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From the bustling city of Tokyo to the laid-back rural atmosphere of Shirakawa-go to the deep Japanese history of Kyoto the suprisingly modern and
storied history of Sapporo. Explore the diversity of Japan through your own eyes!
Where are the Best Places to Visit in Japan? Japan is a destination that promises to awe travelers with must-see cities with amazing national landmarks like temples, shrines, and castles, one-of-a-kind cultural experiences, astounding natural beauty, and delicious healthy food. But ultimately, the answer to this question will depend on what draws your interest. Japan's cities are a pleasant mix of classical tradition, modern convenience, and technological advancement, and all of them offer travelers a different view of the country and local culture. So the real question is, "What is the best place for you to visit in Japan?"
With an ancient culture developed across centuries, the traditional and modern blend of Japanese sights, experiences, and foods beckon to every traveler. Are you looking for the best places to see a Japanese shrine or temple? The best parks, gardens, or museums to visit? The top cities to go and see a Japanese festival? The best places to see cherry blossoms or autumn colors? The top places to find premium sushi, ramen noodles, sake or other Japanese foods? AJT is here to help you find the travel destination that most interests you. Please browse our selection of must-see cities below to begin finding the best places for you to visit in Japan.
Japan is a wild popular travel tour destination that boasts an ancient national history, seasonal nature scenes that offer beauty at every time of the year, delicious and healthy cuisine, and exciting native festivals. The city of Japan that draws you will depend largely on personal taste, but each city you travel to in Japan feature attractions that belong on every traveler's bucket list. View more...
If you find yourself drawn to vibrant and energizing cities while on vacation, Japan gives you Tokyo - largest city in the world and full of amusements that could fill out days of travel time. It is THE best city to immerse in the urban Japanese lifestyle - whether you find yourself shopping in Harajuku, geeking out in Akihabara, or dining in Ginza, and it is the most popular destination of the Kanto region. Other must-see cities of the region include Yokohama, which boasts an enormous Chinatown; Nikko, which enshrines the first Tokugawa shogun at Toshogu Shrine; and Hakone - one of the best places to get a good view of Mount Fuji.
Tohoku and Hokkaido are Japan's northern regions. Aomori is one of Tohoku's top cities, and hosts the Aomori Nebuta festival every year. Morioka and Hiraizumi also belong on any must-visit list, for delicious soba noodles and UNESCO-inscribed Buddhist temples, respectively. Sapporo is the primary must-see city in the Hokkaido region, well known for the popular Sapporo Snow Festival. Visitors also come to taste world-class beer brewed at the local Sapporo Brewery Museum, and learn the history of Sapporo beer production. Outside Sapporo, the city of Kushiro, with the UNESCO Heritage Kushiro Marshlands, is celebrated as the best place to see Japanese cranes, while the city of Hakodate is must-see for the stunning view from Mount Hakodate.
The Chubu and Kansai Regions are southwest from Tokyo. The Japanese Alps stretch across Chubu, which make Nagano city the must-see city for winter sports. Further into the mountains you find the old castle town of Matsumoto, known for the imposing "Black Crow" Castle. Kanazawa is also in this area, built nearby the stuunniand known for gold leaf production. The Kansai region has Osaka, which many visitors describe as similar to Tokyo, but more down-to-earth. Osaka is especially famed for its street food culture, with thousands nightly walking past the glittering signs of the Dotonbori canals looking for that perfect bite. Kyoto and Nara draw countless visitors with to their magnificent temples and shrines - a must-see in spring and autumn. Kobe, wagyu beef capital of the world, attracts international foodies to savor the delicious dish.
The southern regions feature a variety of charming cities, with the historic Peace Parks of Hiroshima and Nagasaki near the top of the must-visit list. Takamatsu is certainly worth a stop to walk around Ritsurin Park - one of Japan's loveliest landscape gardens, and nearby Tokushima City offers a summer festival any visitor needs to experience - the Awa Odori Dance Festival. Fukuoka, the largest city in the Kyushu Region, to savor the night life at the Yatai Food stalls or walk the gorgeous ruins of Fukuoka Castle. At the southernmost islands of Okinawa is the city of Naha, which preserves the ancient Ryukyu culture.
