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Capture the Essence of Spring

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Tokyo Tour - Kyoto Tour - Hiroshima Tour - Anime Tour - Festival Tour - Kyushu-Shikoku Tour

Japan Deluxe Tours is a company created to bring to anyone who wish to see this unique country firsthand since 1981. Whether your interests are Japanese cherry blossom tours , Japan festival tours , Autumn leaves tours or special Interest tour such as Anime related tours , Tokyo Quilt Festival tours or Japanese ancestry furusato tours , all tours are expertly planned and designed to help you get the most our of your time. Just contact us and take your first step towards making your Japan dreams into reality.

Featured Japan Tours

Takayama festival tour with anime & hiroshima.

Join our 12-day Spring Takayama Festival Tour in Japan, featuring a blend of traditional culture and anime. Experience Tokyo's Akihabara, the Ghibli Museum, and Hiroshima's historic sites. Ideal for anime enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Takayama Festival Tour with Anime & Hiroshima From Tokyo to Hiroshima

From $5,438 | Apr. 9

Cherry Blossom Anime & Mario Nintendo World

Embark on a 9-day Cherry Blossom & Anime Tour, including Mario World at Universal Studios Japan. Experience the allure of cherry blossoms, explore Akihabara's otaku culture, and enjoy iconic attractions like the Ghibli Museum and the historic Asakusa district. Perfect for families and fans of anime and gaming.

Cherry Blossom Anime & Mario Nintendo World March & April

From $4,333 | Apr. 16

Kawachi Wisteria Tours

Capturing attention around the world, the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu is a fantasy come true filled with breathtaking Japanese flowers. Navigate your way through the Wisteria, Nemophila, Lupine and Azalea during Japan's most beautiful season on our tour.

Kawachi Wisteria Tours The top 10 sites to see in the world

Breathtaking Wisteria Tunnel

from Tokyo to Fukuoka Starts Apr.17 (Limited Seats)

Group Tour Packages & Japan Vacations

The best japan cherry blossom tours 2024 - 2025.

Our guided Essence of Spring – Japan Cherry Blossom Tours cover the must-see spots in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Southern Japan during Sakura season.

Cherry Blossom Tours Travel Japan during the most beautiful season.

Was $4,098 Now $3,483 | March - April

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Anime Japan Tours | Anime & Game Tours 2024 - 2025

Experience the heart of anime culture with our Top Anime Japan Tours. Visit Tokyo's Akihabara, the Ghibli Museum, Pokemon Center, Mario store, and exclusive Anime & Manga spots, including the vibrant AnimeJapan event.

Anime Japan Tours Akihabara, Ghibli Museum, Pokemon Center, Mario

Was $2,498 Now $2,123 | Year Round

Highlights of Japan Tours 2024-2025 | Hiroshima

Discover Japan's iconic landmarks with our Highlights of Japan Tours. Explore ancient temples, modern cities, and cultural treasures in Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond. Perfect for travelers seeking an all-encompassing Japanese experience.

Highlights of Japan Tours Tour Japan's iconic sights | Tokyo to Hiroshima

Was $3,623 Now $2,948 | May - Dec

Takayama Festival Japan Tours 2024 | Japan Festival Tours

Our Takayama Festival Japan Tour Packages in April & October visit beautiful Edo-style buildings in Takayama, Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and more.

Takayama Festival Tours Spring Cherry Blossom Festival Tours

Was $4,123 Now $3,298 | Apr & Oct

Japan Golden Route Tours 2024-2025 | Guided Japan Tour Packages

A Golden Route Japan Tour is the perfect get away to see the world-famous, iconic spots of Kyoto, Nara, Hakone, and Tokyo

Japan Golden Route Tours Must see spots in Tokyo | Hakone | Kyoto

Grand japan tour vacations 2024-2025 | japan deluxe tours.

Our Grand Japan Tour packages are dynamic vacations filled with temples & sights, a bullet train ride, a tea ceremony, and more during your Japan adventure.

Grand Japan Tours Travel through Honshu | Kyushu | Shikoku

Was $5,498 Now $4,998 | Year Round

Autumn Japan Tours 2024 | Japan Deluxe Tours

During our Autumn Japan tours enjoy red and orange hues as the Fall leaves enhance all the sites through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Southern Japan.

Japan Autumn Tours Fall Foliage Tours of Japan

Was $3,623 Now $2,948 | Sep - Nov

Kyoto Gion Festival Tours | Japan Travel Guide | Japan Deluxe Tours

Our Kyoto Gion Festival Tours showcase Japan's most popular festival during an epic summer journey through Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto.

Kyoto Gion Festival Tours Kyoto Tours with the Best Japanese Festival

Was $4,060 Now $3,298 | July

Japan Quilt Tours 2024 | Quilt Festival & Craft Workshops

Our Japan Quilt Tours features Quilt Festivals and evets, a tea ceremony, and explores the best quilt & craft spots in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Japan Quilt Festival Tours Travel Japan One Stitch at a Time

Was $5,598 Now $5,298 | Jun

Winter Japan Tours 2023-2024 | Snow Monkey Tour Packages

The perfect winter vacation packages, our Winter Japan Tour packages range from seeing adorable snow monkey to enjoying Japan's traditional culture.

Winter Japan Tours Winter Holiday Package with Snow Monkey

Was $3,998 Now $3,548 | Dec - Jan

Hokkaido & Northern Japan Tours | Tour Guide | Japan Deluxe Tours

Our Northern Japan Tours uncover Tohoku and Japanese festivals including the Kanto Festival, Nebuta Festival, and Sendai's Tanabata Matsuri.

Northern Japan Tours Tohoku & Hokkaido Tours

From $4,482 | May - Dec

Southern Japan Tours 2024-2025 | Kyushu & Shikoku Tour Packages

Enjoy our escorted Southern Japan Kyushu & Shikoku Tour packages for 2022-2023, featuring several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hiroshima, Kumamoto and more.

Southern Japan Tours Small Group Tours in Kyushu & Shikoku

Was $5,748 Now $4,648 | Year Round

Japanese American Ancestry Tours 2024 - 2025 | Nikkei Japan Tours

Our unique Japanese Ancestry Tours explore the Museum of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii & the Japanese Overseas Migration Museum to discover Nikkei History.

Japanese Ancestry Tours Tour Hiroshima & Yokohama Nikkei History

Was $4,748 Now $3,848 | Year Round

Escorted Cruise Japan Vacations 2024 - 2025 | Japan Deluxe Tours

Escorted Cruise Connecting Japan Tour options and packages are available for your next vacation or holiday.

Cruise Connecting Tours All Inclusive Tours from the Port

From $4,998 | Year Round

Private & Custom Japan Tours

Our Private Tour packages (Classic Series & Luxury Series) feature all the perks of a small group tour of Japan, exclusively for you. Enjoy scenic Japanese flower gardens, visit Samurai museums, join Japanese festivals, or hike through the Mt. Fuji five lakes to see native Japanese wildlife. Custom Tour is also available to create from the scratch. Flexible vacation packages designed to suit your interests, select your favorite tour itinerary, pick the dates, and add additional Japan excursions for a custom, luxury Japan trip as unique as you.

Discover Japan | 8 Days

Get ready for an adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto with your own tour guide during a 8 Day Private Japan Tour. Enjoy your Japan experience at the comfort of your own pace to truly take in each site as it comes. See all Japan has to offer between the modern & traditional capitals of the country.

Discover Japan | 8 Days Classic Private Tour | Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara

From $2,758 | Year Round

Discover Japan | 10 Days

Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima during our 10 Day Private Japan Tour. Enjoy UNESCO locations like Nara Deer Park, the floating gates of Miyajima, and all Japan has to see.

Discover Japan | 10 Days Classic Private Tour | Tokyo, Hakone, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima

From $4,098 | Year Round

Discover Japan | 9 Days plus ANIME

Get ready for an adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto with your own tour guide during a 9 Day Private Japan Tour with Anime. See all the essential sites from both anime and traditional world at the comfort of your own pace for an unforgettable trip.

Discover Japan | 9 Days plus ANIME Classic Private Tour | Tokyo, Hakone, Nara, Kyoto

From $3,478 | Year Round

Hidden Trails | 10 Days

Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Takayama, Kanazawa and more during our 10 Day Private Takayama Tour. Experience and learn about the history, culture, and life of both the big city and rural towns through curated sites where you can get an authentic look. All with a private tour guide and the comfort to travel at your own pace, an unforgettable Japan trip awaits.

Hidden Trails | 10 Days Classic Private Tour | Tokyo, Nagano, Kamikochi, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara

From $3,598 | Year Round

Exclusive Japan Journey | 8 Days

Get the VIP treatment as you take an adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto with your own personal tour guide during your 8 Day Private Japan Tour. Indulge in delicious food, enjoy comfortable accommodations, and explore the best of what Japan has to offer.

Exclusive Japan Journey | 8 Days Luxury Private Tour | Tokyo, Hakone, Nara, Kyoto

From $4,758 | Year Round

Exclusive Japan Journey | 10 Days

Travel in comfort and style as you embark on our 10 Day Luxury Private Japan Tour. We've curated the best sites and hotels for your stay for an unforgettable trip. Experience the best of both worlds as you make your way through the must see sites such as Sensoji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, and the tranquil bamboo forest of Arashiyama.

Exclusive Japan Journey | 10 Days Luxury Private Tour | Tokyo, Hakone, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima

From $5,698 | Year Round

Cherry Blossom Japan Tours

Spend your next vacation during Japan's most beautiful season, often considered the best time to go to Japan! Join us on a Cherry Blossom Tour , Takayama Japan Festival Tours , Sakura Flower Nikkei Ancestry Tours , or any of our Spring vacation packages to enjoy Japan's gorgeous cherry blossoms! Tour through the best sights in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Osaka, & Southern Japan while fresh Sakura fills the air. Take plenty of photos of your Japanese Cherry Blossom vacation and upload them instantly with complimentary Wi-Fi on your tour bus & at most hotels. Travel in style, join a Japanese green tea ceremony, ride a bullet train, bathe in a hot-spring, and enjoy Cherry Blossom flowers. Vacation with our small group tours during Japan's peak season while sakura flowers bloom in the background of Mt. Fuji, Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, Itsukushima Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, & more during our Spring Cherry Blossom Festival Japan Tours!

View the 2023 Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast

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"Japan is one of the most captivating places on earth, where you can go from Tokyo's flashy streets to the snowy peak of Mount Fuji or a traditional ryokan in a day."

