Central Japan Tours & Trips
Want to experience traditional Japan beyond Tokyo? Central Japan encompasses Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Nagoya. Kyoto contains more temples than you can reasonably visit, Fushimi Inari has thousands of torii gates creating tunnels, Arashiyama's bamboo forest towers overhead. Kanazawa offers Kenrokuen garden and geisha districts. Takayama's old town feels like centuries past. All with the Japanese Alps in the background.
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- Choose from 50+ Central Japan tours
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Linda • traveled in July
Great tour. Staff were lovely. Other guests were very friendly. There wasn't much d it in time and more walking than I had expected. All in all I had a great time and would go again.
Central Japan End Kyoto (4 destinations) - S
Sheila • traveled in March
A good tour. I understand that using public transport is part of the experience but on occasion I think it would have been more efficient to use a coach
Best of Japan - 8 days - T
Tom • traveled in May
The ride through Noto Peninsula
Cycle Japan
Table of contents
- The best Central Japan tour packages
- Travel Central Japan your way
- Best tour companies for Central Japan tours
- Popular Central Japan Cruise Ships
- Discover Central Japan tours for every budget
- Central Japan tours for every type of group
- Top Central Japan travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Central Japan
- Contact our Central Japan travel experts
- What our customers ask about Central Japan Tours & Trips
The best Central Japan tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral Japan travel expert at TourRadar
Hakone Discovery, Gateway to Mt. Fuji 3D/2N
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Bamba communicated everything through their app, they also give me some great tips of things to visit and things to do.”
Maria, traveled in January
A 3-day Hakone adventure costs around $370. The world's second-longest cable car rises to Mt. Owakudani's volcanic springs, while a unique pirate ship cruises Lake Ashinoko. Local accommodations near famous onsen hot springs welcome visitors aged 10+.
Duration 3 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Fuji Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$629
Central Japan End Kyoto (4 destinations)
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic tour & guide.”
Gemma, traveled in May
Japanese heritage shines from Tokyo's Meiji Shrine to Kyoto's Kinkakuji Temple. Mount Fuji's majestic views, traditional ryokan stays, and cultural insights at Iyashi no Sato Nenba village create lasting memories.
Duration 6 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$3,066
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Kotohira, Takamatsu, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, ShirakawaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$6,441
Environmental Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Immersion and Temple Stay on Sado Island
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great to mix with younger people who want to make a difference in the world and a heap of new experiences for me!”
Alwyn, traveled in June
Rural heritage comes alive through environmental work on Sado Island. The historic terraced rice fields of Ogura, Edo-period village of Shukunegi, and Crested Ibis Rehabilitation Center welcome visitors to the 1200-year-old Chokokuji Temple.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sado Island Age Range Ages 14+ Operator World Unite Japan KK From
- NZ$1,137
Splendours of Japan
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were absolutely amazing. The meals included on the trip were all great.”
Larisa, traveled in March
Six distinct cities reveal Central Japan's cultural treasures, from Tokyo's Sensoji Temple to Kyoto's golden Kinkakuji. Popular with couples, the tour features traditional ryokan stays, professional sushi-making in Ginza, and sake tasting in Takayama's Old Town. Luxury coaches and expert guides maintain a 4.5/5 rating.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Narita, Fuji, Yamanakako, Takayama, Oshino, Kawaguchiko, Gokayama, Kanazawa, KyotoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $8,375
12% Off- NZ$7,370You save $1,005
Best of Japan - 8 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good basic tour of several of the highlights. Felt that it gave me a good grounding for more adventures solo.”
Mark, traveled in October
Cultural riches abound from Tokyo's Meiji Shrine to Kyoto's Gion District. Kamakura's Bronze Buddha stands eternal, Mount Fuji offers panoramic views, and traditional ryokans serve local cuisine.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Fuji, Kyoto Age Range Ages 16+ Operator On The Go Tours From $5,135
20% Off- NZ$4,108You save $1,027
Cycle Japan
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The views along the way were breathtakingly beautiful, and the historical sites we visited were fascinating.”
Tom, traveled in April
Pedal through Central Japan from Kyoto's temples to Tokyo's skyline. Morning markets buzz in Takayama, hot springs beckon in Gero Onsen, and traditional houses stand proud in Gassho Village. Authentic ryokans provide nightly comfort.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kyoto, Nara, Kanazawa, Wajima, Suzu, Tokyo Age Range Ages 14+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$9,610
13 Days Iconic Japan Tour (private guide & driver）Customizable
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Both guides were very good showing us areas of the country we would never see on our own.”
Jocelyn, traveled in March
Your path leads from Tokyo's Senso-Ji Temple to Kyoto's Nishiki Market. Tour Matsumoto Castle, meet the residents of Jigokudani Monkey Park, and explore historic Shirakawa-go village. Rest at selected accommodations including Ryokan Oyado Koto No Yume.
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Matsumoto, Nagano, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From
20% Off- NZ$11,859
7 Day Japan on a Budget Small Group Tour Package
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was super Great. Thank you would tour again.”
Pascal, traveled in December
Cultural landmarks stretch from Tokyo's Imperial Palace Gardens to Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine. Mount Fuji's 5th Station offers stunning views, while Lake Kawaguchi's shores and Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves invite peaceful walks.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Nara, Kyoto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Tourist Journey From
20% Off- NZ$2,358
Travel Central Japan your way
Best tour companies for Central Japan tours
Popular Central Japan Cruise Ships
Discover Central Japan tours for every budget
Central Japan tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Central Japan travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
2 Week Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers57 tours- Couples61 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)23 tours
- Seniors (50+)17 tours
Best time to visit Central Japan
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Central Japan opens up proper powder skiing opportunities at Naeba and Hakuba. You can mix Tokyo's city buzz with solid ski days - our groups really get into the varied terrain at Naeba or tackle Happo-One's excellent runs in Hakuba. The evenings are perfect for soaking in traditional onsen hot springs. What our travelers love most is how flexible these tours are - you can go all-in on skiing or mix things up with forest snowshoe walks and Mt. Fuji photography against crisp winter skies. The cultural touches make it special too - there are local winter festivals to check out, regional foods to try and also authentic ryokan stays.
