Japan Intro
13 days
from £2,299 £2,099
Ancient meets modern in Japan, a land of amazing Asian contrasts, ranging from the ultra-modern city of Tokyo to the ancient shrines and temples of captivating Kyoto. Marvel at the mountainous, volcanic scenery of this amazing island nation, hike up iconic Mount Fuji, bathe in hot springs, see stunning ornamental gardens, take in traditional temples and pagodas galore and spot a geisha or two as you wander through the ancient streets of Gion. Take one of our Japan group tours and head to the land of sake, sumo, skiing, shrines and buzzing cities on your Japan gap year and explore the extremes of Asian experience in vibrant Japan.
Read more in our Japan Travel Guide.
13 days
from £2,299 £2,099
10 or 14 days from £1,749
5.0 37Explore the Land of the Rising Sun over 10 or 14 days
Join this unforgettable group tour of Japan for the experience of a lifetime! From the neon lit streets of Tokyo to Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and more.9 or 13 days from £1,059
5.0 14Affordable adventure in the Far East's most intriguing country
Discover Japan's incredible highlights while still on a budget. An epic journey over 9 or 13 days from Tokyo to Osaka or Hiroshima. Includes temple visits, Mount Fuji, snow monkeys, street food tours and more!17 days from £2,899
5.0 18The best of Japan: temples, sushi, shrines, cities and more!
It's the dream trip to Japan you've been waiting for! Experience this destination's incredible highlights over 17 days, from Tokyo to Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Nara, Hiroshima and more. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!30 days or more from £3,559
5.0 3825 days from £3,579
Explore the highlights of two amazing Asian countries
Looking for bucket-list moments? This trip has them in spades. Look into North Korea from the DMZ, stay in a Buddhist monastery, make sushi in Tokyo, meet geisha in Kyoto and much, much more.Japan’s climate varies depending on which area you visit, making this country an exciting all-season destination. While the East and West of Japan both have hot and humid summers, the East experiences heavy snow during the winter. Japan’s southern islands - Kyushu, Amami and Okinawa - have subtropical climates, while the northern island of Hokkaido has freezing winters and refreshing summers.
The best time to visit Japan’s main islands is during the spring from March until May, or in the autumn months of September to November. This is when the weather is cool and dry but still sunny. From the famous Sakura blossom in the spring to the lesser-known red foliage in autumn, Japan’s scenery is especially colourful during these times of year.
Japanese culture is deeply respectful and hierarchical. It is polite to bow to greet someone and to accept gifts with both hands. Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, and try to avoid eating, blowing your nose and loud behaviour while in public. It is customary to show up to events and meetings 5-10 minutes early.
British passport holders can stay in Japan for up to 90 days. You will receive a visa in your passport on arrival and do not need to apply for one before travelling. To stay longer, you must meet the Japanese government’s entry requirements and apply for a visa extension.
Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. Stay up to date with FCDO advice before you arrive in Japan.
Check before travelling that you have any necessary vaccinations at least 8 weeks prior to arrival. Healthcare in Japan is of high quality but expensive, so travellers are highly encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
Natural disasters are uncommon but can happen, so travellers are recommended to familiarise themselves with safety procedures and follow the advice of local authorities.
Flights to Japan from the UK generally take 14 hours and it is possible to find non-stop flights from London to Tokyo. There are also flight options that include one layover.
While you can generally expect to pay similar prices to the UK while in Japan, it is more than possible to travel around Japan on a budget. There are a tonne of high-quality and cheap restaurants throughout the country, and most of the country’s major attractions can be visited for free.
The cherry blossom season in Japan takes place during the spring. Sakura festivals typically begin around March and finish in May, with the specific dates changing every year with the flowers!
Japan is an extremely safe destination with low crime rates. We encourage our travellers to take general safety precautions whilst travelling.
Absolutely! Whether you’re a first-time traveller or looking to explore more of Asia, Japan is an amazing choice for gap year travel. From the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to the exciting modern cities, Japan has an exhilarating blend of activities and scenery. While this destination is worth visiting by itself, you could also add on a tour to South Korea and China for the ultimate East Asia experience!
Tipping is not customary anywhere in Japan and can be considered impolite.
6 trips
@gap360official | Japan