Asia

South Korea&rsquo;s exciting capital is a sprawling metropolis of contrasts. Dazzling neon-lit streets, futuristic architecture and an energetic K-Pop scene sit alongside historic palaces, traditional markets and street food stalls.&nbsp;
Near to the city is the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a two mile wide strip of no-man&rsquo;s land which acts as a border between North and South Korea.
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A peaceful city on the banks of the Nakdonggang River and surrounded by mountains, Andong is the best place to visit in South Korea to gain an insight into the country&rsquo;s rich national folk heritage and culture at the Hahoe Cultural Village.&nbsp;
The village is home to impeccably preserved hanoks (traditional wooden houses), the annual masked dance festival and a number of artisan workshops.
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Established as the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom approximately 2,000 years ago, the cultural gem of Gyeongju is affectionately known as the &lsquo;museum without walls&rsquo;.&nbsp;
The country&rsquo;s only historical national park is a treasure trove of temples, palaces and royal tombs and well worth taking a couple of days to explore the city and surrounding mountain scenery.
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Busan is South Korea&rsquo;s second largest city and boasts a spectacular waterfront location surrounded by verdant mountain ranges. This modern, vibrant and densely populated port city is most famous for its hot springs, sweeping beaches and seafood.&nbsp;
Blending old and new, the Gamcheon neighbourhood features rows of colourful terraced houses with vibrant murals and panoramic views.
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The jewel in the crown of Korea&rsquo;s natural wonders and one of its most popular holiday destinations, the volcanic island of Jeju is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the country&rsquo;s highest mountain.&nbsp;
The landscape comprises of remarkable lava tubes, crater lakes and intricate cave systems, plus lush forested areas and stunning beaches lapped by crystal clear waters.
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For more inspiration take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea Holidays</a> pages.

The Far East

The Best Places to Visit in South Korea

Comprised of 160 subtropical islands, <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan/okinawa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Okinawa</a>&nbsp;lies southwest of the mainland of Honshu. Okinawa ignites itself as a hidden treasure and allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland.&nbsp;
Okinawa previously was its own Kingdom &ndash; the Ryukyu Kingdom &ndash; that lasted for more than 400 years. The dynasty brought an abundance of culture and historical artefacts that now feature amongst the islands we see today.
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Imagine a destination that has the beaches of Barbados, reefs of the Maldives, the jungles of Malaysia and the starry sky of Chile in one place. That is Okinawa! Or the &lsquo;Galapagos of Asia&rsquo; as some refer to it.&nbsp;
The crystal-clear waters of Okinawa host an abundance of biodiversity that divers and snorkellers can explore in a tranquil setting. Not a fan of the water? You can use one of the many glass bottom boats to view the incredible coral reefs. The marine life doesn&rsquo;t stop there; watch humpback whales put on a show as they migrate from Alaska to Okinawa during the winter months.
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The rich, dense forestry of Yanbaru National Park is filled with rare endemic species and networks of twisting mangrove forests that form part of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites. The protected and unique ecosystems allow for great exploration - either float through the jungles on kayaks or embark on hikes and trails amongst the peaceful and beautiful landscapes.
After a long day of kayaking and snorkelling, you can settle down on the white sand beaches and join in some of the most incredible stargazing that illuminates the night sky and the waters below. If that&rsquo;s not enough for you, explore some of the ancient limestone caves that are rich in both history and minerals.
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Castles, boat races and unbeatable food &ndash; Okinawa is a must visit for anyone interested in history, culture and art. Not officially part of Japan until the late 1800&rsquo;s, the archipelago was built upon a fusion of influences from all over the world. This is known as &lsquo;champuru&rsquo;, referring to the Okinawa word for &lsquo;mixed&rsquo; and often used to describe the culture of the islands. The traditions and values of the past are vital for the local people and have shaped the fantastic society we see today. Here are my top three cultural activities to do when you visit the islands:
1. UNESCO World Cultural Sites. Spanning over four centuries, the Ryukyu Kingdom gave rise to beautiful castles, temples and gardens that have been able to preserve the history and culture of that time. Shurijo Castle is a must visit on the mainland of Naha. This radiant masterpiece sends you back in time giving insight to both ancient and modern history, highlighting the islands involvement in ancient politics as well as its involvement in World War II. Another must see phenomenon is the Tama-udun Mausoleum where you can stand in awe of the resting places of the kings of the past and learn how their reign was one of the greatest in the world.
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2. Live like the local people and join in&nbsp;Ryukyu&nbsp;Shinto rituals. Spirituality and festivals are key for the local people in their desire for peace &ndash; annually they host the Women&rsquo;s Festival which (alike other events) have a strong focus on purity. Another must see is their annual dragon boat races and tug of wars, both of which are colourful and vibrant, fast paced events which showcase strength and courage. Finally, no trip to Okinawa would be complete without a lesson in karate! Now practised by millions, the majestic performing art is said to have originated in Okinawa, tracing through themes of peace and self-defence that the local people see as vital in their society.
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3. Okinawa is a &lsquo;blue zone area&rsquo;, meaning that it is one of a few places on Earth where the people have an extraordinary long-life expectancy. Their secret? Eating habits, subtropical climate and the island mindset. Their cuisine is more than just food; locals see it as the &lsquo;medicine of life&rsquo;, as it is equally as important as traditional medicine on the body. From this, there is a strong emphasis on simple nutritional balance and superfoods. I would personally recommend engaging with the Okinawan cuisine and trying out Champuru, Taco Rice and Umibudo. With nourishing dishes like this, you can see how the locals have such a long-life span! Other than nutrition, it is believed that positive mental health has increased their life expectancy &ndash; with the locals engaging in &lsquo;stress-free&rsquo; terminology and culture.
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Historically, it has taken tourists days of long travel, layovers and ferries to scratch the surface of Okinawa. Now, thanks to Japan Airlines (JAL), we have a gateway to get you to the dream destination. With a twice-daily service from the UK to Tokyo connecting onto many of the 16 direct daily flights serving Okinawa Main, Ishigaki and Miyako Islands, there are a planet of options to reach the islands.&nbsp;
Moreover, this October, JAL are introducing brand new A350-1000 aircraft between London and Tokyo - with completely new cabin interiors, greatly improved suites and exciting, new seating in all four classes of travel.&nbsp; With market-leading products and services, you can see why JAL has retained its Skytrax 5-star Airline rating 7-years running.
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Okinawa acts as the perfect point of relaxation and tranquillity after touring around Japan. However, with its abundance of activities, unique culture and easy connections &ndash; it now must be considered as a superb standalone destination ready for exploration. When will you visit?
For more inspiration, take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japan Holidays</a> pages.

Discover Okinawa, Japan

Japan&rsquo;s capital, Tokyo, is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Japan. A city of contrasts, Tokyo delights visitors with its historic streets and geisha district of Asakusa, the high-end shops and restaurants of Ginza and the quirky fashion centres of Shibuya and Harajuku.
It&rsquo;s also home to a huge amount of exceptional restaurants fitting every taste and budget, outstanding museums and a number of stunning public gardens.
As one of the world&rsquo;s most exciting and energetic cities, it seems ready to blast into the future at times, but also continues to cherish its considerable history and culture.
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Shibu Onsen is an incredibly popular place to visit in Japan, to see the famous snow monkeys! These delightful macaques live in the hills around the natural hot springs. Accustomed to humans, the monkeys&rsquo; humorous behaviour in the warm waters can be seen at close quarters, as they tend to completely ignore their human visitors. Of course, it&rsquo;s prohibited to touch or feed the monkeys.&nbsp;
It is possible to see the snow monkeys year-round, though they are especially picturesque when the area has a dusting of snow &ndash; from November through to March.
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Situated in Fuji Hakone National Park, Hakone is the gateway to incredible Mount Fuji. Infamously shy and elusive, Japan&rsquo;s most famous mountain is often obscured by cloud; but for those not lucky enough to catch a glimpse, Hakone still has plenty to offer.
Aside from spectacular scenery, volcanically active Hakone is famous for its onsen (hot spring baths) and a night in a ryokan (a traditional, Japanese-style inn) is a must. There are also many lovely nature walks, tranquil shrines and art museums to enjoy.
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Located in the Japanese Alps, Takayama&rsquo;s traditional architecture, hillside shrines and sake breweries are all reasons to visit this delightful town.
The quality of Takayama&rsquo;s craftsmen were widely renowned and this is reflected today in the old town, where the narrow streets are still lined with wonderfully preserved inns, tea houses and shops, many dating back to the Edo period. There are also many beautiful temples and shrines to explore, and a short distance from the city centre you&rsquo;ll find Hida no Sato, an assortment of thatch-roof houses from central Japan.
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Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto, is considered by many as one of the best places to visit in Japan. Home to an astonishing historical collection of monuments that has been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kyoto captivates its visitors with its traditions, culture and history.&nbsp;
Kyoto is also a modern city, with plenty of concrete, steel and neon lights alongside its delightful, timeless scenes. If you&rsquo;re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a geisha disappearing down a Gion side street at dusk. Make time to Visit the 7th-century Shimogamo Shrine with its spectacular arcade of orange gates, the elegant Kinkakuji Temple with a gold-leaf exterior flawlessly reflected in a tranquil lake, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple with a hillside location that makes for remarkable city views.
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Despite the destruction caused by the atomic bomb during WWII in 1945, Hiroshima has blossomed into an energetic modern city. Along with the moving Peace Memorial Museum and Park, reminders of that notorious day are all around, but the hopefulness of the city&rsquo;s people shines through. A memorial service takes place once a year in August, where messages of peace are written onto paper lanterns which are lit at sunset to float down the river, a truly inspiring sight.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The sacred island of Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, just across the water is famed for its 1,400 year old giant orange floating torii (gate) and mountainous interior. Also make time to visit wonderfully rebuilt historic sites like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Garden, or enjoy hot springs in the nearby small towns.
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The islands of Japan&rsquo;s south western prefecture, Okinawa, extend for over 400 miles and are geographically closer to Taiwan than Japan! This is the best place to visit in Japan if you&rsquo;re looking for a beach break. There are 160 islands, large and small, which are as diverse as they are bountiful. Discover gorgeous beaches, vibrant coral reefs and verdant jungle in this Japanese paradise.
With its subtropical climate and easy-going, rural lifestyle, Ishigaki Island is a popular getaway for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of Japan&rsquo;s cities. This scenic island and its surrounding coral reef offers beaches, snorkelling, diving and relaxation aplenty.
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One of Honshu&rsquo;s most picturesque regions, the Kiso Valley formed part of an ancient trade route and sections of the 17th Century Nakasendo Highway are now a popular hiking trail.
Aside from enjoying the charming scenery en route, the beautifully preserved post towns of Tsumago and Magome have an amazing sense of history &ndash; you can almost imagine you are a travelling samurai back in the Edo period!
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The southernmost of Japan&rsquo;s four main islands, Kyushu is an island of outstanding natural beauty mixed with vibrant cities, and is famous for its lush greenery, hot springs, active volcanos and friendly people.&nbsp;
Highlights include the modern &lsquo;foodie&rsquo; city of Fukuoka, home to an intriguing combination of museums and mega-malls, and Nagasaki with its rich, and at times, tragic history.
Clouds of steam radiating from the many onsen streak the skyline and the smell of sulphur fills the air of Beppu, Kyushu&rsquo;s hot spring capital.
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Packed with natural wonders, Hokkaido is the least populated of Japan's main islands. The national parks are home to remarkable volcanic peaks, vibrant wildflower meadows and miles of untamed wilderness, perfect for hiking and cycling.&nbsp;
Despite a limited transport infrastructure, Hokkaido is increasing in popularity for more intrepid travellers, especially between the spring and autumn. Winters typically experience heavy snowfall and bitter temperatures.
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Japan&rsquo;s third largest city and the country&rsquo;s second most commercially significant behind Tokyo, Osaka has a lot to offer.
Under its former name of Naniwa, the city was Japan&rsquo;s first capital back in the 7th Century and whilst the shift of power has moved to Tokyo, Osaka retains some of that history with several well-preserved monuments.
The city&rsquo;s real charm lies in its flamboyance, its exuberant residents and its incredible food. It is now, without a doubt, Japan&rsquo;s foodie capital, and is the best place to visit in Japan if you&rsquo;re looking to try a variety of delicious cuisine.
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Known as one of Japan's most prosperous towns during the 17th Century Edo period due to centuries of abundant rice production, Kanazawa is one of Japan&rsquo;s most important cultural centres.
The powerful ruling Maeda clan, based in Kanazawa Castle, used much of their wealth not on warfare, but on practicing cultural and artistic pursuits. Its centrepiece is Kenroku-en which is one of the most stunning gardens in the country.
The city boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and intriguing old geisha and Samurai districts, as well as modern museums.
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For more inspiration, take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japan Holidays</a> pages.

The Best Places to Visit in Japan

One of the oldest yet also most dynamic districts in the city, Old Town Central - encompassing the sloped streets and small alleys of Central and Sheung Wan, it encapsulates Hong Kong&rsquo;s rich and diverse spirit. A place where century-old temples (such as Man Mo Temple) share the same streets as fashion-forward concept stores, or where authentic tea houses coexist with modern art galleries. This colourful neighbourhood is an intriguing mix of old and new while also being proudly local and unmistakably global.&nbsp;Ride the vertiginous funicular railway to the top of Victoria Peak and marvel at one of the world&rsquo;s great cityscapes. The view across the soaring skyscrapers and harbour, bustling with watercraft of all shapes and sizes, has to be seen to be believed.
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With a history dating back to 1842, Central Market has been through multiple transformations since its emergence as one of Hong Kong&rsquo;s first wet markets, and is a site not to be missed.&nbsp;The Hong Kong tram, affectionately known by locals as the &lsquo;Ding Ding&rsquo;, is a unique form of transportation found on the bustling streets of Hong Kong Island. A ride on the beloved tram - also an iconic symbol of Hong Kong - is a journey through the city&rsquo;s rich history, culture and everyday life.&nbsp;In the evening, get your dancing shoes on and hit the legendary nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong, home to over 90 restaurants and bars.
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For a completely different side to the territory, ride the ferry out to Lantau Island, Hong Kong&rsquo;s largest island. Enjoy&nbsp;the spectacular cable car ride up&nbsp;to find peace and quiet at what is one of Hong Kong&rsquo;s most popular tourist attractions, Tian Tan Buddha - known colloquially as the Big Buddha. After gliding up to the site by the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, experience the awe-inspiring view from the base of the enormous sculpture. Wander around and perhaps have lunch at the atmospheric&nbsp;Po&nbsp;Lin Monastery, then&nbsp;catch a bus down to Tai O fishing village.
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Experience this charming and quaint place, to see a local way of living, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a step back in time as you explore the historic Tai O, home to a community of fishermen who have built their houses on stilts above the tidal flats of Lantau Island for generations. These stilt houses are interconnected, forming a tightly knit community that lives on the water.
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Start your day with a visit to&nbsp;Tin Hau Temple complex in Yau Ma Tei, where fishermen flock to worship the Goddess of the Sea, Tin Hau. After, discover&nbsp;Chi Lin Nunnery and the adjacent Nan Lian Garden, which showcases traditional Chinese landscaping techniques and aesthetic principles: winding paths taking you past lush greenery, ornamental rocks, koi-filled ponds and a rushing waterfall. Take a stroll through its wooden gates and find an oasis of calm.
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In the evening, stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade (Avenue of Stars) before&nbsp;grabbing a harbour side seat to enjoy the&nbsp;spectacular Symphony of Lights - a nightly multimedia show&nbsp;with coloured lights, laser beams and spotlights splashed over&nbsp;40 buildings on both sides of the harbour. Pay a visit to Temple Street Night Market which has been transformed into a multicultural food market to showcase the rich diversity of cultures in Hong Kong. Try&nbsp;a variety of Hong Kong-style snacks, such as curry fish balls, siu mai (Cantonese dumplings), dim sum, snake soup, and more.
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Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant and energetic cities in Asia, if not the world with a stunning skyline, fascinating history, superlative shopping and exciting nightlife all bundled up in a compact place. For more inspiration, take a look at our&nbsp;<a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong Holidays</a>&nbsp;pages.

