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Self-Guided Tours in Japan

Book a Self-Guided Tour and explore Japan with us!

Did you know you can go on a tour without following a guide all day? For those wishing to visit Japan with family, friends, or alone, Japan Experience offers package tours, which include accommodation, transportation, some activities, internet access and a travel diary ! With our expertly curated itineraries, you'll have the freedom to discover Japan at your own pace, while still receiving support from our team of experts.

We provide the itinerary you’ll follow in your personalized travelogue, and while we have plenty of suggestions, what you see and do on the way is up to you. Should you need us during your trip, we offer 7/7 assistance for information and advice. Optional activities and guided day tours are also available, for those who would like to explore cities with a local expert. Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Japan? Look no further!

What is a Self-Guided Tour?

Why book a Self-Guided Tour? Find out more about the key advantages of this type of tour, that combines the best flexibility and freedom for you with our best travel advice and our 7/7 assistance.

Flexible & Free

With a Self-Guided Tour, Japan Experience builds your itinerary and takes care of your bookings. Accommodation, transportation needs, internet access... But what you see and do on the way is up to you!

Optimized Itinerary

While you're freely following our pre-built itineraries, you benefit from the same expertise as your other types of tours. Our travel advisors will build you a personalized travelogue with tips, spots and sights to see.

Time-Saving

With your itinerary built by our team of Japan travel experts, you'll save time planning, and you'll check each item off your bucket list and see more of Japan! A great option for first-time travelers, as well as repeaters looking for inspiration.

7/7 Assistance

As we'll take care of all your bookings on your itinerary, we'll be able to help with anything during your trip. Just reach out, and our expert team will be here for you, every day of the week, even on WhatsApp!

What are the differences between a Self-Guided Tour compared to Group-Guided Tours? 

  1. While you're accompanied at all times in a group tour, you're on your own in a self-guided tour
  2. This also means you have the freedom to pick your own meals and where to eat.
  3. While your itinerary is planned and your accommodation and transportation are booked, what you see during your days in each city is up to you
  4. You can even take day trips.
  5. If you wish to benefit from the insights of a tour guide, you can book daily guides or guided activities.

Explore Japan with our recommended Self-Guided Tours

From the north to the south of Japan, for first-timers or seasoned travelers, explore our best self-guided tours!

  • Duration : 18 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Okinawa
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Ferry, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 15 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Tokyo
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 15 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Osaka, Miyajima, Okayama, Kinosaki Onsen, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 9 days
  • Locations : Seoul, Tokyo
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 18 days
  • Locations : Kyoto, Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai, Tohoku, Aomori
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 8 days
  • Locations : Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo
  • Included :

Travel on a Self-Guided Tour in 3 easy steps

Choose your tour

Select one of our Self-Guided Tours based on what your travel plans and preferences require. All our tours are easily accessible from Japan's major cities.

You can choose to customize your tour by getting in touch with our team.

Get ready for your trip

We organize every detail of your trip! You receive a travel book that includes your itinerary, your lodging addresses, and all our local recommendations.

Our Japan travel experts will help you choose local restaurants, schedule your visits around the best times to visit (or avoid) the most popular locations, and generally provide you with great tips on what to do and see. But you're free to explore at your own pace!

Time to explore!

Our local team remains at your disposal for assistance with any issues that may arise.

In the event of a cancellation, you are covered by our Flex option. It’s our commitment to provide you with flexibility throughout your trip without ever compromising your ability to have the greatest vacation experience.

 

Choose the trip for you from our collections of self-guided tours, where you'll be able to visit Japan at your own pace!

Essential Self-Guided Tours in Japan

For first-time visitors to Japan, essential tours are an excellent way to discover the country's top attractions and get a feel for its unique culture. With so many incredible destinations to explore, it can be overwhelming to plan an itinerary on your own. That's where essential tours come in - they're carefully crafted to showcase the best of Japan, from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto. Some must-visit spots for first-timers include the iconic Mount Fuji, the charming city of Kanazawa, and the historic Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. You will be able to travel between the cities using the Shinkansen, the famous high-speed bullet train of Japan and discover famous sightseeing spots! Essential tours take the stress out of planning and allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your journey through Japan.

