Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of Japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people.

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.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of Japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people.
(Smaller group departure available)

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.

Budget Group Tours

Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget.

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.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel Japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation.

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.

Luxury Japan Private Journeys Tour Code: GTM2465635 57 reviews

Classic Japan Private Luxury Tour

14 days 13 nights

from USD $24298.00

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Tokyo - Nikko - Hakone - Mt Fuji - Matsumoto - Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka - Hiroshima

Welcome to our Classic Japan Private Luxury Tour. On this tour we will travel to the most sought after destinations in Japan. The tour will begin in Tokyo, the capital and most populated metropolis in the world. Beyond the alluring neon light signs advertising the plethora of businesses is traditional centers that have withstood the test of time. One day will be free for you to do decide on whether to explore Tokyo more or travel to Nikko. Nikko is where the famous Toshogu Shrine is located. The structures in the area are surrounded by beautiful nature and there is a saying “Nikko wo minai uchi wa kekko to iu na,” which translates to “you have not lived until you see Nikko.”

Spend a day at Hakone and Mt. Fuji. Enjoy seeing the sacred mountain with your own eyes. Here you will have the chance to experience staying at one of the top ryokans (Japanese traditional inns) while soaking in the therapeutic waters of an onsen. Then we will be heading towards Matsumoto, where Matsumoto Castle, one of the most beautiful original castles, is located. The city is surrounded by mountains and boasts the largest wasabi farm in the world.

Our travels will then take us to Takayama, a city famous for the artisans and craftsmen with traditions dating back to the 9th century. There you can see their elaborately decorated yatai (floats), which showcases the level of craftsmanship in Takayama. Afterwards we will be traveling to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage designated Shirakawago, which is known for the Gassho zukuri farmhouses. The roofs of the farmhouses are thatched and shaped like prayer hands. Then we will be traveling to Kanazawa, a city that once rivaled Kyoto in cultural achievements. Explore the well preserved samurai and teahouse districts.

Next is the traditional heart of Japan, Kyoto. The city maintains its traditional roots despite the modernization of many other areas. Bask in the presence of the historical monuments, structures, districts, and streets, which have been carefully preserved. In addition to this you will have the chance to explore the surrounding areas if you choose to do so.

We will also make a trip to the first permanent capital Nara. The city is most known for the largest Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in Japan and can be found in the Todaiji Temple. Past the walls of the temple is Nara Park where there are over 1000 free roaming deer. Nara marked the beginning of establishing a centralized government and developing the culture in the country. As we travel to Osaka you will have the chance to explore the second largest metropolitan city in Japan. There are many shopping, eating, and entertainment options available.

On the last part of the trip we will take a bullet train to the famed Hiroshima, the city where the first atomic bombs were deployed in World War II, from Osaka. Despite the tragedy, the area has become a symbol of hope for a world without nuclear weapons. Nearby Hiroshima is Miyajima Island where the famous Itsukushima Shrine resides. The shrine is known for its vermillion torii gate that looks like it is floating in the middle of the sea during high tide.

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Tour Information

Luxury Japan Private Journeys

Deposit

We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure

What's included

10 nights Western style and 3 nights Japanese style accommodation
Meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport
Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
Private transfers between destinations in Japan
First class train ride from Kanazawa to Kyoto
Round-trip first class Shinkansen (bullet train) ride to/from Osaka and Hiroshima
Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide

Meals

Breakfast everyday
1 sushi lunch
3 kaiseki dinners at the ryokan
1 special dinner with geisha performance

Admission fees and activities

All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

International Airfares
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills

Additional Information

Transport

Travel by private van between destinations, baggage handling free

Arrival Departure Airports

For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM).

Meal Requests

Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged. We can also make reservations at Michelin star rated restaurants upon request.

Meet and Greet

Meet and greet and private airport transfers on arrival and departure included

Itinerary In Brief

Day1 Arrive in Tokyo
Day2 Tokyo
Day3 Tokyo or Nikko
Day4 Hakone & Mt Fuji
Day5 Matsumoto
Day6 Takayama
Day7 Shirakawa-go
Day8 Kanazawa
Day9 Kyoto
Day10 Kyoto
Day11 Kyoto
Day12 Nara & Osaka
Day13 Hiroshima
Day14 Tour ends

Click here for detailed itinerary

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! We will arrange your private transportation from the airport. Please look for the guide with the "All Japan Tours" sign.