Travel Director

Admire the snow-capped Mount Fuji

See the towering peak of Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan and a UNESCO-listed site. We’ll take you up to the 5th station of Mount Fuji, a spectacular vantage point at 7,545 feet, before taking a ride on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway with views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

Take a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto

Board the high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and the ancient epicentre of Japanese culture. After whizzing through the country, you’ll meet the locals at a traditional ryokan and learn about traditional Japanese customs, then explore the Gion District and glittering Kinkakuji Temple, the symbol of Kyoto.

Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

We’ll introduce you to a professional Tea Master who has spent many years learning the craft of the tea ceremony. You’ll learn about the history of Japanese tea making, and watch how the matcha is prepared with a bamboo whisk. You’ll even have a go at making (and tasting) your own tea.

Admire Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory

The Floating Garden Observatory is an open-air viewing platform, stretching between the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. We’ll take you to the top of the 567-foot buildings for panoramic views over Osaka, including the city’s dazzling rivers, bridges and soaring skyscrapers.

Wander through Ameyoko Street Market

With nearly 200 shops selling everything from fresh fish and spices to clothing and bags, you can spend hours roaming through Ameyoko Street Market. Located in Tokyo along the Yamanote Line tracks, it was once a black market selling American goods and sweets after WWII, when sugar was hard to find.

Our top 5 things to do in Japan

Our Japan tours take you from the dizzying heights of Mount Fuji and the bustle of the Ameyoko Market, to the tranquility of a Japanese tea ceremony.

Tokyo National Museum

The largest and oldest museum in Japan, Tokyo National Museum holds one of the world’s best collections of art and archaeological artefacts from Asia. There are over 110,000 items, including 87 National Treasures of Japan, and you can find everything from art along the Silk Road to medieval Japanese art.

Kotokuin Temple

Located in the city of Kamakuru, the Kotokuin Temple is a Japanese Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect. It’s home to the ‘Great Buddha’ or ‘Daibutsu’, a 37-foot bronze statue of Amida Buddha, constructed in 1252. The towering statue is a National Treasure and one of the most iconic sights in Japan.

Sensoji Buddhist Temple

One of the most famous temples in Japan, the Sensoji Buddhist Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It was originally built in 628 but was rebuilt after being destroyed in WWII. Today, you’ll find a beautiful five-storey pagoda, woven with incense and crimson eaves.

Best museums in Japan

A Japan tour package with Trafalgar takes you through the country’s top museums, from one of the world’s best collections of Asian art, to the ornate temples of Tokyo.

Although sushi is now a popular dish around the world, you’ve never really tried it until you’ve eaten the best in Japan. Our Local Specialists will help you navigate the endless varieties of this iconic dish, from raw vegetables to fresh fish wrapped in rice and seaweed.

Hida beef comes from a Japanese breed of black-haired cattle raised in the fresh air and pure water of Gifu Prefecture. Hailed as the best beef in Japan, we’ll take you to the top restaurants to try one of the beautifully tender and marbled Hida beef steaks.

A beloved dish found all over the country, ramen is a delicious Japanese noodle soup. Each region has a different variation and it usually involves a tasty pork or chicken broth, seasoned with plenty of rich flavors like miso, soy sauce and spring onions.

Best food in Japan

A Japan group tour with Trafalgar will have you indulging in the country’s fantastic cuisine, from fresh sushi to piping hot ramen.

What to pack for Japan

Adaptor plug

In Japan, the standard voltage is 100 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard frequency is 50 / 60 Hz.

Comfortable sandals

Japanese culture requires you to take off your shoes when entering traditional restaurants, temples and ryokans. Bring a comfortable pair of sandals so you can easily slip them off all day.

Japanese phrasebook

Learning a few Japanese phrases will help you connect with the friendly Japanese locals, and offers the chance for some rewarding interactions.

Most shops and restaurants in Japan primarily accept cash, so it’s best to come prepared with some Japanese yen for your trip.

Versatile clothing

Japan’s weather ranges hot and humid to freezing cold, with mild springs in between. Pack versatile layers to be prepared for all conditions on your Japan holiday.

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Land of the Rising Sun

Welcome to Japan! This is a land of intriguing contradictions. Japan is an archipelago made up of more than 6,800 islands with three quarters of the land being either forest or mountains, leaving little for residential, industrial, or farming areas. Yet it is densely populated for its size. Its leaders have ranged from the samurai to the shogun to the emperor. Its highest point – Mt. Fuji – is beautiful and sacred, as are its many temples and shrines. Its capital city – Tokyo – is a bustling metropolis containing anything one might desire, from food to entertainment to art and culture. Kyoto is filled with serene religious buildings and glorious gardens. A Japan trip awaits with open arms!

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Destination must-see's.

Until the 19th century, Tokyo was known as Edo. It started out as a fishing village but grew to become the seat of a feudal government in the early 17th century. Emperor Meiji moved the capital from Kyoto to Edo in 1868 and renamed it Tokyo, or “Eastern Capital.” By then it had become one of the world’s most populous cities. After World War II it was completely rebuilt. Today, Tokyo is more than just a large city – it is a metropolis with 23 wards. Learn all about the city’s fascinating history and culture through artwork and antiques in Tokyo’s National Museum. Travelers dive even deeper into Tokyo’s ancient roots with a visit to the Zojoji Temple, the center of Japanese Buddhism. From the Ginza district to the Sumida River there’s something for everyone in Tokyo.

Kyoto was home to the emperor from 794 to 1868. It was Japan’s political and cultural center for 1,100 years, until the capital was moved to Tokyo. Kyoto was largely spared from damaging air raids of World War II and numerous temples, shrines, castles, and palaces are still standing today. Among them is the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two stories are completely covered in gold leaf. Once the lavish retirement home of a shogun (military dictator), it was converted to a Zen temple in the 1400s. It has survived wars, been rebuilt after fires, and still stands as an impressive piece of historic architecture. Nijo Castle, another impressive monument, was built in 1603 as the residence of Tokugawa leyasu – the first shogun of the Edo Period. Kyoto is also well-known for Gion – its most famous Geisha district where you may be lucky enough to see a woman dressed in full, traditional geisha regalia.

Hiroshima will forever be remembered for the devastating event of August 6, 1945: the dropping of the first atomic bomb. Nearly everything within a mile of where the bomb fell was destroyed, and some 80,000 people perished. There were predictions that the city would no longer be habitable. Today, Hiroshima has been rebuilt and a large park was constructed, containing several memorials to the victims. The Peace Memorial Museum focuses on the dropping of the bomb and its aftermath; the Atomic Bomb Dome was one of the few buildings to remain standing afterward; and the Memorial Cenotaph is an arched tomb for those who died. Also worth a visit is Hiroshima Castle. Originally built in 1589, it was five stories tall and was surrounded by a moat. It was destroyed in 1945, rebuilt in 1958, and is now a museum featuring Samurai culture.

Takayama means “tall mountain,” and is a city in the mountainous Hida region. During the feudal ages, it became known for its high-quality timber and skilled carpenters. Yet it was kept fairly isolated due to the surrounding mountains. Today it is known for its well-preserved old town. The Hida-Kokubunji Temple is the oldest structure, originally built in 746. It features a huge ginko tree, said to be 1,200 years old, and a three-storied pagoda. The Hida no Sato Folk Village, with its traditional wooden farm houses, is an open-air museum. There are also two morning markets, or Asaichi, held on a daily basis, as well as sake breweries. It is the perfect place for a walk.

Destination Must-Do's

Japanese Cuisine:

No trip to Japan would be complete without experiencing its flavorful dishes. A bowl of gohan, or cooked rice, is a central part of Japanese meals. From there we go to sushi, famous both outside of and inside Japan. Sushi is made from cold boiled rice, moistened by vinegar and typically combined with seafood and vegetables. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw food – most often seafood. (Japan is an island, after all.) The most popular noodles are soba (buckwheat flour), udon (wheat flour), and ramen, a noodle soup dish. Tempura is lightly battered, deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Yakatori refers to grilled chicken skewers you can try at a yakitori-ya. Be sure to enjoy green tea with your meal, as the Japanese do.

The Tokyo Skytree:

The Tokyo Skytree is the perfect way to get a panoramic view of the city and beyond. A television broadcasting tower, this Tokyo landmark is almost 1,200 feet high and is the tallest structure in Japan. A large shopping complex and an aquarium are at its base, but it’s the two observation decks that warrant a visit. Head to the “world’s highest skywalk” for views that will take your breath away!

Temples and Shrines:

Temples and shrines are found all over Japan, with most municipalities having at least one temple. (Kyoto has 1,200.) Temples are Buddhist places of worship, and they store and display sacred objects. They typically consist of a main hall, a lecture hall, a pagoda, gates, bells, and a cemetery. Some were monasteries in the past, and some still are. Shrines are Shinto places of worship. They are the dwellings of the kami, or Shinto gods. Sacred objects are stored in the innermost chamber, and are not to be seen by anyone. People visit shrines to pay respect to the kami, or to pray for good fortune. The approach to the shrine is marked by Torii gates; the komainu, a pair of guardian dogs or lions, is found on each side of the shrine’s entrance.

Hakone has been a hot springs resort for centuries. There are more than a dozen hot springs, with Yumoto being the most famous. There is much natural beauty to be appreciated here. Lake Ashinoko, or Lake Ashi, was formed in a volcanic caldera after an eruption 3,000 years ago; it is the perfect place for a scenic boat ride with views of Mt. Fuji. The Hakone Shrine, on the shores of Lake Ashi, is Hakone’s most famous Shinto shrine. Three striking Torii gates mark the approach to the shrine. Odawaro Castle is the closest castle to Tokyo, some 60 miles away. Originally built in the 15th century, it has been rebuilt twice since then. Hakone remains a popular destination for the Japanese and tourists alike.

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Deluxe grand tour of Japan

21 days from $32,050pp

• Day-to-day Itinerary
• Japan trip ideas

Tour highlights

Experience traditional Japanese hospitality with several ryokan stays.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant modernity of Tokyo.

Gain insight into Japanese culture with the Women's Association of Kyoto.

Take a walk through the geisha district of Kyoto with our top guide.

Relax in a hot spring spa in the Japanese Alps.

Price includes:

• In-destination transfers
• Activities and excursions as detailed
• All accommodations
• 24-hour support while you travel

Itinerary idea in detail

Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.

After passing through customs and luggage collection, you're met by an airport guide who will give you your trip documents and direct you to the private shuttle service that will take you to your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and relaxing after your flight. If you want to explore, you may wish to walk around the Imperial Gardens.

