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Japan is full of must-see sites including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Shirakawa-go, historical castles like Matsumoto Castle, and the king of them all: Mt. Fuji.
Compare StylesJapan has so many places to go that it becomes difficult to choose. Nature related places can include the lavender fields in Hokkaido, Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Cherry Blossoms at Ueno Park, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, etc. You can even hike to some religious sites and go on a pilgrimage while admiring the flora and fauna of the mountains. Speaking of mountains you can also go to places with amazing views of Mount Fuji in the distance or up close. Japan is full of historical sites that will make your head spin trying to decide on which one to go to first View more...
Kyoto is full of historic temples and shrines like Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and many more. Let us not forget about the nearby areas that have original castles like Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle that are a sight to behold. Then in the Kanto region you have Nikko where it is not only a beautiful place to visit it is also the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu who ushered in the Edo period and 250 years of the Tokugawa Shogunate. There is also the Asakusa Sensoji Temple in Tokyo where it can be identified by the giant red lantern located at the entrance. If temples, shrines, and castles do not catch your interest then the Iga Ninja Museum where they exhibit real tools used by past ninjas should get your attention. They even do demonstrations of what ninjas practiced to improve their skills.
Now Japan has modern places to visit too like Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, etc. Tokyo Skytree is a new television signal station that replaced Tokyo Tower back in 2012. It has upgrades that attract visitors from all over the globe. Now if you were to wander around Tokyo you will be blinded by all the neon light signs at night time. The public transportation is amazing in the country and riding the train through the Seikan Undersea Tunnel is another testament to their engineering capabilities. If you are looking for a firsthand experience of Japanese cultures then doing a homestay can fulfill that need.
Staying with a family can provide insight to the lifestyle of Japanese people. You will have the chance to try food that maybe vastly different from what you are used to. Each region has their food specialties like Osaka with fried street food and Kobe with the very delicious Wagyu Beef. Trying the different flavors of each area will open up your taste buds to a world of deliciousness. There are in all honesty too many things to do in Japan that one trip cannot suffice unless you are there for a long time. View less
The arts and architecture of Japan are one-of-a-kind. Japan boasts a number of fascinating museums, cutting-edge buildings and railways, and highly-acclaimed landscape gardens.
While you travel in Japan, make some time to marvel at some of the most impressive buildings and landmarks in the world. Especially in Tokyo, where you have iconic Tokyo Tower - immortalized in the Godzilla films, and Tokyo Skytree - one of the tallest towers in the world. And buildings aren't the only wonders Japan has produced. The Seikan Undersea Tunnel - the longest underwater tunnel in the world, links the main island of Honshu with Hokkaido. Taking a bullet train through the tunnel also allows you to experience the world-famous Shinkansen.
For museums, Japan has galleries and exhibition halls presenting displays on a variety of cultural treasures. The Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, was named one of the "1000 Places to See Before you Die" by Michi Travel Japan, and exhibits artifacts of many ancient cultures. Hakone Open Air Museum boasts a large Picasso gallery, and has a number of sculptures designed to complement the surrounding landscape. Tokyo's Ghibli Museum displays the beloved animations of Hayao Miyazaki, and the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum honors the delicate art of bonsai gardening. Speaking of gardens, Japan is famed for landscape gardens, and one of the greatest is Kenrokuen, designed around the six "sublimities" of Chinese landscape design. There many other gardens of varying kinds to be admired all across Japan. Then there is Naoshima Art Island, where museums and art houses designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando await your discovery. Unique museum construction combines with artwork exhibitions from artists the world over to make Japan's most memorable art and architecture experience! Inquire about AJT's Art and Architecture Tours.
The history of Japan is ancient, stretching back thousands of years, and long periods of isolation from the West have led to one of the most well-defined, unique cultural identities the world has ever seen. There are so many historical buildings across Japan that visiting them all would take a lifetime, and our tours stop those you definitely shouldn't miss. Ise Grand Shrine is one of the most important - the shrine of the sun-goddess Amaterasu, and the enduring Izumo Grand Shrine is considered to be Japan's oldest Shrine. Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine offers visitors a long walking path under thousands of vermillion "torii" gates, as seen in "Memoirs of a Geisha". Kyoto also has hundreds of Buddhist temples, and many temples across Japan should not be missed. Kiyomizu Temple and Kinkakuji "Golden Pavilion" are two of Kyoto's most celebrated, while Tokyo has Asakusa Sensoji - home to the Kaminarimon "Thunder Gate". And Nara features Todaiji Temple, whose grounds are overrun with cute Sika deer. Japan has a few castles left standing from the feudal era, and Matsumoto "Black Crow" Castle, with it's pitch black exterior, is one of the most imposing. Hikone Castle is a must-see for its cultural treasures - preserved buildings from the Edo era when it was a major link between Kyoto and Tokyo.
While you are exploring the historical sights, immerse yourself in ancient Japan with a visit to such places as the Koka Ninja Musuem, with secret rooms and hidden traps from when it was a ninja residence, and demonstrations in ninja training techniques. Those interested in Geisha shouldn't miss Gion Geisha District in Kyoto, which invites visitors to step back in time while wandering among old teahouses to glimpse a Geisha walking down the cobbled street.
