Discover an array of itineraries and choose from Japan tour packages with or without flights. Theme based Japan holiday packages are also available from SOTC such as Family, Cherry Blossom Special, and Customized Packages. To assist you in planning your trip to Japan, SOTC has an extensive range of most attractive offers including "Get Upto INR 45,000 off Early Bird Discount per family*"!

About Japan Holidays - Located in the Eastern parts of Asia is an archipelago, a cluster of islands known for their exquisite beauty and simplistic living. This is the country of Japan, a true enigma in the modern age where traditions and cultural progress go hand in hand. 
Their idealistic values revolve around the preservation of natural resources while still making substantial progress to stay on par with the remainder of the world. In fact, Japan is one of the most developed countries with some of the highest contributions to technology and development. Still, they circumvent the corruption of natural land and work harder to live harmoniously with nature. These innate practices are what makes Japan such a beautiful country for tourism aside from the following facts: 

• Japan is popularly known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ 
• The local name of Japan is Nippon 
• Spring in Japan is celebrated with the cherry blossom festival. 

For ages, the Japanese are grounded in traditional practices that encourage them to calm their wistful mind. They are hardworking people who believe that spiritualism rather than religion plays an important role in the livelihood of mankind. Japan has been the birthplace of many great philosophers who espoused principles that the people of the country still follow diligently. The Japanese culture teaches humility to recognize the vastness of the universe and appreciate the lives that we have. 

All these have contributed a lot to Japan tourism since people from across the world wish to witness the culture and traditions of this land. While you are in this country, ensure of carrying the Japanese Yen, which is the currency of Japan. This will make your trip to Japan much easier and more convenient.

Table of Contents

• Popular Japan Tour Packages
• Quick Facts about Japan
• Best time to visit Japan
• How to reach Japan
• Visa Process Information of Japan
• Best Places to Visit in Japan
• Things to do in Japan
• Foods to Eat in Japan
• Best Restaurants in Japan
• Ideal Places for a Honeymoon in Japan
• Best Places for Shopping in Japan
• Japanese Cherry Blossom Season 2024
• People also ask about Japan Tour Packages

Most Popular Japan Tour Packages 2024

Quick Facts About Japan

To get more info, read our detailed page on quick facts about Japan.

Best Time to Visit Japan 

Japan is an ideal tourist destination around the year. Each season brings forth a glorious beauty to the land that inspires divine poetry in the human mind. 

Summer in Japan

During the summer months of June through August, you can visit Hokkaido City and the Japanese mountain ranges where the weather is pleasant. It is the perfect time to go hiking or explore one of the major cities of Japan, try the local cuisine, and relish the soft breeze with the sun shining above. Other places in Japan can be hot during summer, so it is not ideal to plan your Japan tours at this time. 

Autumn in Japan

Autumn arrives in Japan with flair in the month of September, lasting till November. This is a perfect time to plan Japan tourism packages when the changing color of the leaves adds vibrancy against the natural highlights that make the scenery of Japan so appealing. This is one of the two peak seasons when most people love to plan their Japan trips in order to witness the attractions with the weather and atmosphere in their favor. 

Winter in Japan

Winter in Japan can be quite chilly, especially near the hills. However, the frequent snowfalls are delightful. You can partake in activities in the snow or join the locals in their festivals, which inadvertently makes the atmosphere feel much warmer with friendliness. If you don’t like chilly weather then it is not ideal to visit at this time or during monsoon, which only lasts from May-end to mid-June. 

Spring in Japan

Spring is another season in Japan that instantly brightens up your mood. The light breeze coupled with the warm glow of the sun is enticing in itself. When paired with the beautiful cherry blossom raining around the countryside, the delight doubles itself. You can even take part in the cherry blossom festival or have a picnic in the gardens of Japan at this time. 

