View all
Best price guarantee Learn More
- Gold Operator
- Culture Trip
- In-depth Cultural
- Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
- Group Tour
- Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Fully Guided
- An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
- Guided in English
- Group Size 4 - 16
- Age range 25 to 99
Places You’ll See
Highlights
- Uncover Hiroshima’s past at the Peace Park and Museum
- See the floating Torii Gate and deer on Miyajima Island
- Hike through bamboo forests and the endless gates of Fushimi Inari
- Stay in a traditional ryokan with an on-site onsen
- Admire views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi
- Explore the backstreets of Kyoto and see geishas
- Witness sumo wrestling training and learn how to make sushi
- Find your rhythm at a Taiko drumming class
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Arrive in Osaka
- Day 2 Explore Osaka city, including the castle and Kuromon Market
- Day 3 Visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and try ‘okonomiyaki’
- Day 4 Time to explore Miyajima Island
- Day 5 Explore ancient streets and spot geishas in Kyoto
- Day 6 Wander through the Arashiyama bamboo forest
- Day 7 Explore the Japanese Alps and taste sake
- Day 8 Soak in an onsen in Hakone
- Day 9 Cruise on Lake Ashi and hike to volcanic geysers
- Day 10 Make your own sushi in Tokyo
- Day 11 Get to grips with sumo and sing karaoke in Kabukicho
- Day 12 Depart from Tokyo
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Optional
- Additional Services
Customer Photos
Operated by
Culture Trip
Number of tours
17
Age Range
25 to 99 years old
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
100%
Culture Trip offers unique small-group adventures for travellers who want to...
Read moreCustomer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationGood
- FoodGood
- KPKaren· December 2nd, 2024Saw a lot in a short amount of time. Nice mix of traditional and modern culture, gorgeous scenery and views.Show more
Culture Trip commented on this reviewThank you so much for your review! We are glad that you had a great time on our Japan by train trip and we hope to see you again soon!Trip date: November 2024 
Noel· October 26th, 2024Our guide Sora was fabulous. Always attentive to our needs. We certainly saw everything that was described in the tour. The only down side was the way we had to resize our luggage and manually transport it for a lot of days, over many train and bus routes, thus did not have the contents of our main suitcases for a lot of our trip. Maybe the main suitcases could be transported by bus to the accommodation each night.Show moreCulture Trip commented on this reviewThank you so much for your review! We are glad that you had a great time on our Japan trip and we hope to see you again soon! Unfortunately, the trains do not have large storage areas which is why we advise to pack separately for the night in Hiroshima... Show more
Trip date: October 2024- KFKatharina· April 25th, 2024Automatic translation available in English. View in EnglishSehr gutes Programm/Etappen und meist sehr gute Organisation während der Reise. Der Reiseleiter war wenig enthusiastisch und die Mitreisenden zum Teil so alt, dass sie die Fußmärsche nicht bewältigen konnten und auf ein Taxi ausweichen mussten. Hier wäre eine bessere Kommunikation zwischen dem Anbieter und den Teilnehmern vorab dringend erforderlich gewesen!Show moreCulture Trip commented on this reviewThank you for leaving such a detailed review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s incredibly valuable for us to hear directly from Culture Trippers about their experience on our trips. This helps us immensely in... Show moreTrip date: April 2024
- MAMaria· April 22nd, 2024Our 12 day tour was good but overall, there was just far too much packed in. It was a ridiculous pace, even for the 24 year old in our group! There was rarely time to enjoy what we were seeing or experiencing as we raced from one thing to the next. Sneaking a pic was a challenge. Our tour guide did an amazing job getting 13 people on and off trains and bought treats for us to try. Unfortunately he didn't mention there were lockers when we were lugging around our 2 day back, often started speaking before everyone was present and generally was a bit light on with information. Hotels were more basic than expected and a few were different to what was scheduled. This tour would suit people interested in ticking things off their tour list and happy to race around constantly rather than those who'd like a moment to catch their breath and soak up some amazing sights.Show moreCulture Trip commented on this reviewThank you for leaving such a detailed review. Our Japan itinerary is one that moves at a quicker pace and from your feedback we will look to express that to future travelers that are looking to join. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us... Show moreTrip date: March 2024
