Discover The Wonders of Japan

Japan is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on what you want to experience.

• Spring (March-May): Famous for cherry blossom season. Parks and temples are filled with blooms, but this is also the busiest and most expensive time, so early booking is essential.

• Summer (June-August): Warm and humid, with a rainy season in June and festivals throughout July and August. Hokkaido is cooler and perfect for hiking, while Okinawa is ideal for beaches. Typhoon season can affect parts of Japan from August to October.

• Autumn (September-November): A favourite for many travellers thanks to mild weather and spectacular autumn foliage in Kyoto, Nikko, and the Japanese Alps.

• Winter (December-February): Excellent skiing in Hokkaido and Nagano, fewer crowds at cultural sites, and the chance to enjoy hot springs in the snow.

Yes, Japan is a fantastic destination for families. It’s clean, easy to navigate, and extremely safe. Children are welcomed in most restaurants and hotels, and there are plenty of engaging experiences, such as:

• Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea – two of Asia’s most popular theme parks.

• Interactive museums like the Ghibli Museum or Samurai & Ninja experiences.

• Nature encounters such as snow monkeys in Nagano or deer roaming freely in Nara.

• High-speed trains which are fun for children and convenient for parents.

Family-friendly resorts are also available in Okinawa and Hokkaido, offering beaches or winter activities.

British passport holders can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, with no need to apply in advance. This makes Japan one of the most accessible destinations in Asia for UK travellers. For those planning to stay longer or return multiple times within a short period, Japan operates an eVisa system for tourist and business purposes. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least the duration of your stay, and ideally six months beyond your return. Swift Travel can guide you if you’re travelling on a different passport or planning an extended stay.

Most first-time itineraries focus on the Golden Route:

• Tokyo – A capital that combines cutting-edge skyscrapers with historic shrines, lively neighbourhoods like Shinjuku and Shibuya, and exceptional dining.

• Hakone & Mt Fuji – Hot springs, lake cruises, open-air museums, and iconic views of Mt Fuji.

• Kyoto – Japan’s cultural heart, home to 1,600 temples, traditional tea ceremonies, and geisha districts like Gion.

• Hiroshima & Miyajima – A city of remembrance and resilience, paired with the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.

Beyond this, many itineraries add Kanazawa for its gardens and samurai heritage, the Japanese Alps for rural charm, Hokkaido for nature and skiing, or Okinawa for tropical beaches.

Japan is famous for its efficient and reliable transport network.

• Shinkansen (bullet trains): Fast, comfortable, and punctual, linking Tokyo to Kyoto in just over 2 hours.

• Metro systems: Extensive, clean, and easy to navigate with English signage.

• IC cards (Suica, PASMO): Tap-in cards for trains, buses, and even vending machines.

• Domestic flights: Useful for longer distances such as Tokyo to Hokkaido or Okinawa.

• Luggage forwarding services: Allow you to travel light by sending suitcases ahead.

Private guides, drivers, and transfers can be arranged by Swift Travel for extra convenience, particularly for families.

Japan has a unique etiquette culture that enhances your experience if you follow a few simple rules:

• Remove shoes when entering homes, ryokan, or certain temples.

• Keep your voice low on public transport.

• Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice (it’s associated with funerals).

• Queue politely when boarding trains.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion. Excellent service is already included, though small gifts or envelopes with cash may be accepted in very specific situations, such as with private guides.

Yes, and for many travellers it’s a highlight of the journey. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, often family-run, offering an insight into the country’s culture and hospitality. Rooms feature tatami mat flooring, sliding paper doors, and futon bedding, with guests encouraged to wear a yukata robe during their stay. Meals are a central part of the experience: multi-course kaiseki dinners showcase seasonal, regional produce and are served either in-room or in a communal dining area, followed by a traditional Japanese breakfast the next morning.

Most ryokan are located in areas with natural hot springs and feature an onsen. Bathing here follows a ritual: wash and rinse thoroughly before entering, as swimwear is not permitted. Baths are usually segregated by gender, though many ryokan also provide private onsen baths for couples or families who prefer privacy. Soaking in the mineral-rich waters after a day of sightseeing is both relaxing and deeply cultural.

Travellers with tattoos should note that some public onsens restrict entry, though many properties now offer tattoo-friendly or private options. Experiencing a ryokan and onsen offers a window into Japanese tradition, blending serene landscapes, attentive hospitality, and a slower pace of life that contrasts beautifully with Japan’s buzzing cities.