Therefore, the best time to visit Japan for the perfect weather and indulge in local festivals while admiring the scenic views is in autumn or spring when nature takes an interesting recourse. Most people choose their Japan holiday packages at this time, so you can expect the region to be crowded. If you wish to avoid the constant swarm of tourists, you can book your Japan trip packages for winter when the cities are still beautiful and covered in snow. You can also book Japan tour packages for summer, although you need to stay in Hokkaido or the Alps in order to avoid the extreme heat. 

How to Reach Japan 

As a country that is basically an island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, how to reach Japan becomes a real challenge, especially from India. The two most popular means of travel for your Japan holiday packages are by air or by seaway. 

By Air

Only direct flights leave from India to Japan from Delhi airport. Of course, there are connecting flights available from places such as Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc. As a country, Japan is ready to welcome you at several of its international airports. Most flights headed to Japan arrive at Haneda airport located in Tokyo city while others may take you straight to your destination or at least closer while landing at Narita airport, Osaka international airport, or Kansai airport. 

By Ocean

Being connected to the Pacific Ocean allows Japan to welcome travelers via ships or cruises. However, there are no direct cruises available from India to Japan, although if you are so inclined, you can take a cruise or a flight to Singapore or China and book a cruise from there to Japan. It can be a little more expensive as well as a much longer journey than a flight; however, the luxuries aboard the cruisers keep your entertainment pampered, preparing you for your Japan holidays. 

When considering how to reach Japan, take into account the duration of travel for each mode of transportation. While flights can take anywhere between 5 to 8 hours to reach Japan from India, ships and cruises can take days. Ideally, it is best to take a flight as it costs less and you don't end up losing a lot of your Japan holiday time in travel alone. 

Visa Process Information of Japan

If you are planning to book Japan packages from anywhere outside the United States of America, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, you will require a visa for your Japan tours. Here is the Japan visa process for your next Japan tour as given below: 

• Download the visa application from the website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and fill out all the details, do not leave anything blank. If certain points do not apply to you, put down ‘Not Applicable or NA’ 
• Make sure you have an updated passport that is valid for at least the next six months and has two or more blank pages available for the entry and exit stamps
• You must have a recent passport-size photograph with a white background where your entire face is visible. You must also write down your Date of Birth at the back of the photograph 
• Have your flight information ready even if you have not yet made the reservation. You must be able to provide the dates of your arrival and departure
• You have to provide your bank statement to prove that you can sustain your Japan tour with ease. If you have a guarantor or an invitation from a resident of Japan, you can also provide that along with the letter demonstrating that you will be taken care of in case of emergencies
• You must also furnish any civil certificates such as your identity, marriage certificates, birth certificate, etc. 

Applying for a Japanese visa also requires a travel itinerary. If you book the Japan tour package from SOTC, you will have your itinerary available which is required for your visa application. If you are still uncertain about your travel plans on slide bookings, you can refer to the samples available on the website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and get an idea of the details that you need to provide. 

Best Places to Visit in Japan 

The allure of Japan lies in the land itself. While the sunrise and snow-capped hills are attractive for tourists, the essence of this archipelago is the harmony between man and nature. This practice of peaceful living makes the country inordinately beautiful and you cannot leave without checking out these best places to visit in Japan during your trip as given below: 

