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.
This tour will take you through AJT's extremely popular Golden Triangle, showcasing must-see sites for any itinerary as well as a number of hidden gems to make your tour unique. This tour also takes your through the ancient Nakasendo Path – once the main route between Tokyo and Kyoto. Enjoy the tried and true itinerary below to see the best parts of Japan in a short period of time. Alternatively, you can customize the itinerary below to match your interests and create the perfect trip for ... View More
This tour will take you through AJT's extremely popular
Golden Triangle, showcasing must-see sites for any
itinerary as well as a number of hidden gems to make
your tour unique. This tour also takes your through the
ancient Nakasendo Path – once the main route between
Tokyo and Kyoto. Enjoy the tried and true itinerary below
to see the best parts of Japan in a short period of time.
Alternatively, you can customize the itinerary below to
match your interests and create the perfect trip for you.
This itinerary includes a private transfer from Narita or
Haneda Airport to your hotel on the first day and
transportation via Japan’s famously efficient public
transit system throughout the rest of 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
Local trains, subways and local buses.
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).
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.
Meet your guide in the morning and traverse through Tokyo’s pristine public transportation system. Firstly, you may visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. You can also explore the Nakamise Market, which is located just after the temple's outer gates. This is a traditional-style shopping street with several centuries of history. Afterward, you can visit the Edo Tokyo Museum which exhibits life size replicas as well as miniature models of structures as they were during Japan’s Edo period. Enjoy the natural atmosphere of the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Stroll through the Takeshita district of Harajuku and surround yourself with fascinating shops and the latest fashion trends. Harajuku is especially known for its more eccentric fashions, but cute and conventional items can be purchased here as well. Not in the mood for shopping? Not to worry – Harajuku also is a great place for people watching!
Our expedition through rural Japan begins today, as
we journey from Tokyo to the remote Kiso valley. Over
the next three days we will walk from village to village,
lodging in small, family-run country inns such as
ryokan and minshuku. Travel to Kiso-Hirasawa, where
you may have the chance to see craftsmen who
specialize in locally produced lacquerware. You can
find several shops here offering stunningly crafted
lacquerware of all types. Head onwards from Kiso-
Hirasawa to Narai, where we will stay for the night.
Narai is a beautifully preserved post-town, which
marked the halfway point from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo)
and was known as the most wealthy post town in Kiso
Valley. Enjoy your night stay at an atmospheric and
traditional Minshuku, a family-run guesthouse.
Walking distance: 2.5 km / 1.6 miles
Elevation gain: negligible ascent
and descent
Time required: 1 hour
Note: We will courier your big baggage from Tokyo to your hotel in Takayama. Please pack your essentials for 3 nights in a small bag to carry with you.
For our second day trekking the Nakasendo Trail, we
will walk from Narai to Yabuhara over the Torii Pass.
Yabuhara was another post town on the Nakasendo
Trail, but has become a city that lies off the beaten
path. Continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima, which
served as a checkpoint for merchants to have their
goods inspected. We will stay a night at this town at a
charming, yet traditional ryokan with its own natural
hot spring. Tonight, refresh yourselves and soak in the
indoor baths made of cypress wood or try the outdoor
baths surrounded by the deep forests.
Walking distance: 6.2 km / 3.9
miles
Elevation gain: 270 m / 885 feet
ascent; 344 m / 1,128 feet descent
Time required: 3 hours
In the morning, we will transfer by train from Kiso-
Fukushima to Nojiri, then take a short taxi ride to the
Nenoue-Toge pass. We will walk along a stunning
portion of the Nakasendo Trail through small
settlements and rice fields and onwards to Tsumago.
Only a few decades ago, Tsumago was neglected and
falling apart, however, thanks to the efforts of the local
residents, it has been saved and restored. Today, cars
are not allowed on the main road and power lines are
hidden, making visitors feel as if they have gone back
in time. Many people see Tsumago as a living
museum; one which is still inhabited by local
residents. We will arrive in the afternoon, then check
in at our minshuku.
Walking distance: 14 km / 8.7
miles
Elevation gain: 344 m / 1,129 feet
ascent; 723 m / 2,275 feet descent
Time required: 4.5 hours
From Tsumago, we will begin our day with a walk
towards Magome, our last stop in the Kiso Valley. The
trail from Tsumago to Magome is the most beautiful
and best-preserved portion of the Nakasendo Trail.
You will have the chance to see waterfalls, rice
paddies, and several small villages. Once we arrive in
Magome, you will have some time to eat lunch and
explore the many small shops along the charming
main street. Consider trying a popular snack, gohei-
mochi, which is skewered sticky rice covered in a
sweet paste of miso, sesame and walnuts. In the
afternoon, travel by regular train, then transfer onto a
express train, we will head to Takayama.
