Discover historic Kyoto that has been remarkably well preserved for over a millennium.

Japan Tour of a Lifetime: Tradition, Landscape & People

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Japan

Places Visited

Tokyo, Kyoto, Takachiho, Aya...

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Suggested Duration

14 Days

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.

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Discover historic Kyoto, a city built for the emperors and devoted to the gods, and which has remained astonishingly well preserved for over a millennium
  • Explore the subtropical island of Kyushu on invigorating day hikes to active volcanoes in the Kuju Highlands, the Kirishima range, and the 15-mile caldera of Mount Aso
  • Simmer yourself in the geothermal hot baths, which many Japanese believe to have healing properties
  • Travel to Takachiho and learn the national mythos from the sacred Shinto dancers who claim to channel the gods themselves
  • Immerse yourself in feudal history during visits to Aya and Obi Castle as well as the villa and gardens of the fearsome Shimazu clan
  • Maximize two days of free time in Tokyo by exploring its idiosyncratic neighborhoods and stunning shopping centers

Detailed Description

According to Japanese mythology, the island nation was formed from the droplets of water that fell from the god Izanagi’s spear. In doing so, Izanagi created a land that could remain insulated from outside influence for centuries. From these circumstances grew one of the world’s most unique cultures. On your exploratory Japan tours, you will travel back through time to uncover the powerful forces that created the archipelago and the historical and religious roots from which Japanese culture blossomed.

You’ll soon be swept off to Japan’s thousand-year capital, Kyoto—home to a millennium of imperial and religious history. In two days, you’ll visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and meditate before vast rock gardens, the gravel combed in wavelike imitation. Sit beside tranquil temple ponds watching the still reflections of trees and temple grounds that have stood the test of time. Humble yourself before grand pagodas and imposing bamboo forests. Kyoto has a way of imparting even the most restless heart with a calm reverence for simplicity, impermanence, and nature.

On the southern island of Kyushu, you’ll summit several of Japan’s most fearsome volcanic peaks, affording you a far-reaching view of a craggy and craterous land formed from geological upheaval. By night, you’ll rest your body in an onsen, a time-honored Japanese hot springs said by some to have healing properties. Stand at the mythological site where the god Ninigi descended to Earth to propagate the Imperial Family and watch as this creation story is told to you through the pageantry and dance of locals. Then descend to the feudal farmlands, castles, and villas once controlled by the powerful Shimazu clan and learn how these Samurai strongmen bent Kyushu to their will.

You’ll be accompanied by an expert guide whose knowledge of the land and culture will add further depth to your understanding. And as you stay in homey ryokans—traditional Japanese inns—and sample the best of Japanese cuisine, your appreciation for this unique culture will undoubtedly blossom.

Starting Price

$9,100 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.84 stars based on 677 reviews.

Japan Travel Review: Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Sushi, Ryokan,...

Our trip to Japan was well planned and well thought out. Zicasso's travel designer made us feel very well taken care of. We are grateful to the travel designer for his effort in putting together this wonderful trip for us. We loved interacting with our excellent guides. Their expertise truly enhanced our experiences. All our travel assistants were extremely helpful and very thoughtful.

Reviewed By Alok G.

Japan Vacation Review: Local Cuisine, Drumming and Samurai...

Yet another fantastic family trip, courtesy of a Zicasso partner! My family of six just returned from our 10-day trip to Japan, as coordinated with Zicasso's travel company, and we have nothing but wonderful stories and memories to report!

Our agent arranged every detail to perfection, from transportation to guides to activities. All four kids and both parents had a fantastic experience. The guides he selected were incredibly knowledgeable and personable, and the hotels and transportation were spot on. I have nothing to say but that it was a seamless, A+ experience.

Thank you to our agent and travel companyI!

Reviewed By Sara G.

Japan Vacation Review: Private Guides and Driver, 8 Nights...

Our travel expert was professional, accurate, timely, and patient. It was wonderful working with her. Zicasso really made creating a customized itinerary effortless.

Reviewed By Suzy A.

Japan Travel Review: Tokyo, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Mount Inari,...

Zicasso's travel designer had less than three months to bring an amazing trip to life. Our goal was to experience the history, art, culture, and people of Japan. Mission accomplished!

There were so many highlights shared by our exceptional guides and drivers, who felt like friends and family by the trip's end. Some experiences surprised us with their creativity, joy, and value (slapstick sumo skits in Tokyo, the samurai sword experience, sushi class, open-air and Venetian glass museums in Hakone, and especially the Himeji Castle master carpenter tutorial). Though in our late 70s, walking five to seven miles per day and climbing 766-oot sacred Mount Inari weren't an issue.

The veracity of this review is paramount... the only experience we would forgo was spelunking (crawling) in the cold, wet lava cave, as in our ignorance, we were out of our element. We found joints we did not know we had! We are focused on collecting memories, not things. This fabulous trip achieved that goal. Thank you!

Reviewed By William H.

Japan Vacation Review: Public Baths, Shrines, Ryokans, 10...

I was very pleased with our trip, the accommodations, and the personal touch. Zicasso's travel specialist was excellent and even when we had some hiccups during the trip, he was there to make an adjustment. I was very pleased. Some really nit-picky tips for future travelers from out of town.

The Shinkansen is a fun ride and everyone should do it. However, when you need multiple tickets at a time, remind the passenger that you put all the tickets into the ticket turnstile at one time, not individually.

We had to visit in July, but I think the best time to visit Japan would be in the three other seasons because of the heat and humidity (with the exception of Hokkaido).

There are still some places that need cash, like public baths etc. I would carry a little on you. Also, visiting the public baths was one of the truly authentic Japanese experiences we had. If a traveler is into the authentic experience, don't underestimate that experience.

You can get "shrined out." They are great and we appreciated every one. We even caught a monk actively praying at a fairly remote one, which was tremendous. I'm not sure if it's possible to know approximate times, but seeing this happen as a traveler was immensely gratifying. It was 6.30am on a Saturday. So if there is a way to figure out an approximate schedule, you will have elevated your travel game above all the rest. It would be a differentiator for you.

Letting travelers know about the bento boxes and grab-and-go foods is a plus. I was so impressed by them and that info should be shared with every traveler, especially the kiddos.

The Japanese do some things really well and a side list of them might be helpful for tours. For example, we stopped for some anime magazines, kitchen knives, street food, and a baseball game, baths, and hot springs. I'd lean into this and provide some lists for people to pick from, especially the kitchen knives.

Explain the concept of luggage forwarding and the approximate costs. It's a uniquely Japanese thing, and it's awesome and affordable, but needs some getting used to.

Google Translate and the app to read the signs (I forgot its name) is a must. Share the links early and often.

I have so many more ideas, but we will start there. I hope it helps.

Reviewed By Matthew F.

Japan Travel Review: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Miyajima, 17-Day Trip...

Zicasso's travel agent was absolutely fantastic! She created a trip of a lifetime! Furthermore, when our plans changed or we needed something, she was there and helped with ease. We would work with her again, and Zicasso, in a heartbeat.

Reviewed By Erica M.

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