  • Duration : 15 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Takayama, Tokyo
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 10 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Hiroshima, Osaka, Koyasan, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Hiroshima, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Tokyo
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuiji, Kyoto, Okayama, Miyajima, Fukuoka
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Nara, Ise, Osaka
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance

Special Interest Self-Guided Tours

If you have a particular interest or hobby, special interest tours in Japan are a fantastic way to indulge your passion while exploring this incredible country. From hiking in the Japanese Alps to skiing in the powder snow of Hokkaido, there's a tour to suit every taste. Other popular themes include manga and anime, architecture and design, and culinary adventures. For example, a food-themed tour might take you to the famous city of Uji to discover its famous tea fields where the best matcha in Japan is produced, or to Osaka, known as the "kitchen of Japan," to try the city's famous street food. Special interest tours allow you to connect with like-minded individuals and experts in your field, as well as providing unique insights and experiences that you may not get on a more traditional tour.

  • Duration : 15 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Okayama, Miyajima, Osaka
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kyoto, Miyajima, Yakushima, Fukuoka
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Nikko, Nagano, Kanazawa, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Osaka, Awaji, Takamatsu, Kurashiki, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Car rental, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Osaka, Miyajima, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takamatsu, Okayama, Matsue, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance

Extended Self-Guided Tours

For those revisiting Japan or looking to explore a particular region in depth, extended tours offer a comprehensive and immersive travel experience. Whether you're interested in the history and culture of Kyoto or the natural beauty of Hokkaido, there's an extended tour that caters to your interests. These tours typically last for several days and include visits to off-the-beaten-path destinations, as well as popular tourist spots. For example, an extended tour of Kyushu might take you to the hot springs of Beppu, the stunning waterfalls of Takachiho, and the historic castle town of Kumamoto. With extended tours, you'll have the opportunity to see Japan in a whole new light, gaining insights and experiences that you may have missed on previous visits.

  • Duration : 21 days
  • Locations : Sapporo, Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Takayama, Kyoto, Okayama, Miyajima, Fukuoka, Ishigaki
  • Included : 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 18 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Okinawa
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Ferry, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 18 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Matsumoto,Tsumago,Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kaga Onsen, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Hotel temple, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 19 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Chugoku, Miyajima, Okayama, Osaka
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 19 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kyoto, Miyajima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Takachiho, Yufuin, Beppu, Osaka
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Hotel temple, Non-flight transportation, Ferry, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 19 days
  • Locations : Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo, Sapporo, Sounkyo Onsen, Akan-ko, Furano, Sapporo
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Non-flight transportation, Car rental, Ferry, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 18 days
  • Locations : Kyoto, Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai, Tohoku, Aomori
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance

Japan your way tours

Japan Your Way offers a variety of tours that cater to different travel preferences, whether you are traveling solo, as a couple or with family. Every tour has a unique proposition, whether you prefer a balance of educational and entertaining activities suitable for all ages, a tour that offers a unique and intimate experience, featuring scenic spots, sightseeing and cultural activities to enhance the romance, or a tour tailor made for solo travelers.

  • Duration : 15 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Osaka, Miyajima, Okayama, Kinosaki Onsen, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 15 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Tokyo
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo
  • Included :
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Okayama, Miyajima, Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Japan Experience house, Non-flight transportation, Guided activities, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance

City Break

A City Break in Japan is an excellent option for travelers who want to explore one or two of Japan's most popular cities on a shorter tour. Whether you want to discover the bustling city of Tokyo or the serene beauty of Kyoto, a City Break offers a range of customizable activities that cater to your interests. You will be able to explore historic landmarks, experience local culture and cuisine, shop in trendy districts, or even enjoy the nightlife scene. Our experts of Japan can provide recommendations and insider tips to ensure you get the most out of your experience. With a City Break, you can make the most of your time in Japan, discovering the rich history and modern urban lifestyle of these iconic cities.

  • Duration : 9 days
  • Locations : Seoul, Tokyo
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 8 days
  • Locations : Tokyo
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 8 days
  • Locations : Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 8 days
  • Locations : Osaka
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance
  • Duration : 9 days
  • Locations : Tokyo,Kyoto
  • Included : Airport Transfers, 3* Hotels, Non-flight transportation, Guided activity, Travel diary, Pocket wifi, Assistance

Want your own custom tour? Explore our Tailor-Made Tours options!

Didn't find the trip of your dreams in our selection of Self-Guided Tours? Get in touch with our expert team of Japan travel advisors, and customize your tour according to your needs! Build upon one of our existing tours, or start from scratch with your pre-planned itinerary. Our team will be able to help you craft the trip of your dreams! 

Build your Tailor-Made Tour today!


 

Frequently Asked Questions