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Japanese Cultural Experiences: Point of Interest Map
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Japanese Cultural Experiences Vacation Packages


The Japanese cultural experience is as alluring as it is unique. There are so many experiences you can enjoy that are unique to Japan, such as attending a kabuki or bunraku theatre performance, being a spectator at a sumo wrestling match, watching geishas and apprentices administer the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, attending a popular traditional festival, or getting your fill of Japanese pop culture every way you can get it -- from anime to Hello Kitty to maid cafes.

Best Vacation Packages:

Culturally Significant Cities


See Culturally Significant Cities

Major Islands of Japan

  • Honshu

    Honshu is the largest of the four main Japanese islands, where over 100 million people live. Historic castles and temples, traditional districts with geishas, skyscrapers and neon lights, relaxing hot springs, and nature scenes are all experiences you can enjoy while on Honshu.

  • Hokkaido

    Hokkaido is one of Japan`s best-kept secrets. The northernmost of Japan`s four major islands, it is very sparsely-populated and geographically diverse. The most agricultural part of Japan, Hokkaido is considered `Japan`s breadbasket`.

  • Kyushu

    Kyushu is the westernmost of Japan`s four major islands, and is well-known for its outdoor vacation experiences and gorgeous landscapes. One of Japan`s geothermal hot spots, Kyushu is dotted by a number of hot springs and even more volcanoes.

  • Shikoku

    Shikoku is the smallest of the four main Japanese islands, separated from Honshu by the Inland Sea. It is perhaps best-known to tourists for its 88-temple Buddhist pilgrimage route, which runs for 895 miles adjacent to Shikoku`s coastline.

  • Okinawa and South West Islands

    The islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago, like Okinawa, Miyakojima, and the Yaeyama Islands, are known for their rich history and culture; beautiful beaches and cliffsides; outdoor activities like kayaking and ziplining; and an all-around laid-back atmosphere.

See All Major Islands of Japan

More to Explore

  • Japanese Castles

    Japan is particularly well-known for its castles. Today there are over 100 open to the public. From Hokkaido to Okinawa, the castles of Japan educate visitors on what life was like during the late feudal and early Tokugawa shogunate eras.

  • Beaches and Islands of Japan

    Many people think of four major islands when they think of Japan, but as one of the largest island countries in the world, there are hundreds of inhabited islands that offer some of Asia`s most fabulous beaches, from Hokkaido down to the Ryukyu Islands.

  • Temples and Shrines of Japan

    There are tens of thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines across Japan, and they can be found even in the remotest towns and villages. One of the most accessible ways to learn about Japanese culture and customs is to visit a temple or shrine.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

  • Tokyo and Hokkaido Island with Rail Pass (Sapporo - Otaru - Noboribetsu - Hakodate)
    9 nights from $2,045*
  • Discover Japan, main capital and the gorgeous northernmost island of Hokkaido with this holiday package, that combine a flight and Rail Pass for an unforgettable experience. Start, enjoying pleasant moments in Tokyo; after that, catch a flight to Sapporo (the capital of Hokkaido). From here, combine with a Rail Pass and visit amazing cities along Hokkaido Island; such as: Otaru (a small harbor city, about half an hour northwest of Sapporo, known for its old buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries); Noboribetsu (is Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort, with many types of hot spring water surfaces in the spectacular Jigokudani or "Hell Valley" just above the resort town); and Hakodate (located at the island's southern tip, is best known for the spectacular views to be enjoyed from Mount Hakodate and its delicious, fresh seafood). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
    • Flight from Tokyo to Sapporo
    • Bullet Train - Japan Rail Pass
    • High-speed bullet train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - 7 Days)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Sapporo
    • Train from Sapporo to Otaru: Go to Sapporo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Otaru train station. Journey takes approx. 35 Min.
    • Hotel for 1 night in Otaru
    • Train from Otaru to Noboribetsu: Go to Otaru train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Noboribetsu train station. Journey takes approx. 130 Min.
    • Hotel for 1 night in Noboribetsu
    • Train from Noboribetsu to Hakodate: Go to Noboribetsu train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Hakodate train station. Journey takes approx. 150 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Hakodate


