Kyoto Tours & Trip Packages

Kyoto Tours & Trips

182 Kyoto trips. Tours from 61 tour companies. 528 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

182 Trips match your criteria (101 - 120 shown)

Imperial China and Japan Tour
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5/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Beijing, Kyoto, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xian

Highlights

  • Explore contemporary imperial Beijing
  • Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City and hutong
  • Enjoy a taste of Beijing roasted duck
  • Visit the terracotta army in ancient capital, Xian
  • Explore the modern futuristic Shanghai
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

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Japan's Cultural Treasures
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Visit the seventh-century Asakusa Kannon Temple
  • The trip to Hakone, located about 50 miles west of Tokyo.
  • Hakone is beloved by the Japanese for its hot-spring resorts, mountains, lakes, and historical sites
  • Visit Hamamatsuya, a workshop specializing in wooden handcrafts.
  • Visit one of the many houses of Kanazawa where the samurai—Japan's famed class of noble warriors—once lived
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Religious

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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Japan Explorer
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • See the modern skyscrapers, including the Tokyo Skytree tower in Tokyo’s downtown
  • See the majestic Mt. Fuji from many vantage points
  • Take-in cultural experiences like a traditional tea ceremony, historic Samurai house and many more
  • Visit various UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Nijo-jo Castle and Kinkakuji Temple

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

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Kyoto Stopover
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Kyoto

Highlights

  • Learn about the unique history of Japan’s cultural and spiritual capital
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nijo-jo Castle and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
  • Explore the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
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Japan Express
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Explore Senso-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred temples
  • See the modern skyscrapers, including the Tokyo Tower in Tokyo’s downtown
  • Learn about the unique history of Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and spiritual capital
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nijo-jo Castle and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
  • Explore the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

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Essence of Japan 2022
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Inspirational
  • innovative and intriguing
  • Japan is a favorite destination with Tauck travelers... where gilded temples and glittering skyscrapers reign over streets steeped in history and tradition.Discover the revered customs and unique sense of beauty that infuse life here... On the main island of Honshu
  • from Tokyo to the hot springs resort town of Hakone and on through the 'Japanese Alps' to Kanazawa and the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto
  • visit a private home for a tea ceremony and Origami... explore castles
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

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Best of Japan
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • See the majestic Mt. Fuji from many vantage points
  • See the modern skyscrapers, including the Tokyo Skytree tower in Tokyo’s downtown
  • Take-in cultural experiences and sights in Kyoto and Nara
  • Learn about the unique history of Hiroshima, before and after the events of WWII

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Essence of Japan 2021
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Inspirational
  • innovative and intriguing
  • Japan is a favorite destination with Tauck travelers... where gilded temples and glittering skyscrapers reign over streets steeped in history and tradition.Discover the revered customs and unique sense of beauty that infuse life here... On the main island of Honshu
  • from Tokyo to the hot springs resort town of Hakone and on through the “Japanese Alps” to Kanazawa and the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto
  • visit a private home for a tea ceremony and Origami... explore castles
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

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

4.8/5  Excellent
528  Reviews
See all Kyoto tour reviews
Excellent
105
Great
11
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
1
T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Simply Japan

Simply Japan was my first tour with Explore. I was nervous about going with a group but I had a great time. We were very lucky to have Karique as our leader. He has ...

D

David

Apr 2024

Written on

Simply Japan

Dean our guide was outstanding, doing everything he could to ensure we had the best experience possible. He was passionate about Japan, took time to learn and explai...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Simply Japan

The tour was quite full on and it felt as though we were moving around quite a lot. Because Japan is so highly organised, this was relatively easy. We were very luck...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Simply Japan

I would have preferred to have more time in Osaka (arrived late afternoon and left 5am following day), and a more central hotel in order to get to different areas of...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Simply Japan

Overall, this trip was everything we wanted to do in Japan for a once in a lifetime trip. Our local guide was very knowledgeable about the locations and culture whic...

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