Japan was a long‑awaited, bucket list item. An escorted tour, exploring major cities, historic sites, and lesser‑known regions, offering a deeper look at the country’s culture, landscapes, and traditions.
Japan had been on my list for as long as I can remember. I’d always been fascinated by the country, its landscapes, its culture, and the sense of history that seemed to run through everything I saw on television or read about. I finally joined an escorted tour of Japan, determined to see as much as possible and experience the places I’d only ever imagined.
A Little About Japan.
Japan is an island nation in East Asia, situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north down toward the East China Sea, the Philippine Sea, and Taiwan in the south. The country sits within the Ring of Fire and consists of 6,852 islands, with the five main ones being Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa.
The capital, Tokyo, is the largest city, followed by major centres such as Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Kobe, and Kyoto. One thing I hadn’t realised before visiting was that the capital is defined by where the Emperor resides. At the time of my trip, Japan had seen 126 emperors, including 10 women.
When I Visited Japan.
There were many places I wanted to see, and the tour covered a surprising number of them. I also visited places I knew nothing about beforehand, which turned out to be some of the highlights. A few locations I’d been excited about didn’t quite live up to expectations, but that’s part of travelling, discovering what resonates with you and what doesn’t.
Japan itself is a beautiful country, and the people I met were warm, polite, and welcoming. However, I quickly learned that many popular tourist sites are not particularly accessible. Some “accessible” paths were so steep or uneven that even a fit person would struggle, and wheelchair users would find them nearly impossible. In the few places where accessible routes did exist, the signage was so poor that finding them felt like a challenge in itself.
Final Thoughts.
I would recommend Japan to anyone with an interest in its culture, history, or landscapes. It’s a remarkable place with so much to see. I would also suggest visiting while you’re still reasonably fit and able to manage steep steps, slopes, and busy environments. Japan rewards curiosity and energy, and it’s well worth the effort.
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