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.
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The price is per person with minimum 2 people, based on twin or triple room occupancy
For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour
Prices are excluding international flights
Single Room
Single room types are rooms for
single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the
hotel room throughout the tour.
Twin Room
Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.
Double Room
A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.
Triple Room
A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.
Japanese Style Room
A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.
Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.
On this tour we will be going to the top ranked and
popular places 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.
Then we will be traveling to Kanazawa, a city that once
rivaled Kyoto in cultural achievements. Explore the well
preserved samurai and teahouse districts. Nearby is
the UNESCO World He... View More
On this tour we will be going to the top ranked and
popular places 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.
Then we will be traveling to Kanazawa, a city that once
rivaled Kyoto in cultural achievements. Explore the well
preserved samurai and teahouse districts. Nearby is
the 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.
We will venture to Takayama, a city famous for the
artisans and craftsmen with traditions dating back to
the 9th century. Afterwards we will head to Okayama
where you will have a free day to explore Kurashiki,
Okayama, or Himeji. Each of those places has unique
sites that will not disappoint. On one of the days you
will have the freedom to choose between going to
Takamatsu and Kotohira or Naoshima.
Our next destination is the famed Hiroshima, the city
where the first atomic bombs were deployed in World
War II. 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.
Next is the traditional heart of Japan, Kyoto. The city
maintains its traditional roots despite the modernization
of many other areas. Located about an hour away from
Kyoto is 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.
Our last stop for the trip is to either Hakone one of the
most famous places for onsens (hot springs) or to
Nikko where the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu is
located. Hakone served as getaway from the hustle
and bustle of the city. In Nikko you can find
extravagantly decorated shrines that have been around
for centuries.
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
Welcome to Tokyo! Make your own way to your hotel in
Tokyo using your Japan Rail Pass, we will provide
full instructions in advance.
Note: If you would like the meet and greet
or private hotel transfer to be included, please contact
us for the arrangement.
Today we will 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 best tourist
spots. The sightseeing schedule is fully up to you and
is flexible to the needs of the group.
For temples and shrines we recommend visiting
Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo,
and Meiji Jingu Shrine, the place where Emperor Meiji
and his wife are enshrined. You can also roam around
the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the current
residency of the Imperial family. If you looking for a
deeper look into the history of Japan then why not pay
a visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum?
There are many shopping options available in Tokyo,
but depending on your preference can lead you to
different parts of the city. High end name brand items
can be found in Ginza, extreme fashion style clothing
are in Harajuku, otaku (geek) products can be bought
in Akihabara, and Shibuya is the middle ground
between all your shopping needs.
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and offers
great views of the city from its observatory. There are
shops as well as an aquarium located in the area. Not
interested in the tower? Then how about going to the
man-made island known as Odaiba? On the island
there are many entertainment options available in
addition to the famed Rainbow Bridge.
Journeying from Tokyo and easing into Kanazawa, you will experience the subtle transitions from Metropolis to the countryside, making the 2 hours 30 minutes journey shorter after enjoying the views through the train’s windows. Upon arrival, enjoy a full day private tour of Kanazawa. 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 lodgings, and lively fish market. The city also boasts being home to one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen.
This morning we will visit the lively fish market at
Omicho Market. Then we will ride via bus heading to
the breathtaking landscapes of Shirakawa-go, which is
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 like prayer hand in order to
sustain heavy snowfall. The snow creates an
unforgettable sight for explorers of this World Heritage
Site.
Once there, meander about the cozy streets and their
pleasant shops. Then enjoy an overall view of the
entire village from the observatory deck. We will then
travel to Takayama and spend 2 nights at a ryokan
(Japanese traditional inn). There you can soak in the
therapeutic waters of an onsen (hot spring) and feast
on a traditional Japanese Kaiseki (seasonal
ingredients) banquet dinner.
Takayama is famous for the artisans and craftsmen
who reside there with techniques that date back as far
as the 9th century. The day starts off with a visit to the
Morning Market, where snacks, farm products and local
crafts are sold. Afterwards your guide will take you to
the Takayama Jinya, which was a government office
that was under the direct control of the Tokugawa
Shogunate. From there 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 Sanmachi Suji
one of the three Old Town streets that have survived in
a beautiful state. Some of the businesses there have
been around for centuries and still operate to this day.
The day will begin with a train ride to Nagoya and then
boarding the bullet train to Okayama where you will
have a free day to explore the area. In Okayama you
can visit Korakuen Garden, which is one of the three
top landscape gardens in Japan. There is also the
reconstruction of Okayama Castle, which is nicknamed
U-jo or Crow Castle. When it was reconstructed it was
turned into a museum with many displays on the
history of the former Okayama Castle.
Nearby Okayama is Kurashiki, where you can visit the
canal area that has been there since the Edo Period.
You can stroll along the canal and visit the storehouses
that were converted into museums, restaurants, shops,
and cafes. Also by the canal is the Ohara Museum,
which was the western art museum in Japan. Ivy
Square is a complex of red brick buildings that are
covered in ivy, which were built back in 1889. There
you can find more restaurants and museums
If you choose stop by Himeji it is recommend that you
visit Himeji Castle. The castle is known as "White Egret
Castle" and "White Heron Castle" because of its
brilliant white exterior and structure resembling a bird
taking flight. Himeji Castle is one of the few remaining
original castles and was declared one of the first
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Close to the
castle is Kokoen Garden, a Japanese style garden that
consists of nine separate Edo style landscapes.
