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Japan Travel Blog

Home > Japan Travel Blog
Shinkansen Outside

Should You Use Buses, Subways and Trains in Japan?

The answer is YES! Buses, subways and trains in Japan can only…
April 3, 2018/by Shawn Weldon
Amerikamura, Osaka - Copyright JNTO

What to Wear in Japan

Deciding what to wear in Japan on your holiday can be a bit stressful.…
February 28, 2018/by Shawn Weldon
Takayama Spring Festival - JNTO

Best Time to Visit Japan

Choosing the best time to visit Japan is just as important as…
February 20, 2018/by Shawn Weldon
Japanese Toilet Seat Control Panel Close

How to Use a Japanese Toilet Seat

I can guarantee that you will encounter a high tech, futuristic…
February 14, 2018/by Shawn Weldon
Packing Light for Japan

Tips for Packing Light

When packing for your trip to Japan, it is very important to…
February 9, 2018/by Shawn Weldon
How to Use Chopsticks

How to Use Chopsticks

If you're traveling to Japan, then you're definitely going to…
January 31, 2018/by Shawn Weldon
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ABOUT

Becki Benedict
Japan Travel Specialist

My first trip to Japan was in 1997 to study abroad. Living with a host family in Shizuoka completely changed my life. I’ve now spent most of my adult years living and working in Japan.

My goal is to help others see the real Japan like I have, and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites.

TRAVEL JAPAN WITH BECKI

1 Week Tour

Dotonbori - Osaka, Japan

2 Week Tour

Gion - Kyoto, Japan

3 Week Tour

Koya-san

TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot recommend Japan and More highly enough! Our family of five spent about three weeks in Japan with Shawn and Becki, and we had an extraordinary experience of a lifetime.”

Peter - Hickory, NC

“Our trip to Japan with Becki and Shawn was absolutely amazing! Their knowledge of Japan and ability to speak the language made everything so much easier.”

Amy - San Francisco, CA

“Becki’s exceptional Japanese took us through the intimate corners of Japan where we could interact in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Judy - Cleveland, OH

“I was able to see so much, cover so much ground and experience places I would not have even considered without Becki’s guidance. She is truly an expert on the country and culture! It’s a magical place.”

Jennifer - Wilmington, NC

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Becki Benedict

About

Becki Benedict
Japan Travel Specialist

My first trip to Japan was in 1997 to study abroad. Living with a host family in Shizuoka completely changed my life. I’ve now spent most of my adult years living and working in Japan.

My goal is to help others see the real Japan like I have, and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites.

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Best of Fall Colors

As autumn falls onto Japan, the foliage puts on a spectacular color show that can only be rivaled by the cherry blossoms of the spring. The temples, shrines and parks are crowded with on-lookers as they admire the yellows, reds and browns that set in before winter arrives. Join us on this 22 day fully escorted tour and see Japan’s beautiful fall colors, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 21 nights accommodations in central locations
  • 4 nights at a Japanese ryokan and 1 night at a temple lodging
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and 7 evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Shibuya Excel Tokyo or similar
  • Osaka: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
  • Hiroshima: APA Hiroshima-eki or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya or similar
  • Kokura: Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura or similar
  • Nara: Nara Hakushikaso Ryokan or similar
  • Kyoto: Kamogawa-kan Ryokan or similar
  • Mount Koya: Ekoin Temple Koyasan or similar
Close

Takayama Autumn Festival

Also known as the Hachiman Festival, the Takayama Autumn Festival is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals. During the festival you will see the ornate Yatai floats, watch traditional ceremonies and walk through the streets of this well preserved mountain town. Join us on this 15 day fully escorted tour and see one of Japan’s most popular festivals, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 14 nights accommodations in central locations
  • 2 nights at a modern Japanese ryokan
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and 4 evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Shibuya Excel Tokyo or similar
  • Osaka: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
  • Nara: Onyado Nono Nara or similar
  • Hiroshima: APA Hiroshima-eki or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya or similar
  • Nara: Nara Hakushikaso Ryokan or similar
Close

