Japan tours discovery guide
From the heights of the Japanese Alps to the hustle of historic shopping streets, the Land of the Rising Sun opens plenty of doors to its feudal past. But beyond its stacked castles and iconic torii gates, Japan shows its present is just as compelling—and worthy of a stamp in your passport.
What to know before you go
POPULATION
Roughly 124 million people live on the Japanese archipelago, primarily clustered on its four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. However, more than 250 additional islands are inhabited—and 14,000 more make up the rest of the country!
CAPITAL
Tokyo has humble roots—in the 15th century, it was a fishing village called Edo. In 1603, it was named the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate; it ballooned into a metropolis, changed its name, and became Japan’s capital in the years after.
CULTURAL QUICK TAKE
Between deciphering when to line up for a train, why to remove your shoes when entering a room, and how to respectfully communicate in a different language, you might feel a little overwhelmed. Good news: Your expert Tour Director will help you navigate Japan’s beautiful idiosyncrasies.
WHAT TO GO FOR
Kyoto’s Buddhist and Shinto shrines. The steaming Hells of Beppu (and other onsen you can take a dip in). Osaka’s neon-lit Dotonbori district. And did we mention Mt. Fuji? From the city to the countryside, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON TOUR
You can hand-feed bowing deer in Nara, learn the secrets behind a good bowl of ramen during a cooking class, and roam the abandoned concrete confines of Nagasaki’s Hashima Island—and that’s all on the same tour.
STOP AND SMELL THE SAKURAS
Visiting during cherry blossom season? Take part in hanami—the national tradition of relaxing under the flowers and enjoying their beauty. Don’t touch the trees, though: They’re incredibly delicate, and snagging a petal is quite the faux pas.
Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo
Trace the country’s famous Alps from its former capital to its present one, then—if you tack on the extension—hop on a flight to tropical Okinawa. If you want to see the different shapes Japan can take, this trip is for you.
See where the sun rises
You don’t need to block off a month to visit Japan: You and your loved ones can take in the treasures of this far-flung land on a perfectly paced, 10-day trip. If you’d rather fly solo, there’s a tour for you, too. (Who knows—you might find your future travel buddy while roaming the slopes of Mt. Fuji!)
Now boarding: your trip to Japan
Why wait until touching down to sort out your plans? Let our team of experts point you in the right direction.
The best time to visit Japan
Four distinct seasons create ample opportunity to see Japan at its most vibrant. When will you go?
The top things to do, eat & see in Japan
From strolling through national gardens to snacking on sweet mochi, your itinerary just got more full.
20 amazing things to do in Japan and why
Obvious, obscure, and everything in between, this list has something for every type of traveler.
Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto
Follow the watercolor pinks of the sakuras across the island of Honshu and see the world—or at least one corner of it—through cherry-colored glasses.
Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...
Meditate on a nation’s spirituality
Enter the hallowed temples of Kamakura, a hub of Japanese Buddhism and a former capital of the country. Try it on our Highlights of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto tour.
Make friends with Fuji-san
Wade through the Sea of Trees, walk a stretch of the Tokai Nature Trail, and venture up the face of Mt. Fuji. Try it on our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour.
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Chow down—and throw down
Learn the ins and outs of Japan’s national sport during a traditional dinner and live sumo wrestling demonstration. Try it on our A Week in Tokyo: From Mt. Fuji to Nikko tour.
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Drink in Japanese traditions
Fall under the spell of Fushimi Inari’s torii tunnels before delighting in the intricacies of a tea ceremony. Try it on our Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto tour.
Pick your perfect trip
We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.
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Prep your packing list
While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.
Go far (and get rewarded)
Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.
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