Japan

Featured Japan Itineraries

Delve into ancient traditions like tea ceremonies or geisha performances while enjoying the impeccable service and modern amenities of high-end hotels and ryokans – truly an unforgettable adventure.

Destination Knowledge

Destination Webinar

In this webinar, Rose Lifschitz from the Japan National Tourism Organization will give you a crash course on Japan with insider tips and hidden gems.

Post-FAM Blog Post

Fresh from a Classic FAM trip to Japan, one of our in-house travel experts has returned with a wealth of firsthand knowledge and insider tips to share.

Highlights of Japan

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Tokyo

Tokyo’s status as a must-visit destination stems from its unique blend of dazzling modernity and captivating micro-scenes. This sprawling, flashy metropolis, a beacon of neon lights and a key global hub, serves as the most frequent entry and exit point for travelers to Japan. Within its vast expanse, distinct pockets of culture thrive: Harajuku’s vibrant street style draws youthful shoppers, while Akihabara caters to gaming and electronics enthusiasts. Ginza offers high-end luxury, and the iconic Shibuya crossing, with its bustling energy, is a spectacle in itself, enhanced by unique attractions like the Pokémon lounge above the Starbucks. Tokyo’s intricate tapestry of experiences makes it an unforgettable urban adventure.

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Osaka

Osaka is an intriguing travel destination, a large, flashy, and cosmopolitan city that pulses with a distinct energy. Known as Japan’s culinary heart, its lively Dotonbori district overflows with tantalizing street food, from takoyaki to okonomiyaki. The city’s famously friendly and outgoing locals create a welcoming atmosphere, while its blend of historical landmarks like Osaka Castle and modern entertainment hubs offers a diverse and engaging experience. Osaka’s down-to-earth charm, coupled with its vibrant urban landscape, makes it a uniquely compelling Japanese destination.

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Kyoto

Kyoto stands as a captivating testament to Japan’s rich history, making it a truly special destination. While it functions as a modern city with rail service and contemporary buildings, its heart remains firmly rooted in the past. The central districts are a preserved tableau of old Japan, featuring ancient temples and shrines, traditional wooden machiya houses, and narrow, winding streets that evoke a sense of timelessness. Tranquil rivers flow through the city, adding to its serene atmosphere. Unlike other major Japanese cities, Kyoto’s historical character dominates, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic charm and cultural heritage of old Japan.

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Hakone

Hakone is a premier travel destination, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and a serene escape into nature. It’s the quintessential spot to experience Japan’s iconic peak, especially visible on clear days when traveling from Kyoto by bullet train. The area is thoughtfully designed for tourism, with a scenic railway and gondola system encircling Lake Ashi, providing stunning panoramas. Many of Hakone’s hotels embrace traditional Japanese architecture and hospitality, offering an authentic cultural experience alongside the natural beauty. This harmonious blend of majestic scenery, efficient transport, and traditional accommodations makes Hakone an unforgettable retreat.

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Japanese Alps

The Japanese Alps offer an enchanting travel experience. To explore this mountainous region, visitors can choose from charming destinations like Takayama, with its picturesque river, preserved old streets, vibrant morning market, and historical museum, often dusted with snow in the winter months, and famous for its October festival. Matsumoto, renowned for its stunning, iconic castle, provides a glimpse into feudal Japan. Alternatively, Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a unique glimpse into traditional gassho-style architecture. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Alps are a paradise, with excellent skiing conditions between January and March, and some resorts extending their season from mid-November to early May. For a luxurious retreat, Tobira Onsen Myojinkan, a beautiful Relais & Châteaux property, offers a serene and traditional onsen experience.

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Wellness

Japan’s deep-rooted traditions of mindfulness and natural healing make it an exceptional wellness destination. Luxurious hotels throughout the country often feature private or communal onsen, hot springs sourced from volcanic activity, offering a deeply restorative experience. Onsen bathing is renowned for its therapeutic benefits: the mineral-rich waters can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation. The heat of the water can also help to detoxify the body and reduce stress. Combined with the serene atmosphere and meticulous attention to detail found in Japanese hospitality, onsen experiences provide a holistic approach to well-being, allowing travelers to rejuvenate both body and mind. Beyond onsen, the emphasis on healthy cuisine, serene gardens, and meditative practices like Zen Buddhism contribute to a comprehensive wellness journey.

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Rail System

Japan’s rail system is a marvel of efficiency and connectivity, a vast network that seamlessly weaves together the entire country. From the iconic shinkansen bullet trains to the intricate network of local lines, travelers can effortlessly navigate between bustling cities and serene countryside. This comprehensive system eliminates the need for a car, making it incredibly convenient to explore Japan’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Travel advisors can book point-to-point rail through Classic Vacations’ Contact Center.

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Cherry Blossoms

Visiting Japan during cherry blossom season is a truly magical experience, as the entire country transforms into a sea of delicate pink blooms. The ephemeral beauty of the sakura creates a festive atmosphere, with parks and gardens filled with picnicking families and friends celebrating hanami. The combination of stunning natural beauty and cultural significance makes it a highly sought-after time to travel, requiring early planning and reservations. Learn about the 2025 cherry blossom forecast here.

Top Tours & Activities

  • Tokyo Tea Experience: Learn about the techniques, history and importance of the Japanese tea ceremony with guidance from a tea master at a ceremony room in Ginza, Tokyo.
  • Tokyo Anime Half Day Tour: Become immersed in Japan’s world-famous manga and anime culture on this privately guided half day tour.
  • Kyoto Tea Experience: Conducted in a 100 year old luxury tea ceremony house. Learn about the culture and ceremony of tea in Japan, including matcha.
  • Kyoto – Nara and Fushimi Inari Full Day Private Tour: This tour immerses you in Nara’s historic splendor, exploring Todaiji Temple’s monumental architecture, Kasuga Taisha’s vibrant shrines, and Nara Park’s sacred deer, culminating in Kyoto’s breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic torii gates.
  • Tokyo Wagyu Kaiseki Cooking Class: This cooking class offers the opportunity to try the very best of Japanese cuisine; sampling some of the most legendary and iconic dishes. Learn how to prepare the most exquisite and luxurious Japanese foods; wagyu and kaiseki; with the help of seasoned and professional instructors.
  • Osaka Castle and Aqualiner Tour: Take in two different perspectives on this introductory tour of Osaka – the famous Osaka Castle and the waterways of Osaka. 
  • Hakone With Museum Full Day by Car from Tokyo: Leaving from Tokyo, embark on a journey through Hakone National Park. With the iconic silhouette of Mt. Fuji in the background, explore Hakone’s rich history including a visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum.
  • New Tokyo Highlights Tour: A great choice for familiarizing yourself with the city. This tour explores Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street, Meiji Shrine’s tranquility, and Shibuya’s vibrant youth culture.

Photos From Classic’s Product Expert

In February 2025, Yvette Broussard, Director Product Development, attended the Japan Luxury Showcase, organized by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), where she connected with top luxury experts from around the world.

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