18 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package

Our 18 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package is rooted in rich experiences – from samurai to geisha culture. Be guided across Tokyo’s top sites, like the Imperial Palace Gardens. After a tasting tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market and wrestling with sumo masters, head to Kamakura’s sacred shrines and temples. Watch adorable snow monkeys bathe in Nagano’s hot springs and later, explore Matsumoto Castle before joining an evening tour in Kanazawa. Indulge in a full-course dinner, witnessing the ancient wonders of the Ninja Temple. Shirakawa-go’s village life will astound you, Takayama’s artisan crafts will be the perfect souvenirs to take home, and Nagoya’s food bites will leave you hungry for more. Reach Kyoto via bullet train and dine with a maiko geisha apprentice, spending the night in a Ryokan inn. The city’s highlights – like the Golden Pavilion – and Nara Park will be a marvel to behold. End the journey in Hiroshima and Miyajima, where history, nature, and peace come together.

Have less than a month in Japan and want to go beyond the touristy destinations? Then, you must book our 18 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package! Guided by local experts, discover Tokyo’s icons, Nagano’s snow monkeys, Kyoto’s bamboo forest, Kanazawa’s samurai district, and more! Smooth bus & train transfers will get you comfortably from one city to the next. Stay in traditional Ryokan inns and handpicked hotels across stunning regions, and savor amazing local dishes. Experience Japan in all its glory by booking this adventure now!

18 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package Highlights

Explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace Gardens and Tsukiji Fish Market
Watch sumo wrestlers in a morning match and take a tasting tour of Tsukiji Market
Wander through Kamakura’s sacred city and explore Matsumoto Castle on your own
Experience seamless travel with bullet trains and expert-guided tours
Watch snow monkeys soak in hot springs at Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park
Savor a delicious dinner in Kanazawa and wander around Shirakawa-go’s villages
Admire Takayama’s artisan crafts and indulge in Nagoya’s food & drinks
In Kyoto, meet a maiko apprentice and explore icons, like the Golden Pavilion
Visit Nara’s sacred park, Hiroshima’s historic center, and Miyajima’s floating shrine
Spend 17 nights in amazing accommodations, like hotels and Ryokan inns

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Guaranteed departure packages, custom packages, and private trips
Choose your hotel from our hand-picked selection

18 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Tokyo

Optional airport transfer
Overnight in Tokyo

Day 2 - Tokyo

Admire the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace
Marvel at the Nijubashi Bridge from a distance
Head to the Asakusa neighborhood
Visit the famous Senso-ji Temple
Shop on Nakamise-dori street
Free time for lunch
Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine - the most famous Shinto shrine
Check out the colorful and vibrant Harajuku district
In the commercial ward of Shibuya, see the famous Shibuya Crossing
Overnight in Tokyo

Day 3 - Sumo Experience

Tour a local sumo studio, stable, dining hall, and practice area
Watch a morning sumo session
If you wish to participate, fight a sumo wrestler in a mock match
Cook and enjoy chicken dumplings for Chankonabe (Sumo Stew)
Overnight in Tokyo

Day 4 - Tsukiji Market

Visit a 300-year-old Buddhist temple and learn about ancient traditions
Explore the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market Sample from a range of fresh seafood, like sashimi bowls and bite-sized treats
Ride up to a secret observatory deck and view the market and city skyline from above
Overnight in Tokyo

Day 5 - Kamakura

Stroll along Kamakura’s charming pathways, visiting a shrine with famous torii gates
Explore a temple known for its money-related traditions
Hike through Kamakura’s forest to the Great Buddha statue
Savor local Kamakura dishes like udon and vegetable curry
Wander through temples with scenic views, lush gardens, and fascinating caves
Visit the revered shrine dedicated to the "God of Samurai Victory"
Take a leisurely stroll down Komachi-dori Street, filled with shops and eateries
Overnight in Tokyo

Day 6 - Transfer to Nagano

Bullet train to Nagano
Overnight in Nagano

Day 7 - Snow Monkey Tour

Visit the Zenkoji Temple and explore its surroundings
Sake tasting at a nearby brewery
Lunch featuring local Nagano specialties like hot pot, sushi, or grilled vegetables
Travel to Snow Monkey Park, walking the forest trails
Reach the onsen and observe the snow monkeys in the wild
Overnight in Nagano

Day 8 - Matsumoto

Explore Nawate-dori, a quirky frog-themed street with over shops and cafes
Learn about the river's ecological recovery
Visit Matsumoto Castle and climb to the top for stunning views
Free time to explore the castle grounds, shop, or grab a snack
Drive to Narai-juku through scenic fields and mountains
Stroll through Narai-juku, the longest preserved post-town
Visit Shizume Shrine, set in a cedar forest
Overnight in Nagano

Day 9 - Transfer to Kanazawa & Evening tour

Take a bullet train to Kanazawa
Take a night tour of the Geisha districts in Kanazawa
Enjoy a private full-course dinner of miso soup and a main course of your choice
Drink local alcoholic beverages and savor kinako dessert
Overnight in Kanazawa

Day 10 - Kanazawa

Stroll through the Samurai District, exploring its traditional houses
Visit the Ninja Temple with its hidden passages
Relax in the tranquil Kenrokuen Gardens
Finish the day at Omicho Market, filled with fresh produce and unique foods
Overnight in Kanazawa

