Cultural holidays in Japan
Tours & holidays in 2017 & 2018
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41 Cultural holidays in Japan found
Japan golden route holiday
9 night classic Japan trip: Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto
From £1,790 10 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan small group holiday, Japan unmasked
Whistlestop Japan highlights with an expert tour leader
From £1,890 to £2,675 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 9 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 13 Nov
2018: 19 Feb, 5 Mar, 30 Apr, 14 May, 28 May, 11 Jun, 2 Jul, 20 Aug, 3 Sep, 21 Sep, 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 29 Oct, 12 Nov, 26 Nov
2018: 19 Feb, 5 Mar, 30 Apr, 14 May, 28 May, 11 Jun, 2 Jul, 20 Aug, 3 Sep, 21 Sep, 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 29 Oct, 12 Nov, 26 Nov
Japan small group holiday by bullet train
Japan's must-see cities and beautiful, rural countryside
From £3,245 to £3,775 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 14 Oct
2018: 19 May, 2 Jun, 14 Jul, 25 Aug, 15 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct
2018: 19 May, 2 Jun, 14 Jul, 25 Aug, 15 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct
Japan tailor made tour on a shoestring
Japan's classic sights on a shoestring!
From £980 8 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary
Japan holidays, tailor made
Experience the highlights of Japan by train
From £4,990 14 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor-made and departures can be arranged all year. The sample itinerary below can be modified to your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.
Hidden Japan holiday
Get beneath the surface into the heart of Japan
From £2,890 to £3,875 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 28 Sep, 12 Oct
2018: 15 Mar, 10 May, 24 May, 26 Jul, 27 Sep, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov
2018: 15 Mar, 10 May, 24 May, 26 Jul, 27 Sep, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov
Japan cultural immersion holiday
Cultural activites and traditional experiences galore
From £3,950 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 13 May, 9 Sep
Shikoku Pilgrimage self guided walking tour, Japan
Shikoku 88 Pilgimage route self-guided walking
From £850 to £1,540 10 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan family holiday
Be transported into a world of cultural mystery and intrigue
From £4,132 13 days
inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2017: 16 Dec
Japan group holiday, a food adventure
Dive into Tokyo city’s incredible food scene
From £2,412 to £3,650 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 29 Oct, 12 Nov
2018: 11 Mar, 18 Mar, 25 Mar, 1 Apr, 8 Apr, 15 Apr, 22 Apr, 6 May, 13 May, 20 May, 27 May, 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov
2019: 10 Mar, 17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 23 Jun, 18 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 22 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov
2018: 11 Mar, 18 Mar, 25 Mar, 1 Apr, 8 Apr, 15 Apr, 22 Apr, 6 May, 13 May, 20 May, 27 May, 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov
2019: 10 Mar, 17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 23 Jun, 18 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 22 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov
Late availability on the these dates: 15 Oct, 29 Oct, 12 Nov
Walking tours to Japan
Explore the backroads of Japan
From £3,090 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 1 Oct, 5 Nov, 12 Nov
2018: 11 Mar, 25 Mar, 11 May, 4 Jun, 16 Sep, 30 Sep, 4 Nov, 11 Nov
2018: 11 Mar, 25 Mar, 11 May, 4 Jun, 16 Sep, 30 Sep, 4 Nov, 11 Nov
Japan culture tour, Shoguns & Samurai
Ultra-modern Tokyo to Imperial Kyoto
From £3,310 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 15 Oct, 4 Nov
2018: 24 Mar, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 7 May, 15 Jul, 14 Oct, 3 Nov
2018: 24 Mar, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 7 May, 15 Jul, 14 Oct, 3 Nov
We have only 3 spaces left on the 4th of November departure of this scenic journey through Japan's cultural highlights.