• Asakusa – A cultural city that houses shrines, museums, and amusement parks as well as organizes lively parties. 
• Fukuoka - It is among the top places to visit in Japan known for its rich heritage and dated presentation of architecture and tradition. 
• Hakone - A place of natural beauty in Japan that provides a panoramic view of Mount Fuji. It is a common inclusion in most Japan trip packages.
• Hakuba – Your ideal location for adventure activities on Japan holidays. 
• Hiroshima - One of the two historical cities that were destroyed and rebuilt. 
• Hitsujiyama Park –The ultimate destination to witness cherry blossom during your Japan holidays in the spring. 
• Hokkaido – The ideal place to enjoy summer in Japan with mountain views and dense wildlife habitats. 
• Ishigaki - An exotic tourist spot on an island where you can enjoy the cherry blossom or take a tour of the caves for an immersive experience in Japan. 
• Kamakura - Cultural hub where you can find museums of literature and history, aquariums, and the largest sculpture of Buddha. 
• Kawagoe – A historical town that houses the remains of the Edo period. 
• Kawaguchi – It is where Mount Fuji meets lake Kawaguchi-ko to provide a panoramic view of the best of both worlds. 
• Kobe - The destination that supplies the famous Kobe beef to the western world. It demonstrates industrialization amid scenic views of the sea and mountains. 
• Kyoto - One of the regal regions of Japan with numerous palaces, castles, shrines, and gardens attracting tourists. 
• Mt. Fuji - It is one of the most renowned mountain ranges in the world. 
• Nagasaki - The other Japanese town that suffered the consequences of the atomic bomb and rebuilt as one of the spiritual and cultural hubs. 
• Nagoya – The castle town of the Edo period steeped in history and natural beauty. 
• Naoshima - An island off the coast of Tokyo where architecture and art perform a lovely tango. 
• Nara - The cultural hub of Japan with exquisite traditional architecture. 
• Nikko - A small town rich in history and natural enigmas. 
• Odaiba - Check out the large Ferris wheel, one could train ride to admire the surroundings or walk around the parks to witness natural beauty. 
• Osaka - It is the modern hub of Japan where traditional preservation meets the hip lifestyle. 
• Sapporo - Home of the snow festival where humidity and heat have very little significance on your trip. 
• Shibuya - It is a city carefully built to preserve the natural land as well as induce the development of civilization. 
• Shikoku - It is the perfect relaxation destination that houses one of the oldest spa facilities in Japan. 
• Shirakawago - A village town that makes you feel like part of a fairy tale. 
• Tohoku – Home of natural phenomena of springs, lakes, and parks on the mainland of Japan.
• Tokyo - The capital city of Japan houses its very own Disneyland and strongly demonstrates the colorful culture of the country. 
• Ueno Park - Go on a nature walk or explore spirituality, or simply indulge in the history of Japan. 
• Yakushima - The perfect blend of waterfalls amid dense forest lands surrounded by rolling hills. 
• Yokohama - One of the cities you cannot miss on your Japan tours for a vibrant and thrilling experience 

With a bounty of scenic towns, rolling hillsides, tranquil religious sites, gorgeous lakes, cascading waterfalls, natural wildlife reserves, enigmatic hot springs, and glorious sunrises, Japan is the epitome of desirable holiday destinations. When planning your Japan tour packages, make sure to include the places to visit in Japan mentioned above as part of your itinerary. You will thank yourself for planning ahead for nothing in Japan tours is worth missing. 

Things to do in Japan 

Japan is such an exquisite country with so much diversity that on any given day during any season you will have a ton of activities to occupy your time. Here are some of the things to do in Japan that tourists seem to love: 

• Taking a tour of Nijo castle 
• Exploring the Oirase National Park 
• Conquering Mount Fuji 
• Enjoying the cherry blossom festival during the spring season with a picnic 
• Learning the historical significance of Japan at the Nagasaki atomic bomb museum 
• Watching a sumo wrestling match 
• Taking a tour of the Ise grand shrine 
• Visiting Disney World and Disney Sea 
• Experiencing the Harry Potter world 
• Raising the roof with the nightlife at Tokyo city 
• Enjoying the kabuki dance 
• Riding the Ferris wheel at Tempozan 
• Going for a spiritual experience at the Kiyomizu Dera temple 
• Soaking in the public hot spring baths 
• Taking a ride on the bullet train from one end to the other 
• Witnessing the alluring dance of the geisha 
• Drinking matcha tea 
• Having platefuls of sushi 
• Partaking in the famous tea ceremony of Japan 
• Having a futuristic experience at the robot restaurant 
• Exploring Nishiki market 
• Learning about the Fine Arts of assassination at the ninja museum 
• Traveling across Shibuya crossing 
• Spending a weekend at Arashiyama as part of the Japan holiday packages. 