Your guide will meet you today in the hotel lobby to run through your trip and offer any local advice to you so you can enjoy the country with confidence. In the first section, the guide will explain your itinerary in more detail and answer any questions you might have. This can take up to two hours, so afterwards, head out with your guide to see some of the city's highlights. Perhaps start with taking a cruise from the Hamarikyu Gardens to the old district of Asakusa to see the beautiful Sensoji temple.

Today, we recommend heading out of the city for a day trip to Kamakura to see its impressive shrines, famous daibutsu (giant Buddha), and seaside scenery. Here, you will meet with a local expert guide, who will show you some excellent examples of Japanese gardens and beautiful natural scenery.

Take the morning for a truly unforgettable experience and try making sushi with one of Tokyo's top sushi chefs. In the evening, you will have tickets included to see a kabuki performance at one of the best venues in the country. Kabuki is one of the oldest performance arts in Japan. It takes the form of a dance-drama, with performers wearing elaborate make-up.

Today, you travel by high-speed bullet train and local lines to Tsumago via Matsumoto. Stop for lunch and a self-guided visit to the impressive Matsumoto Castle.

After breakfast, head out to Magome by public bus and enjoy a beautiful walk back to Tsumago. This walk is about six miles along the historic Nakasendo Highway. This will take about two to three hours depending on your pace.

After another lovely breakfast at your ryokan, take the train to Takayama. Once you've arrived at your ryokan, you can either head out and explore the town or enjoy some post-hike relaxation in your private open-air bath.

Spend a full day exploring Takayama on your own. Try starting your day at the famous morning markets before wandering around the Sannomachi District which is lined with old sake breweries.

Board your bus to Kanazawa today, stopping off at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago en route to see the beautiful thatched houses synonymous with the area. Your evening is at leisure.

Take a full day of guiding around the interesting artisan city of Kanazawa. The Kenrokuen Gardens are one of the finest in Japan and are well worth a visit along with the samurai residences which feature so prominently in Kanazawa's history.

Transfer by bullet train to Hiroshima and then onward by local train and ferry to Miyajima. This is a long journey so enjoy your ocean view room once you arrive for some well-deserved relaxation.

You have a full day to explore this beautiful island and its UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Today, travel by bullet train to Kyoto, home to some of Japan's most important works of art, its richest culture and most refined cuisine. After leaving your bags at your hotel, we recommend that you set off to see some of the iconic sights, including the Golden Pavilion, the Zen gardens of Ryoanji and the beautiful terrace of Kiyomizudera.

One of our local guides will take you around the city for the day. There are numerous impressive sites to choose from, and our expert guide will be able to provide you with fascinating insights into the sights you are seeing.

In the morning, head out with a local guide to see some of the spectacular temples in Kyoto. Stop at Kodai-ji, one of the city's most exclusive places for tea ceremonies, before continuing on to the Higashiyama district to gaze upon the awe-inspiring architecture of the area. The afternoon should afford you enough time to take the train to Nara, another ancient capital of Japan. Here, you can see the spectacular Daibutsu giant golden Buddha statues and mingle with wild deer in the expansive park.

Head out early to the neighboring city of Otsu, which sits on the western bank of Lake Biwa. Here, you can meet a local family and try your hand at mochi (rice cake) making. The area is particularly famous for its mochi production and this is a fantastic opportunity to see it up close. In the afternoon, visit fushimi-inari, a shrine famous for the thousands of red torii gates that spill out onto the hillside overlooking Kyoto.

You will head south to the area of Mount Koya, one of Japan's top three spiritual homes, where you will enjoy the simple life with a short stay in temple lodgings. It's beautifully quiet and quaint in the simple accommodations.

Today you will leave Mount Koya for the relaxing onsen town of Hakone.

Today you will explore the park with a local guide. You will hike some of the Old Tokaido Road, a preserved, historic trail that connected Tokyo and Kyoto in the samurai era. Before the hike, you'll visit a Yosegi crafts workshop and gallery. At the end of the journey, you will meet with the 13th-generation owner of the Amazake tea house and enjoy some refreshments.

Today you transfer back to Tokyo for your final night in the capital.

You will be picked up and taken to the airport by private transfer for your return flights home.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

Palace Hotel

Villa Fontaine Shiodome

Conrad Hotel

View more accommodations in Tokyo

Fujioto Ryokan

Daikichi Ryokan

Hanaya Ryokan

Hidatei Hanaougi

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Asunaro Ryokan

Asadaya Ryokan

UAN Kanazawa

Sumiyoshiya Ryokan

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel

View more accommodations in kanazawa.

Kurayado Iroha Ryokan

Iwaso Ryokan

Kawaguchi Minshuku

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Kanra Hotel

Yoshikawa Ryokan

Gion Hatanaka Ryokan

View more accommodations in kyoto.

Souji-in Shukubo

Tentoku-in Shukubo

Gora Sounkaku

KAI Sengokuhara

Hakone Ginyu Spa Resort

View more accommodations in hakone & mount fuji.

• Miyajima Island

The specialist who designs your trip to Japan will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

Watch our tailor-made process

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Japan Tours from USA

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The opportunities for amazement in Japan are endless. Ancient temples resemble incredible resiliency, a purposeful culture demonstrates community, and spectacular countrysides embody natural beauty. When you venture around the world on your Japan tour from the USA, utilize the expertise of a travel expert through Zicasso to get access to the very best of this enchanting country.

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14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $7,275

This fully customizable 14-day tour has been crafted to include some of the most iconic experiences that Japan has to offer. Savor the tender cut of Kobe beef, marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the World Peace Memorial park, bathe in the silence of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and traverse through the beautifully preserved town of Takayama. With the best of Japan at your fingertips, you will not want to leave.

Experience the thrill of adventure on your 14-day highlights tour of Japan that celebrates the traditions, scenery, and culture of the island nation. Trek volcanic slopes and bask soothing hot springs. Hear Shinto mythology passed down through generations. Wander through feudal realms in the footsteps of samurai, delight in the serenity of blossoming gardens, and discover regal temples during your trip of a lifetime in Japan.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,195

Master chefs, local kitchens, and wild ingredients will scratch the surface of remarkable cuisine during your 10-day culinary tour of Japan. The secrets of Japanese cuisine will emerge as you travel between marketplaces and sake breweries to discover the origins of heritage and preserved tradition. You will sample celebrated dishes and participate in intricate tea ceremonies. From Tokyo to Osaka, you will uncover Japan as a dynamic global gastronomic destination.

7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,635

Indulge in first-class comfort and bask in serene landscapes on your 7-day best of Japan tour. You will travel by bullet train to experience the marvels of modern Japan and the unique traditions of the nation’s preserved heritage. Each destination will bring a lasting memory as you participate in tea ceremonies, discover historic castles, witness a floating shrine, and explore iconic temples that capture the renowned beauty of Japan.

At home and work, a week flies by in an instant. Our lives get caught up in a seemingly never-ending routine. Redefine what can happen in seven days, as you tour Japan’s largest cities and absorb its beautiful, scenic nature. Exploring at your own pace, Japan’s endless possibilities make you both the director and star of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Dynamic pricing from  $7,737

Celebrate natural beauty, preserved customs, and remarkable culture during your 14-day family-friendly Japan tour. Your customizable tour will provide adventures for family members of all ages from relaxing in hot springs to sampling delectable cuisine, hiking mountain slopes to crafting customary swords. Big cities will burst with excitement and sleepy villages will reflect local heritage as your family experiences an immersive mixture of past and present traditions.

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Japan Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Japan tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Japan and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 225951 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Japan travel companies & tour operators with 225951 reviews

One Life Adventures

• Excellent - 7,679 reviews for Japan tours

This tour definitely captures the best of what japan has to offer! I had so many different experiences and it has given me an amazing insight of the places in japan⭐️ There is quite a bit of travel involved so make sure you are prepared ????

What an unforgettable 10 day tour of Japan. Loved all of the locations with plenty of breathtaking scenery. Culture, cuisine, traditional accommodation and amazing experiences made this trip one to remember. I highly recommend this trip if you are seeking an action packed itinerary and seeing many sights. Be prepared for plenty of walking and catching trains. I couldn’t fault our tour leader Sarah, full of knowledge and expertise throughout the trip. She gave us up to date information to enable us to have the best time. We were very in good hands. Loved this tour so much!!

Stunning Tours

• Excellent - 284 reviews for Japan tours

We had a great experience with stuning tours. Everything went smooth. I bought my own flights. We had a wonderful vacation in Japan.

We really enjoyed our tour. Accommodation was very good and comfortable. We weren't sure until each day where we were actually staying- the bookings should be confirmed before we leave so we can look at what to go and see around the hotels in the evenings in advance. We met fabulous fellow travellers which made it worthwhile too. The only downside is that day 1 and 10 are essentially arrive and leave days - so no touring as such. On 2 1/2 days- to make use of your tour guide's expertise- you pay extra for 'optional tours' and for another 2 days before leaving- no tour guide around to advise as they've gone to meet another group. I was aware of this when booking, but be sure you are aware that of the 10 days, essentially 4 are either not guided days and 2 1/2 are only guided if you pay extra. So we paid for accommodation, breakfast, bus travel and guiding for 3 1/2 days. We did all the extra tours at a cost of about US$500 extra to the initial cost, and we found it worthwhile though rushed at times. It gave us a glimpse- we'd really want to come back to experience some places in more detail. Our guide was a character- very knowledgeable, a little hard to understand sometimes- when he spoke quickly, had a dry sense of humour! Japan is magnificent, safe and wonderful to travel in.

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,064 reviews for Japan tours

Testing Travis test review process.

The guide was the best

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,683 reviews for Japan tours

Accomodation in Takayama was so disappointing. Too far out from town, the futons were not traditional, just very thin foam. Intrepid, your standards have slipped. The guide Hiro was good but the fact that she had 2 trainee guides with the tour, distracted her. Generally not satisfied with our experience. P.R.

Fantastic trip of a lifetime! Amazing from start to finish. Itinerary was great and had a good balance with free time to explore what Japan had to offer. Shout out to our guide Takumi who was fantastic to be around and made this trip very special!

Europamundo

• Good - 2,937 reviews for Japan tours

Trip of a lifetime! The tour itself was well thought-out. Hotels were generally good, and some were outstanding. Our three teenage kids had a fantastic time. I would highly recommend spending a bit of time in Tokyo before and/or after the formal tour, because the tour is a bit light on time spent in Tokyo.

