Japan Internal airfare and ground transport Tours & Trip...

Japan Internal airfare and ground transport Tours & Trips

289 Japan trips. Tours from 108 tour companies. 740 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

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Internal airfare and ground transport
16-Day Japan and China Discovery Tour
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By China Highlights
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Danang, Halong Bay , Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xian

Highlights

  • Enter into the history of China and Japan by visiting UNESCO sites and discovering their hidden corners.
  • Taste the exotic savory flavors of East Asia.
  • Make your own terracotta warriors after finding out the secrets of the Terracotta Army.
  • Delight in the captivating panorama of Tokyo city from the heights of the renowned Sky Tree Tower.
  • Experience the breathtaking scenery of Hakone from multiple perspectives.
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I've just returned from my trip to China, a week ago. I've seen many-many interesting places of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. But most of all i liked my 2-days trip to Longshen villages with my guide Frank from chinahighlights. The day before our trip has started, in Guilin, Frank met me in hotel and told about our journey. Next 2 days we visited traditional ancient chinese villages (the biggest from them are Ping'an and Dazhai), walking around them, saw the rice-terraces landscape (it was really unbelievable). Also we had a hiking between villages, and stayed at night at ZhongLiu village. I haven't seen any tourists in this village, even chinese tourists. It was fantastic cause we've seen real chinese life of local people, including, for example, planting vegetables, collecting tea). Very quiet, fresh air, natural food. Yes, in this village almost no shops, no souvenirs, but you dont need them. All around you a hundred times better. I advice all, who wants to see real chinese life, visit this place, especially this village, stay at night there. Thanks very much to my guide Frank and chinahighlights for this trip!"

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Japan Essentials: From Tokyo to Osaka
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Hakone, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Osaka, Tokyo

Highlights

  • See the Neon skyscrapers blend with ancient temples, painting a captivating urban mosaic in Tokyo.
  • Find tranquility in nature and soak in rejuvenating hot springs in Hakone.
  • Explore cultural treasures wandering beneath vivid torii gates at Fushimi Inari-Taisha.
  • Immerse in Dotonbori's vibrant scene and relish Kansai's diverse cuisine.
  • Cruise against the backdrop of iconic Mount Fuji's stunning beauty.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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Japan Gourmet Tour
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Osaka, Osaka Castle, Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Enjoy your visit to the "Kitchen of Japan" – Osaka and relish in a food-hunting tour.
  • Explore the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine and enjoy the sake tasting in Kyoto.
  • Attend a ramen-making class at a local factory and savor your personalized bowl of ramen for lunch.
  • Visit the well-known Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine and enjoy a whisky-tasting experience.
  • Discover Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market and enjoy a hands-on sushi-making class.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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Cherry Blossoms of Japan
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Ginza, Hakone, Hasedera Temple, Kamakura, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kusakabe Folk Museum, Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Mt. Fuji, Nara, Osaka, Osaka Castle, Senso-ji Temple, Shirakawa, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Relish in the beautiful cherry blossoms at the top places like Tokyo, Kamakura, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kyoto, and Osaka.
  • Delight in a relaxed cruise to take in the cherry blossom vistas lining both banks of the Sumida River.
  • Cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko to admire the beauty of Mt. Fuji.
  • Visit the city highlights in Kyoto, like the Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
  • Discover the historic Osaka Castle, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, and Osaka Mint Bureau.

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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Japan Family Tour: Shrines & Nakasendo Trail
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Hakone, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Mt. Fuji, Nagoya, Nagoya City Science Museum, Nakasendo Trail, Narai, Nijo Castle, Osaka, SCMAGLEV Railway Park, Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, Tsumago

Highlights

  • Get lost in the ancient shrines and temples in Tokyo.
  • Take in the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Mount Fuji in Hakone.
  • Explore the ancient post-towns along the Nakasendo trails.
  • Enjoy Kyoto's rich culture by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine and experiencing a traditional tea ceremony.
  • Participate in a fun-filled cooking class with your children in Osaka.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Family Friendly, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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Japanese Alps Hiking Tour
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kamikochi, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Shirakawago, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Traverse the breathtaking Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, unveiling awe-inspiring vistas.
  • Hike through Kamikochi's ancient cedar forest, tracing rivers, and gazing at the Yake volcano.
  • Explore Tokyo's vibrant palaces and neon streets, and Kyoto's serene temples and geisha districts.
  • Admire Mount Fuji's graceful majesty and relax in tranquil hot springs.
  • Discover Kanazawa's exquisite Kenroku-en Garden and the untouched charm of Shirakawago thatched-roof villages.

