Honshu Tours & Trips
Picture exploring Honshu, Japan's main island, containing Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Mount Fuji. Honshu's got everything, including mega cities, ancient temples, mountain trails, hot springs. You'll experience Japan's contrasts properly, from Tokyo's crazy energy to Kyoto's peaceful gardens, bullet trains to traditional ryokans. Honshu contains all the iconic sights - are you ready?
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- Choose from 500+ Honshu tours
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Michele • traveled in October
Had a truly amazing trip of a LIFETIME in Japan with One life. Japan is just one of a kind... a place that you have to visit to understand!! This tour covered so much in just 14 days, that I could never have done this myself. Early starts meant we avoided the other tourists at the famous attractions. It’s totally worth spending thay bit extra and doing the 14 day tour as this included some of my highlights of the whole trip. Adam was an amazing guide, so organized and very knowledgable about Japan, and he was great fun too (his only downfall was his dad jokes)! The 14 day itinerary was a perfect mix of vibrant modern city, traditional Japanese culture and nature. I loved every moment of the trip and will never forget this experience. Thank you again one life for my second different but equally incredible tour. Will be booking my next one very soon...
Japan Classic 14 Day - One Life Adventures - R
Rachael • traveled in September
This tour was fantastic, absolutely loved the itinerary, I felt like we did so much. The customer service beforehand was excellent, my questions were always answered promptly and helpfully. Our guide was brilliant, really knowledgeable and helpful, I never felt like I had to do something. Wouldn't hesitate to book with them again.
13-Day Japan Tour: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Beyond - D
Dilys • traveled in June
Tokyo leg very fast. It was very hot too. All party taken to ‘photo opportunity of tower’. Could have had meeting point and those that wanted photo take walk. Food at restaurant on Sunday was very poor. Need to change venue!! Guide in Tokyo mediocre. Lady on bus tour excellent. Francesco on tour excellent. Ken was fantastic. Lots of information. Good to have ‘free time’ to do things at own pace. Overall thought tour was well designed and varied but fast pace. Many thanks.
Contrasts of Japan end Tokyo (11 destinations)
Table of contents
- The best Honshu tour packages
- Travel Honshu your way
- Best tour companies for Honshu tours
- Popular Honshu Cruise Ships
- Discover Honshu tours for every budget
- Honshu tours for every type of group
- Top Honshu travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Honshu
- Contact our Honshu travel experts
- What our customers ask about Honshu Tours & Trips
The best Honshu tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaHonshu travel expert at TourRadar
13-Day Japan Tour: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Beyond
157 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was done on time and with much time to explore and learn. As an anthropologist it was very enlightening and entertaining to learn about nihon's culture and lifestyles.”
Jay, traveled in September
Eight Honshu cities connect via bullet train, from Tokyo's modern hostels to Hakone's traditional ryokans. Mount Fuji, Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, and Osaka's food districts highlight this cultural journey.
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Oshino, Kyoto, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Okayama, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-55 Operator The Dragon Trip From
- NZ$5,444
Contrasts of Japan end Tokyo (11 destinations)
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful views of the most visited places. It is a very fast paced tour with 1 hour in each destination.”
Isabel, traveled in March
Sacred sites and cultural gems stretch from Tokyo's Sensoji Temple to Kyoto's Golden Pavilion. Ascend Mount Fuji's Fifth Station, stay at traditional ryokan in Kawaguchiko, and reflect at Hiroshima's moving Peace Memorial. Includes comfortable hotels and authentic local dining.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$5,745
Japan Discovered
51 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Stunning scenery. Excellent food. Included everything we wanted to see.”
ROBERT, traveled in August
Japanese cultural landmarks unfold from Tokyo's Tsukiji Market to Kyoto's Gion district. Luxuriate at Okura Kyoto and traditional ryokans in Yudanaka Onsen. Watch snow monkeys at Jigokudani, participate in tea ceremonies at Kenrokuen Garden, and visit UNESCO sites.
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Gokayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Hakone Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Oomi Travel From
- NZ$11,713
A Classic 11 Day Japan Holiday
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent organization. We felt accompanied in every moment and the team was exceptionally responsive.”
Alberto, traveled in August
Honshu's treasures range from Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Shrine to Osaka's Shinsekai district. Takayama's morning markets, Shirakawa-go's traditional houses, and Kyoto's Golden Temple tell Japan's story. Four-star accommodations and strategic train connections enhance the trip.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $8,074
22% Off- NZ$6,298You save $1,776
Cultural treasures abound from Tokyo's Shibuya district to Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine. Comfortable stays at Ochanomizu Hotel Shoryukan, Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto, and Sotetsu Fresa Inn provide ideal bases for exploration.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
22% Off- NZ$2,377
9 Days Highlights of Japan with Hiroshima 2025 - 2026
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a wonderful tour.”