72 Hours in Hong Kong

Spring casts a bewitching spell over South Korea, painting the landscape in vibrant hues of cherry blossoms. From late March to Early April, the country transforms into a wonderful panorama as cherry blossoms blanket parks and streets. Seoul&rsquo;s Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival and Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in Jinhae are must-visit events during this time, offering a visual feast of pink and white blossoms.&nbsp;
Spring temperatures in South Korea range from 6&deg;C to 17&deg;C. It&rsquo;s generally reasonably clear and dry at this time of the year, but watch out for the occasional sandstorm blowing over from the Gobi Desert region of China.
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Summer in South Korea pulses with energy, with an array of festivals and events lighting up the calendar. From the Boryeong Mud Festival, where visitors can enjoy mud slides and mud wrestling, to the lively Busan International Film Festival, there&rsquo;s something for everyone. In addition, the coastal areas such as Busan and Jeju Island pull visitors with pristine beaches, making it a good time for a seaside escape.
Summer in South Korea is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 23&deg;C and 30&deg;C. June and July are monsoon season, so expect a lot of rain during these months.
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As summer says farewell, South Korea transforms into a breathtaking canvas of autumnal colours. From late September until early November, the vegetation paints the landscape in a range of reds, oranges, pinks, yellows and golds. The iconic Naejangsan National Park and Seoraksan National Park are popular spots for witnessing the gorgeous autumn foliage. Additionally, the Andong Mask Dance Festival offers a look into Korea&rsquo;s rich cultural heritage.&nbsp;
The heat of the summer starts to drop in late September, early October, making it a more enjoyable time to visit.
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Winter casts a calm magic over South Korea, transforming it into a winter wonderland. While temperatures drop, the country comes alive with festive lights and cheer. Ski resorts like Yongpyong and Alpensia beckon winter sports enthusiasts, offering stimulating slopes and cosy apres-ski experiences. Visitors can also indulge in warming delicacies such as hatteok (sweet pancakes) and steaming bowls of tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) at bustling street markets.&nbsp;
Winter in South Korea can get very cold &ndash; sometimes dropping as low as -10&deg;C in January &ndash; so ensure you&rsquo;re well prepared with warm clothing.
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The Best Time to Visit South Korea

Very much the destination of the moment, <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japan</a> is surging with arrivals since re-opening its doors to international tourism in October 2022, with many new visitors keen to experience the wonderful food, famously quirky culture, polite locals and of course beautiful scenery for themselves.
While spring and autumn are great times to visit Japan, these two peak seasons invariably mean more crowded towns and cities, higher hotel rates and availability issues for some trains and accommodation. I recently visited in the far quieter month of February and found a still strikingly beautiful country, in places covered by snow that was less touristy and much more peaceful for it.
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Winter in Japan is simply less busy than any other time of year with fewer tourists and therefore better value hotel rates throughout the country. In many off the beaten path locations like Nagano and Fuji-Kawaguchiko I was the only westerner around. These two towns are both close to the Japanese Alps and benefitted from a fresh blanket of snow while I was there, making for fun outdoor activities like skiing possible, as well as providing epic backdrops for photos.
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Some certain places I visited I would actually now only recommend visiting in winter. The famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani monkey park can be seen almost year round, but it&rsquo;s highly unlikely they&rsquo;ll be spending much time in the hot spring baths in the middle of a summer heatwave! Only in winter will you be able to replicate the images you&rsquo;ve likely seen of their little red faces huddling together for warmth.
Likewise the traditional village of Shirakawa-go, nestled up in the Alps between Takayama and Kanazawa, can be visited at any time of year, but I would argue the village never looks prettier than when those high-sloped, thatched roofs are covered by an evening&rsquo;s snowfall and you can hear the drips of the enormous icicles as you explore the serene village by foot.
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Embrace the cold and wrap up warm! Japan has similar seasons and temperatures to the UK &amp; Ireland but handily with more reliable and predictable snowfall.&nbsp; Special mention to Matsumoto&rsquo;s winter light festival where the traditional Japanese castle is bathed in lasers and projection mapping to make the winter night sky explode in colour!

For more inspiration take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japan Holidays</a> pages.

Just Back From… Japan in Winter

Benefitting from four very distinct seasons, South Korea offers a different experience depending on your month of travel. Particularly delightful are spring and autumn when the country is full of colour and every street corner begs to be photographed.
South Korea can claim to be one of the best places in the world to view cherry blossoms, benefitting from fewer crowds than its neighbour, Japan. Visit between mid-March and mid-April to view the country&rsquo;s best sights with a beautiful pink backdrop.&nbsp;
Alternatively, autumn also brings a burst of colour to the trees throughout Korea, this time yellow, red and brown. Whether you&rsquo;re exploring the palaces of Seoul, the world heritage sites of Gyeongju or one of the country&rsquo;s 22 National Parks, you will not be disappointed.
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South Korea holidays offer a captivating blend of old and new &ndash; this is a country where towering skyscrapers and the latest technology sit side by side with historic monuments and world heritage sights.
The country&rsquo;s culture is undeniably world class, with significant influence around the globe despite the nation&rsquo;s relatively small size. With &lsquo;Parasite&rsquo; winning Best Picture at the Oscars and &lsquo;Squid Game&rsquo; now the most watched Netflix show ever, it is safe to say that Korean film and TV is making an impact. Visit in October and you&rsquo;ll have the chance to catch a new release at the Busan Film Festival.
Whether you&rsquo;re in Seoul, Busan or pretty much every city, town or village in the whole country, you&rsquo;ll see the influence of K-Pop. Sing your favourite BTS song at one of the many karaoke bars that feature on every high street&hellip;&nbsp;
There is also a wealth of traditional culture to dive into, from learning about Hanbok (the national dress) to watching a traditional play or a ssireum match (Korea&rsquo;s version of sumo wrestling!).
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Eating out is the norm in Korea, with restaurants offering incredible value for money. Most specialise in just one type of food, whether that&rsquo;s Bibimbap, Korean Fried Chicken, Korean Barbeque or Mandu (Korean dumplings). What is for sure, all your meals will be served with Kimchi &ndash; the country&rsquo;s national dish which even has its own national day!
Whether you&rsquo;re eating at a restaurant or a street food market, everything will be communal. Sharing your meal is a big part of the culture in Korea, whether you&rsquo;re grilling pork in the middle of the table or helping yourselves from one huge bowl of ramen.
Of course, you can&rsquo;t mention Korean food without giving a nod to Korean drinks. With a booming beer scene, you can try multiple lagers and craft beers brewed locally around the country. Most locals will drink Soju (a version of Vodka) with every meal, but if that&rsquo;s a bit strong for you, try the weaker and more traditional Makgeolli &ndash; a lightly sparkling rice wine usually served from a golden kettle.&nbsp;
What is for certain, you will not have one bad meal in South Korea.
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South Korea offers spectacular scenery wherever you look. With over 70% of the country&rsquo;s land area covered by mountains, the hiking opportunities are endless. The 22 national parks are spread evenly across its 9 provinces meaning you can experience nature regardless of your itinerary.
If you can only choose a few to visit, we&rsquo;d recommend Bukhansan (easily accessible from Seoul), Gyeongju (the country&rsquo;s only historical national park) or Hallasan (spectacularly located at the centre of Jeju Island).
But it&rsquo;s not just about the mountains in Korea. Being a peninsular, Korea boasts over 5,000 miles of coastline as well as a number of stunning islands. Haeundae Beach in Busan is perhaps the most famous, forming a central part of the city and attracting over 10 million visitors a year!&nbsp;
However, the real gem is Jeju Island, located just off the south coast. This remarkable volcanic island offers crater lakes, lava tubes, stunning beaches, a unique historic culture and numerous local delicacies.
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South Korea offers an amazing mixture of ancient and modern history. From Seoul&rsquo;s palaces to Gyeongju&rsquo;s temples you will be able to get under the skin of the country&rsquo;s proud history. Did you know that Korea&rsquo;s alphabet &lsquo;Hangul&rsquo; was created in 1443 by King Sejong in a bid to increase literacy? As a result, South Korea boasts a phonetic alphabet making the language one of the easiest to learn in Asia.
If you&rsquo;ve read or watched Pachinko, you&rsquo;ll know a bit more about the long Japanese occupation of Korea between 1910-1945. Not long after, The Korean War split the country in two and created what is now known as South Korea. The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is now a fascinating day tour from Seoul offering a glimpse of into the reclusive nation of North Korea.
Wherever you are, history is all around and very accessible. If only on a short visit or stopover in Seoul, you can access ancient fortresses by metro or wander through traditional folk villages that form part of the city.
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Sold on visiting this stunning country? We&rsquo;d recommend the 7 night <a href="../../Tours/China-Hong-Kong-and-Japan/South-Korea/tour-South-Korea-Real-Food-Adventure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea Real Food Adventure</a> with Intrepid Travel.
Discover the best of the country from the buzzing metropolises of Seoul and Busan to the more historic, traditional and beautiful towns of Gyeongju and Jeonju. Chow down on meals served with dozens of toppings, light and crispy Korean fried chicken washed down with a small-batch craft beer, silky glass noodles stirred with colourful salad and the various delightful iterations of kimchi.
Give us a call to book, or take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea Holidays</a> pages for more inspiration.&nbsp;
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5 Reasons to Visit South Korea in 2024

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Kyoto, home to stunning temples like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Wander through meticulously landscaped gardens and experience the tranquillity that has enchanted visitors for centuries.
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Dive into the vibrant heart of Japan in Tokyo. Take a stroll through the bustling streets of Shibuya, experience the electronic wonderland of Akihabara, and enjoy panoramic views from the Tokyo Skytree. Don't miss the eclectic mix of traditional and modern in this dynamic metropolis.
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A culinary journey through Japan is an adventure in itself. Treat your taste buds to the exquisite flavours this incredible country has to offer. Savour sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market, try ramen in its birthplace, Fukuoka, and explore the diverse world of Japanese street food especially in Osaka! Given its motto is &lsquo;eat till you drop&rsquo; and considered the &lsquo;soul food capital of Japan&rsquo;, there is no better place to experience the flamboyant and colourful world of Japan&rsquo;s street food and nightlife scene.
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Head to the iconic Mount Fuji for a breathtaking experience. Whether you choose to admire its splendour from a distance or embark on a hiking adventure, the sight of this sacred mountain is sure to leave a lasting impression. Capture the beauty of cherry blossoms framing Fuji during spring for an unforgettable moment.
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An overnight stay in a ryokan (a traditional inn) is a highlight of any visit to Japan. Some are small, historic properties whilst others resemble a typical modern hotel from the outside. Inside, all offer rooms with tatami mat floors, paper screen doors and futon mattresses that are laid out at night. Most ryokan feature an onsen (hot spring bath). These may be indoor or outdoor, usually communal and single sex, although sometimes private onsen are available. Elaborate kaiseki (multi-course) meals are typically served in your room, though many ryokan now offer communal dining rooms. An overnight stay in a ryokan is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Japan.
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Trailfinders is the UK &amp; Ireland's No.1 for Japan holidays and we have a dedicated team of destination specialists who are a mine of information about things to do in Japan, often with first-hand travel experience. Give us a call and speak to one of our Japan specialists to start planning your dream holiday.
For more inspiration take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japan Holidays</a> pages.

Top 5 Things to do in Japan

Famously boasting the most skyscrapers of any city in the world, Hong Kong is a brimming melting pot of cultures, offering a fascinating blend of traditional and modern architecture. From wandering the night markets of Temple Street and the Michelin starred cuisine, to exploring one of the 263 islands, Hong Kong has everything you could ask for.&nbsp;
A fantastic choice for a stopover, the city is also great as a standalone holiday; we visited for a five night break in December and could have easily spent another month! Whilst a year-round destination, November to March offers a milder, drier climate.
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Head on the Peak Tram for uninterrupted sunset views, or for a different perspective head up to Sky100 Observation Deck in the city&rsquo;s tallest building. For families, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on Lantau Island is a great day out, or why not jump in a scenic 5.7km (!) cable car to the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and the idyllic Tai O fishing village?
A great way to get a taste of Hong Kong is by a private city tour. We did A Magical Evening in Hong Kong and our guide offered a unique insight and knowledge, including how the buildings are designed adhering to feng shui, and taking us on the longest outdoor escalator in the world - the regular commuting route for many locals!
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Accessible by local ferry, Lamma Island is a peaceful place to escape the bright lights. Picture beautiful beaches, jungle trails, incredible seafood, and villages on stilts (and if you&rsquo;re as unlucky as me, close encounters with resident snakes!). Doing this hike and venturing out of the city showed how much variety Hong Kong offers, and how it is the perfect destination for those struggling to decide between city, countryside, and beach, by offering all three in one place!
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Traditional junk boat in Hong Kong Harbour

Think about where you want to stay &ndash; Hong Kong Island and Kowloon offer two completely different experiences and perspectives of the city. We stayed in Harbour Grand Kowloon, a perfect option for those wanting incredible views of the skyline and great transport links whilst being able to take a step back from the action.
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For more inspiration, take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong Holidays</a> pages.

