Three ways to plan a trip to Japan

Planning a trip to Japan can be quite daunting. A well planned trip can allow more time for sightseeing and less time thinking how to go from point A to point B. There are a few options you have for your next visit depending on time, money, and interests.

Tokyo Dome baseball game

Group Tours:
One way to see Japan is with a group of people interested in some of the same things as you. There are a number of companies that plan themed or regularly scheduled trips. Do your homework to understand what is part of a package and what you must cover additionally. Some of the benefits to a group tour include sharing room costs, minimal planning, making new friends, and an experience that interests you. A few minuses are less free time, minimal flexibility, and missing sights not on the tour. One example of a themed tour is the baseball tours led by JapanBall.

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Travel Agents:
Another approach to traveling aboard is the use of a travel agent. They can plan a trip for you including hotel stays, sightseeing tours, transportation, flights, and more. Some agents require a nominal fee up front along with information on what places and activities interest you. The costs can get quite high depending on what they book. Expect three or four star hotels, guided tours (personal or group), logistics planning, and a detailed itinerary. Japan is not a cheap country to visit, so be prepared. Agents are perfect for people who want a customized experience, but do not have time to plan out their own adventure.
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Plan Your Own Adventure:
The most time consuming, yet rewarding option is planning your own trip. There are plenty of resources between the Internet and travel books to help plan the trip of your dreams. The minus for planning a is the amount of time it may take to research locations, logistics, lodging, and creating an itinerary. The benefits are enormous due to minimal time constraints, flexibility in the schedule, controlling costs, choosing where to stay,  and creating a personal experience. Make sure you spend time learning about Japanese customs, transportation systems, and what operating hours and days places are open to explore.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The top of Mt. Misen on Miyajima Island