What to do and see in Japan, Japan: The Best Cultural Tours

April 26, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

Coordinates: 35°N 136°E / 35°N 136°E / 35; 136
Restaurants in Japan

1. Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, accompanied by one of our nationally-licensed, experienced multilingual guides, who will help you efficiently enjoy a six-hour tour, introducing both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient city. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, or anywhere else at your convenience, and will take you to a number of Kyoto's famous spots. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will arrange a tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Lunch - Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)

Reviewed By X4119CEgaryc

Had a pleasant tour of older Tokyo near Nezu Shrine. Our guide (Hiroyuki-san) spoke good English and shared much of the history related to sights we visited. He also took us to areas that local Japanese people visited and shopped frequently. Very nice tour - will do again.

2. [Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour

金沢駅 団体バス乗降場, 1 Chome-6 Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0031, Japan White Ring
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This is a weekend-only bus tour from Kanazawa Station. This tour will visit Shirakawa-go, a world heritage site. Since the English staff will accompany you, it is a safe tour for foreigners. A guide will give you a walking map on the bus. We will also guide you to highlights and souvenirs in advance. The tour bus will take you to the Shirakawa Gosho Castle Castle Observatory, so you can enjoy an efficient walk. Lunch includes local dishes from the Hida region and Japanese set meals full of mountain food. There is no need to worry about meals, so you can take a leisurely walk. The tour includes a hand-baked rice cracker experience. Bake yourself a traditional Japanese rice snack. Try eating a baked rice cracker.

Inclusions: Japanese set meal using traditional food from the Hida region

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Reviewed By 855edwinak

We had the best experience on outlr tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and funny. Very good local insight. The tour ran on time and lunch was the best meal we have had in Japan. Would highly recommend!

3. Kyoto Virtual Tour

Kinkaku-ji, 1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan All Star Osaka Walk
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5.0 based on 50 reviews

This is a virtual tour using Zoom, online conference system. This unique 1h tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. The friendly host will make your experience more interactive. We use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from guides' living room, that makes you feel livelier. You can ask them anything about Japan, Kyoto and other popular tourists spots by chat or by talk session after the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan. PLEASE NOTE the tour time is Japan standard time. Make adjustment to your time when booking. We'll send you Zoom URL invitation when you book the tour.

Inclusions: National Licensed English speaking local tour guide, Interactive communication with local guides , Fun quizzes and giveaway

Exclusions: Internet equipment, environment and charges

Reviewed By doart4fun

I love the interactive nature of Minako's virtual tours! She takes the time to connect with each of her guests, and her quizzes make the tour extra fun and engaging! Take the Kyoto tour, too!

4. Hiroshima in a Nutshell: Morning Bike Adventure

1-chōme-4-25 Kamiyachō, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0031, Japan Cycle Hiroshima
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5.0 based on 42 reviews

Explore one of the world's most iconic cities on two wheels with a small group of travellers and a knowledgable English speaking guide. Pedalling the streets and riverside paths of Hiroshima on top quality 'Trek' bikes, we will take in Hiroshima's infamous past at the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, as well as discovering the Hiroshima of today, a relaxed and forward looking city full of great people, great food and a great cycling infrastructure!

Inclusions: English-Speaking Guide, High Quality Bike and Helmet Rental, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By Victoria S

My husband and I love using food tours to explore a new city. This one was exceptional! It was wonderful to explore the local food scene and learn about the city's history and culture. We highly recommend this tour to others visiting Hiroshima!

5. Full-Day Private Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park

Nagano Station, Japan, 〒380-0921 長野県長野市大字栗田59 Japan Awaits
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5.0 based on 30 reviews

On this tour, spend a full-day in Nagano exploring the city and enjoying what this quaint town has to offer. Your English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from your hotel or Nagano Train Station at 8:45 AM. You will either take public transportation (train and bus) or private chartered vehicle around town based on your booking. Immerse yourself in the city's culture and visit major Nagano attractions such as Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the famous Zenkoji Temple, Chikuma River, Obuse Town, and relax in a traditional onsen/ hot spring (optional).

Inclusions: Private tour with English-speaking (or other available language) tour guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels within Central Nagano only), Transportation within Nagano City , Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Onsen (hot spring) fee: 700 JPY per person, Other optional activities for guests .

Reviewed By 926maggieh

While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.

6. The right way to know Kyoto

Kyoto Daily Tours
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5.0 based on 59 reviews

We are a small group of people who specializes in private and personalized tours in Kyoto. Our aim is to help our customers to utilize best their precious time in Kyoto by offering specially crafted tours covering Kyoto's top attractions. When it comes to a trip, we know that you have your goals and preferences. We would love to hear about them and help you have a unique an unforgettable Kyoto experience. Postgraduate students with Ph.D. or MA- level scholar graduated from Japanese universities, our guides have vast knowledge about Japanese history and culture because they have been living here for several years and are experts in their fields. Their high academic level makes them proficient not only on everything Kyoto but also on the way of life in Japan and its rich history.

Inclusions: Expert guide

Exclusions: Entrance tickets, Transportation

Reviewed By CBR-TKYO

Our guide Javier was superb. For both tours he covered the main attractions with insight, commanding knowledge of history, and with very good patience in relation to our easily distracted children. But then he also took us off the main tourist thoroughfares for some quiet, exclusive trips down pathways close by. So we saw all the main attractions, but also little shops and paths, and gardens and ponds we would not have discovered but for his knowledge and guidance. Highly recommend! And hope to see Javier again when we next go to Kyoto.