Just Back From... Hong Kong

How else could we start any discussion about the best time to visit Japan other than with the ever-elusive cherry blossom!
Known locally as Sakura, it's revered as a symbol of the beauty and fragility of life. Not only does it perfectly frame and set off all your Japan holiday snaps, it&rsquo;s also a time for the locals to celebrate, lining riverbanks and public gardens with picnics and barbecues.&nbsp;
Your best chance of seeing cherry blossom historically is by visiting around late March to mid-April, but like any natural occurrence it can differ annually. Its arrival is triggered by the year's first warm spell, welcoming spring. This warm season usually starts earlier in the southern island of Okinawa and travels north up the country as spring spreads towards Hokkaido.
Unfortunately, Japan's cherry blossom leaves as quickly as it arrives, lasting roughly two weeks. Full bloom comes a week after the first blossoms open and lasts a further week or so before the delicate petals start to make their dance back to earth.
But a word of warning: Sakura season is very popular with the locals, let alone the millions of international visitors now attracted to Japan each year, so spring is Japan at its prettiest, but also busiest and most expensive! You can expect queues at some tourist sites, train stations and airports and possibly the odd April shower. Nevertheless, Sakura season is truly special so if you are wanting to appreciate the colours without those pesky crowds, see our <a href="../../Tours/China-Hong-Kong-and-Japan/Japan/tour-Sea-and-Mountains-of-Tohoku" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sea and Mountains of Tohoku</a> itinerary in northern Japan for the perfect mix of history, culture and dramatic scenery with fewer tourists.
FAVOURITE MOMENT: My first sighting of cherry blossom was on a train from Osaka to Koyasan, arguably one of Japan's most scenic train journeys. Not only was it my first glimpse of the delicate pink and white petals, but also of rural Japan after starting my trip in Osaka. This journey stands out as one of my favourite parts of the trip, climbing through the mountains enroute to stay with the Shinto Buddhist monks (see our <a href="../../tours/china-hong-kong-and-japan/japan/tour-a-mountaintop-temple-retreat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mountaintop Temple Retreat</a> extension). We did this on the 31st of March and the blossoming followed us perfectly north for the next two weeks towards Tokyo, ideal.
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Don't worry - it's not all about cherry blossom! In fact, some people would rather avoid it due to the large crowds and availability issues that come with it, so it's not necessarily the best time to visit Japan.
More people are starting to realise just how spectacular Japan can be in the autumn; in fact, I'd argue it's a better time than spring to travel to Japan, especially if you're into the great outdoors. Starting from around mid-September and stretching towards the end of the year, it's a much wider season to enjoy than the compact cherry blossom window. Mid-October can often offer the best views and colours of the changing of the leaves.
Much like the famous fall colours of New England, Japan becomes awash with a tapestry of deep reds and oranges that perfectly complement its ancient architecture and dramatic alpine landscape. One of my favourite recommendations for this time of year is a few days spent travelling between the Kiso Valley, Takayama and Matsumoto, some of Japan&rsquo;s most stunning mountainous regions. Also rich in history, these areas are easy to add to most classic Japan itineraries, located between Kyoto and Fuji Hakone.&nbsp;
Heading further south towards Hiroshima there are many hidden gems to be found along the way. For art enthusiasts, the galleries on Naoshima Island are a must, whereas history buffs can explore the castles and ancient pilgrimage routes in Matsuyama. With a chance to explore two major cities and get off the beaten track, I&rsquo;d suggest our <a href="../../Tours/China-Hong-Kong-and-Japan/Japan/tour-Secrets-of-the-Inland-Sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Secrets of the Inland Sea</a> itinerary for a very different Japan holiday.
TOP TIP: A day trip to Kamikochi for anyone based in Matsumoto for a couple of nights is a great addition and easy to miss, especially for those who are keen to get out and stuck into some light trekking in areas of outstanding natural beauty during a holiday to Japan.
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Winter is also a great time to visit Japan, as there's some unique things to see and do. It goes without saying that temperatures will be lower overall but festive light displays twinkling and illuminating the darker days make it a very pretty time to visit Japan. Additionally, this time of year you will be more likely to see iconic Mount Fuji, with December and January being the best months to experience incredible views of the mountain and its peak unobscured by clouds.
The stars of Japan's snow show have surely got to be the Snow Monkeys of Shibu Onsen. Half a day's travel by train north of Tokyo, Shibu Onsen is a charming village that perfectly showcases the traditional rural way of life. The area's natural hot springs allow for plenty of comfortable public onsen to relax in (hot spring bathhouse), however you're not the only ones looking to warm up in the wintery mountains! Entire troops of macaques descend on the area to bathe in the warm waters. Quite used to the presence of people, they seem to relish relaxing in their natural spa. Although viewable pretty much year-round, during the winter is the time for your picture perfect encounter as the snow settles around them.
Japan's ski season is also important to get right. The snow is at its best from December to March, and in some areas as late as April. Hokkaido is Japan's most northerly island and has some of the best options in mid-winter. This is far away from the traditional tourist route, however still easily reachable. Best treated as its own chapter of your trip it's almost like another world within Japan, with a slower pace of life and an abundance of forest and off-piste routes. Hakuba, in the Alps near Nagano, also has some great ski slopes on the main island of Honshu. Close to where the Snow Monkeys are based, Nagano is easily reachable from Tokyo within three hours and easily slotted into most tours of Japan, including our <a href="../../Tours/China-Hong-Kong-and-Japan/Japan/tour-Japan-Encompassed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japan Encompassed</a> tour which ticks off key cities as well as Nagano, well known for its magic under the snow.
Finally, the Sapporo Snow Festival would be a memorable addition to anyone's winter trip. Lasting for a week in early February this is a truly special celebration of awe-inspiring snow sculptures. A quick online search will show you why this is one of Japan&rsquo;s biggest winter events and easy to experience as part of any self-guided tour or select departures with small group adventure touring.
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Often overlooked in favour of more &lsquo;en vogue&rsquo; spring and autumn, the warmer temperatures and regular sunny days provide a much more reliable summer than in the UK! It can be a great time for families to visit Japan and not just because of the long school holiday; summer means the Japanese countryside is at its most accessible, with lush green valleys and alpine hiking routes revealing themselves to the adventurous. Summer is also the best time of year for Japan&rsquo;s amazing theme parks, with Disney having two parks in Tokyo and the new Super Nintendo Land in Universal Osaka bringing adrenalin to thrill seekers of all ages. Japanese artist Hokusai famously painted his &lsquo;36 views of Mt Fuji&rsquo; including the great wave, but could the best view of Mt Fuji actually be mid loop-the-loop on Fuji-Q Highland&rsquo;s King of Coasters?!
Although a beach may not necessarily be at the top of most people's must-see list for Japan, Okinawa and its islands offer some amazing beaches to break up the trip. Ishigaki is one of the most southerly islands, only a short flight from Tokyo so you'll be in a subtropical paradise in no time. The rich history of the Ryukyu people and the turquoise waters complement each other, along with jungles, reefs and mangroves, the Okinawa Archipelago certainly has a lot to offer to a Japan holiday. While you can snorkel and scuba dive year-round on the island chain, there is the added incentive for nature lovers between June and October when giant Manta Rays visit for their own summer holidays, allowing for truly magnificent encounters!
If you don&rsquo;t like it as hot, Hokkaido in the north is a great destination to escape the heat of a Japan summer whilst exploring all the island has to offer &ndash; from discovering the volcanoes and lakes of Hakodate and Shikotsu-Toya, to sampling local food (and beer!) delicacies in Sapporo. Perfect to combine with an Okinawa beach break, our <a href="../../Tours/China-Hong-Kong-and-Japan/Japan/tour-Hokkaido-Explorer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hokkaido Explorer</a> tour is a great addition for that mix of adventure and relaxation!
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For more inspiration on the best time to visit Japan, visit our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan">Japan Holidays</a> pages.

The Best Time to Visit Japan

From exploring the impressive shrines, temples, and peaceful public gardens to shopping in Shibuya and Ginza to trying Japanese cuisine in Asakusa and Harajuku to having a magical time at Disneyland Tokyo, capital of Japan has so much to offer. Famous for having one of the best in the world cuisine, Tokyo is a foodie&rsquo;s paradise.
One of my favourite culinary experiences &ndash; Ichiran Asakusa, a ramen restaurant in Tokyo where I was offered an option to &lsquo;eat without a word&rsquo; which is a solo booth counter. You order by sliding the ticket through a window in front of you which is then shut, there is a bell and a short form provided to order more &ndash; again, this is all done in silence. Spent 45 minutes in the queue to enter the restaurant but so worth it for a 10 out of 10 ramen and such a unique (yet common in Japan) dinner experience!
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A day trip to Hakone area and Mount Fuji is an absolute must. Having purchased locally a &lsquo;Hakone Free Pass&rsquo;, I have followed the recommended route starting with a visit to the traditional 400 years old tea house to try sweet rice wine. The route then leads to the beautiful Lake Ashi followed by cable car to Owakudani station which offered incredible views of Mount Fuji. After another cable car and a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum and its impressive exhibitions, the final stop was the Hakone Yuryo &ndash; a traditional onsen bath house.
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Japan&rsquo;s first capital and a third largest city is most known for its relaxed atmosphere, street food and nightlife. Dotonbori district is a popular destination with locals and tourists, full of billboards and neon lights with various restaurants and bars.&nbsp;
Try famous okonomiyaki, savoury pancake dish or Takoyaki, ball-shaped snack typically made with an octopus. I would also recommend Universal Studios for a fantastic day out.
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Kyoto is known as Japan&rsquo;s cultural capital with plenty of stunning temples and monuments. Fushimi Inari Shrine is well recognised, and an important shrine known for its thousands of red coloured vermilion torii gates. Kinkakuji is a beautiful, gold Zen temple surrounded by a large pond. Stroll through an impressive and mesmerising Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the most photographed places in Kyoto.
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Nara&rsquo;s free-roaming deer have become a symbol of the city making Nara Park a must visit! Make sure to purchase deer crackers as feeding the deer and seeing them bow for food is an incredible experience! Nara Park is also a home to the Nara National Museum, Toda-ji temple, Kasuga Taisha shrine, and Kofaku-ji temple.
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Another place worth visiting is Hiroshima, learn about the atomic bombing at the Peace Memorial Museum and Park and at the Atomic Bomb Dome. Whilst in Hiroshima, take a 10-minute ferry and visit the beautiful Miyajima. A small island famous for Itsukushima Jinja, an iconic, large &ldquo;floating&rdquo; torii gate. You can explore the island on foot where you will come across wild deer, hiking trails, and temples. The incredible views from the cable car of Miyajima and Hiroshima in the distance will take your breath away.
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Known for its hot springs, volcano and mountains, bath houses&hellip; Kyushu Island is not to be missed. It is easily reachable by bullet train from Tokyo.
One of my stops was Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan is surrounded by incredible landscapes and mountains. With last eruption only being in October 2021, it is a perfect gate-away location for hiking and nature lovers.&nbsp;
Another incredible natural attraction on the Kyushu Island is Takachiho Gorge, it is a beautiful waterfall in a gorge formed over 100,000 years ago, formed due to an eruption of the Mount Aso. Renting a boat for approx. 5000-6000 yen to get up close was also an unforgettable and a fantastic experience.
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Japan: Something For Everyone

Due to Japan&rsquo;s cutting-edge, formidable rail network, the world-famous Shinkansen (colloquially known in English as the bullet train) allows for hyper-efficient travel in the utmost speed and comfort, perfect for self guided touring.&nbsp;
Now although self guided touring seems pretty self-explanatory&hellip; there&rsquo;s more to it than meets the eye. Giving you the independence and freedom to discover the joys of travelling in Japan like a local, SGT allows you to set your own pace, adapt your daily plans as you go and decide each day what you'd like to see and do. Importantly however, you do not lose the security, organisation, and assistance of a guided tour. The best of both worlds.
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Trailfinders take care of arranging all your accommodation, rail travel and pre-bookable local transport. You will receive meeting instructions for any guided excursions, directions on how to reach your hotels (including maps and addresses in Japanese as well as English), train stations and any key attractions highlighted on your tour. You will also receive access to our free SelfGuide app.

Stepping off a bus to visit a serene Japanese village adorned with peaceful zen gardens as you clatter a suitcase up a cobbled street, is not the ideal scenario for any sightseeing. To avoid the inconvenience and humiliation of this potential cacophony, within Japan&rsquo;s infrastructure is the facility of luggage forwarding. This highly efficient and reasonably priced service means you can easily send your bags from one hotel to another within 24 hours. This enables you to travel with just a small overnight bag and start sightseeing straight away upon arrival at your destination!
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Welcome to Tokyo! One of the most exciting cities in the world. Upon arrival in this neon-drenched landscape, you will be welcomed by an airport representative who will assist you with transferring by train or shuttle bus to your hotel.
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Due to the sheer size of Tokyo, we would always recommend a guided tour for your first full day of sightseeing. This not only helps you to visit the must-see sights in an efficient manner but also helps you to get to grips with the vast Tokyo subway.
Start your day by visiting the city&rsquo;s most famous shrine, Meiji Jingu before walking to the sophisticated area of Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo&rsquo;s Champs-Elys&eacute;es. From Omotesando, take the metro to Ginza. The area is Tokyo&rsquo;s most famous upmarket shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
Next to Ginza lies the Imperial Palace, the main residence of Japan&rsquo;s Emperor. Afterwards enjoy the contrast between the modern and ancient sides of Tokyo as a short subway ride will take you to Asakusa, part of Tokyo&rsquo;s &lsquo;Shitamachi&rsquo; or &lsquo;old town&rsquo;.
Finish your day with a river cruise down the Sumida River to Hamarikyu Gardens, this stunning former private garden is an oasis surrounded by a sea of skyscrapers.
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Today enjoy a day at leisure to utilise your SelfGuide app. Why not start your day by visiting the famous Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa district. Then, head to the trendy Harajuku neighbourhood to see the unique fashion and street art. For lunch, try some tempura or tonkatsu at a local restaurant.
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An early start today as you leave Tokyo behind and make the journey to Hakone by train. Famed for beautiful views of Mt Fuji and glistening lakes, the serene Hakone national park serves as wonderful contrast to the neon-drenched streets of Tokyo.&nbsp;
On arrival take a ride on the world&rsquo;s second longest cable car up to Mount Owakudani, passing over sulphurous fumes and hot springs. Here you&rsquo;ll also have the chance to try a hardboiled egg which has been cooked in the sulphuric hot springs, legend has it eating one of these will add seven years to your life!&nbsp;
Later, embark on a replica pirate ship which will sweep you across Lake Ashinoko, or alternatively board the Hakone Tozan &lsquo;switchback train&rsquo; which zig zags though the mountains, giving amazing views of the surrounding valleys. On a clear day you may be able to catch glimpses of Mount Fuji.
This evening stay at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese accommodation) and relax in a kimono, whilst dining on a delicious Japanese style multi-course meal. After dinner relax in the onsen (hot spring bath) before you bed down for the night.
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Travel to Hiroshima on the world famous Shinkansen bullet train, which can reach speeds of up to 300km/hr! En route make a brief stop at Himeji, home to one of the most magnificent castles in Japan, and one of the few that has maintained its original structure since the early 17th Century.
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First stop today should be the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in central Hiroshima which is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the 1945 bombing. Stroll through the park and discover the many moving memorials, monuments and statues before heading into the museum itself.&nbsp;
Later, take the short ferry ride to Miyajima Island. Famous for its floating torii gate, given this name due to the appearance of it floating during high tide. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th Century and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Miyajima is relatively small so you can explore its many shrines and temples on foot or you could hire a bike. There is also the opportunity to take the cable car or hike up to the top of Mount Misen for sweeping views of the island and surrounding Inland Sea.
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Travel to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, and home to over 2,000 temples and shrines! This afternoon learn about Japanese culture at a tea ceremony in a &lsquo;Machiya&rsquo; - a beautifully restored wooden townhouse. In the evening why not visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine just as the sun starts to set. Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, it offers stunning views of the city.
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Today explore the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, utilising Kyoto&rsquo;s comprehensive bus system to visit some of the city&rsquo;s historic monuments. Start the day with a visit to the ornamental Nijo Castle and its stunning surrounding gardens, built as the residence of the military government that once ruled Japan. Continue on to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun, after his death it became a Buddhist Temple at his request, and is now one of Kyoto&rsquo;s most famous temples. The final stop of the morning is Ryoan-ji Zen, the site of Japan&rsquo;s most famous rock garden.&nbsp;
At a convenient breaking point, your guide will select a restaurant for lunch - usually at a popular venue that has some local flavour. If there is a specific type of food/cuisine that you fancy, do share this with your guide and they will try their best to take you to a suitable restaurant.
After lunch, visit Kiyomizu Temple which affords impressive views over the city.
Finish off the day with a stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama district, whose busy streets are filled with quaint shops selling souvenirs including Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets and pickles.
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This morning why not make the short trip by train to Nara, one of Japan&rsquo;s former capitals. In the 8th Century Nara was Japan&rsquo;s capital and a centre of Japanese culture and civilisation. Many of the original wooden buildings built in those long-distant days still remain today. Most of the sights are located around popular Nara Park, known locally as &lsquo;Deer Park&rsquo; due to the large population of tame deer living there. Other attractions include Todai-ji Temple, the world&rsquo;s largest wooden building and Kasuga-taisha, Nara&rsquo;s most celebrated Shinto shrine. The afternoon will be free for you to explore before returning to Kyoto.
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Travel to Osaka, the third largest city in Japan and known for its food and nightlife. Visit the Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks, and the Dotonbori district, which is full of restaurants and shops. Given Osaka&rsquo;s motto is &lsquo;eat till you drop&rsquo;, there is no better place to experience the flamboyant and colourful world of Japan&rsquo;s street food and nightlife scene than on a food tour. Explore the foodie area of Tenma, sampling popular dishes including delectable Wagyu beef, lip-smacking tempura and crispy menchi katsu patties. A selection of sake and Japanese wine to sample is also included.
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Today is free for you to continue your sightseeing or do some shopping in Osaka before transferring by train or shuttle bus to the airport for your onward flight.
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Self Guided Touring: How to See the Best of Japan in 11 Days

