Overview:
- Why choose Japan as your next holiday destination
- Popular Japan tours for Australians
- Planning your trip from Australia to Japan
- Pre-travel checklist for Australians visiting Japan
Why choose Japan as your next holiday destination
It’s no secret that Japan is one heck of a holiday destination. Each year, millions of tourists’ flock to Japan in search of the perfect trip, only to find their expectations are not just met, but totally exceeded! The country’s captivating culture is a huge drawcard for many, marked by centuries-old traditions like tea ceremonies, cherry blossom festivals and traditional arts, offering travellers an invaluable firsthand experience into local customs. Japanese cities are renowned for their perfect blend of modernity and tradition, where ancient shrines stand mighty against contemporary skyscrapers, an enchanting contrast that defines Japan. Outside of the bustling cities, you’ll find lush parks, majestic mountains and serene coastlines, furthering Japan’s appeal as a diverse holiday destination.
Japan is also a great holiday destination as it one of the cleanliest – yes, you’ll even find major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima to be generally clean! The impeccable cleanliness reflects the Japanese people’s way of life, a commitment to hygiene and order. The country’s transportation systems are efficient, punctual, and fast (hello, bullet trains!), making exploration in Japan a breeze.
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Image credit: Cat Kurmelovs
What does a typical Japan tour from Australia include?
A typical Japan tour from Australia should include a multitude of things to ensure your holiday is easy and enjoyable from the get-go. A tour will almost always include accommodation, yet it is important that if you’re seeking special character accommodation like a traditional Japanese guesthouse, or a particular star rating and standard, to be mindful when choosing the perfect tour for you. Transport can include a mix of modes, from typical coaches and ferries to more unique options like a bullet train. Most Japan tours will also include sightseeing, especially to the larger, more popular tourist sites; however, be mindful when choosing your ideal tour to consider how many sightseeing activities are ‘optional’ and not included.
Unlike other Asian countries, tipping in Japanese culture is not expected, and any attempts to tip will almost certainly be turned down; in fact, sometimes it can even be considered impolite!
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Popular Japan tours for Australians
Bunnik Tours’ have a great range of Japan tours from Australia. They’re the perfect blend of organised sightseeing and free time for self-exploration. Plus, return international flights, good quality accommodation, transport, many meals, and sightseeing are all included in the tour price! Keep reading to delve further into each tour.
Japan Discovery
One of our all-time most popular small group tours, the 16-day Japan Discovery tour will see you starting in Tokyo and winding your way to Osaka, staying the cities of Hakone, Nagano, Takayama, Kyoto and Hiroshima along the way. You’ll also explore quaint, smaller towns like Matsumoto, Shirakawago, Gokayama, Miyajima and Himeji, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese culture.
This tour is perfect for those travellers wanting to explore Japan as a whole, focusing on seeing the must-see cities, sites and more. Of course, this tour will show you the famous sites, including:
- Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and be moved by this harrowing moment in history
- Experience the hustle and bustle of Shibuya and visit the Shibuya crossing
- Enjoy a cable car ride on the Hakone ropeway and see magnificent views of the iconic Mt Fuji
- Walk the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto
- Visit the stunning Himeji Castle
- Tour the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Spend a night in a traditional ryokan guesthouse
But it also goes beyond the traditional tourist trail. Our tours are designed to immerse our travellers in the local customs, experiencing the culture like never before. You’ll enjoy special experiences that are unique to our group Japan tours, including:
- Experience a sumo wrestling demonstration before savouring a traditional Chanko-Nabe (a sumo hotpot-style stew) lunch at a local restaurant.
- Take part in a soba noodle making class, used in a variety of Japanese dishes.
- Enjoy a tasting experience at a local sake brewery in Kyoto and learn how Japan’s drink of choice is made.
- Delve into the stunning art form of Japanese black ink calligraphy and try your hand at perfecting this ancient art.
- Learn the way of the warriors of pre-modern Japan, the Samurai, during an interactive lesson.
Looking to explore Japan and South Korea? Introducing the best of both worlds! Our 27-day Discover South Korea and Japan will see you uncovering the delights of South Korea for 11 nights, before hopping over to Japan and embarking on our popular Japan Discovery itinerary.
