Best of Kanazawa

Partake in a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto to learn how to prepare matcha

History & Culture of Central Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Kanazawa - 9 Days

Immerse yourself in central Japan's rich culture and history on this nine-day tour to three iconic cities. Begin in Tokyo, where you can visit the capital's shrines, temples, and gardens. Go on a day trip to the Fuji Five Lakes to admire Mount Fuji from every angle before riding the bullet train to Kyoto. Tour the geisha district, take part in a tea ceremony, and stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Finally, your last stops are Kanazawa and the UNESCO-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Suganuma.

Traditional Japan: Tokyo, Kanazawa & Kyoto - 8 Days

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture as you explore some of the highlights of this fascinating country. Start in Tokyo, where you'll visit Asakusa District and discover Senso-ji Shrine. Get zen as you spend time in the historic gardens of Kanazawa, then visit Shirakawa-go to see villages of 250-year-old thatched-roof houses. Head to Kyoto to wander the streets of the Gion District, stroll under 10,000 red torii (gates) at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and get lost in a maze of bamboo at Arashiyama.

Japan Cities & Countryside Tour: Tokyo, Kanazawa & Kyoto - 7 Days

This scenic trip through Japan starts with the urban vibes of Tokyo, where you'll visit the ultramodern Odaiba district and relax in the peaceful gardens of the Meiji Jingu shrine. Then, you're off to historic Kanazawa for the quiet pathways of Kenroku-en Garden and a visit to the traditional farmhouses of Shirakawa-go. See a geisha theatrical performance in Kyoto, walk the famed red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, and end with delicious local cuisine at the bustling Nishiki Market.

Cycling Noto Peninsula, From Kyoto to Notojima Island - 7 Days

Explore the breathtaking natural scenery of the Noto Peninsula in this 7-day cycling tour, starting in the bustling cities of Kyoto and Kanazawa. Cycle along coastal routes with stunning vistas overlooking the seaside, sandy beaches, and rice fields as you make your way to the charming villages of Togi, Wajima, and Suzushi where you'll stay in traditional, family-run guesthouses. Finish your trip on Notojima Island and in the town of Ogi, stopping at Sojiji Temple and a traditional hot-spring onsen before returning to Kyoto.

Natural Wonders of Japan - 10 Days

Just as fascinating as Japan's ultra-modern urban culture is its spectacular natural scenery. On this 10-day adventure, you'll venture beyond the glittering cities to explore Japan's stunning natural wonders and learn about the country's ancient cultural traditions. Visit ancient shrines, climb mountain peaks, wander through lush bamboo forests, learn about geisha culture and fine arts customs, and marvel at the country's most prized landscape garden. You'll end the journey in quiet Kyoto, enjoying a boat cruise on the Hozugawa River past vibrant cherry blossoms.

Enter the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to explore the only part of the temple complex open to visitors

Japan Luxury Garden & Temple Tour: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Otsu - 10 Days

Escape to tranquil gardens and forest temples on this luxury 10-day tour through Japan's most peaceful sacred spaces. In Tokyo, you'll tour iconic shrines, stroll 17th-century landscape gardens, and learn about Zen meditation from a Buddhist monk. Continue to Kanazawa to visit its Edo-era castle gardens and learn about local arts and crafts; then, it's off to Kyoto to get lost in the lush greenery of the "Moss Temple." End with a two-night stay within the 400-year-old walls of Otsu's Mii-dera temple.

Enjoy the cherry blossom-lined streets of Kanazawa

Best of Japan: Tokyo to Osaka - 11 Days

Head south across Japan as you see the country's highlights by train. In Tokyo, explore the Shinjuku district and visit shrines, temples, and shopping areas. Take a day trip to Mount Fuji, then move on to Kanazawa for museums and a gold leaf workshop. Visit the traditional village of Shirakawa-go, then see Kyoto's sights and participate in a tea ceremony. Spot deer in Nara, wander through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, explore Miyajima island, and discover Osaka on a food tour before heading home.

Two women wearing Kimonos walking through Kyoto

Ultimate Japan Tour: Tokyo to Kyoto - 11 Days

This exciting itinerary goes beyond normal expectations by including a diverse range of activities for an authentic travel experience. Immerse yourself in Japan's state of the art tech in Tokyo and visit an interactive art museum on the man-made island Odaiba prior to traveling to Fujikawaguchiko where you can look at the famous Mount Fuji volcano while relaxing in an onsen hot spring. You will then depart for Nagoya and visit interactive robots as well as the Ise Jingu Grand Shrine before a bullet train takes you to Kanazawa which has many historic samurai homes and the charming village Gokayama and finally, you will tour your final destination Kyoto by bicycle and discover breathtaking temples as well as the lively city culture.