  • Tokyo - Kyoto - Wakayama - Osaka - Okinawa
    10 nights from $2,005*
  • Combine Tokyo (Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis, also home to the Imperial Palace and the seat of Government and Parliament), Kyoto (a city with amazing and historic Buddhist temples and shrines, many dating back more than a millennium. It's also a great place to sample all the main classics of Japanese cuisine, the tofu, the kaiseki cuisine and its Buddhist vegetarian fare), Wakayama , Osaka (known as the “Nation's Kitchen,” and its well known for delicious foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki) and Okinawa with the Rail Pass and a flight. This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • High-speed bullet train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - 7 Days)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Kyoto: Go to Tokyo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kyoto train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 138 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kyoto
    • Train from Kyoto to Wakayama: Go to Kyoto train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Wakayama train station. Journey takes approx. 140 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Wakayama
    • Train from Wakayama to Osaka: Go to Wakayama train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Osaka train station. Journey takes approx. 100 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Osaka
    • Flight from Osaka to Okinawa
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Osaka


  • Tokyo - Kyoto - Hakone with Rail Pass
    7 nights from $2,287*
  • Beautiful Japan!! Combine Tokyo (Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis, also home to the Imperial Palace and the seat of Government and Parliament. One of the world's most modern cities in terms of its infrastructure and design. It is famous for their amazing history, Mt. Fuji, unrivaled technology and Samurais), Kyoto and Hakone ( in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park west of Tokyo, is a mountainous town known for its hot springs resorts (onsen) and views of the iconic volcano Mount Fuji) with rail. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • High-speed train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - bullet train)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel. (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Kyoto: Go to Tokyo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kyoto train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 140 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kyoto
    • Train from Kyoto to Odawara (via Itami) operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Odawara station to connect to Hakone. Journey takes approx. 124 min

    • NOT INCLUDED
      Train Odawara to Hakone operated by Hakone Tozan Railway (Not covered by Japan Rail Pass network) Approx. fare USD $5. Tickets payable at the ticket gate. Duration depends on Hotel location.
      Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto Station - 14 minutes
      Odawara to Hakone-Miyanoshita Station — 39 minutes
      Odawara to Hakone-Kowakudani Station — 44 minutes

    • Hotel for 2 nights in Hakone
    • Train from Odawara to Tokyo operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Odawara station to connect to Hakone. Journey takes approx. 35 min
    • Hotel for 1 night in Tokyo


  • Tokyo - Nagoya - Kyoto - Hiroshima by Train
    9 nights from $2,007*
  • An unforgettable holiday in Japan. Combine Tokyo (Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis, also home to the Imperial Palace and the seat of Government and Parliament. One of the world's most modern cities in terms of its infrastructure and design. It is famous for their amazing history, Mt. Fuji, unrivaled technology and Samurais), Nagoya, Kyoto and Hiroshima (a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event) by train. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Nagoya
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Nagoya
    • Train from Nagoya to Kyoto
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kyoto
    • Train from Kyoto to Hiroshima
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Hiroshima


  • Tokyo - Kyoto - Wakayama - Osaka with Rail Pass
    8 nights from $1,968*
  • Explore the beautiful Japan! Combine Tokyo (Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis, also home to the Imperial Palace and the seat of Government and Parliament. One of the world's most modern cities in terms of its infrastructure and design. It is famous for their amazing history, Mt. Fuji, unrivaled technology and Samurais), Kyoto, Wakayama and Osaka (Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, known as the “Nation's Kitchen,” and its well known for delicious foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyak. Osaka its also a historical site, with the Osaka Castle as an example as well as its beautiful grounds, specially during cherry blossom season) using the bullet train. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Bullet Train - Japan Rail Pass
    • High-speed bullet train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - 7 Days)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel. (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Kyoto: Go to Tokyo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kyoto train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 138 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kyoto
    • Train from Kyoto to Wakayama: Go to Kyoto train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Wakayama train station. Journey takes approx. 140 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Wakayama
    • Train from Wakayama to Osaka: Go to Wakayama train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Osaka train station. Journey takes approx. 100 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Osaka


