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Tailor-made trip to Japan Japan, without doing it at a sprint.

Two bases rather than five, day trips, and the bookings that matter secured first. That is what separates a trip you remember in full from a trip that leaves you with nothing but tiredness.

Recommended length
12 to 15 days
Best time to go
October and November
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Why this destination with me

A trip to Japan: what I know about this destination.

Japan is one of the destinations I build with the most method, because it does not forgive approximation: a badly calculated rail pass, a ryokan booked too late or a programme that is too packed, and the trip turns into a race.

My work focuses on what makes the difference before departure: the right number of bases, working out whether a pass or individual tickets suit your actual itinerary, the traditional accommodation to book first, and a pace that leaves room for jet lag.

For every trip, I also check the entry rules and taxes, which changed a great deal in 2026.

When to go

When to go to Japan? The right month depends on what you are coming for.

Japan stretches more than three thousand kilometres from north to south: the answer depends as much on the region as on the month. This table applies to the Tokyo-Kyoto corridor, the busiest route.

Climate, crowds and price level month by month
MonthClimateCrowdsPrice level
JanuaryCold and dry on the Pacific side, heavy snow on the Sea of Japan sideLow, except early in the monthLow season
FebruaryCold, clear air, ski seasonLowLow season
MarchMild at the end of the month, cherry blossom beginning depending on the regionHigh at the end of the monthHigh season at the end of the month
AprilMild and pleasant, blossom then fresh greenery, Golden Week at the very end of the monthVery highHigh season
MayPleasant before the humidity, Golden Week at the very beginningHigh at first, moderate afterwardsHigh then mid-season
JuneRainy season across most of the country, except HokkaidoLowLow season
JulyHot and humid, festivals, mountains accessibleModerate to highMid to high season
AugustThe hottest and most humid month, Obon in mid-AugustVery high around ObonHigh season
SeptemberHeat easing off, typhoon seasonModerateMid-season
OctoberOften settled, pleasant weather, one of the best monthsHighHigh season
NovemberAutumn leaves, fresh and bright airVery high at maple-viewing sitesHigh season
DecemberCold, illuminations, a very busy end of yearLow, except late DecemberLow season, peak at the end of the month

Itineraries

Itineraries in Japan: routes that are genuinely thought through.

These itineraries are working drafts, not packages. Each one is adjusted to your pace, your budget and the season.

Suggestion — twelve days, eleven nights

A first Japan, between Tokyo and Kyoto

The classic route, but built with days that have room to breathe. Japan is more tiring than people imagine: jet lag, distances within cities and the sheer number of sites all add up.

Days 1 to 4 — Tokyo

Arrival and four nights in the city. Jet lag is best handled by staying outdoors on the first day and planning nothing demanding. Exploring neighbourhood by neighbourhood rather than ticking off a list of sites: it is the only way to avoid spending your day on public transport.

Day 5 — Day trip from Tokyo

A day out of the city by train: Nikko, Kamakura or Hakone, depending on the season and what you fancy.

Days 6 to 9 — Kyoto

High-speed train, then four nights in Kyoto. The best-known sites are best visited early in the morning or late in the day: in the middle of the day, in high season, the experience is not the same.

Day 10 — Nara or Osaka

A day trip from Kyoto, without changing accommodation.

Day 11 — A traditional stop

A night in a ryokan, for the experience of the bath and the meal served in your room.

Day 12 — Departure

Transfer to the airport and return flight.

What is included

  • Flights, booked by me, with online check-in and boarding passes
  • The complete itinerary with detailed rail connections
  • Accommodation booked and confirmed, including the night in a ryokan
  • Working out the most suitable rail pass, or buying individual journeys
  • The detailed travel book, with cultural codes and practical customs

What is not

  • Meals not mentioned
  • Travel insurance, which I can offer you as an option

Suggestion — fifteen to eighteen days

Japan beyond the cities

For a second trip: the Japanese Alps, the Inland Sea or the south, depending on the season.

Days 1 to 3 — Arrival

Arrival in Tokyo or Osaka depending on flights, and three nights to recover from jet lag before heading away from the big cities.

Days 4 to 9 — Main region

The Japanese Alps, Kanazawa, the Inland Sea or the south: the region is chosen according to the season and what you have already seen on a first trip. A single base, with day trips.

Days 10 to 15 — Second region

A second region with a different character, with one or two nights in a ryokan, then back to the airport. Train journeys are worked out precisely in the travel book.

What is included

  • Flights, booked by me, with online check-in and boarding passes
  • The complete day-by-day itinerary, with real travel times
  • Accommodation booked and confirmed
  • Transfers and logistics on the ground
  • The detailed travel book, digital or printed

What is not

  • Meals not mentioned
  • Travel insurance, which I can offer you as an option
Julie Ruault

Julie, your point of contact

I design every trip myself, from our first conversation to your return. You deal with the same person throughout, someone who knows your file.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions about a trip to Japan, and my answers.

How many days should I allow?

Twelve days on the ground make a good first trip, jet lag included. With fewer than ten days, it is better to focus on a single region than to add more journeys.

When is the best time to go?

October and November generally offer the most settled weather and the most beautiful light. Late March and April are superb but very busy. June is the rainy season across most of the country, and August is hot and humid.

Is Japan a complicated destination?

No, but it is a destination where improvising costs a lot of time. The language, the customs, how the transport works and the bookings that need to be made early are all part of what I take care of, and that is precisely what changes the experience on the ground.

How much does a trip to Japan cost?

The budget depends mainly on the season, the length of the trip and the standard of accommodation. I ask you for your budget from our first conversation, then build an itinerary that stays within it. Once the itinerary is approved, I send you an overall estimate, followed by the detailed quote. My fees are built into the price of the services: there are no hidden costs.

Is Japan a good choice for a honeymoon?

Yes, and it is a frequent request. The route then changes noticeably: fewer cities, more time, and accommodation chosen for the experience rather than the location. See the honeymoon page.

What are the entry formalities for Japan?

For a tourist stay of less than three months, French nationals do not need a visa: a passport valid for the whole stay is enough, and each child must have their own. Arrival formalities can be completed online on Visit Japan Web. Everything is explained in detail, including the new 2026 taxes, in my guide to preparing a trip to Japan. Information checked in October 2026.

Two ways to begin

A clear project, or just a wish?

Both can be worked on. The only difference is the starting point.

Tell me about your project

The form takes three minutes. Dates are not required: if you do not have any yet, an approximate period is enough.

Describe my project

Book a call

Thirty minutes by video or phone, free and with no commitment, to clarify an idea that is still taking shape and see whether I am the right person for you.

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