You can also go skiing in the snow-capped mountains during the winter season. The hills around Hokkaido are particularly beautiful during the summer so you can go mountaineering or take a bicycle ride around the various towns. The Japan visa process requires your travel itinerary, creating the perfect opportunity for you to make one when booking your Japan trip packages. Just make a list of the things to do in Japan and map out the locations so you don't miss out on the important and most coveted activities. 

Foods to Eat in Japan 

Japanese cuisine is rich in healthy foods. Most of the items prepared and consumed in Japan consist of boiled or steamed ingredients. Flavors are mainly derived from natural resources rather than external spices. Even the sauces in Japan are primarily made of natural ingredients and tickle the taste buds. Of course, they consume fried and grilled foods as well but even then, the role of manufactured ingredients is considerably reduced.

Here are some of the famous foods of Japan that you simply cannot miss during your Japan holidays: 

• Yakitori - Vegetables or meat cubes skewered and grilled. 
• Yakiniku - Barbecued slices of meat that is also popular in Korean cuisine. 
• Yakizakana - Skewered and grilled fish.
• Tempura - Battered fish, vegetables, or chicken is deep-fried and served with soy sauce. 
• Kushikatsu - Battered meat, fish, or vegetables beef fried and served with a side of salad and soy sauce. 
• Robatayaki – Vegetables, fish, or meat grilled on a charcoal fireplace. 
• Gyoza - Japanese moon-shaped momos with minced vegetables, pork, chicken, or beef filling. 
• Omuraisu - A unique omelet with fried rice filling. 
• Tonkatsu - Pork cutlets double dipped in batter and bread, then deep fried. 
• Gyukatsu – Beef cutlets deep-fried with double-dipped batter. 
• Karaage - A Japanese version of fried chicken that can also be served with pork instead of chicken. 
• Sashimi - Thin slices of raw sea fish often served with wasabi and soy sauce. 
• Sushi - Sashimi wrapped in rice and bound by seaweed for a wholesome meal. 
• Natto - A fermented variety of soybeans served with rice or simply by itself with soy sauce. 
• Nabe - A large cooking pot consisting of various types of meat, vegetables, fish, and bread served with soy dipping sauce or raw egg, or miso sauce. 
• Onigiri – Sticky rice balls wrapped in seaweed. 
• Okonomiyaki - Grilled Japanese pancakes or frittata with toppings and sauces of your choice. 
• Katsudon - Pork cutlets accompanied by a bowlful of rice, eggs, and veggies. 
• Buta-no-shogayaki – Pork slices seasoned with ginger, then grilled and served with a salad, dipping sauce, and other accompaniments. 
• Miso soup - Fermented soybeans are seasoned and blended into a paste before mixing with stock and served with a side of seaweed, mushrooms, potatoes, scallion, tofu, or meat. 
• Takowasa – Cubed pieces of octopus cooked in a spicy wasabi sauce. 
• Oden – A hot pot dish featuring fish cakes, eggs, and konjac, served in a soup made from soy and dashi sauces. 
• Udon - A wheat-based noodle prepared with a broth-like sauce, best served with tempura or tofu.
• Yakisoba - A festive noodle dish either grilled or stir-fried with vegetables, pork, and fish, and topped with seaweed and ginger powders. 
• Soba - Noodles made of buckwheat and served with noodle soup, broth, or cold dip. 
• Ramen – A popular noodle cooked in meat or vegetable broth and served with an egg, veggies, and toppings.

The famous foods of Japan are eclectic and quite delicious with high nutritional value. Just a week of consuming Japanese cuisine can have great benefits for the body. Since most of the dishes are served raw or in steamed form, you can enjoy the true flavors of the ingredients without much interference from added spices. This is what makes Japanese cuisine so desirable. 