Theresa, traveled in October
Japan unfolds from Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge to Hiroshima's floating torii gate. The route includes Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, and historic Himeji Castle, with comfortable 3-star accommodations throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Hamamatsu, Osaka, Kyoto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Tomato Travel From
22% Off- NZ$3,323
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
123 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved Japan!! Very knowledgable and great personality!”
Karan, traveled in April
A route from Osaka to Tokyo unveils Mount Koya's temples, Hiroshima's memorials, Kyoto's historic sites, and Hakone's hot springs. Traditional accommodations and authentic meals complement stunning Mount Fuji views during this cultural immersion.
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone, Fuji, Tokyo Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $5,299
25% Off- NZ$3,974You save $1,325
Highlights of Japan
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a wonderful time in Japan. Thanks to the leadership, skills and knowledge of everyone involved.”
OI, traveled in November
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Shizuoka, Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Kurashiki, Kyoto, GujoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Expat Explore Travel From
25% Off- NZ$6,305
Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)
105 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It's a bless to join this group. Our groups are excellent and friendly.”
malee, traveled in August
UNESCO sites Todaiji Temple and Mt. Fuji anchor this route from Osaka to Tokyo. Selected 3-star hotels serve as bases for discovering Shirakawa-go's traditional villages and enjoying Lake Kawaguchi cruise with professional English guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Gifu, Takayama, Fuji, Hakone, Yokohama, Tokyo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Stunning Tours From $6,180
50% Off- NZ$3,090You save $3,090
Japan Delight with Hiroshima(private 3 star hotel rooms)
89 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour itself was well organized and the hotels were very nice and extremely clean.”
Susan, traveled in November
UNESCO sites Miyajima Island and Himeji Castle anchor this route from Osaka to Tokyo. Kobe's Nadagiku Sake Brewery and Lake Yamanaka views add depth. Three-star hotels provide comfort, with guest ratings of 4.6/5 from 75+ travelers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji, Nara, Kyoto, Hamamatsu, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Stunning Tours From $7,383
50% Off- NZ$3,691You save $3,691
Travel Honshu your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Honshu tours
Popular Honshu Cruise Ships
Discover Honshu tours for every budget
Honshu tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Honshu travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
2 Week Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers293 tours- Couples367 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)23 tours
- Seniors (50+)116 tours
Best time to visit Honshu
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The winter tours in Honshu really show off Japan's quieter side. You can watch snow monkeys relaxing in steaming hot springs at Jigokudani Onsen, which our travelers say is particularly good during December and January. Up in the mountains at Koyasan, you'll stay in temples and wake to morning prayers carried on the crisp winter air. It's a special time to see places like Kyoto's Golden Pavilion with a fresh coat of snow, and you won't have to deal with peak season crowds. The clear winter skies make for excellent Mount Fuji views from Hakone, and there's nothing better than warming up in an onsen after exploring the sights.
- 203 tours
- 240 tours
- popular 300 tours
- Spring 2026
Cherry blossom season from late March through April brings our busiest tours, and you'll want to book about 6 months ahead for the popular 14-day routes through Kyoto's temple gardens. We've got tours that blend traditional experiences like tea ceremonies and walks through geisha districts with seasonal festivities. Many of our travelers tell us their favorite memories come from joining local families for hanami picnics in the parks. The spring routes often include boat rides on Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji as your backdrop, and you can walk through Arashiyama's bamboo grove just as the new shoots start pushing up through the soil.
- 384 tours
- popular 390 tours
- 376 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer brings warmth to Honshu, but our tours keep a thoughtful pace that works with the season. We schedule temple visits in the early morning, plan indoor activities during peak sun hours and save cultural experiences for late afternoon. The sushi-making classes near Tsukiji market are a particular highlight, giving you a cool indoor space to learn from local masters while developing authentic skills. Traditional ryokan stays let you experience seasonal festivals and catch the firework shows that brighten summer nights across Japan. The journey often winds through Takayama's morning markets, Kanazawa's craft workshops and numerous air-conditioned cultural sites, creating a comfortable way to explore Japanese traditions. Our travelers tell us they appreciate having both structured activities and open periods, especially when it means joining local summer festivals or finding peaceful spots in bamboo groves. For those seeking movement, the Noto Peninsula offers breezy coastal cycling routes, while cultural enthusiasts enjoy tea ceremonies and temple visits scheduled during cooler hours. Even with summer temperatures, our guests consistently share that well-timed activities and regular stops in air-conditioned spaces, traditional buildings and also museums make exploring Japan's main island a pleasure throughout the season.
