Private Tours of Japan

The ideal duration of your trip to Japan depends on your interests and the places you wish to explore. 

For an introduction to the two most popular destinations, Tokyo and Kyoto, the best trip to Japan would be our week-long Classic Japan trip or a combination trip with Mount Fuji. If you wish to experience more of Japan’s rich diversity, a two-week round trip allows you time to explore major cities, experience cultural attractions, visit historical sites, and venture into rural areas. There are plenty of things to see and do, so if you can extend your trip, we recommend a Japan experience of three weeks to allow for deeper immersion, additional day trips, and visits to destinations off the beaten path.

Our travel consultants can help tailor your guided Japan trips based on the time you have and your preferences and interests.

The best time to visit Japan depends on your personal preferences.

• The cherry blossom season in spring, from March to May, is one of the best times for a trip to Japan with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
• The fall months of September to November also offer mild weather with colorful foliage.
• The summer months of June to August can be hot and humid with plenty of rainfall.
• The winter months from December to February can be quite chilly, especially up north in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps. However, this is also the season for many snow festivals, witnessing the snow-covered Shirakawa-go, and sports such as skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido.

Read about the best time to visit Japan or contact our destination experts for a completely customized trip based on your travel dates.

The best cities to visit in Japan are Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Kanazawa, Fukuoka, Nara, and Nagasaki.

• Tokyo is a futuristic metropolis with a mix of tradition and modernity and vibrant neighborhoods such as Asakusa, Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Ginza.
• Kyoto is a treasure trove of historic temples, traditional tea houses, and lush gardens that reflect Japan’s complex heritage.
• Osaka is Japan’s food mecca boasting excellent street food, and castles and temples to explore.
• Hiroshima, an enduring symbol of resilience, is home to the Peace Memorial Park and other beautiful landmarks.
• Sapporo, the gateway to Hokkaido, is a serene city with lush green spaces and winter sports, festivals, and rich northern culture.
• Kanazawa is where age-old Japanese traditions are still preserved, from Samurai culture to stunning gardens and architecture.
• Fukuoka is a vibrant city offering access to beautiful beaches and landscapes.

For more information and inspiration on where to go on a luxury Japan trip and a customized tour itinerary, get in touch with us through our booking form or call 1 888 263 2574.

With its centuries old history and culture, Japan offers many distinctive and unique experiences. From the cultural powerhouses of Tokyo and Kyoto to tranquil natural paradises off the beaten path, take look at some of our favorite experiences here. We highly recommend private and guided Japan vacations that offer you deeper insights and exclusive access with our award-winning local guides.

For a deeper understanding of Japan’s distinctive traditions, why not sign up for lessons with local masters? Cook sushi with a masterchef, witness an electrifying sumo tournament, or learn sword-wielding from a samurai.

For a first-time traveler, Tokyo and Kyoto offer great insights into Japan’s rich culture. As the vibrant capital, it boasts futuristic architecture and historic temples, a thriving food scene, and art and culture districts such as Nihonbashi and Akihabara. Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, with numerous historic sites and serene gardens, the geisha district of Gion and traditional tea houses.

For a well-rounded introduction, add Hakone, which is known for its spectacular views of Mt Fuji and traditional onsen ryokans, to your Japan tour. Osaka is also a popular destination, thanks to its lively food scene and vibrant culture.

Japan offers a huge variety of accommodations, from charming guest houses to global hospitality brands. Ryokans or traditional Japanese inns are a wonderful way to discover authentic Japanese culture and hospitality. They offer tatami-matted rooms and elaborate kaiseki meals, and some include private onsen baths, promising the ultimate relaxation experience. We also recommend a short stay at a shukubo or temple lodging, where you can immerse yourself in spiritualism through prayers, rituals and meditation.

Whether you prefer sprawling city sanctuaries or rustic mountain hideaways, our experts can help you select the best options for your Japan tour.

Japan is brimming with onsens or mineral-rich hot springs across its length and breadth. An overnight experience in an onsen ryokan offers you the best of both worlds with hot springs and traditional Japanese hospitality. While Kyoto is one of the most popular onsen destinations, we recommend Hakone with its abundant hot springs and ryokans offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

The hot spring resort town of Yudanaka, just a few hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen, also offers an idyllic getaway in the mountains. With Japan’s rail transportation network offering excellent connectivity between destinations, you can also enjoy a customized onsen-hopping tour with us.