We had very very bad experience. We will never book with them again. First of all the Airport pick up didn’t have the right Hotel to drop and it took more than an hour to get it sorted. There’s no food at all throughout the tour even though we have requested vegetarian food at the time of booking. Very very poor service. I will rate in minus if there’s an option

Bamba Travel

• Good - 1,687 reviews for Japan tours

The tour organizer has very, very poor communication, planning and organizational skills. The final itinerary was sent 2weeks before the start of the actual trip, I have to remind them by email to send it to us asap as they promised it will be sent a month before the actual trip. We where told initially that they will arrange our airport transfer and have told them we will be arriving two days before the actual tour, but after days before we've been told that we have to do it ourselves. The two hotel from original itinerary was changed on the final one provided so it caused some confusion on our side. Their representative met with us on the first day of the tour to sort out our JR. Pass and it took 2hours of our precious time to do this, we almost missed the pre-booked museum that day. Their hotel choices where below average, first one is in Ikeburo with bfast included but only seaweed soup and toast where given, again we have to travel to Shinjuku station to get the train to Hakone (very inconvenient), they could just chosen a hotel in Shinjuku instead. In the morning next we arrived in Hakone, we supposed to drop off our luggage at the next hotel to free our hands to roam around the area and found that it was closed and nobody around to asked for information so we have to dragged our luggage back to the station to put them in the locker. I have contacted their representative but he even asked me the name of the hotel (unbelievable, how could he not know all this details). They replied around 2.30ish pm and was told it was unmanned and we where given a PIN number to access, again they should have known this important details and informed us even the day/night before the trip. The next day we travelled again to Kyoto, to avoid the hassle of dropping off our luggage palarva we've decided to use the coin lockers at the station. It was late in the afternoon when we arrived at the hotel the receptionist asked us to pay City Tax 1200yen for 3nights stay, this again we where unaware of. I messaged the representative and to the people on the WhatsApp group and question about this city tax, they said they will refund me with the money so no choice I have paid.Again breakfast was included but only varieties of bread available and some butter and jams and coffee or water. Unsatisfied again. On arrival at Hiroshima after 3days this is where the confusion happens as the name of the hotel was different on the final itinerary they've sent us (this was our mistake we owned this as we didn't checked the final itinerary). We've only stayed at the Flex hotel (supposed to be two nights) for a night as wanting to have more time in Osaka instead (paid privately for one night

I recently took a trip to Japan and visited Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, and I can confidently say it was one of the best travel experiences I've ever had! The tours were fantastic and provided great insights into each city's culture and history. The transportation was also very reliable, making it easy to get around from one city to another. The accommodations were top-notch, with comfortable rooms and excellent service. I highly recommend booking a trip to Japan with Bamba and experiencing all that it has to offer!

Discovi Travel

• Excellent - 23 reviews for Japan tours

Much improved. I have been to Japan twice now both times with Discovi and this was by far the best trip I could have imagined. There are new guides all local Japanese every single one of them is amazing (Shinya was exceptional!) and a brand new Hotel not a hostal like before but even the hostal option is better this time. But the hotel has breakfast and it was AMAZING a mix of Japanese and American food. Great start to the day. And the PUB CRAWL!! Crazy night so much fun, thanks Discovi!

I expected this to be more touristy but I WAS SO SHOCKED This is a local tour! I felt like we had the nicest guides all Japanese and they knew so many little spots that you would never find yourself! Take this tour if you want to see the real Japan

INTRO Travel

• Excellent - 14,728 reviews for Japan tours

Our group leader Meg did an amazing job. We had a great trip that was packed with fun from beginning to end. We appreciated the mix of the historical culture and buzzing night life of modern Japan.

Meg is honestly the BEST group leader we could have wished for. She was like having a friend who had her exact SHIT together and gave us unmatched recommendations and cultural knowledge. Meg made my trip what it was and I will actually miss her as a group leader and a friend. Nothing more can be said to praise Meg in her job role and going above and beyond for all in our group. I enjoyed spending time with Meg and respect her opinion and knowledge greatly, We ALL loved having her as our fearless leader to explore Japan. She was very patient with a variety of needs and always adapted and jumped into action in unforeseen circumstances, taking any stress off us. To improve my trip would be to put Meg in a photocopier and give her out as a souvenir because honestly don’t know how I’m many to navigate life without her now?? Big up Meg real MVP of the trip ♥️ Such a positive first intro travel experience and I’m SO excited to book my next trip!

Supera Tours

• Excellent - 111 reviews for Japan tours

This tour was fantastic. The tour owners are foodies so we were told and it showed. The tour itself was terrific and well organized but on top of that the restaurant and other food choices etc. were just stellar.

I toured with my sons, aged 18 and 21. The whole tour was perfectly paced. Comfortable accommodations in great locations including a couple nights in traditional rooms. Outstanding food every meal. Visited temples, shrines and castles everyone needs to see. Even touristy-experiences (rickshaw ride, silk dyeing, dressing in kimono in Iyashi No Sato, which we were reluctant to remove!) were entertaining. We were not prepared for the incredible awe of the Itchiku Kubota museum. We took advantage of onsens whenever we could. We watched the sun rise on Mt Fuji and visited Kiyomizu Temple in perfect light, before the crowds arrived. I took private time to visit the Hoshun-in bonsai garden at Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto and had the entire garden to myself for an hour. Our guide Eriko was extremely well-versed, adaptable and gracious. We learned so much about the Sengoku and Edo periods, as well as the Meiji restoration and even 20th/21st century Japan. For a first introduction to this fascinating and ancient part of the world this tour far exceeded my expectations. Supera found all the right touches and class without any wasted effort. I couldn’t recommend this tour higher - extremely well done from start to finish.

On The Go Tours

• Excellent - 2,946 reviews for Japan tours

First tour guide for the first 8 days was great, second tour guide tried hard and seemed lovely as a person, but she was disorganized, oblivious of who was or wasn’t following her, was unaware of where she was going at times, and just didn’t seem like she knew how to do the job. I’m not the only one who felt that way. Your pre trip support was excellent and accommodating, but having taken a number of tours with other organizations, Rick steve’s in Europe, you charge a lot when offering very little. I will not recommend your tour group to anyone, and will most likely discourage others from taking one.

Genuinely fast paced very active tour with moderate quality hotels and well priced

Indus Travels

• Excellent - 251 reviews for Japan tours

A really well organised trip with very good guides in Japan. From the outset the communication from Indus was excellent. We loved the "Indus app" that gave us al the info we needed for our trip. We were fortunate that we had a small group of 12 people only so we had a wonderful one on one experience with each of our guides in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka.

World Expeditions

• Excellent - 255 reviews for Japan tours

Our only gripe was the long bus trips involved at the beginning and end of each day. Kohei, our guide, was outstanding. He let us experience many aspects of Japanese culture, and he became as much a friend as a guide.

My husband and I went on the World Expiditions Back Roads of Japan Tour last year, and were extremely disappointed in the quality of guide provided. The guide had never done the tour, had never even been to half the places on the itinerary and was a complete loose cannon, on two occasions taking elicit drugs and drinking to the point of being unable to function. When the entire tour group sent complaints following the completion of the tour, World Expeditions were elusive and largely uncommunicative, and offered us all an insulting refund of about 12% of our tour cost. Needless to say, we will not be taking or recommending World Expeditions tours in the future.

Agate Travel

• Excellent - 280 reviews for Japan tours

Excellent customer service. Very efficient and responsive. Guides were informative. Thank you. I’ll be using your travel again. Highly recommend.

Unfortunately, we saw a little little in Tokyo, Osaka and Nara and Kyoto were very nice and detailed

The Dragon Trip

• Excellent - 313 reviews for Japan tours

The tour was fine, like with all group tours you do things you don't want to, you don't do things you want to do and you spend too much or not enough time in places. The accommodation was fine except for Kamakura which was not great. The guide Sora was fantastic made the trip a lot better. The reason for two stars (I would have given two and a half if I could) is that as a shy solo traveller I joined a group tour because I know I miss out on things by being shy. While I understand it is nothing to do with the dragons trip, I felt left out of the group ( Sora was great but we had a big group). Everyone else in the group broke up into smaller groups we we went to lunch or the tour ended for the day and I was left by myself. It was a bit lonely and depressing seeing everyone else having fun in the group chat and feeling left out. As a result I would not recommend a group tour to other shy solo travellers, it felt as I got half a holiday compared with the rest of the group. If you go with someone or you are an extrovert you will probably have a great time.

The Korea aspect of the tour was incredible, I would rate it 5 stars- CheongAn and Julian were amazing tour guides helping us all fall in love with the country. Japan felt very disorganised and fell flat.

• Excellent - 27 reviews for Japan tours

Overall we were pleased with the trip. The hotel in Tokyo was quite far away from the city center but had wonderful insensitive available and a good breakfast. Our group was only 25 people so the bus was comfortable and we got around pretty quickly. Our Guide Sumi was excellent and helpful although there were a few problems understand. She made general recommendations for restaurant areas and it was fun to find and sample the food. The city tours were additional but by the end we felt comfortable taking trains and exploring on our own.

The service provided by Intertrips is very professional and considerable. It was an amazing experience. Enjoy this tour so much and I will definitely come back and recommend this tour to my friends and family.

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• Deutsch: Reiseveranstalter für Japan Reisen
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Japan Tours from the USA

As a reliable Japan Travel Agency, we provide affordable full guided small group tours for American travelers from the USA . Our tour packages include the most classical Japan trips visiting numerous must-see attractions . The hustle and bustle of Kanto around Tokyo. The history and natural beauty of Kansai around Osaka. Many visitors from America use one of these two area as a starting point for traveling further into the country, to popular destinations like Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Whether you will visit Japan from New York in the east coast, or tour to Japan from California in the west coast, or even Houston in central America, there are direct flights to Japan for you to choose from.

There is many different Japan travel packages in the market, however there’s not one perfect tour that suits everyone. If you want a budget and all-inclusive Japan vacation from the US, our small group tours are the best choice. Our professional English-speaking tour guides are the best available and are committed to helping you get the most out of your vacation. We don’t like large tour groups-instead, our small group tours max out at 20 people in should season. We carefully select the following Japan tour packages which were handy-picked including the most popular sightseeing spots in Japan, such as Mount Fuji , Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Nara Deer Park and so on. Please feel free to contact our sister tour company in LA and take a look at our popular and affordable Japan small group tours here! Japan Small Group Tours from the USA with budget rates, Expert guide, Comfortable hotels, a guaranteed departure .