<a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan">Japan&rsquo;s</a> northernmost island is beautiful Hokkaido. With 10% of the island made up of national parks, this sparsely populated land is a nature-lover&rsquo;s dream. In the spring and summer months enjoy hikes, waterfalls and wildlife viewing surrounded by lush flower meadows and rugged volcanic landscape. In the winter, head to Hokkaido for some of the best snow in the world and ski or snowboard the day away. Perhaps visit for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival and enjoy hundreds of creative snow sculptures painstakingly carved by locals and tourists alike. Afterwards, reward yourself with a visit to an onsen (hot spring bath) and enjoy a pint of the local Sapporo beer. Kanpai! 
Not far from the serene wilderness, you can get your fill of cosmopolitan Japan here too. The bright light city of Hakodate, on the southern tip of the island, retains European architecture from its past as a major trading port. Spend your days visiting the historic districts or the dormant volcanos just outside of town. Vibrant Sapporo city is the largest on the island and there is no shortage of sights to see here; from climbing the TV Tower to relaxing in Odori Park. However, no visit is complete without a stop at the Sapporo Beer Museum. If beer isn&rsquo;t your thing the city is also famous for it&rsquo;s ice cream and chocolate &ndash; it would be rude not to try!
Top tip: Catch the train to the pleasant port city of Otaru just 30 minutes outside Sapporo to try the freshest sushi in the country! A must on any Hokkaido itinerary.
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Known as the main island, Honshu has it all; Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps. Start your visit surrounded by the neon lights of Tokyo, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. From bustling Shinjuku and Shibuya to the Sensoji Temple complex of Asakusa; as the clich&eacute; goes, it truly is a city of contrasts. Spend your days checking out the weird and wonderful fashion of Harajuku, gaming in Akihabara, shopping in Ginza, strolling round the parks and museums of Ueno, or writing your wishes on an ema (wooden placque) at Meiji Jongu Shrine and hoping they come true! Spend your evenings in an izakaya (dining bar) or doing your best Bill Murray impression in one of the city&rsquo;s many karaoke joints.
Don&rsquo;t forget to climb the iconic SkyTree or Tokyo Tower for the best views of this expansive city. On a clear day you might even spot a snow capped Mount Fuji in the distance.
Top tip: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers fantastic views of the city without the cost of the SkyTree. Simply take the elevator up to the top floor observation deck and enjoy!
Just a Shinkansen (bullet train)&nbsp;ride away is the old imperial capital of Kyoto. With 17 UNESCO world heritage sites and over 2000 temples and shrines, no visit to Honshu, or even Japan, would be complete without a stop here. It is well worth visiting Kyoto's iconic attractions; from the beautiful Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion), the exquisite gardens of Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion) and mighty Kiyomizu-dera Temple which has spectacular views over the plateau on which Kyoto sits. However, it is also worth escaping the crowds. Take an early morning trip outside the city to the bamboo forest of Arashiyama and pose for that coveted instagram shot, sure to be the envy of everyone back home. Or why not re-create the opening scene from the film &ldquo;Memoirs of a Geisha&rdquo; and run through the seemingly endless maze of red torii&nbsp;gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Back in the city, head to the low-rise cobbled streets of Gion and if you&rsquo;re lucky you might just spot one of the city's geisha running between tea houses.&nbsp;
Top tip: Kyoto is ever popular with hotels here getting booked up very early, and this growing demand means prices to stay in the city are some of the highest in Japan. For a more economical option, why not consider staying in the cosmopolitan maritime city of Kobe. Jump on the train and in less than an hour you'll be in the centre of Kyoto, ready to start your sightseeing. Kobe itself is easily navigated and with its well preserved historic area, great shopping and an observation deck with remarkable views, there's plenty to keep you occupied for a day or so. Whatever you do, don't miss out on Kobe's world famous Wagyu beef, best enjoyed in the one of the city's many teppanyaki restaurants where the chef grills the prized meat to perfection on a sizzling iron plate as you mouth wateringly look on!
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A&nbsp;short train ride away lies Osaka city. With all the bright lights and modern city vibes of Tokyo, what really sets it apart is its food. Known as the kitchen of Japan, spend the evening strolling through Dotonbori and be sure to try local delicacies such as&nbsp;takoyaki&nbsp;(octopus balls) and&nbsp;okonomiyaki&nbsp;(layers of noodle pancake, cabbage and assorted toppings &ndash; utterly delicious, trust me). Osaka Castle and the surrounding park area is the perfect spot for a picnic in the springtime. Or why not use the city as a jumping off point to visit spiritual Mount Koya? Spend the night at a temple and rise early the next morning with the local monks&hellip;an experience you will ever forget.
Completing the triangle of cities in the Kansai region of Honshu is another former capital: Nara. Smaller and with a more laid-back atmosphere than Kyoto, spend your days here wandering through impressive Nara Park. With shrines and Buddha statues aplenty, the main attraction is the hundreds of deer that roam freely. They provide some unforgettable picture opportunities but watch out if you happen to be enjoying a picnic on your day out, they are very fond of a biscuit or two!
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Further south, Hiroshima is most commonly associated with the atomic bomb dropped during WW2. The city has since rebuilt itself and offers plenty to see and do. Dine out in any number of the city's restaurants, visit for the annual oyster festival each February or watch the Hiroshima Carps play at the baseball stadium. Take the ferry or <a href="../../tours/china-hong-kong-and-japan/japan/tour-kayaking-miyajima">kayak</a> over to beautiful Miyajima and, if you time your visit to the tide, you can watch the giant red&nbsp;torii&nbsp;gate as if it is floating in the middle of the sea. If you can, get there at sunset for a magical moment. Of course, no visit to this city would be complete without a stroll through the commemorative Peace Memorial Park, taking in the thousands of colourful origami paper cranes that symbolise peace. Walk past the A-Bomb dome, the only building to withstand the bombs blast that still remains today. It is a sobering reminder of the horrors of war but standing at the eternal flame in the centre of the park, there is&nbsp;an overwhelming sense of hope and optimism in this lovely city.&nbsp;
Why not escape the hustle and bustle of all these cities and head to the Japanese Alps? With sweeping mountain vistas at every turn,&nbsp;Edo-era towns and great hiking, skiing and mountain biking, it is the perfect antidote to the frenetic cities on this island. Relax in charming Takayama, take in the beautiful gardens in Kanazawa or even hike the old Nakasendo Highway just as the samurai did in the 17th Century. Visit the famous snow monkeys at Shibu Onsen or hit the world class slopes at Hakuba inthe winter months.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Local tip: The&nbsp;shinkansen&nbsp;(bullet trains) are an experience in their own right. Grab a bento box at a&nbsp;konbini&nbsp;(convenience store) and tuck in like the locals do en route to your next destination.
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Bordering the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea lies one of Japan's best kept secrets; the island of Shikoku. Less visited than neighbouring Honshu it offers the chance to get off the beaten track and try something different.
For adrenaline junkies there is white water rafting on the Yoshino River- often regarded as the best in the country. There is also world class canyoning at Nametoko Canyon if you're feeling brave enough. If these high octane activities aren&rsquo;t for you, perhaps take a leisurely boat ride down the Shimato River or just a stroll along the beach. You could explore dense forest in the centre of Shikoku and the relatively uninhabited Pacific coastline, visited only by the occasional whale.
Aside from the island's natural attractions, Shikoku has heaps of history and culture to discover. The spiritual city of Matsuyama is known for its ancient pilgrimage routes and thermal springs, including one of the country&rsquo;s oldest hot springs, Dogo Onsen. A relaxing dip here is highly recommended - you'll be in good company as it is reported that people, including generations of royals, have been bathing in the waters here for over 3,000 years! The bath house here also inspired the one featured in the 2001 animated feature &lsquo;Spirited Away&rsquo;, Japan's highest grossing film ever!. Another undoubted city highlight is the original but beautifully restored Matsuyama Castle, towering splendidly above the city centre. Most castles in Japan have been rebuilt in exact replica, the original most likely to have been destroyed by war or natural disaster. Visiting an original one is a special experience and Matsuyama Castle won't disappoint!
Heading north to Takamatsu, the famous historical gardens of Ritsurin Koen, are a wonderful place to escape and unwind and shouldn't be missed. Keep your eyes peeled for a tree planted by then Prince of Wales in 1922, who later became King Edward VIII and stop for a break in the Kikugetsu-tei teahouse, where you can enjoy a cup of perfectly prepared matcha tea. A backdrop to the city, Mount Yashima offers panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea. Being the site of a famous 12th Century battleground, it is considered good luck to throw small clay discs from one of the many viewpoints &ndash; symbolising victorious warriors throwing off their headpieces after defeating their enemies in battle!
For many travellers however, Shikoku's main draw is as the setting off point for the <a href="../../tours/china-hong-kong-and-japan/japan/tour-ride-the-shimanami-kaido">Shimanami Kaido</a>, an 80km cycle route between Honshu Island and Shikoku Island which is frequently voted as one of the top cycle routes in the world. Crossing several suspension bridges, the course is superbly designed to offer cyclists a safe and scenic path through the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
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There is nothing quite like exploring <a href="../../tours/china-hong-kong-and-japan/japan/tour-naoshima-art-island-extension">Naoshima Island</a> with its iconic sculptures dotted about and a plethora of art galleries and museums at every turn; it&rsquo;s a unique stop on any itinerary.
No visit is complete without spending a night or two at Benesse House; a striking hotel forming part of the modern art museum. It is totally unlike anywhere else in the country and it marks itself as a truly eccentric (even by Japanese standards) and fascinating island to visit. Few tourists make it down to this part of Japan, so if you do it is definitely worth the journey.
Top tip: Naoshima is the perfect place to discover every day life in small town Japan. Exploration is simple - hire a bicycle or electric bike from around teh ferry terminal and be sure to check out narrow alleyways and shrines around every corner. Not a fan of cycling? Not to worry, the local bus visits all of the main attractions too.
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Natural beauty, cosmoplitan cities and an active volcano at every turn, the underrated island of Kyushu should definitely be making its way to the top of your list.&nbsp;
Futuristic Fukuoka city has a food scene to rival Osaka. Try their famous Hakata ramen egg noodles which is the best in Japan (or so myself and the people of Kyushu can attest to). Spend the day shopping at the country&rsquo;s largest purpose built shopping and entertainment complex, Canal City, and spend the evening in one of the many outdoor food stalls. Head south to Nagasaki prefecture; with its miles of coastline and hundreds of little islands it is the perfect place to relax and explore. Visit Nagasaki city, best known as the second city the atomic bomb decimated during WW2. Like Hiroshima, it has rebuilt itself and sports the beautiful commemorative Peace Park in which you can learn more about that fateful day. As a port city - and one of the earliest in the country allowed to trade with the outside world when the rest of Japan was closed off- it retains an international diversity not seen in the rest of the country. Visit the Dutch houses, taste some of the best Chinese food you will ever have and take the cute 1950s style trams around the city. For the more adventurous, climb Mount Inasa for breathtaking city views to one side&nbsp;(voted one of the top 3 in Japan) and coastal views as far as the eye can see to the other.
After Nagasaki, head over to Kumamoto. It has, arguably, the best looking castle in the entire country. Visit in spring to see it in full glory surrounded by pretty pink blossoms, or visit in autumn when the fall colours rival those of New England.
Soak in the sulphurous hot springs of Beppu, Japan's hot spring capital. Perhaps even take a sand bath under the imposing volcano of Sakurajima in the city of Kagoshima, often likened to Naples in Italyfor its mild climate, volcano and hot-tempered inhabitants!.
Local tip: Make the most of cherry-blossom season by participating in&nbsp;Hanami&nbsp;(flower watching). Grab a blue plastic sheet, your favourite Japanese snackfood or a&nbsp;bento&nbsp;box and sit under the Sakura trees in a local park, gazing in awe as night settles in and the flowers are lit up by the local street lights.
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When most people think of Japan, they don&rsquo;t necessarily think sub-tropical climate, white sandy beaches and world class snorkelling. Yet the islands that make up the Okinawan archipelago offer all that and more. Located in the East China Sea and not officially part of Japan until the late 1800s, Okinawa retains a distinctive culture and history not found anywhere else in Japan.
Beach lovers should head for Ishigaki Island. With its turquoise waters and white sand it is the perfect getaway. Spend a day or two soaking up the sun here before heading out to remote Iriomote Island with its dense jungle and rivers full of mangroves it is one of the few truly wild places left in Japan. Diving excursions and local boat trips as well as kayaking are the best ways to explore these more remote islands. So with its temperate climate year round, beautiful scenery and more than its fair share of culture and wilderness, the Okinawa archipelago is the perfect beach break at the end of a busy Japan holiday or even a destination in its own right.
Local tip: Even on remote islands in Japan you can be sure to find a vending machine with any number of delicious drinks to try. So don&rsquo;t forget your change.
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Whichever Japanese island you want to visit - our Japan experts are here to help.&nbsp;
We have a wonderful selection of self guided tours that are&nbsp;supremely&nbsp;flexible. Simply put wherever you want to go, we can make it a reality. If you'd prefer the sociablity of a group tour we also have some fascinating small group tours of Japan.
For more inspiration on where to go, what to see and do in this unique country take a look at our&nbsp;<a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan">Japan Holidays</a>&nbsp;pages.

