Japan Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Japan Family Holiday

- Japan is an exhilarating and unique destination that also happens to be incredible safe, which makes it a great fit for families travelling with kids of any age.
- Let Tokyo dazzle the whole family. Feast on market-fresh sushi, try your hand at calligraphy and cook your own okonomiyaki on a cruise around Tokyo Bay.
- Ride the Hakone ropeway then relax in the soothing waters of an onsen. These hot-spring baths are the perfect antidote to a couple of days of walking around Tokyo.
- From the tiny stalls in the back streets of Tokyo to the Nishiki-Koji Market, your leader will help you and your family navigate Japan’s dizzying cuisine and find something for everyone.
- Learn about an important chapter of Japan’s history at the Hiroshima Peace Park, followed by a visit to the relaxing island of Miyajima where deer roam the streets.
Japan Real Food Adventure

- Take part in a truly unique Obanzai cooking class in Kyoto. This ancient style of multi-course feast focuses on using locally grown seasonal produce and reducing waste.
- Learn the tricks of the trade when you take part in a hands-on sushi making class in Tokyo and a super tasty takoyaki or noodle demonstration in Osaka.
- Get a fresh perspective on Japanese cuisine when you explore the stalls of seafood and produce markets in Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Osaka and Kyoto.
- When you’re not busy eating, enjoy iconic experiences like the shinkansen bullet train, Hida folk village, Kenroku-en garden and Kyoto’s Gion district.
- Sip back and relax when you visit a sake brewery in the alpine town of Hida-Furukawa and learn about the importance of tea during a private ceremony in Kyoto.
Discover Japan with Hiroshima
- Tokyo: Visit the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade; calligraphy class; kimono fitting; traditional tea ceremony; welcome dinner
- Mount fuji area: Cable-car ride to view Mount Fuji; visit Chureito Pagoda
- Matsumoto : Visit Matsumoto Castle and Matsumoto City Museum
- Takayama: City sightseeing; visit a local market, Takayama Jinya, and a sake brewery for a tasting
- Shirakawa: Visit Gassho-Zukuri houses
- Kanazawa: Visit Kenroku-en Garden; gold leaf class
- Kanazawa–kyoto : Travel by Thunderbird express train
- Kyoto: Visit Sanjusagendo Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Temple of the Gold Pavilion; Yuzen Handmade Corner; Japanese cooking class; excursion to Nara; farewell dinner
- Hiroshima: Bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima; visit Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Shukkei-en Landscape Garden, Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial, Memorial Museum, Memorial Hall
- From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this amazing vacation
- Of course, you’ll visit Japan’s famous sights, including many of its castles and shrines
Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 2 Farewell Dinner (FD)
- 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
- Kyoto: Enjoy a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese ryokan home near Kyoto where you will learn about local customs.
- Takayama: Sample Japanese sake during a walking tour in the Edo-style streets of Takayama Old Town.
- Hiroshima: Sample the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki.
- Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
- Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
- Mt Fuji: Start your day by visiting the small rural village of Oshino Hakkai which is home to eight natural spring water ponds. Next on your travels is a 2,300-meter winding road to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. To end your day, you will ride up to Mt. Tenjo by ropeway and bask in the breath-taking views.
- Gokayama: Take some time to admire the peaceful mountain village of Gokayama. Discover their unique homes that have been built without the use of nails and their sloped thatched roofs.
- Kanazawa: Learn about the delicacy of the 16th-century craft gold leaf painting with your Local Specialist.
- Kanazawa: Enjoy a stroll through Omicho market before making your way to the beautiful Gardens of Kenrokuen which have been shaped over the past one hundred years.
- Tokyo: Jump aboard the high-speed Bullet Train towards the cultural hub of Kyoto.
- Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
- Kyoto: Your city tour takes you to the orange gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Admire this sacred site before visiting Sanjeusangen-do-Hall, where you can view the 1,001 "thousand-handed" goddesses of mercy statues. Continue your exploration of Kyoto with a walking tour through the Gion district.
- Hiroshima: Admire the islands of the Seto Inland Sea as you travel across the Shimanami Kaido Expressway.
- Hiroshima: Spend some time admiring the majestic Itsukushima Shrine.
- Osaka: Hop aboard the bullet train to Osaka before visiting the sixteenth century Osaka Castle.
- Gokayama: Help support a local business with a visit to a washi paper workshop. You'll watch the family at work, and test your paper-making skills for yourself.
- : Explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima
- : Visit the Sensoji Temple, the Skytree Observation Tower, the Edo Tokyo Museum in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sanjusangen-do Hall in Kyoto, the Water Temple on Awaji Island, Zentsuji Temple, the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima and Osaka Castle
- : View Mt. Fuji
- : See the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama, the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa
- Kyoto: Enjoy genuine Japanese hospitality at a traditional ryokan in the mountain hot springs village of Kotohira.
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- : Optional Experiences and free time
Japan in a Week
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- Tokyo: Step into this live video game of a city and see Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing.
- Kyoto: Tea houses. Nijo Castle. The Golden Pavilion. Geishas. It’s all so surreal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set.
- Kyoto: Walk through the endless path of orange torii gates, kindly ask Inari for good luck and then you might want to sample a fortune cookie.
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

- Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of glorious Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
- Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra modernity of Japan’s bullet trains as you zip from place to place with your included 14-day Rail Pass.
- Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama and visit a folk village, tour a 600-year-old market and a enjoy a sake brewery tasting.
- Visit the Peace Park for moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
- Finish your tour with three nights in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and home to literally thousands of temples, the Gion District where Geisha entertain the wealthy elite and renowned Kyoto sushi.
Japan's Cultural Treasures
- Visit the seventh-century Asakusa Kannon Temple
- The trip to Hakone, located about 50 miles west of Tokyo.
- Hakone is beloved by the Japanese for its hot-spring resorts, mountains, lakes, and historical sites
- Visit Hamamatsuya, a workshop specializing in wooden handcrafts.
- Visit one of the many houses of Kanazawa where the samurai—Japan's famed class of noble warriors—once lived
- Visit the history and culture of Gokayama
- Enjoy a traditional dance performance
Southern Japan Experience

- Explore the unique island of Naoshima, transformed from a sleepy fishing community into a world class art destination, with sleek and stylish museums and artworks that sit in harmony with the landscape.
- Join locals hiking along trails to hidden temples, being awed at some of the country's impressive castles or in one of Japan's oldest hot spring baths - Dogo Onsen.
- Feel like Indiana Jones as you cross the kazurabashi (vine bridges) of the hidden Iya Valley, a remote retreat of deep gorges and lush mountains on Shikoku island.
- Uncover the different characters of the cities of Nagasaki and Osaka, from the former’s thought-provoking Peace Park and Museum to the latter’s busy streets where the motto is ‘eat until you drop’.
- Venture into the thick and mysterious cedar forests on Yakushima, encounter Yakushika deer or Yakuzaru monkey, or relax at the seaside onsen.
Japan Express

- From the ultra-modern to ancient traditions, this express adventure will introduce you to some of the many faces of Japan in a short amount of time.
- Visit the little town of Nikko – packed with World Heritage-listed temples and picture-perfect hiking trails, and one of the best backdrops for a soak in a steaming onsen.
- Eat your way from Tokyo to Kyoto with plenty of chances to try all kinds of delicious street food, sake, snacks and surprises – from a hearty bowl of ramen to world-class sashimi.
- Even getting from place to place is fun in Japan! Ride the renowned Shinkansen bullet train and make use of public transport day passes to get to and from the activities you choose.
- With a local leader to show you around, a new group of friends to explore with and plenty of free time for discovery, you’re guaranteed to get the most out of Japan’s wondrous sights.
Discover Japan
- Tokyo: Visit the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade; calligraphy class; kimono fitting; traditional tea ceremony; welcome dinner
- Mount fuji area: Cable-car ride to view Mount Fuji; visit Chureito Pagoda
- Matsumoto : Visit Matsumoto Castle and Matsumoto City Museum
- Takayama: City sightseeing; visit a local market, Takayama Jinya, and a sake brewery for a tasting
- Shirakawa: Visit Gassho-Zukuri houses
- Kanazawa: Visit Kenroku-en Garden; gold leaf class
- Kanazawa–kyoto : Travel by Thunderbird express train
- Kyoto: Visit Sanjusagendo Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Temple of the Gold Pavilion; Yuzen Handmade Corner; Japanese cooking class; excursion to Nara; farewell dinner
- From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this amazing vacation
- Of course, you’ll visit Japan’s famous sights, including many of its castles and shrines
Ultimate Japan

- There’s no better way to get around Japan than the country’s famous railway system. Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra-modernity as you zip from place to place with your included Japan Rail Pass. Here is why you don't want to miss train travel in Japan: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-trains
- Explore the unique island of Naoshima, transformed from a sleepy fishing community into a world-class art destination, with sleek and stylish museums and artworks that sit in harmony with the landscape.
- Feel like Indiana Jones as you cross the kazurabashi (vine bridges) of the hidden Iya Valley, a remote retreat of deep gorges and lush mountains on Shikoku island.
- Uncover the characters of the cities of Nagasaki and Osaka, from the former’s thought-provoking Peace Park and Museum to the latter’s busy streets where the motto is ‘eat until you drop’.
- Venture into the thick and mysterious cedar forests on Yakushima, relax at the seaside onsen or see giant turtles lay eggs in the night in the summer months.
Cycle Japan

