Amidst the country’s rising popularity, escaping crowds can be tricky. However, with a bit of thoughtful planning travellers can still experience authentic Japan.
A recent trip that ventured off the classic ‘Golden Route’ provided two of our sales managers, Sophie Rowley (Sales Manager for UK & Ireland) and Alice Lefebvre (Sales Manager for French-speaking market), with an invaluable opportunity to rediscover the essence of this captivating destination, away from the tourist crowds.
This blog delves into insights and practical tips gleaned from their travels in Japan.
‘Japan is not just a country, it’s a world of its own’
Japan’s distinct allure
Japan’s allure for travellers is undeniable with its blend of ancient traditions and modernity. It is also unique, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its distinct culture.
‘Japan is not just a country, it’s a world of its own’, Alice explains. ‘Distinct from all other Asian countries, Japan is a country where everything seems impeccably in order: the cleanliness of the streets, the politeness and respect of the locals, the punctuality of the trains’.
Sophie adds, ‘Japan stands out as a world away from so many others I have explored in the East. There are many quirks, many charms and many factors that mean it needs to be considered differently from a travel point of view. For example, dietary requirements are more important than ever, a great deal of patience and respect is always key, technology is perhaps not as futuristic as may be expected’.
‘EXO can help you uncover a Japan less-discovered, crafting authentic experiences built on local knowledge.’
Escaping the crowds
As Japan’s popularity has surged, the crowds at iconic landmarks can sometimes be overwhelming. However, this should not deter travellers entirely.
Sophie explains, ‘EXO can help you uncover a Japan less-discovered, crafting authentic experiences built on local knowledge.’
On their recent trip, Sophie and Alice experienced this first-hand as they travelled away from the classic destinations of Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto.
‘I ventured into charming towns and cities where genuine connections replaced the anonymity of mass tourism’, Sophie reflects. ‘The sights, sounds, and experiences remained quintessential Japan but the magic was amplified by the countless opportunities we had to engage with locals in an authentic manner, away from tourist sites and crowds of more popular towns, and the hidden treasures we were able to explore’.
Likewise, Alice was captivated by the authenticity found even in big cities like Sendai, ‘Thanks to our guide, we ventured into a rarely visited neighbourhood, savoured delicious dishes and toasted with locals in izakayas.’
She adds another tip, ‘Travel off-season to avoid the crowds. Japan’s peak travel periods are March to May and September to November. By visiting in another month, you’ll not only have fewer crowds but also a higher opportunity to secure preferred hotel rooms and experiences.
Sophie and Alice share their insider tips and recommendations for making the most of a Japan holiday:
- Cash is still king: Don’t rely on cards or phones to pay. Ensure you take cash and speak to your guides locally to ask if you will have ATM/card access at your next stops. Carry enough yen, especially in lesser-visited areas, to avoid inconvenience.
- Respecting the culture is paramount: Japan is renowned for its calmness, respect, and courtesy. Be mindful of local customs like covering tattoos for onsens (hot springs), maintaining a quiet demeanour in public, and following queuing etiquette. (read our Guide to Japan Etiquette here)
- Be flexible: Japan caters to experiences, not necessarily tourist whims. Dietary considerations can be a challenge, so communicating specific needs clearly at the booking stage and being flexible will enhance your experience. Many Ryokans only allow bookings 6 months ahead (some less) – if you cannot secure a Ryokan stay, there are plenty of other charming experiences to be had! And the country is vast, so tag on a trip with Korea next time and return to experience the areas you didn’t do the first time.
- Travel away from the tourist crowds: Find out from guests who want to visit what they want to experience, visually, in Japan. If it’s temples and cherry trees, Kyoto is not the only place to visit. You can recommend so much more, such as Tohoku and Hoakkaido (read more tips for alternative cherry blossom viewing here) ! Take time to head off the tourist trail and you will be incredibly rewarded.
- Embrace the language challenge: A few key Japanese phrases like konnichiwa (hello) and arigato gozaimashita (thank you) will go a long way in showing respect and appreciation. Translation apps help dig deeper , translating menus, signs, and in-room information. This really helps you experience places that can seem a bit too local on first glance
- EXO’s Self-Guide App: Navigating in Japan can be tricky so EXO provides our guests with a useful mobile app. The app includes itinerary details, options for self-guided days and an easy way to communicate with our on-the-ground customer care team.
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