Hiraizumi was once the home of the powerful
Northern Fujiwara Clan and rivaled Kyoto as a city
during
the Heian Period.
In 2011 Hiraizumi (平泉) was
inscribed as one of
Japan’s World Heritage sites because of its
representation of the Buddhist teachings of Amida.
The city is located within the Iwate Prefecture of the
northeastern region of Tohoku. Hiraizumi is a
reflection of a world centered on peace and harmony.
It was once part of the ancient Mutsu Province. It was
also the place where the Northern Fujiwara Branch
thrived for nearly 100 years. For those 100 years
Hiraizumi was in a Golden age of economic and
political grandeur. Also it served as the capital of
Oshu. During the late Heian Period (794-1185) it had
rivaled Kyoto in culture and political power.
Chusonji is a Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi
and is one of the most important structures related to
Buddhism in Japan. The temple is one of two
remaining religious sites from the 12th century in
Hiraizumi. It is said that the temple was founded in
850 by Ennin of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism, but
others have disputed that the temple was founded by
Kiyohira of the Northern Fujiwara Branch. Chusonji
as well as Motsuji were meant to be places of peace
in a violent era. He built Chusonji on top of Mount
Kanzan as it was the center of the Mutsu Province at
the time. The most notable structure in Chusonji is
the Konjikido. It is a building covered in gold leaf and
houses over 3,000 national treasures. Today the hall
is protected from the elements by a concrete
structure. Geibikei Gorge is located to the west of
Ichinoseki and is one of the 100 best landscapes of
Japan. The gorge is 2 km long with limestone cliffs
over 50 meters tall. The name comes from Geibi,
which translates to lion nose. There is a formation of
limestone at the end of the gorge that resembles a
lion’s nose.
Please see below for
tours that include Hiraizumi:
These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.
These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.
Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.
Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3898.00
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3898.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3898.00
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3898.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3898.00
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3898.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4998.00
12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4998.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6598.00
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6598.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00
16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
21 Days 20 Nights | from US $8798.00
21 Days 20 Nights | from US $8798.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8898.00
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8898.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8998.00
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8998.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8998.00
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8998.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8998.00
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8998.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8998.00
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8998.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
23 Days 22 Nights | from US $9298.00
23 Days 22 Nights | from US $9298.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
23 Days 22 Nights | from US $9298.00
23 Days 22 Nights | from US $9298.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
23 Days 22 Nights | from US $9298.00
23 Days 22 Nights | from US $9298.00
| Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
|---|
| Japan Escorted Group Trips to Tokyo and Beyond | Book Today |  The Golden Route Japan Tour |
 The Golden Triangle of Japan |
 Best of Japan Tour |
 Anime Flavor Tour |
 Otaku Tour |
 Signature: Essence of Japan |
 Luxury Japan Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deals | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$50.00 | Save US$200.00 | Save US$300.00 |
| Departing | Jan-Dec 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Jan-Dec 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Jan-Dec 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Feb-Dec 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar-Sep 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar-Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar-Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 |
| Price | From US$2798.00 | From US$3098.00 | From US$3998.00 | From US$3098.00 | From US$3548.00 | From US$6498.00 | From US$12698.00 |
| Description | 7 days & 8 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 8 days to 11 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 10 days to 15 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 8 days to 11 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 10 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 10 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 8 days in Japan from Tokyo to Kyoto |
