Following increased interest in Japan, Asia specialist Insider Journeys, has introduced its first ever Japan private travel brochure.

Created in partnership with the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the brochure boasts a huge selection of new immersive trips that promise a greater understanding of this ancient yet futuristic land.

From getting up close to the action at a sumo wrestling tournament to a quirky Japanese art tour and exploring lesser-visited areas with the chance to stay in traditional temples, there are many new ways for agents to help their customers to go beyond the tourist trail to uncover the ‘real’ Japan.

West Japan Experience

This 11-day journey of discovery spans bustling cities and idyllic countryside in Western Japan.

Highlights of the trip include sampling culinary delights in Osaka’s foodie Dotonbori area; enjoying a special overnight Buddhist “Shukubo” temple stay in Mount Koya; uncovering the captivating geisha culture in Kyoto’s famous Gion district; and visiting the majestic 8th-century, world heritage Kasuga-taisha shrine in Nara.

Tokyo City Explorer

Explorers can uncover the highlights of Tokyo on an exciting four-day city tour.

For a truly personalised exploration, customers can tailor their touring to their personal interests, from art and architecture to shrines and river cruising.

Options include a private half-day sumo tour to experience the national sport of sumo wrestling; and a full-day ‘design your own tour’ which can include a personalised art tour, exploring vibrant neighbourhoods and local food markets, or the chance to marvel at Japan’s world-famous Tsukiji fish market.

Lesley Wright, general manager commercial UK at Insider Journeys, commented: “We have seen increased demand for private journeys to Japan and our new destination brochure will enable our customers to feed their cravings for new experiences in this land full of contrasts.”