Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature on this five-day hiking trip along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Feudal lords and samurai once walked this mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, stopping to rest in historic jukus, or Edo-era post towns, each night. You'll follow in their footsteps as you trek through picturesque valleys, explore idyllic villages, sleep in traditional inns, and relax in the thermal waters of hot springs along the hike.
Get off the beaten path and onto the Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails in the remote Kii Peninsula. Trek to grand shrines and thermal hot springs on this self-guided trip, great for those looking to challenge themselves with full-day hikes through hilly terrain. You'll be rewarded, however, with unforgettable experiences as you follow in the footsteps of emperors.
Take a walk through time on this 10-day Japan tour. The highlight of this journey is a self-guided walk on the Nakasendo Trail, a historic walking route that's part of feudal Japan's original network of highways. Historically, travelers on the mountain path between Kyoto and Tokyo took several days to travel the distance, staying overnight in jukus (post towns or post station villages). You'll retrace their footsteps as you meander through serene forests, dip in thermal springs, and rest in local inns by night, taking time to explore the vibrant cities of Kyoto and Tokyo at the start and end of the trip.
Welcome to Japan! On this two-week journey around the main island, Honshu, you'll enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and active adventures. Visit sacred temples and shrines, cycle through the countryside, and wander around Tokyo's most fashionable neighborhoods. From the history of Hiroshima and the wonders of ancient Kyoto to the historic farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the quiet island of Miyajima, there's so much to see and do.
Get ready for an unforgettable village-to-village trek on the Kii Peninsula along sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Perfect for avid hikers, this self-guided tour will take you past thermal hot springs, grand shrines, and waterfalls as you walk in the footsteps of emperors.
Eat your way through the Land of the Rising Sun on this immersive culinary tour. Get to know Japanese history and culture through its legendary cuisine, and treat your taste buds to everything from home-brewed sake to the freshest sushi, to delectable street food and a fancy gourmet feast.
Just as fascinating as Japan's ultra-modern urban culture is its spectacular natural scenery. On this 10-day adventure, you'll venture beyond the glittering cities to explore Japan's stunning natural wonders and learn about the country's ancient cultural traditions. Visit ancient shrines, climb mountain peaks, wander through lush bamboo forests, learn about geisha culture and fine arts customs, and marvel at the country's most prized landscape garden. You'll end the journey in quiet Kyoto, enjoying a boat cruise on the Hozugawa River past vibrant cherry blossoms.
This 10-day itinerary follows the path of Japan's ancient Tokaido Highway (the Golden Route) from the skyscrapers of ultra-modern Tokyo to the cultural heart of Kyoto. In between the two cities, you'll stop in the beautiful town of Hakone to soak up Mount Fuji views, hot springs, and excellent museums. Traveling by bullet train, your flexible Japan Rail Pass offers plenty of day-trips for a truly customizable adventure.
This weeklong adventure splits its time between two of Japan's most important cities with a mix of customizable tours and free time to explore on your own. Start off in Tokyo for a taste of modern Japan with top-notch architecture, animé, modern art, high fashion, and cuisine. Then head to traditional Kyoto for beautiful temples and shrines, ancient gardens, and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and calligraphy.
This diverse 10-day itinerary leads you through Japan's four major cities. Start in Tokyo, exploring the city's ultra-modern technology and ancient monuments. Then head to the quiet shrines of traditional Kyoto, the buzzing food scene of trendy Osaka, and the historic landmarks and lively downtown of Hiroshima. Along the way, you'll visit beautiful islands and bamboo forests, sample regional delicacies on a food tour, see sumo wrestlers in action, and try locally produced sake and whiskey.
The combination of historic and modern beauty makes Japan the ideal vacation destination. On this journey of old world-meets-new world, you will explore the progressive city of Tokyo, along with strolling through pockets of old Japan. Excursions into the hot springs of Gero Onsen and the gardens of Kanazawa will allow you to experience the preservation of nature. Even still, you can channel Japan’s past–in present-day–by taking up residency in a thatched-roof farmhouse in Shirakawa-go, connecting with long-time local artisans in Takayama, and exploring the ancient temples of Kyoto.
This 10-day trip will take you to 2 of the biggest cities in Japan—Tokyo and Osaka—but will mostly focus on some of the lesser known islands surrounding the mainland. Hachijojima has some of the best star gazing in the country, Aogashima is literally a volcano in a volcano and absolutely beautiful, and the Goto islands have a fascinating history.
