Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Very informative and fast paced. I believe following the tour we had a much better understanding of the Japanese including some of their customs and their way of life. Having an excellent tour guide like we had made the entire tour worthwhile.
Step into a world where tradition and technology harmoniously intertwine on the "Premium Japan" tour package. Crafted for experienced travelers and seniors, this 12-day, easy-paced journey begins in Tokyo, where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old shrines. With an expert local leader guiding the way, you’ll discover the tranquility of Hakone’s hot springs, the Edo-era charm of Takayama, and the rural beauty of Shirakawa-go’s thatched villages.
In Kyoto, immerse yourself in the city’s intricate tapestry of temples, gardens, and geisha culture. Along the way, find peace in Hiroshima’s memorial parks and deepen your appreciation of Japanese cuisine with a sushi-making class led by a local expert. Soak in the rejuvenating waters of an onsen, and let each day reveal new facets of Japanese life—from bustling urban centers to serene mountain retreats.
This guided small group tour includes thoughtfully selected accommodations, delicious meals, and seamless transportation, allowing you to relax and soak in every moment. The unique selling point of this trip is its balanced immersion in both Japan’s ancient customs and its dynamic modernity. Whether you’re captivated by castles, holy mountains, or culinary artistry, this tour offers a comprehensive and comfortable introduction to Japan’s diverse wonders—perfect for those who appreciate both depth and ease in their travels.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Simply Japan is pretty much as described in the trip notes, a full-on tour. Owing to the challenges of travelling by Minibus on Japan's highways the tour makes full use of Japan's Efficient rail network. Each location change is via train (Shinkansen or Ltd. Express). This would be more difficult without forwarding main luggage items by courier, hence living out of an overnight bag on 3 separate occasions during the tour.
All these travel arrangements and surviving the many city Metro and tram systems would be extremely daunting if it was not for the ceaseless attention of the tour guide. I could not praise our guide Henrik enough for his support. His enthusiasm and local knowledge was invaluable and clear instructions and morning briefings kept everyone in the group on track.
Almost every night he offered a group dinner option for those who wished to join him and he would take us to some less known local restaurant for authentic local cuisine. Even on the designated free time days Henrik (his designated days off), would offer to show anyone who wished to local places of interest.
All in all a wonderful experience. The only improvement I would suggest is that arranging an extra day in Tokyo at the beginning and in Osaka at the end would be highly beneficial (Some in the group had done this). Time is limited at the start and end of the tour and I certainly felt that I have not quite explored Tokyo and Osaka as much as I would have liked.
Lliasing with your tour group leader is very useful to plan visits to the most popular temples shrines and attractions. Most big tour groups tend to plan visits for opening time and pre lunch or post lunch. Visiting attractions at around 9:45, 13:00 or 15:00 generally avoids the massive peak-time coach tours.
Thank you Explore for another great travel experience
Train tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Osaka, Miyajima, Kyoto, A
Tokyo, Osaka, Miyajima, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Hiroshima
This was a top notch company and the climbing was great. The guide was completely safe and with high winds (too dangerous to climb) we worked together to amend the plans. This made me feel safe. (Note that these are high altitude climbs and one needs to have some climbing experience.) (Also in this time of the year it was cold and at times windy.) I cannot say enough about the Sherpa and the guide. An excellent time and a grand adventure.
ClimbingTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private and Group Tour Private Tour with a few fixed group departures available.
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Eco Lodge, Guest House
Age Range
17-78 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche
Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche East Peak, Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Seto Pokhari, Amphu Labtsa pass, Island Peak Base Camp, Dingboche, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Lobuche Peak Base Camp, Lobuche High Camp, Lobuche Peak, Pangboche, Lukla, Chhuthang, Tuli Kharka, Kothe, Thanngnak, Mera Peak Base Camp, Mera Peak High Camp
My wife and I had an incredible time on our Backroads of Japan tour. This was our first ever international trip, and even with booking a tour, we weren't sure what to expect. Fortunately, our tour guide was simply phenomenal. He was perfectly fluent in Japanese and English, knowledgeable in every facet of the country (down to the geology!), attentive to the needs of our very diverse group, and knew every nook and rest stop along every trail we hiked. Overall, I made friends and many more memories through this unforgettable itinerary, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to experience Japan for the first time.
Trekking and HikingAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Mt Fuji, Yo
Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Mt Fuji, Yoshino, Dorogawa, Tsumago, Asuka
Our third time with Expat Explore, value for money heaps to see. A fast pace tour with some long days, but if you're up to it, I would highly recommend. An enjoyable way to travel to cover Japan.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
10-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kyoto, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Takayam
Kyoto, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Takayama, Kanazawa, Shizuoka, Iga, Osaka