Transformative Japan Tours & Trip Packages

Transformative Japan Tours & Trips

631 Transformative trips. Tours from 209 tour companies. 1,503 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

24 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Japan
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of glorious Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
  • Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra modernity of Japan’s bullet trains as you zip from place to place.
  • Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama and visit a folk village, tour a 600-year-old market and a enjoy a sake brewery tasting.
  • Visit the Peace Park for moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
  • Finish your tour with three nights in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and home to literally thousands of temples, the Gion District where Geisha entertain the wealthy elite and renowned Kyoto sushi.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Japan Express
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • From the ultra-modern to ancient traditions, this express adventure will introduce you to some of the many faces of Japan in a short amount of time.
  • Visit the little town of Nikko – packed with World Heritage-listed temples and picture-perfect hiking trails, and one of the best backdrops for a soak in a steaming onsen.
  • Eat your way from Tokyo to Kyoto with plenty of chances to try all kinds of delicious street food, sake, snacks and surprises – from a hearty bowl of ramen to world-class sashimi.
  • Even getting from place to place is fun in Japan! Ride the renowned Shinkansen bullet train and make use of public transport day passes to get to and from the activities you choose.
  • With a local leader to show you around, a new group of friends to explore with and plenty of free time for discovery, you’re guaranteed to get the most out of Japan’s wondrous sights.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Discover Japan
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto, Nijo Castle, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Experience the past in takayama's folk village and kyoto's historic centre
  • Explore nijo castle
  • Lose yourself in the picturesque kenroku-en garden
  • Marvel at iconic mt fuji and miyajima's floating torii gate

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Imperial Palace, Kyoto, Nijo Castle, Osaka, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Take in views of mt fuji
  • Stay in temple lodging and learn about buddhism
  • Gaze at the famous floating torii gate in miyajima
  • Explore kyoto's nijo castle

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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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!!!"

Trip dates & details
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Highlights of Tokyo and Seoul for Family Vacation
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5/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Seoul

Highlights

  • Take a glimpse of the culture of East Asia by visiting Tokyo and Seoul;
  • Cooking class for Japanese and Korean cuisine;
  • Enjoy hotspring in Hakone;
  • Shopping in Seoul

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative, Photography

What travelers are saying

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

Trip dates & details
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Splendid Japan and South Korea Tour
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4.8/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Visit Mt Seorak National Park
  • Explore a Korean traditional village in Andong
  • Visit Tumuli Park and Gyeongju National Museum
  • Explore the vibrant Osaka
  • Enjoy exploring Kyoto
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Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, Small Ship Cruise, Transformative, Photography

What travelers are saying

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

Trip dates & details
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Japan: Tip to Toe
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By GeoEx
preferred
5/5 Excellent
19 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Nagasaki, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Visit sacred shrines along UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route
  • Dine with priests in a Mount Koya temple and meet wasabi farmers
  • Linger in soothing hot springs, and spend nights in traditional ryokan and luxurious retreats

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I have had a couple great travel experiences through GeoEx. My first trip, she helped book my travels to Ireland for my brothers wedding. She did a great job coordinating hotels with other family members and planning my entire trip including events, dinners, transportation, etc."

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24 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Japan
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Transformative Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,503  Reviews
See all Transformative tour reviews
Excellent
1,188
Great
316
Average
1
Disappointing
2
Terrible
10
T

Tour-the COVID tour

May 2020

Written on

How to not go tour Morocco

I booked with G Adventures over a year prior to the tour. The primary reason was the 100% guaranteed departures and 24 hour communication. 1 week before I was to lea...

S

Selfish and Lacking Integrity

Apr 2020

Written on

Its my money not yours. No service means no pay!

I am so fully disheartened and disgusted by the handling of G Adventures with this crisis. We paid over 7,000 for our honeymoon tour in Morocco. It was fully paid fo...

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

Write a Review

Transformative Tour Selection Trips

  • Transformative travel may sound like a lofty term, but it really is one of the best ways to describe certain tours. Keep an open mind!
  • These kinds of tours are often challenging emotionally. You may find yourself in the midst of poverty, or learn about some devastating effects on local wildlife due to human activity.
  • Discovering and learning about different cultural perspectives is a key component of transformative travel. Ask a lot of questions and listen closely - you may be surprised as your perspective begins to shift.
  • Being out in nature is another key component on transformative tours. Reconnect with your soul on a fundamental level through outdoor meditation and invigorating activity.
  • The world today is very individual focused. Particularly younger people are used to maintaining their own world from their palm - across social media platforms and other apps. Transformative travel will present you with the unique opportunity to challenge this way of life and participate in a community atmosphere off the internet - both with your tour companions and with the people you meet.

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