Walking distance: 8.3 km / 5.2
miles
Elevation gain: 430 m / 1,410 feet
ascent; 326 m / 1069 feet of descent
Time required: 3 hours
We will start with the Takayama Morning Market, where visitors can taste local farm products and snacks. Then, stroll through the beautifully preserved Old Town. After strolling through streets that are reminiscent of the Edo Period (1600 -1868), you will tour Takayama Jinya. This building served as the local government office headed by the officials dispatched from Edo and was in official use until 1969. Experience the traditional atmosphere at the Takayama Yatai Kaikan which exhibits life-sized floats and instruments used in the Takayama Festivals.
Today you will travel to the World Heritage site in the rural area of Shirakawa-go with your guide via highway bus – a 50-minute ride. Ogimachi Village is the main attraction, we will walk past thatched roof farm houses and cultivated fields and see unspoiled Edo period wooden buildings. Once there, we will go to the Shiroyama Viewpoint, and also Gassho-zukuri Minaen, which is an open-air museum of farmhouses and structures relocated to this area. Wada-ke House is the largest farmhouse in the area, which belongs to the village leader, is now open for visitors to have a look inside these buildings. From Shirakawago, make your way on your own to Kanazawa by highway bus – a 135- minute ride, bus tickets are included. Upon arrival at Kanazawa Station, make your way to your hotel on foot. You will be free for leisure in the afternoon. Rather than having the afternoon free, you may choose to add a Gold Leaf Craft Workshop, a visit to Kutani Pottery Kilns, and/or a Kaga Yuzen Kimono Wearing experience.
Note: We will courier your big baggage from Takayama to your hotel in Kyoto. Please pack your essentials for 2 nights in a small bag to carry with you to Shirakawago.
Today, you will tour Kanazawa with your guide via public transport. Begin with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, regarded as one of the top three gardens of Japan. Stroll along the garden and enjoy the view of trees, stones, bridges and teahouses. At Myoryuji Temple, you will see how it got the nickname “Ninja Temple”. While the temple is not associated with the Ninja, it was built as a disguised military outpost and so has many hidden defenses, secret rooms, traps, and a labyrinth of corridors and staircases. Step back through time in the Nagamachi Samurai District where many old samurai residences remain at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle. One such house, the Nomura family residence, has been fully restored and filled with artifacts of the time period to reflect the samurai class. At Kaga Yuzen, you can see many traditionally dyed silk fabrics for Kimono and a few fully assembled Kimono as well.
Today, you will travel to Kyoto on your own, with optional activities once you get to Kyoto. Make your way to Kanazawa Station on foot and board the JR express train bound for Kyoto. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, make your to your hotel on foot. You will be free for leisure in the afternoon. Or, you may choose to add a visit to a Traditional Wooden Townhouse to learn about Kimono, Green Tea Ceremony, Origami, Calligraphy and the art of Ikebana.
Enjoy a fully guided day through the ancient city of Kyoto – one of the most deeply historic cities in the world. First, you can see the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its trail of thousands of torii gates. Then visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This was the former residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, during which the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Tour Kiyomizu-dera, a famous temple in Japan that is best known for its large wooden stage that overlooks a hillside of natural scenery. We will end our day in the Gion Geisha District, where its streets are lined with ochaya (teahouses), exclusive establishments where guests are entertained by Geisha and Maiko. If you choose, you can also add the following optional experiences. Please note, optional experiences may require an additional day. One such experience 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 a Rickshaw Ride, Green Tea Ceremony, Zen meditation in a temple with local monks, or a Kaiseki dinner with a Geisha performance.
Once again, you will be fully guided on this day as you travel Kyoto via public transportation. Continue to explore Kyoto, traveling to Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site and a perfect architectural example of castles from the feudal era of Japan. Next, we will visit the Golden Pavilion covered with 18 carat gold leaf. This three-story structure was originally built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. Then we will tour Arashiyama. First is a visit to see Tenryuji Temple where you can have a glimpse of traditional rock landscape garden design. Then proceed through a dense bamboo grove, past several small shrines, tea shops and private houses before arriving at the Togetsukyo Bridge over Hozu River. Optional sections for this part of the tour include a Shojin Ryori Vegetarian Lunch, which is a traditional Buddhist lunch, a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train, or a cruise along the Hozugawa River.
Today, we will travel to Nara and visit the Isuien Garden, which is a traditional Japanese Garden with a scenic view structured using “shakkei” or borrowed scenery, fusing the background with the trees within the area. Then, we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and a landmark of Nara, Todaiji Temple. Outside the temple, interact with the wild deer of Nara Deer Park. There are special deer crackers available at every corner of the area. You may also want to add a Bamboo Chasen (tea whisk) making experience to this day to further your understanding of traditional Japanese culture and crafts.
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 the private airport transfer to be included, please contact us for the arrangements.
Other Japan Tours you may interested
Other Japan Tours you may interested
