Luxury Japan Tours
Best Luxury Japan Travel
From neon skylines and speeding bullet trains to imposing castles and breathtaking islands, Japan is a land of incredible contrasts. In Tokyo, marvel at the unique balancing act between Japan's ancient traditions and its sleek, modern outlook, immersing in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Happo-en Garden or fashion-forward style in the Harajuku neighborhood. In the hot spring retreat of Hakone, admire views of iconic Mount Fuji on an aerial tram ride and legendary hospitality with a stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Bullet train back in time to Kyoto, the cultural center of Japan, discovering its tea shops, shrines, Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavillion) and famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Travel to Osaka and view a 17th-century castle, or go further afield and explore Hiroshima, where you ferry to tranquil Miyajima Island to see its photogenic red torii gate. Or embark on a cruise to Japan’s most spellbinding islands.
Wherever you wish to go in Japan, travel with A&K in total luxury in style, choosing from truly inspiring journeys packed with insider access moments that range from expertly arranged small-group journeys to exclusive private experiences to an all-encompassing Luxury Expedition Cruise.
Best Time To Go
March - May, September - NovemberClimate Charts
Time Zone
ET +14 hoursFlights
Itami (ITM); Osaka (KIX); Tokyo (NRT), (HND)
Ways to Experience Luxury Travel to Japan
Japan Small-Group Tours
Experience A&K's best-in-class luxury small-group tours to Japan. Led by an acclaimed Resident Tour Director®, each unique journey is expertly designed to offer incredible insider access and an intimate small-group experience.
Japan Expedition Cruises
Embark on our Luxury Expedition Cruises for adventurous voyages to Japan. Joined by no more than 199 guests on exclusively chartered small ships, experience luxuriously all-inclusive itineraries under the wing of an award-winning Expedition Team.
Tailor Made Japan Tours
Elevate your travel experience with private luxury Tailor Made tours to Japan. Created by our experts, each bespoke tour to Japan is designed just for you and your preferences with customized luxury Tailor Made adventures, accommodations, private air and more.
Family Japan Vacations
Travel together on unforgettable luxury family vacations to Japan. Let our family adventure experts create a private Tailor Made journey, designed just for your family and ideal for holidays and celebrations.
Explore More of Japan on an A&K Cruise
The 5 Best Ports in Japan
Our experts narrow in on the most inspiring and rarely visited ports across this stunning island nation, including Japan’s artsy Takamatsu on Shikoku Island, and wild and mountainous Noshiro.
Japan Trip Logs
Follow our most recent Luxury Expedition Cruise to Japan with exciting daily recaps provided by A&K’s Expedition Team.
Highlights from A&K’s Japan Cruise
See our Wonders of Japan Cruise in action, discovering all the highlights that make this unique and luxurious voyage one of the most spectacular and all-encompassing ways to travel to Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is the best time to visit Japan?
Japan is a year-round destination with festivals in the winter and great hiking in the summer. The spring cherry blossom season from March to May is particularly popular and the perfect time to see the beautiful sakura (cherry blossom tree) in all its splendor. September to November is also an ideal time to visit Japan, with vibrant autumn foliage and iconic red maple leaves at their peak.
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When is Japan’s cherry blossom season and where is the best place to view?
Japan’s cherry blossom season typically runs from March to May. The best times to experience cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo are the last couple weeks of March and the very beginning of April.Japan’s cherry blossom season typically runs from March to May. The best times to experience cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo are the last couple weeks of March and the very beginning of April.
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What are the best places to visit on a cruise to Japan?
One of the best port cities to visit on a cruise to Japan is the foodie haven of Kobe, which also affords easy access to Osaka. There’s also historic Kanazawa for incredible seafood and an authentic glimpse of Japan's Edo period, while Takamatsu offers picture-perfect parks and striking modern art. The ancient trading port of Karatsu is known for its red-fired pottery and its treasured Karatsu Castle. In Hiroshima, travellers are invited to reflect on a solemn legacy at the moving Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.One of the best port cities to visit on a cruise to Japan is the foodie haven of Kobe, which also affords easy access to Osaka. There’s also historic Kanazawa for incredible seafood and an authentic glimpse of Japan's Edo period, while Takamatsu offers picture-perfect parks and striking modern art. The ancient trading port of Karatsu is known for its red-fired pottery and its treasured Karatsu Castle. In Hiroshima, travellers are invited to reflect on a solemn legacy at the moving Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
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What are the most famous shrines in Japan to visit?
Kyoto’s temples and shrines are among Japan’s most iconic. They include Fushimi Inari Shrine; Ryoanji Temple; Kiyomizu Temple; and the most famous of them all, the glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine and Nara’s Kasuga Taisha Shrine round out the list.Kyoto’s temples and shrines are among Japan’s most iconic. They include Fushimi Inari Shrine; Ryoanji Temple; Kiyomizu Temple; and the most famous of them all, the glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine and Nara’s Kasuga Taisha Shrine round out the list.
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What is the best way to travel around Japan?
The best way to travel around Japan is by high-speed train. Japan has one of the timeliest, fastest, and most efficient rail systems in the world. Cruising Japan’s diverse harbors is an excellent option for guests seeking a more leisurely pace.The best way to travel around Japan is by high-speed train. Japan has one of the timeliest, fastest, and most efficient rail systems in the world. Cruising Japan’s diverse harbors is an excellent option for guests seeking a more leisurely pace.
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Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
Holders of U.S. and Canadian passports are not required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into Japan for stays of up to 90 days.Holders of U.S. and Canadian passports are not required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into Japan for stays of up to 90 days.