Whatever must-see city you want to visit, Japan is full of amazing places just waiting to be discovered. View less
Sapporo | Otaru | Furano | Asahikawa | Sounkyo | Abashiri | Shiretoko | Kushiro | Noboribetsu | Lake Toya | Hakodate
The Hokkaido region is known for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. The large northern island encompasses several spots that belong on every traveler's bucket list. The rugged, untouched regions around Shiretoko Peninsula and Lake Toya are not to be missed, no matter the season. Flower enthusiasts will enjoy Furano and Biei for their long rows of spring flowers; the lavender fields at Farm Tomita are especially famous. Winter offers the most must-see attractions for Hokkaido travelers, whether you marvel at the massive ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival, absorb the romantic atmosphere around the Otaru Canal Snow Lights, or take a magical cruise through the drift ice off the cold coastline of Abashiri.
Aomori | Lake Towada | Hirosaki | Akita | Kakunodate | Hiraizumi | Sendai | Matsushima | Yamagata | Urabandai | Aizu Wakamatsu
Tohoku is a region of Northern Japan with breathtaking nature and an exciting local subculture that comes to life during every summer festival season. The three great festivals are marked by unique highlights, such as the Aomori Nebuta Festival's dramatic floats, the exciting balancing bamboo poles of the Akita Kanto Festival, and the Sendai Tanabata Festival's amazing fireworks display. Those with an interest in Japanese Buddhism should add a stop in in the city of Hiraizumi. This location is especially treasured for the UNESCO-inscribed Buddhist Pure Land Temples. The city of Matsushima is the must-visit Tohoku destination for travelers looking for beautiful nature scenes. The celebrated beauty of Matsushima Bay makes a leisurely cruise around its pine-covered islets an absolute necessity for travelers to the Tohoku region. And foodies will enjoy a stopover in the city of Morioka to enjoy the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka" - especially Wanko Soba. Take the chance while there to view the Rock-Breaking Cherry Tree, an enduring symbol of the city which enchants every visitor.
Nikko | Ashikaga | Tokyo | Yokohama | Kamakura | Hakone
The Kanto Region is by far the most densely populated area in Japan. Tokyo is the biggest destination in the country, full of local attractions that are worth seeing, including Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Meiji Palace, Tokyo Skytree and the Imperial Palace. Those looking to delve into the history of Japan need to visit Nikko, which features opulent Toshogu Shrine - resting place of the first Tokugawa shogun. The countryside around Nikko overflows with scenic landscape, with Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls among the main must-sees. Kamakura is also a good location for hikers looking for a day of adventure away from Tokyo, with a number of trails surrounding the Great Buddha of Kamakura. And finally, the outdoor beauties of Hakone beckon to all tourists to come witness the loveliness of Lake Ashi and the volcanic hot springs of Owakudani, with a dramatic glimpse of Mount Fuji for those especially favored among visitors to this side of the Kanto region.
Nagano | Yudanaka Onsen | Matsumoto | Ina | Tsumago & Magome | Toyama | Kanazawa
Shirakawago | Takayama | Nagoya | Mt Fuji | Atami | Kawazu
Chubu is a region that has some of the best places and sights to see in Japan. At the top of the list of best places to visit is Mount Fuji - the highest mountain in Japan. This iconic mountain is celebrated in uncountable paintings, postcards, and poems, and is a must-see for any traveler to Japan. Another UNESCO Heritage Site of the area is Shirakawago. The quaint thatched roof farmhouses and idyllic scenery put this sleepy mountain village on the Japan travelers' radar. A short drive away brings you to Takayama, which preserves an Old Town heritage district filled with buildings from the Edo Period and presided over by the Takayama Jinya - the administrative mansion of the shogun-appointed governor. The true time to visit this city is in either autumn or spring, when Old Town celebrates the annual Takayama Spring and Autumn Festivals. The Chubu Region is also the location of one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden is famed for changing beauty which makes it a must-see in every season.
