Honshu Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
The best Honshu tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaHonshu travel expert at TourRadar
Discover Japan
64 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itineraries are well thought out and include many activities that showcase what the country has to offer.”
Heidi, traveled in October 2022
Japan's main island unfolds through Tokyo's Sensō-ji Temple, Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, and Mount Fuji region. Traditional inns and modern hotels provide bases for immersion in local culture, from tea ceremonies to sake tastings and kaiseki dining.
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fuji, Kawaguchiko Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $5,199
17% Off- US$4,315You save $883
Highlights of Japan - 7 Days
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour is good. I like it and would use the same guide again.”
Somkuan, traveled in November 2023
Cultural riches span from Tokyo's Sensoji Temple to Osaka Castle. The Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre, bullet trains racing at 320kph, and Kyoto's Golden Pavilion showcase Japan's diversity. Local culture thrives in Dotonbori district and Arashiyama's bamboo groves.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Hamamatsu, Osaka, Kyoto Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Tomato Travel From $1,305
5% Off- US$1,240You save $65
Japan Golden Route with Hiroshima
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The meals provided were perfect as most were buffet style and you could chose familiar things, or take a few chances and just dive in.”
Sharon, traveled in October 2023
Ten enriching days link Osaka to Tokyo, featuring UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle and Kyoto's Golden Pavilion. Mount Fuji's silhouette and Tokyo's modern cityscape create lasting impressions.
Duration 10 days Destinations Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Nara, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator Tomato Travel From $2,113
5% Off- US$2,008You save $105
Japan Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
2,061 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was an amazing first entry to Japan, with many memorable experiences (Mt Fuji ❤️🏔).”
L, traveled in November 2024
Sacred temples and city lights paint contrasts from Tokyo's metropolitan energy to Kyoto's historic charm. Mount Fuji views, traditional Takayama temples, and Osaka's vibrant food scene showcase Japan's cultural diversity.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator One Life Adventures From $2,049
10% Off- US$1,844You save $204
Japan Classic 14 Day - One Life Adventures
754 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Was very approachable, friendly and was able to answer our questions and concerns. Was very professional in the way she conducted the tours.”
Rahul, traveled in November 2024
Modern Tokyo districts contrast with Kyoto's ancient temples across Japan's main island. Mount Fuji views grace Hakone, while Takayama's traditional markets and Osaka's vibrant food scene delight visitors. Accommodations range from pod hotels to mountain temples.
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator One Life Adventures From $2,795
10% Off- US$2,516You save $279
What people love about Honshu Tours
- Discover Japan
Great way to see Japan. Everything went great! Good group of people. Great guide.The itinerary gave us a good feel for the country with included activities / enough free time to explore on our own. Would certainly do more trips with G.
- Discover Japan
The guide, the itinerary, and the accomodation were outstanding. We were fortunate to visit at the best time of year just before the major annual holiday period.
- Discover Japan
The trip was above my expectations.
Travel Honshu your way
The Kumano Kodo trails blend spiritual paths with real physical challenge as you trek Japan's sacred mountains. Our hikers love how the journey builds up naturally - you'll start with easier walks through Kyoto's old quarters before heading into the Kii Peninsula's deep forests. These UNESCO Heritage paths link three major shrines, and you'll stay in temples along the way with chances to rest in local hot springs. Many guests tell us the morning prayers with Buddhist monks at Koyasan really add something special, especially when combined with hikes past ancient stone markers on the Choishi Michi trail. While some trail sections get quite steep, our travelers say the riverside boat rides, quiet bamboo forests and rich cultural elements make the effort totally worth it.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Honshu. We have 17 adventures that vary from 6 days to 14 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus toursExplore a wide diversity of train & rail tours through Honshu. We have 22 adventures that vary from 9 days to 21 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Train & Rail toursOur most popular Honshu tours run 10-14 days and really get you into the heart of Japan. You'll catch the peaceful morning atmosphere at Kyoto's Fushimi Inari shrine before other visitors arrive, and spend nights on traditional tatami mats in temples. Travelers tell us they love making sushi near Tsukiji market, learning kendo from actual samurai family descendants and relaxing in mountain hot springs. The quiet moments at Koya-san cemetery and joining monks for morning chants often become unexpected highlights. These tours mix the buzz of Tokyo's modern districts with authentic experiences like ryokan stays and walks through misty bamboo forests.
See all Explorer tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in Honshu
- 5.0 (22,795 reviews)
"It was great! Got to see a lot within the 11 days and our CEO was very friendly and helpful!
- Tours
- 9 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $522
- 4.5 (261 reviews)
"Saw a lot in a short amount of time. Nice mix of traditional and modern culture, gorgeous scenery and views.