- popular 346 tours
- 333 tours
- 340 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Fall in Japan means following the changing colors as they sweep from north to south. Our main 15-day autumn tour starts in Tokyo, catching the peak colors in Nikko National Park and later in Kyoto's temple gardens. Photography enthusiasts love the timing of our temple visits when the maple leaves are at their most colorful. The mountain tours really come into their own during autumn, mixing nights in traditional ryokans with forest walks in the Japanese Alps. You'll get to try seasonal specialties like matsutake mushrooms and fresh fish from the Sea of Japan, and also join in some local autumn festivals along the way. Four tour companies stand out for Japan trips, each with their own style and strengths. One Life Adventures gets lots of positive feedback from our travelers, particularly for their 14-day Japan Classic tour - guides Adam and Jack know their stuff and people feel they get solid value for what they pay. DragonTrip comes in at a lower price point and covers quite a bit of ground, but some of our customers mention the schedules can feel rushed and they wish there were more healthy food choices along the way. Intrepid Travel does a nice job offering different tour types for various budgets and travel preferences. Their guides Juno and Shawna consistently get mentioned in reviews for making the trips run smoothly and sharing deep local knowledge. For those wanting a more intimate experience, Unique Japan Tours keeps their groups smaller. Their local guides Betty and Kieko really shine when it comes to sharing cultural insights and taking care of all the little details that make a trip special. What's interesting is that across all these companies, travelers keep mentioning how clean and efficient Japan is, and how having a guide helped them understand Japanese culture in ways they couldn't have managed on their own. The guides help decode cultural nuances, navigate the transit systems and also explain the meaning behind temple rituals and local customs.
- 365 tours
- popular 390 tours
- 354 tours
Contact our Honshu travel experts
Isabeau
Expert in Honshu at TourRadar
Isabeau is one of our seasoned Honshu Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Honshu tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Honshu Tours & Trips
How do I get around between cities on Honshu?
The bullet trains are your best friend here you'll zip between major cities at speeds up to 320 kilometers per hour which means you can cover something like 400 kilometers from Hakone to Hiroshima in just two and a half hours. If you're planning to explore multiple cities grab a Japan Rail Pass it's really cost-effective but here's a tip: regional passes like the JR West All Area Pass might actually save you more if you're focusing on specific areas. For getting to those charming smaller towns and rural spots local trains and buses are your budget-friendly go-to options.
What cultural experiences can I try and where should I go for them?
You've got to try a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto's historic Gion district or Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya and if you're feeling adventurous rent a kimono to really get into the spirit. Want to get hands-on? Learn calligraphy from actual masters in their workshops or try making wagashi those beautiful Japanese sweets in Kanazawa. For the full Japanese experience stay at a ryokan where you'll sleep on futons in tatami rooms wear a comfy yukata and soak in an onsen. The Yunomineso in Tanabe is fantastic for this they've got amazing traditional rooms and proper onsen facilities.
What natural areas can I visit outside the cities and how do I get there?
You'll love Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park with its dramatic volcanic landscapes and incredible Mount Fuji views just hop on the Romance Car from Tokyo to get there. Want to see something really special? Head to Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano where you can watch snow monkeys lounging in hot springs take an express train and private bus from Matsumoto. The Kumano Kodo is another must-see it's this amazing UNESCO World Heritage network of pilgrimage trails through mountains and forests on the Kii Peninsula. The popular trail from Hosshinmon to Hongu Taisha shrine is particularly beautiful and you can get there by train and bus.
Where can I go to avoid the tourist crowds and why do people love these spots?
You should check out Takayama it's this perfectly preserved Edo-period town in the Japanese Alps with amazing traditional inns and sake breweries One Life Adventures runs this great tour where you can stay in a temple and try local sake and Hida beef. Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture is another hidden gem with these incredible 250-year-old gassho-zukuri farmhouses it's UNESCO listed but still feels really authentic. Then there's Kanazawa on the Japan Sea coast it's got this stunning garden called Kenrokuen and these fascinating samurai and geisha districts that feel frozen in time.
What local foods should I try and where's the best place to find them?
You've got to try Hida beef in Takayama it's incredibly tender with amazing marbling hit up the morning market or local restaurants. Okonomiyaki is another must-try and it's fascinating how it varies between cities Hiroshima does this layered version while Osaka mixes everything together check out Okonomiyaki Village in Hiroshima to watch the masters at work. For seafood lovers head to Kanazawa's Omicho Market where you can get amazing Kano crabs and sweet prawns. And if you're into noodles go to Kagawa Prefecture for Sanuki udon you can even learn to make them yourself at the Takamatsu Udon School.