Top Japan How to Get Around - page 5

The ideal introduction for first-time visitors, this half-day, small-group walking tour of Nara covers a mix of must-see and under-the-radar sights. Enter a historic merchant’s house, discover a hidden Japanese pyramid, and visit the iconic shrines of the temple complex—with plenty of time to interact with Nara’s resident deer. A tasty lunch and admission tickets to all shrines are included.

Kobe, known for its rolling hills and world-famous beef, is a charming city that’s best explored by walking. On this private tour, visit only the sites that interest you after you customize your itinerary. Rest easy knowing that your guide is also government-licensed, guaranteeing that they have a comprehensive knowledge of Japanese culture and history.

Discover both the traditional and modern sides of the ancient Japanese city of Nara. This private tour allows you customize your itinerary to your own interests. Soak in the history and culture of this 8th-century capital of Japan. Select which places you want to see, from Nara Park (inhabited by deer) and Mt. Wakakusa to Todai-ji Temple with its Giant Buddha and the Nara National Museum.

If you are new to the city and don't speak Japanese, finding Tokyo's best bars (with the signs written in kanji) can be tricky. This small-group guided nighttime tour of Shibuya takes you to multiple izakaya-style bars that you'd be unlikely to find alone. Enjoy multiple handpicked drinks—including all-you-can-drink at one venue—and local dishes along the way, which equate to a full meal, while you soak up the local atmosphere.

Discover Kanazawa on a private, fully customizable half-day tour tailored to your interests and led by a passionate local host. Explore highlights like Kenrokuen Garden, the Samurai District, and Higashi Chaya, while uncovering hidden gems and hearing personal stories and cultural insights. With flexible start times and a bespoke itinerary, this immersive experience is perfect for first-time visitors or those seeking a deeper connection with the city.

Tokyo's most interesting neighborhoods are often found away from the main sightseeing routes—but navigating the city's back streets and riverside paths independently, without local knowledge of which areas are worth exploring, takes more time than most visitors have to spare. This small-group cycling tour covers those lesser-visited areas on two wheels, with a guide leading the way through routes that avoid the main tourist corridors.

Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity. Discover the history and resilience of Hiroshima with a knowledgeable local guide. Begin at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where you’ll learn about the atomic bombing and how the people of Hiroshima rebuilt their lives afterward. Next, visit the Orizuru Tower observatory for a panoramic view of modern Hiroshima, offering a powerful contrast between past and present. Enjoy lunch with your guide while reflecting on the city’s journey, then walk to see the Aogiri tree and the Atomic Bomb Dome, symbols of survival and peace. This small-group tour is operated by Magical Trip, a trusted local company recognized with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, offering meaningful experiences throughout Japan.

Explore Tokyo on two wheels on this small-group bicycle tour. Pedal through the city streets at a slower pace than on a big bus tour and access places that bigger vehicles cannot reach. As you cycle to such landmarks as the Meiji-Jingu Shrine and Imperial Palace, your guide will fill you in on all the important historical and cultural background.

Spend half a day exploring beautiful Miyajima Island while learning all about its cultural and historic significance from your private guide. Reach the island on the ferry and enjoy the views of red-gated Itsukushima Shrine as you approach land. Visit the beloved shrine, and you can choose to visit other attractions on the island according to your interests.

Explore Nagasaki your own way on this private walking tour that is fully customized to your interests and preferences. You can 3-4 sites to visit from a long list of attractions. As you discover Nagasaki, your guide will fill you in on the fascinating history of this Japanese city that is best-known for suffering a nuclear attack during World War II.

Explore Kamakura’s spiritual and natural heritage without worrying about logistics on this private guided walking tour. Visit hiking trails, ancient temples like Jochiji and Hasedera, admire the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, and enjoy seaside views. This personalized tour highlights Japan’s rich religious traditions and natural beauty.