Japan's Incredible Islands

Comprising 25 districts, Seoul is home to an abundance of attractions and historical sites, with complete immersion in all things Korean. Gyeongbokgung Palace is an absolute must-do when in the city; built in 1395, it served as the home to Kings of the Joseon dynasty. You can also visit more recent historic sites, like the War Memorial of Korea, dedicated to those who died during the Korean War. Getting around is made easy by the efficient, spotlessly clean and ultra-punctual subway, which conveniently connects this mega city.
If you think New York is the city that never sleeps, then you haven't been to Seoul. The city comes alive every night of the week in this vibrant metropolis, with bars, nightclubs, famous DJ's, late night coffee shops and restaurants.&nbsp; Hongdae, Itaewan and the lyrically famous Gangnam are truly the party areas, all accessible by the subway system. Want a steak at 4am? No problem, but be prepared to wait in line as these restaurants are packed and full of revellers, no matter what the time.
The Myeongdong district of Seoul is a shoppers paradise, filled with quirky shops, high end fashion and an array of designer boutiques, and restaurants.&nbsp; Hongdae is another fabulous area; its location close to Hondae University makes it affordable, interesting and a great place for speciality coffees, tea houses and a South Korean first- the cat caf&eacute;s!&nbsp; Just like the song, the district of Gangnam is the cr&egrave;me de la cr&egrave;me of extravagance.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a great place to watch the socialites of Seoul drive by in their Lamborghini&rsquo;s, whilst sipping a cocktail at one of the many suave bars.
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Commanding more and more influence on the music world, K-Pop (Korean Pop Music) has taken off by epic proportions. With its infiltration into mainstream music, more and more people are flocking to Seoul to catch a glimpse of their pop idols, and K-Pop can be credited with putting South Korea firmly on the map. Usually known for its serious tech industry brands such as Samsung, LG, Kia &amp; Hyundai, K-Pop has shone a different light on South Korea as fun, modern, young and a welcoming place to visit.
South Korea has recently established itself as one of the world&rsquo;s most exciting movie hubs and has attracted worldwide interest following the success of 2019's Parasite; winner of both the&nbsp;Palme d&rsquo;Or and best picture at the Oscars. Popular TV shows such as Squid Game has also placed South Korea firmly on the world's film and television radar.
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The DMZ is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula and is one of the worlds most dangerous borders. Splitting North Korea from South Korea, it is one of the rarest manmade sights on earth, and it's almost incomprehensible that you can stand literally footsteps away from North Korea. Since no one won the Korean war, an armistice agreement was drawn up as a peace treaty in 1953 but was never signed. Since that day, it's served as a poignant relic of the families and two countries pulled apart by war; a sad irony that they share the same language.
For those with a sense of adventure and a curiosity for the unknown, it's well worth a tour of the Demilitarised Zone (The DMZ) and The Joint Security Area which sits right on the border.&nbsp; Probably one of the most unique and fascinating history tours that exists on earth.
Only 35 miles from Seoul, this bleak reminder of the past sits ominously; heavily fortified and under complete military surveillance.&nbsp; Overseen by the United Nations, the tour allows access to places you&rsquo;d never imagine you could be. Walking deep down into the infiltration tunnels gives you a fascinating glimpse into the North Korean mentality and shows the lengths the North went to, in an attempted yet thwarted invasion of the South. The bridge of no return is a sombre sight and having North Korean army guards watch your every step is daunting in every sense. The whole area is very surreal, almost as though you&rsquo;ve stepped back in time.
Without a doubt, this tour (which is usually led by US Army personnel) is worth taking time to do. You don&rsquo;t have to be a history buff to find this whole area fascinating and seeing it in person is truly astonishing.

Korean food is delicious, there's no other way of describing it. That said, it won&rsquo;t always appeal to everyone! From blood sausage to live octopus, there are certain levels that even the strongest stomachs won&rsquo;t be able to manage. Nevertheless, there's a vast array of mouthwatering food where it would be a shame to refuse.
You may recognise Korean BBQ&rsquo;s from certain speciality restaurants in larger cities in the UK &amp; Ireland. These are commonplace everywhere in South Korea, from the big cities to the tiny hamlets and villages throughout the peninsula. Characterised by their retractable chimney, the barbecue's are usually lit by a welcoming waiter and the rest is then completely down to you!&nbsp; Think of a butchers shop, whereby you go up, pick your own meat, then cook it yourself. By no means is this a selfish affair; usually these are group events where a group of work colleagues/friends/family gather and share the cooking whilst chatting and drinking around the table.&nbsp;
Street markets and vendors are popular too, allowing the opportunity to tase some of the following:
<ul>
<li>Hobakjuk (pumpkin porridge)</li>
<li>Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles)</li>
<li>Soondae (blood sausage)</li>
<li>Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)</li>
<li>Haemul Pajeon (seafood vegetable pancake)</li>
<li>Seolleongtang (ox bone soup)</li>
<li>Bibimbap (mixed rice)</li>
<li>Sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew)</li>
<li>Ddukbokki (spicy rice cake)</li>
<li>Japchae (stir-fried noodles)</li>
<li>Bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue)</li>
<li>Hoeddeok (sweet syrupy pancakes)</li>
<li>And last but not least Kimchi (fermented vegetables)</li>
</ul>
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Yes, you read correctly, South Korea really does have it all! With summers regularly hitting 37 degrees Celsius, and winters dropping to an icy -17 degrees, beaches are a big hit in summer and ski slopes in winter.
Yongpyong Resort, which hosted several events at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic 2018, is a popular ski slope in winter, along with Phoenix Park, Vivaldi Park and High1 resort.
Given that snow is plentiful in winter, a lift day pass costs roughly &pound;50 at the better resorts, and &pound;30 at the ones further out. Ski and snowboard lessons are everywhere, and given their close proximity to Seoul, it's not an uncommon sight to see snowboarders walking through the city at rush hour, or groups of older women in ski suits amongst office workers.
Summer is hot hot hot!&nbsp; So much so that waterparks are big and bold in South Korea. Stepping a bit further down south to Busan, South Koreas second biggest city, offers a stunning beach, holiday atmosphere and an opportunity to forget it all and surf the waves.
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For more inspiration, take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea Holidays</a> pages.

South Korea: The Weird & the Wonderful

Included activities: Welcome dinner, Sensoji Temple, Shibuya walking tour, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Shibuya Sky with drink, Tsukiji outer market, Tsukiji market cooking class
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in the country&rsquo;s lively capital, Tokyo. Your arrival transfer is included, and you&rsquo;ll meet your small group and local leader for a welcome meeting at the hotel.&nbsp;
Bursting with contemporary urban culture and historic temples and shrines, Tokyo has so much to uncover. Exploring the world&rsquo;s largest city alone can be a daunting task, so you can relax in the knowledge that your tour leader will introduce you to everything Tokyo has to offer. From the more traditional temple district of Asakusa to buzzing, modern Shibuya, you&rsquo;ll get under the skin of this city taking in quirky shopping streets and local cuisine as you go.&nbsp;
Tokyo&rsquo;s food scene is undoubtedly one of the world&rsquo;s best, and the city truly celebrates the art of eating well. There will be ample opportunity to sample a range of regional and seasonal delights on your free afternoon exploring the city, including handmade soba noodles, crispy tempura and yakitori. You&rsquo;ll also learn how to make nigiri sushi and hand-rolled sushi, then enjoy your fresh creations for lunch.&nbsp;
Intrepid organise to forward your luggage to the next destination through the trip allowing you to explore easily with your day pack.
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Included activities: Cable car/ropeway, Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Say sayonara to Tokyo this morning and board a train bound for the mountainous onsen (hot spring) town of Hakone. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone offers tranquillity among stunning natural scenery. In the afternoon, take a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani, followed by a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake. Enjoy spectacular views, and on a clear day, you will catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance.&nbsp;
In Hakone, you&rsquo;ll experience staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan. Each room comes with a private onsen, and there are also larger public indoor and outdoor onsens that overlook the surrounding greenery to make use of. A highlight for many, you'll also get to have a traditional Japanese meal in these surroundings.
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Included activities: Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling), Showa museum, Shirakawago village, morning market visit
Today, travel to Takayama via shinkansen (bullet train). Takayama is a charming Edo-period town located in the Japanese alps. Renowned for its traditional inns, sake breweries and tranquil atmosphere, this riverside jewel of central Honshu may well be one of the most enjoyable stops on your trip. Learn how the town&rsquo;s isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene. Stop off on your tour to sample delicious Hida beef sushi or skewers, then pay a visit to the Takayama Showa-kan Museum. This is not your average museum &ndash; here you&rsquo;ll find a celebration of pop culture from the turbulent period of Emperor Hirohito&rsquo;s six-decade reign.&nbsp;
From Takayama you&rsquo;ll hop on a public bus and head to the village of Shirakawa-go, home to charming thatched-roof cottages built in the gassho-zukuri style. Learn about ancient countryside life with your leader and explore the fairy-tale village against the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps.
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Included activities: Okonomiyaki dinner, leader-led orientation walk, Miyajima island day trip, Peace Park &amp; A - Bomb Dome, Peace Museum, Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
Today you will travel by train to Hiroshima, a friendly and cosmopolitan city with a tragic past. Today Hiroshima is thriving &ndash; the city is full of distinctive cuisine, tightknit communities and a focus on promoting world peace. You&rsquo;ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, learning the devastating story of the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was attacked by atomic warfare. The dome was just metres from the atomic site and was able to retain its shape &ndash; serving as a reminder of the attack and now symbol of peace.
Only a short ferry ride away, the island of Miyajima is home to the Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, known for its huge bright orange gate (torii) that rises majestically out of the sea. Miyajima is an ideal place for walking. There is the lovely Momiji Park from where it is possible to walk or take a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen.
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Included activities: Himeji Castle (en route), Gion District walk, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Daitokuji Temple, Zen Buddhism meditation session, Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Gekkei-kan Sake Brewery &amp; tasting, Final dinner
As you speed north to Kyoto on shinkansen, you&rsquo;ll stop en route at Japan&rsquo;s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji &ndash; a particularly impressive sight during cherry blossom season. From there head to Kyoto for your final 3 nights, Japan&rsquo;s ancient capital and cultural heartland. Explore Gion, Kyoto&rsquo;s most famous geisha district, and learn about the history of geisha culture as you explore old wooden teahouses and exclusive restaurants. It's a great idea to return here in the evening when it really springs to life.&nbsp;
You are spoiled for choice in Kyoto if you like history. From the elaborate Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) to the 800-year-old zen Bhuddist Daitokuji temple, you will witness the finest Japanese architecture from the past 1000 years. Kyoto&rsquo;s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine &ndash; known throughout the world as the &lsquo;Path of the Red Gates&rsquo; also provides stunning city views.&nbsp;
Continue with a short train ride and walk to the renowned Gekkei-kan Sake Brewery. With centuries of local history built into its beautiful wooden halls, Gekkei-kan is considered Japan&rsquo;s industry leader in both the tradition and innovation of sake creation. Back in town, head to Nishiki market for the finest Kyoto street food options.
3 nights in Kyoto allows you a perfect amount of time to explore the city at your own pace, and with easy access to Kansai International Airport near Osaka, it makes perfect sense to end your adventure here.
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To view this tour in more detail, <a href="../../Tours/China-Hong-Kong-and-Japan/Japan/tour-Premium-Japan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>.&nbsp;
Or for more inspiration, take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan">Japan Holidays</a> pages.

How to Spend 12 Days Exploring the Best of Japan

As the fourth largest country in the world, the range of temperatures in <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china">China</a> at any one time can be considerable.
China is situated in the northern hemisphere so their seasons fall into the same months as the UK. Deciding on the best time to visit China depends on where you wish to see and the weather you hope to have. It's worth bearing in mind that the vast majority of tourists in China are Chinese themselves, so avoiding their national holidays means that main sites are less busy. You will also get more choice and better value accommodation in shoulder seasons.
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Winter can be extremely cold in the north of <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china">China</a>, so highlights of the season here focus on snow and ice. Winter sports are increasingly popular in China, and <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/beijing">Beijing</a> will host the Winter Olympics in 2022. The snow on the <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/the-great-wall-of-china">Great Wall of China</a>, easily accessed from Beijing, offers a different perspective of one of the Wonders of the World. The Forbidden City, China's largest palace and museum, or the Terracotta Warriors of Xian, provide respite from the cold. All tourist spots and hotels are less busy in this season, so if you can bring a few layers of clothing with you, it's a great time to visit China.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The south of China, generally regarded as south of the <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/yangtze-river">Yangtze River</a>, emerges from their winter by March. Spring flowers appear and more tourists return. Guangzhou is known as the 'Flower City' and hosts a flower festival. Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Yangzhou are warmer and enjoying spring.
Events
The Harbin Ice Festival is the world's largest winter festival taking place from late December to February. It takes 10,000 workers from around the world to create the massive ice sculptures. The lighting of the Sculptures is incredible. Around 15 million people visit each year.
Chinese New Year falls between 21 Jan -21 Feb. Transport and attractions can become very congested during this national holiday so I would advise avoiding the country at this time if at all possible.&nbsp;
The Hong Kong International Film Festival, showcasing predominantly Asian films, runs March to April.
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By April the spring has sprung in the north of China, so it's a great time to visit the famous sites of <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/beijing">Beijing</a> and <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/xian">Xian</a> in comfortable temperatures. Into May and it is the best time for hiking the <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/the-great-wall-of-china">Great Wall of China</a>.
In the south, you could visit the Three Gorges or cycle around <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/yangshuo">Yangshuo</a> and take a cruise on the Li River. The Karst landscape is incredibly photographic. Not to be missed is the Lui San Jie Impression Light Show in the evenings in Yangshuo. June is the best month for hiking in the Huangshan (Yellow) Mountains and from there you could visit the Lotus Flowers and Dragon Boat Racing in Hangzhou.
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Summer is the most popular time to visit China with airfares and accommodation at their priciest. Chinese students are on vacation which adds to main tourist sites being busy.
It is a great time to take a <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/yangtze-river">Yangtze River</a> cruise, as the surrounding countryside and scenery will be at its most lush.&nbsp;
To escape the crowds and the heat, consider a trip to Yunnan Province. The mountain air is fresher and there are fantastic hiking opportunities. The cities of Lijiang and Dali offer UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beautiful lakes.
Summer is also the best time to travel on the Silk Road from Xian to Kashgar. The scenery and different cultures you encounter on this historic route are incredible.
Events
Over a million people will visit the Hong Kong Book Fair in July.
Qingdao, a seaside city, hosts a beer festival in August. It is the largest beer festival in Asia and they have beer from around the world and of course their own local beer Tsingtao. There is plenty of live music and food to enjoy too.
Horse Racing is also popular in summer.
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Throughout China, temperatures begin to drop to a more comfortable temperature for sightseeing. The number of tourists also drops, so it's perfect to visit the main sights of China.
<a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/chengdu">Chengdu</a> is the best place to visit China's national animal, the Giant Panda. Whilst you can visit all year around, September is when the pandas hopefully give birth to their cubs.&nbsp;
Autumn colours spread throughout China as it gets cooler into October and November. If you are looking for warmer weather, Guangzhou and Hong Kong still have temperatures in the high 20s.
Events
Mid-September is the Mid-Autumn Festival marked by sampling moon cakes from Chinese bakeries.&nbsp;
Beijing hosts the 798 Art Festival in September with over 400 venues focusing on contemporary art.
The first week of October is Golden Week, celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China. As with Chinese New Year, this means public transport and tourist sites get extremely busy so again my advice would be to avoid this period for travelling if at all possible.
A week later, the Shanghai Tennis Masters&nbsp;takes place with the world's best tennis players competing.
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For inspiration on the best time to visit China, take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/china--hong-kong-and-japan/china">China Holidays</a> pages.

