Japan is one of the hottest destinations for Aussie travellers right now, so imagine the glee for three lucky agents invited to join Collette’s Head of Sales, David Farrar, on their Japan: Past & Present tour! In an interview with Farrar, we learn why the Land of the Rising Sun is trending, what’s new for 2025, and his special on-tour moments.
Collette is well known for perfecting their small group Explorations tours since 2008. Designed for smaller groups to a maximum of 24 passengers (with an average of 19), Explorations itineraries give your clients access to places where bigger groups cannot go.
In Japan, this means thrilling inclusions like meeting the famous Ama pearl divers, participating in a traditional tea ceremony and spending an evening with the Women’s Association of Kyoto.
A real-life tour experience
Some famils are tour teasers, others cram in what feels like 4 million things in a few days. Not for the Collette fam participants!
Hollie Johnson – Main Beach Travel QLD, Laura Zorzi – Travel Associates Norwood SA & Amy Rowe – helloworld Lower Templestowe VIC, were invited to join a real-life Japan: Past & Present tour with passengers from around the world. Accompanied by David Farrar, the group experienced all the magic on offer across Collette’s 13-day small group journey.
Agents, if you know your clients have Japan on their bucket list, now’s the time to act. And here’s some exciting news – from 8 June 2025, this popular itinerary will include South Korea, becoming the Japan & South Korea tour! Explore the updated itinerary here.
The Japan: Past & Present low-down
Is there any better way to get the low-down than from the host himself? We connected with David Farrar to spill all the (Japanese) tea.
Q: Japan is so hot right now. Why is it trending for Aussies?
DF: “How many reasons do you want?! It’s such a different culture, the people are lovely and very courteous, and the cuisine is delectable.
“Then there’s the sightseeing, from spectacular temples to beautiful gardens, the amazing 320kmph Shinkansen (Bullet Train), fascinating traditions, and Japan’s rich history. There are so many attractions for all types of travellers, with something new and different to see multiple times a day!
“All passengers felt very safe walking in any area at any time in Japan. Plus, airfares are low, schedules from Australia are frequent, and it’s only 10 hours of flying time.”
Q: How did you benefit by travelling on a small group tour?
DF: “Travelling on a Collette Explorations tour, famous for its small group size, meant there was time to connect with passengers from Australia, Canada, and the USA. Everyone varied in age and background, from mid-30s to a fit and adventurous 80-year-old.
“The mixture of ages and nationalities always made for interesting open dinner conversations, and it was terrific to share our enjoyment of Japan with like-minded people.”
Q: Why & who would pick a guided tour over FIT in Japan?
DF: “Even the most experienced overseas travellers on our tour thought having an expert tour guide added peace of mind, especially as assistance was immediate. The language differences are challenging, both verbally and written, and most signs are in Japanese script! There are also unique experiences you simply couldn’t organise on your own – like hearing from a Hiroshima survivor, and meeting the Ama pearl divers.
“Having a guide especially helped with navigating the country’s complex rail systems, connecting with ancient traditions that you may miss on FIT trips, and interpreting the many wonderful and quirky things happening at any given time.”
Q: What were your expectations vs reality of visiting Japan?
DF: “Pre-departure, everyone commented, “You’ll love Japan”, but I really didn’t think it could be as good as people said. However, it easily exceeded any expectations.
“I loved Japan because there were numerous things each day that fascinated me. It’s so different from Australia! I plan to take my wife to Japan in 2025.”
Q: What unique experiences did you enjoy while travelling with the experts?
DF: “All the explanations of Japan’s history and culture were incredible. Our guides knew how to get the best out of popular attractions – like the Golden Pavilion – by taking us before the huge crowds and at the right time for the right light. It was superb to see the sun reflected on the pavilion and magnificent gardens!
“Also, many tour highlights would be a challenge to source as an individual. Like visiting the Woman’s Association of Kyoto (WAK), a trip highlight. These local retired women spend the night helping you prepare a Japanese meal, teaching origami, and hosting a sake tasting – it was a great night!
“Other memorable moments from being on an Explorations tour included meeting a survivor of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb and hearing her harrowing story. It needs to be told to help educate future generations. I also loved experiencing the traditions of a Japanese tea-making ceremony.
“Every day, there were surprises that wowed us all.”
Q: Japan is known for its quirkiness, what’s the funniest thing you saw?
DF: “Japanese school children like testing their English on tourists and love having their photo taken. A few of the English-to-Japanese translations didn’t quite work out, creating lots of laughter.
“Japanese people are so, so polite, however, if the answer is ‘No’, they do not budge at all. They can be very direct in a nice way.”
Q: We noticed South Korea is on the itinerary next year. Tell us about that.
DF: “We decided to add a few nights in South Korea to elevate the overall experience for our passengers. The new itinerary showcases the differences between the two countries and really sets the tour apart. Collette guests will enjoy a much deeper understanding and connection with this part of the world.”
Check out Japan & South Korea: From Tokyo to Seoul.
The deets
Has David’s account of his recent Japan: Past & Present fam piqued your interest? Or are you keen to check out their new tour that also covers South Korea? There’s more to travelling with Collette.
Speak to a Collette expert on 1300 792 195 or contact your local BDM.
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