Bus Tours in Japan
If you want to see Japan without the headache of figuring out all the logistics yourself, guided bus tours are a game-changer. These trips usually run one to two weeks, which gives you enough time to really soak up each place instead of just rushing through. Spring tours are especially popular (and for good reason) - you'll catch cherry blossom season while smoothly moving between major cities and scenic spots that'll take your breath away. Here's what's great about bus tours versus just taking trains everywhere: you'll reach those remote, jaw-dropping viewpoints that public transport simply can't get to. Plus, you get that shared experience with other travelers who are just as excited to explore as you are.
Excellent
- Choose from 18 Japan tours
- 600+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- K
Ken • traveled in July, 2025
My son and I had an excellent time on our tour. We travelled to Tokyo, Kyoto, Himeji, Hiroshima and Osaka. The tour was not too fast paced and required a moderate amount of walking. We saw traditional sites as well as the new. Tokyo National Museum, Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple in Akakusa and The Tokyo Metropolitan Building were the ones we went to in Tokyo. We also visited Mount Fuji. We took the bullet rain from Shinagawa Train Station to Kyoto. Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Heian Jingu Shrine, Toda-Ji Bhuddist temple and Kyoto Tower were great. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and Miyajima Island were timeless. I never thought I would visit Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima. It was very solemn. Koko-en Japanese Gardens, Himeji were a peaceful oasis. Umeda Sky Building was extraodinary. Amazing arcitecture. Everywhere in Japan is a cultural eye opener. It can be fast paced or very slow and tranquil. The optional excursions were great, but not doing all of them also allowed us to take our time sight seeing. All in all an excellent tour that strikes a good balance and pace. Our tour guide Joi was fantastic.
Japan Discovery - F
Faith • traveled in May
Well executed small group tour by Trafalgar. Excellent tour leader who anticipated every need. The tour gives a "taste" of Japan in a short period, covering key big cities and some rural areas. Variey of fun hands on experiences, such as cooking lessons, tea ceremony. Accommodations were top rated and all well located (except Tokyo), affording easy access for independent exploring during off-tour time. Every day is a walking day, so it is not suited for those with mobility issues. We had a companionable group of travelers of international origin. This is a good tour to introduce the country, traditions and culture and provides a sound foundation for those who wish to come back to Japan for more in-depth explorations. Highly recommend.
Classic Japan - G
Gabriela • traveled in November, 2025
This trip was everything I hoped for and more! Stunning Tours went above and beyond to ensure that an experience nearly six years in the making exceeded my expectations. I'd originally booked this trip in late 2019, with the intention of visiting Japan in the fall of 2020 - you can imagine what happened. After several years' worth of uncertainty and a number of life-altering events, Stunning Tours only charged the amendment fee once, offered a discount which nearly cancelled out the single supplement, and consistently offered some of the best, if not the best, customer service I've ever been offered by a tour operator. As the countdown dwindled to zero, I was in a state of disbelief and joy when the time finally came to fly to Japan. On the ground, Trend san (our delightful tour guide) and Sai san (our kind driver) were a dynamic duo that helped bring our small but tightly-knit group of ten people together, facilitating multiple opportunities to spend time with and learn from each other while delving into Japan’s millenary history, customs and language against the backdrop of breathtaking fall foliage and unmatched spiritual energy. From resilient and hopeful destinations like Hiroshima to tranquil Miyajima Island, and from the world-renown Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine to the imposing Mount Fuji and magical Kurashiki, Stunning Tours fed the flame of my lifelong interest in Japan’s culture, which I hope to revisit and learn more about by joining more of their expertly-crafted routes. Arigatou gozaimashita!
Japan Delight with Hiroshima(private 3 star hotel rooms)
Our traveler's Moments
10 best Coach / Bus trips around Japan
Compiled by
SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
Japan Discovery
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour gave a snap shot of Japan incorporating the castles, shrines, ancient customs, modern innovations.”
Carolyn, traveled in December
Luxury coaches and bullet trains connect you to Japan's highlights, from Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Shrine to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station and Kyoto's temples. Scenic routes through Hakone and along Lake Ashi come alive with expert commentary.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Himeji, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From $3,650
10% Off- US$3,285You save $365
Classic Japan
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour gives a 'taste' of Japan in a short period, covering key big cities and some rural areas.”
Faith, traveled in April
Wi-Fi equipped luxury coaches and bullet trains connect Tokyo to Osaka. The route features Mt. Fuji's 5th station, Arashiyama's bamboo groves, and Osaka Castle, with upscale hotel stays throughout.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $6,150
10% Off- US$5,535You save $615
Japan Delight with Hiroshima(private 3 star hotel rooms)
89 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall, I enjoyed this tour as it gave me a bit of experience in Japan, to make me want to visit some of the same parts from this tour and different parts of Japan in the future.”
Chris, traveled in November
A luxury coach whisks you from Osaka to Tokyo, stopping in 8 major cities. Professional drivers rated 4.7/5 ensure smooth travels with regular comfort stops. The route includes UNESCO sites like Miyajima Island and views from Mount Fuji's 5th Station.
Duration 8 days Destinations Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji, Nara, Kyoto, Hamamatsu, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Stunning Tours From $4,298
50% Off- US$2,149You save $2,149
Private motorcoaches with free Wi-Fi link Tokyo's Meiji Shrine to Kyoto's temples. The route includes Mount Fuji, Koraku-En garden, and UNESCO sites like Himeji Castle, with stays at premium locations like Mitsui Garden Osaka Premier near Dotonbori.
