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.
For those that enjoy exploring a country by the power of their own feet, this tour includes many walking tours and a trek through the most famous pilgrimage route of Japan: the Kumano Kodo. Begin in the ancient capital of Nara, steeped in old history. You will hike through the Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest which lines Nara park. Then, in the land of the sacred Mt. Koya, you will explore temples of the highest spiritual importance. After becoming a pilgrim of the Kumano Kodo, you will visit Is... View More
For those that enjoy exploring a country by the power of
their own feet, this tour includes many walking tours and
a trek through the most famous pilgrimage route of
Japan: the Kumano Kodo. Begin in the ancient capital of
Nara, steeped in old history. You will hike through the
Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest which lines Nara park.
Then, in the land of the sacred Mt. Koya, you will
explore temples of the highest spiritual importance. After
becoming a pilgrim of the Kumano Kodo, you will visit
Ise Shrine – originally built in 4 BCE. Finally, you will
arrival in the 1000 Year Capital: Kyoto. Serving as
Japan’s capital for over 1000 years, the city is well
known for being steeped in history and culture. The
number of Temples and Shrines within the city are
numerous, but you will soon see that each one is
unique.
Enjoy the tried and true itinerary below to enjoy some of
the most spiritually and historically significant areas of
Japan. Alternatively, you can customize the itinerary
below to match your interests and create the perfect trip
for you. This itinerary includes transportation via Japan’s
famously efficient public transit system throughout the
tour. This will allow you to see Japan from the same
level as the locals and get a better understanding of
everyday life in Japan.
This itinerary can be customized based on your budget
and interests. Please feel free to
CONTACT US to plan your
dream trip to Japan.
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
Trains, subways and local buses.
This tour starts and finishes in Osaka for arrivals and departures at Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM)
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged
Private airport transfers on arrival included
Upon arrival, proceed through customs and meet your driver just outside the exit gate, they will be holding an “All Japan Tours” sign for easy visibility. Proceed to your hotel by private car. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be free for leisure.
After breakfast, travel to one of Japan’s most ancient capitals: Nara. Here, you can hike through the Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest. The forest has remained mostly untouched since hunting and logging were outlawed in 841. This has left the forest to flourish, including some rare foliage. You’ll hike from Nara park to the summit of Mt. Wakakusa where you will be able to get excellent views. Then, we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and a landmark of Nara, Todaiji Temple. Our last destination for the day will be Kasuga Grand Shrine, the family shrine for the powerful Fujiwara clan during the Nara and Heian periods, with unique architectural traits and an area filled with various styled lamps.
This morning, you will transfer to Kudoyama by train with your guide. The journey will take approximately 1 hour 25 minutes. From there, you will hike the Koyasan Choishi-michi Trail to the Daimon gate. The trail is approximately 23.5km (14.6 miles) long and takes around 7 hours to complete in full. There are other optional starting points which make the trail shorter. Tonight, you will be staying at a temple where you will be able to enjoy the simpler things in life. Your dinner will be similar to a Japanese kaiseki dinner, with more focus on natural flavor. This form of cooking is referred to as Shojin Ryori, or Monk’s Food. As is tradition among practicing Buddhists, your meal will be vegetarian. After dinner, you can continue to experience the monk’s life at the evening ceremonies. After relaxing at the temple lodgings for a while, venture back out to Okunoin where you can visit the graveyard by night.
Note: We will courier your big baggage from Osaka to your hotel in Kawayu Onsen. Please pack your essentials for 3 nights in a small bag to carry with you.
After morning prayers and breakfast at the temple, tour the Kongobuji Temple constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to commemorate his mother after death. The Banryutei Rock Garden behind Kongobuji Temple is a large Zen garden beautifully composed to represent dragons emerging from clouds in the sky. Danjo Garan is one of the two most sacred sites on Mt Koya. In the 9th century, Mt Koya’s temple complex was founded on this very ground. At that time, Kobo Daishi held a groundbreaking ceremony and then dedicated his life to the construction of Danjo Garan. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Ryujin Onsen by bus – a 2-hour journey.
After breakfast, travel to Takijiri-oji Shrine to begin your pilgrimage of the Kumano Kodo. Takijiri-oji is the point where most pilgrims begin their trek. The trail from Takijiri-oji to Nonaka is approximately 17km (10.5 miles). In Chikatsuyu, you will be able to rest after your long day of hiking in one of the Minshuku-style accommodations. These are traditional Japanese bed- and-breakfast style inns and typically offer similar amenities as a Ryokan. Enjoy dinner in your room before taking a much-needed rest.
Continue your hike from Nonaka’s Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine. This journey is about 21km (13 miles). You can spend the night in Kawayu Onsen where you can enjoy the traditional ryokan-style inn and soak in the soothing onsen hot spring.
After enjoying breakfast in your hotel, you will be bussed back to the Kumano-kodo. From the bus stop at Ukegawa, you will hike the Kogumotori-goe section to Koguchi. This section is about 13km (8 miles). You will spend the night in Koguchi.
