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.
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.
If you are ready to see some of the most famous sites and fascinating cities in East Asia, this tour of Japan will take you on the trip of a lifetime! Your journey will begin in Tokyo, the Japanese capital and an extraordinary city that is known for its diverse districts, legendary entertainment scene, and delicious cuisine. Learn about the manga and anime culture in the Akihabara district, bask in the beauty of the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda, and see how the legendary sites of Asakusa were rebuilt after WWII. From there you will drive to Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, with an en-route stop in Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you will see some of the most incredible views of Mount Fuji in the country. Take some time to stroll around Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Five Fuji Lakes, before you see the Shiraito Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. Visit the Toyota Museum in Nagoya, the fourth largest city in the country, before you travel to Kyoto, one of the only major cities in Japan that escaped the bombings of WWII. Visit Fushimi Inari, a magnificent Shinto shrine, and make your way through the Bamboo Forest before your tour of Japan comes to an end!
Trafalgar was a good choice for our dream vacation to Japan. Our guide, Her name was , forgive me if I spelt her name incorrectly was wonderful. She was professional, friendly and very patient with her customers. the hotels and bus companies all were quite up to the task. very satisfied with the trip.
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.
From the neon lights of Tokyo to the peaceful temples of Kyoto, Japan was incredible. Riding the bullet train was a highlight, and the cherry blossoms in Osaka were breathtaking!
Experience the goodness of Japan with this tour, which takes you through some of the country's most iconic destinations. Begin in the vibrant city of Tokyo and visit famous landmarks in Japan like the Tokyo Zojoji Temple, Shibuya Crossing, and Sumo Stadium. Also, get a chance to experience the bustling nightlife in Tokyo. Next, we will visit Kawaguchiko, located at the base of Mt. Fuji, where you'll take a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko to enjoy the best views of Mt. Fuji. Continue your travel to Kyoto, a historic city known for its temples and shrines. Next, visit beautiful Osaka, the food capital of Japan. From Osaka, we will go to Okayama and visit the famous Korakuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan. Continue to Hiroshima, where you can go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the atomic bombing in 1945, visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, located on Miyajima Island, and explore the beautiful Hiroshima Castle and its surrounding park. Next, take a ferry to Matsuyama, located on the island of Shikoku, where you visit Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's few remaining original castles, and relax in Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs and the inspiration for the famous Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away. Finally, head to Kobe, where you'll explore the bustling port city, visit the iconic Kobe Port Tower, try some of the famous Kobe beef at a local restaurant, and visit the Nunobiki Herb Garden, which offers stunning views of the city and has a large variety of herbs and flowers. Return to Osaka where this comprehensive Japan tour comes to an end. Fly back home as you bid goodbye to this wonderful country.
I loved this tour, not just for the beautiful sights but for how much I learned. Japan is so different from North America in terms of culture, manners, even how people move through a city. I found it fascinating.
The tour guide didn’t just take us from place to place. He taught us about Shinto traditions, post-war history, Japanese etiquette (like how to bow or take off your shoes in homes), and more. I felt like I came home not just with photos, but with a better understanding of the world.
We saw cherry blossoms, temples, even deer in Nara Park. Hiroshima moved me deeply. The whole trip was emotional and eye-opening, but in the best way.
I’m 66, and this tour was easy on the body and stimulating for the mind. What more could you ask for?