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Himeji, Kyoto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From
50% Off- US$3,599
Charter buses take you to Japan's well-known cultural sites, including the UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine in Nikko with its golden decorations and Nara's peaceful Todai-ji Temple, home to the massive bronze Buddha. You'll pass through Takayama and Matsumoto's historic streets, with a stop at the black Matsumoto Castle. The bus route continues through Fuji-Hakone National Park for Mount Fuji views, then you'll ride the KTX express train in Korea before seeing UNESCO-protected Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon and Gyeongju's ancient burial mounds.
Duration 14 days Destinations Seoul, Suwon, Songnisan National Park, Gyeongju, Busan, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Shirakawa, TakayamaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
50% Off- US$5,816
Splendours of Japan
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were absolutely amazing. The meals included on the trip were all great.”
Larisa, traveled in March
A luxury coach route leads from Tokyo's Sensoji Temple through the Japanese Alps. Highlights include Mt. Fuji's 5th station, UNESCO-listed Gokayama village, and Kanazawa's historic districts, before reaching Kyoto's famous Fushimi Inari Shrine.
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Narita, Fuji, Yamanakako, Takayama, Oshino, Kawaguchiko, Gokayama, Kanazawa, KyotoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar 
Private motorcoaches and bullet trains link Tokyo's energy to Osaka's vibrancy. The route includes Mount Fuji cable car rides, Himeji Castle visits, and stays at quality hotels like Kyoto Tokyu Hotel.
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Okayama, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos 
Luxury Shinkansen trains connect Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. The itinerary includes bus tours through Fuji Hakone National Park and boat rides with Mount Fuji views, plus convenient luggage transfers.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Nikko, Kamakura, Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Nara, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Operator SKR Reisen From
50% Off- US$5,235Incl: Return flight (Frankfurt Intl Airport)
Public transport and Shinkansen bullet trains form an efficient network from Tokyo's metro to Hakone's cable cars, connecting to Kyoto's local buses for temple visits and Kanazawa's train services.
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone, Owakudani, Fuji, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Operator SKR Reisen From
50% Off- US$6,282Incl: Return flight (Frankfurt Intl Airport)
The efficient Japanese public transport system, including Shinkansen bullet trains, connects visitors from Osaka to Tokyo. Along the route, stops include the magnificent Himeji Castle, Hiroshima's poignant Peace Park, and Kyoto's ancient temples, with comfortable lodging each night.
Duration 12 days Destinations Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Uji, Fushimi, Nara, Odawara, Hakone, FujiSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Operator SKR Reisen From
50% Off- US$5,816Incl: Return flight (Frankfurt Intl Airport)
What our customers ask about Bus Tours in Japan
What unique scenic experiences can travelers enjoy from a coach tour in Japan?
Coach tours in Japan provide access to the country's varied landscapes. Travelers can see Mt. Fuji from Arakurayama Sengen Park and explore the bamboo groves in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. The tours include boat rides on Lake Kawaguchiko visits to the well-kept Korakuen gardens in Okayama and time at Miyajima Island. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The autumn leaves were beautiful we were at the right time right place to witness the beauty of nature." Guests often stay at traditional ryokans such as the Fuji Kawaguchiko Resort where they can use onsen baths and learn about Japanese customs.
What are the key attractions covered on most bus tours in Japan?
Japan's bus tours focus on essential cultural sites. In Tokyo visitors see the Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple. Kyoto stops include the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine while Hiroshima features the Peace Memorial. UNESCO sites like Himeji Castle are standard stops along with cultural areas such as the Gion geisha district. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We saw and experienced much more than expected. Days were long but worth it." Accommodation tends to be at central locations like the Candeo Osaka Namba or Prince Kyoto Takaragaike.
What is the typical daily schedule like on a coach tour in Japan?
Days begin with breakfast between 7-8am followed by sightseeing from 9am to 5pm. Each day includes visits to 2-3 major sites with guided tours such as Tokyo's Sensoji Temple or Kyoto's Kinkakuji Temple with time for lunch and photography. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The days were full from early morning to evening sightseeing but we also had some time on our own for shopping. The tour was well organized with adequate free time and time to see tour sites." Guests stay at established hotels like Tokyo's Shinagawa Prince Hotel or the Hilton in Hiroshima.
How do bus tours accommodate stops for sightseeing and relaxation?
Japanese coach tours plan breaks every 1.5-2 hours. These include major attractions UNESCO sites like Himeji Castle and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial along with practical stops for meals and facilities. As confirmed by a TourRadar traveler: "Never bored and never on the bus for more than 1.5 hours a day." The itineraries often include multiple nights in key cities like Tokyo Kyoto and Osaka at hotels such as the New Miyako Hotel which allows travelers to unpack and settle in.
How much free time do I have to explore independently on a coach tour in Japan?
Tours typically offer 2-3 hours of independent exploration daily usually in late afternoon or evening. This free time happens in popular areas like Tokyo's Shinjuku Kyoto's Gion quarter and Osaka's Dotonbori where visitors can shop and try local food. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The pace of the tour is just right. We had sufficient time at most of the places of interest." Many tours also suggest optional activities like visits to Nikko's UNESCO sites or local market exploration during these breaks.
More about Japan
Coach / Bus10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)Japan Travel Guide | All You Need to Know2 Week (14 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries & Cost 20261 Week (7 Day) Japan Travel Itineraries 2026Best 3 Week (21 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries 2026Discover the Best Japan Vacation Packages 2026What is the best time to visit Japan in 2026?Weather in Japan in 2026Weather in Mount Fuji in 2026