- Tours
- 1 tours
- Age range
- 25 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 34h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $647
- 4.5 (60 reviews)
"There were a lot of wonderful sites, temples, castles and gardens to view. Bus ride between places can be a bit long (2-4 hours). Would love to have spent more time in Kyoto, especially on our own. Could have done without seeing the festival floats. They were nice for the first 10 minutes, but didn't warrant the 1 hour to view all of the floats' mechanical movements. Description says there is a lot of walking, but didn't say that that would include steep embankments and lots of stairs. Overall a wonderful overview of Japan and Japanese culture. Would recommend to anyone even remotely interested in going to Japan.
- Tours
- 7 tours
- Age range
- 18 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 33h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $318
Discover Honshu tours for every budget
Our budget-friendly routes through Honshu give you lots to experience without breaking the bank. The most popular 13-day option lets you try your hand at making sushi near Tsukiji market and takes you up to Mount Fuji's fifth station. Our travelers really like how we mix scheduled activities with free time to wander. There's also a practical 10-day route that uses efficient public transport to connect Tokyo, Kyoto and also Osaka. You'll stay in clean hostels and traditional ryokans in good locations, with many guests telling us they got more than they expected for what they paid.
The premium tours open doors to special cultural moments and refined places to stay. On our signature 12-day luxury journey, you'll join geisha for tea ceremonies in Kyoto's Gion district and practice meditation with Buddhist monks. The accommodations include upscale ryokans and 4-5 star hotels, many with rooms looking out to mountains or gardens. Another excellent 14-day premium route includes something truly special - staying at a 1000-year-old Buddhist temple in Koyasan where you can join the morning prayers. We keep these groups small at 10-12 people and include high-end dining like multi-course kaiseki meals from master chefs.
Honshu budget tours- Honshu luxury tours
Honshu tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
296 tours in HonshuOur group tours are perfect if you like sharing travel moments with others. The popular 10-day route brings 16-20 travelers together for fun activities like making sushi as a group and hitting karaoke spots in Osaka. On the 14-day option, we balance guided activities with free time, so smaller groups naturally form based on what people want to do. Our travelers often tell us how morning temple visits and evening food tours helped them make real friends. The guides are great at managing the group flow while keeping everyone on track for trains and cultural experiences.
Small Group
180 tours in HonshuVisit Honshu with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
127 tours in HonshuEnjoy the exclusivity of our Private Honshu tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace with over 130 itineraries to choose from.
Top Honshu travel itineraries to fit your plans
The weeklong Honshu tours pack in Japan's essential experiences without feeling rushed. You'll start in Tokyo's buzzing neighborhoods before heading to quieter spots like Takayama, where premium Hida beef and local sake await. Most groups head up to Mount Fuji's 5th station for proper mountain views and take a peaceful ride on Lake Kawaguchiko. The bullet trains between cities are quick and comfortable - our travelers often tell us these train rides became unexpected highlights. You'll get hands-on with Japanese culture too, whether you're making sushi with local chefs, trying gold leaf art in Kanazawa's workshops or exploring Kyoto's temples and shrines.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto
Don't miss out on visiting:
Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Himeji, Kyoto
Two weeks lets you see how deep Japan's culture really goes. Our travelers tell us they love discovering places others miss - like joining monks for morning chants in Koyasan, learning traditional sword arts from samurai families or exploring Kanazawa's old geisha quarters. You'll have time for both famous sites and local connections, from making udon noodles in Takamatsu to joining tea ceremonies in Kyoto and walking through dense bamboo groves. The pace stays relaxed with free days to explore solo. Temple stays often become trip highlights, with nights on tatami mats and mornings marked by temple bells. It's ideal for travelers wanting to understand Japan properly, mixing cultural immersion with comfort and real local experiences.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Tokyo, Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Gokayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Hakone
Demographics
Our 10-14 day small group trips through Honshu help solo travelers find their footing and make quick friends. It starts in Tokyo where you'll pick up useful Japanese phrases before heading out with your group. The social side really shines - our travelers bond over yakitori dinners, share temple stay experiences in Takayama and belt out tunes during Osaka karaoke nights. You'll have guided support when you need it, especially with transit systems and local customs, plus plenty of time to explore on your own terms.
Couples find their perfect mix of romance and culture on our 11-12 day Japan tours. We've found special spots that set the mood - private mountain-view onsens, quiet walks through Kyoto's lantern-lit Gion district and peaceful moments at traditional ryokans. The early morning temple visits let you experience sacred spaces before the crowds arrive, while evening food tours take you through lively markets and also cozy izakayas where locals gather.