As a tour company in Japan, we have a sister company in the USA, and if you have any requests and questions, feel free to contact us at anytime. We not only offer the small group tours to Japan, but also offer the chauffeur and car service in Japan , such as Tokyo chauffeur service, Osaka private car sevice , etc.  Whether you are looking for a short coach Tokyo tour or an all-inclusive group tour to Japan, you can easily find the most suitable one at a competitive price. For more information, please visit the page of the Japan Small Group Tours below. 10-DAY BEST OF KOREA & JAPAN 10 DAYS IMPRESSION JAPAN WITH HIROSHIMA 6 DAYS BEST OF JAPAN TOUR

Japan Tours from the USA FAQ

•  Do your guides for group tours in Japan speak English? Yes, our tour guide is English-speaking. If you need a Spanish or Chinese tour guide, you need to book with us in advance.  -->
•  Do you accept American credit card payments for Japan tours? We accept credit card payments by PayPal, and you can also pay by personal checks and bank wire transfers.  -->
•  Do you have a branch in the USA? We have a sister company in the USA, and this company usually handles our business in the United States. If you need to inquire about Japan travel, please call the phone number on our website or send us a email.  -->
•  I am from Chicago, does the 11-day trip to Japan and Korea include airfare? The Japan and Korea tour package does not include the international air ticket from the United States to Japan, but it includes the internal flight from Japan to Seoul. We can help you check and book the flight.  -->
•  What is the best season to travel to Japan from USA? The most popular time to visit to Japan from United States is the cherry blossom season (late March-mid April). Of course, it depends entirely on what you want to see and experience. If you have any questions about Japan tour from USA, you can contact our branch in LAX.  -->
•  Do Americans need an International Driver's License to drive in Japan? If Americans want to drive in Japan, you need obtain an International Driver's Permit before you make your trip to Japan. Driving licenses from France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco or Taiwan must be accompanied by an official translation.  -->
•  How can I get cheap air tickets from America to Japan? Many cities in the United States have direct flights to Japan. If you want to find the lower fare air tickets, you can contact our representatives in the US and they will help you.  -->
•  How do I book your Japan small group tours from the USA? You can book directly with our travel agency in Japan, or you can contact our sister travel agency in Southern California. Please contact our customer service center in USA directly, and the specialists will offer you the best service.  -->
•  Are the tourists join the small group tours all from the US? American tourists account for about 70%, and the rest are tourists from Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  -->
•  How many people do your small group tours usually have? Under normal circumstances, there are 10-15 people, and it may reach 20 people in peak season, most of them are from North America.  -->
• Anthony Lobo  Time:25-02-2024 We used the driving service for our first trip to Japan, and it could not have gone smoother. It was easy to find and meet our driver when we arrived at the airport and when we were picked up to head back to the airport. I would definitely recommend this service for any first timers. Honestly, it took the stress out of traveling to and from the airport and easily accommodated my family of 5. Communication was easy and everyone was extremely helpful/friendly. If you are concerned about using the subway system for the first time, I’d use this driving service to ease your mind.  
• Glen Saro  Time:18-02-2024 Japan Holiday Transport and Chauffeur. We booked several transfers within Japan, Firstly, from the Airport to our accommodation in Tokyo and then to and from Hakuba. Their buses and bus drivers were always on time and comfortable for our party of 13 people + luggage. Great experience. Driver was very safe and polite. He was professional and able to guide/explain about Hakuba. It was snowy and Safety is the upmost important. Lydia from their office was always polite and she also responded within 24 hours. Trustworthy company with local knowledge.
• Lydia Cheam  Time:04-02-2024 My family and I took an 8/9 hours transportation/tour of Hakone with Japan Holiday, and they were amazing! Our driver was very gentle, helpful and thoughtful :) we were traveling with an infant and elderly parents, and he would inform us if the weather seemed colder and that he would wait nearby if we wanted to run back into the car quickly, or he would head over to the restaurants/tea house to check if they were open before letting us out. Really appreciated it! Also, James was very responsive and helpful when coordinating our travels prior to the trip. Thanks so much and would definitely book again when we need a tour/transport!  
• Sandeep Khosla  Time:06-01-2024 Please convey our gratitude to the company that employs him. And thank you for making wonderful arrangements for us. We have already told many of our friends and relatives about your company and excellent service.   We were reasonably satisfied with the return trip. I used this service for a business day trip meeting from Tokyo to Hakone. prompt service!  on time!  and thanks to them I had a good meeting and got back to Tokyo in time for business dinner meeting. thank you!   We are in awe of Japanese culture and hospitality. We will surely be returning for another trip.   Many thanks again  
• May Leen  Time:20-12-2023 Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to hire a private driver at the very last minute and very grateful to James, whom is very resourceful in finding me a driver in less than 2 hours upon my contact with him. Otherwise, I would have to cancel my planned itinerary. The driver, Mr. Sun whom was assigned to us speaks Mandarin and is very helpful and a safe driver. I will definitely use their service again the next time we are back in Japan but will book in advance this time. Once again, thank you James and team!  

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What Differentiates Us from other Japan Tourist Travel Agencies

All Japan Tours is the only Japan Specialists in the US, with a Japan office and our own coaches, providing fully escorted Japan tour packages, custom Japan vacations, luxury private tours, special-interest tours, business and educational programs to match your requirements. We started our first travel business in Japan in 2000 with Shinsu Travel Co., Ltd, a licensed reservation service (Tokyo Prefecture Travel Agent License Number 3-5036) for foreign travelers wishing to travel Japan. With the growth and expansion of this in-bound travel business, All Japan Tours was formed to take this cultural experience to the US by organizing fully escorted and in-depth tours of Japan. In addition to our US staff, we have bilingual Japanese staff at our Tokyo office with the local knowledge to arrange whatever experiences you would like from your trip.

Our Travel Agent Concept for Traveling to Japan

We know experience and expertise matters when you travel. That's why we have professional, knowledgeable staff located in Japan and the US. Our bilingual staff knows the best places in Japan because they themselves are locals. Whether you take one of our fully escorted group tours or custom tours, we offer first class service at a great value. When you book with All Japan Tours, you can rest assured that our experienced staff is with you every step of the way.

Why All Japan Tours?

All Japan Tours offers expertise and experience, but perhaps the best reason to book with us is our genuine passion for Japan and our commitment to sharing that passion others. Through careful planning, we strive to give our clients the best experience possible. We are committed to showing you the many facets of this beautiful and fascinating country.

All Japan Tours is the only Japan Specialists in the US, with a head office in Tokyo and our own coaches. We have concentrated 100% of our efforts on serving the needs of visitors to Japan and have developed a network of specialist local guides, unparalleled insider-access experiences; and over 300 hotels covering every major city. This has established us as the leader in Japan tours.

Our team of Japan specialists have spent years working as a tour guide in Japan and experienced its cities and towns with knowledge of the most impressive gardens and temples, evocative backstreets and interesting markets. With the experience that we have, we know of the best that Japan has to offer as it correlates with your specific needs.

Peace of mind

When you book with All Japan Tours, you can be sure your money is safe. We are 100% bonded against financial failure through the CST trust account program. This program was created by the State of California to protect consumers who purchase travel related products. Our California Seller of Travel Number (CST #2102781-40) guarantees that we are fully registered and are recognized by the State of California as a seller of travel.

We are also a member of All Nippon Travel Association (ANTA), which congregates all Japanese travel agents. We have been a member since 2001. We are licensed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of Japan, in accordance with the provision of the Travel Agency Law. This means you can have peace of mind when you book with us.

How Does Our Japan Travel Agency Process Work?

We do not accept any reservation bookings by telephone. All reservation bookings must be made by completing and submitting either our secure online form or our printable form.

Terms & Conditions

Our Vehicles

All Japan Tours philosophy is that it´s as much about enjoying the journey, as the destinations. Our commitment to quality and service is apparent in every aspect of our tours, including our fleet of top of the line luxury coaches. All Japan Tours has the newest coach fleet on the road. This means the latest features, luxurious finishes and high safety standards.

Our on the Road Team

For us, the most important part of making your trip unforgettable is our team on the road. On all our Japan escorted group tours, a team of two travel professionals-a tour guide and a driver-will accompany you. All are committed, passionate and eager to share their local knowledge with you.

They are there to make sure you see and get the best out of what’s on offer. They will make sure you’re being dropped off right to the door of your accommodation, look after your luggage at the end of each day and be on hand to share tips on where to eat, what to see or anything else you need.

Our Tour Guides

The majority of All Japan Tours guides have more than five years of experience. They are carefully chosen, speak fluent Japanese and English and are among the best in the business.

These well- seasoned experts are on hand to give tailored advice on ideas of things to do with your free time as well as share their in-depth knowledge of Japanese history and culture to give you a unique and insightful trip. They can provide expert local information that you won´t find in a guidebook.

Our drivers are second to none and work as a team with the tour guides. Each driver holds a Heavy Passenger Vechicle licence and has been screened for a clear track record and extensive driving experience. They are also regularly trained in defensive driving, updated road rules and destination/itinerary delivery.

Their experience and knowledge of the roads allow them to navigate and handle weather and road conditions well to ensure your journey is as safe and comfortable as possible.

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Japan Solo Tours & Vacations

• Destinations
• Japan Solo Tours & Holidays

It’s time for a Japanese adventure; party of one…

…until you meet the rest of the sushi-seeking, anime-loving, and shrine-appreciating travelers on your small group tour. From shopping ‘till you drop along Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and eating your heart out in Osaka with newly made friends to wandering through Hiroshima’s Memorial Peace Park while your local guide tells you the story of its past, our solo tours in Japan mean shared experiences and memories made between people just as ready to explore this captivating country as much as you are. 

Our Japan solo tours

Premium Japan

12 days from 7808.

Uncover the wonders of Japan on this immersive 12-day Premium tour; encompassing Tokyo,...

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

13 days from 5153.

Discover Japanese culture on this 13-day tour. Travel with a local from Tokyo to Kyoto...

Essential Japan

10 days from 1764.

Shop in Tokyo, see Samurais in Kanazawa, soak up history in Hiroshima, wander the...

Japan Express

9 days from 1782.

See Japan in nine days on a trip visiting Tokyo, Nikko and Kyoto. Say konnichiwa to...

Classic Japan

11 days from 5481.

Journey from Kyoto to Tokyo with Intrepid and explore temples, post towns and lush...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Japan Highlights

8 days from 3158.

See the best of Japan on this eight-day adventure from Tokyo via Kamakura to Osaka....

Premium Highlights of Japan

9 days from 4786.