Historic Japan: Tokyo to Nagano - 11 Days

Explore Japan's historic spots as you travel in a loop from Tokyo to Nagano. Start by discovering Tokyo's sights, then head to Nikko for some hiking. Visit Kyoto, Japan's historic capital, to see temples, meet geisha and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. See Himeji Castle, wander the quaint streets of Takayama, and explore UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go. Transfer to Kanazawa for sightseeing, art, and a gold leaf workshop, ending with a lesson about ninjas and samurai in Nagano.

Cycle the Noto Peninsula From Kyoto to Nanao Bay - 6 Days

Explore the breathtaking natural scenery of the Noto Peninsula in this 6-day tour, starting in the bustling cities of Kyoto and Kanazawa. Cycle along coastal routes with stunning vistas overlooking the seaside, sandy beaches, and rice fields as you make your way to the charming villages of Togi, Wajima, and Suzushi where you'll stay in traditional, family-run guesthouses. Finish your trip on Notojima Island and in the town of Ogi, stopping at Sojiji Temple and a traditional hot-spring onsen before returning to Kyoto.

See the history and culture of Japan with immersive tours of Osaka and more

Traditions of Japan: History, Art & Culture - 14 Days

This immersive 14-day cultural adventure starts in Osaka, where you'll sample renowned cuisine and stroll through ancient shrines. Take a day trip to Kobe for its coveted beef, then it's off to Mount Koya for quiet hikes and an overnight in a Buddhist temple. Eat your way through bustling Nishiki Market in Kyoto, learn Japanese arts and crafts in Kanazawa, see sweeping views of Mount Fuji, and end with the bright lights of Tokyo, touring the gardens of the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji temple.

Springtime cherry blossoms in Japan fram Kanei-ji pagoda in Tokyo's Ueno Park

Ultimate Japan Tour: Tokyo to Hiroshima & Kanazawa - 15 Days

Cover the highlights of Japan as you travel in a wide loop across the country's south. Explore Tokyo's most exciting neighborhoods, learn about the important World War II history of Hiroshima, experience tradition with a tea ceremony and geisha photoshoot in Kyoto, and wander the quaint streets of Takayama and Kanazawa. Visit the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go and take a dip in Hakone's hot springs, then return to Tokyo for more sightseeing.

A woman wearing a kimono in the Higashi Chaya district of Kanazawa

Art, Culture & Cuisine: An Immersive Japan Experience - 15 Days

On this well-planned 15-day tour, you'll visit some of Japan's finest art museums, sample some of its most delicious food (and have a go making some yourself), and participate in exciting cultural experiences. From dinner with a trainee geisha in Kyoto to visiting the art islands in the Seto Inland Sea, dressing in a kimono in Kanazawa to making traditional crafts, you'll learn lots about Japanese culture and history while having plenty of fun along the way.

Delve deep into Japan's long history during this 15-day tour

Japan Culture & History Tour with Temple Stay - 15 Days

This 15-day, immersive tour of Japan's culture and history begins in Osaka, with beautiful castles and neon-lit streets. Switch gears with a temple stay on sacred Mount Koya, then head to Kyoto to lose yourself in the ancient alleys and markets. With lots of day trips and hands-on experiences, you'll also learn local crafts like silk dyeing in Kanazawa, see the historic thatched houses of Shirakawa-go, cycle through the streets of Takayama, watch the sunset over Mount Fuji, and learn to make sushi in Tokyo.

Cycle past the spectacular rural and coastal landscapes of the Noto peninsula during this 15-day tour

Cultural & Cycling Tour in Japan - 15 Days

Bookend a week of cycling through Japan's glorious countryside with cultural and historic city experiences on this 15-day trip. Discover temples and bamboo groves in Kyoto, immerse yourself in traditional craft workshops in Kanazawa, and then begin your biking adventure along the scenic coast of the Noto peninsula. Cycle along beach roads, past endless rice terraces, and through quaint fishing villages, overnighting in spa towns to soak in hot springs before ending in the bright lights of Tokyo.