Experience the life of a samurai in an actual feudal castle in Matsumoto, Japan! Matsumoto Castle is a designated “National Treasure” thanks to its well preserved historic structure. We’ll get a chance to step inside to learn about the life of the samurai lords who lived here, the castle’s defensive strategies and the history of the city. Afterwards, get a hands-on sword fighting lesson with your own hand-picked sword and samurai outfit.

Tour two of Japan’s most famous markets in one tour today, Toyosu and Tsukiji, all with a licensed guide who knows their stuff. You’ll experience food culture like a local does, buying and sampling the freshest fish in the country. Your guide will help you navigate the market, which can be daunting if you’re on your own.

Make the most of your time in Himeji with a private half-day tour. Save time and hassle by picking 2-3 sites that most interest you: there’s no need to wander around places that don’t appeal to you. As well as Himeji’s famous castle–often said to be the most beautiful in Japan–you can also choose to visit a sake distillery, shrines and temples, and the Museum of Literature, among other attractions.

Discover the city of Takayama your own way by booking this private and personalized tour. Enjoy the flexibility of creating your own customized itinerary to ensure that you only spend time visiting places that you are interested in, such as Sanmachi Suji and Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market. As you explore the city, your private guide will fill you in on all the city's fascinating history and culture.

Discover Japan’s second-largest city as you embark on a walking tour through Osaka. Alongside a private guide, visit the highlights of the city including the Dotombori District, Osaka Castle, Shitenno-Ji Temple, Shinsekai, and Koromon Market. While you explore, your guide provides context on the history and culture of Japan.

If you want to get off the beaten path and explore the non-touristy parts of Tokyo, this is the tour for you. Your licensed guide will take you through some local neighborhoods and down different streets giving you a taste of local life. You can also choose from a list of sites and customize your trip if you like.

If you want to party like they do in Osaka, this bar-hopping tour is perfect for you. Your local guide takes you to traditional Izakaya bars that only locals know. If you don’t speak Japanese, don’t let language barriers get in your way. Your guide helps to explain the menus, and order unique, local dishes and drinks for you. Enjoy enough drinks and food to make up a full meal; vegetarians and vegans can also be accommodated.

Combine the cultural delights and delectable bites of Tokyo on this food-focused evening walking tour. Delve into the culinary scene of the city by visiting several bars and restaurants popular with locals. Sample traditional snacks, from grilled skewers to sake, with your local guide on hand to translate menus and interpret. Deepen your knowledge of Japanese cuisine and enjoy a fun evening out in Tokyo.

Experience the highlights of the Fujikawaguchiko area on a convenient private three-hour tour. Instead of wasting time trying to get between sites of interest, simplify the process by going with an English-speaking driver. Visit beautiful and interesting places like the Hahanoshirataki Waterfall, Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine, the Saiko Bat Cave, and more. This is a great way to make the most of a short time around Mount Fuji.

If you want to cover more ground than you would on a typical walking tour, a small-group guided cycle tour is ideal. Venture off the main roads of central Tokyo without the risk of getting lost when you go with a guide. Over a few hours, cycle to some hidden highlights that many travelers miss. Get some exercise while seeing the sights and learning more about the Japanese capital.

Get more from exploring the Asakusa region of Tokyo’s food scene by prebooking this Asakusa Food Crawl Tour from Taito City. This food tour takes you to the non-touristy part of Asakusa to avoid the crowds and garner a more authentic culinary experience. Plus, this tour is a great way for you to gain a greater appreciation for the history and culture of the area.

Explore the Yanaka Ginza area of Tokyo on a walking tour led by an engaging local guide. See places in this old town part of Tokyo that most visitors miss, and get a feel for daily life in the quieter districts of Tokyo. Sample some Japanese street food, learn about Japanese culture, and discover the district's traditions with the benefit of this small-group tour.

Discover hidden hiking routes that you likely wouldn’t find alone on this guided tour near the spectacular Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine—a place known for its bright orange torii gates. Following a guide, venture off paved paths and onto secret forest trails to the famous attraction, passing a natural bamboo forest, and a small shrine that’s off the usual tourist trail. The trip also reveals scenic views of Fushimi-Momoyama Castle.