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a big event in Japan. The blossoms last about a week and a half, so the viewing is celebrated with parties and festivals. According to forecasts, this tour will experience the best of the Cherry Blossom viewing this year! Join us and catch the first days of Japan’s famous Cherry Blossoms on our 8 day fully escorted tour. See Japan’s amazing sights, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodations in central locations
  • Four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and two evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar
  • Nagoya: Crowne Plaza ANA Grand Court Nagoya or similar
Close

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a big event in Japan. The blossoms last about a week and a half, so the viewing is celebrated with parties and festivals. Join us and experience Japan’s famous Cherry Blossoms on our 15 day fully escorted tour. We will visit Ueno park, the most popular Cherry Blossom viewing area in Tokyo and we will attend Takayama’s spring festival. Join us to see Japan’s amazing sights, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 14 nights accommodations in central locations
  • 2 nights at a Japanese ryokan
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and 4 evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar
  • Osaka: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
  • Hiroshima: APA Hiroshima-eki or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya or similar
  • Nara: Nara Hakushikaso Ryokan or similar
Close

Hamamatsu Festival

Hamamatsu is known as the windy city and it is the best place for a kite festival. The 450-year old Festival, Hamamatsu Matsuri, features around 170 gigantic kites that take to the sky in a beautiful display. Each kite, measuring 3.5 x 3.5 meters, represents a town in the Hamamatsu area. In the sky, the towns battle each other by trying to cut their opponent’s strings using friction. In the evening a parade takes place featuring around 80 gorgeous floats that have elaborate woodcarvings and lanterns. Musicians sitting on the floats play beautiful music. Join us on this 22 day fully escorted tour and see one of Japan’s hidden festivals, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 21 nights accommodations in central locations
  • 4 nights at a Japanese ryokan and 1 night at a temple lodging
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and 7 evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar
  • Osaka: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
  • Hiroshima: APA Hiroshima-eki or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya or similar
  • Kokura: Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura or similar
  • Nara: Nara Hakushikaso Ryokan or similar
  • Kyoto: Kamogawa-kan Ryokan or similar
  • Mount Koya: Ekoin Temple Koyasan or similar
Close

Golden Week

Golden week is a time of festivals and celebration. Throughout Japan you’ll see families display their decorative dolls, samurai helmets and carp shaped windsocks to celebrate healthy and happy children. Join us on this 15 day fully escorted tour and see Japan’s amazing sights, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 14 nights accommodations in central locations
  • 2 nights at a Japanese ryokan
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and 4 evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar
  • Osaka: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
  • Hiroshima: APA Hiroshima-eki or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya or similar
  • Nara: Nara Hakushikaso Ryokan or similar
Close

Hamamatsu Festival

Hamamatsu is known as the windy city and it is the best place for a kite festival. The 450-year old Festival, Hamamatsu Matsuri, features around 170 gigantic kites that take to the sky in a beautiful display. Each kite, measuring 3.5 x 3.5 meters, represents a town in the Hamamatsu area. In the sky, the towns battle each other by trying to cut their opponent’s strings using friction. In the evening a parade takes place featuring around 80 gorgeous floats that have elaborate woodcarvings and lanterns. Musicians sitting on the floats play beautiful music. Join us on this 15 day fully escorted tour and see one of Japan’s hidden festivals, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 14 nights accommodations in central locations
  • 2 nights at a Japanese ryokan
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and 4 evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar
  • Osaka: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
  • Hiroshima: APA Hiroshima-eki or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya or similar
  • Nara: Nara Hakushikaso Ryokan or similar
Close

Planning a trip to Japan?

