57 Cultural vacations in Japan found
Japan small group vacation, Japan unmasked
Whistlestop Japan highlights with an expert tour leader
From £2,595 to £2,795 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 18 Feb, 4 Mar, 10 Jun, 1 Jul, 22 Jul, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 20 Sep, 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Nov
Japan golden route vacation
9 night classic Japan trip: Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto
From US $2,280 10 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan tailor made tour on a shoestring
Japan's classic sights on a shoestring!
From US $1,242 8 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary
Japan cultural small group holiday
A journey along the ancient Tokaido highway
From £1,795 to £1,995 10 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 9 Mar, 25 May, 15 Jun, 27 Jul, 24 Aug, 28 Sep, 26 Oct, 9 Nov
Helpdesk
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
China and Japan vacation, Beijing to Tokyo
Incredible journey showcasing the best of two ancient cultures
From US $4,000 to US $5,399 16 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 1 Mar, 12 Apr, 26 Apr, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 14 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 17 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 4 Sep, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov
Japan small group vacation by bullet train
Japan's must-see cities and beautiful, rural countryside
From £3,595 to £3,995 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 1 Jun, 13 Jul, 24 Aug, 14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct
Japan group vacation, a food adventure
Dive into Tokyo city’s incredible food scene
From US $5,085 to US $5,805 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 10 Mar, 31 Mar, 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 23 Jun, 18 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov
2020: 8 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 21 Jun, 27 Sep, 11 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov
2020: 8 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 21 Jun, 27 Sep, 11 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov
Late availability on these dates: 10 Mar
Kyoto to Tokyo small group vacation in Japan
Journey into the heart of Japan - Kyoto to Tokyo
From US $5,045 to US $5,995 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 10 Mar, 17 Mar, 3 Apr, 7 Apr, 10 Apr, 14 Apr, 17 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 9 Jun, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 16 Oct, 20 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov
2020: 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 1 Apr, 5 Apr, 8 Apr, 12 Apr, 15 Apr, 19 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 7 Jun, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 14 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov
2020: 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 1 Apr, 5 Apr, 8 Apr, 12 Apr, 15 Apr, 19 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 7 Jun, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 14 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov
Late availability on these dates: 10 Mar, 17 Mar
Shikoku Island vacation in Japan, tailor made
Visit Shikoku Island, the smallest of Japan's four main islands
From £3,500 16 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
All our itineraries can be tailor made to suit your specifications and budget. Departures are year round, depending on your preferred dates of travel
Shikoku Pilgrimage self guided walking tour, Japan
Shikoku 88 Pilgimage route self-guided walking
From US $1,170 to US $2,130 10 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan honeymoon tour on a shoestring
Simple hotels, rustic ryokan, unforgettable honeymoon.
From US $1,849 13 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Nakasendo Trail winter tour, Japan
The tranquil magic of winter on the Nakasendo trail
From US $2,825 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 26 Jan, 16 Feb
Last minute availability on the Nakasendo Trail- winter edition!