Perfect for active walkers, this trip combines a four-day walk on Japan's Nakasendo Trail, which connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the days of shoguns and samurai, with a visit to three historic Japanese capitals, Tokyo, Nara, and Kyoto. You'll begin your trip in Tokyo, then take to the trail and stay in post towns once used as feudal-era stopover points. You'll visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara, Yoshino, and Mount Koya, then spend two nights in Kyoto, where geisha still entertain well-heeled guests and Buddhist temples beckon.
The beautiful ancient city of Kyoto is the spiritual home of Japan and the perfect base for this week-long cycling adventure. Explore the streets of Kyoto by bike and venture further afield as you delve into Japanese culture and cuisine. Take an exhilarating ride from the city to sacred Mount Koya and around the region's stunning landscape for an unforgettable vacation.
Along with two major cities–modern Tokyo and traditional Kyoto–this itinerary also takes you to the beautiful mountainside areas of Nikko and Hakone. The former is a place of much spiritual significance, and the latter is one of the best areas in the country to experience the Japanese hot springs. A mixture of old-meets-new Japan, this trip has all you need to experience multiple sides of the country.
On this scenic trip, you'll visit two of the largest cities in Japan: Tokyo and Osaka. However, your itinerary will mostly focus on some of the lesser-known islands surrounding the mainland. Hachijojima has some of the best stargazing in the country, Aogashima is a tiny, beautiful volcanic island, and the Goto islands have an impressive history with stunning beaches. Discover a side of Japan most visitors never get to see!
Discover both the traditional and modern sides of Japan as you visit various shrines and temples, witness technological innovation at an amazing digital art exhibition and crazy (in a very good way) robot show, and get involved in a few hands-on cooking and craft classes. For a trip which aims to give you the best overview of Japan as possible, you can't do any better.
Experience the tranquil magic of a Japanese winter during this immersive 8-day itinerary. Starting in Kyoto, you’ll head to the snowy Kiso Valley to hike along the ancient Nakasendo Trail, spending each night in quaint wooden villages or hot spring inns. After a week spent savoring regional cuisine, snowshoeing through cedar forests, and soaking in natural mineral pools, you’ll spend a final night enjoying the hustle and bustle of Tokyo—the historic endpoint of the trail.
This short but sweet five-day trip to Japan is filled with cultural experiences. Covering two major cities, Tokyo and Kyoto, the adventure takes you to see two completely different sides of Japan. In Tokyo, you’ll experience modern art in Odaiba and dine at Robot Restaurant. In Kyoto, you’ll learn about ancient Japanese traditions and geisha culture. Try your hand at sushi-making, then tour some of the country's most famous shrines and temples before the trip comes to a close.
Equally known for its vibrant city life and mountainous beauty, Japan offers a well-rounded visit, filled with liveliness, adventure, and variety. On your 12-day journey, you will explore the high-energy tech and fashion trends of Tokyo, enjoy the breathtaking views and temples of Kyoto, and relax at a hot springs retreat in Hakone. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, complete with the exceptional, authentic dining of Osaka.
Explore the coast of the Sea of Japan, then head across southern Japan to visit towns and islands on the Seto Inland Sea. You'll spend twelve days discovering Japanese history and culture as you visit shrines, temples, castles, museums, and even a preserved silver mine. See how miso paste, sake, and pottery are made and soak in hot spring baths. You'll come away with a true appreciation for the traditions and history of southern Japan.
Spend 10 days walking and hiking Shikoku's 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail, visiting historic Buddhist temples along the way. You'll see pilgrims, easily identified by their white clothing and walking staff, who spend weeks on the trail visiting all 88 temples. As you explore castles, small villages, and larger communities, sample local specialties and stay in traditional inns or pilgrims' lodgings, you'll get a real taste of Shikoku's unique culture.
Traveling together as a family is such a special experience, and this 10-day action-packed adventure is specifically designed with families in mind. From Kanto to Kansai, this trip takes you from Tokyo and its modern, bustling streets to Kyoto with its tight hold on tradition. It's the perfect way to take in all that Japan has to offer while having plenty of family fun.
Offering ancient traditions and futuristic fun, Japan is filled with one-of-a-kind attractions for the young — and the young at heart. This two-week family-friendly itinerary features a great mix of cultural sightseeing and hands-on activities, like a sushi class and a samurai sword-fighting course. You'll explore the character cafés and comic book shops of Tokyo, boat on a lake near Mount Fuji, and wander through towering groves of bamboo in Arashiyama, taking time to learn about history in Hiroshima and Kyoto. Rounding out the trip are day trips to two world-class theme parks: Disney Sea and Universal Studios Japan. This action-packed journey is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
This 14-day trip takes you to the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, where you'll experience a mix of modern culture and timeworn traditions. You'll also venture to the temples and shrines in Nikko and a hot springs retreat in Hakone. The last leg takes you to Nara, known for its free-roaming deer, and Hiroshima, where you'll witness the flourishing rebuild of one of Japan's most historically significant towns.