Explore some of Japan's most iconic landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go

Highlights of Japan: Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Osaka — 16 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this 16-day itinerary takes you on a journey through some of Japan's most iconic destinations. Start in Tokyo, where you can dive into Japanese culture by watching a sumo wrestling session and see famous landmarks like Senso-ji, the oldest temple in the city. Explore Hakone and Takayama at your own pace, then learn how to make traditional crafts in Kanazawa. Ride a rickshaw around Kyoto before ending in Osaka with a day trip to Hiroshima, the site of the world's first atomic bomb.

Experience the day-to-day life of a monk at your shukubo in Mount Koya

Japan Cultural Discovery Tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Mount Koya & Osaka - 16 Days

Set off on a 16-day cultural discovery across Japan's vibrant cities and natural landscapes. Begin the adventure in Tokyo, where you'll explore the city's oldest temple and delve into bonsai culture at a nearby museum. Then, take a train to Takayama to admire ornate festival floats and learn how to make traditional crafts. From here, visit Shirakawa-go to see traditional farmhouses, watch a geisha performance in Kyoto, and stay in an active temple on Mount Koya before ending this whirlwind trip in Osaka.

The Nakasengo Trail entering the town of Magome in the Kiso Valley

Central Japan Highlights: Tokyo, Kyoto & the Kiso Valley - 9 Days

This active nine-day itinerary takes you on a memorable journey through central Japan's history and culture, from ultra-modern Tokyo to the historic imperial capital of Kyoto. In between, you'll visit the famous gardens of Kanazawa, cycle through traditional thatched villages of the Hida region, walk portions of the ancient Nakasendo Trail, and explore the preserved post towns of the Kiso Valley.

Combine iconic landmarks with off-the-beaten-path stops on this nine-day tour

Highlights & Hidden Corners of Japan - 9 Days

This nine-day getaway combines Japan's classic highlights with some off-the-beaten-path treasures. Explore modern districts and ancient temples in Tokyo, then head to Hakone on the shores of Lake Ashinoko to catch views of Mount Fuji by boat. Get an authentic look at the smaller cities of Takayama and Kanazawa with guided tours and cultural experiences, wander through the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go, and end in Kyoto, sampling local delicacies in its markets and touring its iconic shrines.

Sit down to a meal in a traditional Japanese ryokan

Japan's Culinary Heritage - 11 Days

Eat your way through the "land of the rising sun" on this immersive culinary tour. Get to know Japanese history and culture through its legendary cuisine, and treat your taste buds to everything from home-brewed sake to the freshest sushi to delectable street food and a fancy gourmet feast.

On Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, see Japan's natural beauty

Japan's Natural Beauty From Lakes to Mountains - 12 Days

Experience the many layers of Japanese culture and its landscapes on this 12-day tour. Enjoy Tokyo and Osaka's energetic city life balanced with nature and fresh air as you walk through Kyoto's calm bamboo forests and Takayama and Kanazawa's gardens and shrines. Stand next to a towering Great Buddha in Kamakura, and pass 10,000 red torii gates at Fushimi Inari. Get your camera ready for Mount Fuji views at Lake Kawaguchi and browse the busy Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

Go beyond Japan's major cities and explore highlights like historic Kanazawa on this two-week family tour

Japan Off-the-Beaten-Path Family Adventure - 14 Days

Go beyond the highlights with two weeks of family fun throughout Japan's major cities and smaller towns. Get a taste of Tokyo with a kid-friendly food tour; then, it's off to Hakone for ropeway rides and green tea baths at a hot springs resort. Channel your inner samurai as you walk the Edo-era streets of Takayama, practice your painting skills with Kanazawa's artisans, don a kimono for a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, and end with a spin on Osaka's high-flying Tempozan Ferris wheel.

Classic Highlights of Japan - 14 Days

Welcome to Japan! On this two-week journey around the main island, Honshu, you'll enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and active adventures. Visit sacred temples and shrines, cycle through the countryside, and wander around Tokyo's most fashionable neighborhoods. From the history of Hiroshima and the wonders of ancient Kyoto to the historic farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the quiet island of Miyajima, there's so much to see and do.

Best of Old and New Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, & More - 14 Days

The combination of historic and modern beauty makes Japan the ideal vacation destination. On this journey of old world-meets-new world, you will explore the progressive city of Tokyo, along with strolling through pockets of old Japan. Excursions into the hot springs of Gero Onsen and the gardens of Kanazawa will allow you to experience the preservation of nature. Even still, you can channel Japan’s past–in present-day–by taking up residency in a thatched-roof farmhouse in Shirakawa-go, connecting with long-time local artisans in Takayama, and exploring the ancient temples of Kyoto.