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Japan Trips with Village Visits

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Explore remote villages on one of the below 19 unique Japan cultural experiences for 2025 or 2026. Visit the local village, meet the people, experience local cuisine with a local English speaking guide on your own private tour or small group guided tour. Discover unique local cultures on trips that include activities like Archaeological Site Visits, Local Market Visits, Urban Exploration, Hiking, and Small Ship Sailing and cost from $8,495 for experiences of 5 to 23 days. Tell us about your ideal Japan cultural trip and our Japan experts will help you plan every detail of your next trip.
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Visitors enjoy Kiyomizu-dera Temple
from $6,616
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Shinkansen Odyssey: Japan Culture Highlights

Tokyo to Kyoto - 8 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Kyoto
Activities
Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Easy Active
Join this 8-day Shinkansen adventure through Japan, exploring rich cultural and natural treasures. Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto with immersive stops in Kanazawa’s historic districts, the serene hot spring town of Kaga Onsen Village, and the artisan haven of Echizen. Discover local traditions, cuisine, and scenic beauty along the way
  • Discover Tokyo, a bustling city
  • Explore Kanazawa's geisha district
  • See Kanazawa Castle and garden
  • Visit ryokan and relax in onsen
  • Visit Echizen traditional craftsman
  • Watch expert bladesmiths at work
  • Visit a UNESCO Heritage site
  • See historic cities by Shinkansen
Tour Details
0
Mt Fujisan in lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi, Japan
from $6,223
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Best of Japan: Active Golden Route Adventure

Tokyo to Osaka - 11 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activity Level
Easy Active
Discover the best of Japan on this 11-day Active Golden Route Tour. Journey from Tokyo to Osaka with unforgettable stops in Lake Kawaguchiko, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Enjoy a perfect blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, active adventure, and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
  • Explore vibrant city of Tokyo
  • Cycle around Lake Kawaguchi
  • Explore Matsumoto Castle
  • Try Takayama's famous sake
  • Learn Japanese flower arrangement
  • Visit a UNESCO Heritage site
Tour Details
0
Akihabara
from $4,369
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Japan's Golden Route

8 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Kyoto
Activity Level
Relaxed
Join this 8-day journey along Japan’s Golden Route, exploring the dynamic cities and natural wonders of Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto. Explore Tokyo’s bustling districts and cultural landmarks, then relax in Hakone’s onsen hot springs with views of Mount Fuji. Conclude in Kyoto, marveling at iconic temples, peaceful gardens, and timeless traditions
  • Explore vibrant city of Tokyo
  • Taste delicious fresh seafood
  • See the beauty of Imperial Garden
  • Admire the views of Mount Fuji
  • Explore Kyoto's hidden gems
  • Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO site
  • Visit the Arashiyama bamboo forest
Tour Details
0
Woman wearing japanese traditional kimono walking at Historic Higashiyama district
from $4,405
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Kyoto Prefecture Extension

5 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Kyoto / Kyoto
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Relaxed
Join this 5-Day Kyoto Prefecture Extension Tour. Explore Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Gion, and more. Enjoy sake tasting, a tea ceremony, local food at Nishiki Market, and peaceful moments at Ryoanji Zen Garden. Guided by experts, uncover Japan’s culture, history, and timeless traditions
  • Discover history of Geisha in Kyoto
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Visit Kyoto's most famous landmarks
  • See Arashiyama’s iconic Bamboo Grov
  • Walk along Kyoto's historic streets
  • Learn traditional tea ceremony
  • Taste local food in Nishiki Market
Tour Details
0
Cherry blossoms frame Osaka castle
from $3,102
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Classic Japan Self-Guided Tour

Tokyo to Osaka - 7 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Japan independently on this 7-day self-guided adventure. Ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, uncovering historic temples, ancient shrines, bustling markets, and rich cultural traditions. Experience Japan’s perfect blend of old and new at your own pace.
  • Discover Tokyo, a bustling city
  • Learn traditional tea ceremony
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Discover history of Geisha in Kyoto
  • See Arashiyama’s iconic Bamboo Grov
  • Visit Osaka Castle
  • Taste street food in Dotonbori
Tour Details
0
Matsue Castle
from $8,495
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Sacred Japan and South Korea: A Voyage from Osaka to Niigata to Tokyo, Including South Korea