Best Restaurants in Japan 

The finesse of Japanese cuisine cannot be duplicated. The locals have tried and tested the different recipes in order to offer the famous foods of Japan to their esteemed guests. Needless to say, you need to try the authentic culinary charms of the country at the local Japanese restaurants to realize what a delightful experience they make. Here is a list of some of the best restaurants around the islands of Japan: 

• Aki Nagao at Sapporo 
• Sushi Sohei at Sapporo 
• Kotan in Fukuoka 
• Nakasu Matsu at Fukuoka 
• Tsugumi at Fukuoka 
• Ebisu Torihiro in Tokyo 
• Higashiazabu Saiko at Tokyo 
• Ichiu in Tokyo city 
• Ino Cantonese Nihonbashi Takase in Tokyo (Chinese restaurant) 
• Pellegrino in Tokyo (Italian restaurant) 
• Suetomi in Tokyo 
• Sushi Akira in Tokyo 
• Sushi Taira in Tokyo 
• Takumi Suchi Kou in Tokyo 
• Yama in Tokyo 
• Gibier Miyama in Kyoto 
• Higashiyama Ogata in Kyoto 
• Nikuyori Oka at Kyoto 
• Sumiyaki Unagi Shum in Shizwoka 

As you can see, Japan sports some of the best Michelin-star restaurants along with affordable eateries at the main destinations. You can find different cuisines as well as specialty cafes all around the country. Although all of them have their unique selling factor, they have one very important thing in common. All the best restaurants in Japan focus highly on health and flavor. When booking your Japan packages, be sure to add some of the restaurants mentioned above to your itinerary. You won’t regret it. 

Ideal Places for a Honeymoon in Japan 

Japan is an extremely appealing holiday destination, especially for couples on their honeymoon. The idealistic locations feature some of the best views along with affordable and adorable shopping complexes, as well as new experiences that help honeymooners bond. Here are some of the best places in Japan for honeymooners: 

• Hokkaido - The only destination in Japan that is pleasant and alluring during the summer is Hokkaido. It is known for its cultivation of farm fresh vegetables that the local restaurants use to make the most delectable dishes. You can also try the seafood in Hokkaido with your spouse which is popular for its high quality and flavor. 
• Izumo – Home of the Izumo Grand Shrine, the oldest Shinto shrine, along the coast of the Japan Sea, this city appeals to couples who have a penchant for spiritual awakening. Of course, the city also demonstrates a perfect blend of peaceful utopia and rustling woodlands. It makes you desire companionship with your partner. 
• Kagoshima – A secluded area with natural springs, riverbeds, and tons of greenery, Kagoshima and its neighboring region of Yakushima are the best places in Japan for couples. 
• Kanazawa – Home of the infamous Gold Leaf, Kanazawa is a perfect destination for couples to spend time together. The dense forests coupled with the idealistic design of the city create a beautiful backdrop for honeymooners. 
• Kyoto - The former capital of Japan is a perfect honeymoon destination for those who enjoy delving into cultural and traditional norms. The historical significance of Kyoto is still reflected in the way that the architecture and natural lands are preserved. Couples can have a wonderful time strolling through the small towns and basking in the glory of ancient Japan. 
• Matsuyama - If you want to escape the busy city lives and spend some quality time with your spouse, visit the city of Matsuyama, for some relaxation and unwinding. 
• Okinawa - The ultimate natural land of Japan is Okinawa. It is well-suited for couples with its natural splendor and exquisite views. As a cluster of islands, Okinawa has much to offer when it comes to romantic settings for the perfect honeymoon experience. 

Japan is an example of a honeymoon destination. Whatever you could wish for, you can find in this land of wonders, or should we say ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. The idyllic scenery beneath the pleasant skies can put you in a romantic mood as it is. Pair that with the various activities that you can share with your spouse and you have got yourself into a honeymoon paradise. 

Best Places for Shopping in Japan

The recent hype over anime cartoons and comics has brought a very important and interesting fact to light. It is that Japan is a veritable smorgasbord of shopping for everything cute. But there is more to the experience than just purchasing delightful tiny souvenirs or plush pillows. Japan is actually the ideal destination where you can shop in bulk or pick up niche items, where you can acquire modern technology as well as traditional décor.