| Advantage | Visit the must see sites of Tokyo & Kyoto, perfect for first time visitors with limited time | Visit sites that have persevered the history, traditions, and culture of Japan | Perfect for those who want to visit the most popular sites in Japan | We will go to some of the popular anime spots while learning about Japan’s culture | Immerse yourself in Otaku culture like you have dreamed about. | See Japan's top attractions and indulge in cultural experiences to make your trip truly memorable | Travel luxuriously to Japan while enjoying top tier accommodations, and the most exclusive cultural activities |
| Style | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Budget | Deluxe-Plus | Ultra-Deluxe |
| Fully Escorted | |||||||
| Local Cuisine | |||||||
| Tour Language | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour |
| Transportation | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private coach & public transportation | Private Coach | Private Van |
| Guaranteed Departure |
| South Korea | |||||||
| Hokkaido | |||||||
| Tohoku | |||||||
| Nikko | |||||||
| Tokyo | |||||||
| Hakone | |||||||
| Mt Fuji | |||||||
| Takayama | |||||||
| Shirakawago | |||||||
| Kanazawa | |||||||
| Kyoto | |||||||
| Nara | |||||||
| Osaka | |||||||
| Koyasan | |||||||
| Kumano | |||||||
| Ise | |||||||
| Himeji | |||||||
| Kurashiki | |||||||
| Matsue | |||||||
| Yamaguchi | |||||||
| Hiroshima | |||||||
| Naoshima | |||||||
| Shikoku | |||||||
| Kyushu |
| Japan Escorted Group Trips to Tokyo and Beyond | Book Today |  Japan In Depth Tour |
 Spirit of Japan Tour |
 Best Beyond Discoveries |
 Grand Tour of Japan |
 Japan Highlights |
 Signature: Classic Japan |
 Japan Garden Tour |
 Japan Pottery & Art Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deals | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$200.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 |
| Departing | Mar, Apr, May, Oct & Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar, Apr & October 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Oct 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Apr, May, Sep & Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Feb, May & July 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar-Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | March & Oct 2023, 2024 & 2025 | May 2023, 2024 & 2025 |
| Price | From US$5698.00 | From US$6098.00 | From US$5998.00 | From US$8898.00 | From US$8598.00 | From US$8698.00 | From US$8498.00 | From US$8498.00 |
| Description | 14 days in Japan from Tokyo to Fukuoka | 15 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 15 days Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 22 days in Japan from Sapporo to Fukuoka | 21 days in Japan from Sapporo to Osaka | 14 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 14 days in Japan from Osaka to Tokyo | 14 days & 17 days in Japan |
| Advantage | Visit the undiscovered regions, as well as the most popular sites in Japan | Travelling to many scenic, spiritual, and historical places in Japan | Visit the must see and hidden gems of Japan | Perfect for those who want to discover the whole country in one time and see all Japan has to offer | Must-see sights of Japan and a few unique-to-the- season activities you cannot miss | Experience the culture of Japan at a slower pace with groups of maximum 12 people | Visit the very best gardens of Japan with a garden specialist guide and have the exclusive opportunity to visit a private garden | Explore the pottery and art culture of Japan - plus an extension to Tokyo and Mt Fuji |
| Style | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe-Plus | Deluxe-Plus | Join a tour exploring the pott |
| Fully Escorted | ||||||||
| Local Cuisine | ||||||||
| Tour Language | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour |
| Transportation | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach |
| Guaranteed Departure |
| South Korea | ||||||||
| Hokkaido | ||||||||
| Tohoku | ||||||||
| Nikko | ||||||||
| Tokyo | ||||||||
| Hakone | ||||||||
| Mt Fuji | ||||||||
| Takayama | ||||||||
| Shirakawago | ||||||||
| Kanazawa | ||||||||
| Kyoto | ||||||||
| Nara | ||||||||
| Osaka | ||||||||
| Koyasan | ||||||||
| Kumano | ||||||||
| Ise | ||||||||
| Himeji | ||||||||
| Kurashiki | ||||||||
| Matsue | ||||||||
| Yamaguchi | ||||||||
| Hiroshima | ||||||||
| Naoshima | ||||||||
| Shikoku | ||||||||
| Kyushu |
| Japan Escorted Group Trips to Tokyo and Beyond | Book Today |  Beyond Tokyo |
 Tokyo Anime Tour |
 Charms of Southern Japan |
 Charms of Northern Japan |
 Charms of Hokkaido |
 Charms of Tohoku |
 The Pilgrimage Route of Japan |
 Samurai, Gardens & Arts |
 Japan Birding & Wildlife Tours |
 Japan Photography Expedition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deals | Save US$100.00 | Save US$50.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 |
| Departing | Feb & May 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar-Sep 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar, Apr, May, Oct & Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Apr, May, Jul, Oct & Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Feb-Oct 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Oct 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Apr & Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Oct 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Feb 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Feb 2023, 2024 & 2025 |
