Kenrokuen Gardens Kanazawa full bloom in May alternative Japan travel destinations

Unforgettable Travel Company urges Japan travellers to look 'further afield', as popular seasons sell out

The Unforgettable Travel Company (UTC) has confirmed its Japanese 'cherry blossom' tours, in March and April 2023, have now sold out. The luxury, private tour specialist has also said its 'autumn colour months', in October and November this year, may also sell out shortly.

Both seasons are UTC's most popular booking periods for its tailor-made Japanese tours: 63% of its 'Land of the Rising Sun' enquiries cover these four months alone. UTC has availability outside of these times, and has recommended travellers consider other itinerary options when planning their visit.

Similarly, Tokyo and Kyoto are by far the most popular destinations, with 97% of UTC customers looking to visit one or both cities during their stay. Again, the company is highlighting other cities and towns to consider, which are less familiar in the UK, but offer a raft of advantages and features.

Japan reopened its borders to independent overseas travellers in October 2022.

Kazurabashi rope bridge Shikoku alternative Japan travel destinations Kazurabashi rope bridge, Shikoku

Graham Carter, UTC commercial director, said: "We're pleased to see Japan is as popular as ever, with travel now open across its myriad of eye-catching islands. Unsurprisingly, the cherry blossom and autumn months continue to attract most UK visitors, thanks to their magical colours and rich traditions.

"With availability now so limited across these seasons, we're encouraging would-be visitors to look further afield and consider other months of the year. For instance, May and June are wonderful times to stay, with clear skies, warm temperatures, and gardens and nature trails at their most vibrant.

"Hokkaido, in the far north, is especially good for 'outdoorsy' types. It is stunning over the early summer months, thanks to its colourful fields of poppies and lavender, and the rugged national parks of Daisetsuzan and Shiretoko.

Furano lavender fields Hokkaido alternative Japan travel destinations

(Furano lavender fields Hokkaido)

"Meanwhile, Shikoku and the Seto Inland Sea are way off grid with some incredible hikes through remote countryside. And Kyushu, the furthest south island in Japan, has an almost subtropical climate, as well as the largest active volcano in the country, and a host of hotspring villages in idyllic forest settings."

For more information visit https://unforgettabletravel.com or call 0208 004 2345.

Sample tour

Operator: Unforgettable Travel Company

Itinerary: Alternative Japan

Duration: 11 nights

Price: from £4,375pp

Departure: May (flexible)

Departure city: Tokyo

Return city: Osaka

Visits: Tokyo, Matsumoto, Kiso Valley, Kyoto, Mount Koya, Osaka

What's included: daily breakfast and select meals, private transfers, bullet train journeys, private guided tours

More information: Alternative Japan | Unforgettable Travel Company