Park Hyatt Tokyo or similar class

DAY 2 & 3

Tokyo (Day 3 has an option to visit Nikko)

For two days you can enjoy a private tour of Tokyo, the largest populated metropolis in the world. As modernized as the city may be there are still aspects of its traditional history present. As you tour around Tokyo you will have an expert local guide to bring you to the must-see locations you want to see. For temples and shrines we recommend visiting Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and Meiji Jingu Shrine, noted for its profound natural beauty, including a broad variety of trees. You can also roam around the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, which includes a broad public square, picturesque bridges, delightful public gardens, and the ruins of Edo Castle.
While in Tokyo we can arrange a tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market, which offers fresh seafood and local produce, or you could even wake up early to observe the Wholesale Fish Auction at Toyosu! Afterwards you can join a sushi- making class with ingredients you bought at the market. There are many shopping options available in Tokyo, but where to go depends on your preference. High end name-brand items can be found in Ginza and Omotesando, avant-garde fashions are bought in Harajuku, Akihabara is the place to experience anime and pop culture, and Shibuya is the middle ground that has a little of everything. If you wish to have more a cultural experience with taking classes on wearing kimonos, origami, calligraphy, and tea ceremony.
On day three you will have the freedom to choose to spend more time in Tokyo or venture out to Nikko. A mountainous region north of Tokyo, Nikko is especially worth seeing for seeing it’s collection of picturesque temples and shrines – many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include Rinnoji Temple, Futarasan Shrine, Tamozawa Imperial Villa, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, and opulent Toshogu Shrine – one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan.

Breakfast / Lunch

Park Hyatt Tokyo or similar class

DAY 4

Hakone & Mt Fuji

Explore the region around Mount Fuji, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest mountain in Japan. While there we will stop at Subaru 5th Station to see the mountain up close. You can see as many as 25 places inscribed as World Heritage Sites under Mt. Fuji like the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko), Sengen Shrines, Oshi Lodging Houses, Oshino Hakkai Springs, Funatsu and Yoshida Lava tree molds, Shiraito no Taki waterfalls, Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove and Hitoana Fuji-ko Iseki. There is also the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum that features silk kimonos dyed with artistic designs. If you are looking to be more adventurous then you enter the various caves that were created by the eruptions of Mt. Fuji.
You will also have the opportunity to explore the idyllic region of Hakone, which offers many opportunities not only to see the lush local landscape but also to potentially see Mount Fuji, if the weather is clear. Cruise Lake Ashi on a replica pirate ship, ride an airborne gondola over breathtaking natural scenes on the Hakone Ropeway, and land in Owakudani, where paths around the primordial landscape lead past roiling pools and over streams venting out sulfurous fumes. The sightseeing schedule will be left to your discretion.

Breakfast / Dinner

Kozantei Ubuya or similar class

DAY 5

Matsumoto

Go from there to Matsumoto, where the local attractions include Matsumoto Castle. One of Japan’s 12 Original Castles, Matsumoto is called “Black Crow Castle” for its pitch-black walls. Be sure to also visit Nakamachi District, where local traditional storehouses were converted into shops and restaurants. It has become known among visiting travelers as the go-to place to browse local handicrafts.
Close to the Matsumoto area is Azumino City where one of the largest wasabi farms is located. The wasabi fields are maintained with networks of small streams utilizing the water from the Northern Alps. Along one of the walking trails by the river is an old-fashioned water wheel that was constructed for Akira Kurosawa’s 1989 “Dreams” film and has been left.
As the day ends, we will have the chance to relax in an authentic traditional Japanese Onsen Ryokan. Soak in the therapeutic waters and feel your body being rejuvenated. Afterwards enjoy a Japanese Kaiseki (seasonal) banquet dinner that will give you a chance to taste the ingredients of the season.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hidatei Hanaougi or similar class

DAY 6

Takayama

Today we will head to Takayama. This city is located in the Japanese Alps and is sometimes called a "Little Kyoto" for its preserved historical structures and environment. Due to its remote position in the mountains, it maintains a traditional atmosphere with a distinct local culture. In Takayama, you will have the chance to explore some other notable sites in the city. The Takayama Yatai (floats) Kaikan Museum features elaborately decorated floats, which are over 700 years old. The yatai demonstrate the legendary craftsmanship of Takayama. Afterwards is a visit to the Kusakabe Heritage House, which is one of the oldest merchant homes in Takayama. Explore Old Town Takayama, where the heritage streets called Sanmachi Suji are beautifully preserved. Some of the businesses there have been around for centuries and still operate to this day.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hidatei Hanaougi or similar class

DAY 7

Shirakawa-go

This morning sightseeing around the Takayama Morning Market and Takayama Jinya, the only traditional local government office in existence and a fine example of a governor’s residence. It contains living quarters, offices, an interrogation room with torture devices, and Japan’s largest traditional rice storehouse. Then, we head to the breathtaking landscapes of Shirakawa-go, one of the best in Japan, making it a great attraction for photographers. The village is a jewel in the Southern Japanese Alps, deep among the protective mountainous regional beauty, only enhanced by rice fields irrigated through their network of watercourses. The hay thatched farmhouses (gassho-zukuri) are designed to sustain heavy snowfall, also creating an unforgettable site for explorers of this World Heritage Site. Once there, meander about the cozy streets and their pleasant shops. From the observatory deck you will be greeted with an overall view of the entire village. After, we travel to Kanazawa.

