As international travel flourishes once again, Japan has emerged as a top destination for travellers seeking both luxury and culture. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, Japan Deluxe Tours promises an experience unlike any other, with exclusive insights and unparalleled comfort. Designed for those who desire more than just a vacation, these tours offer a deep dive into Japan’s rich cultural tapestry, all while ensuring a seamless and luxurious journey. This detailed guide from Designer Journeys delves into what makes Japan Deluxe Tours a perfect option for your next vacation.
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Why Choose a Deluxe Tour in Japan?
Key Features of Japan Deluxe Tours:
Deluxe tours in Japan are designed to offer a seamless and enriching travel experience, combining luxury and convenience with deep cultural immersion. The following features characterize these tours:
- Expert Local Designers: Experience leading tours with guides who are knowledgeable about all the destinations and can offer insights that are not usually available to the typical tourist.
- Exclusive Access: From private visits to Himeji Castle to early morning tea ceremonies without the crowds, deluxe tours often provide access beyond standard offerings.
- Comfortable Transportation: All the transportation is arranged beforehand, from airport transfers to moving between cities via Japan’s famed train system, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Personalised Service: Small group tours give you a more personalized experience, allowing for customization in activities and more interaction with the guide.
Luxury Accommodation
Staying true to its name, Japan Deluxe Tours ensures that every night spent in Japan is comfortable and luxurious. Accommodations are carefully selected based on their quality, location, and cultural authenticity.
Luxury Ryokan (traditional inns) is an awesome experience when visiting Japan.
Types of Accommodation
- Premier Hotels: In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, accommodations are typically five-star hotels located near major attractions and shopping districts. These hotels feature modern amenities, refined service, and fine dining options.
- Traditional Ryokans: Experience traditional Japanese hospitality in ryokans (traditional inns), which often feature tatami floors, futon beds, onsen (hot springs), and kaiseki (multi-course meal) dining. These inns offer a slice of Japanese lifestyle and luxury.
Are you planning a trip to Japan?
Browse our gallery of fully customisable Japan itineraries and connect with one of our expert Local Designers to get you started! Designer Journeys can design your ultimate experience and offers hand-crafted itineraries built by experienced Local Designers who have first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Gourmet Dining Experiences
A pivotal aspect of the Japan Deluxe Tours is the culinary journey that accompanies the visual and experiential exploration of the country. Each meal is an event in itself, featuring ingredients sourced from the region’s best, prepared by chefs skilled in traditional Japanese cooking methods.
Omakase Sushi can bring you incredible food experiences with Japanese cuisine.
Culinary Highlights
- Kaiseki Dinners are traditional multi-course meals akin to Western haute cuisine. They feature seasonal and regional specialities meticulously prepared to represent culinary art and philosophy.
- Sushi and Sashimi Tastings: Visit top-tier sushi restaurants for freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, possibly at one of Tokyo’s famed establishments or even at a local favourite hidden from the typical tourist path.
- Local Specialties: From Fugu in Shimonoseki to Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima, each region’s culinary delights are explored, giving travellers a taste of the local cuisine.
Professional Guides
Japan Deluxe Tours prides itself on providing knowledgeable, bilingual tour guides who provide a rich travel experience and insights beyond the guidebooks.
Guides Expertise
- Cultural Insights: Guides offer extensive knowledge of Japanese culture, history, and traditions and can often provide access to experiences not available to the general public, such as morning sumo practices or private temple tours.
- Language Proficiency: Communication is seamless, as guides are typically fluent in Japanese and English, removing language barriers and making complex cultural nuances accessible.
Comprehensive Service
From the moment of arrival to the day of departure, every logistical aspect of the group tour is meticulously managed to ensure a smooth, enjoyable travel experience without the typical stresses of trip planning.
Services Included
- Meet and Greet: Guests are welcomed at the airport and transferred to their accommodation by private vehicle.
- All-Inclusive Transportation: Whether it’s the bullet train between cities, a private coach for city tours, or even ferry rides to scenic islands like Miyajima, all travel expenses are included and pre-arranged.
- Baggage Handling: Luggage is taken care of between destinations, allowing guests to travel hands-free between locations and fully engage in their daily explorations.
Exclusive Experiences
Japan Deluxe Tours goes beyond standard sightseeing, offering exclusive encounters usually unavailable to the public or requiring special access or relationships the company has nurtured.
The tea ceremonies is one of the must-do cultural activities on your Japan tour.
