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Japan

Ancient traditions meet modern marvels.

Asia Japan Tokyo Sakura Blossom Garden

Kon'nichiwa!

From majestic temples to bustling cities, step into a different world where lush bamboo forests and gleaming red shrines await! Savour soul-warming ramen and delicious street food, explore kawaii kitsch, and maybe even visit Disneyland. From ancient temples to modern pop culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, there's something for everyone in Japan.

With insider tips from our Japan specialists, we’ll ensure your Japan adventure is truly unforgettable. Get ready to sushi-roll your way through the Land of the Rising Sun!

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Flight time.

Traveling from Auckland to Japan typically takes around 11 hours on a direct flight. Though it’s a long journey, the allure of Japan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique blend of tradition and modernity make the time in the air well worth it.

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Best time to go.

The best times to visit Japan are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring is famous for the cherry blossoms (sakura), which bloom across the country, creating breathtaking landscapes. Autumn, on the other hand, offers beautiful fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer tourists. These seasons are perfect for exploring Japan’s temples, gardens, and cultural sites.

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Time difference.

Japan is 3 hours behind New Zealand. This small time difference makes it easy to adjust, allowing you to dive right into your Japanese adventure with minimal jet lag.

Our favourite things to do in Japan

Step into spring under the cherry blossom

The Japanese celebrate Sakura with Hanami, literally “flower viewing” celebrations which take place in March and April.

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Stay in a Ryokan & relax in an Onsen

A must-do experience!

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Bowls of Ramen

Eat like a local

Get your sake fix and karaage cravings satisfied at Hoppy Street!

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Mt Fuji Sunset Asia Japan Mount Fuji Spring

Best. Sunrise. Ever!

Chase the sunrise on Mount Fuji

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Floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine

A Japan bucket list experience

Take a trip to Miyajima Island and see the iconic ‘floating’ torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.

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Shibuya Crossing

Experience the world’s most famous crossing

Brave the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo!

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Ever dreamed of becoming a Maiko or Geisha?

Now’s your chance!

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Stay at a Buddhist temple

For a truly unique experience stay at a Buddhist Temple, or a "shukubo".

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Maree Thompson Mario-karting

Tour the streets of Tokyo in Mario-karts!

Ready for a wild ride?

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Tokyo's most iconic fashion street

Shop quirky t-shirts, hidden gems, and unique souvenirs on every corner!

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93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"very efficient same day response to my request"

Peter and Carol

"Carla is so awesome to engage with. She is always excited & enthusiastic about travel plans & experiences. She is so efficient & a excellent communicator when sorting out travel plans. It makes the journey so much fun & gives confidence to the plans! Thanks Carla."

Linda

"Pete and I both found Suzanne very approachable, informative and listened to us regarding the type of holiday we are looking forward to"

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Meet our Japan specialists

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Sarah Martelli

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

Leaving home at 19 with a one way ticket to London to start my OE, it's fair to say I've had the travel bug for years! 

Living overseas for 8 years, and in London for four years, I travelled extensively around Europe. Barcelona is my favourite city! 

Then living in Melbourne for four years after that, this is where I started my career in travel in 2004. It was my dream job all those years ago and I still smile every day when I come to work now, I LOVE this job!

Nothing brings me more joy then hearing of clients travel plans, putting together itineraries and making their travel experience run as smooth as possible from start to finish. 

I like to think I am a friendly, bubbly personality, a good listener and I will take on board your needs while also guiding you with helpful advice and suggestions when needed. I live on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and three young children, I understand the #mum-life juggle and the need to get away and escape for a holiday sometimes! Having travelled to nearly 40 countries, I have lots of experience that I cant wait to share it with you. Looking forward to meeting you soon. 

Sarah

Petra Otte

Petra Otte

House of Travel Wellington CBD

Having spent 40+ years, 30 owning my own HOT outlet here in the heart of Wellington, in this exciting and ever changing industry you could say that extraordinary resilience is at the top of my skite sheet given the many and varying challenges that have faced travellers over the years.

My clients and colleagues describe me as a passionate people person, who endeavours to get the best out of a traveller's investment.

It is important for me to be inclusive of everyone within a travelling party, to hear the voice of each traveller, and ensure everyone's wishes are met.

Having been to all continents bar Antarctica which is high on my list, I have also travelled in all styles from budget overland backpacking to luxury cruises which allows me to relate to all clients and work with you for what is best for you. 

Petra

Chloe McKellar

Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington CBD

Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes.

After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.

I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner we do!

I've travelled extensively across South East Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach) and touched down in the US and Africa. I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you! 

Chloe

Lauren Stickings

Lauren Stickings

House of Travel Hornby

After joining the travel industry back in 2017 I very quickly came to realise it was the dream job I had been searching for!

In loving what you do every day I can honestly say I love it more now than I did when I started. I love going the extra mile and my clients know that they are in safe hands and will receive a stress-free travel experience with me taking care of every detail in the background. I am highly motivated, reliable and pride myself on my many loyal, repeat clients. 

With a huge passion and love for everything travel. Everyday I am eager to upskill on what I know for the benefit of my clients' and my own journeys across the globe. 

I specialize in many destinations throughout the world especially my love for Dubai and the middle East. Whether it be for leisure travel, business groups, Cruise and more! It's with this yearning desire that I have to see the world and with my discerning taste for accommodations, you can guarantee you'll have a diverse "out of the ordinary" special experience. 

I can't wait to work with you, to turn all your travel plans into a reality - Your most welcome to give me a call or flick me an email if you would like to make an appointment to meet me to have a chat about all your wonderful plans. I can't wait to meet you!

Lauren

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