Traditional kimonos

Japan tours

Japan works in a unique way and planning a visit requires a certain degree of expertise in the quirks of the local system. The language barrier and cultural differences can be intimidating at first and having your tour planned by someone with in-depth local knowledge can vastly simplify the process.

Our specialists have traveled extensively around Japan and can provide valuable advice on the most convenient ways to get around, the best guides to use and the best places to stay. Their itinerary ideas work as a starting point when planning your route and can be tailored to your interests to create a bespoke tour of the country.

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Audley Travel specialist Tamatha

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Japan specialists

Our recommended tours in Japan

These itineraries are designed to give you some suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Japan, and they showcase some of the routes that we’ve found work particularly well. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely for you by one of our specialists based on your particular tastes and interests.

  • Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

    Japan's cities: Tokyo & Kyoto

    • Take in Tokyo's famous fish market.

    • See the giant bronze Buddha at Kamakura.

    • Visit Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and other temples.

    • Travel by super-fast bullet train.

    • Go to Hiroshima to see the Peace Park Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome.

    8 days from CAD6,120pp

  • Kayaking around Itsukushima Gate, Miyajima Island

    Japan family adventure

    • See the 'cooler' side of Tokyo on a number of private tours in the city.

    • Grab a kayak and circle Japan's most famous gate at Itsukushima Shrine.

    • Learn to write Japanese characters using brush and 'washi' paper.

    • Enjoy a private Taiko drumming lesson in Kyoto and practising how to become a 'ninja'.

    • Stay in your own 'townhouse' in Kyoto with a visit later to see the 'geisha' in Gion.

    15 days from CAD7,805pp

  • 'Shinkansen' bullet train and Mount Fuji

    Classic Japan tour by train

    • Explore the vibrant and exciting capital of Tokyo.

    • Discover the geisha quarter in Gion, Kyoto.

    • Bathe in a hot spring in Hakone National Park.

    • Walk the Nakasendo Highway in Tsumago.

    • Visit the ‘floating’ tori gate on Miyajima Island.

    13 days from CAD11,120pp

  • Japanese red crown crane courtship dance, Japan

    Wildlife & hot springs of Hokkaido

    • Hiking in the Daisetsuzan National Park.

    • Skiing in Furano or Niseko on world class powder.

    • Seeing the Snow Festival in Sapporo in February.

    • Watching the Red-Crested Crane mating rituals in Kushiro.

    • Keeping an eye out for bears in Shiretoko.

    14 days from CAD9,260pp

  • Shrine, Nikko

    Tohoku Discovered

    • Hot spring bathing in rural inns.

    • Climbing the beautiful peaks of Dewa Sanzan.

    • Driving through spectacular mountainous scenery.

    • Watching a local summer festival.

    • Looking out over Matsushima Bay for sunrise.

    15 days from CAD10,995pp

  • Bon odori drummer, Japan

    Theme parks and family fun in Japan

    • Learn the 'ways of the sword' in kendo training techniques.

    • Day tickets to Tokyo Disneyland/Disneysea and Osaka's Universal Studios.

    • Explore the mysterious Gion Geisha District with the help of your private guide.

    • Enjoy a private Taiko drumming lesson in Kyoto.

    • Visit the snow monkeys of Yudanaka and enjoy hot springs at a traditional inn.

    13 days from CAD11,950pp

  • Takachiho Gorge, Kyushu

    Best of Kyushu Japan self-drive

    • Explore the beautiful volcanic mountains and dramatic Mount Aso caldera of Aso-Kuju National Park.

    • Take a boat ride down the striking Takachiho Gorge, amid tumbling waterfalls and picturesque mountain cherry trees.

    • Visit the hot springs of Kurokawa to stay in a traditional inn.

    • Spend time in the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park of Nagasaki.

    • Explore the picturesque gardens and samurai residences of Chiran.

    17 days from CAD12,975pp

  • Japanese Snow Monkeys, Yudanaka Onsen

    Japanese Alps explorer

    • Dramatic and beautiful mountainous scenery.