Take a Premium trip through the highlights of Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Kamakura,...

Japan Family Holiday

12 days from 6110.

Discover Japan on this 12-day family tour. Sample fresh sushi in Tokyo, soak in onsen...

Southern Japan Experience

12 days from 5292.

Take a journey through southern Japan, starting and ending in Osaka. Wander Takamatsu,...

Japan Real Food Adventure

11 days from 4192.

Take a foodie’s adventure to Japan, starting in Tokyo and hitting the streets of...

Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

12 days from 5194.

Get a cultural workout in Japan on an active adventure. Hike the Nakasendo Way and...

Ultimate Japan

24 days from 10830.

Take an epic adventure through Japan, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Takayama, Nikko, Hakone,...

The perks of solo travel in Japan with Intrepid   

A local leader

Japan can be an easy country to move around on your own but by doing it in a small group tour, you’re not only getting the convenience that comes with having everything already organized for you but you’re also being provided with on-the-ground knowledge about cuisine, culture, and customs from your own local leader. 

While Japan is prone to a natural disaster or two (think earthquakes and tsunamis), the country itself is actually incredibly safe in terms of crime rate so you shouldn’t come across any problems but all of the universal travel cautions apply; keep an eye on your belongings, stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups after dark.  

Ready-made friends

There’s  almost  no point in exploring a country as cool as Japan if you don’t have anyone to share amazing experiences and unforgettable memories with. On a group tour, you don’t have that problem. You’ll automatically have a bunch of new people to meet from all over the world, even if you’re traveling solo.  

Logistics and convenience

Whether it’s knowing exactly what time you need to catch the  shinkansen (bullet train)  to checking you into your  traditional ryokan , our tour leaders handle all of the fiddly organizational stuff so that all you have to do is keep your eyes peeled for Mount Fuji and prepare your stomach for the amount of udon noodles you’re going to eat. 

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a solo tour in Japan?

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. 

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. 

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Will I have my own room?

It’s completely up to you. On our trips rooming is organized on a twin-share basis and we pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As responsible tour operators, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries, some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances, it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and traveling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that, there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the travel style - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling to Japan?

You sure do. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability, and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Learn more about travel Insurance

Can I use my cell phone in Japan?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in Japan but be aware that talking loudly on your phone in public places (like in train carriages) is frowned upon. You will be expected to hide your mouth behind your hand if you must take a call in public. If you want to use your mobile phone, ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive (but be aware of the fees this may incur).

Learn more about cell phones in Japan

Are Intrepid's Japan tours accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Our solo travel safety guide

Share your itinerary.

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people traveling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport, and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station). If you're traveling with us, we can help you organize an  arrival transfer.  Read your maps  before  you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it. Leave the blingy jewelry, wedding rings, and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress as the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!). For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email, and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to. It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost-effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travelers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help. Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate  before  you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle. A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of traveling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small  Intrepid group  of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention. Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a  day tour  to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

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Biden and Japan’s Leader Look to Bind Ties to Outlast Them Both

Hovering over a state visit to Washington is the possibility of a swing in American foreign policy if Donald Trump returns to the White House.

By Motoko Rich

Reporting from Tokyo

When President Biden welcomes Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, to Washington this week for a visit highlighted by the pomp of a state dinner, there will be an inescapable subtext to all the ceremony: Both leaders are in a fight to keep their jobs.

With Mr. Biden facing a tight re-election contest with his predecessor and Mr. Kishida’s approval ratings falling to record lows amid a political scandal, the leaders are expected to discuss ways to entrench their countries’ alliance so it remains strong even if they are no longer around to nurture it.

The goal is to “create a situation where no one can unbind their ties,” said Narushige Michishita, a professor of international relations at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo.

The risk of drastic change appears to be much higher on the American side. Japanese officials, lawmakers and media outlets have taken to referring to “moshi Tora” — “if Trump” — or even “hobo Tora,” which roughly translates to “probably Trump,” using an abbreviation of the name of the former president and current Republican candidate.

Given Donald J. Trump’s unpredictable behavior and his transactional view of international alliances , Japanese officials are bracing for possible swings in American foreign policy.

On the Japanese side, even if Mr. Kishida does not survive a leadership election this fall in his own party, it will still control the government at least until the next general election and probably beyond that — meaning any big changes in Tokyo’s policy commitments are unlikely.

At the summit this week, during which Mr. Kishida will also address a joint session of Congress, the leaders are expected to talk about closer military cooperation between U.S. forces based in Japan and their Japanese counterparts; collaborations on artificial intelligence, space technology and semiconductors; and the potential for Japan to make and export more weapons to the United States.

The military cooperation in particular “smells of future proofing,” said Tobias Harris, founder and principal of Japan Foresight, a political risk advisory firm in Washington.

During the Trump presidency, the relationship between the two countries withstood some turbulence as Shinzo Abe , Japan’s prime minister at the time, went to great lengths to court Mr. Trump’s favor.

Mr. Biden has worked with two Japanese leaders — Yoshihide Suga , the successor to Mr. Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, and Mr. Kishida — to restore and expand the alliance while also developing stronger bonds with other partners in Asia to counter China’s rising power.

Last summer, Mr. Biden hosted Mr. Kishida and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, at the president’s first meeting with foreign leaders at Camp David . This week, Mr. Biden and Mr. Kishida will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines in the first trilateral session among leaders of those three countries.

In an interview with foreign media outlets on Friday, Mr. Kishida said high-level talks between multiple partners were crucial given the “very complex and challenging security environment.”

“Japan believes that it is important for peace and stability in the region to cooperate with the Philippines and other like-minded countries while maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance as a cornerstone,” Mr. Kishida said.

China, which has militarized islands in the South China Sea, clashed repeatedly with Philippine boats and pursued a strategy of squeezing Taiwan , has stopped short of a major confrontation that could draw in the United States and, by extension, Japan.

Mr. Biden hopes to consolidate a binding network of Pacific countries to deter Chinese aggression at a time when the United States is already entangled with wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

“The U.S. is obviously running thin in resources and diplomatic capital,” said Mireya Solís, author of “ Japan’s Quiet Leadership: Reshaping the Indo-Pacific .” “There is a desire to make sure that the alliance is fit for purpose” if there is a conflict in Asia.

For its part, Japan has made bold changes in defense policy after years of nominal pacifism, doubling the amount earmarked for military spending and acquiring Tomahawk missiles from the United States.

Late last year, Japan shifted postwar policies that restricted the export of weapons and agreed to sell American-designed Patriot missiles made in Japan to the U.S. government.

This week in Washington, Mr. Biden and Mr. Kishida are expected to discuss the formation of a joint defense council that would explore further exports, including additional Japanese-produced Patriots, cruise missiles and trainer jets used by fighter pilots, according to a senior American government official who requested anonymity to speak about details of the meeting. Japan could also cooperate with the United States to help repair American Navy ships so they do not have to leave the region for maintenance.

Beyond defense, an economic component to Mr. Kishida’s visit — an expected trip to a Toyota battery plant for electric vehicles in North Carolina — may also be intended to offer a public reminder of Japan’s investments in the United States.

Such reminders may be aimed particularly at Mr. Trump: In 2019, during a Group of 20 summit in Osaka, Japan, Mr. Abe gave the president a one-page, colorful map that showed American investments by companies based in Japan, the largest foreign direct investor in the United States.

Without explicitly mentioning it, Japan may also be trying to exert pressure on the Biden administration to allow Nippon Steel, a Japanese corporation, to acquire U.S. Steel , the struggling manufacturer based in Pittsburgh.

Last month, Mr. Biden said in a statement that it was “vital” for U.S. Steel “to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated .” White House officials have indicated that the administration will review the proposed deal for national security implications.

“The contrast between an administration raising national security concerns about a Japanese steel company buying an American steel company at the same time you’re trying to raise military industrial cooperation — the messaging is a little messy,” said Mr. Harris, the Japan analyst.

If the deal does not go through, it could complicate business ties between the two countries, said Wendy Cutler, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute and a former U.S. trade representative in Asia.

“The question is whether going forward this leaves a chilling effect in the eyes of other Japanese investors or, frankly, investors from other allies and partners,” Ms. Cutler said.

Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, said the alliance between the two countries “runs a lot deeper and is a lot stronger and has a lot more strategic alignment than a single commercial deal.”

With Congress stalled over extending American military assistance to Ukraine , Mr. Kishida’s aides declined to say whether the prime minister would invoke Japan’s support for Ukraine during his speech to American lawmakers this week.

But in the interview on Friday, Mr. Kishida said he would like to “express and acknowledge with President Biden the importance of continued efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine through unity among the G7 and other like-minded countries.”

As for the ceremonial parts of the visit, no word yet on whether the prime minister will follow his South Korean counterpart by crooning an iconic American song at the state dinner on Wednesday.

Kiuko Notoya contributed reporting.

Motoko Rich is a reporter in Tokyo, leading coverage of Japan for The Times. More about Motoko Rich

Japan tackles overtourism with restrictions for some iconic sites

Mar 27, 2024 • 5 min read

From restricted capacity to increased tourist taxes, options are being considered to counter overtourism in Japan © Jon Hicks / Getty Images

Japan is set to limit visitors at some popular attractions so that sites don't suffer from overtourism. Here's what you need to know.

Japan’s enduring popularity for overseas visitors is bringing consequences as the country seeks to balance the benefits of tourism and the impact on the areas visited, particularly at iconic destinations . 

Recently, tourists have been banned from certain private streets in Kyoto ’s famous historic Gion district , traditionally home to the teahouses where geisha  (geiko) and maiko (apprentice geiko ) performers work, largely due to antisocial behaviour. Unruly tourists have even been blamed for harassing geisha, with the Japan Times  reporting that one had her kimono torn and another had a cigarette butt put in her collar.

What new policies are being considered?

New fees and restrictions have already been introduced on climbing specific trails up Mt Fuji , in order to combat overcrowding, reduce the environmental impact — including cleaning up all the trash that results from so many people on the mountain — and improve safety for everyone doing the climb. 

Kyoto is considering special tourist express bus routes, that will whisk visitors to the city’s most iconic sites in order to reduce overcrowding and improve efficiency on regular local buses, as well as to make what can be a complicated system easier for travelers. 

Higher pricing for tourists is also being considered, having largely been absent in Japan, where many of the most famous cultural attractions are surprisingly inexpensive to enter. For example, Kyoto's famous golden temple Kinkaku-ji costs ¥400 for adults, which is about US$2.50. Changing this would be controversial, and it seems more likely that there would be increases in tourist taxes in order to fund services for visitors.

