15 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package

Take a transformative journey of ancient customs, rich nature, and modern marvels on our 15 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package. Start in Tokyo, where the serene Imperial Palace gardens, the historic Senso-ji Temple, and the energetic Shibuya Crossing await. Let your palate sample the finest tea at a traditional ceremony and the freshest seafood at the Tsukiji Fish Market. Travel to Kamakura, exploring sacred temples and shrines, followed by a samurai class where you’ll receive a certificate for your new skills. Encounter snow monkeys in Nagano before visiting Matsumoto’s castle grounds. Check out Takayama’s artisanal crafts and the UNESCO village of Gassho-zukuri in Shirakawa-go, rooted in a fascinating past. Arrive in Kyoto by bullet train and savor the simplistic vibes of a Ryokan inn. A maiko geisha apprentice will show you local dining and drinking customs, and the Nara Park’s friendly deer will welcome you to their sacred space. Witness Kyoto’s iconic landmarks, from the Golden Pavilion to the bamboo forest, ending your 15-day tour in Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, where powerful history and breathtaking views meet.

Looking for a way to connect to the heart and soul of Japan? Our 15 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package is no typical tour package. From Tokyo’s samurai class to Nagano’s snow-monkey haven, be led by experts across several cities and regions. See the urban and suburban gems, staying in amazing hotels and ryokans. We also provide train transfers, food tastings, select meals, and enriching moments. Don’t wait—book now for a deeper connection to Japan’s past and present.

15 Day Cultural Japan Tour Package Highlights

Explore Tokyo's most iconic sites, including Senso-ji Temple and Shibuya Crossing
Indulge in a tasting tour of Tsukiji Market and a traditional tea ceremony
Hike through Kamakura's sacred shrines, temples, and beautiful gardens
Experience samurai swordsmanship in a hands-on class
Take unforgettable photos of Nagano’s snow monkeys in hot springs
Visit Matsumoto’s stunning castle and explore Shirakawa-go's UNESCO village
Discover Takayama’s artisan crafts and wander its historic old town
For 2 weeks, travel in style with inclusive train transfers, hotels, and ryokan inns
Be led by expert guides across several cities and regions
See Nara Park’s deer, Kyoto’s attractions, and Hiroshima’s Peace memorial

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15 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 - 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 - 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 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
Free time
Overnight in Nagano

Day 9 - 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 10 - Takayama & 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 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - 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 14 - 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 15 - Departure

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

NB - all timings on 15 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, Kyoto-Hiroshima-Kyoto

Train: Nagano-Takayama

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

Meals & tastings: 2-3 food tastings & Seafood lunch at the Tsukiji Fish Market, Tea tasting during a traditional Tea Ceremony, Lunch in Kamakura, 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