This 16-day adventure tour is specifically designed for nature lovers, where you'll visit remote destinations rarely seen by tourists, go on beautiful hikes with stunning scenery, and visit islands brimming with life. Leave the hustle and bustle of Tokyo behind as you traverse the well-worn paths of the mountain mystics, and enjoy a boat ride down Takachiho Gorge.
Combine the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps with visits to historic post towns in this 6-day walking adventure. Hike across mountain passes and descend into villages filled with craft shops, gorgeous architecture, and picturesque streets, all while enjoying dramatic views of the alpine scenery. End your trip with an unforgettable hike through Kamikochi Wetlands, but not before sleeping each night in traditional onsen ryokans and enjoying daily hot spring baths.
This weeklong trip to Japan packs in plenty of exploration, so you can discover a good amount of the country’s culture and history. Experience life in bustling Tokyo, and then immerse yourself in a slower way of living among the mountains and temples of Kyoto. In between your visit to both major cities, you’ll get to relax, kick back, and soak in the rejuvenating hot springs of Hakone.
This 6-day winter tour starts in the buzzy city of Matsumoto and continues into the scenic Japanese Alps for adventures like snowshoeing tours, cable-car rides, and peaceful walks through snow corridors. Stay in traditional alpine villages like Nagano and Oku-Hida where you'll sleep at onsen ryokan inns with relaxing hot springs. End your trip by preparing and eating traditional Japanese cuisine with locals before enjoying a little retail therapy in the city of Takayama.
This 16-day adventure is planned with nature lovers in mind, who also want a touch of Japan's urban highlights. You'll traverse the well-worn paths of the mountain monks, breathe in the history of temples which have endured for centuries, take a boat ride down Takachiho Gorge and test your endurance as you hike Mount Misen, off the coast of Hiroshima. This tour offers a nice balance of remote destinations rarely seen by tourists, combined with museum visits and culinary experiences in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima.
This exciting itinerary goes beyond normal expectations by including a diverse range of activities for an authentic travel experience. Immerse yourself in Japan's state of the art tech in Tokyo and visit an interactive art museum on the man-made island Odaiba prior to traveling to Fujikawaguchiko where you can look at the famous Mount Fuji volcano while relaxing in an onsen hot spring. You will then depart for Nagoya and visit interactive robots as well as the Ise Jingu Grand Shrine before a bullet train takes you to Kanazawa which has many historic samurai homes and the charming village Gokayama and finally, you will tour your final destination Kyoto by bicycle and discover breathtaking temples as well as the lively city culture.
This trip will take you to all the places you shouldn't miss on your first trip to Japan. Discover both the traditional and modern sides of Japan at shrines and temples, witness technological innovation at an amazing digital art exhibition and a crazy robot cabaret, and get involved in hands-on cooking and craft classes. This 13-day tour is a perfect introduction to the best of Japan.
This two-week itinerary takes you on a whirlwind tour through Japan's greatest highlights. Walk the streets of hyper-modern Tokyo and Osaka, hike to a sacred Buddhist monastery at Koyasan, soak in hot springs under Mount Fiji, and step back in time in historic Kyoto. From ancient temples to futuristic art shows, vibrant cities to secluded mountaintops, you'll experience a little bit of everything on this adventurous journey.
Discover the pristine natural landscape of Hokkaido on this 7-day winter itinerary. Japan’s second-largest main island is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers, with snow-capped mountain ranges, serene forests, and deep crater lakes. Starting in Kushiro on the east coast, you’ll travel north, heading into the winter wilderness of Akan-Mashu National Park. Visit UNESCO World Heritage nature reserves, experience spectacular snow-covered landscapes, and spot rare wildlife unique to Hokkaido before ending your adventure on the magnificent Shiretoko Peninsula.
This unique 14-day tour will take you to the major cities and destinations of Japan as well as hidden destinations that few tourists explore. You'll see Tokyo's futuristic neon lights, explore rice fields during a homestay in Izumo, wander through traditional temples in the company of native deer in Nara, relax on pristine beaches in the remote Goto islands, and more. Traveling through various destinations by steam train, ferry, and a traditional boat, you'll get an intimate glimpse into Japanese ways of life.
