From 7 September 2022, the daily limit for all arrivals to Japan will be raised to 50,000, up from the previous limit of 20,000 — plus, non-guided package tours will be allowed, and pre-arrival tests will also be done away with.

There’s no better time than now to start planning for a trip to Japan, before flights and availability become challenging!

Escape to some of Japan’s most luxurious and intimate ryokans

Japan is a place of contrasts: One where old meets new, and where advanced technology meets glorious natural spectacle. Whether it’s the scenic powder white snow of Niseko, the stunning neon lights in the streets of Shinjuku, or the incredible facade of the historic Himeji Castle, Japan has it all.

Deciding where to visit on your trip can be tricky, especially since there’s so much to see and do in every city. Scott Dunn’s travel experts have curated several itineraries below to get you started on your first holiday back to Japan. Read on to discover where to find Japan’s most luxurious ryokans, as well as ancient trails used by samurai, and so much more!

Discover places full of character and refined elegance like the serene Ryokan Kurashiki. Some say that ryokans represent the pinnacle of Japanese hospitality. These traditional Japanese inns are often small, family-run establishments akin to a boutique spa hotel; you’re encouraged to do nothing but relax and just be.

In this indulgent itinerary, you’ll get to discover beautiful onsens set against incredible backdrops, feast on delicious Kaita-kaiseki dining, and discover Japan’s famed omotenashi-style hospitality that will leave you wonderfully refreshed and rejuvenated.

Japan’s varied topography is the perfect setting for an adventure in the great outdoors. Be awed by landmarks like the Seiganto-ji Pagoda and Nachi Falls and discover secret viewing spots for the inimitable cherry blossoms. Beyond the buzzing metropolises, there are remote islands, towering volcanoes, secret springs and snow-capped mountains just waiting to be explored.

For a few short weeks every year, Japan is painted in a shade of pastel pink as its cherry trees begin to blossom with sakura. March and April are some of the best times to see the famous spectacle. Visit some of the most picturesque places to see the cherry blossoms, including Hakone National Park and Miyajima Island.

Explore Japan’s local culinary delights

Boasting a wide array of regional cuisines, cooking styles and ancient culinary traditions, Japan is the ultimate destination for any gourmand. Enjoy a sake-themed day tour of Saijo where you will visit local brewers and have the chance to taste, learn and identify the subtle difference between different varieties of sake, or explore the endless maze of bars and restaurants of Shinbashi, where Tokyo’s ‘salarymen’ come to enjoy an after-work snack and drink.

Take a cultural journey through the remarkable island of Naoshima

Art enthusiasts will love the contemporary art paradise that is Naoshima island. Home to numerous museums and art displays, this small island began to grow as an art mecca in the 1980s: It even offers guests the unique opportunity to stay in an art museum – one designed by the famed architect Tadao Ando, and one that is equipped with stylish guest rooms and suites that boast the best views of the inland sea.

Guests can indulge in decadent French and Japanese cuisine, pamper themselves in the nearby spa, and of course, explore the dozens of galleries and exhibitions spread across the remarkable area.

What are you waiting for? Book your flight to Japan now and see the wonders of Japan!

Images: Scott Dunn