What are tourist taxes used for?

Local tourist taxes, usually collected as an extra on top of payment for your hotel, are common across many parts of the world, although these are relatively low in Japan compared with, say, destinations in the US like Honolulu and San Francisco.

These aim to fund some of the local costs associated with visitors: Kyoto’s is on a sliding scale based on the price of your hotel room, from ¥200–1000 a night (about US$1–7). The city of Hatsukaichi, home to the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima-jinja , often known as Miyajima and famous for its torii gate standing in the water off the island, recently implemented a ¥100 (about US$0.60) fee to fund the preservation and management of the site.

Japan already has a ¥1000 (about US$7) tourist departure tax that you may have never noticed as part of your plane fare.

How is Japan likely to manage the problems of overtourism?

It seems unlikely that Japan will curtail its overall number of visitors because of overtourism. More likely, we’ll see more examples of capacity restrictions in specific places, like on Mt Fuji, where a certain number of people per day are allowed in.

This already happens in some cases in Japan: the famous Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and the new Ghibli Park in Nagoya both have a ticket maximum to maintain the quality of experience and to avoid overcrowding — the price for the former is just ¥1000 or about US$6.50, so it really is about capacity.

Some trains — specifically the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen between points west of Tokyo — are  not included as part of the Japan Rail Pass , even though the slightly slower trains like the Hikari are. There’s only a few minutes' difference in terms of travel time, but at peak times there can be a half-dozen of the faster trains for every one of the slower ones. This is done for a variety of reasons, including that the clockwork-like efficiency of the shinkansen’s busiest section leaves only the briefest times for passengers to get on and off the train, and confused tourists (often carting large luggage with them) have been known to disrupt operations. Overseas visitors are therefore concentrated into the slightly slower Hikari and much slower Kodama services instead.

A more recent change is the 2020 introduction of  the “Baggage 160” system , where travelers must reserve a space for larger pieces of luggage (over 160cm/63in in combined height, width and depth) on more popular bullet train lines or pay a carry-on fee. The change largely stemmed from the complications of visitors bringing large pieces of luggage onto trains that were not designed with large luggage storage. Japanese travelers tend not to bring large suitcases with them on trains, instead shipping them ahead to their destination via the excellent and inexpensive set of luggage delivery services like Yamato Transport , known as kuroneko  (black cat) after its ubiquitous logo of a black cat carrying a kitten in its mouth.

How will this impact on group tours?

Keep an eye out for capacity management caps or even outright bans to potentially affect group tours first. These can be very unpopular with local people, and indeed with other visitors.

A tour bus full of visitors descending all at once can change the character of a place instantly, and that’s certainly the case in a lot of the most famous Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkaju-ji, Ryōan-ji or Kiyomizu-dera . These groups often have a reputation for behaving disrespectfully, like talking loudly in places where quiet is expected, not following rules, and getting in the way of local people and more respectful travelers.

You’re unlikely to be affected as an independent traveler, and a smart tactic is to visit at times when these groups are either still making their way from their hotels, have been packed off for lunch, or are heading back at the end of the day — and to plan to explore the less-traveled corners of this fascinating country.

Explore related stories

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What's expected at Japanese PM Kishida's US visit? A major upgrade in defense ties

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

April 9, 2024 at 11:50 JST

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week. He will hold a summit with President Joe Biden that's meant to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance.

He will also join a first-ever summit of the U.S., Japanese and Philippine leaders in Washington to showcase their cooperation in the face of an increasingly assertive China .

The Associated Press explains the significance of Kishida’s visit and the two summits.

The biggest event during the weeklong trip is his summit with Biden on Wednesday. Kishida hopes to further strengthen the alliance as China's influence grows in the Indo-Pacific.

Kishida is also reaching out to the American public to showcase Japan’s contribution to the U.S. economy and ensure stable relations regardless of who wins the U.S. presidential election later this year.

Kishida, who has pushed sweeping changes fortifying Japan’s defense capabilities since taking office in 2021, will emphasize that Japan and the U.S. are now global partners working to maintain a rules-based international order, and that Japan is willing to take on a greater international role in security, economy and space to help Washington.

Expanding arms equipment and technology cooperation between the two countries and other like-minded partners is also highly important, Kishida on Friday told selected media , including AP.

Kishida, stung by a corruption scandal, needs a successful U.S. visit to shore up low support ratings at home.

As a state guest, Kishida will be welcomed in a White House arrival ceremony on the South Lawn, a formal state dinner and other official events. He is the fifth state guest of Biden, who has also hosted leaders of India, Australia, South Korea and France, underscoring America’s focus on Indo-Pacific security partnerships.

Kishida is the first Japanese leader to make a state visit since Shinzo Abe in 2015. Abe made a major revision to the interpretation of Japan’s pacifist Constitution, allowing its self-defense-only principle to also cover its ally, the United States.

Defense tops the agenda because of growing worries about threats from China, North Korea and Russia. Chinese coast guard ships regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan . Beijing says Taiwan is part of its territory and will be brought under control by force if necessary.

There are also worries about North Korean nuclear and missile threats and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kishida has warned that the war in Europe could lead to conflict in East Asia, suggesting that a lax attitude to Russia emboldens China.

“While we maintain the Japan-U.S. alliance as a cornerstone, we believe it is important to cooperate with like-minded countries, including the Philippines,” Kishida said.

Biden and Kishida are expected to agree on a plan to modernize their military command structures so they can better operate together. America stations 50,000 troops in Japan. The Japanese Self Defense Force is preparing to restructure so it has a unified command for ground, air and naval forces by March 2025.

Also expected are new initiatives for defense industry cooperation, including co-production of weapons, possibly a new missile, and the repair and maintenance of American warships and other equipment in Japan to help U.S. operations in the western Pacific.

Japan’s possible participation in a U.S.-U.K.-Australia security partnership to develop and share advanced military capabilities, including artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and hypersonics, may also come up.

Kishida and Biden are also expected to confirm Japan’s participation in NASA’s Artemis moon program and its contribution of a moon rover developed by Toyota Motor Corp. and the inclusion of a Japanese astronaut. The rover, which comes at a roughly $2 billion cost, is the most expensive contribution to the mission by a non-U.S. partner to date, a U.S. official said.

Since adopting a more expansive national security strategy in 2022 , Kishida’s government has taken bold steps to accelerate Japan’s military buildup. He hopes to show Tokyo is capable of elevating its security cooperation with the U.S. Kishida has pledged to double defense spending and boost deterrence against China, which Japan considers a top security threat.

Japan, working to acquire what it calls a “counterstrike” capability, has purchased 400 U.S. Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles. After prohibiting almost all weapons transfers, it has relaxed export guidelines twice in recent months, allowing the sale of lethal weapons to countries from which they were licensed and the overseas sales of a fighter jet it’s co-developing with the U.K. and Italy. The changes have allowed Japan to ship Japanese-made PAC-3 missiles to the U.S. to help replace those contributed by Washington to Ukraine.

The first-ever trilateral summit between Biden, Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. comes as the Philippines faces escalating maritime tension with China over their contested South China Sea claims.

Biden wants to show that the three maritime democracies are unified as they face aggressive Chinese action against the Philippine coast guard and its supply vessels off the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, according to a senior Biden administration official.

Japan has sold coastal radars to the Philippines and is now negotiating a defense agreement that would allow their troops to visit each other’s turf for joint military exercises.

The trilateral comes eight months after Biden hosted a meeting with leaders from Japan and South Korea at Camp David .

“Cooperation among our three countries are extremely important in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and in defending a free and open international order based on the rules of law,” Kishida said Monday before leaving for Washington.

Kishida also wants to highlight Japan’s economic contributions in the U.S. There is growing uncertainty in Tokyo about U.S. elections, reflected by questions about what happens if former President Donald Trump wins, though experts say there is a bipartisan consensus on a stronger U.S.-Japan alliance.

Kishida will meet with business leaders and visit Toyota’s electric vehicle battery factory under construction for a planned launch in 2025, and Honda’s business jet subsidiary in North Carolina. He will also meet students at North Carolina State University on Friday.

In his congressional speech on Thursday, Kishida said he plans to convey “what Japan and the United States want to hand down to future generations and what we need to do for them.”

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US, Japan to make 'historic' announcements at summit, including on defense and AI: Official

President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hold talks on Wednesday.

When President Joe Biden hosts Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House for an official visit Wednesday, a senior administration official tells ABC News the two countries will make "historic" announcements that will take the U.S.-Japan alliance to "new heights."

This official said the leaders will unveil more than 70 programs and initiatives. Many of the announcements will focus on deepening defense ties, furthering cooperation between Japan and other allies, and new updates on Japan's efforts to acquire Tomahawk land attack missiles from the U.S.

The summit is also expected to include steps that would allow the countries to work on joint development -- and potentially co-production -- of vital military and defense equipment, according to Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in remarks last week.

There will also be new cooperation in space, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and climate change, the official said.

MORE: Japan's Prime Minister Kishida bound for Ukraine, Zelenskyy meeting

Ukraine and gaza on the agenda.

The leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of topics, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The visit underscores how the mutual threat from China, North Korea and Russia are driving these two allies even closer together. The two countries want to deter China and prepare for any conflict that could emerge. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has made Japan more worried about China trying to move on Taiwan.

A state visit is a huge honor, and it signals to the world how close the relationship is and marks milestones in the relationship.

MORE: North Korea tests ballistic missile, Japan and South Korea say

Philippines president to join summit.

On Thursday, the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will join the two leaders for a summit.

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The senior official said it's important for these leaders to be standing "shoulder-to-shoulder" at a time when the Philippines is facing "extraordinary pressure" from China in the South China Sea, with China engaging in "really dangerous and unlawful tactics over the course of the last many months."

MORE: With an eye on China, US building up military in the Philippines

How did the state visit come about?

Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden have met nearly a dozen times since Kishida took office about two and a half years ago. The official says they "have a very warm personal and working relationship."

The official added that Biden and national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed interest in hosting Kishida after the president saw him at Camp David for the historic trilateral summit last August with the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.

The president, the official said, felt "strongly" about wanting to "honor a friend" who has shown "courage" in resolving past tensions with North Korea, stepping up support to Ukraine, and someone who has been "bucking a lot of conventions" in Japanese politics and foreign policy, the official said.