This 12-day trip combines the best of Japan's major cities, historic places, and natural areas. You'll explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, as well as to the beautiful mountainside town of Nikko and the relaxing hot springs of Hakone. Enjoy everything Japan has to offer, including its culture, art, temples and shrines, and tasty, traditional cuisine.
This active 9-day itinerary takes you on a memorable journey through central Japan's history and culture, from ultra-modern Tokyo to the historic imperial capital of Kyoto. In between, you'll visit the famous gardens of Kanazawa, cycle through traditional thatched villages of the Hida region, walk portions of the ancient Nakasendo Trail, and explore the preserved post towns of the Kiso Valley.
Embark on a journey through Japan’s cultural past with this immersive two-week itinerary. Starting in the modern capital of Tokyo, you’ll travel north to traditional mountain hot springs before making your way through the historic post towns of the ancient Nakasendo Trail. Wander through the 16th-century architecture of Takayama, discover the alpine valleys and traditional thatched-roof farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, and step back in time in the imperial capital of Kyoto. Spend a night with Buddhist monks at the mountaintop temples of Mount Koya before returning to Tokyo for a final evening in the city that never sleeps.
Explore the breathtaking natural scenery of the Noto Peninsula in this 7-day cycling tour, starting in the bustling cities of Kyoto and Kanazawa. Cycle along coastal routes with stunning vistas overlooking the seaside, sandy beaches, and rice fields as you make your way to the charming villages of Togi, Wajima, and Suzushi where you'll stay in traditional, family-run guesthouses. Finish your trip on Notojima Island and in the town of Ogi, stopping at Sojiji Temple and a traditional hot-spring onsen before returning to Kyoto.
Spend four days exploring the historic Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail in Ehime Prefecture on this self-guided tour. You'll meet white-clad pilgrims dedicated to walking the entire trail as you visit several of Ehime's iconic Buddhist temples and discover Shikoku's pilgrimage traditions. Relax in a hot spring bath after a visit to Matsuyama Castle and enjoy local hospitality in shukubo (pilgrim lodgings) and ryokan (traditional inns).
Get off the beaten path and enjoy the exceptional beauty of Lake Biwa on this 7-day tour starting in Moriyama. Covering relatively short distances each day on an e-bike, you'll see Japan's landscapes and culture from a unique perspective. Visit historic villages such as Omi-Hachiman, Sugaura, and Harie, where you can sample local cuisine, learn about regional culture, and enjoy forest and beach scenery. Stop at shrines, take a cable car to the top of Mt. Shizugatake, and enjoy a boat ride to the spiritual Chikubujima Island, all while sleeping at traditional guesthouses with onsen, or hot spring baths.
Explore mountain villages, snowcapped peaks, and Onsen hot springs on this 6-day winter journey into the heart of Japan’s Northern Alps. Start in the feudal castle town of Matsumoto, venture into the Oku-Hida Mountains to find biodiverse highlands and secluded Ryokan inns, and end your stay in Hida-Furukawa and Takayama for an unforgettable winter experience.
Explore the ancient capitals of Japan by foot on this walking tour along the country's oldest known road. Visit Tanzan Shrine, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, and wander the streets of Nara's Edo-period merchant district. Walk through forests dotted with statues of the Buddha, and deepen your understanding of Japanese culture with an overnight stay in a ryokan (traditional inn) or minshuku (family-run guesthouse)—or, spend a night or two getting to know a local family with a Japanese homestay.
Explore the breathtaking natural scenery of the Noto Peninsula in this 6-day tour, starting in the bustling cities of Kyoto and Kanazawa. Cycle along coastal routes with stunning vistas overlooking the seaside, sandy beaches, and rice fields as you make your way to the charming villages of Togi, Wajima, and Suzushi where you'll stay in traditional, family-run guesthouses. Finish your trip on Notojima Island and in the town of Ogi, stopping at Sojiji Temple and a traditional hot-spring onsen before returning to Kyoto.
Indulge your sense of adventure while soaking up history and taking in the scenery of Hiroshima, the Seto Inland Sea, and Shikoku. You'll walk, hike, cycle and paddle to temples, islands, shrines, and memorials and get a true sense of life in Seto Inland Sea communities. This trip is designed to accommodate travelers who are used to easy walks, hikes, and bicycle trips and is suitable for children ages 12 and up.
Ski, snowboard, and sip sake on this two-week adventure around Japan's wintry landscapes. From Kyoto to Tokyo, this active journey will give you the opportunity to see both the modern and traditional sides of Japan. You'll also see futuristic art and have some fun on the slopes of Niigata, dipping in the nearby natural hot springs afterward.
