Japan Escorted Tours & Holidays

Providing exceptional value while maintaining the highest standards is at the heart of everything we do.

Superior Hotels

Distant Journeys appreciate the hotels in which you stay are an integral part of your holiday enjoyment, which is why we take great care in hand-picking all the accommodation features in our tours to Japan. Location and quality are always paramount considerations, and we strive to provide the best of both.

So many unforgettable experiences included

Visit Japan with Distant Journeys, and you’ll enjoy so many amazing experiences, at no extra cost. From dinner with an apprentice Geisha, to a journey on the bullet train, they’re all included in the price of your Japan tour package.

Our Japan tour includes

• Return economy class flights
• A choice of UK departure airports at no additional cost
• Superior hotels, with great locations
• Many meals included, worth up to £536 per person
• Several lunches and dinners sampling regional specialities
• Experienced tour managers and local guides
• Incredible excursions
• All pre-payable airport taxes
• All hotel porterage
• ATOL protection for your holiday
• No surcharge guarantee

At Distant Journeys, we think we’ve found the perfect balance of freedom and flexibility that every escorted tour of Japan needs.

Where would you like to fly from?

The choice is yours. On our 20-day Very Best of Japan tour, our flights with Cathay Pacific, via Hong Kong from London Heathrow, or Manchester. Alternatively, travel direct to Tokyo with Japan Airlines from London Heathrow (supplement from £295 per person). Just pick whichever one suits you best.

What would you like to do?

On an escorted tour, we think it’s important to still have the flexibility to enjoy experiences that really interest you. And our Very Best of Japan tour has a variety of included experiences plus some free time for you to do whatever you choose.

Stay a little longer?

Who wouldn’t? If you would like to extend your stay in Japan after your tour, you can! Arranging flights for you to accommodate this is all part of the service.

Special Offer

Take advantage of Early Booking Offers available with savings of £200 per person, when you book a Japan tour departing from September 2026. Offer ends 30th November 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a time difference?

  Japan is GMT +9 hrs.

• What is the currency?

  Japanese Yen

• What will the weather be like?

  On Japan’s island of Honshu (the main island) you’ll find a climate that is mostly temperate, with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are generally mild throughout the country. The best time to visit Japan is usually from March to May, the cherry blossom season; equally September through to November are popular for the spectacular autumn foliage.We recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.

• What clothing should I take to Japan?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof. Any included evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm. We would also recommend taking good insect repellent, a high factor sun-screen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

• Japanese etiquette

  Japanese people are extremely polite and welcoming (one of the best things about visiting Japan), but many visitors worry about accidentally offending them by saying or doing the wrong thing.

  Bear in mind is that Japanese people don’t expect you to know all of their customs and etiquette, but a few basics are useful. Here are a few helpful tips:

  Chopsticks(Ohashi)
  There are many rules around the use of chopsticks, but here are a few key things to keep in mind; Never point your chopsticks at another person, wave them in the air, or spear food with them and avoid putting your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice.

  Handing over money when paying
  In Japan, money is rarely passed directly from hand to hand. This means that when you purchase an item or service, you won’t hand money directly to the cashier. Instead, you’ll place your payment (whether cash or credit) on the small tray provided. If change is due, your change will be placed here for you as well.

  Removing your shoes
  In Japan, it’s common to remove one’s shoes before entering certain buildings, such as ryokans (Japanese-style inns), temples, and at traditional restaurants. Bring shoes that slip on and off easily, and neat socks, too – they’ll be on display often!

  Bowing
  Japanese people bow when greeting one another. If you’re used to shaking hands when meeting people, it may be difficult to get used to bowing instead of shaking hands. But don’t worry: many Japanese people are accustomed to shaking hands when meeting non-Japanese. Bowing is also used when thanking someone. At hotels, ryokans, shops, and restaurants (particularly at higher-end establishments) it’s common for staff to bow deeply to customers.

• How much should I tip in Japan?

  Tipping in Japan is not common practice and in most instances such as in restaurants and bars, or taxis, should be avoided as it is more likely to cause confusion, or even offence. There are some exceptions, such as your local guide, where whilst not expected, if you believe it is deserved it will be graciously accepted. Of course, with Japan there is always a little bit of etiquette, so if you do wish to tip your local guide, we suggest putting clean bills into an envelope and then, using both hands discretely hand to your guide.

  Tipping is always discretionary, however if you are happy with the service provided, we would suggest the following amounts:

  Tour Manager: £2 – £4 (JPY 400 – 800) per person per day
  Local Guides: JPY 200 – 500 per person per day
  Drivers: JPY 100 – 300 per person per day

• What are the entry requirements for Japan?

  The following information on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British citizens only. Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

• Do I need to renew my passport?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all holidays, valid for a minimum of 6 months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document. Our recommendation is that you should apply at least three months before your holiday.

• Will I need a visa to enter Japan?

  No.

  For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports and the Foreign Office website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

  Please note entry requirements may change and it is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of all necessary travel, passport, visa and other entry requirements before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to obtain and carry all required documentation.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

  We also suggest referring to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice  and the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/