- 25 tours
- 32 tours
- popular 39 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring tours through Central Japan hit just the right notes with seasonal beauty and cultural spots. Early morning light catches the cherry blossoms at Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, while the scenic train through Kawane's mountains shows off fresh spring colors. Our cyclists particularly enjoy the Kyoto to Nara rides, passing temples, bamboo groves and also traditional gardens in full bloom. The timing works well for hands-on experiences - you can pick tea leaves, learn sushi-making from Tokyo chefs and spot geisha moving between teahouses as evening settles in.
- 53 tours
- popular 67 tours
- 64 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer brings out something special in Central Japan, especially on Sado Island. Our conservation volunteers get involved with traditional rice field maintenance, make bamboo toys with local kids and join beach clean-ups that end with sunset pizza parties. The cycling routes are particularly good in summer - you'll pedal through the Japanese Alps to spots like Takayama, follow the dramatic Noto Peninsula coast and find peaceful temple gardens. The daily flow works well - active mornings at local markets, afternoon craft sessions and also home-cooked dinners using what's in season.
- 57 tours
- 59 tours
- popular 61 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn lets Central Japan's cultural heritage shine against changing leaf colors. The maple trees turn brilliant red around Kyoto's Fushimi Inari shrine, while the countryside shows off golden rice fields ready for harvest. Local sake breweries welcome visitors during peak production season. Some groups catch local fall festivals, while others focus on gathering wild herbs with experts or learning traditional sweet-making in Kyoto townhouses. Our travelers really connect with autumn's mix - hiking past tea farms with Mt. Fuji views or joining tea ceremonies as the light fades and also exploring local markets. Let me tell you about these Japan tour companies based on what our travelers have shared. World Unite Japan does really well with their Sado Island programs - they get deep into local culture and travelers connect with the community there. The only hiccup some guests mention is that hotels can be hit or miss. If you're watching your budget in Tokyo, Discovi Travel has got it figured out. Their guide Lloyd knows all the local spots, and they've designed their tours so you experience the city more like a resident than a tourist. You get to see how everyday Tokyo life works. Junko from Intrepid Travel gets lots of praise for showing people where to find good, affordable food during their Japan Highlights tour. She knows exactly which local places give you the best value without breaking the bank. Globus puts together thorough itineraries and their guide Hiro really knows his stuff, but there's an interesting note from several travelers - they'd prefer fewer buffet meals and more chances to chat with fellow travelers during the special dinners. It's those dinner conversations that often make a trip memorable. Each company has its own approach to showing Japan, from World Unite's community focus to Discovi's local perspective and Intrepid's practical food knowledge. Globus covers a lot of ground, though some travelers want more social interaction built into the experience.
- 63 tours
- popular 68 tours
- 61 tours
Contact our Central Japan travel experts
Tetiana
Expert in Central Japan at TourRadar
Tetiana is one of our seasoned Central Japan Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Central Japan tours answered!
- Choose from 91+ Central Japan tours
- 301 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Central Japan Tours & Trips
What cool cultural experiences can you try in Central Japan and where should you go?
You can dive right into a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto's Gion district or authentic ryokans where tea masters will show you the proper way to prepare matcha it's really fascinating. If you're into art try your hand at calligraphy with masters in Tokyo especially around Asakusa area. Want something really special? Head to Kanazawa where local artisans will teach you gold leaf painting it's been perfected since the 16th century or try making traditional wagashi sweets in Arashiyama's historic buildings.
Where can you find amazing natural areas outside the big cities and how do you get there?
The Jigokudani Monkey Park in the Japanese Alps is incredible especially in winter when you can watch snow monkeys soaking in hot springs. Just hop on a scenic train from Tokyo to Yamanouchi then take a guided hike up. Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is one of Japan's top three gardens dating back to the 1670s and it's super easy to reach by bus or the Thunderbird express from Kyoto. The ancient Nakasendo Trail through Kiso Valley is stunning particularly between Magome and Tsumago catch a train from Nagoya then local buses will get you there.
What are some hidden travel routes around Central Japan that locals know about?
The Echizen-kaigan coast is amazing to explore by bike or car you'll discover traditional pottery villages and learn about Echizen ware while taking in beautiful ocean views. The Shokawa Valley route takes you to these incredible gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama they've been standing for over 250 years without using nails. These paths are great because you get authentic experiences without all the tourist crowds you find in major cities.
Which places in Central Japan are really special but don't get too many visitors?
You've got to check out Gokayama it's actually a UNESCO site with these amazing old thatched-roof farmhouses built without any nails much quieter than popular Shirakawa-go. Tsumago is this perfectly preserved post town on the Nakasendo Trail where they're really strict about keeping everything looking just like the Edo period. Then there's Sado Island's Chokokuji Temple complex from 807 with national treasures and some really interesting environmental programs.
What local foods should you definitely try in Central Japan and where's the best place to get them?
The Hida-gyu beef in Takayama is incredible especially during the morning markets it comes from specially bred black-haired cattle from the Hida mountains. You've got to try the soba noodles in Matsumoto they use local buckwheat that gives this amazing texture and flavor. There's this cool wasabi ice cream and fresh wasabi at farms near Matsumoto the pure mountain water there makes it perfect for growing. And don't miss the seasonal kaiseki meals in Kyoto's Gion district they use local vegetables and cooking methods that have been passed down for generations.