Japan- an incredibly fascinating country with a culture like no other. The 2 week bike trip was a wonderful way to start to get to know Japan. Of course cycling is the best way to travel anywhere but having guides that explain their beloved country, teach you some of its culture, try to teach you the social skills that the Japanese excel at, getting you to test all the interesting food, giving history lessons and nature lessons, explaining the Shinto or Buddhist religion all the while giving you a great cycling experience makes the entire experience beyond memorable. The choice of the route gave us a good variety places to see. Staying in the Japanese inns ( ryokans) was amazing and definitely a must on any Japan trip. The food is an experience all on its own and if you are a fish lover than you will be in paradise. I really felt that the trip was complete and didn't just focus on one element of Japan so I never felt that I had too much of any one thing which was great. The description of the tour corresponded to what the trip really was and that is always appreciated. In the end, I didn't have too many preconceived notions of what I would be seeing and I can tell you that I was constantly amazed and ended up having enormous respect for the Japanese and their way of life. I thought my own country of Switzerland was well run but Japan wins on that respect. Kudos to the people of Japan and their being so courteous towards us tourists. Weeks later I am still feeling the effects of this trip and it is wonderful. Oh and thanks to Mother Nature for blessing us with the cherry blossoms.
Bicycle toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on a captivating seven-day journey through South Korea, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, enchanting traditional villages, and the awe-inspiring landscapes of this culturally rich country. From historic fortresses and serene temples to bustling markets and coastal vistas, this travel experience offers both depth and diversity, inviting you to immerse yourself in Korea's vibrant heritage and natural splendour.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Seoul, Pyeongchang County, Daeje
Seoul, Pyeongchang County, Daejeon, Gwangju, Yeosu, Busan, Gyeongju, Pyeongchang
Loved it all. The usual mix of guided tours and free time, with excellent hotels and a good crowd on the bus. Of course in any country there is so much to see and one tour cannot see it all but this was certainly a great effort at experiencing as much as possible within my time and budget constraints.
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
Great introduction to Japan, to city life (Tokyo and Kyoto) and the country (snow monkeys were a highlight as was the homestay in Hagi). Mack is the most diligent, thoughtful tour guide I have come across, and I would thoroughly recommend this trip
National parksWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kyoto, Tokyo, Nagano, Otsu, Hagi
Kyoto, Tokyo, Nagano, Otsu, Hagi, Tottori
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Great experience! We saw wonderful parts of Japan, including Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and Hiroshima. The hotels were wonderful! Our travel director was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. My advice to Trafalgar is to reduce the number of visits to temples and shrines. Maybe allow more free time. Also, there were too many set Japanese meals with no options.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Osaka, Lake Yamanakako, T
Tokyo, Osaka, Lake Yamanakako, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto
Wonderful trip, ideal if you want a flavour of Japan- visiting a number of fascinating places. Fast paced with lots of walking and train travel. Doni was an excellent tour guide - friendly, caring, organised, spoke impeccable English and was exceptionally knowledgeable; giving us a fantastic insight into the culture, customs and history of Japan.
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, M
Tokyo, Osaka, Miyajima, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Jigokudani, Kanazawa, Hiroshima
Uncover the best of Japan on a budget, on this 13-day Essentials tour. Staying in a mixture of hostels and guesthouses, you'll take in the sights of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and much more. Visit the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and cross the Shibuya Crossing. Hike to the giant bronze Buddha of Kotoku-in in Kamakura, take a dip in an onsen bath in Hakone and cycle the streets of Kyoto. Enjoy a relaxing meditation session, pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and see the iconic red torii gate of Miyajima.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
There's no destination quite like Japan, and there's no better way to see it than by bike. Get off the beaten path, cycling from the historic village of Shirakawa-go to the Sea of Japan and Toyama Bay. Explore the hidden gem of Sado Island on two wheels. Along the way we see one of the finest Japanese gardens in Kanazawa, rest your head in a traditional ryokan, sample excellent local seafood and soak in coastal scenery. Finally, hop on a bullet train to explore the neon-clad, beating heart of Japan, Tokyo.
