21 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package

Take advantage of our 21 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package, bringing you into the heart of Japanese culture, starting in Tokyo. Taste delicious flavors at the Tsukiji Market and join a traditional tea ceremony afterward. Visit icons like the Imperial Palace Gardens, Shibuya, and Senso-ji Temple before testing your strength against a sumo master and exploring Kamakura’s shrines. In Akihabara, sit in maid cafes and learn the art of samurai swordsmanship at a dojo. Nagano’s snow monkeys will be one of your trip’s top highlights, followed by a self-guided tour of the Matsumoto Castle. In Kanazawa, enjoy a full-course dinner while discovering the secrets of the Ninja Temple. Wander through the charming village life of Shirakawa-go, bring home handcrafted treasures from Takayama, and savor Nagoya’s delicious cuisine. Journey to Kyoto via bullet train, where you’ll dine with a Maiko apprentice and stay in a traditional Ryokan inn. Experience Kyoto’s famed sites, like the bamboo forest, visit Nara Park, and end your adventure in Hiroshima and Miyajima – where history and peace reign.

Looking to explore Japan beyond the typical tourist trail? In less than a month, our 21 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package will take you across multiple cities and regions, led by experts. From Tokyo’s sumo culture, Kyoto’s geisha heritage, Nagano’s snow monkeys, and Kanazawa’s samurai district, you won’t be bored for a moment! Travel effortlessly with comfortable train transfers, stay in amazing accommodations, (including Ryokan inns), and indulge in authentic local dishes. Book today!

21 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package Highlights

Visit Tokyo’s sites, like the Senso-ji Temple, and taste foods at the Tsukiji Market
Watch sumo wrestlers in action and test your sword skills with a samurai class
Explore the sacred shrines of Kamakura and the glorious Matsumoto Castle
Discover Akihabara’s maid cafes, Shirakawa-go’s village, and Takayama’s crafts
In Nagano, take amazing photos of the snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs
Savor a delicious dinner in Kanazawa and stop in Nagoya’s izakayas
Dine with a Maiko apprentice in Kyoto and be greeted by Nara’s friendly deer
Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion, bamboo forest, Fushimi Inari, and more
Be amazed by Hiroshima’s history and Miyajima’s floating shrine
Stay in charming accommodations, including Ryokan inns and unique hotels

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

21 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 & Tea Experience

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
Later, enjoy a cup of wakocha, a Shizuoka black tea with tea cake
Watch a master brew Gyokuro sencha
Taste seasonal wagashi sweets from Ougiya
Whisk your own matcha with a skilled tea master
Enjoy a soothing cup of Genmaicha
Receive a certificate and group photo to remember your tea experience
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 - Akihabara

Explore Akihabara’s retro gaming stores filled with classic video games
Hear nostalgic 8-bit music and shop for vintage game machines
Visit a maid cafe for a fun and interactive experience
Snap pics with maids and enjoy live performances
Browse massive anime stores with figurines and cosplay goods
Overnight in Tokyo

Day 7 - Samurai Experience

Experience Iaido swordsmanship at a dojo
Try on samurai attire and learn how to wield a sword
Watch a master’s solo demonstration
Receive a certificate of completion
Visit Kyu Yasuda Garden and learn about samurai life
Explore the Japanese Sword Museum
Visit Kanda Tokodo sword shop for souvenirs
Overnight in Tokyo

Day 8 - Transfer to Nagano

Bullet train to Nagano
Overnight in Nagano

Day 9 - 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 10 - 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
Free time
Overnight in Nagano

Day 11 - Transfer to Kanazawa & Evening tour

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 12 - 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 13 - Shirakawa-go

Monday/Tuesday/Friday: Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Drop off at Roadside Station
3 hours to freely explore Shirakawa-go village and have lunch (included)
Walk around the Gokayama Kaminashi district and discover Gokayama village
Sunday/Saturday: Shirakawa-go
Drop off at Roadside Station
Enjoy 1.5 hours of 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 14 - 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

Day 15 - 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

Day 16 - 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 17 - Nagoya

Visit Nagoya Castle for views and golden shachihoko
Discover the wonders of the Wakamiya Hachimansha Shrine
Shop and explore subcultures at Osu Shopping Street
Wander through the historic Shikemichi district
Overnight in Nagoya

Day 18 - Transfer to Kyoto and 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

Day 19 - 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

Day 20 - 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
Overnight in Kyoto

Day 21 - Departure

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

NB - all timings on 21 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: Maid cafe in Akihabara, 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

Entrance fees: Todai Ji Temple Nara

Train: Tokyo-Kamakura-Tokyo

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