Nagashima Onsen | Iga Ueno | Ise | Hikone | Koka | Kyoto | Uji | Nara | Yoshino | Osaka
Koyasan | Kumano | Nanki Shirahama | Kobe | Himeji | Kinosaki Onsen
The Kansai region is a one-of-a-kind cultural blend, with some cities steeped in centuries of beautifully preserved tradition, while others move that tradition forward in a dynamic local lifestyle - it truly must be seen to be believed. The cities of Kyoto and Nara are carefully maintained historic gems, overflowing with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and majestic cultural treasures that belong on every traveler's must-visit list. The temple complex of Mount Koyasan is a spiritual mountain retreat that takes you into the heart of classical Japanese Buddhism, offering an overnight stay in one of the temples, the opportunity to experience life as a monk, as well as excursions to Koyasan's most beautiful locations. Then you have Osaka, built around magnificent Osaka Castle, yet the heart of the city is undoubtedly beneath Dotonbori's glittering arcades and flashy storefronts that beckon people to experience the local street food culture. Likewise, Kobe is also known for it's native cuisine - the locally-sourced wagyu beef, so tender that it melts in your mouth, is prized throughout the world. Other top Kansai destinations include Himeji, Kumano, Uji, and Kinosaki Onsen, full of local sites and activities that draw travelers deeper into the Kansai regional culture.
Tottori | Matsue | Izumo | Iwami Ginzan | Hagi | Yamaguchi | Akiyoshidai | Iwakuni | Hiroshima | Miyajima | Kurashiki | Okayama
The Chugoku Region is called Japan's central region, and contains many of Japan's most memorable locales that especially appeal to those interested in Japan's history and local landscape. The city of Hiroshima is the area's biggest must-see city, where visitors can take a moment of silence in the elegant Peace Park and observe the ruin of the A-Bomb Dome, while they consider a world without nuclear weapons. Nearby is Miyajima Island, home to exquisite Itsukushima Shrine. This picturesque shrine is built into the nearby coastline, and brings travelers to witness its dramatic Torii Gate, standing out to sea and seeming to float on the water. Travelers exploring Japanese history must see Izumo Grand Shrine, widely acknowledged to be the oldest shrine in Japan, where, according to legend, the Shinto deities gather to meet once a year. More historical sites to visit in the Chugoku include the Edo-era rice distribution canals in Kurashiki, and Matsue "Black Plover" Castle in the city of Matsue.
Tokushima | Naruto | Naoshima | Takamatsu | Kotohira | Iya Valley | Matsuyama | Dogo Onsen
Shikoku is one of the smallest regions in Japan, and is connected to the main island of Honshu three large bridges, including the Great Seto Bridge that runs across the Seto Inland Sea into the city of Takamatsu. The city contains Ritsurin Garden - often rated one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens and an attraction that cannot be missed. One of the region's most creative locations is Naoshima Art Island, which features a number of contemporary art museums and structures, including the Benesse House and the Art House Project. In the city of Naruto, visitors marvel at the Naruto Whirlpools, local tidal maelstroms that churn the sea just off the coast. Nature enthusiasts also enjoy a river cruise through the Oboke Gorge in the Iya Valley, while those studying Japanese history make their way to Kotohira to walk the steps up Kompira Shrine. August is a particularly festive time to visit Shikoku, especially as the city of Tokushima celebrates it's annual Awa Odori Festival. This festival takes place in mid august during the Obon Festival season, and features celebratory dance performances which are native to this region.
Fukuoka | Arita | Saga | Nagasaki | Kumamoto | Aso | Beppu | Yufuin | Takachiho | Kagoshima | Ibusuki | Yakushima
The Kyushu region has long served the rest of Asia as the gateway to Japan by sea, with the cities of Fukuoka and Nagasaki as the major arrival hubs for cruise liners from around the world. Fukuoka is the most populous, and a must-visit for the ruins of its former castle and the Yatai Food Stalls, nightly selling local street food and drawing the locals together with a friendly atmosphere. If cities in Kyushu were ranked in order of most famous, the city of Nagasaki would be at the top of the list. As one of only two cities in the world to suffer the devastating effects of an atomic bomb, the city has determined to make it's legacy into one of peace. The Peace Park is the best landmark of the city, followed by the Hidden Christian Sites remembering the Christians who hid from the persecution of their beliefs during the Edo Period. Visitors looking for natural marvels must see Mount Aso - the largest active volcano in Japan, observe the volcanic Hells of Beppu, and plan a trip to Yakushima Island to bask in the mysterious beauty of a Sugi cedar forest. The roots of Japanese history and mythology run deep in the Kyushu region, prompting many travelers to add the spiritual power spots of Takachiho to their must-see list, where it is said that the sun goddess Amaterasu hid from her fellow gods in her anger.
