About this trip
Ten days in Japan that move between the old and the new — samurai traditions and shrine visits alongside the pace of modern cities.
You'll get hands-on with the culture rather than just observing it: rolling sushi, trying a Kendo class, and walking through Kyoto's Gion district in the hope of spotting a Geisha. One night is spent staying in a traditional Japanese temple.
It's a fully guided small-group trip, geared towards those wanting a broad first look at Japan's history, food and city life in one go.
What you'll do
- Learn to roll sushi
- Take a Kendo class with a samurai descendant
- Explore Kyoto's Gion District
- Spend a night staying in a traditional Japanese temple
- Look out for Geisha in the historic streets
- Fully guided small-group format throughout
- Mixes historical sites with hands-on cultural activities
- Good fit if you want an introduction to Japan covering food, history and city life rather than one deep focus
Worth it if you want a well-paced intro to southern Japan with standout guides. Think twice if 10 days feels tight and you need pristine accommodation.
- Guide quality is genuinely exceptional—Jordan, Sangwoo, and Georgi all went well beyond scripted tours, offering local tips and personal attention.
- Balance of structured activities and free time lets you explore independently without feeling abandoned or overscheduled.
- Ten days compresses southern Japan tightly; multiple reviewers suggest the 14-day version feels less rushed and more worthwhile.
- Itinerary involves significant walking daily—bring proper shoes and expect physical activity as standard.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and fill fill in from our own tracking as it builds.
Departing in Oct is cheapest — from £1,695, about 26% below the priciest month (Mar).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Tokyo · 14 Oct – 15 Oct
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