Japan Private Tours for First Timers

Our tours to Japan offer first-time passengers a splendid introduction to the ancient traditions, dynamic culture, picturesque beauty, and distinctive cuisine indigenous to the Land of the Rising Sun.

There are so many must-see points of interest in Japan that to appreciate them all could easily take a whole lifetime, but there are several places which are highly recommended to those visiting Japan for the first time. These sights are praised by returning travelers in blog after blog, and All Japan Tours has itineraries that connect them together for you as a first-time traveler to Japan, so that you won’t miss any of the most important experiences.

For cities, Tokyo and Kyoto are nearly opposites, that irresistibly attract visitors the world over. The capital city of Tokyo is massive: a vibrant megalopolis ever straining towards the future without ever quite forgetting its roots; tall skyscrapers in bustling commercial centers tower over thousand-year-old landmarks. The old capital of Kyoto (and nearby Nara) is an area thoroughly steeped in time- honored tradition. Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and feudal castles stand near ancient streets frequented by kimono-clad geisha – the enigmatic keepers of the classical Japanese arts. These cities should be on any first-time traveler’s must-see list. .

For environmental beauty, Japan offers Mount Fuji - arguably the most iconic and celebrated mountain in the world. Everyone who visits Japan for the first time should plan a good viewing of Mount Fuji, but a trip to the 5th station (the common starting point on treks to the summit), is the best place for a more intimate inspection of the sacred mountain’s splendor. Yet Japan is full of such beauteous nature both wild and contrived – tranquil landscape gardens, dense groves of tall bamboo, delicate cherry blossoms – as a first-timer you are guaranteed to see natural wonders everywhere you want to travel in Japan. .

But true cultural immersion lies in experiencing the native customs of a foreign land, and Japan has local traditions going back centuries, which can still be enjoyed by the first-time traveler today. Learn how to meditate like a Zen Buddhist monk, taste freshly made matcha tea in a Green Tea Ceremony, or take a class in sushi preparation from a master chef. Appreciating activities like these allow the first-timer to truly say, “I have been to Japan.”

Group Tour Style	Budget	Deluxe	Deluxe-Plus	Signature	Active
Group Tour Style	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours
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.

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Japan Private Tours for First Timers

Our tours to Japan offer first-time passengers a splendid introduction to the ancient traditions, dynamic culture, picturesque beauty, and distinctive cuisine indigenous to the Land of the Rising Sun.

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