Cultural vacations in Japan
Tours & vacations in 2017 & 2018
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36 Cultural vacations in Japan found
Japan small group vacation, Japan unmasked
Whistlestop Japan highlights with an expert tour leader
From £1,790 to £2,675 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 3 Jul, 10 Jul, 31 Jul, 11 Sep, 9 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 13 Nov
2018: 19 Feb, 5 Mar, 30 Apr, 14 May, 28 May, 11 Jun, 2 Jul, 20 Aug, 3 Sep, 21 Sep, 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 29 Oct, 12 Nov, 26 Nov
2018: 19 Feb, 5 Mar, 30 Apr, 14 May, 28 May, 11 Jun, 2 Jul, 20 Aug, 3 Sep, 21 Sep, 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 29 Oct, 12 Nov, 26 Nov
Japan golden route vacation
9 night classic Japan trip: Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto
From US $2,420 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 $1,320 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 £1,275 to £2,075 10 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 8 Jul, 5 Aug, 19 Aug, 23 Sep, 28 Oct, 4 Nov
2018: 10 Mar, 26 May, 16 Jun, 28 Jul, 25 Aug, 29 Sep, 27 Oct, 10 Nov
2018: 10 Mar, 26 May, 16 Jun, 28 Jul, 25 Aug, 29 Sep, 27 Oct, 10 Nov
China and Japan vacation, Beijing to Tokyo
Incredible journey showcasing the best of two ancient cultures
From US $4,999 to US $5,399 18 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 1 Jul, 8 Jul, 15 Jul, 22 Jul, 16 Sep, 7 Oct
2018: 4 Mar, 18 Mar, 1 Apr, 4 Apr, 15 Apr, 18 Apr, 29 Apr, 6 May, 9 May, 13 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 10 Jun, 17 Jun, 24 Jun, 15 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 2 Sep, 16 Sep, 3 Oct, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 17 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 18 Nov, 9 Dec
2018: 4 Mar, 18 Mar, 1 Apr, 4 Apr, 15 Apr, 18 Apr, 29 Apr, 6 May, 9 May, 13 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 10 Jun, 17 Jun, 24 Jun, 15 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 2 Sep, 16 Sep, 3 Oct, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 17 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 18 Nov, 9 Dec
Japan small group vacation by bullet train
Japan's must-see cities and beautiful, rural countryside
From £2,850 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 29 Jul, 19 Aug, 9 Sep, 16 Sep, 14 Oct
2018: 19 May, 2 Jun, 14 Jul, 25 Aug, 15 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct
2018: 19 May, 2 Jun, 14 Jul, 25 Aug, 15 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct
Japan group vacation, a food adventure
Dive into Tokyo city’s incredible food scene
From US $3,832 to US $4,975 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 6 Aug, 3 Sep, 17 Sep, 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 29 Oct, 12 Nov
2018: 11 Mar, 18 Mar, 25 Mar, 1 Apr, 8 Apr, 15 Apr, 22 Apr, 6 May, 13 May, 20 May, 27 May, 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov
2018: 11 Mar, 18 Mar, 25 Mar, 1 Apr, 8 Apr, 15 Apr, 22 Apr, 6 May, 13 May, 20 May, 27 May, 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov
Japan small group vacation, Kyoto to Tokyo
Journey into the heart of Japan - Kyoto to Tokyo
From US $4,390 to US $5,630 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 1 Jul, 15 Jul, 5 Aug, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov
2018: 17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 21 Apr, 12 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 14 Jul, 4 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 17 Nov
2018: 17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 21 Apr, 12 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 14 Jul, 4 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 17 Nov
Shikoku Pilgrimage self guided walking tour, Japan
Shikoku 88 Pilgimage route self-guided walking
From US $1,095 to US $1,985 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 $1,960 13 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Hiking tours to Japan
Explore the backroads of Japan
From US $3,990 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 17 Sep, 1 Oct, 5 Nov, 12 Nov
2018: 11 Mar, 25 Mar, 11 May, 4 Jun, 16 Sep, 30 Sep, 4 Nov, 11 Nov
2018: 11 Mar, 25 Mar, 11 May, 4 Jun, 16 Sep, 30 Sep, 4 Nov, 11 Nov
Japan culture tour, Shoguns & Samurai
Ultra-modern Tokyo to Imperial Kyoto
From US $4,275 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 16 Jul, 15 Oct, 4 Nov
2018: 24 Mar, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 7 May, 15 Jul, 14 Oct, 3 Nov
2018: 24 Mar, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 7 May, 15 Jul, 14 Oct, 3 Nov
Japan culinary heritage tour
Regional cuisine, the heart and soul of Japanese culture.