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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Japan Autumn Tour Inclu. Kumano Kodo
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arashiyama, Kawaguchiko Lake

Highlights

  • Bask in the golden glow of Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue in Tokyo.
  • Marvel at the Chureito Pagoda framed by crimson leaves in Kawaguchiko.
  • Find enchantment at Kyoto's picturesque Kiyomizu-dera, adorned in autumnal splendor.
  • Savor the beauty of mountain trails and sacred sites in the Kumano Kodo and experience Japan's autumn allure.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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2-Week Japan Private Family Vacation
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By China Highlights
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Kyoto, Nagoya, Nara, Osaka, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Wash your hands in the Meiji Shrine and connect with Japanese traditions.
  • Experience the rich heritage of Japan by visiting various UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the country.
  • Dive headfirst into the pulsating center of Tokyo's youth culture.
  • See the panorama of Tokyo city from the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world.
  • Unleash your culinary creativity in a ramen-making experience for the whole family in Tokyo.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I've just returned from my trip to China, a week ago. I've seen many-many interesting places of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. But most of all i liked my 2-days trip to Longshen villages with my guide Frank from chinahighlights. The day before our trip has started, in Guilin, Frank met me in hotel and told about our journey. Next 2 days we visited traditional ancient chinese villages (the biggest from them are Ping'an and Dazhai), walking around them, saw the rice-terraces landscape (it was really unbelievable). Also we had a hiking between villages, and stayed at night at ZhongLiu village. I haven't seen any tourists in this village, even chinese tourists. It was fantastic cause we've seen real chinese life of local people, including, for example, planting vegetables, collecting tea). Very quiet, fresh air, natural food. Yes, in this village almost no shops, no souvenirs, but you dont need them. All around you a hundred times better. I advice all, who wants to see real chinese life, visit this place, especially this village, stay at night there. Thanks very much to my guide Frank and chinahighlights for this trip!"

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Internal airfare and ground transport

Japan Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
740  Reviews
See all Japan tour reviews
Excellent
207
Great
83
Average
9
Disappointing
3
Terrible
5
E

Emma

Oct 2015

Written on

Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised

Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised and free time. Great travelling by train

J

John

Oct 2015

Written on

The format of the trip enabled two

The format of the trip enabled two significant factors to coincide to make the entire experience overwhelmingly positive. 1. Our trip guide - Yuri Awanohara, made th...

F

Fenella

Oct 2015

Written on

Great introduction to the country. Variety of

Great introduction to the country. Variety of activities and all well planned by guide Yuri

P

Paul

Sep 2015

Written on

well organised we appreciated not going to the

well organised we appreciated not going to the expensive, flashy and touristy restaurants, which gave us a good varied eating experience good mix of organised and ...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Cycling in Japan

This is a great holiday for those who enjoy cycling in great scenery and want to learn a bit about Japanese culture and the Japanese way of life en route. It of...

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Japan Tour Selection Trips

  • There are a few main attractions that are seasonal, so planning around on of these might be a good way to help build your trip. The cherry blossom viewings can be from late March through April; climbing Mount Fuji is best in the summer months; and Sapporo Ice Festival and skiing is prime for January/February.
  • On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from the top of the Tokyo Tower, so plan to go on a clear day.
  • Japan has many traditions, such as taking off your shoes in certain places, and especially when visiting temples, so be sure to be respectful and even do some research or ask your hotel concierge what you should know before going.
  • Be sure to stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inn) at least one night. It really fulfills the Japanese experience with the tatami mat flooring, rice-paper sliding doors, and sleeping on futons.

Additional details

Japan is a fascinating country - with something for everyone. It is popular among history buffs eager to learn about the ancient samurai culture, foodies who love sampling unique culinary items, and outdoorsy travelers looking to ski in some of the most pristine mountains in the world.

The Japanese culture is complex but friendly - their customs are important to them; politeness and timeliness are heavily valued traits. Traveling with a tour can help ease some of the stress that might come with navigating the Japanese culture and language.

When is the cherry blossom season in Japan?

Cherry blossom season in Japan is in early April on the mainland. This is one of the most popular times of year to travel to Japan, with hundreds of thousands of people visiting to see the bright pink and red cherry blossoms.

The season is relatively short, especially if you stay in the major towns and cities. And locals as well get very exciting about seeing the cherry blossoms - a flower commonly depicted in Japanese imagery throughout the centuries. So definitely expect some unavoidable crowds if you plan to visit Japan for the cherry blossom season.

Is Japan Expensive?

How much does it cost to take a tour of Japan? Is Japan more expensive than other Asian countries or Europe? While, yes, a vacation in Japan isn’t cheap, it is not prohibitively expensive, either. And what’s more, the experiences and memories you make on your Japan tour are undoubtedly worth every penny you have saved. 

There are countless ways to save money during your guided tour of Japan, from living off curry bowls and sushi train restaurants, to using public transportation. To ensure lower airfare and tour prices overall, look for trips during the off season, from November to March and during the summer months, from June to September. March to May and September to November will always be the most expensive. 

For the most economies of scale, travel to Japan with a tour operator. They’re expert in the destination and have all the right connections to ensure the best value for accommodations, transportation, sightseeing fees, food and more. Plus, they’ll have your back in an unfamiliar country, where the language and customs are very different from home.

