Into Japan Specialist Tours

04/06/2026

There’s nothing better than hearing from travellers after they’ve returned home

Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest and most exciting times to visit Japan, so feedback like this always means a great deal to our team.

Helping people experience the country without having to worry about the details behind the scenes is such an important part of what we do.

03/06/2026

Some bonsai trees are cared for across generations, gradually shaped over time rather than rushed towards a finished result.

For travellers interested in traditional arts and craftsmanship, experiences like these can offer a deeper perspective on Japanese culture and aesthetics.

Interested in experiencing a bonsai encounter during your journey through Japan?

Visit our website and speak to one of our experts to learn more: https://intojapan.co.uk/contact/

29/05/2026

Japan’s pottery towns offer a very different way to experience the country.

From Tokoname and Bizen to smaller workshop communities shaped by generations of ceramic production, these places reveal a slower pace of life closely tied to craft and tradition.

It’s often in these quieter towns where travellers gain a deeper connection to regional culture, meeting artisans, exploring historic kilns and discovering objects still made by hand.

We’ve explored some of Japan’s most fascinating pottery regions in our latest blog: https://intojapan.co.uk/shaped-by-clay-exploring-japan-through-its-pottery-traditions/

Discover Japan through its pottery towns, from the red clay kilns of Tokoname to the porcelain traditions of Imari and Kutani, where craftsmanship, daily life and regional culture remain closely connected.

27/05/2026

Shishi, or Japanese lion dogs, have long been used as protective figures at shrines, temples and traditional buildings across Japan.

Often fierce in expression and rich in symbolism, they are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the spaces around them.

Across different regions of Japan, their appearance changes slightly, reflecting local craftsmanship and artistic style. Some are carved in stone, others shaped in ceramic or wood, each with their own character.

It’s these smaller cultural details that often reveal the depth and regional identity found throughout Japan. Want to learn more? Visit our website: https://intojapan.co.uk/

20/05/2026

Hidden among the greenery of Kamakura, Jochiji Temple offers a quieter side of Japan.

Stone paths, moss-covered gates and a deep sense of stillness make it feel far removed from the pace of the larger cities.

Places like this are best experienced slowly, taking time to notice the atmosphere and small details around you.

Want to discover more of Japan’s quieter side? Visit our website: https://intojapan.co.uk/

15/05/2026

A quieter side of Japan. It’s often these slower, quieter places that stay with people longest.

13/05/2026

Looking beyond Japan’s main travel routes often leads to places like Akama Shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Set along the waterfront in Shimonoseki, the shrine is known for its striking vermilion gate, standing out against the sea. Its design is inspired by the Dragon Palace, and it is dedicated to Emperor Antoku, a child emperor whose story is tied to the historic Battle of Dan-no-ura.

Interested in exploring Japan beyond the usual routes? Discover more by visiting our website: https://intojapan.co.uk/

07/05/2026

Tucked away in the rural landscapes of Iwate, Azuma Farm Koiwai offers a completely different kind of luxury. Wide open farmland, crisp mountain air and a sense of space that feels worlds away from the usual city-to-city journey.

We’ve taken a closer look at this new countryside retreat and why northern Japan deserves a place on your itinerary.

Read more here: https://intojapan.co.uk/azuma-farm-koiwai-a-new-luxury-countryside-retreat-set-in-iwate-prefecture/

Discover Azuma Farm Koiwai in Iwate Prefecture, a new luxury retreat set within the historic pastures of Koiwai Farm, where private villas, farm-to-table dining and rural landscapes offer a slower side of northern Japan.

06/05/2026

Niigata is a wonderful place to experience wisteria season in Japan, away from the busier spring crowds.

At Hachioji Temple, a beautiful white wisteria, recognised as a Prefectural Natural Monument, comes into bloom each year, its delicate flowers cascading in soft layers. Not far away, the gardens of the Northern Culture Museum are filled with trailing purple wisteria, set against traditional buildings and peaceful surroundings.

It’s a quieter, more relaxed way to enjoy one of Japan’s most beautiful seasonal moments.

Thinking about visiting Japan in spring? Discover more my visiting our website: https://intojapan.co.uk/contact/

30/04/2026

Meet Our Team: Talking Seasonal Travel in Japan with Rachel 🍁

This month, we’re catching up with Rachel as she shares her perspective on seasonal travel in Japan. From spring blooms and autumn colours to quieter moments between the peak seasons, she explores how timing can shape a journey and reveal a different side of the destination:

🍁How do the seasons influence the way you design a Japan itinerary?

From a practical standpoint, a lot of activities and sites will have different opening hours or not even be offered depending on the season. For example, in Iiyama, there is a great kominka that offers traditional Japanese meals and mochi pounding but it is snowed in during the winter! On the other hand, there’s an igloo dining activity that is only possible during the winter.

Additionally, extra care has to be taken during the sakura season or autumn leaf season. I would not recommend planning a trip around the cherry blossoms specifically: their blooming period can be delayed if it’s unseasonably cold or cut short due to strong wind and rain. If someone wants to book a spring trip but notes that they hate crowds, I would also suggest avoiding the most popular spots in Tokyo and Kyoto and consider going off the beaten path or to more “local” areas.

That being said, if you happen to find yourself in Tokyo a little too early or a little too late for the cherry blossoms, I would suggest going to Shinjuku Gyoen if you are really determined to see those iconic pink flowers. It’s such a huge garden and there are so many varieties of cherry blossoms that there’s a chance something is in bloom.

For foodies, the seasons are well-reflected in Japanese cuisine, from kaiseki that uses seasonal ingredients to limited edition snacks in the conbini (convenience stores).

🍁Which season do you find offers the most flexibility when planning a trip, and why?

Although it can be unbearably hot and humid, summer can offer a lot of flexibility when planning a trip. One might think that this would be the busiest season as people go on summer vacation, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who want to avoid the humidity here (although I wouldn’t travel during Obon in August, Japan’s busiest period for domestic travelers).

First off, there are a ton of summer events and festivals around the country. Integrating these into your time at leisure is a great way to experience an exciting part of Japanese culture and see local communities come together.

Additionally, places which are known for winter sports offer a completely different view during the summer. I personally love the lavender fields in Hokkaido.