latitude55scapes

An introduction to Japan

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:36:58 GMT

Thinking of visiting Japan?

The Land of the Rising Sun has emerged as one of the top travel destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re exploring the shrines and temples of Kyoto, climbing Mt Fuji, or visiting the giant Godzilla head in Shinjuku, Japan is sure to have something for every type of traveller. In this blog I’d like to give an overview of the kinds of experiences Japan offers and paint a picture of what your trip could look like!

Tokyo

For a first-time visit, the trip will almost always start and end in the capital, Tokyo. Nearly every type of activity you can imagine is available in this bustling metropolis, from shopping for clothes in stylish Harajuku, to go-kart racing in the streets dressed as videogame characters. One of the highlights of my own trip was exploring Akihabara, a neon-lit electric town, and kind of heaven for arcade lovers, gamers and anime fans.

The Golden Route

A common route for first-time travellers is known as the Golden route, taking in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka. Hakone is a small town only 1-2 hours away from Tokyo by train, where many go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and catch a magnificent sight of Mount Fuji!

Kyoto was the capital of Japan up until the year 1869, and is renowned for its temples and traditional culture, as well as stunning scenery. Walking around the Gion district, visitors can spot Geisha: women dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos and distinctive makeup.

Osaka is a city similar to Tokyo, but smaller in size. It is home to Osaka Castle, a stunning building and a famous Japanese landmark. Osaka is often called the “kitchen of Japan” and is known for its street food culture. Travellers can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka and be back in Tokyo in just 2-3 hours, ready for their return flight.

Tip

Speaking of transport, its worthwhile for any visitor to get a Suica Card when they arrive at the airport in Japan. This card can be topped up with money at ticket stations and be used to easily pay the fares for trains, subways and buses around Japan. A “Welcome Suica” is available for tourists and is valid for 28 days. However, it should be noted that Suica cards cannot be used for Shinkansen tickets.

Food

I couldn’t write about Japan without mentioning the food. If you consider yourself a foodie, Japan will not disappoint. Sushi is the iconic Japanese dish (have it delivered to you on a conveyor belt at special conveyor belt sushi restaurants!) as well as the various kinds of noodle dishes, such as Ramen, Soba and Udon. Other staples include Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake; Yakitori, grilled chicken on a skewer; Tempura, deep-fried sea food; and of course, the famous Wagyu Beef.

When to visit?

Many will want to visit when the cherry blossoms are blooming, and that’s certainly a great time to experience Japan. The time to see the blossoms is the spring season, from March to May. Just be aware, as this is a busy time of year, prices can be higher due to demand. Japan has a very hot and humid Summer, therefore visiting in the Autumn season between September and November is usually recommended as a good balance of pleasant weather and affordability compared to the spring season.

I’ll be sharing more about different areas and experiences in Japan in my next blogs.

If you’d like to find out more and book your very own journey to Japan, get in touch . We look forward to helping with your plans!

Joe

Chase the Sunshine: Why a Late Summer Holiday Could Be Your Best Escape Yet

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:55:19 GMT

Why a Late Summer Holiday Could Be Your Best Escape Yet

Think you've missed your chance for a summer getaway? Think again! Late summer is one of the best times to travel, offering warm weather, fantastic value, and a more relaxed holiday experience. Whether you're dreaming of golden beaches, vibrant cities, or breathtaking scenery, there's still plenty of time to book an unforgettable escape.

One of the biggest advantages of travelling in late summer is the opportunity to find excellent deals. As the peak holiday rush begins to ease, many destinations offer attractive prices on flights and accommodation, giving you the chance to enjoy a quality holiday without stretching your budget. It's the perfect time for couples seeking a romantic break, families making the most of the school holidays, or anyone who simply needs a well-earned change of scenery.

The Mediterranean remains a favourite at this time of year. Greece continues to enjoy long, sunny days, while Spain's Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands offer beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and plenty of activities for every type of traveller. Portugal's Algarve is another excellent choice, combining spectacular coastlines with charming towns and fantastic seafood.

If you're looking for something a little different, why not consider Croatia? Its crystal-clear waters, historic coastal towns, and island-hopping adventures make it an increasingly popular destination. Turkey also offers exceptional value, with luxury hotels, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality that make every holiday feel special.

Of course, not everyone is searching for a beach holiday. Late summer is also an ideal time to explore some of Europe's most beautiful cities. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the streets of Rome, discover the culture and cuisine of Barcelona, or soak up the history of Prague before the cooler autumn weather arrives.

At Latitude 55 Escapes, we know that no two travellers are the same. That's why we take the time to understand exactly what you're looking for before recommending the perfect holiday. Whether you're searching for an all-inclusive family resort, a luxury adults-only retreat, a city break, or a tailor-made adventure further afield, we're here to make planning your trip simple and stress-free.

Booking through an independent travel agency also means you'll receive personal service from someone who genuinely cares about your holiday. We work with trusted travel partners to find competitive prices and offer expert advice every step of the way, so you can book with confidence.

If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to get away, this could be it. There are still fantastic late summer opportunities available, but the best offers won't last forever. Get in touch with Latitude 55 Escapes today, visit our new retail shop, or browse our latest holiday inspiration online. Your next adventure could be just around the corner.

Wherever you dream of going, we'll help you get there.

Welcome to our blog

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:12:26 GMT

Welcome to the Latitude 55 Escapes blog. This is where you'll find all the latest news, updates on new and existing trips, travel information and lots of tips, suggestions and information about holidays and travelling.

Our aim is to write about a variety of information with you. We'll have regular features on specific destinations and on hotels as well as what you can expect to experience on the wide variety of trips we offer.

If there's a topic you'd like to explore more or a subject you'd like us to write about, simply Contact Us and we'll do our best to add the subject to our blog as soon as we're able to.