View Sample Itineraries
Private Journey Style | Essential | Classic | Deluxe | Ultra-Deluxe | Active |
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View Itineraries | View Itineraries | View Itineraries | View Itineraries | View Itineraries | |
Cost | Starting at US$2500 per person for a 7-day trip (based on 2 people) | Starting at US$3500 per person for a 7-day trip (based on 2 people) | Starting at US$6000 per person for a 7-day trip (based on 2 people) | Starting at US$12000 per person for a 7-day trip (based on 2 people) | Starting at US$5000 per person for a 7-day trip (based on 2 people) |
Fully-escorted* | Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train on your own with instructions provided in advance | Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide | Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train on your own with instructions provided in advance | ||
Airport Transfers | Airport transfers are NOT included unless requested | Private airport transfers are included on select tours | Airport meet and greet as well as luxury private transfers are included | Airport transfers are NOT included unless requested | |
Transfers between cities | Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train on your own with train tickets (Japan rail pass included on select tours) and instructions provided in advance. Ordinary class seats on bullet trains, first-class bullet train seats can be arranged upon request | Transfer between cities via private vehicles and Shinkansen (bullet train) in first class seating, fully-escorted by guide | Transfer between cities via luxury private vehicles and Shinkansen (bullet train) in first class seating, fully-escorted by guide | Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train on your own with train tickets (Japan rail pass included on select tours) and instructions provided in advance. Ordinary class seats on bullet trains, first-class bullet train seats can be arranged upon request | |
Sightseeing | Sightseeing via public transportation (local bus, subway, and train) with local guides, with all transportation fees included. (Transportation fees and guides are NOT included on self-guided days) | SSightseeing via private vehicles with guide, with all transportation fees included. (Transportation fees and guides are NOT included on self-guided days) | Sightseeing via private luxury vehicles with guide, with all transportation fees included. (Transportation fees and guides are NOT included on self-guided days) | Sightseeing via public transportation (local bus, subway, and train) with local guides, with all transportation fees included. (Transportation fees and guides are NOT included on self-guided days) | |
Admission fees and activities | All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included. (NOT included on self-guided days) | ||||
Luggage Transfers | Bring your luggage from hotel to hotel on your own, separate luggage transfers can be arranged upon request | Separate luggage transfers are included on select tours | Luggage transfers by private vehicle from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours | Luggage transfers by private luxury vehicles from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours | Separate luggage transfers are included on select tours |
Meals | Breakfast is included every day. Lunches and dinners are NOT included, tour guides will give suggestions and recommendations for restaurants or we can make restaurant reservations for you in advance. | ||||
Accommodation | Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans close to the station | Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans close to the station | Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans | Hand-picked hotels and rooms at the best luxury hotels and ryokans | Accommodations include local Japanese inn (minshuku) to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the destination |
Health & Activity | Japan has the world's most convenient public transportation systems; depending on the cities and area, trains cover all transportation needs. However, there is a lot of walking involved if you travel by train since some attractions are far from the station. You will need to be able to walk 2-5 miles per day | These tours utilize private vehicles, giving you the freedom to travel from place to place at your own pace. However, please note that the distance between the parking lot and the sites may still be far. Please inform AJT of your walking ability so that we may plan a tour that best suits your needs. AJT is happy to provide wheelchairs and other assistance for our clients if necessary. | These tour itineraries are tailored to the energetic passenger; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the itinerary and destination. |
Let us help you. Please tell us more about your interests. We will send some suggestions based on your needs.
Perfect for those looking for a private, customized getaway. Whether you're seeking an intimate honeymoon or private family tour, we'll customize an itinerary just for you. Get started with one of our sample tours.
Compare StylesIn addition to our Japan group tours, we offer custom itineraries according to your requirements. When planning a holiday, what really matters is that you get the best advice possible from people with real expertise and experience of the places you will be visiting.
Our team of Japan specialists have spent years working as a tour guides in Japan and have the intellectual awareness of its cities and towns and will enlighten you with the most awe-inspiring gardens and temples, vivid views of the landscape, and intriguing shops. With the expertise that we have, we know of the best that Japan has to offer as it correlates with your specific needs. Our knowledge and experience in Japan allows us to customize the best tour program for you, this can be for any purpose: honeymoons, family vacations, garden tours, food tours, nature tours, special interest tours, and more. Not only will we design a trip exclusively to your tastes, but we’ll provide you with recommendations and the benefits of our insider knowledge. We’ll also handle the details of all your travel arrangements, so all that’s left for you is to take pleasure in your satisfying, unforgettable trip from beginning to end.