Kyoto to Tokyo small group holiday in Japan
Journey into the heart of Japan - Kyoto to Tokyo
From £2,664 to £3,700 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov
2018: 10 Mar, 17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 3 Apr, 7 Apr, 10 Apr, 14 Apr, 16 Apr, 19 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 16 Oct, 20 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov
2018: 10 Mar, 17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 3 Apr, 7 Apr, 10 Apr, 14 Apr, 16 Apr, 19 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 16 Oct, 20 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov
Late availability on the these dates: 07 Oct, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 04 Nov, 11 Nov
Japan unmasked tour, 14 days
All the top sights in an action-packed 2-week group tour.
From AU $4,702 to AU $5,082 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 19 Feb, 5 Mar, 30 Apr, 14 May, 28 May, 11 Jun, 2 Jul, 20 Aug, 3 Sep, 21 Sep, 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 29 Oct, 12 Nov, 26 Nov
The Japanese Alps private tour
Folklore and samurai culture in the Japanese Alps
From £2,215 to £3,800 10 days ex flights
Tailor made
Holiday in Japan
Take the bullet train Tokyo to Kyoto
From £2,524 to £3,405 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
Departs most Saturdays throughout the year.
Late availability on the these dates: 07 Oct, 14 Oct, 18 Oct, 21 Oct, 24 Oct, 28 Oct, 25 Nov, 09 Dec
China and Japan holiday, Beijing to Tokyo
Incredible journey showcasing the best of two ancient cultures
From £3,199 to £3,459 18 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 7 Oct
2018: 4 Mar, 18 Mar, 1 Apr, 4 Apr, 15 Apr, 29 Apr, 6 May, 13 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 10 Jun, 17 Jun, 24 Jun, 15 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 2 Sep, 16 Sep, 3 Oct, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 17 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 18 Nov
2019: 11 Jan, 22 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 17 Jul, 19 Jul ...
2018: 4 Mar, 18 Mar, 1 Apr, 4 Apr, 15 Apr, 29 Apr, 6 May, 13 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 10 Jun, 17 Jun, 24 Jun, 15 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 2 Sep, 16 Sep, 3 Oct, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 17 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 18 Nov
2019: 11 Jan, 22 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 17 Jul, 19 Jul ...
Wheelchair accessible holiday to Japan
Wheelchair-friendly version of Japan's highlights
From £3,370 11 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
South Korea and Japan tour
Oppa Gangnam Style!
From US $3,500 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 17 Apr
Japan culinary heritage tour
Regional cuisine, the heart and soul of Japanese culture.
From £3,385 11 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 24 Nov
2018: 11 May, 28 Sep
2018: 11 May, 28 Sep
We still have spaces available on our 24th of November departure! Regional cuisine, the heart and soul of Japanese culture. Go on a small-group guided food tour through Japan's best-kept culinary traditions.
Japan and South Korea tour
Explore Japan and South Korea
From £4,559 to £4,699 16 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 5 Nov
2018: 4 Nov
2018: 4 Nov
Japan ancient capitals self guided walking tour
Ancient Capitals, historic trails and cultural treasures.
From £850 5 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Soul of Japan tour
Dive into the soul of Japan.
From £2,999 10 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan family tour, rural adventure
A family trip with amazing insights into Japan’s traditions
From £2,080 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 22 Jul, 25 Sep
Japan culture and cuisine tour
Experience the Culinary delights of Japan
From £3,299 to £4,749 12 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Nakasendo Trail winter tour, Japan
The tranquil magic of winter on the Nakasendo trail
From £2,080 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 27 Jan, 17 Feb
Japan self drive holiday, Best of Kyushu
Explore Japans stunning great outdoors.
From £5,580 17 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Japan walking tour of Shikoku
Beautiful Shikoku Island and the 88 Pilgrimage trail
From £3,310 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2017: 5 Nov
2018: 13 May, 4 Nov
2018: 13 May, 4 Nov
The trail towards enlightenment... You still have a chance to explore the Temples and Trails of Shikoku: we have spaces available on our 5th of November departure!
Japan luxury holiday
An introduction to mesmerising Japan.
