13 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package

Go beyond the touristy must-dos with our life-changing 13 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package, diving into age-old traditions and amazing nature! First up is Tokyo, the beating heart of Japan, exploring icons, like the Senso-ji Temple, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, and the fresh foods of Tsukiji Market. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Kamakura before traveling to Nagano, where the beautiful snow monkeys reside. From Matsumoto’s castle grounds, head to Takayama’s artisan workshops and Shirakawa-go’s UNESCO village, unwinding in a Ryokan for the next few nights. Zip through the scenic landscapes on a bullet train bound for Kyoto. Dine with a geisha apprentice (maiko) and learn fun drinking games, followed by a restful night’s sleep in your Kyoto Ryokan. On your last day, take a trip to sacred Nara, where local deer will bow and greet you. End your journey on a high note, covering Kyoto’s highlights, like the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and more.

Looking to truly live like a local in Japan? Our 13 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package will show you the country through the eyes of its people, from bustling cities to serene nature. Go on unique experiences, from tasting tours and snow monkey trails to peaceful Ryokan accommodations. Ride on bullet trains and explore with knowledgeable locals to gain the most immersive journey yet! Don’t miss out and book today!

13 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package Highlights

Roam Tokyo’s icons and neighborhoods, from the Senso-ji Temple to Harajuku
Indulge in a mouthwatering tasting tour through Tsukiji Fish Market
Experience the sacred shrines of Kamakura and Matsumoto’s castle grounds
Explore the UNESCO Gassho-zukuri Village in Shirakawa-go
Discover Takayama’s local artisan crafts like Sashiko and Hanga prints
Stay in traditional Ryokans and elegant hotels for the ultimate Japanese experience
Meet the snow monkeys of Nagano and the Sika deer of Nara Park
Enjoy a private dinner and drinking games with a geisha apprentice in Gion
Marvel at Kyoto’s attractions, including the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari, and the bamboo forest
Tour with devoted local guides who will make your trip into a memorable adventure

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13 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
Admire 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 - 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 4 - 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 5 - Transfer to Nagano

Bullet train to Nagano
Overnight in Nagano

Day 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - Transfer to Takayama & Evening Tour

Train 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 9 - Morning market tour & 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 10 - Shirakawa-go

Travel from Takayama to the historic Shirakawa-go
Entry to the renowned Gassho-zukuri Village
Free time to explore the UNESCO site on your own
Learn about traditional Japanese carpentry or partake in a workshop (not included)
Overnight in Takayama Ryokan

Day 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - Departure

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

NB - all timings on 13 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, Takayama-Kyoto

Train: Nagano-Takayama

Entrance fees: Kamakura, Tea ceremony Tokyo, Snow Monkey Park, Matsumoto Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Gassho-zukuri Village

Meals & Drinks: 2-3 food tastings & Seafood lunch at the Tsukiji Fish Market, Tea tasting during a traditional Tea Ceremony, Sumo Wrestler's Lunch, lunch at Kamakura's restaurant, Lunch during the Snow Monkey tour, Dinner during the Takayama evening tour, 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 Tour: This is a self guided day, as we believe you’ll best enjoy this area with self exploration

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

Cancellation Policy

The train & bus tickets are non refundable