japan group tours

Solo woman in Shinjuku, Tokyo

©Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash

Beautiful nature and autumn foliage in Koyasan sacred valley

©Jan Kreuzer/123RF

This famous vermilion "torii" gate is located at the entrance to Miyajima Island off the coast of Hiroshima

©coward_lion/123RF

Dotonbori is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, running along the canal in Namba

Dotonbori is the liveliest district in Osaka, the gastronomic capital of Japan

©Alexander Smagin/123RF

Traditional geisha quarter with old wooden houses in Kanazawa, Japan

©passionphotography/123RF

Traditional Japanese ramen noodle soup

©TATIANA BRALNINA/123RF

Walk on the streets close to Yasaka pagoda, in Gion, Kyoto old town

©Pitinan/123RF

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Japan Experience

Solo Travel in Japan

Duration : 15 days
Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Tokyo
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Ideal for solo travellers , this Japan tour allows you to visit the main tourist sites as well as other, unspoilt places.

This self-guided tour includes private rooms in various types of accommodation (hotels, ryôkan , and temple lodging), transportation , and 3 mini guided tours of Japan's major cities.

2 week itinerary

Departure city/Airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND )
Tokyo (3 nights)
Hakone - Mount Fuji (1 night)
Kyoto (4 days, including 1 day in Nara )
Mount Koya (1 night)
Osaka (1 night)
Hiroshima and the sacred Island Miyajima (2 nights)
Okayama (1 night)
Tokyo (1 night)
Return city/Airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND )

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 14 nights / 15 days ( + 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe )

PLEASE NOTE : The departure and end dates shown on this page only apply to your stay in Japan. You must therefore leave Europe the day before the first day of your tour. The date of your return flight and that of your return to Europe are identical due to the time difference.

Example :

Departure from Europe : January 1st
Arrival in Tokyo ( = the date to be selected in the calendar when booking ) : January 2nd
Return flight from Narita NRT or Haneda HND / Return to Europe : January 16th

Please note that flights are not included in the price of your tour.

This tour information was last updated on May 16 , 2024.

Why this trip to Japan ?

A tour of Japan designed for solo travellers with adapted accommodation and activities!
Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
In Tokyo, you will participate in a tour of the typical restaurants of the Shinjuku district
Head to the edge of Mount Fuji for an unforgettable dinner and overnight stay in a ryokan
In Kyoto : a guided tour of the traditional geisha quarter awaits you
Go up the sacred hill of Koyasan, for a night in a Buddhist temple
Then, move on to Osaka, a gastronomic city, with another unique night in a capsule hotel !
Round off the trip in Tokyo, after passing through Hiroshima and Kanazawa
Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
A number of guided days or other optional activities are available
Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience , European leading travel agency in Japan.

Your trip in detail

Day 1 : wake up in tokyo 東京.

Arrival in Japan

©Vasin Leenanuruksa / 123RF

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND ). Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi. Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to take the " Private Taxi from the Airport " option.

Check in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

Unwind in spacious rooms ! Unlike many Tokyo hotels, this tour offers rooms sized 16m² (172 sq ft) or larger, ensuring your comfort.

Day 2 : First steps in the capital

Worldwide famous Shibuya crossing, Tokyo

Tokyo's famous Shibuya intersection - probably the world's largest crosswalk

©Wasin Pummarin/123RF

What to do in Tokyo on your first day

We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts: - Harajuku , the avant-garde district ; - Meiji Jingû , the imperial sanctuary ; - Takeshita-Dôri , a must-see street in the capital ; - Omotesandô , Tokyo's Champs-Élysées ; - Shibuya and its impressive crossroads.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

In the evening ( included activities ), your guide will whisk you off for an authentic Japanese dinner at local " izakaya " restaurants, frequented by locals and rarely seen by tourists .

Day 3 : The big loop

Senso-ji temple in Asakusa with Tokyo Sky Tree behind, a must-see on your first days to visit Tokyo

Asakusa: the Senso-ji temple and the Tokyo Sky Tree: a fascinating Tokyo district that's a must-see

chan Richie/123RF

For this second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".

Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit : - Ginza , Tokyo's chic district ; - Tsukiji , the small outdoor food market ; - Hama-rikyû , the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings ; - Asakusa , a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river ; - Sensô-ji , the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital ; - Tokyo Sky Tree , 643 metres high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset.

Between Hama-rikyû Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River ?

Day 4 : On the way to visit the emblem of Japan: Mount Fuji!

Hakone Volcano Valley: a must-see if you visit the region

patryk Kośmider/123RF

In the morning, board a train for Hakone (1h30, details in your travel guide, included in your package). The train leaves the Japanese megalopolis and gradually winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region.

