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Japan Trips with Village Visits

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Mt. Fuji framed by Lake Kawaguchiko and cherry blossoms
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Explore remote villages on one of the below 14 unique Japan cultural experiences for 2026 or 2027. 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 Cooking Classes and cost from $100 for experiences of 5 to 19 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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    • Japan
Akihabara
EXPLORE

Japan's Golden Route

8 Day Itinerary
  • 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
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Kyoto
Activity Level
Easy Active
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
Tour Details
0
Mt Fujisan in lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi, Japan
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Best of Japan: Active Golden Route Adventure

Tokyo to Osaka - 11 Day Itinerary
  • 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
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activities
Hiking
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.
Tour Details
0
Woman wearing japanese traditional kimono walking at Historic Higashiyama district
EXPLORE

Kyoto Prefecture Extension

5 Day Itinerary
  • 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
Starts / Ends
Kyoto / Kyoto
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
Tour Details
0
Cherry blossoms frame Osaka castle
EXPLORE

Classic Japan Self-Guided Tour

Tokyo to Osaka - 7 Day Itinerary
  • 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
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.
Tour Details
0
People at iconic Kiyomizu dera temple to view maple autumn leaf color and sunset, Kyoto, Japan
EXPLORE

Shinkansen Odyssey: Japan Culture Highlights

Tokyo to Kyoto - 8 Day Itinerary
  • 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 bullet train
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Kyoto
Activities
Spa Relaxation
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
Tour Details
0
Matsue Castle
from $8,495
EXPLORE

Sacred Japan and South Korea

Osaka - Tokyo - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Kanazawa's rich arts scene
  • Visit Kanazawa's open air market
  • Try traditional pottery making
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
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.
Cruise Details
0
Cherry blossoms frame Osaka castle
from $8,150
EXPLORE

Springtime Splendor in Japan Cruise

Osaka Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit Osaka Castle landmark
  • Miyajima Torii Gate views
  • Oki Islands coastal landscapes
  • Shimonoseki seafood market visit
Starts / Ends
Osaka / Osaka
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits, Local Market Visits, Urban Exploration, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Japan on a 10-day expedition cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer. Travel from Osaka through Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hagi, Oki Islands, Matsue, Shimonoseki and Tamano. Visit castles, temples, gardens and markets, walk historic districts and explore coastal landscapes across the Seto Inland Sea and Sea of Japan.
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Nagasaki
from $29,990
No SS
EXPLORE

Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture

16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Resolution
  • 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
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.
Cruise Details
0
Quiet street in the Sanmachi Suji historic district of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
from $4,840
EXPLORE

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

Small Group Tour - 12 Day Itinerary
  • Explore Tokyo Urban Culture
  • Relax Hakone hot springs
  • Discover Takayama Edo History
  • Visit Hiroshima peace park
  • Experience Hagi local homestay
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Kyoto
Activity Level
Relaxed
Discover modern cities and ancient traditions on this 12-day tour through central and western Japan. The route navigates the Tokyo metropolis, the scenic Hakone ropeway, and the preserved Edo period streets of Takayama. A homestay in the samurai town of Hagi offers deep cultural insight before exploring the iconic temples of Kyoto.
Tour Details
0
Explore colorful Tokyo
from $3,895
EXPLORE

Japan Highlights

Small Group Tour - 9 Day Itinerary
  • Learn about Hiroshima history
  • Explore Shizuoka tea farms
  • Taste authentic Osaka street food
  • Visit ancient Kyoto temples
  • Ride the high speed bullet train
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activities
Cooking Classes, Homestays
Activity Level
Relaxed
Experience the speed of Japan over 9 days from the bustle of Tokyo to the tranquil countryside of Shizuoka. You discover peaceful rural life during an authentic homestay and witness the majesty of Mt Fuji. This journey connects you with ancient shrines and modern wonders while exploring the premier culinary districts of Kyoto and Osaka.
Tour Details
0
Golden tempura and fried seafood at a food stall in Kyoto, Japan
from $4,995
EXPLORE

Japan Real Food Adventure

Small Group Tour - 11 Day Itinerary
  • Visit markets in Tokyo
  • Make sushi in Tokyo
  • Cook local food in Kanazawa
  • Walk shrines in Kyoto
  • Stay in temples in Koyasan
Starts / Ends
Tokyo / Osaka
Activity Level
Relaxed
Experience Japan on this 11-day culinary tour. Travel from Tokyo to Osaka, stopping in Kanazawa, Kyoto, Uji, and Koya-san. Master sushi-making, tour historic markets, and stay overnight in a traditional Buddhist temple. This unique adventure combines iconic landmarks with deep dives into regional flavors and authentic cooking techniques.
Tour Details
0
Temple garden in Busan, South Korea
from $10,100
EXPLORE

Discover the Islands of Japan

Tokyo to Osaka - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore vibrant Tokyo highlights
  • Visit Matsue Castle
  • Explore Busan's streets and temple
  • Walk among ancient cedar trees
  • Study pearl cultivation in Uwajima
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.
Cruise Details
0
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