Get our free Food eBook
When you sign up for weekly Updates:

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Japanese Food eBook

Sanja Festival

One hundred portable shrines are paraded in the streets during the Sanja Festival to bring good fortune to the local businesses and residents. The streets are packed with food stalls, festival games and people in a lively, fun filled atmosphere. Join us on this 15 day fully escorted tour and see one of Japan’s most popular festivals, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 14 nights accommodations in central locations
  • 2 nights at a Japanese ryokan
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and 4 evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar
  • Osaka: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
  • Hiroshima: APA Hiroshima-eki or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya or similar
  • Nara: Nara Hakushikaso Ryokan or similar
Close

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a big event in Japan. The blossoms last about a week and a half, so the viewing is celebrated with parties and festivals. Join us and experience Japan’s famous Cherry Blossoms on our 22 day fully escorted tour. We will visit Ueno park, the most popular Cherry Blossom viewing area in Tokyo and we will attend Takayama’s spring festival. Join us to see Japan’s amazing sights, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 21 nights accommodations in central locations
  • 4 nights at a Japanese ryokan and 1 night at a Buddhist Temple
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and 7 evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath (except Buddhist Temple). They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: ​Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (4 Star) or similar
  • Osaka: APA Osaka Hotel Namba (3 Star) or similar
  • Hiroshima: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (3 Star) or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya (4 Star) or similar
  • Kokura: Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura (3 Star) or similar
  • Nara: Nara Hakushikaso Ryokan (3 Star) or similar
  • Kyoto: Kamogawa-kan Ryokan (3 Star) or similar
  • Koyasan: Eko-in Buddhist Temple or similar – no private bath
Close

Kyoto Aoi Festival

Aoi Matsuri began in the 7th century, and is one of Kyoto’s largest festivals. See men on horseback, giant bouquets of flowers, ornately decorated ox drawn carts, and women dressed in beautiful kimonos. Join us on this 8 day fully escorted tour and see one of Japan’s most famous festivals, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodations in central locations
  • Four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and two evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
  • Nagoya: Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel or similar
Close

Hamamatsu Festival

Hamamatsu is known as the windy city and it is the best place for a kite festival. The 450-year old Festival, Hamamatsu Matsuri, features around 170 gigantic kites that take to the sky in a beautiful display. Each kite, measuring 3.5 x 3.5 meters, represents a town in the Hamamatsu area. In the sky, the towns battle each other by trying to cut their opponent’s strings using friction. In the evening a parade takes place featuring around 80 gorgeous floats that have elaborate woodcarvings and lanterns. Musicians sitting on the floats play beautiful music. Join us on this 8 day fully escorted tour and see one of Japan’s hidden festivals, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodations in central locations
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and two evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar
  • Osaka: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya or similar
Close

Mount Fuji

Be amazed by the beauty and awe of Japan’s most iconic landmark, Mount Fuji. Enjoy a day trip to Kawaguchi-ko and take in the magnificence of this enormous, snow capped volcano.

Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodations in central locations
  • Four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and two evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
  • Osaka: Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station or similar
  • Nagoya: Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel or similar
Close

Late Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a big event in Japan. The blossoms last about a week and a half, so the viewing is celebrated with parties and festivals. Join us and catch the final days of Japan’s famous Cherry Blossoms on our 8 day fully escorted tour. See Japan’s amazing sights, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodations in central locations
  • Four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and two evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
  • Osaka: Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station or similar
  • Nagoya: Crowne Plaza ANA Grand Court Nagoya or similar
Close

Sanja Festival

One hundred portable shrines are paraded in the streets during the Sanja Festival to bring good fortune to the local businesses and residents. The streets are packed with food stalls, festival games and people in a lively, fun filled atmosphere. Join us on this 8 day fully escorted tour and see one of Japan’s most popular festivals, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences.

Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodations in central locations
  • Three- to four-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and two evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Tokyo: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar
  • Osaka: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
  • Nagoya: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya or similar
Close

Economy Tour

Fun, flexible and affordable 8 day fully escorted tour. Visit Japan’s two busiest cities Tokyo and Osaka. See the World Heritage shrines and temples of Kyoto and step back into time at the mountain village of Takayama. Come see Japan’s amazing sights, taste exotically delicious foods and have unforgettable experiences all at a great price.

Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodations in central locations
  • Two- to three-star accommodation
  • Western-style hotel rooms with private bath
  • Breakfast every morning and two evening meals
  • Entrance fees to listed attractions
  • All land transportation within Japan
  • Pre-departure advice and helpful packing tips

Accommodations

All hotels are two- to three-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.

Hotels:

  • Toyoko Inn or similar
Close
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