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Image credit: Brenda Wat
Image credit: Mark Boyle
Colours of Northern Japan
Calling all scenery aficionados! Our diverse 16-day Colours of Northern Japan small group tour is totally for you. This tour starts off in Tokyo and heads north to Sapporo, staying in Sendai, Morioka, Akita, Aomori, and Hakodate en route. Along the way, you’ll also discover Nikko, Matsushima, Oga, and Hirosaki.
This tour is perfect for those travellers seeking to explore northern Japan, particularly during the months where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom (March and April), or the vibrant autumn leaves are glistening (October and November). You’ll experience and explore the sites of:
- Cruise the beautiful Matsushima Bay
- Experience Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing
- Sample Japan’s most famous beverage sake, at the Asabiraki Sake Brewery
- See the port city of Otaru and explore its beautifully preserved canal area
- Spend two nights at authentic Japanese Ryokan guesthouse
- Visit Kakunodate Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum
Our Colours of Northern Japan also include a series of fun and immersive special experiences that provide an unparallelled cultural experience, including:
- Delve into a kaleidoscopic world of interactive art installations at TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum.
- Experience the traditional cuisine of Sendai, with the opportunity of sampling the local delicacy, gyutan (beef tongue) at a special dinner.
- Admire the impressive waterfalls, rock formations and limestone caves of Geibikei Gorge on a scenic boat trip.
- Take part in the local Wanko Soba tradition at a lunch in Morioka.
- Explore the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum, discovering the rich history and way of life of the samurai and their wealthy families.
- Tour Hirosaki Castle and witness the breathtaking beauty of its Botanical Garden.
- Discover the history of beer making in Japan and the famous Sapporo Brewery at the Sapporo Beer Museum.
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Image credit: Kristen Bertram
Image credit: Dennis Bunnik
show me colours of northern japan!
Colours of Northern Japan - Kanto & Nebuta Festivals
Join our 27 July 2024 departure and witness four of Japan’s colourful festivals. Morioka's Sansa Odori Matsuri is a dynamic celebration of dance and drumming, with colourful processions that honour the local culture. Akita's Kanto Matsuri showcases impressive feats of balancing towering bamboo lanterns on shoulders, symbolising a bountiful harvest. Hirosaki's Neputa Matsuri features illuminated warrior-themed floats parading through ancient streets, evoking a sense of history and grandeur. Meanwhile, Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri is renowned for its colossal paper lantern sculptures, depicting mythical figures and animals, in a mesmerising nighttime parade.
Image credit: Sue Brown
SHOW ME KANTO & NEBUTA FESTIVALS!
Planning your trip from Australia to Japan
Preparing for a tour to Japan from Australia requires some knowledge about the Japanese culture to navigate their unique customs and etiquette shaping daily interactions. To ensure the most seamless travel experience, Bunnik Tours use only expert local guides to help you better understand, immerse, and explore Japan’s unique cultural nuances. From learning about etiquette to practicing a few important Japanese phrases before you go; keep reading to learn how to enhance your trip.
Japanese culture and etiquette
In Japan, culture and etiquette play a huge role in shaping daily interactions, something to be mindful of when exploring this unique country. Japanese people value politeness, humility, and overall group harmony.
Unlike the more causal approach of Australians, Japanese greetings often involve bowing, a gesture of respect that’s deeply ingrained in their culture! Bows are done when saying hello, goodbye, apologising and are also used as a general display of gratitude. Although a simple bow aiming for the level of the waist will do, the depth of the bow between one person to another highlights the status of that person.
It's well known that service in Japan is exceptional, due to their cultural emphasis on warm hospitality, meticulous attention to detail and a strong sense of pride in one’s work. The Japanese believe in the notion of ‘omotenashi’, an expression that roughly translates to ‘wholehearted hospitality’, a belief deeply ingrained in the nation’s culture. Those in hospitality will typically be soft spoken and very courteous – it’s likely that you’ll experience a whole new level of incredible customer service when you visit Japan!
The Japanese also take the ‘no shoes’ inside policy very seriously! Not only does this etiquette apply in the home, but also in accommodation, restaurants, and more. Slippers are often to be worn in place of shoes, however barefoot is acceptable in most informal situations. This customary tradition is to maintain the cleanliness of the living environment, along with being regarded as a sign of respect.