Sado Island - Discover breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastal beauty, rich culture and historical significance
Kyoto and Tokyo - Get lost amongst the bustle and vibrancy of Japan's two biggest cities, teeming with cultural hot spots and ancient sites
Delicious local food - Refuel with tasty Japanese cuisine from street food in the city, to authentic local meals in the countryside
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kyoto, Tokyo, Sado Island, Kanaz
Kyoto, Tokyo, Sado Island, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Toyama
I thoroughly enjoyed the Highlights of Japan trip as it basically picked up from my 2020 Japan tour which was cancelled half way through due to Covid. The tour gives a good insight into Japan and is perfect to get ideas for a longer trip to Japan for places to revisit and see in more depth as there is so much to see. The trip was a good pace and our guide, David Lam, was excellent and really went out of his way to ensure everyone in the group enjoyed the tour, thanks David for enhancing my trip to Japan.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The tour was wonderful. Karique was an excellent tour guide. He was knowledgeable and interesting, and looked after our group well.
The food was great, and varied, which made a huge difference. The accommodation was great, especially the stay at Yunomineso. The hot spring was a highlight of the trip.
It might be a while before I go again, but I'll definitely look at Explore when I do.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Osaka, Kii Katsuura, Mats
Tokyo, Osaka, Kii Katsuura, Matsumoto, Nagiso, Kyoto, Nara, Kii Peninsula, Kumano Kodo
On this nine-day Premium adventure, you’ll explore the culture and cuisine of South Korea from unique perspectives with a local leader who has all the insights. Start in Seoul with a bowl of steaming hot pot and meet with a North Korean defector to learn their fascinating story. Wander through Gyeongbukgung Palace before heading to a local home for a private food lecture. Enjoy a bibimbap in Jeonju and learn about the town’s rich art culture. Walk through bamboo forests before heading for Mt Gaya’s Hainesa Temple, where you’ll stay overnight, meditate like the monks, and chat with a local monk over tea. Visit Mokpo before ending it all on Jeju Island – where you’ll chat with a local Haenyno woman and visit UNESCO’s Seongsan Ilchulbong for the most scenic views in Korea!
ExplorerHoneymoon
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
If you want to experience a few (of the many) highlights of Japan, all while staying in comfortable accommodation with like-minded travellers, this Premium adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto is a must! You’ll spend nine days exploring world-class shopping neighbourhoods, geisha districts, hole-in-the-wall eateries, ancient temples and markets with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find. Learn about the history of samurai from a family of contemporary ninjas, try to find snow monkeys bathing in hot springs on the mountain in Yamanouchi, wander through a designated Place of Scenic Beauty in Arashiyama and Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden in Kanazawa and follow the trail at a sacred shrine in Kyoto.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The trip was great, everything was very smooth, and well taken care of. I must also really thank you for helping with the train tickets last minute, you were a great help! I was quite worried haha.
The guide you provided, Lhakdon, was excellent. She is a very warm person, and genuinely helpful. For example, my father broke his spectacles accidentally one night, and I messaged her at 9pm asking if she had super-glue or knew a place to buy new spectacles. The next morning she turned up at 9 am with a tube of super glue, and we were able to fix the spectacles! She really went above and beyond to help us.
She always made sure we were comfortable and taken care of, at restaurants she would stop eating and come over to help us order food, get utensils, get drinks etc. service standard is very high.
Lhakdon also helped us outside of the tour time, brought us to various shops, to look for specific items we wanted. These shops were also cheaper and better in quality than the usual tourist traps. Places where locals would buy from.
The driver Pen Pal was also good, a friendly guy. Though he didn't speak English, we could converse in Mandarin. His driving was very safe, smooth ride all the way. No speeding, no sudden acceleration/braking/swerving. Great driver!
Please express the thanks and appreciation from my Dad and I to Lhakdon and the driver. If my friends or I ever go to Tibet again we will definitely request for them again!
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Guest House, Hotel, Resort, Tent
Age Range
10-70 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Shigatse, Lhasa, Everest Base Ca
Shigatse, Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, Tibet, Everest Base Camp Tibet