Japan

For us to offer just one trip to this extraordinary destination is not meant to imply there is a limited amount to do there – on the contrary, few places on Earth offer visitors as diverse a range of experiences as the Japanese archipelago, from the snow-covered mountains of Hokkaido in the north to the pristine beaches of Okinawa 2,000 miles further south.

127 million inhabitants live on increasingly over-crowded coastal plains beneath rugged mountain ranges that stretch the length of the islands, and these megalopoli are some of the most vibrant, innovative city destinations an urban warrior could wish to visit. Equally, those in search of calm and serenity can find respite from the hubbub surrounded by mountain peaks or in one of the country’s remarkable Zen gardens.

It’s the contrast between technology and tradition that makes Japan such an alluring destination, but of all the places in the Original Travel portfolio it’s probably the one that requires the most expert advice, given language barriers and the sheer alien nature of the country. Now we are finally able to add this, arguably the developed country most unlike the UK, to our portfolio and believe that the adventurous who dare to explore will be richly rewarded.