Japan — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
For more information on traveling to Japan, check out some of the Japan tour highlights and travel tips below:
Japan Tour Highlights
- Take a trip to Kyoto and experience the tranquil splendor as you meander through historic temples such as Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and the renowned Fushimi Inari Taisha, distinguished by its iconic thousand torii gates.
- Honor the memory of those affected by the atomic bomb by visiting the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, a poignant and somber reminder of its devastating consequences. Learn about the city's inspiring resilience and its hope for a peaceful future on our carefully crafted Japan-guided tours.
- Experience traditional Japanese entertainment in Gion, Kyoto's renowned geisha district. Witness geisha and maiko in their elegant attire and maybe even catch a glimpse of their mesmerizing performances.
- Encounter Japan's rich history in Nara, where friendly deer roam freely, and the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, Todai-ji, resides. Our Japan tours will also take you to Kasuga Taisha Shrine known for its captivating pathways adorned with lanterns.
- Delight your taste buds with the freshest sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo and watch skilled chefs prepare your meal right before your eyes.
- Observe Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs amidst a snowy wonderland in Jigokudani Monkey Park, an enchanting wildlife encounter.
- Soak your cares away in traditional Japanese hot springs in the picturesque town of Hakone, nestled amid stunning natural landscapes.
- Challenge yourself to climb Japan's iconic Mount Fuji, where you'll witness a breathtaking sunrise at the summit. With our expert-led Japan group tours, you can share this rewarding experience with a community of like-minded adventurers
Japan Travel Tips
- Experience authentic Japan in a ryokan, sleep on tatami mats, wear yukata, and savor a kaiseki meal. Don’t miss onsen, follow bathing rules.
- Japan experiences its peak season from April to May, so we recommend securing your accommodations in advance during this period.
- Embrace Japanese customs: bow, remove shoes indoors, avoid public displays of affection, and keep your voice low in public.
- While many Japanese people in urban areas may understand some English, it's helpful to learn a few basic Japanese phrases to assist in communication. Phrases like "hello" (konnichiwa), "thank you" (arigatou gozaimasu), and "excuse me" (sumimasen) can go a long way.
- Consider acquiring a Japan Rail Pass if you intend to commute between cities. It can help you save your transportation costs significantly and enables unlimited travel on JR (Japan Railways) trains.
Popular Tour Types in Japan
- Japan budget tours: Experience all the highlights of the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ without breaking the bank thanks to our affordable tours in Japan. Indulge in street food, hop from temple to castle, and zoom around on a bullet train to hit the iconic cities of Tokyo and Osaka with these low-priced tours.
- Japan guided tours: Accompanied by expert guides, you will be able to see Tokyo by night or smell the fragrant blooms at the Cherry Blossom Festival while learning all about the fabulous history of the country on Japan guided tours.
- Japan luxury tours: Japan takes hospitality to the next level, so why not take advantage of all the luxury the country has to offer? By taking one of Japan’s luxury tours, your small group will zip from city to village with a Japan rail pass, uncovering the magic of a Japanese ryokan in tiny Tsumago.
- Japan group tours: A group adventure guarantees heaps of excitement as like-minded individuals take on the hottest highlights on Japan group tours. Seek out Geishas in Kyoto's Gion district, get lost in the colors of Japanese nature, or stand in awe of the efficiency of Japan’s bullet trains.
- Japan private tours: Whether you want to uncover the secrets of rural Japan or follow a high-energy highlights tour of the country’s biggest cities, there is a private tour for every taste. You will enjoy the undivided attention of an expert guide on these Japan private tours.
- Japan customized tours: Do you see yourself rolling with the sumo wrestlers, dining with geishas, or zooming around Tokyo in a go-cart? A tailor-made trip to Japan is a guaranteed way to explore the country the way you imagined.
Activity-Based Japan Tours
- Japan hiking tours: Strap on your hiking boots and load up your backpack because it is time for epic multi-day hikes in Japan. Take on the ancient pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodo or embark on some walking-heavy tours of all the gems between Tokyo to Hiroshima.
- Japan culture tours: Be captivated by traditions that date back millennia while admiring the otherworldly and futuristic nuances of the modern-day on Japan culture tours. Venture into off-the-beaten-track and see places like Takayama and Yudanaka to understand the essence of Japanese culture.
- Japan city sightseeing tours: The cities of Japan are the stuff of legends. From neon lights and karaoke bars to temples and cherry blossoms, no stone will be left unturned in these Japanese city sightseeing tours. Big names like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto make up these action-packed packages.
- Japan natural landmarks tours: See deer roaming free on Miyajima Island, go temple hopping in the mountains of Nikko, or conquer Mount Miyajima for breathtaking views. Nature lovers and city slickers alike will find wonder and tranquility in the captivating locations on Japan’s natural landmarks tours.