7. The Essence of Nara Cultural Tour: Big Buddha, Bambi and Backstreets

Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 〒630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29 Kyoto Urban Adventures
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Explore the ancient capital of Japan with us and discover a peaceful city, brimming with dazzling temples, shrines, imperial tombs and machiya houses built in the traditional style. We’ll meet divine deer roaming the streets, grab some tasty street food, chat with locals about living and working here and show you our favourite hidden gems in the alleys of the old city. All this at your own pace, without the hassle or the crowds of a typical day in Kyoto. What are you waiting for?!

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, Entrance fees for all the sites mentioned, Local snacks

Exclusions: Additional food and drink, Gratuities for your guide

Reviewed By Ebayasianf

I booked a virtual tour of Kyoto's traditional Higashiyama neighborhood from Amazon Explore. We had the pleasure and good fortune to have Akemi as our tour guide. She spoke good English and was very accommodating to our requests for pictures, shopping, and information. We truly felt the Japan experience and enjoyed it so much, we want to do more travel explore segments. We had been to Japan but somehow missed this beautiful neighborhood. Akemi engaged the local people and introduced them to us and they would take the time to say hello! We saw geishas and couples getting married. Then Akemi helped us look for souvenirs, which we have already received back in the U.S.! The best part was Akemi writing on a monkey wish souvenir and hanging it at the temple. We are planning a trip to Japan and were so impressed with Akemi, we definitely will try to contact her for tour services and thank her in person for such a wonderful experience.

8. Tokyo Private Chauffeur Driving Sightseeing Tour - English Speaking Driver

Japan, 〒107-0052 Tokyo, Minato City, Akasaka, 2-chōme−22−19 南部坂アネックス Tokyo Grand Tours
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4.9 based on 82 reviews

Enjoy a comprehensive completely private chauffeur driven tour around Tokyo tailored around your schedule, picked up from the comfort of your hotel. You can choose from one of our set itineraries or follow your own customised itinerary. You can pack as many amazing sights into your day as possible such as Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Take a walk through the beautiful Imperial gardens, enjoy the magnificent views from Tokyo Tower or Skytree, stroll around the futuristic Odaiba and Shibuya crossing areas, or you can take your time and enjoy each and any destination in Tokyo in a schedule that suits you. We also offer other day packages to the Fuji area, Lake Kawaguchi, Hakone and Lake Ashi.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver (Will give all relevant information on each sight while in the car between destinations), Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Pocket Wifi

Exclusions: Walking Guide. (All relevant information on each sight is given while in car between destinations)

Reviewed By MargaretA33

At the end of a month long cruise to China and Japan, we had 1 full day in Tokyo to see as much as possible. Mr Oriol was our guide for the day. He was very knowledgeable, providing information about Tokyo's history, culture and sites to see. The day was quite flexible and at our own pace. There was no expectation that we would hurry through each destination. At some sites Mr Oriol accompanied us, at others he waited patiently for us to finish. He joined us for lunch and guided our choice from the menu. We were delighted with Tokyo Grand Tours and would highly recommend to anyone wanting a chauffeured personal tour of Tokyo. Guy readily communicated with us prior to our arrival in Tokyo and our 'pick-up' was problem free. Mr Oriol was always courteous and enthusiastic. Great value for money.

9. Kyoto Early Bird Tour

Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan KAMNAVI Tours
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4.9 based on 42 reviews

Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan. There are plenty of wonderful sites, but it is always bustling with tourists from all over the world, so it’s hard to enjoy Kyoto's natural beauty quietly and in depth. Here we offer a luxurious tour that enables you to visit three of the most famous tourist attractions in Kyoto with fewer people in half a day till noon. After this tour there is time for  you to spend on other activities.

Inclusions: Guide fee

Exclusions: Admission fees. 400yen@Kinkaku-ji Temple, Drink and Food, Transportation fare. 760 yen for JR Lines, 460 yen for City Bus

Reviewed By MCJ62

Our tour guide was Kommy. He was very knowledgeable of the areas and we received good background information. It was a good way to spend the afternoon and see Osaka. I would recommend this tour.

10. Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

Tsukiji meeting place, Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 3-chōme−15−1 築 地 駅 1番出口付近 Japan Wonder Travel
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4.9 based on 336 reviews

Let’s explore Tsukiji, the vibrant market for the locals and the professional chefs for more than 80 years of history, to learn about the local culinary culture and to taste the best foods! Meet up with one of our knowledgeable local guides at Tsukiji Honganji Temple and your guide will help you walk through our favorite local shops selling the best quality foods, drinks, kitchen utensils, etc.. You will get to see the both retail markets and the intermediate wholesale building and enjoy some of the free samples(Japanese green tea, Dashi soup etc..) along with the menu below. Please enjoy the unique atmosphere of the market which miraculously survived the World War Ⅱ, where you often be able to see the face-to-face conversations between the buyers and the sellers, which is difficult to find elsewhere in megacity Tokyo. This tour includes; 1. Japanese omelet 2. Fried fish cake 3. Fresh Tuna sashimi 4. Sake 5. Sushi at a local Sushi restaurant

Inclusions: Local professional guide, Food (Japanese omelette, fried fish cake, fresh tuna, a cup of sake, a cup of Japanese tea, Sushi) , Some complementary samples.

Exclusions: Hotel pickup/drop-off, Extra food and drinks, Other personal expenses, Transportation fee to meeting point

Reviewed By littlenootsy

My husband and 2 sons (ages 11 and 13) loved our virtual tour of Tokyo. Nino was a fantastic guide and filled the hour with historical, cultural and fun facts! She was able to keep all of us at all ages engaged. It was a welcome diversion for this time of no-travel and very few experiences in the world because of the pandemic. We all can't wait to book our trip when the time allows!

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