Japan Tours & Trip Packages

Japan Tours & Trips

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

290 Trips match your criteria (201 - 220 shown)

Independent Tokyo & Kyoto City Stays
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Kyoto, Tokyo

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna in Italy really? Worst part was our guide Alessandro did not wait for us when the group met for the taxi to the airport - we were 5 minutes late. He lied about calling our room - front desk said he had not. Our friends reminded him we were missing but he left anyway - could have been a costly disaster if we didn't run to catch up. Never again!"

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Visions of Japan with Hiroshima & Osaka
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Mount Fuji, Nara, Osaka, Shirakawa, Takayama, Tokyo

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna in Italy really? Worst part was our guide Alessandro did not wait for us when the group met for the taxi to the airport - we were 5 minutes late. He lied about calling our room - front desk said he had not. Our friends reminded him we were missing but he left anyway - could have been a costly disaster if we didn't run to catch up. Never again!"

Trip dates & details
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Independent Treasures of Japan
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna in Italy really? Worst part was our guide Alessandro did not wait for us when the group met for the taxi to the airport - we were 5 minutes late. He lied about calling our room - front desk said he had not. Our friends reminded him we were missing but he left anyway - could have been a costly disaster if we didn't run to catch up. Never again!"

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Visions of Japan with Hiroshima
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Mount Fuji, Nara, Osaka, Shirakawa, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

  • TOKYO City sightseeing; visit the Meiji Shrine
  • Imperial Palace
  • Asakusa Kannon Temple
  • Nakamise shopping arcade
  • Tokyo Skytree; calligraphy class; kimono fitting; [LF] traditional tea ceremony; night walking tour; welcome dinner KAMAKURA See the Great Buddha MOUNT FUJI AREA Cruise on Lake Ashi; cable-car ride to view Mount Fuji MOUNT FUJI AREA–KYOTO Travel by high-speed bullet train KYOTO City sightseeing; visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna in Italy really? Worst part was our guide Alessandro did not wait for us when the group met for the taxi to the airport - we were 5 minutes late. He lied about calling our room - front desk said he had not. Our friends reminded him we were missing but he left anyway - could have been a costly disaster if we didn't run to catch up. Never again!"

Trip dates & details
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Visions of Japan with Osaka
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Kanazawa, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Mount Fuji, Nara, Osaka, Shirakawa, Takayama, Tokyo

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna in Italy really? Worst part was our guide Alessandro did not wait for us when the group met for the taxi to the airport - we were 5 minutes late. He lied about calling our room - front desk said he had not. Our friends reminded him we were missing but he left anyway - could have been a costly disaster if we didn't run to catch up. Never again!"

Trip dates & details
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Independent Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka City Stays
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna in Italy really? Worst part was our guide Alessandro did not wait for us when the group met for the taxi to the airport - we were 5 minutes late. He lied about calling our room - front desk said he had not. Our friends reminded him we were missing but he left anyway - could have been a costly disaster if we didn't run to catch up. Never again!"

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12 Day Japan, Then & Now
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Tour dazzling Tokyo, a city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology Culinary demonstration led by a professional chef -- learn the art of creating sushi and sashimi Visit the serene Meiji Shrine honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress A day of breathtaking natural scenery as you drive to the National Park of Hakone in full view of Mt. Fuji Board the famous shinkansen, or "bullet train" that takes you to Kanazawa south of the Noto Peninsula Travel to the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses In Kagaonsen, stay at a traditional Ryokan (inn) A walking tour of Takayama’s historic district reveals its traditions dating back to the 8th century Discover enchanting Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan Visit Kyoto's Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, and the magnificent gilded Golden Pavilion Experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto at a traditional Tea Ceremony at the Gesshin-in Temple Dinner and traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance reflects the core of Japanese culture Travel to the Imperial capital of Nara, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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14 Day Japan with Hiroshima
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Tour dazzling Tokyo, a city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology Culinary demonstration led by a professional chef -- learn the art of creating sushi and sashimi Visit the serene Meiji Shrine honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress A day of breathtaking natural scenery as you drive to the National Park of Hakone in full view of Mt. Fuji Board the famous shinkansen, or "bullet train" that takes you to Kanazawa south of the Noto Peninsula Travel to the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses In Kagaonsen, stay at a traditional Ryokan (inn) A walking tour of Takayama’s historic district reveals its traditions dating back to the 8th century Discover enchanting Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan Visit Kyoto's Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, and the magnificent gilded Golden Pavilion Experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto at a traditional Tea Ceremony at the Gesshin-in Temple Dinner and traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance reflects the core of Japanese culture Travel to the Imperial capital of Nara, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites Explore the compelling exhibits at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Marvel at the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its iconic floating torii gate †Arrival transfer is available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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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

Truly a magical tour. It will make you want to return .....soon !

If ever you wanted proof that cycling is a great way to get to know a country then this is it. And what a country. So different in every respect to the UK. The ups...

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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.

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On Travelstride you can find 290 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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