Are you looking for Japan tours 2026?
We have a number of popular Japan tours available and have recently added 2026 departures to three of them.
Japan Tours 2026 – Classic Japan (19 days)
Tokyo – Mt. Fuji – Hakone – Kanazawa – Takayama – Shirakawa – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Nagasaki – Naha – Tokyo
From the tranquil temples of Kyoto and the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historical beauty of Nagasaki and the tropical allure of Okinawa, this masterfully crafted Japan tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and natural wonder, including the iconic Mt. Fuji and the poignant history of Hiroshima. Conducted by expert guides, this premium small-group Japan tour is your quintessential introduction to the ancient Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan Tours 2026 – Best of Japan (14 days)
Tokyo – Mt. Fuji – Hakone – Kanazawa – Takayama – Shirakawa-go – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Tokyo
With a focus on history and culture, this premium small-group Japan tour showcases the best of the Land of the Rising Sun. From the present capital of Tokyo to the former imperial seat of Kyoto, Japan’s illustrious blend of ancient traditions with state-of-the-art modernity is on full display.
Japan Tours 2026 – Essential Japan (12 days)
Tokyo – Mt. Fuji – Hakone – Kanazawa – Takayama – Shirakawa – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka
Join us on this exquisite small-group Japan tour through the heart of Japan, where ancient traditions gracefully dance alongside the vibrant rhythm of modernity. In dynamic Tokyo and Osaka, neon lights and bustling energy of urban life pulse with the beat of contemporary Japan. As we wander through the poetic streets of Kyoto, where cherry blossoms and autumn leaves whisper tales of ancient elegance, we find ourselves embraced by the essence of a bygone era. And then there is the ancient capital of Nara, where sacred deer roam freely. Chances are, until now, you haven’t heard much about romantic Kanazawa and the mountain town called Takayama. Now is time to go find out why they are becoming so popular among overseas visitors.
Best Time to Visit Japan
Climatic patterns in Japan are diverse ranging from subtropical islands in the south to sub-arctic winter temperatures in northern Hokkaido.
Like neighbouring Korean Peninsula and most of China, Honshu (literally “Main Island” or “Main Province”), the island we travel across, has cool and cold weather in winter (Jan-Mar). June and July is rainy season across Japan except Hokkaido – a popular destination for Japanese to escape summer heat. Autumn (September to mid-December) is usually cool and clear on Honshu. Cherry blossom season from late March to early April and the autumn foliage season (November) see huge influx of international visitors to join the large number of local vacationers on the move.
If you have a choice, you should stay away from Japan during their Golden Week holiday (end of April to early May) when hotels and air flights get incredibly expensive. For the high prices, you’d be rewarded with overcrowding at all the tourist sites – a phenomenon that rivals China’s National Day holiday week (Oct 1-6).
Winter (Jan-Mar) is supposed to be low season for Japan’s tourism industry, not anymore. The rapid rise of middle class throughout Asia and the decline of the Japanese Yen against so many currencies in the past few years ensure Japan is overrun with international visitors all year round. That said, in winter hotels, the single biggest budget item for many, can be had for less than half of the price of high season.
Best time to See Cherry Blossoms
In general, the milder the climate, the earlier the cherry trees bloom. In subtropical Okinawa you’ll see cherry blossoms opening up as early as January while in Hokkaido you’ll have to wait till May.
In most of the cities on our itineraries, the cherry blossom season lasts from late March to early April for about two weeks. However, in the mountainous areas such as Mt. Fuji and Hakone outside Tokyo, Shirakawa-go near Kanazawa, and Arashiyama on the western edge of Kyoto, cherry blossoms are still abundant in late April due to cooler climate.
You’ll find beautiful cherry blossoms all over the Korean peninsula around the same time when cherry trees bloom on Japan’s Honshu Island.
Best Time for Autumn Foliage Viewing in Japan
This can be as early as mid-October and as late as late early December depending on where you go. If you go to Hokkaido, late September and the entire month of October would be ideal. However, in southwest Japan, you’d better wait till late October or early November.
Guests coming on our Japan tours in early October will get to see beautiful fall colours too. Inside Tokyo and Kyoto, you may have to wait till late October or November for the colours to peak, but at Mt. Fuji & Hakone (included in most of our Japan itineraries) and in Kyoto’s Arashiyama (Storm Mountain, included in all of our Japan itineraries), you’d be delighted by the autumn foliage as early as October. The same is true of Kanazawa and Takayama due to their elevations and proximity to the Sea of Japan which sends lots of cold air to these cities in the fall.