This action-packed 10-day adventure around Japan is perfect for families! The itinerary leads you from the neon lights, futuristic interactive art, and whimsical character cafés of Tokyo to peaceful Lake Kawaguchi, where you'll have the option to visit a nearby ninja theme park or ride one of the steepest roller coasters in the world. Then it's onward to Kyoto, where you'll learn how to make creative Japanese-style sweets and attend a tea ceremony. Travelers of all ages will enjoy visiting temples, bamboo groves, and shrines on the last few days of the trip in Arashiyama, Nara, and Osaka.
The sakura, or cherry blossom, is the national flower of Japan and a symbol of renewal. It's no wonder that spring is the best time to visit the country! If you're lucky enough to travel to Japan during the brief blooming season, you'll be treated to the sight of the pale pink flowers almost everywhere you look. This 7-day tour takes you around to top sakura-spotting destinations in Osaka, Kyoto, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, with breaks for cultural sightseeing along the way. You'll end the itinerary with a dedicated cherry blossom tour around Tokyo, including classic photo ops of Mount Fuji in the distance — framed by flowers, of course.
Steaming hot springs, a smoking volcano, quiet canals, a ghostly island — on this 10-day adventure, you'll focus on outdoor attractions on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Start in the capital city of Fukuoka, day-tripping to peaceful Yanagawa, a Venice-like town laced with canals. Then spend several days exploring Beppu, famous for its natural hot springs, before continuing to the grasslands and mountains of Aso. Climb Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, before wrapping up the trip in Nagasaki with a boat ride to a deserted island and a cable car journey to one of the world's best night views.
This weeklong journey focuses on Japan's busy cities, including ultra-modern Tokyo and historic Hiroshima. You'll explore the contemporary art scene, dine in a character café, walk around streets lit up with neon at night, and tour temples and historic sites. But the itinerary also features quieter experiences, featuring day trips to the shrines of Nara, a traditional village where you'll learn about the art of kimono design, and a lookout point where you'll get the best photo ops of snow-capped Mount Fuji.
Slow down and savor the spiritual and traditional elements of Japan on this weeklong trip. You'll start by sampling regional street food in Osaka, nicknamed "the kitchen of Japan," followed by a day of sightseeing with a local guide. Then you'll move on to the holy temple complex of Koyasan, where you'll have the chance to observe monks during their early morning prayers. Continue to Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan, to learn about traditional fine arts, including tea ceremonies and flower arranging. Side-trip to the forest trails and UNESCO-honored temples of Nara before the trip comes to an end.
Enjoy the quiet scenery and traditional Japanese culture in Kyoto on this refreshing adventure. In just five days, you'll visit sacred shrines, wander through ancient forests, take a boat cruise down a river lined with cherry blossoms, practice meditation with a Buddhist monk, and learn about the traditional arts of calligraphy and flower arranging. You'll also detour to the historic city of Nara, famed for its giant Buddha statue and resident population of deer, before returning to Kyoto for one last evening of sampling sushi and sake.
This short but wide-ranging tour of Japanese cities takes you to Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo — not to mention the mountainous resort town of Hakone. In just five days, you'll see the tallest building in Japan, gaze at Mount Fuji in the distance, go on a guided tour of the historic temples and shrines of Kyoto, and learn about the devastating World War II bombing of Hiroshima before exploring the city's contemporary downtown. Dip in the natural hot springs of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, tour Osaka Castle, and appreciate the refinement of traditional Japanese arts: it's all included on this enriching 5-day adventure.
From sumo and sake to ultra-contemporary art and historic shrines, this 5-day adventure in Tokyo offers a well-balanced mix of traditional Japanese culture and modern urban life. As you explore one of the world's most vibrant cities, you'll go back in time, visiting landmark shrines, as well as a museum and a cultural theme park, to learn about Edo-era Japan. After witnessing sumo wrestlers in training and tasting sake, you'll see edgy interactive art at TeamLab and bar-hop in the Golden Gai district. These five days are rich with experiences you'll remember for a lifetime!
This photogenic 7-day tour of Japan offers an unbeatable mix of popular attractions and off-the-beaten-path gems. You'll experience the country's beauty, starting in vibrant Tokyo and continuing to the temples, shines, and gorgeously landscaped gardens of Kanazawa. Side-trip to Shirakawago, where charming wooden farmhouses were built to withstand heavy snow in winter — if you're lucky, you'll see the village under a blanket of white! Then end with a couple of days in Kyoto, learning about geisha culture and traditional arts like flower arranging. From start to finish, this colorful itinerary is a visual extravaganza.
