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Japan Tours

Discover cosmopolitan Tokyo, explore the cultural heart of Kyoto, and enjoy local insider experiences in Japan's rural villages. Appreciate the natural beauty of Mt Fuji and Oirase Gorge, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, and see skyscrapers and zen gardens coexisting in chaotic serenity. Experience the bullet trains on a rail journey or explore this country of contrasts on a small group or escorted coach tour of Japan.

Popular Tours

9 Days Osaka to Tokyo

Operator: G Adventures

From 2,974pp
Save 642pp

13 Days Tokyo to Kyoto

Operator: Collette

From 4,799pp
Save 400pp

12 Days Tokyo to Kyoto

Operator: Cosmos

From 3,599pp

13 Days Tokyo to Osaka

Operator: Trafalgar

From 6,502pp
Save 795pp

Featured Operators Featured Operators

Emerald Tours
Emerald Tours have more than 45 years' experience creating unforgettable journeys for our guests. Our custom-designed tours have set the benchmark in unforgettable more land journeys. Enjoy scenically or conveniently-located accommodation to take advantage of the destination, and comfortable transport, complemented by inclusive sightseeing and the services of a dedicated Tour Director and knowledgeable local guides.
Japan Tours1
Budget:Premium
Accommodation:4 Star
Trafalgar
We are the world’s leading and most awarded travel brand spanning all 7 continents of the globe. From the iconic to the unexpected our guests connect to more the real depth of the places we go. They will break bread with the locals at our exclusive Be My Guest experiences and unlock local secrets of our Travel Directors and Local Specialists. Everything is taken care of, so they travel with true ease and get the real thing without worrying about a thing.

We consider how we can positively impact the communities we engage with. Through our JoinTrafalgar initiatives powered by TreadRight, guests don’t just leave footprints on the ground, but leave a lasting legacy for the betterment of locals and the future of their communities.

It’s 72 years of destination experience and feedback from over 5 million happy guests that fuels our innovation to continually delivery simply the best holidays.
Japan Tours6
Budget:Premium
Accommodation:4 Star
Cosmos
At Cosmos, we like to think of ourselves as experts in ‘thrillology’ – the art of bringing you an experience, time and time again. With over 50 years of more ‘wow’ under our belts and no sign of slowing down, we know how to curate value touring holidays that you’ll never forget; creating the experiences you’ve always dreamed of and showing you the ones, you never thought of. Our job is to take care of the planning and logistics, so that all you have to focus on is living your dreams!
Japan Tours1
Budget:Affordable
Accommodation:3 - 3.5 Star

Popular Ways To Explore Japan

Smaller groups (10–18 travellers) offer more local immersion. You might stay in a traditional ryokan, learn how to make sushi read more in a Kyoto kitchen, or join a tea ceremony in a hillside village. With more flexibility and insider access, these tours suit culturally curious travellers seeking connection and authenticity.

Japan’s legendary train network makes it perfect for overland travel. Shinkansen bullet trains link major cities, while scenic read more regional lines pass through farmland, mountains, and seaside towns. Rail-based tours often feel seamless, fast-paced, and visually rewarding - a great fit for independent-leaning travellers who still want the structure of a tour.

These itineraries typically start in Tokyo or Osaka and follow structured routes through iconic locations like Kyoto, Mt read more Fuji, Nara, and Hiroshima. Expect a balanced pace with expert commentary, comfortable coach transport, and curated experiences — ideal for first-time travellers or those wanting everything taken care of.

Japan’s festival calendar is vibrant and varied — from lantern-lit parades in summer to snow and ice festivals in winter. read more These tours time your trip around major cultural events like Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, the Sapporo Snow Festival, or cherry blossom hanami season. Festival tours often include prime-view seating, insider experiences, and cultural insights from expert guides.

For those seeking exceptional service, premium accommodation, and insider access, luxury tours through Japan elevate the read more experience. Stay in five-star city hotels or elegant ryokan inns with private onsens. Enjoy fine kaiseki dining, private viewings of historic sites, and seamless transfers via first-class rail or chauffeured transport. These itineraries move at a relaxed pace and often include expert cultural hosts or local specialists.

Designed for younger travellers, these itineraries balance big-ticket sights with quirky, modern culture — think karaoke read more in Tokyo, street food in Osaka, or themed cafés in Akihabara. Shared dorms, capsule hotels, and built-in social time make these tours perfect for solo travellers or friend groups.

Get off the grid with guided hikes through the Kiso Valley or along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Explore castle towns, read more cedar forests, and countryside villages on foot. These tours suit moderately fit travellers who want to combine movement with cultural depth.

