Japan Trips with Village Visits

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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

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from $8,495

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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.

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from $8,150

Save 20%

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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, Wildlife Viewing, Urban Exploration

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.

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from $29,990

No SS

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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.

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from $36,000

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Tokyo to Tokyo

11 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Moon

• Explore Tokyo's skyscrapers
• Experience Shibuya Crossing
• Scenic Kinko Bay cruise
• Experience Beppu’s hot springs

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.

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from $13,190

No SS

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Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal

• Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial
• Relax in Beppu hot spring area
• Enjoy Busan coastal city views
• Experience Hagi samurai history sit

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.

Cruise Details

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from $4,995

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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.

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from $3,895

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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.

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from $4,615

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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.

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from $8,815

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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.

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from $25,695

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Wonders of Japan Cruise

Osaka to Otaru - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Le Jacques Cartier

• Visit Hiroshima Memorial & Shrine
• Learn from bonsai masters
• Taste local sake traditions
• See geisha and taiko performances

Starts / Ends

Osaka / Otaru

Activities

Wine Tasting

Activity Level

Variable

Discover Japan and a bit of South Korea on a 14-day small-ship cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, visiting Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Busan, and more. Explore historic temples, castles, gardens, and vibrant local culture along the way.

Cruise Details

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from $13,400

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Tokyo to Tokyo

15 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Moon

• Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park
• Unwind on Busan beaches
• Discover historic Fukuoka treasures
• Stroll Kanazawa’s gardens

Starts / Ends

Tokyo / Tokyo

Activities

Small Ship Sailing, Spa Relaxation

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.

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from $9,615

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Cherry Blossoms of Japan Cruise

Tokyo to Osaka - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer

• Discover Mount Fuji views
• Explore historic Japanese castles
• Naoshima’s iconic art experience
• Taste authentic regional flavors

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.

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from $41,997

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Alaska to Japan: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture

19 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Resolution

• Spot rare wildlife in Pribilof
• Tour historical sites in Sendai
• Discover Hokkaido's Ainu culture
• Explore shogun and samurai history

Starts / Ends

Anchorage / Osaka

Activities

Fishing

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 19-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Resolution from Alaska, to Japan. Discover Japan’s history through castle towns of the Edo period, Meiji-era shrines, and World War II sites. Visit samurai homes and centuries-old gardens. Explore the ancient city of Gyeongju in South Korea and experience Japanese artistic traditions.

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