From £7,484 9 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Cherry Blossom luxury tour in Japan
Experience Japan's most vibrant season
From £8,255 8 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
From
£1,890
excluding flights
The loveliness of Nagano was a surprise (the zen temple ceremony really special) Takayama (the city as a whole and a wonderful restaurant we found Kyoya), Masamoto castle, and the okonomiyaki meal in Hiroshima.
(more)Helen Weingarten
All of it was fantastic. An amazing experience, made possible by an awesome tour leader. (more)Colin Catt
The highlights for me personally were a visit to the D.T. Suzuki Museum in Kanazawa and the visit to the O Torii Gate on the island of Itsukushima, where deer roam freely. The whole two weeks were a whirlwind of amazing sights, sounds and experiences. (more)Linda Marlow
From
£1,790
excluding flights
The most memorable was the boat ride down the Hozugawa River starting at Kameoka and a JR train journey from Kyoto that is reasonably short. It was a real experience, and made worry free by the superb back-up of the tour operator. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend them. (more)Ian Halstead
It's hard to identify just one most memorable or exciting part - everything was amazing. The culture, the people, the food, the scenery, the transportation.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. (more)Garry Radford
The most memorable was Himeji Castle with cherry blossom in full bloom! (more)Andy Angel
From
£980
excluding flights
Our whole trip was memorable and exciting! We loved the Disney Sea park and Cafe Eorzea. We also enjoyed Zauo (fishing restaurant), our guide in Kyoto, our Ryokan, Arashiyama monkey park, and so much more! (more)Sarah Shadday
Meeting a Maiko (trainee Geisha) in Kyoto was a fantastic experience! Exploring the old city of Kyoto with an amazing guide was also wonderful! Fantastic, the absolute best holiday we have been on! (more)Owen Cawley
Absolutely brilliant. We were a little anxious beforehand as we had not participated in a group tour before but we certainly do so again provided it was with your organisation! (more)Anne Davies
From
£1,350
excluding flights
The entire trip was so awesome. Lots of exciting things to taste, see and experience. Great way to meet people who enjoy travelling as much as I do.
Fantastic trip. (more)Anuschka Veckranges
Really enjoyed the variety of visiting different regions of Japan e.g. busy Tokyo,
tranquil Hakone, beautiful Kyoto and Nara and Kamakura. (more)Eva Jolly
From
£3,245
excluding flights
Autumn colours were wonderful and the temples were most interesting. Excellent, with attention to detail, which made the tour very easy for the group. Hotels very good. (more)Ann Caroe
Very good itinerary that included cities and countryside and a variety of types of
accommodation. There was plenty of optional free time to explore one your own if you wanted. Brian, the tour leader was conscientious and helpful, we were particularly impressed that he met us at our hotel on arrival in Japan in spite of the very late hour. (more)Andy Goodenough
We particularly liked Takayama. We had the experience of staying in Ryokan and were fully exposed to Japanese breakfasts...Very good itinary, Good logistics. (more)Geoff Wright
From
£850
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Everything was memorable: The temples, the people we met, the landscape, the food, the places we stayed at.
Tips?
Perhaps not to spend to much time at each temple in order to catch the transport connections or reach the guest houses without hurrying up.
Local benefits?
Yes
Overall rating?