Japan small group tour, in the shadow of mountains
Western Honshu's coasts - Japan Sea and Inland Sea
From US $4,400 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 22 May, 25 Sep
Hiking tours to Japan
Explore the backroads of Japan
From US $4,790 to US $5,090 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 10 Mar, 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 19 May, 2 Jun, 5 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov
2020: 8 Mar, 22 Mar, 5 Apr, 19 Apr, 17 May, 31 May, 13 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 18 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov
2020: 8 Mar, 22 Mar, 5 Apr, 19 Apr, 17 May, 31 May, 13 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 18 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov
Late availability on these dates: 10 Mar
Helpdesk
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
Japan vacation, ancient and modern
Explore the attractions of this vibrant nation
From US $5,655 to US $6,355 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 15 Mar, 17 Mar, 20 Mar, 24 Mar, 10 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 21 Apr, 10 May, 17 May, 21 Sep, 28 Sep, 5 Oct, 12 Oct, 19 Oct, 20 Oct, 26 Oct, 9 Nov
2020: 14 Mar, 15 Mar, 18 Mar, 21 Mar, 22 Mar, 25 Mar, 28 Mar, 29 Mar, 4 Apr, 5 Apr, 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 19 Apr, 9 May, 16 May, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 7 Nov
2020: 14 Mar, 15 Mar, 18 Mar, 21 Mar, 22 Mar, 25 Mar, 28 Mar, 29 Mar, 4 Apr, 5 Apr, 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 19 Apr, 9 May, 16 May, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 7 Nov
Late availability on these dates: 15 Mar, 17 Mar, 20 Mar, 24 Mar
Japan culture tour, Shoguns & Samurai
Ultra-modern Tokyo to Imperial Kyoto
From US $4,585 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 3 Apr, 12 Apr, 8 May, 20 May, 17 Jul, 11 Oct, 6 Nov
Japan vacations, tailor made
Experience the highlights of Japan by train
From US $5,265 14 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor-made and departures can be arranged all year. The sample itinerary below can be modified to your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.
Southern Japan small group vacation
Off the beaten track in Kyoto, Nara & Kyushu
From US $4,725 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 6 May, 23 May, 23 Sep, 19 Oct
Japan private tour, authentic journey
Experience Japan's cities, mountains and fascinating culture
From 3,835 13 days
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan family vacation
Explore the Land of the Morning Calm
From US $5,115 to US $5,885 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 6 Apr, 13 Apr, 20 Jul, 17 Aug
2020: 4 Apr
2020: 4 Apr
Golden route tour in Japan, private departure
11 nights Best of Japan; Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara
From US $3,850 to US $6,900 12 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan discovery tour, 14 days
Discover authentic Japan in one incredible itinerary
From £3,295 14 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Kyushu rural Japan tour
Explore a little-visited rural part of Japan on this tour
From £3,690 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 10 May
Japan holiday, small group
Tokyo to Hiroshima small group tour
From US $4,120 to US $4,190 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 9 Mar, 5 May, 31 Aug, 13 Oct, 23 Nov
Late availability on these dates: 09 Mar
Rugby World cup tour following Scotland
Follow all of Scotland's rugby pool matches in Japan
From £5,440 26 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 20 Sep
Japan luxury highlights tour
A perfect mix of Japan's big cities and rural escapes
From £4,000 to £4,670 13 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Rural Japan 15 day tour
An off-the-beaten-path adventure through Japan's countryside
From £3,800 to £4,360 15 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan luxury honeymoon, 14 days
An adventurous honeymoon for a pair of intrepid explorers
From £9,600 to £10,860 14 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan art and food tour, tailor made
Experience Japanese culture through food and art
From £3,900 to £4,470 15 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan backpacking tour
Explore Japan on this unmissable and affordable 13-day tour!
From £1,599 13 days ex flights
Small group travel
From
£2,595
excluding flights
The beautiful Himeji Castle floating above you on the horizon when walking towards it from the station. Hiroshima was very moving. (more)Yasmin Dastur
There were many `most memorable´things such as the autumn colours, the gardens, the Japanese people, the food, the variety you offered on this tour, the numerous surprises Japan has in store by being so different, the group, the tour leader. (more)Inge Kerber
Most memorable: The beautiful Japanese gardens, the forested mountains, the beautiful temples, the courtesy and helpfulness of the Japanese people. The wonderful food. The efficiency of public transport. Everything was so clean... (more)Margaret Pitt
From
US $2,280
excluding flights
It was a fantastic experience for my children. Vacation of a lifetime. (more)Jean Bergin
The most memorable part would have to be a takoyaki party in Osaka, where we all communally prepared the dish together. The Buddhist morning prayers in Koya-San were also quite memorable. (more)Justin Lopina
Eating the local foods and staying in local accommodation was the highlight. Excellent. It was a very busy vacation with a lot going on everyday. (more)Sarah Smith
From
US $1,242
excluding flights
We had an amazing vacation. Japan is unique. (more)Helen Dooley
The most memorable was Hakone. Beautiful views and hot spring bathing in the wonderful ryokan. (more)Kirsty Syder
We loved the varied nature of our trip, We took in history, beautiful, nature, exciting cities and great food.