Unique Opportunities
- Private Tea Ceremonies: Participate in a private tea ceremony in a historic Kyoto tea house.
- Samurai Workshops: Learn about the ancient samurai tradition and practice some basics of samurai swordsmanship in a private dojo.
- Sumo Wrestling Demonstrations: Get a close-up view of sumo wrestling with private demonstrations and explanations of the sport’s deep cultural ties.
Exploring different Tour Options
Japan Deluxe Tours provides a range of themed tours, each customized to suit various durations of stay and tour and group members. Here’s a glimpse of some of their most sought-after tours:
Spring and Summer Tours: Cherry Blossoms and Festivals
Spring Tour: The Blossom Experience
Spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms. Deluxe tours during this season are centred around the spectacular bloom:
- Cherry Blossom Viewing: Visit popular cultural sites like Tokyo Tower, which is surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating picturesque scenes perfect for photography.
- Cultural Experiences: Enjoy a morning tea ceremony in the bamboo forest or stroll through the Koko En historical gardens after visiting Himeji Castle, all during the tour hours.
- Gastronomy: Enjoy traditional-style foods, including savoury-style pancakes and sushi from a conveyor belt or kaiten sushi restaurant, which are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Tokyo Tower surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Summer Tour: Sun and Culture
Summer tours offer a vibrant mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, ideal for a college-age student or a family:
- Historical Visits: Explore Southern Japan’s rich WWII history and visit incredible sites that have shaped Japan.
- Festivals: Experience the energy and excitement of summer festivals, where you can eat street food and enjoy traditional games.
- Natural Beauty: A half-day excursion to the hot springs or a rickshaw ride through historical gardens provides a relaxing contrast to the lively festival atmosphere.
The Rickshaw tour is a fun experience while you are in Japan.
Design your perfect Japan trip today!
Work with your expert local travel designer to customise your itinerary so it is exactly what you want from a Japan trip. Get exclusive experiences, top-rated restaurants, and hotels that fit your interests.
Specialty Tours: Anime, Cuisine, and History
Anime Tour: For the Enthusiast
Japan’s anime scene is not only a modern cultural phenomenon but also a draw for fans worldwide:
- Visit Anime Sites: Tour through Akihabara or visit the Ghibli Museum to see the open-air museum showcasing Japan’s anime history.
- Exclusive Events: Participate in anime conventions or ninja demonstrations, often included in anime deluxe tours.
Walking tourists can go into Akihabara Street for an extensive range of anime merchandise.
Culinary Tour: A Taste of Japan
For those who live to eat, a culinary tour through Japan traditional food, can be a revelation:
- Local Delicacies: From street food tours that allow you to eat any more rice cakes to tasting traditional Japanese cuisines like sushi and ramen, the food experiences are endless.
- Sushi Experience: Learn how to make sushi in a kaiten sushi restaurant and understand the subtleties of this culinary art.
Historical Tour: A Journey Through Time
Delve into Japan’s past with a tour focused on historical sites and events:
- Educational Visits: Group visits to significant WWII sites or ancient temples are often guided by experts with deep knowledge of the subject.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience traditional practices such as tea ceremonies or traditional games that provide insight into Japan’s rich heritage.
Top 5 Must-Experience Deluxe Tours in Japan
1. 9-Day Authentic Samurai and Sake Experience
Embark on a journey back in time with the 9-day Authentic Samurai and Sake Experience, where the way of the samurai is just a pour away. This tour not only delves into the fierce history of Japan’s warrior class but also offers a taste of its world-renowned sake.
Highlights:
- Tokyo’s Samurai Museum: Explore Japan’s rich samurai history through meticulously preserved armour and weapons.
- Kyoto’s Samurai & Ninja Museum: A hands-on experience where you can dress like a samurai, wield a katana, and learn the ninja arts.
- Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi: Discover the delicate process of sake making and indulge in tastings that highlight regional flavours.
- Cultural Experiences: Participate in a traditional tea ceremony and visit the ancient Nara to see the Daibutsu (Great Buddha).
You can dress like a samurai, wield a katana, and learn the ninja arts.
Experience the seamless blend of culture and luxury as you travel via Shinkansen, stay in top-tier accommodations, and enjoy the personalized services of expert guides.
2. 7-Day Travel to Okinawa – Island Hopping
Okinawa’s islands offer a tropical paradise away from the hustle of Japan’s main cities. This 7-day tour provides a blend of relaxation and cultural immersion, set against the backdrop of stunning beaches and clear blue waters.