Your tour operator will be key in parsing out just what you want to see, based on your interests, whether that’s city or countryside, and doing it in an educated, value-added way based on their years of experience. Consider mixing and matching your trip to include both small-group travel in Japan with some independent travel once you’ve gotten your legs under you. 

Be flexible about planning your Japan tour and you’ll find that the pieces will fall into place in terms of budget. There are enough choices about accommodations, activities and transportation to run the gamut from shoestring budget to top-end luxury. One thing remains constant: A trip to Japan is completely worth it.

Weather in Japan

When should you travel to Japan for the best weather? There is something appealing about all of Japan’s four seasons, so this answer depends on just what you’re hoping to do during your Japan guided tour.

In general, for the most mild weather conditions, spring and autumn are the best time to visit Japan, though summer and winter have their benefits as well. 

Let’s start with the two most popular times to visit Japan: spring and summer. Springtime in Japan is considered March through May, when it’s warm, but not too hot. There is very little rain at this time. The plum trees start flowering early, followed by the famous cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossom season extends into April and includes Golden Week at the end of the month, a period of four national holidays within one week. If your escorted Japan tour will include Golden Week, we suggest making your reservations well ahead of time, as this is one of Japan's busiest holiday seasons. 

October and November are the best autumn months to visit Japan, past the oppressive heat of the summer and the typhoon season along the coasts of Okinawa, Kyushu and Shikoku. The flowering trees of summer have given way to equally impressive autumn shades in the north and at higher elevations. 

Don’t shy away from traveling to Japan in the winter, between December and February. The country transforms into a magical snow-covered wonderland, with world-class skiing opportunities, snow festivals and delightful hot springs soaks. It’s not as cold in Okinawa as in other regions of Japan, so if you prefer the mild side of cold, center your tour there. 

Winter in Japan includes the busy travel season of New Year’s, which can be very popular and thus requires advance planning. Opt, instead, for February when the tourist crowds are smaller. February is a great month for snow sports in Japan, when Northern Japan and the Sea of Japan coast receive a lot of snow.

Look for winter tours that include seeing the drift ice off Hokkaido and the snow-covered houses and trees of Shirakawago. Keep in mind that the days are relatively short during the winter months and where there is not pretty snowfall, the landscape is fairly barren. 

Finally, the least popular time to visit Japan is in the summer, from June to August, when heavy rainfalls are practically guaranteed. The temperatures and the humidity is sky-high. If you are traveling to Japan in the summer, we suggest looking for tours that include the northern region of Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu. Hokkaido is less affected by the rainfall, so it remains a popular outdoor activity destination throughout the summer.

Where to Ski in Japan

There are several ski resort destinations in Japan, covering a wide range of “traditional” ski lodges to resorts to smaller mom and pops.

There are two main regions for skiing in Japan, both of which hosted the Winter Olympics. Hokkaido, which hosted in 1972 offers a more “westernized” feel” when it comes to the ski resorts and ski culture.

The other main region for skiing in Japan is Nagano, which hosted the winter olympics in 1998. Here you can expect a more traditional Japanese approach in the ski villages and lodges - many accommodations are offered in Japanese inns called “ryokans”. This would be the place to go to an Onsen for the truly unique experience of bathing in a warm outdoor pool as the snow falls.

When is the Ski Season in Japan?

Skiers around the world get very excited about skiing in Japan for the powdery snow. The best month for Japan’s renowned powder conditions is January. Expect pretty heavy crowds of enthusiastic skiers eager to experience some of best powder skiing in the world.

The Japanese ski season is shorter than in the United States, plan to visit between December and late February / early march for the best snow.

Choosing a Tour in Japan

With so many great options out there in the Japan small-group tour arena, you may be asking, “How do I pick the best Japan tour for me?” Consider these questions as you do your research:

What do I want to get from my Japan experience?

Get in touch with your inner explorer and determine what is most important to you. Cherry blossoms? Hiking? Skiing? Shrines and temples? Shopping and food? Then look for small-group guided Japan tours with these filters to see what best matches your interests. 

How many days do I want to travel in Japan?

To maximize your experience and get the most out of your trip, we suggest a 10- to 14-day Japan guided tour. If you have a full two weeks, you’ll have time to adjust to the time zone, explore the greater Tokyo area and then branch out from there to different landscapes and historical and cultural centers.

How are you traveling?

Are you looking for a completely guided, escorted tour of Japan or would you like to have some independent travel days in your itinerary? With a country with a significant language barrier, such as Japan, it can be beneficial to travel with a small group.

The professional and expert planning and support throughout the trip will save you time and money and help you get the most from your time in the country. Your Japan guide will know the best times to visit attractions to avoid large crowds, can help with the language, knows how to navigate transportation and has insight to share about the local culture and traditions.

Of course, if you are interested in doing the research and planning much of the trip yourself, there are excellent tour operators that work in this way, providing a backbone for your Japan trip, and being there as behind-the-scenes support in case you need it.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 289 trips to Japan and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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