- Japan food tours: Japan’s culinary treasures stretch far deeper than ramen, sushi, and bubble tea. Here, food is a religion, and everything from humble street food to fine dining feasts is approached as an art, from melt-in-your-mouth wagyu to ancient Buddhist meals of Koyasan. Check out our food tours in Japan.
- Japan adventure tours: Get your fill of thrills in Tokyo before soaking it off in an onsen, just in time to be revved up again in the bustling Osaka. Hike up mountains, traverse through gorges, shop at traditional markets, and uncover culture and traditions that have stood the test of time in Japan adventure tours.
Popular Durations for a Japan Trip
You need at least seven days in Japan to truly appreciate the marvels of this country, but if you are strapped for time you can hit all the highlights in a quick-fire tour of icons like Tokyo or Mount Fuji. If you have the luxury of time on your side, you can choose to spend 10 days to two weeks in Japan.
Japan Tours — Top Destinations to Visit
- Explore the streets of Tokyo: The ultramodern city of Tokyo is the beating heart of Japan with some dazzling traditional sites. You can explore the culture by visiting museums and galleries such as Tokyo National Museum during the day. At night, you can dine and party at one of many restaurants and clubs in the neon-lit streets. Here, there is something you can enjoy in every corner.
- Learn about culture and history in Kyoto: Kyoto is the cultural and historical hub of Japan. Walk on the 17th-century streets in Gion, and visit Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine to relax your mind. If you are a foodie, then you are in for a treat. Explore Kyoto’s streets which are lined with food stalls purveying delicious traditional food, and they come quite cheap.
- View Japanese architecture in Hiroshima: After being devastated during WWII, Hiroshima had a rebirth as a city of peace. A trip to Hiroshima offers plenty of things to do for every traveler. Admire the marvelous Japanese architecture at Hiroshima Castle, sail to Itsukushima island to view the ancient temples, or take a stroll through the historic gardens to enjoy the natural scenery.
- Dine delicious cuisine in Osaka: If you love trying new food, then a trip to Osaka is what you need. Head to Kuromon Ichiba Market to find some of the most exquisite seafood. While Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki are some of the most popular seafood items here, you can find many kinds of marine delicacies to satisfy your taste buds. After your food tour, head to the Pacific and spot whales and penguins in the pristine blue waters. After all, Osaka is not just about the food. It is one of the most multicultural cities of Japan with many sightseeing spots and activities.
- Go on a hike in Mount Fuji: Mount Fuji might just be the single most iconic landmark of Japan. Its snow-capped peak rises more than 3,776 meters in the air and can be seen from more than 300 kilometers away. Whether you want to climb it or simply look at it, Mount Fuji is a must for every visitor to Japan. Try to capture the perfect picture of the mighty mountain reflecting in Kawaguchiko lake or tackle the 400 steps to the iconic viewpoint at Chureito Pagoda.
- Relax in a hot spring in Hakone: Hakone is the crossroads of culture and nature in central Japan. This mountainous town is revered for its healing hot springs and unbeatable views of the nearby Mount Fuji. Here you can also find Hakone Shrine, the iconic red Shinto shrine that looks out at Lake Ashi. A trip to Hakone means relaxation. It is the perfect place to unwind for weary travelers.
Peak Season and Low Season Tours in Japan
- Peak Season: Japan has two distinctly popular times to visit in the year. In April and May, visitors flock to Japan to admire the spellbinding beauty of the cherry blossom season with favorable conditions. October and November are also part of the best times to visit Japan as leaf-peepers from all over come to enjoy the brilliant transformation of Japan’s nature.
- Low Season: From January to March, in the low season, you will experience frosty temperatures across the country with snowfall almost everywhere. Make the most of this by strapping on some skis and hitting the slopes of Hakuba or Niseko. Over December, you can also be mesmerized by major cities celebrating illumination festivals.
Popular Japan Trip Travel Guide
If you are planning a trip to Japan, you will want to know about the best time to visit Japan as well as checking out all the available Japan tours. You may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in Japan. Once you are sure about some of the activities you wish to experience in Japan, along with the destinations you want to visit, you may want to consider how many days to stay in Japan. We recommend 7 days in Japan or more, to get the most out of your trip to Japan.
Next, we recommend you start thinking about the money you can allocate to the trip to know whether you should be looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or perhaps a completely customized tour to Japan. If you are in doubt, check all our Japan tours at the top of this page.
Japan is an amazing country to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider before traveling there. Please check our “Japan travel guide” which will give you a lot of relevant information about traveling to Japan.