- Alexis· November 20th, 2023Very enjoyable, well curated and excellently guided by our lead Kaori Noda. Great experience selection, flexible options when needed or requested, and expert, gentle supervision from our guide.Show moreCulture Trip commented on this reviewThank you so much for your review! We are glad to hear that you had a great time on our trip to Japan! We look forward to welcoming you onto another one of our trips in the future!Trip date: November 2023
- EWElizabeth· November 18th, 2023Excellent value for money. Would recommend.Show moreCulture Trip commented on this reviewThank you so much for your review! We are glad to hear that you had a great time on our trip to Japan! We look forward to welcoming you onto another one of our trips in the future!Trip date: October 2023
- GTGregory· November 17th, 2023Kaori was the best tour guide 11/10 at least. The nine of us were free to take our own side trips, but the actual tour program was very good and varied. Hakone in the alps was amazing.Show moreCulture Trip commented on this reviewThank you so much for your lovely review and the kind words about Kaori. We appreciate you taking the time to send us this feedback and we look forward to welcome you onto another one of our trips in the future!Trip date: November 2023
- MJMatthew· November 3rd, 2023Fantastic trip with amazing guides. Had so much fun on this trip and saw so much. Japan is a great country and by going out of your comfort zone and exploring outside of the tour in your free time really adds to the guided elements of the tour.Show moreCulture Trip commented on this reviewThank you for your kind review. We really appreciate it and we’re glad you had such a lovely time on our trip to Japan. We hope to see you again soon!Trip date: October 2023
- MMarlene· November 3rd, 2023Small Group. The people made the tripShow moreCulture Trip commented on this reviewThank you so much for your review! We are glad that you had a great time on our trip to Japan and we hope to see you again soon!Trip date: October 2023
- CCCRAIG· October 24th, 2023Had a great trip - kairo and Maya were amazing guidesShow moreCulture Trip commented on this reviewThank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are happy to hear that you had a brilliant time on our trip to Japan and we will be sure to pass on your kind words to Kairo and Maya. We look forward to welcoming you on another one of our trips... Show moreTrip date: October 2023
Dates & Availability
Why book with TourRadar?
- Trusted and vetted operators
- Rated excellent on
- Best price guarantee
- 24/7 customer support
- Earn $100 in travel credits
- Free eSim with every purchase
To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Sunday7 Sep, 2025To Thursday18 Sep, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$9,239$8,315
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Sunday21 Sep, 2025To Thursday2 Oct, 2025EnglishFilling FastMultiple Room TypesFrom:$9,239$8,315
- From Sunday5 Oct, 2025To Thursday16 Oct, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold outFrom:$10,259
- Instant Confirmation-5%From Tuesday21 Oct, 2025To Saturday1 Nov, 2025Filling FastMultiple Room TypesFrom:$10,259$9,746
- Instant Confirmation-5%From Sunday2 Nov, 2025To Thursday13 Nov, 2025Filling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$10,259$9,746
- From Sunday16 Nov, 2025To Thursday27 Nov, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold outFrom:$10,259
- Instant Confirmation-5%From Sunday7 Dec, 2025To Thursday18 Dec, 2025Filling FastMultiple Room TypesFrom:$10,259$9,746
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Sunday29 Mar, 2026To Thursday9 Apr, 2026EnglishFilling FastMultiple Room TypesFrom:$10,379$9,341
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Sunday19 Apr, 2026To Thursday30 Apr, 2026EnglishFilling FastMultiple Room TypesFrom:$10,379$9,341
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Sunday3 May, 2026To Thursday14 May, 2026EnglishFilling FastMultiple Room TypesFrom:$10,379$9,341
Best price guarantee Learn More
What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- L
Laurens
Asked on March 18th, 2025How much walking is involved in the tour?
