Tours of Japan

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Tour Map of Japanese Winter Wonderland

As seasons go, Japan will always be associated with the cherry blossom of spring, however travelling just a couple of months earlier will reveal many incredible sights that can only be witnessed in winter. Japan’s mountains experience months of snowfall, and the nearby cities have come to celebrate this by creating beautiful statues from the snow and ice. We see both the pretty Otaru Snow Light Path Festival and the unbelievable Sapporo Snow Festival, where incredibly detailed snow sculptures can reach 25m in length. Another undoubted highlight is watching snow monkeys keeping warm in the hot springs of their natural habitat, Jigokudani. Combine this with days in Japan’s modern capital Tokyo, and the old capital of Kyoto, full of beautiful temples and traditional arts, plus journeys on the bullet train, for an unmissable winter experience.

Essence of Japan

Tour Map of Essence of Japan

Famous for its thrilling ultra-modern cities, Japan is also home to some of the world’s most stunning areas of natural beauty, where cherry blossoms and hydrangea bloom in spring and maple trees blaze fiery red hues across the land in autumn. Having selected these two splendid seasons as the most magical times to visit, our fully-escorted Japanese tour highlights the vitality of Tokyo and Hiroshima, the tranquility and charm of temples, shrines, museums and gardens and the march of technology with an included journey on the lightning-fast Shinkansen (Bullet Train), all enhanced with the most gracious hospitality of the Japanese.

Discovering Japan

Tour Map of Discovering Japan

Ancient ceremonies meet 21st century technology in this astonishing country of contrasts. This rail tour goes a long way to interpret the mystery of Japan, as we cross the country on high-speed Bullet Trains.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

Shogun Trail

Tour Map of Shogun Trail

This action-packed journey by high-speed railway covers all of Japan's iconic sights. We explore Tokyo's neon-lit streets, take a cable car to view Mount Fuji and discover Kyoto's tranquil temples. Travelling off the normal tourist trail, we visit the site of the world's first atomic attack at Hiroshima and uncover the country's rural charm with a boat trip to Hirado Island.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

Ancient Empires - Beijing to Tokyo

Tour Map of Ancient Empires - Beijing to Tokyo

Explore two ancient nations in 18 well-packed days on this unique journey that takes you from the epic lengths of the Great Wall of China to the poetic views of Mt Fuji. Hop aboard trains and ferries and face an army of Terracotta Warriors for an historical encounter you won't soon forget. Spend nights in a traditional ryokan and a shukubo temple lodging for an authentic Japanese experience. Our CEOs will take you off the beaten track to reveal the cultural treasures of the region’s ancient sites.

essential Japan

Tour Map of essential Japan

Discover the unique culture and history of the Land of the Rising Sun on this superb holiday. You’ll begin your Japanese adventure in the entrancing former capital, Kyoto, famous for its age-old temples and teahouses and its exquisitely dressed geishas, and there will be an optional excursion to visit Hiroshima, with its poignant Peace Memorial. Explore historic Nara and relax in the lakeside spa resort of Hakone before experiencing the ultra-modern, neon-lit urban energy of Tokyo, one of the world’s great cities, and the natural beauty of Nikko National Park.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Discover Japan

Tour Map of Discover Japan

From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines and the soaring beauty of Mt Fuji, this trip provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional ryokan for the ultimate in Japanese luxury.

Highlights of Japan

Tour Map of Highlights of Japan

From the bright lights of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, this fast-paced tour explores Japan's highlights. We take time to reflect at Hiroshima, site of the world's first atomic attack before visiting the holy island of Miyajima, dotted with temples and free roaming deer. In Kyoto watch enigmatic Geisha girls and relax in perfectly manicured zen gardens.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Backroads of Japan

Tour Map of Backroads of Japan

Tokyo and Kyoto—the modern and imperial capitals of Japan, respectively—represent the perfect merger of the ancient and the contemporary. On this trip, you’ll thoroughly explore both and everything in between, from traditional villages and miles of rice fields to ancient temples and the stunning vistas of the Japanese Alps. Snow monkeys, geishas, the teeming pedestrian scrambles of Tokyo’s Shibuya district, and the impossibly friendly staff of your traditional ryokan are just a few of the locals you’ll meet and never forget.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Japan Winter Highlights

Tour Map of Japan Winter Highlights

Japan in winter is simply unforgettable. Join this nine-day tour to explore big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, opt for a day trip to experience the serene beauty of Mt Fuji and roam the iconic geisha district in Kanazawa. Visit the Swiss-like village of Shirakawa-go for a local farmhouse stay and enjoy the traditional onsens (outdoor hot springs) that make winter tours in this country so fun. Make next winter something special in Japan.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

Tour Map of Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

From Buddhist monks of Koyasan to the high rollers of Tokyo, capture the many faces of Japan on this condensed tour beginning in Osaka. Savour the region’s culinary delicacies and the beautiful views at Mt Fuji. You'll stay in a traditional ryokan and really soak up local culture in onsen hot springs. A great combination of included activities and free time, this adventure provides a taste of the rich culture of Japan.

Excellent value, amazing prices, quality experiences. Simple and clean hotels, guesthouses and hostels chosen for location and character. Affordable public and private transport for maximum cultural interaction. Plenty of optional activities tailored to your interests and budget.

Popular with 18-30-somethings. Yolo trips are built for those who want to take on the planet in a fun and affordable way with a small group of like-minded travellers. Skip the oversized tour bus and truly connect with your destination. Hit the highlights without giving up the freedom to mix it up according to your own tastes.

Japan on a Shoestring

Tour Map of Japan on a Shoestring

Always wanted to do Japan but felt it was pricy? No longer! This super-affordable nine-day introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun is the solution. Travel by train to introduce yourself to Tokyo nightlife, the famous Geisha district of Kyoto, and the gorgeous mountainous region of Hakone. Experience the country's quirky side as well, with activities no other tour company will get you to (and loads of free time). Discover Japan with a group of like-minded adventurers and you'll never want to come home.