Day 11 - Shirakawa-go

Monday/Tuesday/Friday: Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Explore Shirakawa-go village on your own and have lunch (included)
Walk around the Gokayama Kaminashi district and discover Gokayama Village
Sunday/Saturday: Shirakawa-go
Arrive in Shirakawa-go
Free time to have lunch and explore the UNESCO site of Shiragawa-go
See old townscapes and wander the tranquil village
Overnight in Kanazawa

Day 12 - Transfer to Takayama & Evening Food Tour

Bus to Takayama
Marvel at the Nakabashi Bridge, connecting Takayama’s main square with the old town
Discover the charming district of Sanmachi Suji
Stroll through Kamininomachi with traditional wooden buildings
Explore Asahimachi, the modern side of Takayama
Cross the Miyagawa River to local shopping arcades
Enjoy a local delicious meal
Overnight in Takayama Ryokan

Day 13 - Takayama half day & afternoon Artisan tour

Explore Takayama’s morning market
Discover local produce and delicacies
Stroll through the historic streets of Takayama’s old town
Admire the intricate Takayama Festival Floats
See the sacred Sakurayama Shrine
Take the rest of the day to freely wander on your own, or visit a local onsen
Later, go on an artisan tour, starting at the Takayama Jinya
Learn about the Edo Period (1692-1871)
Discover Hida craftsmanship and visit shops showcasing Sashiko and Hanga art
Explore traditional works like Shunkeinuri lacquerware, reflecting both folk and high culture
Overnight in Takayama Ryokan

Day 14 - Transfer to Nagoya & Evening Food Tour

Take a train to Nagoya
In the afternoon visit local izakaya-style bars
Sample regional drinks and dishes
Experience hidden spots that most visitors miss
Overnight in Nagoya

Day 15 - Transfer to Kyoto & Dinner & drinks with Maiko

Take a bullet train to Kyoto
Discover Gion’s traditional streets and Machiya architecture
Learn about the origins of maiko culture and geisha apprenticeships
Visit a traditional Kyoto shop and meet a maiko
Enjoy all-you-can-drink beverages, including sake and Kyoto cuisine
Watch a traditional dance and participate in drinking games with the maiko
Overnight in Kyoto Ryokan

Day 16 - Kyoto & Nara

Visit Nara Park and meet the friendly Sika deer
Explore Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue
Free time for lunch in Arashiyama
Wander through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Tour the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine
Overnight in Kyoto Ryokan

Day 17 - Hiroshima & Miyajima

Arrive in Hiroshima
Visit Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima – a 6th-century World Heritage site
Lunch break
Go to Miyajima by ferry
Bus to Peace Memorial Park and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
See the Atomic Bomb Dome
Overnight in Kyoto Ryokan

Day 18 - Departure

Optional airport transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX) or bullet train transfer to Tokyo Station

NB - all timings on 18 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package are approximate

Availability

Available dates are shown in green along with the starting price for that date based on recent searches for 2 adults. Click on a date to move to the next step and customize your trip such as adding airport transfers, choosing your hotel, and adding extra nights.

important information

Includes

All touring and accommodation

Hand-picked expert tour guide

Bullet Train (Shinkansen): Tokyo-Nagano, Nagano-Kanazawa, Nagoya-Kyoto, Kyoto-Hiroshima-Kyoto

Train: Takayama-Nagoya

Bus: Kanazawa-Takayama

Entrance fees: Kamakura, Snow Monkey Park, Matsumoto Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple

Meals & tastings: Sumo Wrestler lunch, 2-3 food tastings & Seafood lunch at the Tsukiji Fish Market, Lunch in Kamakura, Lunch during the Snow Monkey tour, Dinner during the Kanazawa evening tour, Lunch during the Shirakawa-go tour, Dinner during the Takayama evening tour, Food & drink tasting in Nagoya, Dinner at a traditional Kyoto-style restaurant

Excludes

Anything not mentioned above

Train: Tokyo-Kamakura-Tokyo

Entrance fees: Todai Ji Temple Nara

Personal travel insurance

Gratuities

Essential Information

Each day of this tour package will be led by a local guide who optimizes Tourist Japan's values: to provide you with an authentic, passion-filled tour

Choose your own hotel from our hand-picked selection during the booking process

The order of the days is subject to change so that we can optimize your itinerary to provide the best experience

During the booking process, it's possible to add extra nights of accommodation before or after the tour package

During the booking process, it's possible to add airport transfers. Arrival & departure transportation include the Narita Express, Metro Pass, Haruka Express, or the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t, which are the most convenient options to reach centralized locations in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. From there you can reach your hotel easily. For a small fee, you can upgrade to a private airport transfer with hotel pickup/drop off. Please contact us for more information

Please note that there are no 5-star accommodations in Nagano, therefore a 4-star option will be provided

Tokyo Tour: We recommend purchasing your Tokyo Metro pass before the tour

Kamakura Tour: Please note that the Kamakura Tour starts at JR Kamakura Station. The train tickets from/to Tokyo are not included

Shirakawa-go: The activities may vary based on day; please refer to the itinerary for more information

Transfers between hotels and train stations are not included in the package

Cancellation Policy

The train & bus tickets are non refundable