  • Tokyo and Hakone with Rail Pass
    6 nights from $1,669*
  • Combine Tokyo (Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis, also home to the Imperial Palace and the seat of Government and Parliament. One of the world's most modern cities in terms of its infrastructure and design. It is famous for their amazing history, Mt. Fuji, unrivaled technology and Samurais) and Hakone with the Rail Pass. This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Flight in and out of Tokyo
    • High-speed train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - bullet train)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel. (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Hakone operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Odawara station to connect to Hakone. Journey takes approx. 40 min
    • NOT INCLUDED
      Train Odawara to Hakone operated by Hakone Tozan Railway (Not covered by Japan Rail Pass network) Approx. fare USD $5. Tickets payable at the ticket gate. Duration depends on Hotel location.
      Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto Station - 14 minutes
      Odawara to Hakone-Miyanoshita Station — 39 minutes
      Odawara to Hakone-Kowakudani Station — 44 minutes
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Hakone
    • Train from Hakone to Tokyo operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Hakone station to connect to Odawara Station. Journey takes approx. 35 min
    • Hotel for 1 night in Tokyo


  • Kanto - Chubu - Chugoku with Rail Pass (Tokyo - Hakone - Shizouka - Hiroshima)
    10 nights from $2,222*
  • Exiting Japan! Combine Tokyo (the center of Japan. This beautiful city actually has an unbelievable amount of restaurants, beautiful gardens and its full of fascinating museums and galleries), before continuing to Hakone, Shizuoka, Nagoya and finally Hiroshima (a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event). Combine these destinations by rail to experience the culture and natural beauty of Japan. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • High-speed train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - bullet train)
    • 14 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Hakone operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Odawara station to connect to Hakone. Journey takes approx. 40 min
    • NOT INCLUDED
    • Train Odawara to Hakone operated by Hakone Tozan Railway (Not covered by Japan Rail Pass network) Approx. fare USD $5. Tickets payable at the ticket gate. Duration depends on Hotel location.
    • Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto Station - 14 minutes
    • Odawara to Hakone-Miyanoshita Station — 39 minutes
    • Odawara to Hakone-Kowakudani Station — 44 minutes
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Hakone
    • Train from Hakone to Shizuoka operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Hakone station to connect to Shizuoka Station. Journey takes approx. 45 min
    • Hotel for 2 night in Shizuoka
    • Train from Shizuoka to Nagoya operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Shizuoka station to connect to Nagoya Station. Journey takes approx. 55 min
    • Hotel for 2 night in Nagoya
    • Train from Nagoya to Hiroshima operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Nagoya station to connect to Hiroshima Station. Journey takes approx. 35 min
    • Hotel for 2 night in Hiroshima


  • Kanto and Chubu with Rail Pass (Tokyo - Yokohama - Hamamatsu - Nagoya - Toyama)
    9 nights from $1,974*
  • Greatest population with large industrial zone and amazing high rugged mountains, you will discover with this package along these two Japan's areas with a Rail Pass. In Kanto Region, visit Tokyo and Yokohama (famous for its abundant sightseeing spots, entertainment complex with shopping malls, an amusement park and movie theaters). After that, explore, Chubu Region with fantastic stays in Hamamatsu (famous flower producing area, and for its manufacturing musical instruments and motorcycles); Nagoya (important transportation hub, industrial powerhouses; center of the automotive industry in Japan); and Toyama (a coastal city on Japan’s main island, Honshu. In the center, Toyama Castle Park has a restored castle dating to the 1500s, plus small museums of history and art). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Bullet Train - Japan Rail Pass
    • High-speed bullet train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - 7 Days)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Yokohama: Go to Tokyo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Yokohama train station. Journey takes approx. 25 Min.
    • Hotel for 1 night in Yokohama
    • Train from Yokohama to Hamamatsu Go to Yokohama train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Hamamatsu train station. Journey takes approx. 85 Min.
    • Hotel for 1 night in Hamamatsu
    • Train from Hamamatsu to Nagoya: Go to Hamamatsu train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Nagoya train station. Journey takes approx. 30 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Nagoya
    • Train from Nagoya to Toyama: Go to Nagoya train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Toyama train station. Journey takes approx. 190 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Toyama


