Historical Tours & Trips in Japan
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10 best Historical Japan tour packages
Compiled by
SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of Japan - 7 Days
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
- Ancient & Modern Japan
- Japan Classic 14 Day - One Life Adventures
- 9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)
- 14 Days Japan Panoramic
- Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
- Highlights of Japan with Hiroshima 2025
- Japan Share a Trip
- Discover Japan
Highlights of Japan - 7 Days
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Tokyo/Osaka Tour from June 8-14,2023 was an awesome experience. Very professional and knowledgeable.”
Socrates, traveled in June
Ancient Sensoji Temple and 16th-century Osaka Castle stand as monuments to Japan's architectural brilliance. The historic Fushimi Inari Shrine, golden Kinkakuji Temple, and traditional Iga-ryu Ninja Museum illuminate stories of samurai and shogunate legacy.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Hamamatsu, Osaka, Kyoto Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Tomato Travel From
- NZ$2,238+$213 upfront costs
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
122 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was incredible, and the views were breathtaking.”
Judi, traveled in March
Ancient temples of Mount Koya, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Nijo Castle, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial tell Japan's compelling story. The floating Torii Gate of Miyajima and Fushimi Inari shrine showcase spiritual heritage, while traditional lodgings immerse visitors in local customs.
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone, Fuji, Tokyo Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $5,899
25% Off- NZ$4,424You save $1,474
Ancient & Modern Japan
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The balance between urban and more rural life was excellent as was the travel on local transit and the free time to explore on our own.”
Gillian, traveled in January
Rich history comes alive at Nijo Castle and Matsumoto's Black Crow fortress. The samurai district of Nagamachi in Kanazawa and Hiroshima's powerful Peace Memorial Museum tell tales of Japan's past. Traditional ryokans offer authentic Japanese culture.
Duration 14 days Destinations Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Takayama, Tsumago, Matsumoto, Nagano, Tokyo, NikkoSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $9,559
5% Off- NZ$9,120You save $439
Japan Classic 14 Day - One Life Adventures
786 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The agenda was packed and we saw many different parts of Japan. The sushi making class was one of the highlights.”
Sarah, traveled in March
Historical landmarks unfold from Tokyo's Senso-ji Temple to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. Kyoto's ancient Gion district, traditional temples, and samurai arts through Kendo classes feature local guides sharing authentic cultural insights.
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator One Life Adventures From
5% Off- NZ$5,006
9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 11 day Stunning Tour to Japan was exciting, educational and just the right length to see a little bit of everything.”
The 1200-year-old Todaiji Temple stands as a testament to Japan's Buddhist legacy, while Kasuga Taisha shrine and Naraijuku post town preserve ancient ways. The gleaming Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and Toyota Commemorative Museum chart the nation's evolution from medieval to modern times.
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Nagoya, Nagano, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Stunning Tours From $8,840
50% Off- NZ$4,420You save $4,420
14 Days Japan Panoramic
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Japan is such a beautiful country. All the hotels on the tour were well-selected.”
Maria, traveled in November
Ancient temples of Kiyomizu-dera and Meiji Shrine stand alongside UNESCO treasures like Shirakawa-go's historic farmhouses and Himeji Castle. The moving Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima completes this historical narrative across 11 historic cities.
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Nagano, Takayama, Shirakawa, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima, OsakaSee all destinations Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Stunning Tours From $10,676
50% Off- NZ$5,338You save $5,338
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My expectations for the tour was exceeded. I had a really good time.”
Christa, traveled in June
Rich heritage awaits at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, the preserved old town in Takayama, and ancient temples like Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Traditional accommodations and samurai culture bring history to life.
Duration 6 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,159
25% Off- NZ$1,619You save $539
The medieval Himeji Castle and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park stand as testament to Japan's complex history. The ancient Sensoji Temple in Tokyo and 16th-century Osaka Castle reveal their stories through expert historical commentary.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Hamamatsu, Osaka, Kyoto Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Tomato Travel From
25% Off- NZ$3,091+$319 upfront costs
The magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji temple showcase Japan's architectural mastery. The ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara reveal their secrets through expert commentary, featuring the impressive Todaiji Temple and traditional Gion district.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
25% Off- NZ$3,836
Discover Japan
64 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itineraries are well thought out and include many activities that showcase what the country has to offer.”