(more)Cyndia Pilkington
From
£1,795
excluding flights
We saw various places all of which were very interesting. There is not one particular place or experience that stands out over and above everything else. It was great to cover so much ground and there was a lot to do every day. Our tour leader was helpful and very knowledgeable. (more)Catherine Cassidy
The entire trip was so awesome. Lots of exciting things to taste, see and experience. Great way to meet people who enjoy traveling as much as I do.
Fantastic trip. (more)Anuschka Veckranges
Really enjoyed the variety of visiting different regions of Japan e.g. busy Tokyo,
tranquil Hakone, beautiful Kyoto and Nara and Kamakura. (more)Eva Jolly
From
US $2,825
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The beautiful little post towns and the amazing food at the places we stayed at.
Tips?
Wear lots of layers as it can get cold but you also need to be able to cool down by stripping back when you're hiking and the sun comes out.
Local benefits?
I hope it helped the local communoities by enabling them to keep these beautiful old buildings functioning as they were meant to.
Overall rating?
It exceeded expectations. We were all very well looked after by... (more)Richard Gordon
From
US $5,655
excluding flights
From
US $4,790
excluding flights
We particularly enjoyed Kyoto which gave a mix of city living with the cultural experiences. We visited Sanjusangendo temple which holds 1001 life sized statues... (more)Lisa Thompson
This was an excellent trip. ...Walking in the countryside - seeing parts of Japan that I would never have discovered on my own and being guided by a reliable expert. Asuka, Dorogawa and the Mitarai Gorge were particularly memorable. Also - wonderful exotic food, charming ryokans and soothing onsens. (more)Una Dinning
From
US $4,585
excluding flights
Experiencing such a different culture and all things Japanese was the best. Excellent. Fumiko was a very helpful, informative and patient guide. We saw amazing temples, landscape etc. (more)Janet Barwell
The whole thing was tremendous - felt we got a real insight into Japan today and in the past....One of the best vacations we have been on - very well planned to give a varied taste of the Japanese culture. (more)Anne Cooper
The most memorable part of the vacation was getting a bit of an insight into the people and culture of everyday Japan by traveling on local trains and buses and staying in local inns in rural areas rather than faceless hotels. (more)Nicola Lindsey
From
US $5,045
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The cherry blossom in Japan.
Tips?
Take an umbrella, be ready to walk a lot and have fun.
Local benefits?
Yes, especially the local hotels amd ryokan.
Overall rating?
Excellent. Very good guide (Kimi) who went beyond the vacation description, taking us on tours, and explaining the local customs. We explored other tours before booking with this company and this was best value for money. (more)Mary-Anne Rose
From
£3,595
excluding flights
The most exciting elements were the cultural differences and beauty of Japan. The most memorable was the stunning 'Japanese Alps' at Kamicochi. (more)John Harlow
Autumn colours were wonderful and the temples were most interesting. Excellent, with attention to detail, which made the tour very easy for the group. Hotels very good. (more)Ann Caroe
Very good itinerary that included cities and countryside and a variety of types of
accommodation. There was plenty of optional free time to explore one your own if you wanted. Brian, the tour leader was conscientious and helpful, we were particularly impressed that he met us at our hotel on arrival in Japan in spite of the very late hour. (more)Andy Goodenough
From
£3,675
excluding flights
Absolutely wonderful; probably the best we've ever had. (more)Jane Dunphy
It was an amazing experience; everything we hoped for and more...each day was different and a new fascinating experience.