  • Tokyo - Kyoto - Hokkaido Island (Sapporo - Otaru - Niseko)
    10 nights from $2,048*
  • Visit Japan's main cities while as well as to get to experience the beauty Hokkaido Island with the Rail Pass. Begin in the capital city; Tokyo; and then, continue to Kyoto (a city with amazing and historic buddhist temples and shrines, many dating back more than a millennium). After that, catch a flight to Hokkaido Island, starting in Sapporo (known for its winter themes attractions such as a winter festival as well as some stunning ski resorts on the outskirts of Sapporo); and from then, with the Rail Pass connect; Otaru (known for its old buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries); with Niseko (is the largest ski resort in Hokkaido Japan, famous worldwide for its powder snow with an average snow fall of over 14 meters and has some of the driest and lightest snow in the world). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Bullet Train - Japan Rail Pass
    • High-speed bullet train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - 7 Days)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Kyoto: Go to Tokyo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kyoto train station. Journey takes approx. 140 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kyoto
    • Flight from Kyoto (Osaka Airport) to Sapporo
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Sapporo
    • Train from Sapporo to Otaru: Go to Sapporo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Otaru train station. Journey takes approx. 35 Min.
    • Hotel for 1 night in Otaru
    • Train from Otaru to Niseko: Go to Otaru train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Niseko train station. Journey takes approx. 125 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Niseko
    • Train from Niseko to Sapporo Airport: Go to Niseko train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Sapporo station.** YOU MUST TAKE A BUS FROM SAPPORO STATION TO AIRPORT** Journey takes approx. 145 Min.


  • Tokyo - Sapporo - Okinawa by Air
    More details
  • Combine Tokyo (Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis, also home to the Imperial Palace and the seat of Government and Parliament. One of the world's most modern cities in terms of its infrastructure and design. It is famous for their amazing history, Mt. Fuji, unrivaled technology and Samurais) , Sapporo and Okinawa with flights between cities. This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
    • Flight from Tokyo to Sapporo
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Sapporo
    • Flight from Sapporo to Okinawa
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Okinawa


  • Tokyo to Kyoto via Japanese Alps with Rail Pass (Kanazawa - Takayama)
    8 nights from $1,529*
  • Cities of Tradition!!!... Fly into Tokyo, Japan's most lively capital, which mixes the ultramodern with the traditional, featuring neon-lit skyscrapers and anime shops to cherry trees and temples. This city is famed for its vibrant food scene, and its trendy and fashion districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. Next is Kanazawa, a magical place that features the Tera-Machi, where 70 temples are gathered together, and also the Kenroku-en Garden. Up next, get on the famous bullet train and go to Takayama, a picturesque town that houses three of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. Then take the train to Kyoto, known as the City of the Ten Thousand Shrines for a reason, since it holds about a quarter of Japan's National Treasures and popular festivals. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Flight into Tokyo and out of Osaka
    • High-speed bullet train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - 7 Days)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel. (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Kanazawa: Go to Tokyo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kanazawa train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 154 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kanazawa
    • Train from Kanazawa to Takayama (via Toyama): Go to Kanazawa train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Takayama train station. Route operated by Shinkansen with one stop in Toyama to connect with JR Hida Limited Express Train to Takayama. Journey takes approx. 120 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Takayama
    • Train from Takayama to Kyoto (via Nagoya): Go to Takayama train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kyoto train station. This route is operated by JR Hida Limited Express and Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 200 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kyoto
    • Train from Kyoto to Osaka Airport: Go to Kyoto train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Osaka station.** YOU MUST TAKE A BUS FROM OSAKA STATION TO AIRPORT** Journey takes approx. 70 Min.


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Additional Experiences & Adventures

  • Japanese Cuisine

    Japanese cuisine is one of the world`s most popular cuisines, and definitely one of the most delicious. You will find certain regions are cities are known for the best of the best of certain Japanese delicacies and staples.

  • Japan`s Ryokan and Onsen

    The most authentically Japanese accommodations that are offered are called ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn. Many ryokan also have onsen, a blissful and uniquely Japanese spin on the thermal spring.

  • Honeymoon in Japan

    Experiencing the beauty and culture of Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and many travelers decide to make their trips even more special by choosing Japan as their honeymoon destination. Japan is a great country to experience as a couple.

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