{"id":5906,"date":"2026-09-10T11:42:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T23:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/?p=5906"},"modified":"2026-09-10T13:55:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T01:55:44","slug":"ask-the-experts-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/ask-the-experts-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask the Experts &#8211; Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:67.08770%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1000&#038;ssl=1 1000w\" alt data-height=\"657\" data-id=\"11932\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/gems-of-japan-shikoku\/attachment\/japankyotoviewofthekinkakujitemplegoldenpavilionimmersed\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg\" data-width=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-height=\"657\" data-id=\"11932\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/gems-of-japan-shikoku\/attachment\/japankyotoviewofthekinkakujitemplegoldenpavilionimmersed\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg\" data-width=\"1000\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1000&#038;ssl=1 1000w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_1373536388.jpg?ssl=1\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:32.91230%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1000&#038;ssl=1 1000w\" alt data-height=\"667\" data-id=\"11930\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/gems-of-japan-shikoku\/attachment\/tokyojapancityscapewithtokyotower\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg\" data-width=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-height=\"667\" data-id=\"11930\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/gems-of-japan-shikoku\/attachment\/tokyojapancityscapewithtokyotower\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg\" data-width=\"1000\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1000&#038;ssl=1 1000w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_378318946.jpg?ssl=1\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/figure><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1000&#038;ssl=1 1000w\" alt data-height=\"665\" data-id=\"9667\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/uncategorised\/top-10-must-do-experiences-in-japan\/attachment\/ajapanesewomanshowstheteaceremonyduringapublic\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg\" data-width=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-height=\"665\" data-id=\"9667\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/uncategorised\/top-10-must-do-experiences-in-japan\/attachment\/ajapanesewomanshowstheteaceremonyduringapublic\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg\" data-width=\"1000\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1000&#038;ssl=1 1000w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_531184726.jpg?ssl=1\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:33.06695%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Japan-cherry-blossoms-in-southern-japan.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=592&#038;ssl=1 592w\" alt data-height=\"400\" data-id=\"7428\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/how-to-beat-the-crowds-during-cherry-blossom-season\/attachment\/japan-cherry-blossoms-in-southern-japan\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Japan-cherry-blossoms-in-southern-japan.jpg\" data-width=\"592\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Japan-cherry-blossoms-in-southern-japan.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-height=\"400\" data-id=\"7428\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/how-to-beat-the-crowds-during-cherry-blossom-season\/attachment\/japan-cherry-blossoms-in-southern-japan\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Japan-cherry-blossoms-in-southern-japan.jpg\" data-width=\"592\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Japan-cherry-blossoms-in-southern-japan.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=592&#038;ssl=1 592w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Japan-cherry-blossoms-in-southern-japan.jpg?ssl=1\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/figure><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/domjapan6.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/domjapan6.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=625&#038;ssl=1 625w\" alt data-height=\"417\" data-id=\"6267\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/mongolia\/the-20-experiences-that-should-be-on-everyones-bucketlist\/attachment\/domjapan6\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/domjapan6.jpg\" data-width=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/domjapan6.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-height=\"417\" data-id=\"6267\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/mongolia\/the-20-experiences-that-should-be-on-everyones-bucketlist\/attachment\/domjapan6\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/domjapan6.jpg\" data-width=\"625\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/domjapan6.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/domjapan6.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=625&#038;ssl=1 625w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/domjapan6.jpg?ssl=1\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:66.93305%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1000&#038;ssl=1 1000w\" alt data-height=\"667\" data-id=\"10767\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/the-best-time-to-visit-japan\/attachment\/aerialviewofmt-fujiandkawaguchikojapan\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg\" data-width=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-height=\"667\" data-id=\"10767\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/the-best-time-to-visit-japan\/attachment\/aerialviewofmt-fujiandkawaguchikojapan\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg\" data-width=\"1000\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1000&#038;ssl=1 1000w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg?ssl=1\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For many travellers, Japan sits right at the top of the wish list. It has&nbsp;everything: buzzing&nbsp;cities, ancient temples, bullet trains, mountain scenery, exceptional&nbsp;food&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;ability to make even a convenience store feel exciting.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With so much to see, the hardest part is usually deciding where to begin. We asked our&nbsp;Senior&nbsp;Product Manager, Sky, to share her top tips, favourite&nbsp;places&nbsp;and answers to some of the questions she hears most often.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Over to you, Sky\u2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sky\u2019s Top Tips<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Go with a guide<\/span><\/b>&nbsp;<br><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japanese people are famously helpful, and&nbsp;travelling with a guide adds another layer entirely. Whether&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;taking a tailormade trip or joining a group tour, your guide&nbsp;can explain the customs,&nbsp;history&nbsp;and&nbsp;small details&nbsp;you might otherwise walk straight&nbsp;past and&nbsp;introduce you to places you would never have found alone.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make the most of luggage&nbsp;forwarding.<\/span><\/b>&nbsp;<br><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japan\u2019s luggage delivery services are&nbsp;unmatched in terms of speed and reliability. Sending your main suitcase ahead makes rail journeys much more comfortable, and you can just focus on the&nbsp;view. In many cases, your bag will even be delivered the same day!&nbsp;Don\u2019t&nbsp;worry \u2013&nbsp;we\u2019ll&nbsp;handle everything for you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be prepared to remove your shoes.<\/span><\/b>&nbsp;<br><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You may be asked to take them off inside&nbsp;temples&nbsp;and&nbsp;castles. My advice is simple:&nbsp;pick shoes that are easy to take off, and&nbsp;wear socks&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;happy to introduce to the group!