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What’s expected at Japanese PM Kishida’s US visit? A major upgrade in defense ties

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week. He will hold a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden that’s meant to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has begun his official visit to the United States this week. The prime minister and his spouse, Kishida Yuko, were greeted with an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews. Maryland.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is beginning a much-anticipated visit to Washington on Tuesday. Kishida will take part in a meeting with Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Philippines-Chinese relations have been repeatedly tested by skirmishes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels in the disputed South China Sea.

FILE - This photo combination shows U.S. President Joe Biden, left, taken in Washington on April 3, 2024, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, taken in Tokyo on March 28, 2024. Prime Minister Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week. He will hold a summit with President Biden that’s meant to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance.(AP Photo/File)

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Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, and his wife Yuko Kishida participate in an arrival ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Monday, April 8, 2024. Kishida is set for his much-anticipated visit to Washington, which will include a glamorous state dinner on Wednesday. The visit comes amid growing concerns about provocative Chinese military action as well as a rare moment of public difference between Washington and Tokyo over a Japanese company’s plan to buy the iconic U.S. Steel. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, center, and his wife Yuko Kishida, right, participate in an arrival ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Monday, April 8, 2024. President Joe Biden will host a State Dinner for Kishida during his official visit to the United States on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, and his wife Yuko Kishida walk down the stairs from a plane as they participate in an arrival ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Monday, April 8, 2024. President Joe Biden will host a State Dinner for Kishida during his official visit to the United States on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

FILE - U.S. President Joe Biden, left, shakes hands with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a joint news conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, not visible, on Aug. 18, 2023, at Camp David, the presidential retreat, near Thurmont, Md. Prime Minister Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week. He will hold a summit with President Biden that’s meant to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

FILE - An MV-22 Osprey takes off as Japan Ground Self-Defense Force guards the landing zone during a joint military drill with U.S. Marines in Gotemba, southwest of Tokyo, on March 15, 2022. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week. He will hold a summit with President Joe Biden that’s meant to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)

FILE - Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during an interview with foreign media members ahead of an official visit to the United States at the Prime Minister’s official residence Friday, April 5, 2024, in Tokyo. Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week. He will hold a summit with President Joe Biden that’s meant to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)

FILE - Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, greets Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prior to their bilateral meeting at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, on the sidelines of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The first-ever trilateral summit between President Joe Biden, Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. comes as the Philippines faces escalating maritime tension with China over their contested South China Sea claims.(Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - Crew members of Philippine coast guard BRP Sindangan prepare rubber fenders as a Chinese coast guard ship tries to block it’s path while they tried to enter the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The first-ever trilateral summit between President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. comes as the Philippines faces escalating maritime tension with China over their contested South China Sea claims. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week. He will hold a summit with President Joe Biden that’s meant to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance.

He will also join a first-ever summit of the U.S., Japanese and Philippine leaders in Washington to showcase their cooperation in the face of an increasingly assertive China .

The Associated Press explains the significance of Kishida’s visit and the two summits.

WHAT DOES KISHIDA WANT TO ACHIEVE?

The biggest event during the weeklong trip is his summit with Biden on Wednesday. Kishida hopes to further strengthen the alliance as China’s influence grows in the Indo-Pacific.

Kishida is also reaching out to the American public to showcase Japan’s contribution to the U.S. economy and ensure stable relations regardless of who wins the U.S. presidential election later this year.

Kishida, who has pushed sweeping changes fortifying Japan’s defense capabilities since taking office in 2021, will emphasize that Japan and the U.S. are now global partners working to maintain a rules-based international order, and that Japan is willing to take on a greater international role in security, economy and space to help Washington.

Expanding arms equipment and technology cooperation between the two countries and other like-minded partners is also highly important, Kishida on Friday told selected media , including AP.

Kishida, stung by a corruption scandal, needs a successful U.S. visit to shore up low support ratings at home.

WHAT IS A STATE VISIT?

As a state guest, Kishida will be welcomed in a White House arrival ceremony on the South Lawn, a formal state dinner and other official events. He is the fifth state guest of Biden, who has also hosted leaders of India, Australia, South Korea and France, underscoring America’s focus on Indo-Pacific security partnerships.

Kishida is the first Japanese leader to make a state visit since Shinzo Abe in 2015. Abe made a major revision to the interpretation of Japan’s pacifist Constitution, allowing its self-defense-only principle to also cover its ally, the United States.

WHY THE DEFENSE FOCUS?

Defense tops the agenda because of growing worries about threats from China, North Korea and Russia. Chinese coast guard ships regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan . Beijing says Taiwan is part of its territory and will be brought under control by force if necessary.

There are also worries about North Korean nuclear and missile threats and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kishida has warned that the war in Europe could lead to conflict in East Asia, suggesting that a lax attitude to Russia emboldens China.

“While we maintain the Japan-U.S. alliance as a cornerstone, we believe it is important to cooperate with like-minded countries, including the Philippines,” Kishida said.

WHAT ARE THE SUMMIT’S MAIN ISSUES?

Biden and Kishida are expected to agree on a plan to modernize their military command structures so they can better operate together. America stations 50,000 troops in Japan. The Japanese Self Defense Force is preparing to restructure so it has a unified command for ground, air and naval forces by March 2025.

Also expected are new initiatives for defense industry cooperation, including co-production of weapons, possibly a new missile, and the repair and maintenance of American warships and other equipment in Japan to help U.S. operations in the western Pacific.

Japan’s possible participation in a U.S.-U.K.-Australia security partnership to develop and share advanced military capabilities, including artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and hypersonics, may also come up.

Kishida and Biden are also expected to confirm Japan’s participation in NASA’s Artemis moon program and its contribution of a moon rover developed by Toyota Motor Corp. and the inclusion of a Japanese astronaut. The rover, which comes at a roughly $2 billion cost, is the most expensive contribution to the mission by a non-U.S. partner to date, a U.S. official said.

WHAT’S JAPAN’S DEFENSE AIM?

Since adopting a more expansive national security strategy in 2022 , Kishida’s government has taken bold steps to accelerate Japan’s military buildup. He hopes to show Tokyo is capable of elevating its security cooperation with the U.S. Kishida has pledged to double defense spending and boost deterrence against China, which Japan considers a top security threat.

Japan, working to acquire what it calls a “counterstrike” capability, has purchased 400 U.S. Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles. After prohibiting almost all weapons transfers, it has relaxed export guidelines twice in recent months, allowing the sale of lethal weapons to countries from which they were licensed and the overseas sales of a fighter jet it’s co-developing with the U.K. and Italy. The changes have allowed Japan to ship Japanese-made PAC-3 missiles to the U.S. to help replace those contributed by Washington to Ukraine.

WHAT ABOUT THE SUMMIT WITH THE PHILIPPINES?

The first-ever trilateral summit between Biden, Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. comes as the Philippines faces escalating maritime tension with China over their contested South China Sea claims.

Biden wants to show that the three maritime democracies are unified as they face aggressive Chinese action against the Philippine coast guard and its supply vessels off the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, according to a senior Biden administration official.

Japan has sold coastal radars to the Philippines and is now negotiating a defense agreement that would allow their troops to visit each other’s turf for joint military exercises.

The trilateral comes eight months after Biden hosted a meeting with leaders from Japan and South Korea at Camp David .

“Cooperation among our three countries are extremely important in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and in defending a free and open international order based on the rules of law,” Kishida said Monday before leaving for Washington.

WHAT HAPPENS IN NORTH CAROLINA?

Kishida also wants to highlight Japan’s economic contributions in the U.S. There is growing uncertainty in Tokyo about U.S. elections, reflected by questions about what happens if former President Donald Trump wins, though experts say there is a bipartisan consensus on a stronger U.S.-Japan alliance.

Kishida will meet with business leaders and visit Toyota’s electric vehicle battery factory under construction for a planned launch in 2025, and Honda’s business jet subsidiary in North Carolina. He will also meet students at North Carolina State University on Friday.

In his congressional speech on Thursday, Kishida said he plans to convey “what Japan and the United States want to hand down to future generations and what we need to do for them.”

Jimmy Kimmel says his trip to Japan last week made him realize that the US is a 'filthy and disgusting country'

• Jimmy Kimmel now thinks the US is gross after he visited the bathrooms in Japan.
• "We are like hogs compared to the Japanese," Kimmel said Tuesday during his show.
• The late-night star said he recently took his family on a seven-day trip to the country.

The late-night host Jimmy Kimmel said observing hygiene standards in Japan drastically changed his perspective of cleanliness in the US and that he'd "never felt dirtier" in his home country.

Kimmel said Tuesday evening on an episode of " Jimmy Kimmel Live! " that before going to Japan on a seven-day family trip, he thought the US was "pretty buttoned-up" despite having areas for improvement.

"But now, after traveling to Japan, I realize that this place, this USA we're always chanting about, is a filthy and disgusting country," he said.

Kimmel added that he was blown away, in particular, by Japan's bathrooms.

"Not only did I not encounter a single dirty bathroom, the bathrooms in Tokyo and Kyoto are cleaner than our operating rooms here," Kimmel said.

The TV star lauded the loos at Japanese truck stops, which he said were "cleaner than Jennifer Garner's teeth."

Related stories

"It's like the whole country is Disneyland, and we're living at Six Flags. I've been home 36 hours. I've never felt dirtier," he said.

Kimmel added that he was impressed by how Tokyo residents didn't litter despite the lack of public trash cans, which were removed by local authorities in the wake of the 1995 sarin gas attacks .

"They're like, OK, no more trash cans. Everybody clean up after yourselves. And guess what? They clean up after themselves," Kimmel said.

"We are like hogs compared to the Japanese. I can't imagine what they must think of us," Kimmel said. "Oh, the garbage people. Yes, the Americans. Garbage. Yes."

Public bathrooms have become the source of tourist fascination in Japan, where toilets can come with automatic bidets, heated seats, sensors that take your pulse, and sound systems to mask the noise of flushing. In 2019, a Japanese toll operator installed public toilets on the Central Nippon Expressway that could measure driver fatigue .

Japan is typically known internationally for fostering a focus on cleanliness and hygiene. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Japanese national team made headlines for cleaning their dressing room after beating Germany 2-1 in an upset.

At the same tournament, FIFA praised Japanese fans for tidying up the local stadium after watching their matches.

Kimmel is one of tens of millions to recently visit Japan on vacation. A weak yen is thought to be fueling a tourism boom there, with government statistics saying tourists spent about $35.9 billion in 2023 .

Monthly visitor arrivals in Japan grew to 2.78 million in February , surpassing 2019 levels in what its tourism industry believes will be a continued, strong recovery from the COVID-19 health crisis.

Watch: Japan vs US Burger King | Food Wars

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