Japan guided excursions in 2024: which one is best for you?

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For plenty of individuals, Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation spot, and meaning you wish to get it completely properHowever how are you aware what proper” is for you? There are such a lot of unimaginable locations, from the very northern tip of Hokkaido to the scattered islands of the south. There’s infinite fascinating culture, from conventional Buddhist temples to cutting-edge up to date artwork. What’s extra, every season exhibits the nation in a utterly new mild. How do you select? 

Fortunately for you, we’ve spent over 20 years serving to individuals do exactly that. That is our at-a-glance information to every of our small group excursions, and who will love them. 

Nonetheless have questions on the finish? Simply email [email protected] and we’ll be glad to reply them. 

Smiling travelers stare at the camera from their bicycles on a cycling tour in Japan Unmasked
Kibutsuhiko Shrine, one of many stops on the Kibi Plains biking route

Japan Unmasked 

Combining Japan’s must-see locations with just a few little surprises, Japan Unmasked is ideal for many who wish to journey at a brisk tempo and uncover as many only-in-Japan experiences as attainable – with out breaking the financial institution. You’ll soak up large names akin to Tokyo and Kyoto and take pleasure in traditional experiences akin to hot-spring bathing and a standard ryokan keep — however you’ll additionally pattern some extra uncommon fare: sleeping at a temple lodging in Nagano; wandering the willow-lined canals of Kurashiki; biking throughout the Kibi Plains. You’ll have to be comfy with continuous motion and staying in fundamental (however comfy) lodginghowever if that sounds such as you, Japan Unmasked is a wonderful introduction to Japan at actually incredible value. 

Important information: 13 nights – Discover out extra about Japan Unmasked.

A multi-colored pirate ship cruises on Lake Ashi, with lush forests in the background
Cross Lake Ashi on a pirate ship

Tokaido Path 

When you’ve got restricted time and price range however you wish to see the perfect of Japan, that is the one for you. Combining three traditional “Golden Route” locations (Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone) with a little bit of off-road exploration at lesser-known Lake Biwa, this tour strikes quick and packs within the experiences. Get an in-depth introduction to Kyoto’s geisha district with a neighborhood skilled, discover the gorgeous environment of Mount Fuji, absorb the electrical buzz of Tokyo, then get off the overwhelmed path to go to an island temple unknown to most guests to Japan. Bought greater than 10 days? Discover your “Japan toes” with an skilled tour chief, then set off by yourself independent journey. We will even plan that for you too. 

Important information: 9 nights – discover out extra about Tokaido Path.

The wooden structure of Ginkaku-ji temple contrasts against a backdrop of red autumn leaves in Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji temple in Kyoto

Hidden Japan 

If you wish to see a facet of Japan that almost all guests zoom previous on the bullet practice, Hidden Japan must be on the prime of your record. Although it dips into well-known cities akin to Kyoto and Hiroshima, Hidden Japan focuses totally on rural or uncommon locations, such because the serene temple group of Mount Koya and the “artwork island” of Naoshima. This implies it’s super-popular with second-time guests who wish to dig slightly deeper into Japan, nevertheless it’s additionally incredible for first-timers who aren’t fussed about ticking off “must-sees”. If you happen to do wish to spend extra time in Kyoto or Tokyo, it’s simply prolonged, too. When you’ve got an adventurous spirit and a curiosity to see what Japan is like away from the glitz and glamour of the massive-name sights, you’re going to completely love Hidden Japan 

Important information: 12 nights – discover out extra about Hidden Japan.

Cars transit in the famous Shibuya crossing, under the light of neon signs

J-Pop & Go 

J-Pop & Go is the tour for many who wish to expertise Japan “now”, with out ignoring Japan “then”. A crash-course in trendy Japanese popular culture, it’ll immerse you in an eye-popping wonderland of manga, anime, neon sign-covered alleyways, loopy fashions and even crazier gadgetry — nevertheless it’ll additionally introduce you to Zen meditation on the temples of Kyoto, conventional life on the island of Miyajima, and exquisite surroundings surrounding Mount Fuji in Hakone. Although many J-Pop & Go travellers are card-carrying J-culture devotees, you don’t need to know your Ghibli out of your Gundam Wing to take pleasure in this tour; the stability of youth tradition experiences with traditional locations makes this an excellent Japan introduction for curious individuals of all ages. 

Important information: 10 nights – discover out extra about J-Pop & Go.

A canopy of cherry blossoms cover a stone bridge over a small canal in Kyoto's Gion district
Cherry blossoms in Kyoto

Majestic Japan 

Japan Enchantment travellers are on the lookout for extra than simply cultural immersion — they’re on the lookout for an actual deal with. Suppose champagne by the hearth in Hakone, assembly an apprentice geisha in Kyoto, a luxurious kaiseki feast in Nikko, and deep-dive cultural experiences led by skilled native guides in traditional locations. That is the form of tour the place you’ll by no means have to fret about catching a practice as a result of your non-public bus will likely be ready at your door, and the place getting again to your plush lodge room within the night is as thrilling as leaving it within the morning. In fact, a premium expertise means the next price ticket, and Majestic Japan is for many who need to splash out — bubelief us, you gained’t remorse a penny. 

Important information: 14 nights – discover out extra about Majestic Japan.