You will arrive in Hakone in the late morning. Reach Ichinoyu Shinkan ryôkan or equivalent to drop off your small bag and explore the region.

You'll be charmed by the beautiful scenery of this spa resort, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (on a clear day!). Not forgetting the Owakudani volcanic site , accessible by cable car. All transportation (train, bus, cable car, and funicular) is included in your package.

If you wish to be accompanied during this day, one of our English-speaking guides can help reveal the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional).

Come back to your ryôkan at the end of the afternoon, as your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before enjoying a Japanese-style night !

More details below on the features of the night in a ryôkan.

Day 5 : Heading for the old capital

A geisha walking in Gion, Kyoto old town

©Philippe Voisin

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan .

Take the shinkansen to Kyoto (about 2h40, included in your package) and check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS or equivalent (rooms available from 3pm).

You have 3 days to visit Kyoto. Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation : - Kiyomizu-Dera , the impressive water temple ; - The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka ; - Kôdai-ji , Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo. Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset. Meet your guide at 7 p.m. to start your evening walk around Gion , Kyoto's historic district. More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide.

At the end of this 1h30 walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.

Day 6 : Gold and Silver Treasures

Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji : a must-see in Kyoto ancient capital

©Jordy Meow

We recommend the following itinerary for this second day's visit to Kyoto : - Ryoan-ji Zen Garden ; - The Kinkaku-ji ( Golden Pavilion ) ; - Ginkaku-ji ( Silver Pavilion ) ; - The bewitching path of philosophy ; - The Nanzen-ji temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these symbolic sites (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).

Day 7 : Now for some activity...

Bamboo grove in Arashiyama : famous touristic site to visit in Kyoto

Continue to visit Kyoto heading west : - Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market - Nijo castle, former residence of the shogun - Arashiyama, to visit the bamboo grove and its monkey mountain

Make the most of our many optional activities: - Want to enjoy nature? Check out our cycling activities along the Kamogawa River or hiking in the Takao Gorge! - Prefer Japanese arts? Tea ceremonies, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens will seduce you. - Looking for Japanese countryside? Let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara, or try our flagship activity: on the Tea Road!

Day 8 : Between temples and deer

Nara Sika deers are sacred, and protected as National Treasures.

The 1,200 free-roaming Sika deer in Nara Park, less than 1 hour from Kyoto, will delight young and old alike!

jane Rix/123RF

For your last day in Kyoto and its surroundings, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, which is included in your package.

Visit Nara , Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century. Discover : - The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns ; - Tôdai-ji , with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate ; - Kôfuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda.

Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha , Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii .

If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).

Day 9 : Attack on the Sacred Mount

In the morning, take the convenient highway bus connecting Kyoto and Mount Koya for an easy access to the sacred mountain (included in your package).

We suggest you to visit : - The sumptuous Kongôbu-ji temple ; - Danjô-Garan , one of the main religious sites of the village.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a traditional vegan dinner and an overnight stay in a temple alongside the monks.

Be aware that Mount Koya's higher altitude often brings cooler temperatures compared to the cities you've already visited.

Day 10 : First steps in the capital of Kansai

Traditional vegan breakfast served at the temple .

Temple stays often include the chance to witness a traditional Buddhist ceremony, subject to monk availability . In the morning, explore the historic Okunoin cemetery , a vast necropolis on Mount Koya.

Then, head to Osaka by train (1 changes, included in your Koya-san pass). Once arrived, check-in at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

What is there to do in Osaka in 2 days ? We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, in the northern and eastern districts :

- Osaka's medieval castle , with its park full of plum and cherry trees ; - The city centre and Nakanoshima Island , with its rose park surrounded by buildings ; - Utsubo Park , a cool oasis in the business district ; - Visit Umeda , the temple of Japanese shopping ; - Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Osaka (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Namba district and Dôtonbori Street , Osaka's famed "foodie paradise"! Explore the countless restaurants that earned Osaka its title as Japan's culinary capital .

Gear up for a unique stay ! Tonight's adventure unfolds in a capsule hotel, a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 11 : Make way for history

The Genbaku Dome, one of the only buildings not destroyed by the atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima

In the morning, leave for Hiroshima . Consider adding a stop in Himeji to marvel at its magnificent UNESCO-listed castle . Alternatively, embark on a day trip to Naoshima Island , a haven for contemporary art.

Once you're arrived in Hiroshima, check into your 3* Intergate Hotel or same category hotel . Visit the park and the Peace memorial , the castle and its park full of cherry trees before tasting one of Hiroshima's specialities: okonomiyaki!