Here are some of the best places to shop in Japan where you can pick up a variety of items: 

• Umeda in Osaka is one of the largest market areas where you can find diverse items from clothes to décor, perfumes, candles, Japanese artwork, footwear, and more. You can even visit one or all of the four department stores in the area to pick up items on a budget. 
• Grand front in Osaka is a fairly new shopping mall that covers 10 acres of land to facilitate some of the best shopping experiences in Japan. 
• Den Den town in Osaka is a highly acclaimed market for electronic items available at very reasonable rates. You can even bargain the prices as the local merchants sometimes charge higher rates. 
• The Ginza market in Tokyo is one of the most expensive markets around the globe where you can find luxury items. Japanese celebrities often shop here. It is one of the best marketplaces to acquire high-end products in Japan. 
• Shinjuku in Tokyo is another large marketplace with a lot of foot traffic. There are numerous malls, department stores, shops for electronics, and houseware products with the perfect blend of Japanese traditions and modernism. 
• The Akihabara market in Tokyo is a black market. You can acquire incredible items at fair prices albeit with a little risk, which makes shopping here a thrilling experience. 
• The markets at Shibuya Tokyo are popular for offering a wide variety of items and their appeal to the youth in Japan. Tourists find the shops exceedingly delightful. 
• Hakata in Fukuoka houses the famous canal city shopping complex. You can find a wide variety of products from the top brands with the best features. 
• If you crave futuristic technology and houseware items, then Minato Mirai in Yokohama is the perfect shopping destination for you. 
• For budget shopping, you can visit the Yokohama station area where electronics, furniture, and even some varieties of clothing and footwear are available at very reasonable prices. 
• Another area for purchasing items at a reasonable price is the Kyoto station area. The department stores coupled with the smaller shops and massive malls around offer a wide variety of products. 

You can also check out the local markets and smaller malls around Japan. Some of the small towns feature explicit handiwork and artworks with traditional Japanese designs. If your products from the country are even known to bring good luck and prosperity, which makes shopping in Japan an absolute delight.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Season 2024

Cherry blossom season in Japan is a major tourist attraction. At the beginning of spring, the beautiful cherry blossoms transform the surroundings. It’s a sight you can’t afford to miss.

The blossoms are the national symbol of Japan. The cherry blossom festival is celebrated in Japan annually. To enjoy the beauty of the flowers and the celebrations, you may need to learn more about the upcoming cherry blossoms season in Japan in 2024 and plan accordingly.

Where do the flowers bloom? Where can you enjoy the best views? What are the things to keep in mind? Read on to find out!

The cherry blossom season in Japan lasts from late March to early April. However, the exact dates vary according to the location and weather conditions. For instance, the flowers bloom in Tokyo from late March to early April. However, the season comes a week or two late in Kyoto and other areas.

The full bloom lasts only for a few days. That’s when most of the flowers are open. That’s why you should plan your trip carefully to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Japan.

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

You can witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in many places in Japan. There are several parks and gardens where the cherry trees are in full bloom during spring. Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Osaka are the main spots in Japan enjoyed by tourists.

Tokyo has several large parks and gardens where you can see the flowers and have picnics with your friends and family.

Below are some of the important places to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Japan:

• Philosopher’s Walk, Kyoto
• Ueno Park, Tokyo
• Meguro River, Tokyo
• Mount Yoshino, Nara Prefecture
• Hirosaki Castle Park, Aomori Prefecture.

How is the Japan Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrated?

The Japanese appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms. The main goal of the celebrations is to recognize the transient nature of life. Just like the beautiful flowers, nothing is permanent in life.

The cherry blossoms celebrations in Japan are called Hanami. It means flower viewing. You’ll find families gathering outdoors and having picnics and parties while admiring the flowers.

Want to take part in Hanami? Look for the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms. Now, get your food and drinks ready. Sit back and relax with your loved ones. Minutes will turn into hours and you will still long for more!

Catch the Cherry Blossom Japan 2024 Festival 

Plan in advance if you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms in 2024. Booking your hotels beforehand will save you from the last-hour rush. Plan for a few extra days to make the most of the festival!