On this day you will be given the option to have the
private guide take you to Takamatsu and Kotohira or
Naoshima. Takamatsu is the closest port city to Honshu
from Shikoku and it is known for Ritsurin Garden, a
landscape garden that rivals Korakuen, Kenrokuen,
and Kairakuen. Kotohira is where you can find the most
popular Shinto shrine Kompirasan in Shikoku. There
are 1,368 stone steps leading up to the shrine and
there is the optional palanquin service for a fee if you
are not up to the arduous journey.
Naoshima is known for its various modern art
collections, which includes architecture, sculptures, and
paintings. The island is situated in the Seto Inland Sea
between Honshu and Shikoku. There you can find the
iconic pumpkin sculpture on the pier facing the sea.
Note: If you would like to see the both
Takamatsu and Naoshima, please contact us to add
one more night in Okayama. If would like to spend
night (s) at Benesse House in Naoshima, please
contact us for information.
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima. The ride is about 45
minutes. Upon arrival your private guide will meet you
at the train exit. Enjoy a private tour of Hiroshima and
Miyajima Island. While in Hiroshima we will be visiting
the Peace Memorial Park, which was built in the
aftermath of the atomic bomb. The park symbolizes the
hope for a world without nuclear weapons. From the
park you can see the Genbaku Dome or Atomic Bomb
Dome, one of the very few surviving structures from the
attack. We will also be stopping by the Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Museum, which has detailed records
of life after the atomic bomb was dropped. In the
afternoon we will explore Miyajima, an island near
Hiroshima.
Located on the island is Itsukushima Shrine, which is
known for its large torii gate that is built in the sea. At
high tide, the famed vermilion torii gate of the
Itsukushima Shrine looks like it's floating in the middle
of the sea. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and Miyajima has been selected as
one of Japan's three most scenic places (nihon sankei).
It is said that they Itsukushima Shrine was first built in
the 6th century at the foot of Mt. Misen as a place of
worship for the holy mountain. The main deity of the
shrine is the daughter of the mythical Susanoo and
niece to the Great Sun Goddess Amaterasu.
Our day starts with a trip on the Shinkansen (bullet
train) to Kyoto, the traditional and cultural center of
Japan. For over 1000 years Kyoto has influenced
politics and culture in the country. It was the former
capital before Edo (Tokyo). When the feudal age came
to an end much of the nation was set to modernized,
but the city set out to preserve its proud history. As a
traditional center the history, religion, and culture
remained unembellished. For two days you will have a
private guide to take you to the most desired locations.
There are many sites to see in Kyoto and can be
broken down into Southern, Eastern, Central, Northern,
and Arashiyama districts. No matter where you choose
to visit each site has a priceless historical value that will
leave you in awe. Just for quick reference Fushimi Inari
Shrine has over 1000 torii gates; Tofukuji Temple has
the Hojo Garden that surrounds all four sides of the
building, Kiyomizudera Temple has the stage and main
hall that was built without nails, Kinkakuji Temple is
known as the Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama has the
photogenic bamboo grove, and Gion is where you can
find the Geisha district.
Located about 1 hour away from Kyoto is the first permanent capital, Nara. The city marks the change in history where a centralized government was established because before the capital would change locations when the Emperor passed away. During this time the culture in Japan had time to develop and evolve, which can be seen in the architecture and other structure that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There you can see the largest bronze Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in the iconic Todaiji Temple. Surrounding the temple is Nara Park where there are over 1000 free roaming deer, which are regarded as deities of the city. The short reign of the Nara Period gave way for cultural change in the nation and left its mark in history. The sites in the city signify a beginning that is often forgotten, but well preserved.
Take the bullet train back to Tokyo. The trip is about 3 hours. Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel. Tokyo has many services to offer for foreigners and locals as one of the busiest and interesting metropolis of the world. Half of the day is spent following your own plans; last minute shopping, dining, and entertainment all for you! Public Transportation in Tokyo may have been overwhelming for some, but when one gets used to it, they can carefully plan their time out and see a lot in a short while.
On this day you can choose to visit Hakone or Nikko. Traverse through Hakone, an iconic hot spring destination, and you will be greeted with magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the area from the Hakone Ropeway. Complementing the natural beauty are great museums like the Open Air Museum that we will be visiting. While there you can take a soothing Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi and have the chance to see the awe inspiring Mt. Fuji in the distance if the weather permits it. Nikko has been the center of both Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship. There you can find the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, where the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu resides. Nearby the shrine is the Taiyuinbyo, the mausoleum of Iemitsu Tokugawa, the grandson of Ieyasu. The Tamozawa Villa was once the residence of the imperial family and it is open to the public. In Nikko you will be surrounded by the beautiful nature as you go from site to another.
After check-out, make your own way to Narita Airport
using your Japan Rail Pass for
your
departure flight.
Note: If you would like the private airport transfer
to be included, please contact us for the arrangement.
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Destinations
Tokyo / Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Himeji / Okayama / Naoshima or Takamatsu / Hiroshima / Kyoto / Nara / Hakone or Nikko / Tokyo
Other Japan Tours you may interested
Other Japan Tours you may interested