    • Hiking, light walking and serious mountaineering opportunities.

    • Winter sports on excellent powder snowfall until May.

    • Hot spring bathing, onsen and traditional accommodation.

    • Snow monkeys at Yudanaka Onsen.

    15 days from CAD14,525pp

  • Traditional Geisha

    Grand tour of Japan

    • Walk the Nakasendo Highway between Tsumago and Magome.

    • Visit Kanazawa's beautiful Kenroku-en garden.

    • Stay in a traditional Buddhist temple lodging.

    • Spot geisha in Kyoto with an expert guide.

    • Spend several days in cosmopolitan Tokyo.

    21 days from CAD16,555pp

  • Temple roofs & autumn leaves, Nikko

    Luxury Japan

    • Watch a live sumo training match.

    • Geisha walk in Gion and cookery course, Kyoto.

    • Hot spring bathing in Hakone.

    • Walking the Nakasendo Highway, Tsumago.

    • Helicopter ride over Tokyo.

    15 days from CAD28,200pp

  • Romon Gate, Fushimi Inari, Kyoto

    Deluxe grand tour of Japan

    • Experience traditional Japanese hospitality with several ryokan stays.

    • Immerse yourself in the vibrant modernity of Tokyo.

    • Gain insight into Japanese culture with the Women's Association of Kyoto.

    • Take a walk through the Geisha district of Kyoto with our top guide.

    • Relax in a hot spring spa in the Japanese Alps.

    21 days from CAD39,405pp

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Some of our favorite travel guides

Nebuta Festival float, Aomori

Japan: a year in festivals & celebrations

Japan specialist Rachael had time to take part in many festivals and celebrations while living in the country. She explains why attending such an event in Japan is an ideal way to explore Japanese culture, and discusses a few of her most memorable celebrations.

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Hakone Ginyu Spa Resort

Luxury vacations in Japan

Japan is a country where historic traditions and modern living blend seamlessly, and there are a number of ways to combine luxury and culture. One of our Japan specialists, Katherine, details some of the most appealing ways to indulge in this unique destination.

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Drive through Shiretoko

Driving in Japan: the logistics

In this how-to guide, our Japan specialist Toby explains what it’s like driving around Japan. We’ve asked him some practical questions about traffic, navigation and the quirks of Japanese motoring.

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Yoshikawa Ryokan, Kyoto

Stay in a ryokan

A stay in a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, is a highlight of any trip to Japan, with wonderful hospitality, food and bathing.

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Cherry Blossom in Kyoto

Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond

Each Japanese season brings a raft of distinct experiences, from spring’s cherry blossom to winter’s snow crab delicacies. Japan specialist Henry shares the highlights of each time of year to help you decide when to visit Japan.

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Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa

Gardens of Japan

From Kenrokuen’s venerated views to gardens hidden deep in the countryside, specialist Amanda recommends her preferred gardens to visit in Japan. She also explains what makes Japan’s gardens so interesting and why gardening is an important national art form.

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Backyard Garden, Tsumago, Japan

Honeymoons in Japan

Honeymoon couples looking for a cultural adventure will be spoiled for choice in Japan. Country specialist, Layla, discusses some of the highlights for those wishing to honeymoon here.

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Chureito Shrine in Kawaguchi-ko

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is, along with geisha, sushi and the bullet train, one of the most iconic images of the country. We can offer advice on where to view Japan's most famous landmark, as well as how to incorporate some of these other sights into a tailor-made trip to Japan.

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Mixed sushi

What to eat in Japan: sushi and beyond

You might know your sushi, but it’s just the tip of a cuisine that’s garnered UNESCO heritage status. Our Japan specialists delve into some of the culinary experiences Japan has to offer, from kaiseki multi-course dinners to convenience-store specialties.

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Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa

Three days of Japanese arts and culture in Kanazawa

Ever since the Edo-era ruling clan invited artisans from across Japan to work in Kanazawa, the city has quietly become one of Japan’s pre-eminent cities of culture. Japan specialist Rebecca suggests a three-day itinerary to see the best of the city.

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