(more)Jean Burgess
We had a fantastic time. The guide, Yuri, was great and the tour was varied and constantly enlightening. (more)Lynda McCall
From
£3,950
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Firstly - Sumo wrestling was an incredible spectacle. This won't be offered on all. Hands on Japan trips, but if you have the opportunity seize it with both hands. Secondly - Shrines and Temples are endlessly amazing.
Tips?
Take a book that you can collect stamp impressions in (not postage stamps, but rubber stamps). Make sure it is fairly large as many of the temples, gardens,
train stations, etc.... offer some really exciting rubber stamps you can collect that... (more)Monte Gates
From
US $1,140
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Probably staying in two historic ryokan but the traveling over 4 days to two different locations was great fun as well. And the best moment was the sudden
unexpected view of Mount Fuji from Oshino Hakkai.
Tips?
We are in our mid sixties and I was nervous beforehand about our ability to figure out the transportation by ourselves. In fact, with the helpful information
plus clear ticketing, it was all very straightforward and went extremely smoothly. And local people... (more)Jane Williams
From
US $1,849
excluding flights
Amazing vacation (more)Sylvie Harvey
Walking the old samurai trials was incredible, as well as exploring the many temples and shrines in Kyoto. Amazing, we loved every moment. (more)Mairi Towl
Excellent, stunning, huge variety of tastes, sights and experiences. We went budget but it was definitely first class! (more)John Hayes
From
US $1,170
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Everything was memorable: The temples, the people we met, the landscape, the food, the places we stayed at.
Tips?
Perhaps not to spend to much time at each temple in order to catch the transport connections or reach the guest houses without hurrying up.
Local benefits?
Yes
Overall rating?
A success. (more)Annatina Monnier
From
US $4,094
excluding flights
Miyajima-beautiful garden and Shinkansen was fab. (more)Rachel Melton
Superb. Would recommend it wholeheartedly. Thanks very much.
(more)Simon Toller
A lot of good experiences - elephant ride on Christmas day - meeting a monk for meditation - Thai massage (ouch ouch ouch) and some great pampering. Food was often an adventure too. (more)Joanna Hughes
From
US $4,725
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Seeing Mt Sakurajima look very peaceful and then erupt and having an Onsen by the beach.
Tips?
Pack lightly and be prepared to spend a lot of time on public transport as you travel large distances. While it is called a walking tour you don't actually walk large distances most days.
Local benefits?
Yes, We stayed in family run accommodation about half the time and ate a lot of local food prepared by locals rather than big companies.
Overall rating?
Very... (more)Barbara and Peter Gray
From
US $2,155
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
It was all fabulous! There was an ideal mix of pace and sightseeing between frenetic Tokyo, to gentle Nikko and beautiful Kyoto. Our guide Koi was so
organised and helpful, her assistance in getting around really made traveling, navigating public transport or busy sightseeing spots enjoyable rather than
stressful.
Tips?
Double check your itinerary, as it was not clear from the notes that we would have a guide on hand throughout the trip and that our travel between... (more)Lisa Watson
From
US $5,265
excluding flights
The Noto Peninsula except for Wakura and the villages in the various parts of the countryside. Having a car made the difference. (more)Geraldine Hickey
Not the best vacation we have ever been on, too many problems, Some poor hotels, Guides who weren't that knowledgeable. Japanese not too helpful. Poor signposts not many in English, (more)JULIE HARRISON
The autumn colours were just amazing in Japan. Its a fascinating culture with so many memorable experiences, just a few spring to mind, walking the Nakesendo highway, staying at the Mitsui Garden hotel in Tokyo, the views are mind blowing from here, Geisha spotting in Kyoto... (more)Katherine Windibank
From
US $3,480
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
A painting exhibition in Hiroshima.
Tips?
It actually isn't that difficult getting around Japan but a few simple Japanese phrases help break the ice.
Local benefits?
We had very little interaction with local people and employed no local guides which was really a pity. We impacted on the environment just as much as any other tourists.
Overall rating?
Reasonable. (more)Margaret Good