When Is the Best Time to Visit China

1. Take to the vibrant streets of Tokyo as you cross the world's busiest pedestrian intersection.
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2. Clamber the ramparts of one of the country's many perfectly preserved Samurai castles.
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3. Hike, climb or stroll through some of the most stunning countryside on the planet. Don't forget your camera!
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4. No trip to Japan is complete without a ride on a speedy bullet train - 200mph never felt so great.
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5. Lose your inhibitions (no swim suits allowed!) as you wallow in an onsen - a relaxing hot spring bath.
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6. Experience a stay in a traditional ryokan, sleep on a futon mattress in a room with paper walls and bathe in a relaxing onsen.
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7. Sushi or sashimi, nigiri or maki - be sure to sample the entire range of Japan's iconic morsels at one of the bustling food markets.
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8. Many people have heard about Cherry blossom, but with Japan's passion for trees be sure to witness the autumn colours or perhaps one of the fabulous bamboo forests.
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9. Go behind the scenes of Japan's national sport with a visit to a sumo wrestler training session.
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10. Learn all about the world of a delightful geisha over a traditional kaiseki (multi-course) dinner.
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For more inspiration, visit our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan">Japan Holidays</a> pages.

Top Ten Japan Experiences

One of the most popular winter activities in Japan is a visit to the <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan/snow-monkeys">Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park</a>, located just outside the charming village of Shibu Onsen, about an hour away from the city of Nagano. The snow monkeys are a type of macaque which are native to Japan, and are the world's northernmost non-human primates.
What makes these monkeys unique is that they protect themselves from the bitter winter cold by bathing in an onsen, a natural volcanic hot spring, which obviously creates some incredible photo opportunities.
A shuttle bus from Shibu Onsen deposits you at the entrance to the monkey park and from there it's a thirty minute walk through snow covered forest up to the onsen. On the day that I visited, the thermometer was showing minus three degrees and a full on blizzard was blowing in our faces. Seeing the cheeky little monkeys was well worth these hardships though. They seem completely unfazed by human presence and are gloriously content in their little oasis from the cold.
This is a Japanese winter experience which should definitely not be missed.
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<a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan">Japan</a> sits right in the middle of the Pacific Ring of Fire and as a result there are over 100 active volcanoes in the country. One consequence of this geothermal activity is the presence of lots and lots of onsen, the aforementioned volcanic hot springs, and they are definitely not just for snow monkeys!
Onsen are big business in Japan and they are popular with both domestic and international tourists throughout the year. However, there is something undeniably magical about sitting in a steaming hot outdoor pool as the snow is falling all around you.
There are onsen scattered all around Japan, but some towns have become justifiably famous as having the best onsens. One such example is Nozawa Onsen, in Nagano prefecture, where there are no less than 13 public onsen in a small village. Alternatively why not join the locals by strolling down 'Spa Street' in Shibu Onsen, dressed in your yukata robe as you head for a soak. Most onsen tend to be segregated by gender and have strict etiquette to follow but, as with most things in Japan, do as the locals do and you won't go far wrong.
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Ask most non skiers where they think the best ski resorts in the world are, the chances are they will say France or Switzerland. Some might suggest the Canadian Rockies. Hardly any will mention Japan. Suprisingly to many though, the land of the rising sun is one of the world's very best skiing and&nbsp;snowboarding destinations.
Japan receives an incredible 5.5 metres (18 feet) of fresh snow a year, nearly all of which is fresh powder. If you're into winter sports, that's the stuff that dreams are made of.
There are also more than five hundred ski resorts to choose from. One stands head and shoulders above all the others though; the truly outstanding Niseko, on the wild northern island of Hokkaido. I was lucky enough to spend four days skiing in Niseko a few years ago and they remain the best snow days I've ever had. On my final day, I woke to the news that sixty centimetres of fresh snow had fallen overnight!
It's obviously not as high as the European Alps and the terrain isn't as challenging, but it's the feeling of your skis or board cutting right through the feather light powder snow that makes it so special. Furthermore, if like me you're prone to a few falls when you're skiing, it's like falling onto the sofest pillow you could ever imagine! I'd recommend even the most ardent Alpine afficionados give Japan (and particularly Niseko) a go one winter, you certainly won't regret it if you do.&nbsp;
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Japan is a land of festivals. There are thousands of festivals, big and small, throughout the year, and this doesn't slow down in winter.
The most famous of Japan's winter festivals is Yuki Matsuri, better known as the Sapporo Snow Festival. This dates back to 1950, when a group of students made six snow sculptures in the city's Odori Park. The event quickly gained in popularity and is now a major tourist event, attracting thousands of visitors to Sapporo every February. The snow sculptures now stretch along the whole 1.5km length of Odori Park, and cover everything from Darth Vader to the Arc De Triomphe! At night the sculptures are all illuminated, which makes for an even more visually incredible spectacle.
The 2020 edition of the festival will run from Friday 31st January to Tuesday 11th February.&nbsp;
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Sticking with festivals, one of the most auspicious days of the year in Japan, even more so than in the West, is New Year's Day.
This is due to the Japanese tradition of hatsumode - when Japanese people young and old visit temples and shrines to pray for health, safety and good fortune for the forthcoming year. Although some Japanese will visit the shrines at midnight, many others will go during the day on New Year's Day. This means that you could combine some New Year's Eve celebrations in Roppongi or Shinjuku, with the more cultural experience of witnessing the hatsumode on New Year's Day.
There are hundreds of temples and shrines in <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan/tokyo">Tokyo</a> but Asakusa is one of the most well known, and is located in one of the more traditional suburbs of Tokyo, so this would be a good place to start. Furthermore, if you are still in Tokyo on 2nd January, this is one of only two days of the year when the grounds of the Royal Palace are opened to the public and you can go and see the Emperor speak.
2020 will therefore be the new Emperor Naruhito's imagaural new year address to his people.
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Last but certainly not least, no visit to Japan in any season would be complete without a visit to the symbol of the country, the truly majestic <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan/hakone">Mount Fuji</a>.
Although it is certainly not climbing season, winter is actually one of the best times of year to view Fuji-San. In December and January, the five lakes area near Mount Fuji enjoys some crystal clear (but bitingly cold!) winter days. Furthermore, if you visit at this time, you will get the iconic image of the perfectly shaped volcanic cone covered in snow. This is obviously not always the case earlier in the year.
To get to Fuji, take the 90 minute bus journey from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, in the five lakes region. From there, you can hike up one of the well signposted trails to the various viewpoints of the mountain. Alternatively, there is also a cable car for the less mobile or those who may have overindulged in&nbsp;sake and&nbsp;yakitori chicken the night before.
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For more inspiration, visit our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan">Japan&nbsp;Holidays</a> pages.&nbsp;

Winter in Japan

It would be stupid to pretend the inspiration for most trips to this bold and brash country&nbsp;isn't the <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/the-great-wall-of-china">Great Wall of China</a>, so let's kick start with what makes this so 'great'.
The wall was originally constructed with tamped earth as a way to protect the first Emperor Qin Shi Huang's land against nomads from Inner Asia. Since then, over a million men have been utilised through it's various stages of expansion and redevelopment and as it now stands, the wall spans across more than 13,000 miles with an arrray of more modernised materials. Most of it can be found in remote mountainous regions, deserts and grasslands, meaning the popular access points are within reaching distance of Beijing. Due to the quieter, less visited nature of the site it is recommended to experience the <a href="https://www.trailfinders.com/tours/china-hong-kong-and-japan/china/tour-the-great-wall-mutianyu-section">Great Wall at Mutianyu</a>. Upon arrival, visitors have the option to absorb the gorgeous scenery and access the wall from the comfort of a cable car or ski lift (alternatively it's a pretty strenuous uphill climb).&nbsp;This well preserved segment provides a pleasant stroll along part of the monumental structure, allowing visitors to experience the snake-like way the wall wraps itself along the unmanufactured surrounding lands. The footing is uneven and at times quite steep, which makes magnificent photos but not great for those unsteady on their feet. Turning right and walking as far as the restored section allows will also tease more close up views of the unrestored state of the wall. After a few hours of exploration, you can then top your day off with a thrilling ride back down the hillside by taboggan.
For those more adventurous beings, opt for a&nbsp;multi day hike to the rural areas of this wonder!
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Next in line (literally) are the Terracotta Warriors, which can be found in <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/xian">Xi'an</a> - a bullet train away from Beijing, or a short flight away from various other popular destinations. The First Emperor of China can again be thanked for providing China with such a tourism hotspot. His well known fear of immortality and other such beliefs caused him to order the construction of an army that could protect him from his enemies in after life. The most fascinating thing about these remarkable pottery figurines is the fact they weren't discovered until 1974, over 2000 years after their creation!&nbsp;
Whilst there is a short ten minute clip on loop giving a brief summary of the history, having a guide for your visit is crucial as it ensures you tour the site in the most recommended order. Entrance to the warriors also includes the mausoleum and burial site of the Emperor himself, 1.5km away. Whilst you won't see the tomb, a short stop is recommended as it is possible to see into the laboraties undertaking restoration processes - giving a real insight into the delicacy of the task at hand!
To finish off your trip to the Terracotta Warriors, hire a bike and cycle around the top of Xi'an's fortifications. An alternative method is to walk it; a full circuit will take a couple of hours, but you also have the option of popping off at various points if you're a bit short for time. Once the evening draws to a close you could exit the wall and make way to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to view the largest musical fountain in Asia. The pagoda alone is a popular daytime attraction, but the added effects in the evening definitely make it something different!
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China isn't just cities and buildings, it also sports some of the best scenery in the world, and the region of <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/yangshuo">Yangshuo</a> and Guillin is a great place to go for an intense hit of dramatic landscapes. The toothy peaks of the limestone karsts scatter views in all directions, not to be outdone by the beauty of the Li River winding in and around for 83km between the two. For an infamous photo in Chinese tourism, head to the nearby town of Xing Ping and recreate your own version of the picture found on the current 20 yuan note. Yangshuo is also the perfect gateway into the agricultural elements of rural China; surrounding villages are packed full of rice paddies and farmers working the fields with water buffalo. Whilst cycling through these or taking a walking tour is more than enough, you can elevate your experience by travelling the short hour and a half from Guillin to Longji, home to 'the Dragon's Backbone'. A stunning 40 minute hike will demonstrate the essence of the nickname, offering views from the summit down across the terraces, which are packed full of more than 700 years of history!
The Li River isn't the only one known for it's gorgeous location. A popular activity for a well balanced trip to China is a&nbsp;cruise along the <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/yangtze-river">Yangtze River</a>. With various levels of accomodation standards and a collection of on-shore activities breaking up the journey, this truly is appropriate for most budgets and levels of cruising experience. Be sure to build your journey around the cruise you want as they don't operate daily!
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Throw your preconception of Chinese food out of the window and be ready to explore a whole new range of cuisine, bursting with spice and flavour. Those willing to really push the boat out can delve into the likes of chicken feet, duck heads and deep fried spiders. The more cautious will be pleased to know that the palette doesn't need broadening too far into the extremes, with each region offering their own take on the classics found on most UK high streets.
Typically and most traditionally found in Beijing, the Peking duck is a staple classic for all to try. The duck will come served with pancakes, cucumber, scallion and delicious hoisin sauce, served similarly to in the UK. To get it from one of the best, try Da Dong Roast Duck restaurant in the Dongcheng District. A consistent award winner for the specialist delicacy as well as leading the way in modernised duck roasting methods.
Moving on to the dumpling, something more few and far between in the UK but unavoidable in all provences of China. Don't make the mistake of thinking one experience of these is enough as every restaurant will have it's own take on how to serve them. Most famous are the dumplings from the Sichuan region, served swimming in spicy chilli oil. The dumpling is potentially one of the easiest dishes to bring home as part of your cooking fortee, so why not try your hand at a good cooking class to impress your friends with this simple but effective dish?
Visitors to Chengdu can also be spoiled to the traditional <a href="https://www.trailfinders.com/tours/china-hong-kong-and-japan/china/tour-chengdu-hot-pot-dinner">Chengdu Hotpot</a>. Also harbouring the recognisable traits of classic Sichuan cuisine, the hotpot comes packed full of flavour and heat. To really experience the essence of a traditional hotpot, this dish is best enjoyed in a social environment or amongst a group of friends!
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A little trickier to get to but fantastic for a second time visit to China. Fans of the box office hit Avatar may know the inspiration behind The Hallelujah Mountains comes from <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/zhangjiajie">Zhangjiajie National Forest Park</a>, located in the Northwest Hunan province. It is easy to fill your time here, with the main elements of the park taking at least two days to explore. Visitors can initially test their fear of heights with a cable car ride up Tianenmen Mountain before braving the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. With a total length of 430 meters and a height of 300 meters, this is definitely not for the faint-hearted.&nbsp;
Contrasting the vistas of Zhangjiajie comes Jiuzhaigou. Rivalling Canada in the clarity and turqoise tones of it's waters, this National Park almost feels misplaced. While it's possible to see the highlights in one day, a few days is definitely better - especially considering the tricky nature of it's location (10 hour drive from Chengdu.) Popular with Chinese tourists, the look out points are noticably crowded. However, their consistent and unhindered use of the park bus allows willing walkers to enjoy the scenery inbetween completely unspoiled. Whilst it is easy to rack up 20km on your fitbit, the park bus comes in excellent use to escort you between any parts you dont want to do on foot.
Park maps act as an excellent tool but all receptionists in local hotels can advise on the best routes. Be sure to arrive early as entrances are heaving before the doors even open!
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Whilst a lot of cities offer photogenic scenes and recognisable silhouettes, not many deliver a sharp contrast in metallic and glass clad high rises with neo-classical colonial structures, both of which can be found on either side of the Huang Pu River in <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/shanghai">Shanghai</a>. More commonly referred to as 'The Bund', Waitan is a waterfront area that offers stunning views across the river to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, as well as a handful of others sported in the world's top 30 tallest buildings!
It's no secret that China has issues with smog; instead of checking the official radar systems many locals will use the visibility of these skyscrapers from their homes as an indication of the pollution levels - if you can't see it, don't go outside! For those willing to brave the 128 story Shanghai Tower, you have the option of paying to access the observation deck up on the 118th floor. Alternatively if you want the views with more bang for your buck, try the bar on the 92nd floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center for a drink instead - access is free through the hotel entrance round the back - a nice way to end your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trailfinders.com/tours/china-hong-kong-and-japan/china/tour-shanghai-city-tour">Shanghai City Tour.</a>
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<a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/beijing">Beijing</a> has a very different approach to Shanghai with a far less cosmopolitan feel. Aside from the extremely efficient new metro network, the age-old elements of Chinese culture and architectural features consistantly shine through. Best experienced on foot, take a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trailfinders.com/tours/china-hong-kong-and-japan/china/tour-walking-tour-through-beijing-s-hutongs">Walking Tour Through Beijing's Hutongs</a>. These narrow laneways separating traditional courtyard residences date back as far as the 13th Century, whilst many have been demolished and modernised you can wander through plenty offering the original features. No visit to Beijing is complete without a jaunt to Tiananmen Square. Originally famed for being the largest public square in the world, it was catapulted to headlines by the massacre of protesting students in 1989. A visit will generally include the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, hopefully witnessing a changing of the guards by the Monument of the People's Heroes as well as a tour around the Forbidden City, just over the road.
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Most notably, <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china/chengdu">Chengdu</a> made the map for homing the Giant Panda Research Base for Breeding. With only about 1,500 of these black and white beauties left in the wild, a natural sighting is extremely rare. The 'Panda Sanctuary' is not only a fantastic tourist attraction but a key contributor into the recent movement of the Giant Panda off the list of endangered species, as the lazy nature of their breeding habits and annual three day fertility window means the reproduction process is few and far between.&nbsp;Starting in 1987 with just 6 pandas rescued from the wild, the non-profit facility has homed 124 newborns and expanded to 83 captive pandas. A day here will be full of 'oohs' and 'aahs' as you witness the pandas in various stages of life, unarguably the cutest in their playful toddler years. However, don't allow yourself to let the pandas side track you from other worthwhile attractions nearby. A short train ride to Leshan and you can find (easily) the 71m high Big Buddha. Pair this with the buddhist temples and shopping highlights within Chengdu's own city limits and your few days will soon be full!
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For more inspiration, take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china">China Holidays</a> pages.

