Since reopening to international tourists in late 2022, demand for travel to Japan has been unprecedented. This has led to a lot of frustrated trip planners who have found guides, drivers, & local fixers to help with restaurant reservations in short supply. Fortunately, those who have been able to plan a trip soon forget these pain points as they discover a country as charming as ever with rich culture, stunning scenery and incredible food.
If you're thinking of booking a trip to Japan in 2023, follow these tips for a stress free experience!
Book Early
This may be stating the obvious, but if you're looking for a private journey to Japan next month, forget it. The absolute minimum lead time required to plan a bespoke journey is 3 months, and that's for low season. This is showing no signs of getting better as more and more people look to visit, but there is still a lack of guides & drivers. If you're thinking of traveling this fall or festive season, then the best decision you will make today is to give your travel advisor (or EWT!) a call and get the ball rolling.
Don't Stress Over Restaurant Reservations
Everyone who visits Japan comes with a laundry list of restaurants they just have to try. Not only are these typically the most sought after reservations with limited seating (hello Jiro & Monk) but they can also be very expensive and overly strict. In truth, it's nigh on impossible to have a bad meal in Japan. Some of the most rewarding experiences can be found at the family run eatery down an unassuming alley, or on the streets of Osaka after dark. Note that most Michelin starred restaurants can only be booked through a hotel concierge and with a deposit paid, as restaurants cannot run the risk of no shows. Because of this, already overworked concierge teams are overwhelmed in trying to squeeze their guests into somewhere notable. This can have a negative impact upon other services typically offered by the concierge team.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't make any reservations, and by all means schedule something for a couple of evenings. But for the most part you should ask your guide, driver or anyone you meet in Japan where they would eat. These honest recommendations can lead to the most incredible dining experiences
Head To Less Visited Destinations
In the next couple of years we predict that many areas of Japan seldom visited today will become incredibly popular, so why not get ahead of the curve? Sure, everyone loves to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa & Osaka with good reason, but those who look further afield will be rewarded by fewer crowds, and greater availability. Regions such as Tohoku or the islands of Shikoku & Kyushu offer incredible unspoiled landscape, authentic cultural experiences, and a true taste of real Japan.
Use A Full Service Travel Company
Owing to the aforementioned overworked hotel concierge teams, coupled with a shortage of guides & drivers, it's a real challenge to try and piecemeal together a trip to Japan right now. That's where we come in. Not only can EWT plan and book every aspect of your trip, but we're also on hand to provide advice and recommendations when it comes to those hidden gems. We also offer a wealth of experience when it comes to getting off the beaten path in Japan. We're also always honest, and if we believe you'll have a better experience by traveling at a later date, we'll let you know. For most people a trip to Japan is a once in a lifetime experience, it's therefore important to keep compromises to a minimum.
All Is Not Lost!
As long as you're not looking to travel within the next three months, you can still experience the absolute best of Japan this year if you follow the advice above, and get the ball rolling sooner rather than later. If you're dates aren't flexible and you have to go somewhere soon, we'd suggest South Korea as an alternative. Although neighbors, these countries are culturally very different. That being said there are similarities when it comes to the scenery, and the confluence of the modern & traditional.
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