A success. (more)Annatina Monnier
From
£4,990
including UK flights
The Noto Peninsula except for Wakura and the villages in the various parts of the countryside. Having a car made the difference. (more)Geraldine Hickey
Not the best holiday we have ever been on, too many problems, Some poor hotels, Guides who weren't that knowledgeable. Japanese not too helpful. Poor signposts not many in English, (more)JULIE HARRISON
The autumn colours were just amazing in Japan. Its a fascinating culture with so many memorable experiences, just a few spring to mind, walking the Nakesendo highway, staying at the Mitsui Garden hotel in Tokyo, the views are mind blowing from here, Geisha spotting in Kyoto... (more)Katherine Windibank
From
£3,090
excluding flights
We particularly enjoyed Kyoto which gave a mix of city living with the cultural experiences. We visited Sanjusangendo temple which holds 1001 life sized statues... (more)Lisa Thompson
This was an excellent trip. ...Walking in the countryside - seeing parts of Japan that I would never have discovered on my own and being guided by a reliable expert. Asuka, Dorogawa and the Mitarai Gorge were particularly memorable. Also - wonderful exotic food, charming ryokans and soothing onsens. (more)Una Dinning
From
£3,310
excluding flights
Experiencing such a different culture and all things Japanese was the best. Excellent. Fumiko was a very helpful, informative and patient guide. We saw amazing temples, landscape etc. (more)Janet Barwell
The whole thing was tremendous - felt we got a real insight into Japan today and in the past....One of the best holidays we have been on - very well planned to give a varied taste of the Japanese culture. (more)Anne Cooper
The most memorable part of the holiday was getting a bit of an insight into the people and culture of everyday Japan by travelling on local trains and buses and staying in local inns in rural areas rather than faceless hotels. (more)Nicola Lindsey
From
£2,664
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The cherry blossom in Japan
Tips?
Take an umbrella, be ready to walk a lot and have fun
Local benefits?
Yes, especially the local hotels amd ryokan
Overall rating?
Excellent. Very good guide (Kimi) who went beyond the holiday description, taking us on tours, and explaining the local customs. We explored other tours before booking with Intrepid and this was best value for money (more)Mary-Anne Rose
From
£1,450
excluding flights
From
£4,199
including UK flights
Excellent... (more)Ruth Martin
Being in a totally different culture, the people were so friendly and helpful, it was the best! (more)Cindy Faithfull
My holiday was absolutely fantastic - I have never had such a great time, never loved somewhere so much, never actually had my breath taken away so often, absorbed so much atmosphere, relaxed so completely or felt so carefree and happy as I did on this trip to Japan (more)Julia Young
From
£2,524
excluding flights
Superb. Would recommend it wholeheartedly. Thanks very much.
(more)Simon Toller
A lot of good experiences - elephant ride on Christmas day - meeting a monk for meditation - Thai massage (ouch ouch ouch) and some great pampering. Food was often an adventure too. (more)Joanna Hughes
Really enjoyed visiting the ethnic minority villages in Sapa - our tour leader Hue enabled us to visit the villagers and take part in their new year celebrations.
(more)Bethany Wright
From
£2,890
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Everything! Travelling extensively using the local transport - every type, meant we saw such a large range of places, did lots of activities, experienced historical and modern displays, interacted with the local people and tasted a big variety of
food.
Tips?
Travel light. Prepare for lots of traditional Japanese food. Bring comfy shoes.
Local benefits?
Yes. We travelled by public transport most of the time which is very efficient. We engaged with many locals... (more)Susan White
From
£3,490
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Seeing Mt Sakurajima look very peaceful and then erupt and having an Onsen by the beach.
Tips?
Pack lightly and be prepared to spend a lot of time on public transport as you travel large distances. While it is called a walking tour you don't actually walk large distances most days.
Local benefits?
Yes, We stayed in family run accommodation about half the time and ate a lot of local food prepared by locals rather than big companies.
Overall rating?
Very... (more)Barbara and Peter Gray
From
£4,132
including UK flights
Memorable parts?
a) Our guide, Silvia, recommended a garden (Happo-en) in Tokyo to visit on our free day - the trip there and the garden were great fun, we all enjoys the blossom and chatting to brides having their photos taken with the magnificent blossom as a background.
b) having our picture "printed" onto top of our coffee/ baby chin no's at Ginza shopping was amazing highlight.
c) Sushi breakfast was amazing - Silvia took us to a very special place for this authentic experience -the... (more)Kate Mathers
From
£2,344
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
A painting exhibition in Hiroshima.
Tips?
It actually isn't that difficult getting around Japan but a few simple Japanese phrases help break the ice.
Local benefits?
We had very little interaction with local people and employed no local guides which was really a pity. We impacted on the environment just as much as any other tourists.
Overall rating?
Reasonable. (more)Margaret Good