Note: We will courier your big baggage from Kawayu Onsen to your hotel in Kyoto. Please pack your essentials for 3 nights in a small bag to carry with you.
Today, you may hike the Ogumotori-goe section to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine from Koguchi. This length of trail is approximately 14km (8.7 miles). Once you arrive in Nachi, congradulations! You are now a successful pilgrim of the Kumano-Kodo. You will be spending the night at another traditional ryokan inn.
Depart the Kumano-Kodo area and travel to Toba via ferry. Upon arrival, you will then go to Ise to visit Ise shrine. This is considered the most important shrine in the Shinto religion and was originally build in 4 BCE. The structures here, as in many shrines, are ritually re- build every 20 years and based on the designs from the 7th century CE. You may then walk along the Oharaimachi – the traditional route to the inner Ise shrine. About 1 km (.6 miles) long, you will now find many shops and restaurants lining the road.
Before leaving Toba, visit Mikimoto Pearl Island where the pearl industry was perfected. In 1892, one of the local merchants, Kokichi Mikimoto, discovered a way to farm perfectly round pearls. Since then, the technique has spread around the world. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Kyoto. Please note, optional experiences may require an additional day. One such experience is to visit a traditional home to learn some of the iconic traditional arts of Japan – Kimono, Green Tea Ceremony, Origami, Calligraphy, and Ikebana.
Tour the historic city of Kyoto, beginning with a walking tour of the Arashiyama district. First, visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park - an open area where hundreds of monkeys roam freely. Then, cross the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Hozu River, past several small shrines, tea shops and private houses before arriving at Tenryuji Temple. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the traditional rock landscape garden design. Then proceed through the dense bamboo grove, to Jojakkoji temple. Founded in 1596, this temple has a serene atmosphere and excellent views over Kyoto. Further into the forest, you will find Gioji temple which is known for its moss garden dotted with lovely maple trees. Then, stroll along the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street – preserved in the style of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). At Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, you can see the famous 1200 stone statues of devoted Buddhists, each featuring a different expression. Our last temple of the day will be Daikakuji – the former residence of an emperor which was converted to a temple in 876.
Continue to explore Kyoto beginning with the Fushimi Inari Shrine – renowned for its trail of thousands of torii gates. After hiking through the gates, head to the Fushimi Sake District – known for its clear waters and home to over 40 traditional sake breweries. You will then be free for leisure in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can add the following experiences to your day. One option is to try on the traditional garment of Kimono. Many visitors to Kyoto will wear a Kimono for the day to complete the traditional atmosphere that the city is known for. You can also experience Zen meditation in a temple with local monks, a traditional green tea ceremony, or a Kaiseki dinner with a Geisha performance.
Today, you will be able to enjoy a walking tour of southern and eastern Kyoto. You will begin your tour at Kiyomizu-dera, a famous temple in Japan that is best known for its large wooden stage that overlooks a hillside of natural scenery. Leading up to the temple are Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, these streets are filled with preserved buildings that remind us of Japan’s past. Many of the buildings are selling souvenirs and Kyoto- specific wares. Then, enjoy a stroll down Ishibei-koji lane. This traditional street can be easily missed as you walk past, but as your guide leads you down the correct path, you will step back into old-Kyoto on the pedestrian-only walkway. Travel to Kodaiji Temple – a lavish temple built in the memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Here, we can experience Zen meditation. Afterwards you will visit Maruyama Park, home to one of the largest weeping cherry blossom trees and the most popular cherry blossom viewing location in Kyoto. Next, marvel at Chion-in temple which received particular favor from the Tokugawa shogun and was built up by the master artisans of the early Edo Period. After a short walk, you will arrive at the Shoren-in Temple complex. Situated against the Higashiyama Mountain range, Shoren-in’s main hall exudes a palpable sense of calm. Visit Heian Shrine – dedicated to Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei, famous for its large torii gate. While at Nanzenji Temple, a famous Zen temple converted from the retirement villa belonging to Emperor Kameyama, we can enjoy the views and unique architectural traits of ancient Japan. Next, we will stroll along the Philosopher’s Path which runs along a water canal lined hundreds of cherry blossom trees. Visit Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, a Zen temple modeled after the Golden Pavilion. This was built as a retirement residence for Ashikaga Yoshimasa and filled with beautiful moss gardens and varies temple structures. Finally, make your way to the peak of Mt. Daimonji for one of the best aerial views of Kyoto. The summit reaches 466 meters (1,528 feet) and is considered a premier place to see the autumn leaves change colors.
After breakfast, you will be free for leisure. You may make your own way to Osaka Kansai Airport via Haruka Express Train – train tickets included.
Note: If you would like for a private airport transfer to be included, please contact us to make the arrangements.
Other Japan Tours you may interested
Other Japan Tours you may interested
