Japans Own

What are the best travel agencies for tour packets to Japan?

I don't know where in Japan yet... maybe Tokyo but I don't want to go somewhere too western. I will probably be going alone. I will probably be 25 by that time. I have been in love with Japan for so long and decided to start working towards just going there until I finish my degree and I can actually work over there. I am in Raleigh, NC. I don't have much money but I figure a tour package is the best way to go for the first trip.

Public Comments

1. Your like me, I want to go to japan as well ^_^ I am currently trying to plan everything out. Ill be around 23-25 before I do go, I want to get through college so I can move there and get a job and start a new life=] Hmm, keep in touch in some way maybe we can help each other along the way?
2. i was there during my 16s too. not "there" in terms of location, but the wants and wish. i've always wanted to go to Japan at that time, but as time passes by and that i'm getting busier into self-journey and discovery, empowerment and so on, i've just realized those wants towards going to Japan are just merely fantasies being influence by japanese anime. now i couldn't find what's exactly the point behind it. even now i notice that there are actually bunch of japanese in my place and that i've even gotten bored looking at their faces; coz they're not much difference than the people in my place and also the chinese that dominates almost 30-40% of the local population. i just don't get it what was wrong with my japanophile obsession once before that has drawn me too into japan that i even don't mind watching all those kid shows on hotel tv as that was the only japanese show that was there. yeah i shouldn't have watched and get hooked up with those animes. damn, why should i spend 40$ for a japanese fried rice instead of a $5 more taste local fried rice in my place? gosh i should not go to Japan, unless if i have too many money to trash out some. i can still survive well without a toilet bowl that looks like massaging chair where there are tons of buttons on it, so i still couldn't find a good reason on why japan must be first on my list.
3. Hi Sierra C, There are quite a few agencies (JTB and IACE come to mind plus some more) that offer tour packages for Japan, but I can't think of any that departs from where you are. You might have to fly out of Raleigh into one of the major cities that these agencies usually deal with, e.g. Atlanta, New York, etc. And that might add to your airfare, not to mention inconvenience. I think one option you might want to consider is flying to Japan by yourself, then go with a tour package once you are in Japan. You can reserve these tours ahead of time before leaving the U.S. You can search for some of the tours on this website: http://www.japanican.com/tours/index.aspx You will most likely land in Tokyo (or rather, Narita International Airport which is 60-80 minutes outside Tokyo), so look for tours that depart from Tokyo. If your budget is not that big, I recommend sticking to 1-2 day tours for Nikko, Kamakura, Mount Fuji, or Kyoto. Those places are great for travelers but sufficiently "non-western," as opposed to Tokyo which is very urban and metropolitan. I do recommend staying in Tokyo and exploring the city for a couple days, since you expressed interest in eventually working in Japan. Competition for jobs in Tokyo is fierce but you definitely don't want to discount Tokyo as a prospective city for your future job. If your budget is bigger, I recommend doing one of the "Exclusive Japan" tours: http://www.japanican.com/special/exclusive_japan/index.aspx It takes you to more places in Japan and the days range from 6 to 14 days. They have airport pickup option as well so look into that if you don't want to bother finding out how to get into Tokyo from Narita Airport (it seems to confuse many first-time travelers). If your budget is really limited, there is always the option of DIY (do-it-yourself). Personally, this is my favorite method of traveling as I get to have more freedom. Feel free to email me if you want some DIY trip advice. Good luck in your planning and I hope you enjoy Japan as much as I do! -Mikka