Red bridge over river in Nikko, with red autumn colors in the forest
Nikko’s stunning Shinkyo Bridge

A Northern Soul 

Like Hidden Japan, A Northern Soul is the tour for many who wish to get actually off the overwhelmed monitor. Whether or not you’ve been to Japan earlier than and wish to expertise one thing new, or you’re visiting for the first time and wish to keep away from the standard vacationer path — it is a actual journey in a rugged, stunning, and endlessly beguiling a part of Japan. Anticipate unimaginable World Heritage Websites devoid of crowds, cosmopolitan cities the place foreigners are nonetheless a novelty, and rural cities thriving regardless of the devastation of the 2011 tsunami. You’ll have to be ready for traditional-style futons and restricted entry to Western meals, however the pay-off is an actual immersion in a facet of Japan as-yet untouched by mass tourism, the place the surroundings is spectacular, the crowds are non-existent, and the welcomes unfailingly heat. 

Important information: 14 nights – discover out extra about A Northern Soul.

Sea eagles perch atop the ice pack in Rausu harbour
Spot Steller’s sea eagles on a drift ice cruise from the harbour at Rausu

Winter Highlights 

In contrast to most of our itineraries, Winter Highlights attracts a really particular sort of particular person: outdoors-loving, animal-mad, and undoubtedly not averse to chilly fingers and toes! Heading north into snowy Hokkaido, this tour can have you recognizing Steller’s sea eagles from an icebreaker cruise, watching red-crowned cranes carry out their mating dance within the snow of Tsurui, and visiting the onsen-bathing “snow monkeys” within the mountains of Yudanaka. Although wildlife is the main focus of the journey, there’s loads of tradition thrown in too — together with temple-hopping in Kyoto, and the unimaginable ice sculptures of the Sapporo Snow Pageant. It could not appropriate for teenagers or sun-seekers, however past that, all it’s essential take pleasure in Winter Highlights is a love of nature and a way of journey. 

Important information:  14 nights – discover out extra about Winter Highlights.

Crowds walk toward the big red gate of Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple
Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple

Basic Japan 

If you happen to wished to encapsulate Japan — with all its contrasts and contradictions —  in a single two-week journey, Basic Japan can be it. In fact, you could possibly by no means do such a factor, however this tour’s excellent stability of rural and concrete, exercise and rest, historical past and modernity, is as high-quality an introduction to this advanced nation as we will think about. Distinction the frenetic vitality of Tokyo with leisurely hikes in idyllic Kamikochi, hop from izakaya events in Osaka to iconic Fuji views in Hakone, then spherical all of it off with among the world’s most opulent temples in storied Kyoto. First-timers, return guests, younger youngsters, solo travellers, older {couples}… We not often say {that a} tour has one thing for everybody, however on this case it’s true. 

Important information: 13 nights – discover out extra about Basic Japan.

Young woman in kimono smiles at the camera with cherry blossoms behind her
Spring in Gion, Kyoto

Spring Magnificence 

Japan’s cherry blossom is likely one of the world’s final journey experiences, and that is the final word cherry blossom tour. In fact, nature has its whims — Japan’s cherry timber bloom at a barely totally different time yearly — however Spring Magnificence provides you with the easiest probability of experiencing the sakura at its peak. Meaning visiting locations at totally different elevations, the place the cherry timber bloom at totally different occasions, and touring among the most stunning landscaped gardens in Japan to see the blossoms at their most interesting. Itinerary-wise, you could possibly name it “Golden Route meets Better of the Japan Alps”, so that you’re assured a incredible introduction to the nation’s traditional locations, too. If you happen to dream of visiting Japan at its most stunning and joyful, becoming a member of in picnics beneath the timber and seeing traditional locations in opposition to a cover of pink, Spring Magnificence is the tour for you. 

Important information: 13 nights – discover out extra about Spring Magnificence.

Western tourists copy the moves of a teacher when practicing Taiko drumming
Attempt your hand at conventional Taiko drumming

All-In Japan 

Overlook what you assume you recognize about all-inclusive holidays, as a result of All-In Japan is totally different. You may name it the final word in curated journeyIt has all of the stress-busting advantages of a standard package deal tour, and but it additionally has the distinctive aptitude of an expertly designed and tailor-made journey. Each single expertise, each information, each lodge and each meal is a spotlight, rigorously chosen out of hundreds of attainable choices. The place different all-inclusive excursions may hustle you to buffet restaurants and staged experiences, we’ll take you to specifically chosen eating places and have you ever collaborating in genuine, hands-on cultural workshops. The fruits of our 20 years exploring Japan, this tour is for many who wish to sit again, hand the reins to the consultants, and discover out why that is our favorite nation on this planet. 

Important information: 12 nights – discover out extra about All-In Japan.

A rice field on the Nakasendo Way hike between Magome and Tsumago
A stretch of the Nakasendo Approach hike between Magome and Tsumago

Strolling the Nakasendo and Past

Bookended by Tokyo and Kyoto, and likewise taking within the fort metropolis of Matsumoto, Strolling the Nakasendo and Past is well-suited to solo of us who wish to expertise some nice mountain climbing, however aren’t fairly able to go it alone. As a lot as we love Japan’s public transport, typically it’s price slowing down and savouring a quieter tempo, and this tour encapsulates that ‘sluggish journey’ idea completely – supplying you with the chance to get a really feel for native communities across the Shin-Etsu Path space and alongside the Nakasendo Approach, whereas having fun with Japan’s spectacular surroundings up shut, slightly than from a Shinkansen window as you pace by on the practice. Plus  we will’t stress this sufficient  mountain climbing + onsen adopted by ice-cold Asahi beer is one in every of life’s biggest pleasures. Be a part of us on tour and also you’ll quickly discover out why. 

Important information: 11 nights – find out extra about Strolling the Nakasendo and Past. 

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