Highlights:
- Snorkelling in Kerama Islands: Dive into crystal-clear waters and witness vibrant coral reefs.
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Meet the marine life that inhabits the waters around Japan, including the majestic whale shark.
- Historic Naha and Shuri Castle: Walk through the remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom that offer insights into a unique culture that once thrived in these islands.
Okinawa’s islands offer a tropical paradise away from the hustle of Japan’s main cities.
From luxury stays to expert guides who bring the history of these islands to life, every detail is crafted for comfort and style.
Learn more about this tropical escape
3. 5-Day Japanese Cultural Trip
This compact tour is designed for those who wish to dive deep into Japan’s culture but have limited time. Spanning Tokyo and Kyoto, it offers iconic experiences that define Japan.
Highlights:
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Sushi Making: Start your day with a tour of the famed market, followed by a sushi-making workshop.
- Asakusa and Sensoji Temple: Discover the old-world charm of Tokyo’s historic district.
- Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Be enchanted by the gold-leaf-covered pavilion and walk through the mesmerizing bamboo grove.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Torii Gates: A path lined with thousands of red torii gates, providing one of Kyoto’s most famous sights.
This trip is for those who wish to dive deep into Japan’s culture but have limited time.
Luxury accommodations and knowledgeable local guides enhance this cultural voyage, making it a top pick for luxury travellers.
Discover the cultural depths of Japan
4. 2-Week Japan Itinerary
For those who do not want to miss anything, this 2-week itinerary covers the length and breadth of Japan, from Hiroshima’s peace memorials to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.
Highlights:
- Hiroshima and Miyajima: Visit Peace Memorial Park and marvel at the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
- Kyoto’s Cultural Heritage: Temples, shrines, and traditional tea houses glimpse Japan’s soul.
- Nara’s Ancient Deer Park: Mingle with friendly deer against the backdrop of historic temples.
- Tokyo’s Modern Wonders: From Shibuya’s scramble crossing to Akihabara’s electronic town, experience the vibrant city life.
This 2-week itinerary covers the country’s modern scene and history.
This tour epitomises the deluxe travel ethos, featuring luxury ryokans, exclusive experiences, and an all-encompassing route that ensures you experience all facets of Japanese culture.
See the comprehensive two-week itinerary
5. 4-Day Samurai Craft Japanese Tour
This specialized 4-day tour offers an in-depth exploration of the revered samurai culture through its most famous symbol: the samurai sword. In the next tour to the city of Seki, known for its centuries-old blade-making tradition, participants will not only witness a master swordsmith at work but also craft their own knife as a keepsake.
Highlights:
- Swordsmithing in Seki: Visit a traditional forge to see how Japan’s finest blades are crafted.
- DIY Knife Making: Join a workshop and make your own Japanese-style knife with the help of a seasoned craftsman.
- Samurai Armor Workshop in Tokyo: Learn about the various components of samurai armour and their historical context.
The 4-day Samurai Craft tour offers an in-depth exploration of the revered samurai culture.
The tour combines cultural immersion with hands-on activities, making it perfect for history buffs and craft enthusiasts alike, all while enjoying the comfort of deluxe accommodations and expert guidance.
Explore the art of samurai craftsmanship
Planning Your Deluxe Tour
Choosing the Right Package
When selecting a tour package, consider the following:
- Tour Duration and Scope: Whether it’s a comprehensive two-week tour or a specific half-day excursion, understand what each tour package offers.
- Group Size: Small group tours versus large tour groups can compel different experiences, particularly regarding access and interaction with the guide.
- Free Time: Some travellers appreciate having free days or free time within the tour to explore on their own or relax.
Plan everything for the best experience in Japan.
What to Expect
- Preparation: Most tour companies will provide detailed itineraries and packing lists before your trip.
- During the Tour: Expect early mornings and full days. Each day could start with a breakfast buffet and include various attractions, guided tours, and some free time.
- Tour Guides: The role of the tour guide is crucial. They enhance the travel experience by sharing detailed information about the sites and managing all logistical details, making the trip hassle-free.
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Japan Deluxe Tours provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Japan through a lens of luxury, convenience, and enrichment. Whether you’re gazing at the serene beauty of Mount Fuji, wandering through the historical streets of Kyoto, or indulging in the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo, these tours promise a journey that’s as seamless as it is memorable. Ready to explore Japan in deluxe style? Pack your bags and prepare for an exquisite adventure that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.