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sky\u2019s Favourite Places<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is an almost impossible question because one of the joys of Japan is how different each region feels.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019m&nbsp;a&nbsp;huge fan of Japan\u2019s more rural regions. Some of my favourite memories are simply looking out of a train window at rice fields, mountains,&nbsp;rivers&nbsp;and small towns passing by.&nbsp;Places such as Tohoku, Kyushu and the Japanese Alps show a quieter, more traditional side of Japan and often become the highlight of a trip.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sky\u2019s FAQs<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where are the best places to visit for a first trip to Japan?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tokyo and Kyoto are the perfect starting point.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tokyo gives you the bright lights, energy and modern culture Japan is famous for, but it also has peaceful gardens, historic&nbsp;neighbourhoods&nbsp;and beautiful shrines. It is a city where you can visit an ancient temple in the morning&nbsp;and&nbsp;cross the world\u2019s busiest pedestrian crossing in the afternoon.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kyoto is where many visitors find the Japan they have imagined: temples, tea houses, bamboo groves,&nbsp;gardens&nbsp;and traditional streets.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I would also&nbsp;recommend&nbsp;Hiroshima and nearby Miyajima, along with somewhere that&nbsp;showcases&nbsp;Japan\u2019s natural scenery, such as Mount Fuji&nbsp;or&nbsp;the Japanese Alps.&nbsp;Try to include at least one castle, like Osaka,&nbsp;Matsumoto&nbsp;or Himeji.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A group tour works particularly well for a first visit,&nbsp;because it allows you to experience&nbsp;a variety of towns and cities&nbsp;without spending the trip working out train connections, luggage arrangements and&nbsp;so on.&nbsp;You save a lot of time when you have a guide!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where should returning visitors go?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One trip to Japan is&nbsp;never&nbsp;enough.&nbsp;Kyushu, in the south,&nbsp;is a fantastic choice for a second visit, with volcanic scenery, hot springs, historic cities and some of the country\u2019s best food. Hokkaido offers wide-open landscapes, national parks, flower&nbsp;fields&nbsp;and spectacular seasonal colours.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I would also recommend Tohoku in northern Honshu. It has beautiful mountain scenery, samurai history, traditional&nbsp;festivals&nbsp;and far fewer international visitors than the best-known cities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Returning visitors often enjoy travelling at a slightly slower pace and exploring places that are harder to reach independently. This is where a&nbsp;specialist tour operator&nbsp;can be especially rewarding, as it&nbsp;opens&nbsp;smaller towns, local&nbsp;experiences&nbsp;and scenic routes that&nbsp;you may never have heard of.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Is Japan easy to travel around?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes&nbsp;and no!&nbsp;Japan has one of the world\u2019s most efficient transport networks, and its trains are clean,&nbsp;comfortable&nbsp;and famously punctual.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That said, the stations can&nbsp;be huge and confusing if&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;on your own. There are floor markings for the queuing system, which are brilliant once you know what&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;looking at, but they do take some getting used to.&nbsp;On a group tour, the practical side is taken care of for you, so you can&nbsp;just sit back and relax.&nbsp;Plus, with a coach you can access some of the more rural, peaceful&nbsp;parts of Japan,&nbsp;with their laid-back atmosphere and beautiful mountain scenery.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do I need to understand Japanese etiquette?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nobody expects visitors to arrive with&nbsp;perfect knowledge&nbsp;of Japanese customs.&nbsp;A few simple habits go a long way: queue neatly, speak quietly on public transport, avoid tipping and follow any signs about shoes or photography.&nbsp;In shops, you usually pop your card or cash in a little tray rather than handing it over directly.&nbsp;You&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;need to put your hands together when you bow in Japan \u2013&nbsp;just leave&nbsp;them down.&nbsp;Bows should be&nbsp;noticeable,&nbsp;but you&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;need to exaggerate them!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japanese etiquette&nbsp;isn\u2019t&nbsp;there to catch you out&nbsp;&#8211; locals will appreciate the effort.&nbsp;In fact, learning the small customs is one of the most enjoyable parts of travelling there and helps you feel much more connected to the culture.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When is the best time to travel?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Every season offers something different&nbsp;\u2013 that\u2019s part of the fun.&nbsp;The best time really depends on the Japan you want to see. Fortunately, whichever season you choose, there will be something special happening somewhere!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Of course, spring is famous for cherry blossom,&nbsp;which peaks in most areas in late March and early April. Plus, Fuji will still have its iconic snow dusting at this time of year. Come a little earlier &#8211; in late February or early March &#8211; and you can enjoy a quieter side of Japan, with the equally beautiful plum blossoms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alternatively,&nbsp;May is a lovely time to travel once the Golden Week holiday period has ended, with warm weather and fresh green scenery, not to mention the May Sumo Tournament on select departures of Japan Uncovered, Gems of Japan &amp; Shikoku, or Off-beat Japan. Of course, if&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;not travelling in spring, we have sumo tournament opportunities in September and November too!&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Summer is the season for festivals,&nbsp;fireworks&nbsp;and lively evening celebrations, especially on Honshu.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;also the perfect time to visit Japan\u2019s far northern island of Hokkaido, when you can see flower-strewn hills and spot brown bears hunting along the coast.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Autumn brings cooler temperatures and spectacular red and gold foliage, especially in late October and throughout November.&nbsp;Autumn leaves are getting a little later&nbsp;(and harder to predict)&nbsp;every year.&nbsp;Don\u2019t&nbsp;forget that the leaves will turn a bit earlier in mountain towns compared to southern cities like Hiroshima, so pack layers and enjoy the variety!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":3545,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[157],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5906","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recent"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Japan-autumn-leaves-frame-Osaka-Castle.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5906","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5906"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5906\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5907,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5906\/revisions\/5907"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3545"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5906"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5906"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}