Japan in 2019: What’s new?

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We hope you’re having a wonderfully festive Christmas with lots of food and drink (as well as a present or two!) While we’re not wishing the holidays away, 2019 is set to be a momentous year for Japan, so we’re peeking around the corner to see what’s in store!

Rugby World Cup – Autumn in Japan

Rugby in Japan

With the Rugby World Cup coming to Asia for the very first time in 2019, Japan has a serious case of rugby fever. The games kick off on 20th September, concluding with an electric finale on 2nd November. Got your tickets? Plan your trip here.


New Small Group Tour dates!

Hold the press – we’ve just released new 2019/20 dates for our award-winning Small Group Tours! With max. 14 people in every group, experienced and knowledgeable tour leaders and plenty of cultural experiences, it’s time to snap up a spot.


Setouchi Arts Festival

The Setouchi Art Festival brings world-class art to rural Japan

Good things come to those who wait – the Setouchi Triennale is back! This groundbreaking art festival only comes around every three years, and with sittings in spring, summer and autumn, there’s plenty of opportunity to catch it in 2019.

Discover Japan’s diverse art scene on our Japan Arts Trail Self-Guided Adventure.


Everyone’s talking about… Kyushu

Home to the Golden Route, Honshu, Japan’s largest island, is always stealing all the headlines. But with the Rugby World Cup making its way down to Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island is finally having a moment in the spotlight.

Where to go in Kyushu?

Mount Aso

Mount Aso helicopter ride

Soar high above this majestic volcano in a helicopter

Yakushima

Yakushima Yakisugiland

See the tangled fairytale forest of Yakushima island

Fukuoka

Fukuoka

Get to know Kyushu’s most cosmopolitan city

Unzen Hells

Unzen Hells, Kyushu, Japan

Discover the steaming springs of this otherworldly landscape

See the island’s best bits on Kyushu Elements Small Group Tour or Kyushu Adventure Self-Guided trip.


Did you know?

The Emperor of Japan is abdicating with a new enthronement taking place in October – just when we thought autumn in Japan couldn’t get more exciting.

Emperor Akihito waving from balcony


Convinced 2019 is the year to visit Japan? Get in touch with our team of Japan travel experts to make it happen.

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