited: Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Osaka, Kanazawa +4 more

14 Day Custom Tour

From $9,700

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

  1. 1

    Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

  2. 2

    Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

  3. 3

    Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

More About Our Japan Vacation Ideas

How to Plan a Trip to Japan: Frequently Asked Questions
Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, open air museum, in Oshino Hakkai
How to Plan a Trip to Japan: Frequently Asked Questions

A trip to Japan is an opportunity to immerse yourself in culture and cinematic regions, with these answers to common questions helping you to do so.

With snowfall on Mount Fuji, imperial palaces flanked by landscaped gardens, and temples honoring ancient Japanese architecture, Japan shares natural wonders and is culturally inspiring. By exploring this guide, you will learn more about what the country is known for and what to expect when you visit.

Whether you want to discover the best time to do so or find out what food to try, here are the most important travel questions answered and additional tips.

Read More    >
Best Time to Visit Japan
Spring cherry blossoms at Taiseki-ji Temple with Mt. Fuji in the background
Best Time to Visit Japan

The best time to visit Japan is from March to May and October to November, when the cherry trees bloom or there are fewer crowds in travel hotspots.

Your experience will depend on your goals, whether you are looking to see the cherry blossoms, enjoy the celebrated cuisine, experience cultural heritage, or step out into rural areas. Each season possesses different charms and characteristics, revealing modern culture or conserved customs.

Our guide explores why Japan has become a great year-round destination, offering ideas for every month therein, depending on your travel preferences.

Read More    >
Japan Travel Guide
Main gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, Japan
Japan Travel Guide

The secrets of Japan are endless.

The country is an ancient enigma and with our Japan Travel Guide you will get the location recommendations, experiences, location and inspiration to unlock it.

Discover the roots of a remarkable culture, a world-famous cuisine, thriving metropolises, and serene countrysides when you plan with the best. Connect with a travel specialist today to learn everything you need to know for the ultimate vacation.

Read More    >
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan
Fuji mountain and Chureito Pagoda with cherry blossoms at sunset, Japan
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan

From exploring Japanese tradition at heritage sites to indulging in its culinary legacy, the top things to do in Japan will introduce you to the country’s unique charm and character.

Japan is a spectacular destination, with immersive experiences that feel timeless, either steeped in the modern world or representing preserved ancient tradition. Tokyo’s vivacious energy differs from Kyoto’s relaxed pace, but both cities reveal endless connections to contemporary culture, inviting travelers to experience the country’s best activities.

The following information will guide you to what to do in Japan depending on your expectations and how you would like to explore the country.

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8 Best Places to Visit in Japan
Hiroshima Castle in Japan
8 Best Places to Visit in Japan

From Tokyo’s neon-lit neighborhoods and famous Shibuya Crossing to Kyoto’s golden temple and historic shrines, the best places to visit in Japan reveal a lively, modern atmosphere or preserved heritage.

The spirit of Japan rises from the contrasting visions of futuristic cities and antique temples, and across the pristine countryside to the unique cuisines of each region. Whether exploring the art exhibitions of Naoshima Island or developing a clearer understanding of the history of Hiroshima, each iconic place offers something new and exciting.

The following guide on the best places to travel to in Japan offers a framework for experiencing the architecture, cuisine, artwork, and tourist attractions on your custom trip.

Read More    >

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.84 stars based on 676 reviews.

Japan Travel Review: Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Sushi, Ryokan,...

Our trip to Japan was well planned and well thought out. Zicasso's travel designer made us feel very well taken care of. We are grateful to the travel designer for his effort in putting together this wonderful trip for us. We loved interacting with our excellent guides. Their expertise truly enhanced our experiences. All our travel assistants were extremely helpful and very thoughtful.

Reviewed By Alok G.

Japan Vacation Review: Local Cuisine, Drumming and Samurai...

Yet another fantastic family trip, courtesy of a Zicasso partner! My family of six just returned from our 10-day trip to Japan, as coordinated with Zicasso's travel company, and we have nothing but wonderful stories and memories to report!

Our agent arranged every detail to perfection, from transportation to guides to activities. All four kids and both parents had a fantastic experience. The guides he selected were incredibly knowledgeable and personable, and the hotels and transportation were spot on. I have nothing to say but that it was a seamless, A+ experience.

Thank you to our agent and travel companyI!

Reviewed By Sara G.

Japan Vacation Review: Private Guides and Driver, 8 Nights...

Our travel expert was professional, accurate, timely, and patient. It was wonderful working with her. Zicasso really made creating a customized itinerary effortless.

Reviewed By Suzy A.

Japan Travel Review: Tokyo, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Mount Inari,...

Zicasso's travel designer had less than three months to bring an amazing trip to life. Our goal was to experience the history, art, culture, and people of Japan. Mission accomplished!

There were so many highlights shared by our exceptional guides and drivers, who felt like friends and family by the trip's end. Some experiences surprised us with their creativity, joy, and value (slapstick sumo skits in Tokyo, the samurai sword experience, sushi class, open-air and Venetian glass museums in Hakone, and especially the Himeji Castle master carpenter tutorial). Though in our late 70s, walking five to seven miles per day and climbing 766-oot sacred Mount Inari weren't an issue.

The veracity of this review is paramount... the only experience we would forgo was spelunking (crawling) in the cold, wet lava cave, as in our ignorance, we were out of our element. We found joints we did not know we had! We are focused on collecting memories, not things. This fabulous trip achieved that goal. Thank you!

Reviewed By William H.

Japan Vacation Review: Public Baths, Shrines, Ryokans, 10...

I was very pleased with our trip, the accommodations, and the personal touch. Zicasso's travel specialist was excellent and even when we had some hiccups during the trip, he was there to make an adjustment. I was very pleased. Some really nit-picky tips for future travelers from out of town.

The Shinkansen is a fun ride and everyone should do it. However, when you need multiple tickets at a time, remind the passenger that you put all the tickets into the ticket turnstile at one time, not individually.

We had to visit in July, but I think the best time to visit Japan would be in the three other seasons because of the heat and humidity (with the exception of Hokkaido).

There are still some places that need cash, like public baths etc. I would carry a little on you. Also, visiting the public baths was one of the truly authentic Japanese experiences we had. If a traveler is into the authentic experience, don't underestimate that experience.

You can get "shrined out." They are great and we appreciated every one. We even caught a monk actively praying at a fairly remote one, which was tremendous. I'm not sure if it's possible to know approximate times, but seeing this happen as a traveler was immensely gratifying. It was 6.30am on a Saturday. So if there is a way to figure out an approximate schedule, you will have elevated your travel game above all the rest. It would be a differentiator for you.

Letting travelers know about the bento boxes and grab-and-go foods is a plus. I was so impressed by them and that info should be shared with every traveler, especially the kiddos.

The Japanese do some things really well and a side list of them might be helpful for tours. For example, we stopped for some anime magazines, kitchen knives, street food, and a baseball game, baths, and hot springs. I'd lean into this and provide some lists for people to pick from, especially the kitchen knives.

Explain the concept of luggage forwarding and the approximate costs. It's a uniquely Japanese thing, and it's awesome and affordable, but needs some getting used to.

Google Translate and the app to read the signs (I forgot its name) is a must. Share the links early and often.

I have so many more ideas, but we will start there. I hope it helps.

Reviewed By Matthew F.

Japan Travel Review: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Miyajima, 17-Day Trip...

Zicasso's travel agent was absolutely fantastic! She created a trip of a lifetime! Furthermore, when our plans changed or we needed something, she was there and helped with ease. We would work with her again, and Zicasso, in a heartbeat.

Reviewed By Erica M.