Hands-on experiences are always accommodated, including spur-of-the-moment activities such as language and calligraphy lessons, flower arranging, or even green tea ceremony. Please contact us for ideas and plans so we may give you suggestions on where to go and what to do.
Help Me Plan My TripQuote / Itinerary Proposal
Based on this information, we will create an initial proposal that includes an outline of recommended travel routes, destinations, accommodations, transportation type, and services we can provide, as well as your trip estimate.
Reservation / Deposit
Once the initial proposal is accepted, we require a non-refundable deposit. This fee enables us to dedicate our full time and efforts to each of our clients so we can give your unique trip the attention it deserves. The total amount depends on a number of factors such as trip complexity and duration. This fee will also be applied to the final cost of your trip.
Detailed itinerary proposal
We will send you a more in-depth day by day itinerary with activities and pricing. Upon receipt, you may review and further discuss changes or requests. You are welcome to make changes based on your interests and discuss special experiences.
Itinerary Finalization
Once the itinerary has been agreed upon, we will send you the final itinerary and final cost. Please note, additional fee’s may be due at this time depending on additions made to the itinerary.
Final Payment
Final payment is due 2 months prior to departure. In the following month, you will receive your final travel documents including emergency contact information and travel handbook.
Enjoy Your Trip!
Sit back and enjoy your tour. Our AJT staff in California and Japan will be available to you should the need arise.
Travel Feedback
We highly value the feedback from our customers as it allows us to grow and improve our services. Please let us know how we did!
Our tours are carefully crafted by travel specialists who have years of experience living in Japan and immersing themselves in the local culture. If you’re not sure which Japan tour is right for you, please have a look through our sample itineraries for inspiration. If you have ideas about unique destinations you wish to see or if you have a specific itinerary in mind, AJT can help design your perfect, customized Japan trip. The itineraries below are excellent private tours by themselves, and they also serve as great starting points for your ideal, tailor-made Japan trip.
Compare StylesNagano - Yamanouchi - Matsumoto - Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa
Narita / Chiba / Tokyo / Miyake Island
Enjoy our 5-day Japan birding tour, complete with professional birding guide, in Chiba and Tokyo, including an overnight stay on gorgeous Miyake Island to search for the rare Izu thrush.
Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Nara
Tokyo - Oku Shiga Kogen - Kyoto - Nara
Himeji - Okayama - Kurashiki - Yasugi - Matsue - Izumo - Hiroshima
Tsurui / Lake Kussharo / Yorousi / Rausu / Notsuke Peninsula
Spot the beautiful birds of Hokkaido with AJT on our 5-day Hokkaido birding tour, with a professional birding guide who will show you the most famous Hokkaido birds, including the beautiful red-crowned crane.
Osaka / Nara / Kyoto
Experience the Kansai Region of Japan, also known as the cultural center and historical heart of Japan
Whether you have extra time during your vacation or want to make sure you’re getting the most of out of your time, our Japan and Beyond tours are for you. Take a few more days and extend your trip into China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and more. Get a sample of everything Asia has to offer in one trip!
The following itineraries are tailored to specific interests such as pottery, anime, photography, etc. Select the itinerary that suits you best, browse for ideas, or mix-and-match to create the ultimate specialty tour.
If you're looking for inspiration, try browsing our available experiences below. AJT can coordinate green tea ceremonies with a Maiko, a hands-on pottery class, and even snowboarding lessons. Add more flair to your tour with these unique activities.
First, take some time to determine your group size, the cities you want to visit, and your travel budget, then make an inquiry using our Inquiry Form. One of our travel specialists will respond to you within 1 or 2 business days. Feel free to call our US office at any time, at 1-909-988-8885 (Toll Free: 1-855-325-2726
Private touring means you will have your own guide, and won't be traveling with a group of people you don't know. You can plan the itinerary in advance, giving you complete control of your destinations and experiences. Our travel specialists work to plan your private tour to suit your budget, at your own pace. It's more flexible, allowing you to more fully enjoy only the places and activities that interest you.
We are happy to arrange a fully escorted private tour, if you wish. However, a fully-escorted tour can be very expensive. The guide would stay with you for the full duration of the trip, and the cost of the tour would include transportation and hotel room for the guide in each city. We usually recommend using local guides at each destination, then transferring from one city to the next via public transportation, by yourself. We will provide fully detailed instructions for how to easily get from one city to the next while on tour.