- Cycling allows you to get closer to the real Japan – from bicycles to Pokemon, serene temples to the organised chaos of the big cities, this classic adventure has it all.
- Choose to end rewarding days in the saddle with amazing Japanese feasts of sushi, unagi, tempura or even fugu, all washed down with a traditional sake or Sapporo beer.
- Ride both bikes and trains for the ultimate change of pace.
- Cycle through peaceful landscapes that show a land far from the big city lights of Tokyo.
Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek

- Explore Kyoto on a couple of nearby hikes for a different perspective on the life and culture in this notable city, as well as visiting some sites of natural and religious significance.
- Experience two of the main religions in Japan – Buddhism and Shintoism – by following the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on their quest for faith along the Koya-san and Kumano Kodo trails.
- Discover two of the major cultural hubs of Japan on foot, walking the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto and strolling through the Dotombori district in Osaka.
- Join in on the morning prayers and share a traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meal during an overnight temple stay in Koya-san, deep in mountainous Wakayama prefecture.
- Soak in an ancient onsen after a day of trekking in Yunomine – there's no better way in Japan to relax and rejuvenate, as well as understand local cultures, than in the natural mineral waters of a hot spring.
Classic Japan

- Surrounded in tranquil scenery, an overnight Buddhist temple stay in Koya-san is as peaceful and unique as it sounds. It’s the perfect place to stop and explore between Kyoto and Hiroshima.
- With three nights spent in Tokyo, you’ll cover the top sights with your small group and have free time to see at your own pace. With so much to do, you have the power to decide in Japan’s capital.
- A visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park is a sobering but important experience for understanding the tragedies of Japan’s not so distant past – do so with the local knowledge of your leader to show you the way.
- Spend a memorable night with an included dinner in a traditional Japanese ryokan in tiny Tsumago – one of the best-preserved Edo-era towns along the ancient Nakesendo Highway.
- Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra-modernity as you zip from city to town with your included 7-day Japan Rail Pass, including the Shinkansen. Travel has never been so easy!
Visions of Japan
- TOKYOCity sightseeing; visit the Meiji Shrine
- Imperial Palace
- Asakusa Kannon Temple
- Nakamise shopping arcade
- Tokyo Skytree; calligraphy class; kimono fitting; [LF] traditional tea ceremony; night walking tour; welcome dinnerKAMAKURASee the Great BuddhaMOUNT FUJI AREACruise on Lake Ashi; cable-car ride to view Mount FujiMOUNT FUJI AREA–KYOTOTravel by high-speed bullet trainKYOTO City sightseeing; visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Temple of the Gold Pavilion
- Sanjusangendo Temple; Yuzen Hmade Corner; [LF] Japanese cooking class; excursion to Nara; farewell dinner
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Top Japan Attractions & Experiences
Top Japan Experiences
Visiting the museum and Japanese gardens in Tokyo's Imperial Palace that exhibit traditional Japanese art and history
Seeing the shrines in Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple
Visit to Kinkaki-ji also known as the Temple of Golden Pavilion
Enjoying a Japanese tea ceremony (or chado), appreciating the unique way that green matcha tea is prepared and served
Climbing Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain
Hiking in the Yakushima forest or the Sagano bamboo forest
Paying respects at Hiroshima Peace Park and museum, a tribute to the victims of Hiroshima bombing
Seeing to Himeji Castle, built during medieval period for defense purpose
Chanting with Buddhist monks in the early hours of the morning at a Monestary in Koyasan
Soaking in a traditional onsen, sans clothes, as per the Japanese custom
Walking among the many zen temples and gardens in Kyoto
Visiting one of the may popular themed cafes, from animal to anime
Admiring the cherry blossoms of spring, an annual ritual known as hanami
Indulging in sushi and kobe beef, soba noodles, ramen and sake to your heart’s content
Wandering through Kyoto’s Gion district to see geishas in traditional kimonos
Watching a sumo match, a sport that dates back at least 2,000 years to the Edo period
Top Japan Attractions
1,284 Japan Tour Reviews - Summary 90% Recommend
All Japan tours, river cruises, expedition cruises, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.5 for all Japan trips.
138 trips from 114 tour companies with 1,284 reviews
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