Discover

Must do experiences and highlights when you tour Japan
Be Moved in Hiroshima Be Moved in Hiroshima
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to gain insight into the city’s dark times. Meet a survivor whose narrative will bring that era to life.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha Fushimi Inari-Taisha
One of the many monuments that make Kyoto so special, this shrine is embellished by over 5000 vermilion torii gates decorating the forest trails.
Shibuya Crossing Shibuya Crossing
Explore the bustling cityscape of Tokyo, including busy Shibuya crossing which sees roughly 2,500 people cross in unison at the change of lights.
A Traditional Ryokan Stay A Traditional Ryokan Stay
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, don a robe, sip green tea on tatami mats, soak in an onsen, and rest your head on traditional bedding laid out for you as your ryokan transforms in the evening.
If you want to see Japan dusted with delicate blooms, then plan to visit in springtime. The cherry blossom season usually peaks between late March and mid-April depending on the weather.

Recent Reviews

What our clients are saying about their journeys to Japan
Botanica Japan   Spring Gardens, Culture and History of Japan & South Korea by Small Ship , NSW, Australia, Apr 2026
The trip was really well organised & of high quality. All Botanica staff were excellent being both down to earth as well as knowledgeable. The ship & crew was excellent with the cabins being spacious & plenty of storage. The food was fabulous. The local guides were also fabulous. The trip was very well handled for us by Hannah Perry who is always pleasant.
Classic Japan Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun , NSW, Australia, Apr 2026
The hotels were good some better than others / they were in the cities making them easy to explore This trip did not give long enough time at some shrines/ castle's. There is a lot of steps on this tour and some travelers struggled with them and opted not to go to the top of viewing areas. There we to many free days for the costing of the tour. Our read more tour guide Akiko excellent with knowledge and ensuring everyones needs was looked after . The group was 40 people everyone was punctual, luckily.
Japan Discovery Japan Discovery , VIC, Australia, Apr 2026
This was our 9th trip via Global Journeys and once again Georgie did a fantastic job taking care of our tour arrangements. This latest Japan tour with Bunniks was our first with them and we found the care and organisation by our friendly tour guide Eiko to be excellent. The accommodation sites were very convenient to all facilities and were top quality read more hotels. All travelling arrangements throughout our journey, which included 4 bullet train trips, were timely, comfortable and well organised by Eiko.

We enjoyed the many cultural activities which were fun to do with everyone being hands on and enjoying the experiences. The large crowds at some places took a bit off a shine of 1 or 2 particular visits however overall were very happy visiting all the sites on our itinerary. We had a wonderfull small group who mixed well and made our trip enjoyable. Would recommend travelling again with Bunnik.
Japan Highlights Best of Japan , NSW, Australia, Apr 2026
My first time in Japan and traveling with a group. Our guide Toshi was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. It is a good tour to get some first impressions of Japan. Despite being advertised as a tour requiring a certain fitness level, we didn’t explore some of the sights that required climbing stairs and took public transport where we could have walked.
Global Journeys was great! Luxury Gold Tour could be improved Majestic Japan , NSW, Australia, Mar 2026
The communication and attention to detail from Tracey at Golobal Journeys was excellent. If you are expecting the usual European Luxury Gold standard from this tour you will be disappointed. Some hotels were good, but the others were average. While a double bed was clearly requested, most hotels provided 2 single beds. Many people were looking forward read more to the Bullet Train Rides, but this was a huge disappintment, as we were booked in Economy Class with 3 across seating.

We had to draw lots to see who got the worst seats. While First Class was available for a small extra charge, Luxury Gold thaught this Economy Class Cabin was the way to "Travel in Style". Our guide stated that she had previously requested that First Class seats be provided, but this request has been ignored. We have previously travelled with Luxury Gold in fast trains in Europe and it was always in the highest available class cabin.

Don't expect the usual 40 seat coach with extra leg room. These coaches were poor quality with cramped seats with very little leg room. They even had jump seats in each row (Not used).

There are 3 nights in Sendai where your normal bags are not available. You are expected to carry an overnight bag on the Train. They could very easily send the bags seperately as done previously, but this is another place where they cut corners. The type of people who book Luxury Gold Tours are not Backpackers. They need the comfort of having all their luggage when it is a 3 night stay.

This tour is a Black Mark for Luxury Gold, and is a great disappointment compared to the wonderful tours we have previously done with Luxury Gold.
Japan trip was great Highlights of Japan , ME, United States, Mar 2026
The highlights of Japan trip was a great one led by our fantastic tour guide, Donni. We got to walk around Tokyo, Nagano, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and Kyoto. Got > 5000 steps in each day. Cherry blossoms were blooming and we were welcomed kindly by everyone we met. Thank you.

Explore More

Your guide to traveling to Japan
If it is the country’s rich history that draws you to Japan, then no doubt you’ll want to spend some time exploring the historic districts that boast fascinating narratives
If you are challenging yourself with a hike of Mt Fuji, then you will be pleasantly surprised to know that your efforts will be duly rewarded at the peak. More than just a
Japan boasts plenty of drawcards and travellers flock here for the culture, cuisine, cityscapes, rich history and incredible natural beauty. These varied landscapes are a
Japan – a country brimming with culture, scenic beauty and delicious cuisine. It’s not difficult to understand why it has become the destination of choice for many

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