Home to sumo wrestling, sake, geishas, karaoke and onsens, Japan’s got a lot going for it. And on this nine-day trip to some of its most acclaimed cities, you’ll get to see the country at its best. Take in the neon nightlife of Tokyo, reflect during a visit to Hiroshima, discover thousands of years of culture and history in Kyoto and finish in the eclectic Osaka. And have you heard about the food? World-class sushi, ravishing ramen, delectable donburi – you certainly won’t be going hungry. With your local leader to point you in all the right directions and plenty of time to explore at your own pace, experience the culture and charm of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Visit and explore historical Hiroshima on the super-fast Shinkansen bullet train on this short but sweet 3-day tour that leaves from and returns to Osaka.
Walkthrough Hiroshima's Memorial Peace Park with its sprawling, reflective grounds; see the Atomic Bomb Dome, originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall; and visit the beautiful island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Accommodation, train transport, and full-day guided tour all included. Please see the itinerary and what's included sections for more information on this excellent tour!
Osaka’s vibrant energy is matched only by the serene landscapes of northern Japan on the 'Traditional Japan and North of Japan - End Sapporo' tour. Over 11 days, this guided sightseeing journey invites seniors to experience the diversity of Hakodate, Sapporo, and five other destinations, blending city life with northern beauty. All accommodations, meals, and transport are included, ensuring comfort throughout. What sets this group trip apart is its northward route, offering an uncommon perspective on Japan’s contrasting regions in a format designed for ease and enjoyment.
I had the pleasure of having Meg as our tour guide during our trip to Japan, and she truly made the experience unforgettable. Megs knowledge of Japans history, culture, and hidden gems was remarkable. She brought each location to life with engaging stories and insights that you wouldnt find in any guidebook. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she went out of her way to ensure everyone in the group was comfortable and had a great time. Whether it was helping us navigate the busy streets of Tokyo or guiding us through the temples of Kyoto, Meg was always attentive and patient. If youre looking for a tour guide in Japan who is knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate, I highly recommend Meg.
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.
One of Japan’s greatest attractions is its blend of the modern and the traditional. On this 12-day trip, you’ll veer off the main island of Honshu and travel to the less-touristed southwest. Discover revived art on the island of Naoshima, wander the castle in Matsuyama and spend a night in a tranquil homestay in the village of Usuki. Steam away your worries in the onsens in Beppu and be treated to a night in the volcanic Mt Aso, staying right in the middle of a caldera in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. Remind yourself of the sobering history of Nagasaki and end it all back where it began – in thriving Osaka. This adventure is the ultimate combination of modern art, bullet trains, countryside villages, traditional inns, delicious feasts and onsens, surrounded by impressive views of rice terraces, volcano craters and grasslands. If you’re looking for a new side of Japan – head to the south!
Home of the sumo, geishas, sake, karaoke, onsen and izakaya – Japan is a feast for all your senses. This eight-day journey hits all the right spots, giving you a true appreciation for the land of the rising sun. Absorb the bustle of Tokyo before heading into the countryside for a farm stay with local tea harvesters and a walk along a 400-m suspension bridge with spectacular views of iconic Mt Fuji. Travel on a futuristic bullet train to Kyoto and step into this nation’s history before wrapping up your adventure in the foodie paradise of Osaka. This is THE trip to take in Japan!
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.
Begin your Japanese adventure in the tech-haven of Tokyo, then discover scenic beauty on the Hakone ropeway. Sip the best sake in Takayama and be reminded of the sobering past of Hiroshima. Visit the floating torii gate of Miyajima and make use of your local leader and guides to reveal layers of culture and history in lesser-known cities. Spend some time in Kyoto, then veer off the main island of Honshu to the naturally beautiful southwest. Wander through art-laden castles, spend a night in a tranquil homestay in Usuki and relax in the steam of Beppu’s onsens. Soak up the peace in the caldera of Mt Aso in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. Visit the Peace Park in Nagasaki and end it all back in Osaka.
Say kon'nichiwa to the land of sushi, samurai & sake! In a country where the ancient and the modern collide in truly mesmerising style, you’ll make your way from Osaka to Tokyo, taking in temples, teppanyaki, geishas and gardens, plus miniature deer along the way.
