• Barrels of Sake on display at the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo.

Japan Tours

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Get your Topdeck trip to Japan sorted

Words to describe Japan... Eclectic. Vibrant. Unique. There ain’t no other place like this. Trust us. It’s a mesh of time-honoured traditions and ultra-modern culture – both of which are celebrated across the world. Yep, this destination’s got that unique main character energy. Want a tiny taste of Japan things to do? Think: imperial palaces, jaw-dropping mountains, anime stores, karaoke boxes... The list is as long as your TikTok fyp. Clue: never ending. Add in an awesome group of people, an incred itinerary, plenty of local eats and a hassle-free vibe, that’s your trip to Japan SORTED.

Pick your Japan tour

Up to 5% off

Asia | Delve Deep

Delve Deep: Japan

12 days / 1 country

Start: Tokyo

End: Osaka

From US$3,514.05 US$3,699.00
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Top Japan places to visit

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Pink cherry blossoms. Crazy tall buildings. Lights everywhere. Tokyo attractions take the crown for range. Wanna see? Meiji Shine. Harajuku district. Shibuya Crossing. Mt Fuji. There are heaps more, but we’re limited for character space. You’ll probs get lost among the mayhem, but isn’t that part of the fun? Hit Tokyo landmarks. Stuff your face with all the ramen, yakitori and udon you can stomach. Find nature in one of its parks. Do it all, cos this city is mind-blowing.

Calling all foodies! Food culture in Osaka = “kuidaore” aka “eating until you drop”. Mission accepted. And there’s CHOICE... Takoyaki. Okonomiyaki. Kushikatsu. You’re gonna enjoy Every. Single. Morsel. Sticking to the tasty theme, Osaka bars are where it’s at in Japan. Vibes? Varied. Game bars? Score! And everyone loves a classic rooftop – Osaka has a few of those too. Osaka attractions other than the famed Shitennoji Temple? Find out on a Topdeck Japan tour *winks*.

Hiroshima, Japan, has history written all over it. Learn of its devastation. And later its triumph. Hiroshima things to do? The most obvious is Peace Memorial Park. Once a place of politics, the park is now an open dedication to peace. For more history, visit Hiroshima Castle and Mazda Museum. Feeling more open spaces? Shukkeien Garden’s where you’re gonna find beaut landscapes. Don’t forget downtown Hiroshima. There, you can get your feast on with local delicacy okonomiyaki.

The OG capital of Japan. Kyoto’s the Japan you imagine. And then some. Tranquil lakes. Traditional temples. Lush trees all year round. All those daily worries are gonna melt away as soon as you step foot here. Get in-the-know with Kyoto attractions. First up: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Green so blinding you’ll think you’ve stepped off planet Earth. Next: Kinkaku-ji aka the Golden Pavilion. One of the major Buddhist temples in Kyoto, this place looks like it’s floating on water.

JAPAN THINGS TO DO

Your Japan Qs answered...

Is tipping customary in Japan?

Tipping isn’t customary in Japan – it can even be seen as insulting. Stick to showing your appreciation through local gestures instead. Think: a slight bow from the waist – it’s the ultimate sign of respect.

What public holidays are celebrated in Japan?

There are 16 public holidays that are celebrated in Japan. These include Vernal Equinox Day (20 March), Greenery Day (4 May), Tanabata (7 July), Mountain Day (11 August), Culture Day (3 November) and more. To note: some dates vary year on year.

What should I pack for a Japan trip?

Sliders and socks are top of the list for all the times you’ll be visiting religious sites. A brolly for UV rays and spells of rain. Casual clothes for wandering. Some smart staples if you wanna head to a fancy bar. Mosquito repellent for summer trips. For the full list, your trip notes hold the answers.

Do I need cash when I travel Japan?

100%. Especially for local businesses, smaller regions, temples, kiosks and markets. We reckon to budget around $50 cash per day but ask your Trip Leader on-the-road – they'll be able to tell you exactly what you need. Just another way to experience the REAL Japan.

What are some useful Japanese phrases?

Hello = Konnichiwa  

Good morning = Ohayou gozaimasu  

Good evening = Konbanwa  

How are you? = Ogenki desu ka?  

I’m good, thanks = Genki desu  

Thank you = Arigatou gozaimasu  

I’m sorry / excuse me = Sumimasen  

Where is it? = Doko desu ka?  

How much does that cost? = Ikura desu ka?  

Yes = Hai  

No = Iie  

Bonus questions...

When’s the best time to travel to Japan?

Aussie autumn and wintertime (March to August). It’s cherry blossom season. Say no more, right?

Will I need a visa and/or travel insurance to travel to Japan?

You must have comprehensive travel insurance to participate in a Topdeck trip to Japan. You will be unable to join us without it. 

It’s your responsibility to obtain the correct visas for your trip. Ask your travel agent or check with the relevant embassies before you depart. 

Find travel advice for Australia citizens here, for New Zealand citizens here for US citizens here, for Canadian citizens here and for British citizens here. If you’re travelling from a country not listed here, head to the relevant government website for more information. 

What are the health and vaccine requirements for travel to Japan?

We recommend you consult your doctor about health and vaccination requirements before you travel to Japan. 

For current travel safety advice, please check your home country’s travel advisories.

Can I use my mobile phone whilst travelling in Japan?

Mobile phone reception in Japan varies. Signal is likely to be better in cities and towns than in rural areas. Remember to check your network provider’s roaming fees to avoid any nasty surprises on your next bill!

What do I need to charge my devices in Japan?

The plug types in Japan are Type A and B. Japan operates on a 100V supply voltage and 50/60Hz. 

We recommend you bring a universal plug adapter – airports usually sell them, but it’s cheaper to buy one before you go.

Top tips for travelling Japan

Quick-fire edition: learn Japanese etiquette, pack light, get a data-heavy SIM, prepare for all weather, carry cash, don’t eat as you walk, research Japanese toilets, keep to one side of the pavement, and avoid rush hour.

Other sh*t-hot destinations...

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Bali

Beaches. Sunsets. Rice paddies. Things you might have seen before, but not in Bali. We could describe what they look like... Vibrant colours. Shades you’ve never seen. Endless stretches. But nothing compares to the real thing. Activities? Mountain hikes. Eco paddleboarding. Island bike rides. Food? Legit local eats that have you drooling for days. Vibes? Two words. Next. Level.

Thailand

Think you know Thailand? Think again. Beyond the bustling cities and glittering waters are royal residences, tingle-inducing temples and languid lakes. Then there’s the food. Khai Krata. Patonggo. Khao Kha Moo. And plenty more. Whether you travel North Thailand or South, we’ve got the Topdeck trip for you – with local Trip Leaders guiding you every step of the way.

Vietnam

Golden bridges. Buzzing markets. Magical lakes. Vietnam is a mash up of ancient history, delish eats and allll the traditions you can think of. No corner is the same and that’s what makes this place AWESOME. You won’t find another place on earth like it. A taste of activities? Halong Bay junk boat cruise. Marble Mountains. Cu Chi Tunnels. Yep, Vietnam’s a place you can dive into REAL deep.

Cambodia 

A jungle of ruins, beaches and mountains. When you travel Cambodia with Topdeck, you’ll tick off more than the hot spots all over your fyp. Think: lesser-known street food stalls, Siem Reap countryside, Ta Prohm. This place is wanderlust heaven. Feel the chaos of city life. Enjoy the tranquillity of idyllic coasts. And do everything in-between. Ready for it all?

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