Japan Archives - MW Tours

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, and the largest city in the Chugoku region of western Honshu, the largest island of Japan. It became best known as the first city in history to be destroyed by a nuclear weapon when the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) dropped an atomic bomb on it at 8:15 A.M. on August 6, 1945, near the end of World War II. Hiroshima gained city status on April 1, 1889. On April 1, 1980, Hiroshima became a designated city. The city’s current mayor since April 2011 is Kazumi Matsui.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is an important city in the Hokoriku Region and serves as the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Kanazawa is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and is a City of Crafts and Folk Art, boasting many historical attractions and is renowned for traditional handicrafts and traditional performing arts. Kanazawa’s main attraction is Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens.

Kyoto

Kyoto became the capital of Japan in the 8th century. It flourished as the centre for Japanese politics, economy and culture for some 1,1w00 years, until the capital functions were transferred to Tokyo in the mid-19th century. There remain many temples and shrines in Kyoto that were built during this long period. Seventeen historic sites including, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nijo Castle, are inscribed as World Cultural Heritage Sites.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is 3,776 meters high and is the highest mountain in Japan, situated at the border of two prefectures, Shizuoka and Yamanashi. With unrivalled magnificence and a beautiful cone shape, Mt. Fuji has often been selected as the subject of paintings and literature. It is the world-famous as a symbol of Japan.

Osaka

Osaka prefecture located in the centre of Kinki region in the Midwest Japan covers the smallest prefecture land area in Japan, but boasts of largest population and highest population density second only after the capital, Tokyo. Mountains surround three sides of the prefecture and the west faces the arc-shaped Osaka Bay. Since it is close to former capitals of Japan Kyoto and Nara, it prospered as an important point for land and water transportation as well as a commercial city.

Sapporo

Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan by population, and the largest city on the island of Hokkaido. It is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture, located in Ishikari Subprefecture, and an ordinance designated city of Japan. Sapporo is best known outside Japan for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first ever held in Asia, and for the annual Yuki Matsuri in the city, internationally referred to as the Sapporo Snow Festival, which draws more than 2 million tourists from around the world. The city is also home to Sapporo Brewery and the famous white chocolate biscuits “White Lovers” exclusively sold in Hokkaido.

Takayama

Takayama is nestled high in the mountainous Hida alpine region of Japan. It has retained a traditional atmosphere unlike many other Japanese cities, especially in the beautifully preserved old town. It is the perfect location to soak in hot spring baths (onsen), after a long day of sightseeing.

Tokyo

Tokyo consists of the south western part of the Kanto region, the Izu Islands, and the Ogasawara Islands. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and the place where over 12 million people live, making it one of the most populous cities in the world. When the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu established a government there in the early 17th century, the area started to develop, spreading out around his residence, Edo Castle. Most of the city was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and then again by the bombing in the WWII, however, Tokyo was able to achieve a remarkably rapid recovery both times.

Tours

Combination Touring

Highlights of Japan & Taiwan (15 Days)

Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Kaohsiung, Taitung, Hualien & Taroko Gorge

Experience Japan in all its glory, on a tour allowing you to view and take part in some of the country’s most authentic traditions. Japan has so much to offer from the famous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, to the unique, healthy & delicate food. Taiwan also offers the tourist natural beauty, rare wildlife, modern cities, ethnic diversity, intriguing folk traditions and tantalising food. This amazing cultural and scenic tour combination is a scenery overload of cuisine and authenticity.

The Essence of Japan, Taiwan & Hong Kong (18 Days)

Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Kaonsiung, Hualien, Taroko Gorge, Kenting, Taitung & Hong Kong

A combination of some of our “best of” tours, intricately designed to experience 3 in 1. We start in Japan, on the “Golden Route” and experience Japanese culture & history, sample the delicate authentic food and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. We then experience historic Formosa (Taiwan) and eat as locals in the bustling night markets and be captivated by the authentic Chinese culture and tradition. To finish, we stopover in Hong Kong. You can either shop till you drop, enjoy the variety of local delicacies or simply immerse yourself in the city on the double decker sightseeing bus. Temptation is instilled in this magical tour, with so many delights on offer at every turn.

In Taiwan you will enjoy Seat-in-Coach Touring, in Japan and Hong Kong you will be travelling Semi-independently.

Japan, Korea & Taiwan Triple Indulgence (20 Days)

Taipei, Hualien, Taroko Gorge, Seoul, Buyeo, Gwangju, Yeosu, Gyeongju, Wonju, Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka

This fantastic 20 day combination tour takes you through some of Northeast Asia’s most beautiful regions. As a semi-independent tour, it offers exceptional value for money while still taking you on an authentic and unforgettable tour through Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

In Taiwan and Korea you will enjoy Seat-in-Coach Touring, in Japan you will be travelling Semi-independently.