Breakfast

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or similar class

DAY 8

Kanazawa

Today enjoy a full day private tour of Kanazawa. The city grew from being castle town that was ruled by the Maeda Clan the second most powerful family of the Edo Period. It offers rich heritage values with its traditional arts and crafts including productions of ceramics, gold leaf, and many more priceless practices. Kanazawa is full of different attractions with their well-preserved Geisha district, historical samurai district, lively fish market, and their proudly boasted gardens.
The most famous garden in Kanazawa is Kenrokuen, which is one of the top three Japanese landscape gardens in Japan. Near the garden is the beautiful Seisonkaku Villa that a Maeda lord built for his mother in the last years of the Edo Period. Other attractions of Kanazawa include the 21st Century Museum that displays amazing contemporary art like Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool, and Ninja-dera, which is an old Ninja house hiding secret rooms and traps.

Breakfast

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or similar class

DAY 9, 10 & 11

Kyoto

Our day starts with a train ride to Kyoto, onetime imperial capital and heartland of Japan’s traditional culture for over a thousand years, where its time- honored history and customs are preserved for future generations. Many sites in Kyoto and nearby Nara have been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Take three days to explore the historic treasures of these great cities, whether you want to visit its most popular destinations, find something a little more out-of- the-way, or partake in an authentic cultural experience.
Our recommended must-sees for Kyoto include the Golden Pavilion’s shining phoenix, the sacred springs and dramatic stage of Kiyomizu Temple, the timeless garden of Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama and its bamboo grove, the Zen Rock Garden of Ryoanji Temple, the thousand red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, the gilded palace of Nijo Castle, and the teahouses in Gion’s Geisha District. There are an almost innumerable number of historic sites to come across while wandering these two cities, which three days won’t be nearly enough time to discover. Participate in authentic cultural experiences, such as a lesson in calligraphy, ikebana, origami, green tea ceremony, or Zen meditation. Taste traditional kaiseki cuisine, while being entertained by a geisha or maiko (geisha apprentice). Taste delicious sake while on a tour of one of Japan’s most prominent sake-brewing districts.

Breakfast / Dinner

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto or similar class

DAY 12

Nara & Osaka

Today we will travel to Nara and Osaka. Enjoy a private tour of Nara, the oldest capital city of Japan, located about 1 hour away from Kyoto. There you can see Japan’s largest bronze Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in Todaiji Temple – an iconic symbol of Nara. Surrounding the temple is Nara Park where there are over 1000 free roaming deer. Other top sites include Horyuji Temple, which has the oldest wooden building in the world, and Kasuga Grand Shrine, known for its hundreds of stone and bronze Lanterns (as well as its Lantern Festival).
We travel from there to Osaka, Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area, known for its homegrown sense of humor, its casual attitude, and its street food culture. Our top recommendations for what to do in Osaka include Dotonbori, the old-fashioned Shinsekai district, Nanba entertainment district, Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, and Universal Studios Japan.

Breakfast

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar class

DAY 13

Hiroshima

From Osaka we will ride the bullet train to Hiroshima. Our first destination of the day is the austere, stately Peace Memorial Park, which is by far the most significant feature of Hiroshima. The Peace Park consists of the Peace Memorial (or “A-Bomb”) Museum, the A-Bomb Dome, and an awe-inspiring Cenotaph for the victims. The Museum, designed by Pritzker Prize- winning architect Kenzo Tange, details the history of Hiroshima leading up to the day of detonation, the events of the day, and the suffering that resulted from it. It ends in a hope for a peaceful world, free of nuclear weapons. You will also see the UNESCO-inscribed Hiroshima Peace Memorial (known locally as the “Genbaku Dome”), which was formerly the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building was the only one in the area to partially survive the blast, and is now preserved in a state of arrested ruin. Next, we visit Miyajima Island and its most famous landmark – Itsukushima Shrine. Cunningly built to stand partly out into Hiroshima Bay, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is most famous for its “floating” torii shrine gate, which appears to hover over the water at high tide. After, we return to Osaka.

Breakfast

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar class

DAY 14

Tour Ends

After check-out, private transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast

Destinations

Tokyo - Nikko - Hakone - Mt Fuji - Matsumoto - Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka - Hiroshima

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