During the day, learn about the soul-stirring history of Hiroshima on our captivating historic bike tour. Take in all the moving stories and strong character traits that make this legendary city so memorable.

With the help of a knowledgeable guide who will bring history to life with interesting anecdotes and insights, discover the layers of Hiroshima's past as you pedal through its iconic sites.

Day 12 : The Sacred Island

Breakfast at the hotel.

A short 30-minute train and boat journey to Miyajima Island , its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and the great Ôtorii gate built into the sea.

Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you!

Return to Hiroshima in the late afternoon

Day 13 : The pearl of Japan

In the morning, head to Okayama by shinkansen (about 40min, included in your package). Check into your hotel located between the station and the castle.

We advise you to head out early to explore the castle and its magnificent Kôraku-en park , one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before leaving in the middle of the afternoon for the romantic town of Kurashiki , a 17-minute train ride from Okayama (included in your package).

Kurashiki, an old commercial metropolis lined with canals will certainly seduce you : - Bikan , a district with typical architecture ; - The Ohara Museum , keeper of paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir, among others ; - The Museum of Popular Arts dedicated to regional history.

In the evening, return to Okayama.

Day 14 : Return to Tokyo

Maneki-neko in a Tokyo temple

In the morning, relax and enjoy a scenic journey back to Tokyo on the shinkansen high-speed train (included in your package).

Once arrived, check into your hotel.

Make the most of this last day to do your last bits of shopping and start packing your bags!

Day 15 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

Sayonara - Goodbye!

©Sezer özger/123RF

Take a direct transfer to Haneda or Narita airport (included but not accompanied).

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.

If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private Taxi to Airport" option.

Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in Tokyo or elsewhere... Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!

Included in your self-guided tour

Accommodation

- 3 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport

- 1 night in a 3* ryôkan in Hakone Mount Fuji, traditional half-board

- 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Kyoto, close to public transport

- 1 night in a 2/3* temple lodging in Mount Koya

- 1 night in a capsule hotel in Osaka

- 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Hiroshima, between the train station and the Peace Memorial Park

- 1 night in a 3* hotel in Okayama, close to public transport

- 1 night in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport

The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.

- Return airport transfers <> Tokyo HND or NRT

- Prepaid public transport card

- Hakone Free pass for 2 days

- Shinkansen Odawara (Hakone) > Hiroshima and Okayama > Tokyo, seats reserved in standard

- Koya-san Bus tickets for Kyoto > Mount Koya

- Koya-san Pass for 2 days

- Kansai Hiroshima Pass for 5 days

Experiences and meals

- Airport meet and greet

- Traditional dinner and breakfast included at the ryôkan in Hakone and at the temple in Mount Koya

- Discounts at many of Hakone tourist sites

- The breakfasts in Hiroshima and Okayama

- Guided culinary tour in Tokyo

- Night guided tour Gion, Kyoto

- Bike tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Additional services

- Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi

- Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure

- Telephone assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese bilingual. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. This phone number is valid for telephone calls and also for WhatsApp.

Not included in the price of your trip

- Flights Europe <> Japan

- Optional insurance

- Personal expenses, including meals (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack.

- Public transport once your transport cards have run out (see details)

- Everything not mentioned in the section "Included in your tour".

More about your trip

Your tour :

The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Children over 3 years of age are allowed. Rates for children are available for people from 3 to 11 years old inclusive.
This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
Pets are not allowed.
Travel diary by email 3 weeks before departure, and other electronic documents
Paper documents (airport transfer ticket, transportation card, pass voucher) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant.
Note : In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your mini travel-guide. Thanks for your kind understanding.

Your accommodation :

Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about £1.37/1.93$) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.
In the ryôkan , guests sleep on comfortable futons placed on the tatami mat. The room has a private sink and toilet. As is customary in Japanese ryôkan , the onsen bathroom is shared (not mixed) unless you take the "private bathroom in the room" option. OPTIONAL : Enjoy a private Japanese bathroom (traditional or modern onsen) in your room. This option is recommended for mixed couples, families, people who are modest or have visible tattoos. The 4* ryôkan (see 4* option) have comfortable futons raised on either western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathrooms and toilets of the 4* ryôkan are private.
At the Buddhist temple in Mount Koya, you will sleep on comfortable futon on a tatami mat. The rooms do not have private bathrooms or toilets. The non-mixed collective Japanese baths (" onsen ") then serve as a shared bathroom, with showers and thermal baths. They are freely accessible, subject to the schedules in force on site. These baths are often not accessible to people with visible tattoos. With the 4* options, the rooms have a private washbasin and toilet, but the bathroom remains shared.