What are some common phrases/words I should learn before my trip to Japan?
Before embarking on your Japan holiday, familiarising yourself with some key Japanese phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience. Plus, not only will it facilitate communication, learning some basic phrases will also demonstrate your respect for locals and their culture. Practice these before you go:
Greetings:
Hello: こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
Good morning: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)
Good evening: こんばんは (Konbanwa)
Goodbye: さようなら (Sayonara)
Politeness:
Thank you: ありがとう (Arigatou)
Excuse me / I'm sorry: すみません (Sumimasen)
Please: お願いします (Onegaishimasu)
Yes: はい (Hai)
No: いいえ (Iie)
Basic Conversations:
My name is...: [Your Name] です (Watashi no namae wa... desu)
Where is...?: ...はどこですか (... wa doko desu ka?)
How much is this?: これはいくらですか (Kore wa ikura desu ka?)
I don't understand: わかりません (Wakarimasen)
What is it like travelling on a small group tour?
Travelling on a Bunnik Tour to Japan is the best way to uncover this spectacular country. Our small group sizes (maximum of 20!) allow for an intimate journey where there’s more connection with fellow explorers and expert guides, meaning you can ask more questions, foster closer friendships and all touring just runs generally smoother.
With all in depth sightseeing included on our tours to Japan, we ensure that you’ll not only witness the iconic sites, but also delve into the hidden gems situated off the traditional tourist trail. Our small group size allows us to partake in some pretty unique experiences that only small groups can do!
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Image credit: Kevin Bishop
Pre-travel checklist for Australians visiting Japan
For Australians travelling to Japan, you’ll want to do some prep work before you leave to ensure a smooth journey as soon as you land! Here are some quick recommendations:
Currency:
Exchange currency or notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid payment issues.
Language:
Familiarise yourself with basic Japanese phrases or carry a translation app for ease of communication.
Cultural Etiquette:
Learn about Japanese customs and manners to respect local traditions.
Weather Appropriate Clothing:
Check the weather forecast for your travel dates and pack accordingly.
When you book a Bunnik Tour to Japan from Australia, we handle all pre-travel arrangements, including visas, accommodations, transportation, and so much more. By choosing us, you have a clear itinerary and planned sightseeing, eliminating the need to worry about securing admission tickets or organising daily activities during your holiday, ensuring a stress-free travel experience.
Tour Japan from Australia with Bunnik Tours for an unforgettable experience this year
Embarking on a trip around Japan offers an incredible journey into a nation bursting with culture, tradition, and spectacular natural and contemporary landscapes. Whether you're drawn to the iconic sites explored in the popular Japan Discovery tour or enticed by the scenic beauty of the Colours of Northern Japan tour, Bunnik Tours offers the perfect blend of organised sightseeing and free exploration.
Take the next step toward your Japanese adventure – check out our Japan tours and start planning your unforgettable journey with Bunnik!
explore japan with bunnik tours!
Frequently asked questions
Are Japan guided tours worth it?
Yes, a Japan guided tour is 100% worth every penny! If you want to avoid the stress of travelling solo in a foreign country, then a group tour is ideal for you. Not only are you travelling with an experienced local guide, but a group tour also provides pure ease for seeing the sites and getting from A to B hassle free!
If you want to discover the best landmarks and natural scenery that Japan has to offer, with included benefits and a pre-planned itinerary, we recommend booking a Japan tour with Bunnik Tours.
What is the best time to visit Japan?
Determining the best time to visit Japan depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek. The weather is arguably best during spring and autumn, as its warm and dry; however, most visitors come during these periods.
Spring (March, April & May) enchants travellers with its soft-coloured cherry blossoms in full bloom, while autumn (September, October & November) brings vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow over the country’s lush foliage. If you’re after snow and fewer crowds, then consider going during the winter months (December, January & February). If the heat doesn’t bother you, then summer (June, July & August) may be ideal with its fewer crowds and exciting festivals.
How many days are enough to explore Japan?
The ideal duration of a Japan holiday depends on the depth of experience you are after. While a week through Japan allows for a taste of the major cities and attractions, we would suggest that you spend 10-16 days to better immerse in the country. This is the perfect amount of time to delve into both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path experiences across the diverse landscapes of Japan.