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan, where timeless traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. Your adventure begins in Tokyo, a vibrant metropolis where ancient culture and modern life coexist. Explore the peaceful grounds of the Meiji Jingu Shrine, stroll through the lively Tsukiji Fish Market, and admire the historic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple. Next, escape the city to witness the majestic beauty of Mount Fuji. Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi, soar above the scenery on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, and visit the serene Arakurayama Sengen Park and traditional Oshino Hakkai Village. Unwind for the night in Hakone, known for its relaxing hot springs and scenic views. Continue to the charming town of Takayama, where you'll explore the vibrant Morning Market and the historic Kusakabe Folk Museum, showcasing traditional architecture and craftsmanship. From there, travel to the storybook village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its iconic thatched-roof houses at the Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum before arriving in Kanazawa. In Kyoto, immerse yourself in Japan’s cultural heart. Wander through the enchanting bamboo groves of Arashiyama, marvel at the golden splendor of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and climb the iconic paths lined with vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Before your journey ends, stop in Osaka to visit the magnificent Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan’s feudal history. As your tour concludes, depart from Osaka with a heart full of unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Japan’s cultural and natural wonders.
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan’s vibrant capital, serene landscapes, and historic landmarks, beginning in Tokyo with a metro ride to the bustling Shinjuku district to experience its lively nightlife, followed by a guided city tour visiting the 600-year-old Zojoji Temple, the iconic Shibuya Crossing—the world’s busiest junction, the revered Meiji Shrine, and the tranquil Imperial Palace East Gardens. Continue to Gora, stopping at the scenic island of Enoshima and the medieval Odawara Castle, then travel to Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village with eight serene ponds, and Kawaguchiko Lake, where you’ll ascend Mt. Fuji for breathtaking views and unwind in a traditional hot spring bath at a Japanese-style inn. Journey to Kyoto, pausing to admire the stunning Shiraito Falls, and explore the ancient capital’s treasures, including the Zen masterpiece Tenryuji Temple, the vibrant Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates, the historic Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the golden Kinkakuji Temple from 1397. Next, visit Nara to marvel at the colossal Great Buddha in Todaiji Temple, then head to Osaka to immerse yourself in its vibrant nightlife. Travel to Okayama to stroll through Korakuen, one of Japan’s three great gardens, and visit the sacred Kibitsu-Jinja Shinto Shrine. Continue to Hiroshima to reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, learning about the city’s resilience, followed by a ferry to Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its iconic “floating” torii gate. Conclude your adventure with a thrilling bullet train ride back to Tokyo, where one of our fantastic exclusive Japan tour packages filled with unforgettable exploration of Japan’s cultural and historical tapestry ends.
Our tour of eight from the UK and the US literally ate our way around Japan. Our leader, Dean, was outstanding and interpreted, guided, and answered all our many questions with patience and good humor. This is listed as an "Active" trip and my pedometer said I walked 87 miles the second week of the tour, and the first week was similar. I am 70 and thought I was in good shape but my legs were very tired at the end of each day. I particularly liked our stay in Takayama at a minshuku. The smaller city was a welcome break from the crowds of Tokyo.
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Japan, where ancient traditions meet vibrant modernity. From Osaka’s dynamic charm and Hiroshima’s poignant history to Kyoto’s serene beauty and Tokyo’s futuristic allure, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Japan’s cultural and natural wonders.
Immerse yourself in iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle, the floating Itsukushima Shrine, and Kyoto’s tranquil Bamboo Grove. Savor authentic Japanese experiences, from crafting matcha tea and sushi to witnessing the artistry of sumo wrestling. Delight in the country’s breathtaking landscapes, historical temples, and lively districts like Dotonbori and Akihabara.
With curated activities, expert guidance, and leisure time to explore, this journey promises a perfect blend of adventure, discovery, and relaxation.
See the itinerary section for details.
Discover the highlights of Japan with this all-encompassing journey. You'll witness the cutting-edge allure of Tokyo, the tranquil landscapes of Hakone, the time-honored traditions of Kyoto, and the dynamic spirit of Osaka. As you glide across the serene waters of Lake Kawaguchiko, the majestic Mt. Fuji will loom in the distance, a sight that will leave you breathless. meander through the sea of crimson torii gates at Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Immerse yourself in the pulsating energy of Dotonbori, and delight in the authentic tastes of Kansai's culinary scene. You will have an unforgettable 9-day trip to Japan.