Osaka - Tokyo - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Tokyo
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 11-day Sacred Japan and South Korea cruise from Osaka to Tokyo aboard Heritage Adventurer. Discover the historic castle town of Matsue, the ancient town of Hagi, the sacred Miyajima, historic Hiroshima, and more. Explore Japan's ancient heritage and traditional culture in contrast with the world's most advanced technological civilization.
  • Explore Kanazawa's rich arts scene
  • Visit Kanazawa's open air market
  • Try traditional pottery making
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Cruise Details
0
from $8,815
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Discover the Islands of Japan: A 12-day Voyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Including South Korea

Tokyo - Osaka - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Discover hidden gems on a 12-day voyage between Tokyo & Osaka aboard Heritage Adventurer. Explore Matsue, Hagi, and Yakushima Island. Visit Uwajima's pearl farms, iconic gardens like Kenroku-en, and delve into Nagasaki's WWII history. Explore Fukuoka and discover South Korea's Gyeongju and Haeinsa Temple.
  • Experience Japan
  • Cruise travel to Matsue, Hagi
  • Visit iconic gardens in Japan
  • Visit Fukuoka and Dazaifu
  • Visit the 'Museum Without Walls'
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji
from $10,945
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Through the Heart of Japan

Tokyo to Fukuoka - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Geographer
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Tokyo
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the dynamic landscape of Japan on a 15-day journey aboard the Coral Geographer, exploring vibrant cities, quiet coastal villages, and cultural landmarks from Tokyo to Fukuoka. Highlights include Shimizu, Shingu's Shinto shrines, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokushima, Shodoshima, Karatsu, Jeju Island's lava tubes in South Korea, and the Goto Islands.
  • Tokyo embarkation and departure
  • See Shimizu Island's scenic beauty
  • Discover Shingu and Daimon-Zaka
  • Osaka's vibrant food scene
  • Tokushima's Awa Odori Festival
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Nagasaki
from $28,618
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Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture

16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Resolution
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Kyoto
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 16-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, exploring Japan and South Korea's cultural and historic sites. Visit Himeji Castle, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, Naoshima's art attractions, and Gyeongju's ancient temples. Discover samurai heritage in Matsue, scenic gardens, and traditional villages.
  • Enjoy castles and samurai district
  • Discover ancient ruins of Gyeongju
  • Visit Matsue's art museum
  • See Naoshima, the art-filled island
  • Tour three Japanese gardens
Cruise Details
0
Night view of Kobe Port, Japan
from $11,000
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Tokyo to Tokyo

11 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Moon
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Tokyo
Activities
Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on this 11-day roundtrip cruise from Tokyo to Kobe, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, and more aboard Silver Moon. Explore ancient temples, vibrant cityscapes, and serene gardens. Experience diverse Japanese culture, cuisine, and history, from the neon lights of Tokyo to the peaceful volcanic landscapes of Kyushu.
  • Explore Tokyo's skyscrapers
  • Experience Shibuya Crossing
  • Scenic Kinko Bay cruise
  • Experience Beppu’s hot springs
Cruise Details
0
Hiroshima Peace Memorial or Atomic Bomb Dome
from $9,410
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Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Busan
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Japan and South Korea’s highlights on a 9-day cruise aboard Le Soleal. Visit iconic sites like Miyajima’s Torii Gate, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial, and Beppu’s hot springs. Walk Hagi's samurai streets and enjoy the art in Sakaiminato. Discover Busan’s temples and UNESCO sites with expert-led talks and enriching excursions.
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial
  • Relax in Beppu hot spring area
  • Enjoy Busan coastal city views
  • Experience Hagi samurai history sit
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Nagasaki
from $8,815
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Discover the Islands of Japan:An 11-day Voyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Including South Korea

Tokyo to Osaka - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day cruise through Japan and South Korea aboard the Heritage Adventurer and discover historic sites, UNESCO landmarks, bustling markets, and serene gardens. Travel via bullet train, explore charming villages, visit famous cities like Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Busan, and delve into natural wonders such as Yakushima Island.
  • Explore vibrant Tokyo highlights
  • Visit Matsue Castle
  • Explore Busan's streets and temple
  • Walk among ancient cedar trees
  • Study pearl cultivation in Uwajima
Cruise Details
0
Sunlit shrine in an Osaka cemetery
from $33,890
2for1
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Natural Wonders of Japan and Taipei