| Price | From US$1798.00 | From US$2348.00 | From US$3298.00 | From US$3698.00 | From US$3598.00 | From US$3698.00 | From US$3598.00 | From US$3898.00 | From US$5798.00 | From US$2798.00 |
| Description | 5 days in Japan from Tokyo to Tokyo | 7 days in Japan from Tokyo to Nagoya | 8 days & 9 days in Japan from Osaka to Fukuoka | 9 days & 12 days in Japan from Sapporo to Tokyo | 9 days in Hokkaido | 9 days in Tohoku | 9 days in Japan from Osaka to Osaka | 10 days in Japan from Osaka to Osaka | 9 days & 13 days in Japan | 5 days, 9 days & 13 days in Japan |
| Advantage | 5-day itinerary that offers our passengers a more local cultural experience than you will find in the big city | Join our refreshing Anime Tour of Japan through Tokyo, Hakone and Nagoya | Discover the culture, countryside and “must see” sights of Southern Japan | For travelers wishing to go beyond the typical Japan itinerary | Designed for people who wish to discover the beauty and nature of Japan | Discover the unique culture and incredible nature of Tohoku, on a tour featuring the rice paddy art of Inakadate and a Yamabushi mountain monk experience at Mount Haguro! | Experience and learn about the spiritual side of Japan | Be immerses in the samurai, garden and art culture of Japan | Discover the beautiful nature and fascinating wildlife of Hokkaido and Honshu | Japan Photography Expedition through Honshu, Hokkaido, or both |
| Style | Deluxe | Budget | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe |
| Fully Escorted | ||||||||||
| Local Cuisine | ||||||||||
| Tour Language | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour |
| Transportation | Private Coach | Private coach & public transportation | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach |
| Guaranteed Departure |
| South Korea | ||||||||||
| Hokkaido | ||||||||||
| Tohoku | ||||||||||
| Nikko | ||||||||||
| Tokyo | ||||||||||
| Hakone | ||||||||||
| Mt Fuji | ||||||||||
| Takayama | ||||||||||
| Shirakawago | ||||||||||
| Kanazawa | ||||||||||
| Kyoto | ||||||||||
| Nara | ||||||||||
| Osaka | ||||||||||
| Koyasan | ||||||||||
| Kumano | ||||||||||
| Ise | ||||||||||
| Himeji | ||||||||||
| Kurashiki | ||||||||||
| Matsue | ||||||||||
| Yamaguchi | ||||||||||
| Hiroshima | ||||||||||
| Naoshima | ||||||||||
| Shikoku | ||||||||||
| Kyushu |
| Japan Escorted Group Trips to Tokyo and Beyond | Book Today |  Highlights of Korea and Japan |
 Highlights of Taiwan and Japan |
 Highlights of China and Japan |
 Highlights of Hong Kong and Japan |
 Hokkaido, Tohoku & Central Japan |
 Best of Hokkaido & Honshu |
 Tohoku & Central Japan |
 Hokkaido & Beyond |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deals | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 | Save US$100.00 |
| Departing | Mar, Apr, May, Jun & Oct 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar, May, Jun, Oct & Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar, May, Jun, Oct & Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Mar 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Apr, May, Oct & Nov 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Jan, Jul, Aug, Sep & Oct 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Oct 2023, 2024 & 2025 | Feb & May 2023, 2024 & 2025 |
| Price | From US$4198.00 | From US$4398.00 | From US$4498.00 | From US$4198.00 | From US$6498.00 | From US$5998.00 | From US$5498.00 | From US$5198.00 |
| Description | 6 days in Korea and 7 days or 10 days in Japan | 7 days in Taiwan and 7 days or 11 days in Japan | 8 days in China and 7 days or 11 days in Japan | 5 days in Hong Kong and 7 days in Japan | 16 days in Japan from Sapporo to Osaka | 15 days & 16 days in Japan | 14 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 13 days in Japan from Sapporo to Tokyo |
| Advantage | Explore two beautiful countries in one tour - Korea & Japan | Explore two beautiful countries in one tour - Taiwan & Japan | Route of history and cultural imagination through the lands of China and Japan | Route of history and cultural imagination through the lands of Hong Kong and Japan | Visit Hokkaido, Tohoku and Central Japan (Tokyo & Kyoto) | Visit 2 main islands of Japan - Hokkaido and Honshu | Experience a tour through the rare cultural beauties of Tohoku, followed by the golden route through Japan’s top destinations! | Combine the best seasonal must-sees of Hokkaido with unforgettable experiences in Honshu |
| Style | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe |
| Fully Escorted | ||||||||
| Local Cuisine | ||||||||
| Tour Language | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour |
| Transportation | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach |
| Guaranteed Departure |
| South Korea | ||||||||
| Hokkaido | ||||||||
| Tohoku | ||||||||
| Nikko | ||||||||
| Tokyo | ||||||||
| Hakone | ||||||||
| Mt Fuji | ||||||||
| Takayama | ||||||||
| Shirakawago | ||||||||
| Kanazawa | ||||||||
| Kyoto | ||||||||
| Nara | ||||||||
| Osaka | ||||||||
| Koyasan | ||||||||
| Kumano | ||||||||
| Ise | ||||||||
| Himeji | ||||||||
| Kurashiki | ||||||||
| Matsue | ||||||||
| Yamaguchi | ||||||||
| Hiroshima | ||||||||
| Naoshima | ||||||||
| Shikoku | ||||||||
| Kyushu |