From US $4,365 11 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 24 Nov
2018: 11 May, 28 Sep
2018: 11 May, 28 Sep
Japan and South Korea tour
Explore Japan and South Korea
From £4,559 to £4,699 16 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 5 Nov
2018: 4 Nov
2018: 4 Nov
Introductory offer of £100 per person discount for November group tour
Japan ancient capitals self guided walking tour
Ancient Capitals, historic trails and cultural treasures.
From US $1,095 5 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Soul of Japan tour
Dive into the soul of Japan.
From £2,999 10 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
family Japan (shell)
A family trip with amazing insights into Japan’s traditions
From US $2,685 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 23 Jul, 24 Sep
2018: 22 Jul, 25 Sep
2018: 22 Jul, 25 Sep
Bring the kids along! Discover the unknown side of Japan on a family adventure... Meet the people, learn while enjoying local experiences, and connect with rural communities.
We still have spaces on our 23rd of July departure!
Japan culture and cuisine tour
Experience the Culinary delights of Japan
From £3,299 to £4,749 12 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 $2,685 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 27 Jan, 17 Feb
Japan walking tour of Shikoku
Beautiful Shikoku Island and the 88 Pilgrimage trail
From US $4,275 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 5 Nov
2018: 13 May, 4 Nov
2018: 13 May, 4 Nov
The Japanese Alps private tour
Folklore and samurai culture in the Japanese Alps
From £2,655 10 days ex flights
Tailor made
Japan luxury vacation
An introduction to mesmerising Japan.
From US $8,788 9 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Cherry Blossom luxury tour in Japan
Experience Japan's most vibrant season
From US $9,784 8 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan small group tour, in the shadow of mountains
Western Honshu's coasts - Japan Sea and Inland Sea
From US $4,320 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 27 Sep
2018: 23 May, 26 Sep
2018: 23 May, 26 Sep
Spaces available on 27th Sep departure. From sea to sea in southern Japan, explore enchanting castle towns, see Miyajima Island with its iconic red torii gate and free-roaming deer and much more.
Japan tour, winter festivals
An adventure of natural, cultural and artistic delights.
From US $3,380 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 5 Feb, 8 Feb, 10 Feb
Japan small group tour
Bold cities, beautiful lakes and spectacular Mount Fuji
From US $4,725 to US $5,202 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 17 Dec, 31 Dec
2018: 24 Mar, 7 Apr, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 17 Dec, 31 Dec
2018: 24 Mar, 7 Apr, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 17 Dec, 31 Dec
Book now for 10% off this trip!