The Best Landmarks & Landscapes of China

As we'd travelled extensively in <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/china">China</a> before, we chose to skip the 2 days of sightseeing in Beijing and instead met up with our fellow 5 travellers and Anya, our lovely Russian tour leader, the night before the start of our epic 5,000 mile adventure.
Early the next morning our train from Beijing departed bang on time. Heading north the rather uninspiring Beijing suburbs slowly drifted away to be replaced by the picturesque villages and fields of northern China. As the sun set, we entered the Gobi Desert bound for the Mongolian border. We quickly learned that border crossings on the train aren&rsquo;t timely affairs - ours took over 8 hours! Entry formalities are conducted on the train - don&rsquo;t be alarmed as your passports are whisked away from you for several hours, they will be returned! Whilst their focus is usually on the local traders using the train to transfer their stock, customs officials may conduct a thorough check of your luggage and/or your compartment so little bit of patience goes a long way.
The highlight of this border crossing, especially for railway enthusiasts, is the changing of the carriage wheels, or bogies, as you move from China&rsquo;s standard gauge rails to the wider gauge used by Mongolia and Russia. Your carriage, with you still inside, is jacked up 3m into the air. The old bogies are removed, the new ones attached and once you're back down on the rails and the train is all reattached you&rsquo;re good to go. It&rsquo;s quite an experience and fascinating to watch from your aerial vantage point.
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The train continued its journey across <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/mongolia">Mongolia</a>, heading towards Ulaanbaatar, the world&rsquo;s coldest capital city (-49C in winter!). Winding around tight bends, there are some excellent photo opportunities on this leg. Arriving in the city late afternoon, there was time to quickly check in to our hotel before enjoying an evening of traditional Mongolian song and dance. The throat singing was a genuine highlight - totally bizarre but surprisingly melodic!
Nothing quite prepares you for the beauty and expansiveness of the Mongolian landscape. Leaving the city behind we spent a night spent camping out in a ger tent, shared dinner (boiled sheep&rsquo;s head anyone?!) with a delightful nomadic family and enjoyed the fabulous views atop the gigantic Genghis Khan statue. After a stop to fly a golden eagle (a pretty normal thing in Mongolia!) it was back on the overnight train headed for Russia.
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Following another 8 hour late night border crossing, we awoke to scenes straight from a snow globe as the train skirted the shores of a frozen Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world. During our time in the charming lakeside village of Listvyanka, Anya initiated us to the art of the Russian banya&nbsp; ie being whipped with birch branches in a sauna - far more relaxing than it sounds! She also taught us the etiquette of vodka drinking. Always drink with food (ideally follow each shot with a pickled vegetable or smoked fish), look the person you are clinking&nbsp; glasses with directly in the eye, never miss anyone out nor toast with an empty glass (it&rsquo;s very bad luck). And the last clink should be with a member of the opposite sex who you are not romantically involved with. Za zdorovje!
We had time to explore the picturesque city of Irkutsk, an obscure Cossack outpost made famous for hosting aristocratic political exiles from the court of St Petersburg in the early 19th Century, before starting our 3 night non stop train ride across Siberia headed for the city of Kazan. The time onboard was comfortable and passed surprisingly quickly (aided by quantities of vodka, pot noodles, box sets downloaded to our iPads, good old card games, lots of laughs and plenty of snoozing!).
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Hitting the cosmopolitan Tatarstani (yep tartare sauce has its origins here) capital was quite a culture shock after the wilds of Siberia. This little known hidden gem of a city has amazing architecture, much of it funded by the region&rsquo;s vast oil &amp; gas deposits and a proud people, said to be direct descendants of Genghis Khan&rsquo;s legendary Golden Horde. Older than Moscow and known as the Istanbul of the Volga, Kazan is one of Russia&rsquo;s most progressive cities, majestic mosques rub shoulders happily here with grandiose orthodox churches and there's a lively mile long strip of bars and restaurants to let your hair down in as your stretch your legs after being cooped up on a train for days.
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But Moscow was calling. Our overnight train journey got us in mid morning on 9th May, Victory Day, which celebrates the ending of hostilities of Russia&rsquo;s Great Patriotic War (aka WWII). We headed straight out to watch the military parade being broadcast from Red Square and were then invited to join in the Immortal Regiment parade. The Soviet Union faced some of the worst losses during the war, with an estimated 27 million casualties and every year millions of Russians march through the streets holding portraits of relatives who died during the fighting. It was an incredibly moving experience to walk alongside the families and an honour to help them keep the memories of their long lost descendants alive.
The next day we explored Bunker 42, deep underground in a forgettable city suburb. Built top secretly during the Cold War, it was designed to be the head of operations during a nuclear war. I volunteered to launch the nuclear missile in an attack simulation. Typing in the map co-ordinates that were being barked at me by the scary looking 'guard' and pressing that white button (only the west has red ones apparently) was surprisingly nerve wracking! Having obliterated New York - oops, it was time to unleash our inner space geek at the Museum of Cosmonautics. This 'must see' in the city showcases Russia's race to conquer space. There&rsquo;s the taxidermied bodies of Belka &amp; Stelka, the first dogs in space, a life size replica of the Mir space station to walk through and the capsule that Yuri Gagarin orbited the Earth in as he made history on 12 April 1961.
Saying a sad farewell to Moscow, we caught the overnight train to St Petersburg. Highlights of this beautiful city were a guided tour of the world class art collection of The Hermitage, a night at the ballet in the Mariinsky Theatre and seeing the final resting place of the last tsar of <a href="../../holidays/europe/russia">Russia</a> in the Peter &amp; Paul fortress. After a farewell dinner with the group, our adventure of a lifetime sadly had come to an end.
So how can I sum it up? It was a journey covering 2 continents, 3 countries, 19 days and 5,000 miles simply jam packed with the most incredible experiences, wonderful people and magnificent landscapes. Combined with comfortable trains and my new appreciation of vodka (and pot noodles) I loved every single minute of it. Packing my trusty Trans Siberian guidebook away on our last night, an old bus ticket fluttered to the floor. Examining it, I saw it was dated 2003 and had been used as a book mark when I had first started planning this adventure when I first started working with Trailfinders! Whatever you do, if it's on your bucket list, don&rsquo;t leave it as long as I did - just go!
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1) With the need to submit fingerprints for China &amp; Russia, do not underestimate how long getting your visas will take. Start applying for them as soon as you can (but no sooner than 3 months before departure) and be aware that your passport can be tied up for up to a couple of weeks for each one - important if you have any other trips planned during your application process.
2) The trains run regularly in both directions, ie east to west or vv. We chose the former, to get the jet lag over and done with at the beginning of the trip when there is plenty of time to adjust your body clocks with some top snoozing on the train. Spending the last few days in 'European' Russia also meant we gently readjusted ourselves to coming back home, so no culture shock on arrival.
3) Pack as light as you can as your luggage shares your compartment. A low, soft sided bag works best for fitting under the seats. Do include a set of comfy &lsquo;train clothes&rsquo; to lounge in - a t-shirt, leggings or shorts and a sweatshirt is perfect. The heating in the carriages can be a little erratic, but with a tendency to being too warm rather than too cold, dressing in layers is helpful. A pair of slip on shoes or flip flops is useful. Bring plenty of reading material, downloads and pack of cards but don&rsquo;t forget to take the time to simply sit back and gaze out of the window at the ever changing scenery.
4) Owned by China, Mongolia or Russian rail operators, there is a vast range of styles of carriages operating on the Trans Siberian network - we had a completely different one for each leg of our journey. They ranged from modern business style sleeper accommodation with an en suite bathroom to older more utilitarian options with a questionable taste in net curtains, but all were perfectly comfortable. No need to bring sleeping bags. Freshly laundered linen, pillows &amp; duvets are always provided along with a hand towel for each berth. There are 2 toilets with a washbasin in each carriage. They are pretty basic but kept spotlessly clean by the provodnitsas, your carriage attendants. Toilet paper is provided and there is plenty of space to wash. Do bring a flannel/sponge and a universal sink plug. On some trains showers are occasionally available either FOC or at a minimal charge (approx &pound;2 including towels). Plug sockets will be available somewhere in the carriage to charge up your electricals but do keep an eye on your belongings if using the sockets in the corridors. If travelling with lots of gadgets, consider taking a large capacity portable power pack with you.
5) If travelling as a couple, or if privacy is important to you, consider upgrading to a twin share cabin in advance. It bumps the price up considerably but spending 3 consecutive nights in a compact 4-berth compartment with 3 others (often strangers), all with different sleeping habits and large amounts of luggage can be a little wearing. On some trains, upgrading to a twin share gets you into a different class of carriage altogether - the equivalent of travelling 1st Class, on others it secures you exclusive use of a standard 4-berth cabin. We upgraded and felt it was definitely money very well spent.
6) There will be a restaurant car of varying standards on each train. We found the Russian dining cars offered the widest choice of decently cooked dishes. However prices are fairly high and the menu can become a little monotonous on longer stretches. This is when pot noodles become your new best friend! Easily available at stations all along the route, they are a cheap and portable meal option. There are samovars of boiling water available in each carriage, so bring a travel mug with a lid, tea bags and instant coffee/creamer and cuppa soups.
7) Make an effort to learn a few words of the local language. A little &lsquo;spas-iba&rsquo; (thank you in Russian) or &lsquo;sain banu&rsquo; (hello in Mongolian) will go down well and help you interact with your fellow travellers.
8) Your tour leader supplies details of the timings of all stops, along with interesting things to look our for either in the station or on the journey itself. Get off at as many stops as you can to stretch your legs, fill your lungs with fresh air and stock up with snacks or water (both available on the train at a premium). The platforms become a hive of activity during stops - it&rsquo;s not unusual to see a group of little ballerinas on their way to a dance competition doing plies. Some passengers go for a jog up and down the platform whilst others browse the wares of local traders offering fur hats, woollen scarves or smoked fish. It&rsquo;s important to remember that the Trans Siberian doesn&rsquo;t wait for anyone so my advice is to set an alarm on your phone for 5 minutes before departure to ensure you are back on board in plenty of time. Always take your passport &amp; money with you when you leave the train just in case...
9) As you&rsquo;ll generally only have a few days in each city stop, consider booking unmissable add on experiences in advance. Tickets for things like the Faberge Museum in St Petersburg or the Bolshoi in Moscow get booked up early so if these are your must dos, my recommendation is to book these before you leave home.
10) Leave space for some souvenirs! Travelling overland right across Asia to Europe presents a huge &amp; varied buying opportunity. My best finds were a tiny jade Buddha from Beijing, Mongolian cashmere (one of the worlds largest producers of cashmere - who knew?!), beautiful hand painted matryoshka Christmas tree decorations and Russian pewter tea glasses. And a bottle of Beluga vodka from duty free naturally!
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If you'd like to recreate Carrie's epic adventure take a look at our&nbsp;<a href="../../rail-travel/asia/golden-eagle-trans-siberian">Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian</a> page, and our&nbsp;<a href="../../rail-travel/asia/trans-mongolian">Trans-Mongolian</a> page.