The cost of a private tour greatly depends on the destinations, hotels, and experiences you want to include in the itinerary. Look at, for example, one of our most popular itineraries takes you to Tokyo, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka on a 7-day tour. This tour itinerary would cost about $3,500 per person, using public transportation (bullet train, local train, subway and taxi), for two people with 4-star accommodations. But there are various ways to lower the cost. Cheaper hotels, more free, self-guided days, are a few ways to reduce the cost of a private tour.
Japan's public transportation is the most cost-efficient way to travel around Japan. A private transfer with your own guide and driver can be costly, while public transportation is not only a cheap way to get from one place to the next, but is clean, timely, and convenient to most major destinations. It also gives you the opportunity to travel like a native, and more of a chance to observe and interact with local Japanese people. However, public transportation usually involves more walking, so we don't recommend it to people who have trouble getting around.
Japan has one of the most convenient and efficient public transit systems in the world, with trains, buses, and ferries covering the length of the country, as far north as Hokkaido and as far south as Kyushu. Depending on tour and destination, it may be better to include some days with private transportation, as certain attractions are more out-of-the-way than others.
You are certainly able to change the itinerary, although there are several factors to consider. We are unable to change any hotel accommodations, and if the place or activity you want to do requires reservations, we will do our best, but cannot guarantee it. Any additions to the cost of the tour will also be covered by the client.
To make the itinerary more budget-friendly, we can add some self-guided, free days to explore the city on your own. We can also look into a lower level of hotels that are better suited to your budget, as well as propose a shorter itinerary to reduce the price of the tour.
Whether or not you need the Japan Rail Pass depends on how far you travel between destinations during your tour. The Japan Rail Pass can be very cost effective when you travel a long distance via bullet train, depending on whether the cost of a bullet train ticket is more than the price of the Japan Rail Pass.
If you let us know far enough in advance, we can arrange guides in Italian, French, English, German, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and more. Please speak to one of our travel specialists to inquire about bilingual language guides for your private tour.
Your hotel will usually include a complimentary breakfast, but we prefer to keep lunches and dinners free to allow you greater flexibility in determining what you eat and where. Your local guide will assist you in finding a local restaurant that suits your preferences. Upon request, we can make reservations for you at restaurants of your choice, and are happy to provide recommended restaurants at each location.
We will carefully ship your large luggage from one hotel to the next so that your travels are light and convenient. Since the luggage takes an extra day to arrive, please pack a light bag with a day's worth of clothes and necessities.
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We'll provide you with recommendations and the benefit of our insider knowledge.
We design your entire vacation based on your needs, interests, and budget.
Explore your interests at your own pace.
Hand-picked, professional, English speaking guides to help you along your journey.
Can be arranged at your request, based on your interests.
24/7 emergency support while on tour.
4.9 stars based on 71 REVIEWS
Enjoyed Japan very much. Beautiful country. Will definitely return in the near future to see more. The tours were well planned and I enjoyed all the accommodations.
Read MoreGreat tour from start to finish! Kiyoshi helped us put together an excellent itinerary for our private 2 week tour for 3 couples that included seats at the Kyoto Jidai Festival, a highlight of our trip. We had spoken to several other tour companies and none new about the festival or that it would be taking place when we were in Japan. This was one of many reasons we went with AJT. Justin was great at helping us finalize all of our trip details. All of the logistics of the trip went off without a hitch, from airport pickup, to luggage transfers, drivers and guides, everything went smoothly. The tour was a very nice mix of sight seeing and fun activities. Our guides, Mr. Fukui in Kyoto and Mr. Ken in Tokyo, , were terrific. They were both extremely knowledgeable, interesting, friendly and enthusiastic and took excellent care of us. Thank you AJT for a wonderful trip.
Read MoreThe guides that All Jan provided us were amazing and knowledgeable!! The hotels were spectacular! I will highly recommend them to friends and family traveling to Japan, they were great!
Read MoreWhat a fantastic trip. We will have memories for years, and now feel empowered to explore more on our own. Guides were all very attentive and made the experience so much more meaningful. As two travelers in Japan with zero Japanese, we felt as though we were in good hands with Ken (Tokyo/Hakone), Hajime (Kyoto/Osaka), and Taka (Hiroshima)
Read MoreHotels and guides were great. We enjoyed all of the sites and the free time during the days to do a few things by ourselves.
Read MoreOKINAWAN RYUKYUAN CULTURE AND HISTORY - OKINAWA JAPAN
Article | September 17th, 2024 | May Hamamoto
Okinawa, a tropical paradise in the southernmost part of Japan, stands apart from mainland Japan due to its unique blend of history, culture, and tradition. Once known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa is where travelers can experience a world......
Group Tour Style | Budget | Deluxe | Deluxe-Plus | Signature | Active |
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< 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. |