Top Japan Walking Tours

Go beyond the typical group tour experience and explore Hiroshima with a local guide who is deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the area. This private tour takes you to the city's landmarks including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome; to the tranquil Shukkeien Garden, Miyajima island, and Itsukushima Shrine; as well as some off-the-beaten-path spots known only to locals.

When visiting Osaka, it can be challenging to discover where the locals go to eat and drink. Join some Osaka residents for a night out, and come home feeling like you’ve made new friends. Your personable guides navigate a small group of eight or fewer to the izakayas and backstreet bars of Namba and Shinsaibashi, where you sample local food and drink throughout the evening.

Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district, is packed full of tourists during the day making it difficult to get a sense of the area's culture. Avoid the biggest groups and immerse yourself in Japanese heritage on this small-group walking tour that leads you through the elegant streets after dark, while geisha and maiko make their way to their appointments.

While it’s certainly possible to explore Edo Castle and the Imperial Palace on your own, a guided tour will help you learn much more about each landmark’s historical significance. On this walking tour, discover 2,600 years of Japanese history as you learn about the Emperors that shaped the country, samurai, and the shoguns.

This walking tour offers a relaxed way to explore Tokyo’s royal history alongside its peaceful green spaces. Walk through the Imperial Palace East Gardens while learning about the Imperial family and the former grounds of Edo Castle. With a guide leading the way, you can ask questions, gain deeper context, and notice details you might miss if exploring on your own.

Make the most of your visit to Hiroshima–one of the most historically significant cities in Japan–with a private walking tour. Explore at your own pace without a large group and get a deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture from a local guide. Balance the heavy and moving subject matter at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum with a visit to gardens and a castle.

Shinjuku is the center of Tokyo’s entertainment district, and it’s the place to go for a night out with food and drinks. Spend your evening like a local on this private tour, where you’ll eat favorite foods like okonomiyaki, yakitori, and more. Experience real Tokyo nightlife as you try different kinds of sake, play arcade games, and visit Japanese photo booths. The tour comes with photos to capture your evening.

Swap large group bus tours for a more intimate alternative—a private walking tour of Tokyo’s highlights. The private format means the itinerary is flexible and customizable, so you can get the perfect tour to suit your interests. Potential neighborhoods include Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku, with the possibility of seeing key temples and shrines such as Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Escape the crowds and explore local izakayas with a friendly guide. Food isn’t included, so the tour suits your tastes! Featured on NHK and other TV shows, this trusted tour offers first-time visitors and foodies alike an unforgettable taste of Osaka’s diverse food scene. What You’ll Experience: • Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) – Try Osaka’s signature street food. • Kushikatsu (Deep-Fried Skewers) – meats, veggies, and seafood. • Izakayas – Japanese pub, where you can sample a variety of delicious snacks and drinks. • Sushi/Sashimi - Japan's Soul Food. • Yakitori - Chicken skewers, find your favorite type. • Oden - Japanese Hot Pot. • Okonomiyaki - The famous Japanese Cabage Pancake. • Doteyaki - Osaka underrated food. • Local shops - Skip the tourist spots and enjoy authentic local cuisine in Osaka’s hidden shops. • And much more! Perfect for: • Food lovers exploring Osaka’s street food. • Travelers seeking authentic Japanese flavors. • Adventurous travelers chasing new flavors.

There’s so much to see in Tokyo that it can be tough to know where to start. Instead of exploring aimlessly, on this private full-day tour join a guide who’ll show you a curated selection of the city’s most popular sights. Explore Shibuya Crossing, the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, and more. Note that some attractions may require separate admission.

Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destinations, which means it gets crowded during the day. Dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the ancient Japanese capital on this early-morning, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer, while learning about the long history of this sacred place.

Gain deeper insight into Japanese spirituality and the history of the district on this small-group tour of Meiji Jingu Shrine. With a guide to accompany you, you can learn the symbolism behind Shinto rituals and the traditions that people follow. Visiting with a guide adds context you’d miss alone and the intimate group size encourages questions and meaningful discussion throughout the experience.

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.

Unlock Kyoto's magic with a passionate local host who brings the city to life beyond any guidebook. From iconic temples to hidden gems, your experience is tailored to your pace and interests. Immerse yourself in rich traditions, uncover local secrets, and enjoy spontaneous, unforgettable moments—just like exploring with a friend on a vibrant, culture-filled adventure.

Shinjuku is a foodie’s paradise, but knowing the best spots to eat requires a lot of research. If you want to save time browsing reviews, and make the most of your vacation, then this food tour is a great shout. A guide takes you to four eateries, where you can try 13 dishes—all of which are included for a hassle-free experience.

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.

Experience the Tokyo nightlife just like a local. This small-group experience takes you on a tour of the Shinjuku district's many *izakayas*, informal Japanese watering holes. You'll enjoy a range of classic Japanese dishes at several different izakayas in Golden Gai and Shinjuku, accompanied by drinks, and experience Shinjuku at its most atmospheric: after dark.

2024 Winner of Viator's 10th Best Experience in the Whole of Asia Award. Eat your way around Osaka on this tantalizing foodie tour, where your local guide will take you to a handful of hidden eateries that have been featured on the hit Netflix series "Somebody Feed Phil." Over the course of the tour, sample a variety of different dishes that range from gyoza to takoyaki to kitsune udon and more. You’ll also try two drinks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, to give you a full picture of the food and drink culture of the area.

Experience Tokyo like a local on a fully personalized adventure with a passionate guide. Whether you're uncovering tucked-away shrines, savouring hidden food gems, or strolling through vibrant neighbourhoods, your journey is crafted around your interests. Skip the tourist script and connect with the heart of Tokyo through exclusive local insights, authentic encounters, and stories only an insider can share.

See the best of Hakone’s natural beauty by foot in this private walking tour. Unlike traditional tours, you can customize the experience to your interests and visit only the sites that you’re interested in. Whether you’re a nature lover, art fan, or keen to try local foods, your private guide will help you plan a day that fits your needs.

Discover Tokyo at your own pace on this half- or full-day customizable private tour. Design a tour that suits your interests, whether that includes the Tsukiji Fish Market, temples, shrines, shopping, or food and sake experiences. Your private tour includes hotel transfers, lunch (full-day only), and travel by private vehicle or public transport to suit your needs, with convenient hotel drop-off after the tour.

Discover both modern and traditional sides of history-rich Kyoto during this full-day private tour. Travel like a local by public transportation as you tick off the city’s most celebrated sights, from UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle to the well-preserved neighborhood of Higashiyama and streets of Gion, otherwise known as Kyoto’s Geisha district.

Take a deep dive into the world of Japanese seafood during this tour of the outer Tsukiji Fish Market. See where Michelin-starred chefs shop for ingredients at this iconic market for all things aquatic. Investigate stalls selling fish, shellfish, and everything in between, and feast on top-quality food including high-grade Wagyu beef skewers, fish cakes, sushi or seafood bowl, and seasonal fruit. Plus, enjoy other samples along the way.