Culture TripOperator•Written March 2025Participants should expect a moderate amount of walking as part of the daily excursions included in the itinerary.
- G
Giacomo
Asked on March 9th, 2025What accommodations are provided during the tour?
- Culture TripOperator•Written March 2025
The accommodations include a selection of hotels in different cities, with options for twin or double rooms for couples.
- A
Adrian
Asked on March 7th, 2025When will I receive my booking confirmation?
- Culture TripOperator•Written March 2025
You will receive a booking confirmation shortly after completing your reservation and securing your deposit.
- B
Björn
Asked on November 24th, 2024What should I check regarding passport validity for Japan?
- Culture TripOperator•Written November 2024
Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay; it's good to verify regulations with your airline as well.
- F
Fiona
Asked on November 20th, 2024Are meals included in the tour?
- Culture TripOperator•Written November 2024
Meals are not included for every day to allow flexibility for travelers to choose dining options as they explore.
- D
Derek
Asked on October 28th, 2024My wife and I want to do the "Japan by Train: the Grand Tour" next March. My wife would like to extend the tour from Hiroshima to visit Iwakuni which is the town where her mother was born.
- Culture TripOperator•Written October 2024
Our trips are set in date and Itinerary to allow travelers to meet and travel as part of a small group. We do not offer individual travel services or alterations.
- N
Naomi
Asked on September 17th, 2024Do any of the tours include a bus ride or do you walk from one place to the other? Your itinerary says simply "transportation between various locations" - this is unclear when and how. How long does the hike to Mount Misen take and what degree of fitness does it require? How long is the hike to the sacred temple near the Arashiyama bamboo forest - fitness? How do you get to the Hida Folk village - walk? When you get off the bullet train in Hiroshima - there is no indication of checking in to the hotel; does that mean you have to carry your bags all day?
- Culture TripOperator•Written September 2024
This trip does require you to be able to handle you own luggage on and off trains and to be comfortable with longer walking days.
- A
Aaron
Asked on September 4th, 2024Are the tour guides with the tour every day except during free time?
- Culture TripOperator•Written September 2024
On the trip you will be accompanied by your Local Insider, guide. They will stick with the group during all of the included activities. You are correct that your Local Insider will not be with you when you have independent time, but they will be there to offer guidance on what you can do at that time!
- A
Aaron
Traveler•Written September 2024why is the date not firm, this doesn't lend itself to long term planning?
- Culture TripOperator•Written September 2024
We just need a minimum of 4 travelers to guarantee the trip. As soon as we reach the minimum number we will reach out to let you know your departure is now guaranteed! We ask that you not book flights until the trip is guaranteed. The final cut off date for our trips to be guaranteed is the final balance date, 55 days prior to departure. This is a popular trip and we do anticipate it running.
A2 more answers - G
Guadalupe
Asked on June 15th, 2024Is travel insurance recommended for this tour?
- Culture TripOperator•Written June 2024
While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to cover any unforeseen issues during your trip.
- E
Emilio
Asked on May 19th, 2024What is the pricing for solo travelers?
- Culture TripOperator•Written May 2024
For solo travelers, we offer a twin-share option with a possibility of a single supplement for private accommodations.
Good to Know
Tour ID: 223110
Keep Exploring Japan
- Japan Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
- 2 Week (14 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries & Cost 2025/2026
- 10 Best Cultural Travel Companies
- Japan from Osaka
- Japan In-depth Cultural
- 12 days Japan
- From Osaka to Tokyo
- Operators in Asia
- Japan by Train: the Grand Tour Tours in Japan
- Honshu Tours
- Japan Tours
- Asia Tours
- In-depth Cultural Tours
- Group Tours
- Fully Guided Tours
- Train & Rail Tours
- Historical Tours