In 1601, soon after he came into power, the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu started to build five routes connecting the capital of Edo (modern day Tokyo), with the other provinces. These routes were essential for the success of the Sankin-Kotai system, where lords would have to alternate years of living in Edo with their home provinces. […]
Culture
Gardens of Japan – Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen Garden is a magnificent garden located in Kanazawa. Renowned throughout Japan as one of the country’s Three Great Gardens, Kenrokuen means “Garden Combining Six Features”, referring to the spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, broad views and abundant water throughout the garden. Tea house seen from across a lake in Kenrokuen Garden.Source: JNTO The garden is […]
New Japan Discovered Autumn Date
Unique Japan Tours have just launched a New Autumn date for their most popular Small Group Tour to Japan (Japan Discovered), starting on October 28th. This will be the perfect time to see some of the best Japan has to offer, including Osaka, Koyasan, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Gokayama, Takayama, Matsumoto, Snow monkey park in the hills […]
Autumn in Japan
After the heat of the summer months, autumn offers a welcome respite to the Japanese. There are a few popular axioms, shokuyoku no aki, dokusho no aki and finally supotsu no aki. They basically mean autumn is for eating, reading and exercise respectively. Autumn leaves at Nanzen-ji Kyoto.Source: https://flic.kr/p/dyVJ1W Why would you go to Japan in […]
Reflections on a trip to Japan
Recently, one of our staff here at Unique Japan Tours, returned to Japan for his first trip since moving home. He spent two weeks there, and we’ve asked him to share some of his thoughts on his trip. Thoughts about Japan, life there and the country in general. So, without further ado, here is […]
Kanazawa: 2015 Holiday Hotspot
You may have seen Kanazawa was selected by the Guardian newspaper as one of their Holiday Hotspots for 2015. Kanazawa features on several of our tours, both small group and self-guided, and is a favourite destination among everyone here in the UJT offices. Today we’re going to dig a little deeper in Kanazawa and […]
Japanese New Year – New Year in Japan
With the Christmas holiday season coming to a close, we are approaching the close of the year and the celebration that entails. Where as Christmas in Japan is more of an excuse for couples to have another date, New Years (know in Japan as shougatsu or 正月) is more important. What does New Years look […]
Japan Discovered: The Ultimate Introduction to Japan
We run a small group tour called Japan Discovered, and it really is a great way to discover what Japan is all about. You will experience everything you could hope to experience on this tour: from the neon lights of the big city, to the serenity of the mountainous countryside, to the peaceful sense […]
Reasons to Honeymoon in Japan
We’ve talked a lot recently about honeymoons in Japan. We told our story of how we helped a friend, Mary, organise her dream honeymoon to Japan. We’ve highlighted romantic activities in Tokyo. We’ve talked about the tropical Amami Oshima, an underrated paradise. We also talked about the illuminations that dominate Japan in winter, illuminations […]
Romantic Japan: Winter Illuminations
What if you’re in Japan, and want to get out and about at this time of year? You’re on your honeymoon in Japan, and looking for something romantic to do? Is there any kind of special, romantic event you can go to? Something unique, and beautiful to capture your imagination and create enduring memories? […]