Our 9-14 day routes hit just the right notes for young adults wanting both modern and traditional Japan. You'll get guided visits to major sites plus free time to discover places like Harajuku and Dotonbori on your own. The hands-on experiences stand out - learning ancient kendo moves from samurai descendants, making sushi with local chefs and finding hidden food gems in Osaka's back streets. You'll sleep everywhere from hip hostels to historic temples, keeping a good pace without wearing yourself out.
Seniors appreciate our thoughtfully paced 15-day cultural journeys through Japan's key sites. The rail connections between cities are smooth and efficient, giving you proper time to take in each place. Our older travelers particularly connect with the cultural depth - learning traditional arts in Kyoto, taking time to reflect at Hiroshima Peace Park and wandering the carefully tended gardens of Kanazawa. We've picked comfortable, well-located hotels and made it easy to skip more active parts while still getting genuine Japanese experiences.
Taking the kids to Japan works really well with our 9-15 day Honshu tours that mix learning and fun. Kids get their hands messy in Tokyo sushi-making classes and light up when feeding the friendly deer in Nara Park. The Lake Yamanaka area is a family favorite - parents tell us their children love spotting swans and taking boat rides with Mount Fuji in view. The tech-loving kids get excited about robots and anime in Akihabara, while the Toyota Museum's interactive exhibits keep everyone engaged. We've built in quality family time between activities and handled all the hotel bookings and transport connections to make things easy.
- Solo Travelers361 tours
- Couples120 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)25 tours
- Seniors (50+)102 tours
Best time to visit Honshu
- Spring 2025
Cherry blossom season from late March through April brings our busiest tours, and you'll want to book about 6 months ahead for the popular 14-day routes through Kyoto's temple gardens. We've got tours that blend traditional experiences like tea ceremonies and walks through geisha districts with seasonal festivities. Many of our travelers tell us their favorite memories come from joining local families for hanami picnics in the parks. The spring routes often include boat rides on Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji as your backdrop, and you can walk through Arashiyama's bamboo grove just as the new shoots start pushing up through the soil.
- 292 tours
- 292 tours
- popular 305 tours
- Summer 2025
- popular 281 tours
- 279 tours
- 277 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall in Japan means following the changing colors as they sweep from north to south. Our main 15-day autumn tour starts in Tokyo, catching the peak colors in Nikko National Park and later in Kyoto's temple gardens. Photography enthusiasts love the timing of our temple visits when the maple leaves are at their most colorful. The mountain tours really come into their own during autumn, mixing nights in traditional ryokans with forest walks in the Japanese Alps. You'll get to try seasonal specialties like matsutake mushrooms and fresh fish from the Sea of Japan, and also join in some local autumn festivals along the way. Four tour companies stand out for Japan trips, each with their own style and strengths. One Life Adventures gets lots of positive feedback from our travelers, particularly for their 14-day Japan Classic tour - guides Adam and Jack know their stuff and people feel they get solid value for what they pay. DragonTrip comes in at a lower price point and covers quite a bit of ground, but some of our customers mention the schedules can feel rushed and they wish there were more healthy food choices along the way. Intrepid Travel does a nice job offering different tour types for various budgets and travel preferences. Their guides Juno and Shawna consistently get mentioned in reviews for making the trips run smoothly and sharing deep local knowledge. For those wanting a more intimate experience, Unique Japan Tours keeps their groups smaller. Their local guides Betty and Kieko really shine when it comes to sharing cultural insights and taking care of all the little details that make a trip special. What's interesting is that across all these companies, travelers keep mentioning how clean and efficient Japan is, and how having a guide helped them understand Japanese culture in ways they couldn't have managed on their own. The guides help decode cultural nuances, navigate the transit systems and also explain the meaning behind temple rituals and local customs.
- 313 tours
- popular 332 tours
- 288 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The winter tours in Honshu really show off Japan's quieter side. You can watch snow monkeys relaxing in steaming hot springs at Jigokudani Onsen, which our travelers say is particularly good during December and January. Up in the mountains at Koyasan, you'll stay in temples and wake to morning prayers carried on the crisp winter air. It's a special time to see places like Kyoto's Golden Pavilion with a fresh coat of snow, and you won't have to deal with peak season crowds. The clear winter skies make for excellent Mount Fuji views from Hakone, and there's nothing better than warming up in an onsen after exploring the sights.
- 155 tours
- popular 235 tours
- 208 tours
Contact our Honshu travel experts
Rebecca
Expert in Honshu at TourRadar
Rebecca is one of our seasoned Honshu Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Honshu tours answered!
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