Japan family vacation
Be transported into a world of cultural mystery and intrigue
From US $4,458 to US $4,811 11 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 1 Jul, 12 Aug, 16 Sep, 23 Sep, 16 Dec
Northern Japan tour
Off the beaten path in magical northern Japan
From £3,405 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 16 Oct
2018: 11 Jun, 22 Oct
2018: 11 Jun, 22 Oct
Hidden Japan vacation
Get beneath the surface into the heart of Japan
From £2,790 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 20 Jul, 17 Aug, 28 Sep, 12 Oct
2018: 15 Mar, 10 May, 24 May, 26 Jul, 27 Sep, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov
2018: 15 Mar, 10 May, 24 May, 26 Jul, 27 Sep, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov
Japan cultural immersion vacation
Cultural activites and traditional experiences galore
From £2,915 to £3,950 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 17 Sep
2018: 13 May, 9 Sep
2018: 13 May, 9 Sep
From
£1,275
excluding flights
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
£1,790
excluding flights
The day with the snow monkeys sticks in my mind but the morning we spent at the Buddhist morning prayer was also incredible. Absolutely amazing! Hugh did an incredible job showing us around and had an excellent rappor with the locals. This has been my favourite vacation so far. (more)Nathaniel Castle
The art and Japanese craft museums blew me away and despite the cold temperatures, the temples, shrines and gardens still looked wonderful. Not living in a cold climate, I found the snow up north quite exciting. Terrific fun with a group brought together through skilful leadership... We saw and did things we hadn't expected to do and tried so many delicious food styles. (more)Wendy Dooley
The breadth of experience, from the neon lighted frantic pace of Tokyo, to
the 5am chanting of monks at a Nagano temple, all connected by the
thrill of the Shinkansen. (more)Keith Swindell
From
US $2,420
excluding flights
The most memorable was the boat ride down the Hozugawa River starting at Kameoka and a JR train journey from Kyoto that is reasonably short. It was a real experience, and made worry free by the superb back-up of the tour operator. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend them. (more)Ian Halstead
It's hard to identify just one most memorable or exciting part - everything was amazing. The culture, the people, the food, the scenery, the transportation.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. (more)Garry Radford
The most memorable was Himeji Castle with cherry blossom in full bloom! (more)Andy Angel
From
US $1,320
excluding flights
Our whole trip was memorable and exciting! We loved the Disney Sea park and Cafe Eorzea. We also enjoyed Zauo (fishing restaurant), our guide in Kyoto, our Ryokan, Arashiyama monkey park, and so much more! (more)Sarah Shadday
Meeting a Maiko (trainee Geisha) in Kyoto was a fantastic experience! Exploring the old city of Kyoto with an amazing guide was also wonderful! Fantastic, the absolute best vacation we have been on! (more)Owen Cawley
Absolutely brilliant. We were a little anxious beforehand as we had not participated in a group tour before but we certainly do so again provided it was with your organisation! (more)Anne Davies
From
£2,850
excluding flights
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
We particularly liked Takayama. We had the experience of staying in Ryokan and were fully exposed to Japanese breakfasts...Very good itinary, Good logistics. (more)Geoff Wright
From
US $3,990
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 $4,275
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 $4,390
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 Intrepid and this was best value for money (more)Mary-Anne Rose
From
US $1,960
excluding flights
From
US $1,095
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 $4,458
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
a) Our guide, Silvia, recommended a garden (Happo-en) in Tokyo to visit on our free day - the trip there and the garden were great fun, we all enjoys the blossom and chatting to brides having their photos taken with the magnificent blossom as a background.
b) having our picture "printed" onto top of our coffee/ baby chin no's at Ginza shopping was amazing highlight.
c) Sushi breakfast was amazing - Silvia took us to a very special place for this authentic experience -the... (more)Kate Mathers
From
US $3,952
excluding flights
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
Really enjoyed visiting the ethnic minority villages in Sapa - our tour leader Hue enabled us to visit the villagers and take part in their new year celebrations.
(more)Bethany Wright
From
£2,790
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Everything! Traveling extensively using the local transport - every type, meant we saw such a large range of places, did lots of activities, experienced historical and modern displays, interacted with the local people and tasted a big variety of
food.
Tips?
Travel light. Prepare for lots of traditional Japanese food. Bring comfy shoes.
Local benefits?
Yes. We travelled by public transport most of the time which is very efficient. We engaged with many locals... (more)Susan White
From
US $4,500
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 $3,740
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
From
US $5,425
excluding flights
Excellent... (more)Ruth Martin
Being in a totally different culture, the people were so friendly and helpful, it was the best! (more)Cindy Faithfull
My vacation was absolutely fantastic - I have never had such a great time, never loved somewhere so much, never actually had my breath taken away so often, absorbed so much atmosphere, relaxed so completely or felt so carefree and happy as I did on this trip to Japan (more)Julia Young