Osaka - Keelung (Taipei) - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Keelung
Activity Level
Variable
Sail on a 15-day Asia cruise exploring the Natural Wonders of Japan and Taipei aboard Scenic Eclipse II. Embark in Osaka, known for its culinary scene. Highlights include Kobe's Earthquake Museum, Okayama's Korakuen Garden, and Hiroshima. Explore Okinawa's rich traditions before concluding your journey in Keelung.
  • Visit the Earthquake Museum
  • See the Korakuen Garden in Okayama
  • Explore the city of Hiroshima
  • Discover the Zamami Island
Cruise Details
0
Kanazawa Castle, Kanazawa
from $13,600
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Tokyo to Tokyo

15 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Moon
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Tokyo
Activities
Spa Relaxation, Small Ship Sailing, Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Discover Japan’s cultural treasures and natural beauty on this 15-day roundtrip cruise from Tokyo aboard Silver Moon. Reflect on history at Hiroshima’s Peace Park, marvel at the legendary waters of the Kanmon Strait, and explore Fukuoka’s samurai legacy, Busan’s vibrant beaches, and Kanazawa’s preserved geisha districts.
  • Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park
  • Unwind on Busan beaches
  • Discover historic Fukuoka treasures
  • Stroll Kanazawa’s gardens
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms in historic Kyoto
from $15,010
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Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines

Osaka - Maizuru - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Maizuru
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Japanese ancestral traditions and legendary shrines on a 13-day cruise aboard Le Soleal. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Himeji Castle and Itsukushima Shrine. Traverse Kyushu's landscapes, discover South Korea's Busan and explore historic towns like Hagi and Izumo. Conclude amidst Tottori's sand dunes before disembarking in Maizuru.
  • Discover Himeji’s UNESCO castle
  • Sail to Kyushu to explore Toba
  • Explore the Miyajima Island
  • Experience the contrasts of Busan
Cruise Details
0
Mt. Fuji framed by Lake Kawaguchiko and cherry blossoms
from $9,615
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Cherry Blossoms of Japan Cruise

Tokyo to Osaka - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activities
Festival Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 12-day cherry blossom cruise from Tokyo to Osaka on Heritage Adventurer to explore vibrant cities, historic temples, gardens, and iconic landmarks in full bloom. Visit Mount Fuji, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Busan to enjoy local flavors, pearl farms, and Naoshima’s art as you cruise through scenic spring landscapes.
  • Discover Mount Fuji views
  • Explore historic Japanese castles
  • Naoshima’s iconic art experience
  • Taste authentic regional flavors
Cruise Details
0
A woman admires the spring cherry blossoms, dressed in a kimono
from $14,200
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Island Wonders & the Soul of Ancestral Japan

Naha, Okinawa - Kobe - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Le Jacques Cartier
Starts / Ends
Naha / Kobe
Activities
Snorkeling
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 14-day cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier, starting in Okinawa and exploring islands like Zamami and Kikaijima, known for marine life. Visit Yakushima, a UNESCO site, and the Koshikijima Islands. Discover Amakusa’s history, Iki’s Shinto shrines, and Jeju's Hallasan volcano. Continue through the Seto Inland Sea, concluding in Kobe.
  • Visit Okinawa & Subtropical Islands
  • Visit UNESCO-listed Yakushima
  • Explore Koshikijima Islands
  • Discover Amakusa’s History
  • Discover Sacred Iki Island
  • Jeju Island and the Seto Inland Sea
Cruise Details
0
View of Tokyo skyline
from $9,900
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Vancouver to Tokyo

23 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Moon
Starts / Ends
Vancouver, BC / Tokyo
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Kayaking
Activity Level
Variable
Experience Japan’s coastal treasures on this 23-day Vancouver to Tokyo cruise aboard Silver Moon. Visit Hakodate’s scenic mountain views and historic port, discover Muroran’s natural wonders like Lake Toya, and explore Miyako’s stunning coastlines and rich wildlife.
  • Explore Hakodate’s twin bays
  • Visit Muroran’s rugged cliffs
  • Witness Sendai's skyline views
  • Stroll Sanriku Fukkō Park
Cruise Details
0
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