Your transport :

Flights are not included in this tour . Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and will also leave from Tokyo. You will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 18pm at the latest to make the most of the airport services of your tour (welcome and transfer to Tokyo). The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us organise your welcome and airport transfer.
Airport transfers: The shared shuttle bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop located between 1 and 15 min walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will drive you to the platform to take the airport transfer. Afterwards, this hotel transfer is unassisted. If you would like to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer" Same for the return transfer.
Included in your tour is a pre-charged transport prepayment card of ¥ 1,500 (around £10.30 / 14.54$) (suica or Pasmo brand); a Hakone Free pass for 2 days, Shinkansen tickets for Odawara (Hakone) > Hiroshima and Okayama > Tokyo, seats reserved in standard, Koya-san Bus tickets for Kyoto > Mount Koya, a Koya-san Pass for 2 days and a Kansai Hiroshima Pass for 5 days. These cards should cover a large part of your trips during the stay. Upon expiry of the 1,500¥ Transport Prepayment Card, or if the line you are travelling on is not covered by your Japan Rail Pass, any travel will be at your own expense by recharging your pre-paid transport card (at vending machines in all stations and metro stations).

Your activities :

Airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name of the reservation. They will give you your travel documents and take you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Tokyo (this is possible, but optional).
The guided tour of Gion lasts around 2 hours and departs at 7pm. Please note that the tour will be conducted in English if your group is made up of travellers of different nationalities. More details on the meeting point in your travel pack. Dinner is not included, but your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat.
The guided culinary tour in Tokyo starts at 5pm and lasts around 2 hours. Please note that the tour will be conducted in English in groups of 2 to 10 people. Dinner and drinks included. A variety of dishes await you : izakaya are typical Japanese restaurants where you can find all kinds of cuisines.
The bike tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is in association with local guides . This interactive cycling tour has been designed to provide you with the opportunity to encounter unique stories. Depending on your schedule and level of interest in learning more about the history of Hiroshima, choose between a 2- or 3-hour tour.

Your meals :

Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving copious breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. However, if you would like to add breakfast to your offer when you make your reservation, you can select it as an option.
Traditional Japanese dinner and Japanese breakfast (mostly savoury) are included in Hakone and Mount Koya. Do not hesitate to indicate any dietary requirements you may have, we will pass them on to the ryôkan so that they can take them into account when planning the meals. If the ryôkan does not take any of these dietary requirements into account, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.

Your additional services:

A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It allows unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport of arrival.
It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic: simple operation) and a prepaid envelope to return your device at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work naturally until the last day of your trip to Japan.
A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to a pocket wifi (phone, tablet, computer).
A single pocket wifi is provided for a circuit order of 1 to 5 people. For an order of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi will be added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex : Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect : Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa? Do I need vaccinations?

As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html . If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html ) there is no need for any test.

I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

Is insurance mandatory?

No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

What applications should I download before entering Japan?

For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf

Is it safe to travel in Japan? What about solo travellers and children?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked in the top 10 by the Global Peace Index. Therefore travelling alone is safe. Women and girls can travel alone without fear of being harassed or solicited in public places. The same goes for children, who can be seen going to school alone in the metro from the age of 7. This can give you an idea of the country's level of safety. Last but not least, Japan is a haven for children: the safety, the amusement parks, the friendly attitude of the population.

What are the procedures for entry?

Due to the current crisis, we advise you to visit the website of the Japanese embassy in your country to find out about the procedures for entry. Normally, for citizens of the European Union, Switzerland and Canada, you just need a valid passport (for the duration of your stay). A visa is not necessary for a tourist stay of less than 90 days.

When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms? And the autumn leaves?

Recommended dates for seeing the spring flowers: - plum blossoms: mid-February to mid-March - cherry blossoms (sakura): between 20 March and 15 April (dates vary from year to year) - wisteria, iris, azaleas: mid-April to end of May - hydrangeas: June - lotus flowers: August Recommended dates outside of spring : - Autumn leaves: mid-November - Observation of Zen gardens under the snow: mid-December to mid-February

Do Japanese people speak English?

Few Japanese speak English, even in the tourism sector. With the exception of hotel staff in the major tourist cities, few Japanese are fluent in English. However, this does not prevent them from doing everything to help tourists in need. One or more guided activities are included in all Japan Experience tours. This will allow you to get a closer look at Japan's thousand-year-old culture. Feel free to add one or more optional guided days. Guided tours are led by bilingual Japanese guides, for total immersion without effort!

How long should a trip to Japan last?

For a first trip to Japan, a period of 2 weeks is optimal, with at least 3 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto and its region. Don't forget to take some time at the beginning of the trip to get used to the time difference.

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