LiNGER - Enriching Life Through Travel

Japan

The neon lights of Tokyo, the art of Zen and tranquil bamboo forests - LiNGER longer in Japan







LiNGER - Enriching Life Through Travel    Kurashiki, Japan

Sabbaticals & Experiential Holidays in Japan

Nowhere else on Earth does the most cutting-edge technology blend so seamlessly with ancient cultural traditions. While Japan’s big cities are larger than life with their futuristic fashions, flashing lights and frenetic activity. The countryside offers some of the most zen and serene surroundings, where life moves at a slower pace to a backdrop of green paddy fields and snow-capped volcanoes. Culturally, geographically and gastronomically fascinating, Japan has so much to offer visitors. Discover the art of being a Samurai or learn the ropes of sushi making, hop from tea house to tea house and get under the skin of Geisha culture, wander bamboo forests and cherry-blossom lined avenues, or even conquer kitesurfing and enjoy world-class skiing. Underneath Japan’s lively exterior is a precision and peacefulness that makes it so enjoyable to explore and simply take your time over.


Best Off the Beaten Path experiences in Japan

  • In Kyushu, take a rowing boat on the emerald waters of Takachiko gorge – row between towering volcanic cliffs, draped in greenery interspersed with tumbling waterfalls.
  • Unwind in the tropical islands of Okinawa.
  • In Kurashiki, experience the Japan of your imagination, where gondolas drift along canals draped in willows and diminutive artistic workshops line cobblestoned streets.
  • Follow the cobblestoned sections of the Nakasendo Postal path through bamboo groves and woodland, and meander through the charming wooden villages of Magome, Tsumago and Narai in the Japanese Alps.
  • Walk in the footsteps of centuries of Yamabushi pilgrims up the Holy Mountain at Dewa Senzan.
  • Go back to the time of the samurais as a family from the warrior caste shows you round their mansion in the leafy village of Kakunodate.
  • Stop off at Tsurunoyu Onsen to bathe in the thermal, milky, mineral-rich waters of one of Japan’s oldest and most picturesque hot springs.
  • Soar over dense forest on the Asahidake Ropeway cable car and hike to the sulphuric vents billowing steam from the depths of the volcanic mountain.
  • Stop off at utterly idyllic fishing villages and beach hop along the coves and caves of the Futo Coast on the unvisited Western Izu Peninsula.
  • Walk the Kawazu Seven Waterfall trail for the most beautiful, gushing cascades to rival any screen-saver.

Wildlife in Japan

Beyond the big cities, Japan is host to great diversity of wildlife with around 130 mammals such as bears, wild cats, sable and snow monkeys and over 500 bird species such as the red crowned crane and green pheasant.


When to go to Japan

Japan’s geographic location means the climate changes from tropical islands in the south and harsh winters in the north. Most visits take place in areas on the main islands which have a similar climate to Tokyo. Winters are cold but sunny with plentiful snowfall, especially in central and northern parts of the country. Spring (March to May) brings warm sunny days that are ideal for sightseeing with many seasonal attractions. Summer starts with the rainy season which is followed by hot and humid weather with temperatures often over 30°C. The autumn is very pleasant time with many days of unbroken sunshine and comfortable daytime temperatures.


How to get to Japan

There are direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe – approx. 12 hours’ flight time – into Tokyo and Osaka. If you’re coming from the US, you can take flights from most major cities – flight times range from 11.5 – 14.5 hours. From Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo and Okinawa you can take onward domestic flights. Get around by private transfer vehicles or public transport – highspeed bullet trains and efficient inner-city subway.


Who will love Japan?

Its seasonal climate, cities and stunning natural landscapes are best suited to:

  • Art, History, Culture and Technology aficionados
  • Honeymooners
  • Active travellers
  • Solo travellers
  • Families
  • Kite-surfers
  • Photographers

How can I make a difference in Japan?

Nagano Heritage is a regeneration project which renovates and preserves ancient buildings in a region known as the Japanese Alps. Many buildings date back over 200 years and have been left to ruin. Nagano Heritage’s goal is to protect their cultural and historical importance as well as preserve the traditional skills of the local craftspeople. Visitors with an interest in culture would find a stay in this area particularly interesting. See: https://naganoheritage.com


Where to stay in Japan

Upmarket luxury and boutique hotels and traditional family-run ryokans, relaxed beach resorts and quirky guesthouses.



How to plan a trip to Japan

Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience Japan.

No matter how long you would like to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.








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