Our Japan vacations & tours
Our vacations to Japan start out in cities like Tokyo before taking you out to explore islands and countryside that give you a broader understanding of the country and its culture. Walk the Nakasendo Way, staying in locally run ryokan inns that serve seasonal home-cooked feasts. Cycle between gleaming rice paddies, shrines and little-visited villages in the countryside alongside local guides who give real insight into ways of life here. One of the main joys of our Japan vacations? Traveling by public transport, including the legendary bullet trains. They’re not just one of the most environmentally sound ways of traveling – they’re also the most fun.
Our top trips
Japan self guided trekking vacation, Nakasendo Trail
From
US $1135 to US $1815
5 days
ex flights
Self-guided walking along Japan’s ancient Nakasendo trail
Tailor made
Japan golden route vacation
From
US $3080
10 days
ex flights
9-night classic Japan trip: Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto
Tailor made
Japan vacation, ancient and modern
From
US $7940 to US $9525
14 days
ex flights
Explore the attractions of this vibrant nation
Small group2026: 15 Nov, 29 Nov, 2027: 7 Mar, 11 Mar, 14 Mar, 18 Mar, 21 Mar, 22 Mar, 25 Mar, 29 Mar, 4 Apr, 5 Apr, 8 Apr, 11 Apr, 9 May, 16 May, 20 Jun, 23 Aug, 12 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 18 Oct, 24 Oct, 25 Oct, 7 Nov, 21 Nov, 28 Nov, 2028: 27 Feb, 5 Mar, 9 Mar, 12 Mar, 13 Mar, 16 Mar, 19 Mar, 20 Mar, 23 Mar, 27 Mar, 2 Apr, 3 Apr, 6 Apr, 9 Apr, 7 May, 14 May, 18 Jun, 28 Jun, 21 Aug, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct ...
Golden route tour in Japan, private departure
From
US $6500 to US $10500
12 days
ex flights
11 nights Best of Japan; Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara
Tailor made
Kyushu and Shikoku island tour in Japan
From
US $8545 to US $9365
13 days
ex flights
Deep cultural immersion in lesser visited Japan
Small group2027: 21 Mar, 11 Apr, 26 Sep, 10 Oct, 7 Nov, 2028: 19 Mar, 9 Apr, 24 Sep, 8 Oct, 22 Oct, 5 Nov
Japan family vacation for all ages
From
£4000
14 days
ex flights
An active adventure between cities, temples and hot springs
Tailor made
Shikoku Pilgrimage self guided walking tour, Japan
From
US $1360 to US $3365
10 days
ex flights
Shikoku 88 Pilgimage route self-guided walking
Tailor made
Nikko and Yumoto Onsen walking tour, Japan
From
US $1595 to US $1770
4 days
ex flights
Explore Nikko and hike in the beautiful Oku Nikko plains.
Tailor made
Japan classic tour by rail
From
US $9965
14 days
ex flights
A visually striking railway journey through Japan
Tailor made
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About our Japan vacations
Culture on a vacation in Japan
Exploring Japanese culture is a highlight of our vacations. Learn the ancient art of the Japanese tea ceremony, or the intricacies of sushi etiquette, from a local expert. Tour respectfully around Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, and enjoy enlightening walks along the iconic Nakasendo Way, following in the footsteps of samurai warriors. Experience the mental and physical benefits of meditation, solitude and vegetarian cuisine at a mountain monastic retreat, and the pleasures of staying in a locally run ryokan. These traditional country inns often have an onsen (hot spring bath) attached, the rituals involved in taking a dip could almost fill a guidebook on their own.
The cherry blossom in Japan
Japan’s iconic sakura (cherry blossom) bloom from south to north as the climate warms, draping parks and gardens the length of the archipelago in delightful shades of pink and white, and prompting hanami (cherry blossom-viewing parties) throughout the spring. The cherry blossoms have been revered in Japan for centuries, and have inspired the works of countless poets, artists and philosophers. Different regions all-too-briefly come into bloom at different times, so it pays to learn the best time to see the cherry blossom in Japan – and if you want to avoid the crowds, we can help.
Walking in Japan
Our walking vacations in Japan promise a combination of history, spirituality, and remote mountain landscapes – along with welcoming, locally run hotels. Long distance routes thread the islands, including the Nakasendo Trail along which samurai once escorted their masters between Kyoto and Tokyo. The Kumano Kodo Trail is a legendary pilgrimage walk lined with ancient shrines, while white-robed walkers tick off Buddhist temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Both take you through spectacular alpine scenery. For those with less time, we have shorter Japan walking vacations across Honshu, with the romantic Nikko National Park a sublime place to escape the Tokyo crowds.
Bullet trains on Japan vacations
Not quite as fast as a speeding bullet but fast enough to acquire the nickname, Japan’s famous shinkansen network spans the country, enabling you to get between cities comfortably, rapidly and cost-effectively too. Almost all of our Japan vacations will feature some rail travel, with some getting around entirely on the train, and we can even assist you in organising a Japanese Rail Pass (unlimited travel for seven days). Watching as the scenery zips past the windows of these sleek, modern and accessible trains is as essential to vacations here as sushi and shopping, and rail travel is also a great way to meet friendly local people.
Types of tours & vacations in Japan
Exploring Japan as part of our sociable small group vacations is a fun way to embrace the unique culture and traditions here, but there are also tailor made tours for those wanting more flexibility in their itinerary. And don’t fall for the misconception that traveling in Japan is always expensive – our budget Japan vacations are more forgiving on the bank account without skimping on the fun. A perfect example is walking vacations that avoid major cities, keeping to local inns and restaurants in rural areas and offering fewer opportunities to blow your cash on gourmet sushi or high-spec gadgets.
Latest reviews
4.6
272Japan vacations reviews
Suzie Duncan19 Oct 2026
So many things were wonderful! Waka was an exceptional guide who made the whole experience magical :)... 5 star. Great accomodation. Great food. Great scenery. Great historical adventure.read more
Dot Woollacott18 Oct 2026
Excellent, with a incredibly friendly and professional guide.read more
Jose Andres15 Oct 2026
We loved it all. The hike from Magome to Tsumago as well the hike to Narai were very nice and had great views of nature. Hotels/Ryokans selected by the tour operator and their support before and during the travel were outstanding.read more
Natalie Banner13 Oct 2026
Amazing. Despite 3/5 days being relentless downpours, it was a unique and memorable experience.read more
Types of Japan vacations
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