Fukuoka | Arita | Saga | Nagasaki | Kumamoto | Aso | Beppu | Yufuin | Takachiho | Kagoshima | Ibusuki | Yakushima
Okinawa is long chain of small islands at the southernmost edge of the Japan archipelago. The islands are known for having Japan's most beautiful beaches, with clear aquamarine waters wrapping sandy coastlines in flowing skirts of white foam making the islands the perfect beach vacation destination. Okinawa is home to the native Ryukyu people, ethnically diverse from the Japanese, having their own culture, language and religion. Travelers to the capital city of Naha who are interested in studying Ryukyu culture must see Shuri Castle, the former palace and administrative center of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Ruins of other castles are also located on the island as well as a Ryukyu Village-themed park. Other notable attractions include Churami Aquarium and the War Memorials from World War 2.
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Planned by experts, based on seasonal favorites and must-see sites.
Choose your style and split cost with other passengers
Chosen by our experienced staff
Guide is available to you 24/7 and sleeps in the same hotel
Learn to create your own Sushi, meet a geisha or maiko, and more
Meet locals and visit rural areas of Japan you might miss on other tours
4.9 stars based on 581 REVIEWS
My husband and I just got back from our tour of Japan and would like to give you some feedback. We had an incredible time! It was a trip of a lifetime. I liked it even better than Paris and that is saying something!
Read MoreThis was a outstanding tour with a lot of of sights packed into a short timeframe. Be prepared to walk, but the effort you put in pays off. Our guide and driver were fabulous getting us to places before huge crowds descended and our guide was tremendously knowledgable with both historical and current information regarding culture and lifestyles. The people everywhere we went were friendly and helpful and the food was fantastic. Accommodations were great and provided easy access to other local sights and resources. Couldn't be happier with our choice to use AJT.
Read MoreTour - Enjoyable life experience, with opportunities to learn Japanese culture and lifestyle. Visited a lot of important cultural and historical places within a short period of time. And foliage season makes this tour magical. The tour was great, and many thanks to tour guides, both Barbara and Miharu had a passion and high aspirations for their country and job!
Read MoreOur 15 day Autumn Leaves Tour exceeded our expectations beautiful hotels and locations with very knowledgeable guides. We really find it hard to pick our favorite stop we we're extremely happy with everything on Shikoku Pilgrimage and Kii peninsula. This tour is a walking paradise the cuisine and hot onsens our rewards. Thank you soo much a top cultural experience and adventure all the best from the Zukow
Read MoreWell Organized, Timely and Truly Memorable for me. Tour Director was Excellent! Had a wonderful time. Thank You.
Group Tour Style | Budget | Deluxe | Deluxe-Plus | Signature | Active |
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Feature | Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. | Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort. | Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations. | Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture. | Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. |
Advantage | Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you. | Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences. | Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you. | Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art. | Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes. |
Group Size | 20 to 45 people | 10 to 35 people | 6 to 24 people | 4 to 16 people | 4 to 13 people |
Fully-escorted | Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide | Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities | |||
Pace | Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan | Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan | More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own | ||
Airport Transfers | Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified | Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports) | Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour | Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour | Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified |
Transfer between cities | Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary | Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary | Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical | ||
Sightseeing | Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide | Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide | Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides | ||
Admission fees and activities | All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included | ||||
Luggage Transfers | Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours | Separate luggage transfers are included | |||
Meals | Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged) | ||||
Accommodation | Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans | Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination |
Ages | 4 years old and above | 6 years old and above | |||
Health & Activity | In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. | These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination. |