Heidi, traveled in October
The magnificent Nijo Castle, Nagamachi Samurai District, and Hiroshima Peace Park chronicle Japan's fascinating history. Takayama's preserved old town, Kyoto's imperial sites, and ancient temples reveal feudal stories through expert guides.
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fuji, Kawaguchiko Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $8,719
35% Off- NZ$5,667You save $3,051
What people love about Historical Tours in Japan
Fabulous TT...Sam our guide was very knowledgeable and professional along with our driver Kita San. 16 people on the tour is perfect number. Itinerary gave us time at each destination to explore and enjoy at our leisure. Would definitely use TT again in the future
Highlights of Japan - 7 Days
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
I took the "Japan Express" 9-day tour with G Adventures with my mother in May 2016, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely! Our tour guide, Takae Suzuki, was an absolute gem - extremely generous with her time, a great sense of fun, enthusiasm for showcasing the best her country has to offer, and flexible if fellow travellers wanted to separate from the group to do their own thing. I would recommend this tour for those short on time in Japan, to have the expertise of a local at their disposal. I also like the small group size of G Adventures tours.
- Ancient & Modern Japan
My tour of Japan for 16 days was all and more than I expected. Communications was excellent, coordination and actual program was wonderful. Our tour guide was not only personable, but professional, competent, and very supportive.
What our customers ask about Historical Tours & Trips in Japan
What are the must-see historical sites on a Japan tour?
Japan's key historical landmarks center around Kyoto where you'll find the gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji and the vermillion gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. The white-walled Himeji Castle stands as the country's finest medieval fortress while Nara's Todaiji Temple houses one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Kyoto has thousands of temples and shrines including the spectacular golden Kinkaku-ji Ryoanji with its Zen garden and the popular Kiyomizu-dera." Most tours base visitors at central locations like the Hotel Granvia Kyoto which puts these historic sites within easy reach.
What historical experiences are unique to Japan tours?
Beyond standard sightseeing Japan offers overnight stays in working Buddhist temples in Koyasan where visitors join morning prayers. In Kyoto travelers can take part in traditional tea ceremonies and spot geiko (geisha) hurrying through the lantern-lit streets of Gion. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The overnight stay at Mount Koya temple and morning prayer experience provided an unforgettable glimpse into Japan's Buddhist history."
How much time should I allocate for Historical sites in Kyoto?
Set aside 3-4 days minimum to properly explore Kyoto's temples shrines and historic districts. One TourRadar traveler mentioned "We spent three days in Kyoto and could have easily spent more time exploring its 1600 temples and historical districts." Major sites like Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle need about half a day each. Most visitors choose the well-located Miyako Kyoto Hachijyo hotel as their base.
What kind of Historical accommodations are included in these tours?
Tour accommodations mix modern hotels with traditional ryokans (Japanese inns). The historic Senjukaku Ryokan in Nagano lets guests sleep on futons and soak in communal baths. In Kyoto the Okura Hotel sits near the preserved streets of Gion. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The ryokan experience was incredible - sleeping on traditional futons and enjoying a historical building that's been welcoming guests for generations."
What Historical areas are best explored during free time?
Free time presents opportunities to wander Kyoto's atmospheric Gion district with its wooden machiya houses or discover Tokyo's old-world Yanaka neighborhood. The Comfort Hotel Kyoto puts guests within walking distance of numerous temples. One TourRadar traveler recommended: "Use free time to explore Kyoto's back streets around Ninenzaka where you'll find hidden temples and get a real sense of historical Japan."
What Historical sites are accessible from Tokyo?
Day trips from Tokyo reach the 13th-century Great Buddha statue in Kamakura the Edo-Tokyo Museum and Nikko's gold-covered shrines. A TourRadar traveler noted "Using Tokyo as a base at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel we could easily day-trip to numerous historical sites." Most locations sit within a 1-2 hour train ride from central Tokyo.
What's the recommended duration for a comprehensive Historical tour of Japan?
A complete historical tour requires 10-14 days to cover Japan's major sites. TourRadar data shows most cultural tours run 9-14 days visiting key locations in Tokyo Kyoto Osaka and Hiroshima. One traveler noted "Our 14-day tour allowed enough time to really appreciate the historical depth of each location while staying at excellent hotels like the Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre."
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