Best Japan Tours & Holidays

A typical Classic Japan tour package from Inspiring Vacations includes conveniently located accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, daily breakfast and selected meals, comprehensive sightseeing with either a dedicated tour leader or local guides, and entrance fees to major attractions. Some of our guided tours to Japan also include return airfares or give you access to book competitively priced flights as part of your tour package. Our tours also feature transportation in air-conditioned coaches and optional airport transfers. Optional excursions are available for a more personalised experience. The detailed inclusions can vary by tour, so it's best to check the specific itinerary of the tour you are interested in for precise details.

Our Small Group tours are designed to accommodate between 16-26 people, allowing for a more immersive and personalised guided tour of Japan. Accommodation is at a 3 to 4-star standard, while smaller, modern coaches allow for access where larger coach transport is unable to. Daily breakfast is included, as well as a number of group lunches and dinners. Small Group Tours in Japan also include cultural, historic, or iconic food experiences (such as Japanese Izakaya experience, or visiting a working monastery. Check out the individual tour inclusions to confirm airfares, transfers, and optional extras.

On an independent tour, you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring Japan at your own pace. Independent itineraries include accommodation, some arranged transportation, and day tours. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. As you will be responsible for your luggage for the entirety of the trip, we recommend taking a small to medium suitcase to ensure you can travel with ease. Read up on the individual tour inclusions to confirm airfares, transfers, and optional extras.

Prepare for a real treat! Our Platinum tours guide you through Japan in style. Small by nature (no more than 16 people) and for adults only, these fully escorted tours treat you to fine dining meals and top accommodation choices across Japan. High-end vehicles ensure you travel in full comfort and allow for maximum sightseeing. You’ll also enjoy incredible, all-inclusive sightseeing, enriching activities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like witnessing Sumo practice in Tokyo or enjoying an authentic Kaiseki dinner. Be sure to check the full itinerary details to learn about the exact inclusions for your Platinum tour.

The physical demands of our tours to Japan vary by itinerary, but most are designed to be manageable for travellers across a wide age range, so long as you have a good level of general fitness. Japan is best to explore on foot. Most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering in a single day! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet. In our Classic, Small Group and Independent tours, you will be expected to carry your luggage, including upstairs and escalators, and on and off coaches and trains (where included). Although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, you are expected to be able to walk and handle your luggage for a few hundred metres. 

For those with mobility concerns, we recommend you call us before booking to discuss the best tour option for you. Specific tour descriptions on our website also provide details on the level of physical activity required, so you can choose a tour that best matches your comfort level.

We offer a few different options for our guided tours of Japan. Classic tours typically feature between 30-50 people per tour, Small Group tours feature 16-24 people per tour, and our Platinum tours will have 16 people or less. In addition, our Independent tours ensure your accommodation, transportation and sightseeing are all pre-arranged, and you get to travel at your own pace and be your own guide. We also offer exclusively designed Private tours, and unique Tailor-Made tours if you want complete flexibility and customisation of your Japan adventure. Detailed information about group sizes can be found in the specific tour descriptions on our website.

Our tours of Japan from New Zealand offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, including visits to ancient temples, traditional tea ceremonies, and sumo wrestling exhibitions. You can expect guided tours of iconic sites like Tokyo's bustling markets, Kyoto's serene temples, and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. Culinary experiences are also a highlight, with opportunities to savour authentic Japanese cuisine, from sushi and ramen to sake tasting. These immersive experiences provide deep insights into Japan's unique history and traditions. Be sure to check individual tour itineraries to confirm which cultural experiences are included.

We aim to provide an inclusive experience for all participants on our Japan tours. If you use a mobility aid such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please inform us at the time of booking. Our tours of Japan may involve extensive walking, uneven terrain, or stairs due to the specific itineraries designed. While some adjustments may not be feasible, we'll strive to offer alternative solutions within planned activities. Open communication allows us to tailor the experience to your needs and ensures our local guide or tour leader can assist you appropriately.

Preparation for a trip to Japan includes ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, and confirming whether you require a visa (see the next FAQ for more info). It's wise to familiarise yourself with Japanese customs and basic phrases. Packing should include comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any necessary medications. We also recommend notifying your bank of your travel plans and purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind. Detailed pre-departure information will be provided by Inspiring Vacations to ensure you are well-prepared and ready for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements on our Visa Entry Requirements page as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed.

Japan is a year-round destination, each season offering unique attractions. Spring (March to May) is popular for cherry blossom viewing, while autumn (September to November) features vibrant foliage. Summer (June to August) offers lively festivals and warm weather, although it can be humid. Winter (December to February) is ideal for those interested in snow sports and seeing the iconic snow-covered landscapes. Check out our full guide for more information on when you should travel to Japan. The best time to visit depends on your personal interests and the type of experiences you enjoy.

Inspiring Vacations strives to accommodate dietary needs and preferences. When booking, please inform us of any specific dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies. We will communicate these needs to our service providers to ensure suitable meal options are available. Japan offers a variety of cuisines, and our guides can assist in recommending dishes and restaurants that meet your dietary needs. While we do our best to accommodate special diets, we recommend carrying snacks or supplements if you have strict dietary restrictions.

While our Japan tours follow a set itinerary to ensure a comprehensive experience, there are some opportunities for personalisation through optional excursions and free time. This depends on the tour you select — for example, Small Group tours are typically slower-paced than Classic tours, so there may be more opportunities to select from optional activities. Additional activities and day trips could include our Osaka food tour, a Made in Japan Shopping tour, sushi making, tea ceremonies, and more. You can review and select from the available optional activities on your tour booking page, or call us if you’d like us to help tailor your tour to your interests. For more extensive customisation, private tours can be arranged, providing a more exclusive and personalised travel experience.

Inspiring Vacations provides extensive support throughout your tour of Japan. Our tours are fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will assist with logistics, provide insights into the local culture, and address any concerns that may arise during the tour. Additionally, our customer service team is available 24/7 to assist with emergencies or unexpected situations. This ensures that you have a worry-free and enjoyable travel experience from start to finish.

Booking a Japan tour with Inspiring Vacations is easy and convenient. You can browse this page to select the tour that interests you and view detailed itineraries, inclusions, and pricing. Alternatively, you can call us directly on 0800 475 025 to speak with one of our helpful consultants who can advise on which tour will best suit your needs and expectations. Once you've chosen your tour, you can book online through our secure booking system or contact our customer service team for assistance. We offer flexible payment options, and our team is available to answer any questions and provide additional information to ensure you choose the perfect Japan tour for your needs.