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Experience Japan
Platform guard, Tokyo station
In the archetypal image of the sleek bullet train gliding past snow-capped Mount Fuji,
the magic of Japan is encapsulated in one freeze frame: natural and modern merging in
harmony. Japan’s four main islands contain a wealth of variety and attractions, from the
thronging cities of Tokyo and Hiroshima to the provincial spa towns and rugged wilderness
that lie beyond. Delve into Japan’s rich cultural heritage in Kyoto and Kanazawa to witness
traditional ceremonies, dress and theatre, and take a glimpse into the secluded world of the
geisha. Enjoy too, the cuisine, taking time to sample the numerous local and seasonal
delicacies to be found in every city and town. The appeal of Japan encompasses all tastes and
ages, whether your interests lie in embracing modern pop-culture or in pursuing outdoor
activities among high mountain peaks and deep, rushing gorges. Relax on white sand beaches
in southerly Okinawa or whale-watch in wintry Hokkaido; the scope of experiences to choose
from is truly immense. In Japan, mountain scenery and crystal lakes, neon-lit skyscrapers
and landscaped gardens form a striking backdrop to a world that will fascinate you at
every step of your journey.
Akihabara district, Tokyo
Geisha, Kyoto
Audley in Japan
To many first-time visitors Japan can be, at times,
the most ‘foreign’ place on earth. Whilst this is
one of the country’s most appealing aspects, it
can also cause practical difficulties, which can be
compounded by the often prohibitive cost of
private transport and guides. It is therefore
essential to have your trip planned by someone
who knows the country and how best to arrange
a visit there, who can talk you through the
precise details of your day by day itinerary.
We generally recommend making use of
Japan’s world-class rail network to travel around
the country, combining this with carefully
selected private and small group tours and
excursions to help you to get your bearings. Your
accommodation will be hand-picked according to
your taste and budget, with your Japan specialist
choosing from our personally researched selection
of hotels and traditional ryokan inns.
Thanks to our thorough knowledge of the
destination, we are able to provide you with
extremely comprehensive transport and
accommodation information (in both English and
Japanese) before your departure, to enable you
to get as much out of the country as possible
during your stay. Our approach ensures that,
from your first phone call, you will talk to an
expert whose first-hand knowledge and detailed
planning will provide you with all the support
required to experience the real Japan.
Local customs and etiquette
Japanese manners and customs are vastly different
from those of the Western world, and a strict
code of behaviour and politeness is recognised
and followed by most people in Japan. However,
the Japanese are aware of the difference between
themselves and the West and therefore do not
expect visitors to be familiar with all customs, but
do expect formal and polite behaviour. When
entering a Japanese home or restaurant it is
customary to remove shoes. Usually the point at
which this should occur is very clearly marked by
a raised step and a rack where shoes are
exchanged for indoor slippers. Use the slippers
provided, but remember to swap into special
toilet slippers when necessary. Forgetting to swap
back can be embarrassing, though will almost
certainly happen at least once during your stay!
You can largely apply the principle of ‘when in
Rome...’ to eating etiquette. Sometimes you’ll be
surprised by the slurping of your neighbours,
while at others, dining habits appear somewhat
more formal. The principle thing to avoid, in
common with most of northern Asia, is leaving
your chopsticks sticking up vertically from your
rice bowl. This is reminiscent of the incense burnt
for the dead and is considered bad form.
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