5 Most Popular Tour Packages by JTB For Your Next Trip To Japan
Have you heard already? The possibility to travel to Japan (with no 14-day quarantine) from April 2021!
If the COVID situation is contained by then, and safety measures can be implemented smoothly, there is a great chance for us to travel to Japan!
When I heard of this news, I immediately surfed JTB’s site and searched for inspiration on the best places I can visit for Spring, Autumn, or Winter season. I mean, why not? It makes me feel spiritually better and more motivated in life, and who knows - perhaps when traveling to Japan can be resumed, the bookings can be processed immediately!
Need ideas to get inspired on where to visit for your trip to Japan (soon)? Read on and discover more!
North Central Japan Spring Season Tour
Tour date from 27th March 2021 - 8 days 5 nights tour.
*Note: Detailed itinerary is not yet finalised.
JTB typically launches more than 5 Spring Group Tours every year because Spring is an extremely popular season for tourists all around the world. The best time to catch cherry blossoms is usually from late March till mid-April, and these group tours bring you to the best spots to catch them (at the right time) - which explains why their Spring Group Tours are their most popular tours.
Some attractions that will be covered:
Nagatoro Town, Saitama, Japan
Nagatoro has been selected as one of the 100 most famous spots for cherry blossoms in Japan. Only about an hour and a half minutes drive from central Tokyo, this quaint little town is a popular tourist attraction for its picturesque beauty - making it a perfect one-day getaway if you don't have additional time to spare.
Tip: Rent a bike and cycle around this town! The roads will lead you to beautiful nature and mountain views.
Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan.
Source: All Japan Tours
Not a fan of Cherry Blossoms? These Nemophila (Baby blue eyes) will not disappoint as they are breathtakingly beautiful and extremely entrancing. These Nemophila blooms around mid-April to late April at Hitachi Seaside Park, and you will see both locals and tourists flocking to this place.
Tip: Be sure to make an early trip here especially when late April is also the golden week in Japan! The queue for the bus to Hitachi Seaside Park may take hours during peak seasons.
Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma, Japan
A trip to Japan is not complete without an Onsen trip.
Kusatsu Onsen is considered to be one of Japan’s most famous hot springs for its high-quality hot spring water.
Source: Donny Kimball
Source: Joelen (NANI reader) from our Japan Virtual Travel Contest
2. West Central Japan Spring Season Tour
Tour date from 25th March 2021 - 9 days 6 nights tour.
*Note: Detailed itinerary is not yet finalised.
West Central, also known as Kansai Region, is an increasingly popular region in recent years. If you are not a fan of the big city - Tokyo, you may want to consider exploring Kansai Region - less populated yet equally beautiful with its abundance of nature.
Some attractions that will be covered:
Asuwa River, Fukui, Japan
Source: Nippon.com
Source: Japan Travel
If you google Asuwa River, tons of pictures with Cherry Blossoms would be in your top search. Asuwa River is many’s go-to for Cherry Blossoms because countless Cherry Blossoms trees will line the whole riverside, making it the perfect date spot both in the day and night.
Asuwa River is also listed as Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots.
Mikatagoko, Fukui, Japan
Known as the five lakes of Mikata, this tour brings you to the “rainbow line” - a scenic 11.2 km-long road that treats you to the most breathtaking scenery and a panorama view of the five lakes.
3. Classic Japan Autumn Season Tour
Tour date from 19th or 21st Nov 2020 - 8 days 5 nights tour.
Detailed itinerary link.
There is something very beautiful about Autumn foliage, as much as how cherry blossoms are highly raved by everyone. Autumn is actually my favourite season, and I’ve been to Japan during Autumn quite a few times and I would like to testify how beautiful Japan is during Autumn as much as it is during Spring.
Some attractions that will be covered:
Minoo Waterfall, Osaka, Japan
Source: Maxima on GoodFon.com
Source: 2 Aussie Travellers
Source: Fun! Japan
I’m in love.
Only 30 mins from central Osaka, the best time to catch the Autumn foliage at Minoo Park is typically during mid-November.
Hikone Castle & Genkyuen Garden, Shiga, Japan
Source: Travel Caffeine
If you have nowhere to visit at night, the Autumn illumination at Hikone Castle and Genkyuen Garden is definitely worth a visit. This illumination event is typically held from mid-November till late November, and on some days, there will be autumn evening events in the Genkyuen Garden.
Tip: I would recommend you to visit on a weekday night as among all seasons, Autumn is Hikone Castle and Genkyuen Garden’s peak season!
Hoshi no Buranko, Osaka, Japan
Source: Discoverist.sg
Source: Japan Web Magazine
Located in Hoshida Enchi Park, the Hoshi no Buranko is also known as the suspension bridge in the forest. Enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the autumn leaves when you take a stroll across the bridge. This place is also hence ranked as one of the best spots to catch autumn foliage.
4. Hokkaido Winter Festival & Ice Breaker Group Tour
Tour date from 8th Feb 2021 - 9 days 6 nights tour.
Detailed itinerary link.
The first city I would think of if someone mentions 'Winter in Japan' is Sapporo. Tell me otherwise if yours is not.
To be frank, I haven’t visited Sapporo, and I would love to once we are allowed to travel there with no quarantine measures. If you have been there and aren’t sick of it, perhaps some of the attractions mentioned below would interest you! You know - we can never get enough of Japan.
Some attractions that will be covered:
Lake Shikaribetsu, Shikaoi Town, Hokkaido
Source: Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel
Lake Shikaribetsu, which locates at the highest elevation, 810m, is the longest freezing lake in Japan.
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan is the local winter festival and it takes place on the frozen lake (typically) from late January to mid-March. A man-made ice village (Kotan) will also appear only during this festival.
PS: Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan will be held from 30 January to 21 March in 2021.
There are a few numbers of attractions and things you can do during your time at Lake Shikaribetsu, such as an open-air Onsen bath on the frozen lake, igloos serving beverage with ice made glasses, and many more. Imagine soaking yourself in a hot bath during the cold season, at the same time, witnessing the beauty of the nature around you covered with snow……
Source: Japan Web Magazine
Source: Japan Web Magazine
Source: Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel
Tip: Highly recommend you to opt for the overnight stay at the Ice Lodge in Lake Shikaribetsu! It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you will never regret it!
Lake Mashū, Hokkaido
Source: Hokkaido Labo
Lake Mashū is a caldera lake in Akan Mashu National Park and is considered by many to be Japan's most beautiful lake because of its clear blue water.
Just looking at the sight of this feels really therapeutic.
5. North Central Japan Winter Season Tour
Tour date from 17th Jan 2021 - 8 days 6 nights tour.
Detailed itinerary link.
Some attractions that will be covered:
Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan
Source: Prince Hotels & Resorts
Source: JTB
What’s a winter trip if skiing is not part of your itinerary?
Naeba Ski Resorts is one of the most famous ski and snowboard resorts in Japan. If you are a newbie, do not fret, they offer lessons in English as well!
Source: The Gate
The Fukuroda Falls is popular throughout all four seasons. But when winter reaches and the temperature dips low enough, the Icefall phenomenon will occur, and the falls will freeze together, making this sight extremely bizarre and incredible.