Other historical sites include Gunkanjima Island - a former oil refinery and labor camp from World War 2, and Mikimoto Pearl Island: a pearl cultivation center featuring demonstrations from the female "Ama" pearl divers. Please inquire about AJT's History and Culture Tours.
Japan has incredible landscape and nature scenes to delight any visitor, with absolutely incredible mountain ranges, beautiful waterfalls and rivers, peaceful forests of many kinds, and many other must-see natural wonders. The number one natural landmark that should be on any traveler's bucket list has to be Mount Fuji. The tallest mountain in Japan attracts visitors and climbers from all over the world to marvel at it's beauty and hike up its shapely slopes. To only catch a brief view of Mount Fuji is an unforgettable moment, and Hakone one of the top regions where travelers can see a good view of the mountain's snow-capped cone. Hakone also has other charms, including the a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the boiling pools of Owakudani, and a cruise on a pirate ship around lovely Lake Ashi.
Hokkaido is a land full of scenic beauty, and nowhere is the wild wonder of the northern island more abundant than on the southern Shiretoko Peninsula. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is lush with native splendor and full of wildlife - including Ezo foxes, black bears, and deer. Enjoy a cruise off the coastline to enjoy sighting some of Shiretoko's stunning waterfalls and a great variety of sea birds, especially the magnificent sea eagles.
One of the most famous animals of Japan is the Japanese macaque, and a nature-loving traveler shouldn't miss the chance to view these creatures in their natural habitat. Mount Takasaki, near Beppu, is home to hundreds of macaques. These mischievous brown monkeys wander freely through Mt. Takasaki Monkey Park, and visitors can come to watch them interact with and groom each other. Japan is home to many other unique animals as well, so please inquire about AJT's Sightseeing and Nature Tours.
Only one thing is better for a traveler than seeing a country's local cultural traditions, and that is having the rare opportunity to live it for yourself. When given a chance to step into the world of traditional Japan, it is definitely something that no traveler should miss! And we take pride in finding for our guests those uniquely Japanese cultural experiences that they will remember for a lifetime.
Any list of famous Japanese foods should begin with sushi, and most travelers only try it when they come to Tokyo. Take a cooking class with a professional sushi chef, and learn how to prepare Japanese sushi in an authentic way. For foodies interested in Japan, a stop in Kobe for delectable, tender wagyu beef is a must. Try Kyoto's local kaiseki cuisine to get a real taste of the old imperial capital, with entertainment by a maiko (an apprentice geisha) for additional cultural immersion.
Japan offers demonstrations and lessons in many of it's native traditional disciplines, and green tea ceremony is one of the most popular. The Way of Tea is an artform in Japan, and an elaborate ceremony developed among the old Japanese aristocracy, studied today and shared by old tea masters and geisha alike. Those interested in kanji should definitely plan a calligraphy lesson, where you can learn Japanese writing as an art. Another time-honored tradition is ikebana - the art of flower-arranging. The Japanese learned how to say and express so much using only a simple composition of flowers, and masters are available for a demonstration lesson in this unique art. Zen Buddhism was very popular in Japan in the Edo period, and some monks and teachers offer visitors training in zazen, or Zen meditation. Other chances for cultural immersion include trying on a traditional kimono, and learning to play the large Taiko drums!
Those with the itch to hike the Japanese countryside should consider one of Japan's pilgrimage trails. One of the most famous is undoubtedly the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail, which stops at 88 temples in the breathtaking Shikoku region. Please inquire about AJT's Cultural Experiences Tours!
After stopping at Japan's must-see locations and most popular sites, take some time to step out of the cities and look for that hidden experience off the beaten path that only a few travelers find. Stepping out into Japan's rural countryside, amid mountains, forests, small villages, and leagues of rice paddies, you find the true heart of Japan.
One gem that has recently gained prominence is the sleepy mountain village of Shirakawago, nestled in a valley high in the Japanese Alps. This village became recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for the long preservation of its unique "gassho-zukuri" farmhouses. Shirakawago has opened some of its old houses for tourists to explore, and don't miss the Shiroyama Viewpoint for a pretty view of the town.
Step south into Wakayama prefecture to the town of Kumano, the center of one of Japan's most unforgettable hiking trails - the Kumano Kodo. This series of trails take hikers to a trio of picturesque temples known as the Kumano Sanzan. The trail is not for the easy walker - the mountainous terrain rises and dips in slopes of varying degrees. But the reward is a captivating landscape that few travelers have seen.
One of the Kumano Kodo's starting points is Koyasan, a mountain temple complex sacred to the Shingon sect of Buddhism as the resting place of their founder - Kobo Daishi. These high temples are largely untouristed, and offer travelers who reserve in advance the opportunity to stay overnight in a temple and partake of shojin ryori, or monk's food.
Hidden up in northern Miyazaki prefecture is the small village of Takachiho, a region thoroughly steeped in Japanese mythology. Travelers journey out to the village to see the shrine of Amano Iwato. Nearby is a cave that is particularly sacred to the Shinto religion as the former hiding place of Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess. The legend that tells of when she fled her brother to hide in the cave, and how she was lured out by the other gods is retold at the shrine in a nightly dance called Yokagura. Please inquire about AJT's Rural Landscapes and Hidden Gems Tours!
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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. |