Becki and I are back from our 2018 Japan Spring Tours. We had a great time, met a bunch of nice people and made new friends along the way. It was wonderful sharing what we love about Japan and showing everyone around. Here are some photos of the places we saw during our tours. Enjoy! Read more
Japan is very strict about over the counter drugs, so many of the North American brands don’t make it onto Japanese pharmacy shelves. Japan has different brands, and more often than not, different active ingredients. Read more
The answer is YES! Buses, subways and trains in Japan can only be described as safe, efficient, clean and comfortable. For most North Americans, this is a hard concept to wrap your head around, even if you’ve travelled by rail in Europe. Read more
Deciding what to wear in Japan on your holiday can be a bit stressful. Especially if you are not familiar with the culture and the weather. Read more
I can guarantee that you will encounter a high tech, futuristic Japanese toilet seat on your trip to Japan. Don’t panic when you see it because I’m going to explain what the buttons are and what they do. Read more
When packing for your trip to Japan, it is very important to follow these tips for packing light. Packing light doesn’t just refer to weight, it also means keeping the number of bags to a minimum. Read more
If you’re traveling to Japan, then you’re definitely going to want to learn how to use chopsticks. Unless you’re having dinner at a western-style restaurant, it’s very unlikely that the restaurant will have a fork, spoon or knife available. Once you know how to use chopsticks well, you’ll find that Read more
My first trip to Japan was as a student studying abroad. Upon arriving, I was instantly impressed by the kindness and hospitality of the people. At the train station, strangers went out of their way to help me carry my three large, 50-pound suitcases down the stairs. I had no Read more
When I first arrived in Japan, I couldn’t believe the sheer number of people everywhere I looked. I had expected large crowds, but had never experienced so many people in one place. It was as if the big game had let out in all directions.
I couldn’t imagine any open Read more
The Naked Festival in Okayama, or Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri, is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. Every year more than 9,000 men take part in this 500 year old tradition.
The purpose of the festival is to bring good luck to the participants. The men, wearing only Read more
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.
Join Becki and Shawn
Friday, July 13 at 4:00 PM EST
Live Q & A Session
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.
All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a big event in Japan. These blossoms only last about a week and a half, so the viewing is celebrated with parties and festivals.
Join us on our popular Cherry Blossom tour that takes you to some of Japan’s most famous spots for seeing these beautiful flowers. We’ll start off in the capital Tokyo and then work our way down to Hiroshima, the home of the Peace Memorial Museum.
On the way we’ll see the Matsumoto Castle, one of only 5 fully preserved castles remaining in Japan. We’ll also see the old capital city of Kyoto and the sacred island of Miyajima, with its famous floating red Torrii Gate.
All hotels are four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
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.
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.
All hotels are four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are three- to four-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.
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.
All hotels are two- to three-star, western-style accommodations with private bath. They are centrally located within walking distance of JR stations.