Japan & Korea Dreams (15 Days)

Seoul, Gongju, Buyeo, Andong, Tokyo, Mt Fuji & Kyoto

This is a fantastic combination tour for visitors who dream to visit Japan and Korea together in one trip, as it highlights a number of the most important and most tempting cities of these two highly-developed Asian countries, including Seoul, Busan, Mt. Sorak, Gyeongju, Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Surprise yourself with these two fantastic countries’ unique culture, food, lifestyle, architecture, the natural scenery and much more!

Cherry Blossom and Garden Tour (15 Days)

Tokyo, Hakone, Kawaguchiko, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto & Osaka

This is our most wanted trip! Our 15 day Garden tour brings you to Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima and Osaka letting you discover Japan from all aspects. On this fabulous tour, you will explore some traditional Japanese gardens during the Cherry Blossom season, marvelling at this wonderful burst of nature, visiting some of the iconic historical sights of Japan and experience the authentic Japanese culture and world heritage. This is the most popular programme among all other Japanese tours and we guarantee you a memorable tour of a lifetime.

Japan Golden Route (10 Days)

Tokyo, Hakone, Kawaguchiko, Toyohashi, Nara, Kobe & Osaka

The Golden Route is extremely popular with first time visitors to Japan. On this ten-day tour you will explore Japan during the most beautiful time of year. Travelling through the main central and southern cities will give you a taste of traditional and modern Japan. A mix of Japanese and Western cuisine, and staying in Traditional and Western accommodation, allows you to experience Japanese culture, while still retaining the home comforts you are accustomed to. This tour is the perfect way to introduce you to Japan, and will definitely leave you wanting more!

Japan Golden Route (7 Days)

Enjoy a mini version of our popular Japan Golden Route Tour, exploring the most popular cities on the main island. You will start in Kyoto, explore beautiful Nara, and travel by high speed rail to metropolitan Tokyo. Enjoy a day tour to majestic Mount Fuji, and relax on Lake Ashi. Spend time wandering through the busting streets of Tokyo, taking time to explore the different and unique areas of the city.

Discover Hiroshima & Tomonoura Self Guided Tour (3 Days)

Zenkoji – Snow Monkey Tour (3 Days)

Explore some of the smaller locales around Nagano and visit the famous Snow Monkey Park.

Lake Kawaguchi Excursion (2 Days)

Okinawa Stopover (4 Days)

Hokkaido Stopover (4 Days)

Explore the beautiful island of Hokkaido.

Osaka Stopover (3 Days)

Kyoto Stopover (4 Days)

Explore the city that was once the capital of Imperial Japan.

Tokyo Disneyland Stopover (4/5 Days)

Enjoy your stopover in Tokyo, including a fantastic day at your choice of Disney themepark.

Tokyo Stopover (4 Days)

Enjoy a short stopover in the capital city of Japan and explore the highlights of this bustling metropolitan city.

Explore Kyushu Self Guided Tour (6 Days)

This self guided tour takes you around one of the main smaller southern islands of Japan. With accommodation and transport included, you are free to organise your own day to day activities, allowing you to see whatever your heart desires. Of course, if you would like any recommendations you can contact our friendly reservations team!

Japan World Heritage Tour (16 Days)

Tokyo, Takayama, Shirakawago, Hiroshima, Kyoto & Osaka

Japan is renowned for its charming sites, both natural and man-made, many of which have been accredited by UNESCO as the rare World Heritage. This 16 day Semi guided tour offer flexible departure dates, covers spectacular castles, ancient villages, beautiful gardens, spectacular Mountains, unique temples and shrines and its glorious history presents you with a distinctive and wonderful Japan at your own pace.

Japan Express (9 Days)

Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka

Japan is an intricate blend of East and West, along with unexpectedly beautiful landscapes and charmingly courteous people. Though some of its cities look highly westernised, the nation remains its tangible sense of history and cherished traditions. This semi-independent tour allows you to capture the essence of Japan at your own pace within a short but gratifying time.

Great Trail of Japan (18 Days)

Tokyo, Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Mt Koya, Hiroshima & Osaka

Experience traditional and modern Japan in this perfectly designed 18 days semi-independent adventure. Immerse yourself in the crowd of Tokyo, cruise along Lake Ashi at the foot of Mt Fuji, take a rural trip to discover the famous snow monkeys, witness the world heritage Shirakawago, walk on the ancient street of Takaya that take you back to the Samurai period. Encounter Geisha and Maiko on Kyoto’s Gion district. A temple stay in Mt Koya and Bullet train trip down to Hiroshima will be an amazing experience. This tour incorporates a number of experiences that give your holiday a truly authentic edge.

Japan