Riding the Rails of the Trans-Siberian

Cruise along 5.7km of cable sweeping from peak to peak across the highlands of Lantau Island.
The catchy titled Ngong Ping 360 cable car is a visually dramatic way of leaving the busy hustle and bustle of the city and getting a fresh perspective of Hong Kong from a unique view point. Visitors can glide from station to station getting fantastic 360 degree views over the sweeping lush green mountains and the South China Sea crisscrossed with passing cargo ships, and hop off easily for access to some of the best sights in <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/hong-kong">Hong Kong</a>.
Simply jump off at the Ngong Ping village exit for the easiest way to access the iconic Big Buddha statue and Po Lin Monastery, the biggest Buddhist temple in Hong Kong. And for those not content with 360 degree views or else just feeling brave why not opt to ride in the crystal cabins with nothing but 2 inches off glass beneath your feet?
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If there's one occassion that sums up a city more than any other it's perhaps the iconic A Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong.
Taking iconic skyline to the next level once a night, for about 8 minutes, buildings lining both sides of the waterfront set the night's sky ablaze in a&nbsp;synchronized Technicolour light show. As of 2017 the show is now complimented by a suitably dramatic soundtrack performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
Whilst the most famous places to view the show include taking a night time cruise around the harbour or sitting at one of the public harbour front viewing areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui or near Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, an exciting new mobile app means you can listen along to the soundtrack wherever you are. Why not see the lights in style with a suitably flashy drink in hand at one of Hong Kong's many high floor or rooftop bars such as the Aqua Spirit bar or Sevva rooftop bar?
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With its gleaming skyscrapers overlooking a community living in historic junks, Aberdeen Harbour is quintessential Hong Kong.
Start by taking in the action from the vantage of solid ground, strolling along the promenade with ample places to take a seat and watch the locals ply their trades and go about their business amongst a mismatch of traditional junk boats and ramshackle fishing vessels, dwarfed by the occasional shining white yacht. At one end of the promenade visitors can get a sense (and smell) of the hustle and bustle by watching the fishermen and traders in action bartering away the day's catches at the seafood market and dried seafood stalls.
At the waterfront you don't have to wander far to find one of the many sampan boat stations, if they don't find you first. Jump aboard a traditional wooden boat, often captained by little old ladies, and be zipped around the floating village giving you a glimpse into the lives of the locals who both live and work amongst this floating metropolis. Finally no visit to Aberdeen would be complete without a few snaps of the fascinating floating Jumbo restaurant and its neighbour The Tai Pak.
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Not strictly in Hong Kong, however neighbouring Macau is just an hour away by boat and makes for a fascinating day trip (just don't forget your passport!).
Macau was once a Portuguese colony, handed back to China in 1999, and now retains 'special administrative status', a story that sounds on paper very similar to that of Hong Kong. However Macau has a very unique feel and is distinctly different from its more famous neighbour. Macau has seen rapid growth in recent years to become a magnet for the mega wealthy and mega wealthy wannabees, with 5 of the 10 world's biggest casino resorts earning it the nickname 'Las Vegas of the East'.
A day trip gives you the chance to see a wholly different side of modern China, but it's not only the more recent additions that make Macau worth a visit. Macau has a rich history that has left the city dotted with beautiful buildings that offer a sharp contrast to the glittering casinos. Centred around the historic Senado square, Monte Fortress, and the ruins of St Pauls Cathedral, old Macau is a hotspot for UNESCO World Heritage listed sights.
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One for the kids and the kids at heart! Just a train ride away on Lantau Island lies the magical Hong Kong Disneyland theme park.
While not quite as vast as it's Floridian counterpart it nevertheless provides families with a chance to get a slice of Disney magic with a Chinese twist. Here you'll find everything you'd expect from a Disney park, from your favourite characters around every corner to lightning fast rides for the bigger kids amongst us and of course parades, parades and more parades!
Or for something a little different learn to draw a Disney character in 20 mins with the help of the Animation Academy, show of your lightsabre skills at the Jedi Training school or have mixed feelings about eating Mickey Mouse's face in miniature character themed dim sum!
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For those who want to get active and outdoorsy why not hike a part of the stunning Hong Kong trail? The final and most impressive section is known as the Dragon's Back.
Gaining its name from the way in which the path follows the crest of a series of peaks which resembles the spine of a slumbering dragon, this moderate hike requires a reasonable level of fitness without needing to be a hard-core mountaineer. Getting away from the noise of the city to this peaceful corner of Hong Kong Island gives you a whole new perspective of the geography and natural lay of the land. 
Photo opportunities are plentiful (so grab those selfie sticks again!) with many peaks featuring levelled off viewing points to take a breather, spy far off islands and bays, and practice creating some panoramic photographic masterpieces. Finally take the final descent to the sandy beaches of Big Wave Bay and reward yourself by taking those weary feet for a dip.
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This spectacular obeservation point is located just below the Ritz-Carlton hotel on the 100th floor of Hong Kong's tallest building, the towering International Commerce Centre (that's it dominating the skyline in the pic below)
The core of the experience is the observation deck itself, giving dramatic 360 degree panoramic views of Hong Kong and Victoria harbour, which is reached by whizzing up 100 floors in a lightning 60 seconds in a specially designed double decker elevator.
Although you'll no doubt come for the views, there's plenty more to grab your attention whilst you're up there. Highlights include the 'Tales of Hong Kong', an interactive multimedia story wall telling 100 local's stories of Hong Kong, and the Sky-High tech zone virtual reality experience, where you can travel back in time to immerse yourself in experiences of historic Hong Kong.
Should all this get your appetite up why not treat yourself to a bite to eat at the luxurious Cafe 100 by Ritz-Carlton where the food is almost as good as the views.
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History, spirituality, culture, art, people - temples have it all and are by far the best way to get a real grasp of local Hong Kong culture.
Hong Kong has a wealth of fantastic temples and spiritual sights, many of which are open to the public allowing you to catch a glimpse of Chinese culture and religion as it has been for thousands of years, and get some memorable holiday snaps of these beautiful buildings.
Scattered around the city as well as the wider Hong Kong area are more temples than you can shake an incense stick at so it's best to concentrate on a few of the most iconic ones. Particularly memorable is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery which impressively actually contains over 12,000 Buddha statues. This complex of 5 temples, 4 pavilions and 1 pagoda is reached by a rather gruelling flight&nbsp;of over 430 steps and a series of steep concrete paths so be sure to tackle this one earlier in the day!
Another fantastic Buddhist complex is the Chi Lun Nunnery, a Tang dynasty series of beautiful wooden temples built originally as a retreat for Buddhist nuns. Directly adjacent you will find the Nan Lian Garden A peaceful sea of tranquillity surrounded by a city of high rise buildings, it is said that every single rock, plant, pagoda and pond has been carefully placed according to specific spiritual rules and methods.
Next take a trip across town to the majestic Wong Tai Sin Temple where you can see a blend of multiple Chinese religions; Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
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For more inspiration on where to go, what to see and how to see it, take a look at our <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/hong-kong">Hong Kong Holidays</a> pages.
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Hong Kong Attractions

If you want to experience <a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan">Japan&rsquo;s</a> future and its past all in one place, you must visit Tokyo and uncover its wonders area by area. In the shadow of the imposing and impossibly modern Tokyo Skytree, Sensoji Temple and the rambling old streets of Asakusa district represent Japan&rsquo;s traditions and elegant customs.
Walking through the endless market stalls offering delicious Japanese snacks and delicate crafts, you will eventually be confronted with the immense scarlet-hued temple gates of Sensoji Temple. Ornately carved with figures of folklore and other lucky symbols, this may be the first impression you get of how tradition, religion and architecture is woven into Japanese life and culture.
After watching pilgrims from all over the world pray inside the lavishly decorated temple, your adventurous side will be rewarded by a tour through the surrounding streets of Asakusa where you may see artists and calligraphists at work, or join a table of Japanese businessmen watching last night&rsquo;s Sumo Wrestling highlights in a bar on Hoppy Street.
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Choose to daytrip to Nikko and you will notice other contrasts that define the Japanese landscape. Leave Tokyo by train and glide through the high rise metropolis, watching minute by minute as it dissolves from glass and concrete to dramatic mountains and peaceful rice farms.
Arriving into Nikko station on the edge of huge and startlingly beautiful national park, you follow the paths into the forest and enter an era of Shogunate rule and Shinto worship. Your path will arrive at Toshogu &ndash; a shrine so intensely coloured and impressively carved that it could only have been made to honour a Shogun who demanded to be worshipped as a god when he died.
In this national park setting, Toshogu and the other surrounding temples and pagodas make up a jewel box of ancient cultural wonders. On your journey through these wonders you can look out for famous carvings such as the "see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil" monkeys!
If you can tear yourself away from the splendour of this UNESCO site, you will also find vibrant forests and lakes with waterfalls aplenty. Visit Nikko in the autumn for an extra special experience when the forest leaves turn entire mountain sides into a gorgeous display of colour.
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The Japanese Alps always look like a scene from a movie but for that idyllic taste of rural Japan, a visit to Shirakawa-go is a must. Nestled in the mountains with a perennial crown of mist, the thatched cottage village of Shirakawa-go has weathered the progress of time and serves as a stunning insight into life before the outside world made its mark on the country.
An easy bus ride en route from Takayama to Kanazawa will reward you with striking scenery from the hillside bus stop and charming tea houses and rural life museums up close. Traditional farming still takes place throughout the year and you may see thatchers still going about their trade but it season holds its own special charm. Cherry Blossoms burst into life in the spring and flowers decorate the cottages in summer. In the winter, much like the European Alps, the snowy villages with cosy farmhouses could inspire a thousand Christmas cards.
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Nowhere quite represents the otherworldly appeal of Japan more than the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Tucked away from the main sights of Kyoto, you may wonder if it is worth the side trip...but it may just be the best thing you see.
Resembling a regular temple or shrine that you may find in any town in Japan, beyond the doorway in the woods and hills is a true icon of Japan. Lining the paths are thousands of red temple gates, stretching for almost a mile, creating a vermillion route to the top of the hill. The contrast of lush greenery and bright red paint will make you forget your cares but the poignancy of this shrine sticks with you &ndash; each gate represents a small fortune paid to grant a solitary wish.
The shrine is open 24/7 and has its own mystical atmosphere in the evenings. Emerge at the top of the hill to be reminded that you are only minutes from the city with beautiful view of Kyoto down below.
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Although second to Tokyo in size, Osaka is second to no city in Japan when it comes to food. Take a 10 minute bullet train from Kyoto and head to Dotonburi Street&ndash; a technicolour world where you can sample the best Japanese soul food in the shadow of a dazzling light display.
Along the banks of Dotonburi canal, you will come across multi-storey neon signage, huge moving sculptures promoting the food stalls below, whether its fresh crab or steamed dumplings. The atmosphere is as vibrant as the signage with a buzzing throng exploring the area&rsquo;s quirky shops and warren of unique streets.
When your eyes are satiated, of course move on to your stomach. Stop for Takoyaki &ndash; pan-fried seafood dumplings that are crispy but also soft or okonomiyaki &ndash; rich savoury pancakes with any number of fillings that are impossibly satisfying. Alternatively try Kushikatsu &ndash; skewers of lightly fried vegetables and meats &ndash; the dipping sauce is the star of the show here.
Walking down Dotonburi with your cravings satisfied, you&rsquo;ll notice that amongst the tourists there are still a large number of locals revisiting their favourite stalls. This is still a quintessential Japanese foodie experience.
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With over 1600 temples in Kyoto and an entire history of culture in one city to seek out, many visitors find Nara a pleasant change of pace. Breeze through Nara station up the main road to Nara Park and enjoy a very walkable and important piece of Japanese history. First and foremost is the monumental Todaji Temple &ndash; the largest manmade wooden structure on earth. Photos are forbidden inside but the fine golden leaf encrusted statues and dazzling paintings on the walls will stay in your mind for years to come.
As your stroll through the park of what used to be the central power of Japanese Buddhism, you will spot the sacred Nara Deer. Said to bring good luck, these guardians of the park could bring good fortune to your trip with an offering of rice crackers!
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Kyushu is known for many things &ndash; the Hells of Beppu hotsprings, Nagasaki&rsquo;s rich cultural history or the desolate and craggy Mount Aso volcano. However, Fukuoka&rsquo;s charming festivals such as the Gion Yamakasa &ndash; where huge wonderfully decorated floats are raced through the streets in the summer &ndash; draw travellers in the know to this laidback seaside city.
Most will also come away remembering a wonderful Yatai experience &ndash; sampling the many sit-down food stalls that bloom out of nowhere as dusk begins to fall. Each run by a master in his niche culinary field, specialising in specific dishes with recipes refined to perfection, the Yatai will put you in the heart of Japan&rsquo;s socialising culture as you sit and chat with local connoisseurs of these amazing Japanese comfort foods.
One of the greatest pleasures to be had in Japan is sitting at one of the 150-200 stalls, sharing a sake with your neighbouring patron and finally being able to say you&rsquo;ve got a glimpse of the shy social lives of the locals. When you talk with a local over directions to a temple, or the next train to Kyoto, you will be met with unending politeness but for more than this, you must journey to a Yatai like one in Fukuoka, pull up a stool, share a drink or a bite to eat and a whole different world of kindness will open up to you.
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Interest in japan is absolutely booming at present and if you're inspired to discover this fascinating country yourself our Japan experts are here to help.&nbsp;
We have a wonderful selection of self guided tours that are&nbsp;supremely&nbsp;flexible. Simply put wherever you want to go, we can make it a reality. If you'd prefer the sociability of a group tour we also have some fascinating small group tours of Japan.
For more inspiration on where to go and what to see and do in this unique country take a look at our&nbsp;<a href="../../holidays/asia/the-far-east/japan">Japan Holidays</a>&nbsp;pages.
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Japan's 7 Unmissable Locations

The Far East | Tales from the Trail | Trailfinders

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When it comes to autumn colours, New England is often at the top of the list, and rightly so! The northeastern states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, offer some of the most stunning fall foliage in the world.&nbsp;
Best time to visit: Mid-September until mid-October, although forecasting peak fall foliage is not an exact science as the changes are triggered by air temperature. Usually, the colours start in the northern New England states (Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire) in late September, and move through to the southern states (Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island) by mid October when the colours rapidly fade.
Highlights: The White Mountains of New Hampshire, Vermont&rsquo;s Green Mountains and Maine&rsquo;s Acadia National Park are must-see spots. The pretty small towns, rolling hills and peaceful lakes provide the perfect picturesque backdrop for the vibrant foliage.&nbsp;
To experience the famous fall foliage yourself, take a look at our <a href="../../tours/usa/eastern-usa/boston/tour-new-england-s-autumn-colours" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New England's Autumn Colours</a> fly drive holiday.
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Known for its graceful Sakura (cherry blossom) in the spring, Japan is equally as stunning in the autumn. The ancient temples and shrines, framed by fiery-red maple trees, create a peaceful and almost dreamlike experience.&nbsp;
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December.&nbsp;
Highlights:&nbsp;Kyoto is magical in the autumn; visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Philosopher&rsquo;s Path, where the contrast of crimson leaves against traditional Japanese architecture is awe-inspiring. The gardens of Tofuku-ji Temple and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove also offer unforgettable views. Japan's mountainous regions of&nbsp;Kiso Valley, Takayama and Matsumoto are also awash with colour at this time of the year.&nbsp;
Experience Japan's autumn colours on our <a href="../../tours/china-hong-kong-and-japan/japan/tour-the-perfect-fortnight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Perfect Fortnight</a> self-guided tour.
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Famous for its wine and its historic ch&acirc;teaux, the Loire Valley becomes a sea of warm hues in the autumn. The vineyards are streaked with gold, and the grand castles appear even more impressive against the backdrop of fall colours.&nbsp;
Best time to visit: Late October to early November.
Highlights: Take a road trip through the valley, stopping at famous ch&acirc;teaux such as Ch&acirc;teaux de Chambord and Ch&acirc;teaux de Chenonceau. The regions vineyards and gardens are equally as spectacular at this time of the year.&nbsp;
Experience the Loire Valley on our <a href="../../tours/europe/france/tour-jewels-of-france-including-normandy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jewels of France</a> guided group tour.
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The Canadian Rockies offer a different kind of autumn grandeur, especially in places like Banff and Jasper National Park. Here the golden aspen trees stand out against snowy mountain peaks and cool, blue lakes.&nbsp;
Best time to visit: Late September to early October
Highlights: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, surrounded by golden larch trees, create stunning contrasts against the icy blue water. For an incredible autumn experience, hike through the Larch Valley or drive along the Icefield Parkway for panoramic views.
Enjoy autumn in Canada on our <a href="../../alberta-and-the-rockies/tour-rocky-mountain-wanderer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rocky Mountain Wanderer</a> fly drive holiday.
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Tuscany is renowned for its rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress trees, but it takes on a special kind of charm in autumn. The vineyards glow with warm tones, and the harvest season brings a festive atmosphere to the region.&nbsp;
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Highlights: visit the Chianti wine region or the Val d&rsquo;Orcia for scenic drives through golden vineyards and olive groves. Towns like Siena, Florence, Pisa and San Gimignano offer a cultural escape surrounded by the vibrant beauty of the autumn colours.&nbsp;
Combine autumn in Tuscany with a stay in romantic Venice on our <a href="../../tours/europe/italy/tour-luxury-venice-and-tuscany-by-belmond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luxury Venice and Tuscany by Belmond</a> holiday.
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Order a Asia Brochure

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Call our specialists on
01 677 8800

The Best Places to Visit in South Korea

Discover Okinawa, Japan

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72 Hours in Hong Kong

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Just Back From… Japan in Winter

The Far East

The Best Places to Visit in South Korea

Discover Okinawa, Japan

The Best Places to Visit in Japan

72 Hours in Hong Kong

The Best Time to Visit South Korea

Just Back From… Japan in Winter

5 Reasons to Visit South Korea in 2024

Top 5 Things to do in Japan

Just Back From... Hong Kong

TF's Bulletin

Order a Asia Brochure

Get In Touch

Call our specialists on 01 677 8800

Call our specialists on
01 677 8800