Discover Japan’s must-see sights. Enjoy one of these highly-rated private and unique tours in Japan and have an unforgettable experience.
The Trip of MY Lifetime
Visiting Japan was a life-long dream that finally came true. The excitement leading up to the trip prompted me to undertake the most extensive travel research and itinerary planning of my life. Although my job is to create custom itineraries for clients, I rarely invest the same level of dedication to my own holidays. This time, things were different. This was the trip of a lifetime, and I was determined to make every minute count.
I understood the risks of having such high expectations and frequently reminded myself that things don’t always go according to plan. After months of careful planning, I embarked on my journey to Tokyo with an intricately crafted itinerary designed to cater to my specific interests and curiosities. It was a deeply personal travel plan that may not have made sense to anyone else.
Once there, I approached the itinerary with flexibility, using it as a guide rather than a rigid agenda. Those three weeks in Japan surpassed all of my lofty expectations. It became the most memorable trip of my life, further solidifying my love for Japan and its rich culture.
How to Plan Your Dream Vacation
Why Take a Private Tour When Visiting Japan?
Japan is one of the world’s most fascinating and unique countries, with an alluring culture, vibrant food scene, and a commitment to preserving its traditions. Taking a private tour can be a great way to gain insight into the country’s history, culture, and customs.
While planning a trip with meticulous detail may not be feasible for everyone, joining organized tours is a fantastic option that ensures new experiences and a good time. Trusted companies like Viator offer a wide range of activities, each of exceptional quality. With hundreds of options to choose from, you can find tours that suit your interests and preferences. Whether it’s a city tour, cultural excursion, or outdoor adventure, organized tours provide convenience and expertise.
In this blog post, I share some of my favorite activities that I did during my trip to Japan. I also share some of the activities that I had on my list but unfortunately did not get a chance to experience.
TOKYO
Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Outer Market is a bustling cluster of wholesale and retail shops. It also houses a range of eateries, all nestled within narrow alleyways. These establishments typically open their doors from 5:00 in the morning until noon or early afternoon. Visitors can immerse themselves in a world of culinary delights as early as sunrise. As the seafood served and sold here is sourced directly from the renowned Toyosu Market, Tsukiji Outer Market has gained a reputation as one of Tokyo’s top destinations for savoring the finest and freshest seafood available.
Given its popularity among tourists, Tsukiji Outer Market can become quite crowded. To fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and gain deeper insights into the market’s history, culture, and gastronomy, I highly recommend joining a guided tour. A knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience by narrowing down the stands you must absolutely visit.
Toyosu Fish Market
Tokyo Full Day City Tour
Tokyo is the largest city in the world, with a population of more than 37 million people. It’s important to note that navigating Tokyo is not an easy feat. Exploring this vast city requires careful planning, confidence with public transportation, and many hours of your day. During my week-long stay, I dedicated each day to different neighborhoods, allowing me to cover more ground. However, if you have only a couple of days to explore Tokyo, it’s essential to manage your expectations as you’ll only be able to see a small fraction the city. In such cases, booking a private tour guide can be a great idea. A guide can take you to the absolute must-see attractions and help you make the most of your limited time, budget, and experiences.
Shinjuku Night Tour
Shinjuku is by definition – sensory overload. It is Tokyo at its fines, as we have seen it portrayed in movies. Choosing a place to eat or drink amongst the hundreds of thousands of options is definitely overwhelming. If you only have one day to visit the area, joining a tour will help you narrow down your options. Particularly for small groups or solo travellers, this can be a great option to meet people and guarantee a super fun night out.
Sumo Wrestling
During my visit to Japan in April 2023, one of my top priorities was to witness a Sumo Wrestling match. However, Sumo tournaments are held only a few times a year during specific months. In Tokyo, these tournaments take place in January, May, and September. Fortunately, even if you can’t catch a tournament, you have the option to visit a Sumo gym and observe their training sessions. I didn’t have the opportunity to attend a training session during my trip. If I was doing my trip all over again, I would definitely sign up for this experience, as it offers a unique insight into the world of Sumo wrestling.
KYOTO
Kyoto, known as the cultural capital of Japan, attracts a large number of tourists, especially during the popular cherry blossom season. During my trip, I found that every city I visited was undeniably crowded with tourists, yet this was particularly pronounced in Kyoto. Regrettably, I must admit that I didn’t get to experience as much of Kyoto as I had hoped, as I was preoccupied with avoiding the masses. As a result, I feel that I missed out on several activities that I had eagerly anticipated.
However, one great way to have more private and personalized experiences in Kyoto is to participate in classes. The city offers a wide range of cultural activities and expertise, making it an ideal place to engage in these classes. Here are some of the classes that caught my attention and that I would highly recommend considering.
Nishiki Market, Kyoto
OSAKA
Osaka, known as the party city, lives up to its reputation the moment you step foot in Dotonbori. With its towering skyscrapers and vibrant atmosphere, navigating this large city in just a few days can be challenging. In my experience, I’ve found that walking tours are an excellent way to efficiently explore a city and gain a good understanding in just a few hours. By joining a walking tour, you will delve into the city’s history and culture but also gain insights to help you plan the remainder of your visit. Osaka, with its manageable size, is perfect for such tours, offering an opportunity to explore places that may not be as easily accessible on your own.
One highly recommended option is the Backstreet Night Tours which provides a unique way to experience Osaka’s bustling nightlife. This tour promises an immersive experience to discover hidden gems and the vibrant energy of the city after dark.
HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA
Hiroshima, a city with immense cultural and historical importance, stands as a testament to resilience. Following its complete reconstruction after the devastating atomic bombing, it has become a significant destination for visitors, primarily drawn to the Hiroshima Memorial Museum. A visit to Hiroshima is an absolute must to pay homage to the historical significance it has to Japanese history.
While visiting Hiroshima, you absolutely must take the opportunity to visit to the breathtaking island of Miyajima. I had the opportunity to stay in Miyajima over night and take my time to explore the island, but in reality you dont need more than a day, making it perfect for a day trip.
The island’s charm and iconic attractions, such as the Itsukushima Shrine with its floating torii gate, are truly captivating. From Hiroshima, a day trip to Miyajima allows you to immerse yourself in its natural and cultural splendor while returning to the city in the evening, ensuring you make the most of your time in the region.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Our Japan Rail adventure concluded with stops in the picturesque mountain region of Kanazawa and Takayama. Exploring this region provided a refreshing departure from the bustling cities and offered a unique perspective on Japan. In fact, dedicating an entire trip solely to this mountainous area would be a remarkable way to delve into Japan’s natural beauty.
Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise as they venture into the mountains and forests of Kanazawa and Takayama. With ample opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities, this region captivates the hearts of those seeking a closer connection with nature. During my brief visit, I only caught a glimpse of the region’s lush landscapes.
Even if your time is limited, I highly recommend adding a day trip to Kanazawa and Takayama to your itinerary. By doing so, you can infuse your trip with a diverse range of experiences and gain a deeper appreciation for the stunning natural beauty that Japan has to offer.
Safe Travels!
I hope you have found some inspiration in this post. If you find yourself in need of some help navigating this incredible country, a private tour can be a great option for you. Additionally, if you would like to navigate without the assistance of a guide yet need help in crafting the perfect itinerary, I can help you. Send me an email and we can work together to design the trip of your dreams.
Accommodation in Japan: Find the Perfect Hotel for Your Trip
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