Finest Customized Tours in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, Kamakura, Takayama, Osaka, Kobe, Kagoshima, Hokkaido)
Sakura Private Guides
Destinations
Where in Japan are you headed? Blessed with diverse nature and rich history, Japan has countless places to explore for people with all different types of interests. To help fuel your wanderlust, we have made a list of cities in Japan that fly under the radar. Why don’t you come, see, and feel them in real life?
Tokyo
Best Times: All year around.
Tokyo...a megacity like New York or London, with a wonder!!
Served as a capital city of Japan, Tokyo is a major global city with millions of people all living in a relatively small space. Chosen as a host city of the 2020 Olympics,Tokyo boasts many sightseeing attractions: Sensoji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Shibuya Crossing, Akiba Electric Town, Shinjuku, and Ghibli Museum etc. Let's go for the adventure and explore Tokyo together.
Osaka
Best Times: All year around.
Osaka...famous for its down-to-earth Osakans and hearty food!!
When in Osaka, do as the Osakans do. This is actually the key to experience the true heart of Osaka. Originally known as a merchant town in the Kansai region, Osaka is a must-see tourist delight with many diverse attractions! If you are a foodies or love stand-up comedies or want to learn more about traditional arts like Bunraku puppet plays, this is the right place to visit! This vibrant city also boasts some splendid architecture designed by Ando Tadao, a world-renowned architect.
Kyoto
Best Times: All year around.
Kyoto...what an enchanting city it is!!
Known as a former capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, this historical city has something for everyone, boasting many of Japan's cultural gems including the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu temple and Nijo castle, together with non-temple or shrine sites such as Toei Kyoto Stidio Park or Gion geisha town. Whoever you travel with or whatever you would like to experience during your tour trip to Kyoto, we will help you to design your special itinerary!
Hakone
Best Times: All year around.
Hakone...a great weekend getaway from bustling Tokyo!!
Located in the vicinity of Mt. Fuji, Hakone is an incredibly relaxing hot spring resort surrounded by the volcanic mountains and stunning scenery. This city offers a wide variety of tourist attractions ranging from Owakudani Valley, or a large volcanic area venting gaseous sulfurous exhalations, to numerous hot springs, to Lake Ashi, or a beautiful lake formed in the caldera of Mt. Hakone. So what are you waiting for? Let's plan your urban escape to Hakone with us!
Nikko
Best Times: All year around.
Nikko...where the most famous samurai warrior is enshrined!!Never say "Kekko" until you've seen Nikko (Kekko means beautiful or splendid or even "I'm satisfied."). This Japanese saying is so true! With just a 2-hour train ride away from Tokyo, Nikko is a breathtaking tourist destination with panoramic mountain views and world-heritage sites. For many visitors the highlight of this area is Nikko Toshogu, a celebrated shinto shrine adorned with wooden carvings of different animals, and it's dedicated to the most popular samurai Tokugawa Ieyasu. Other than that, this city boasts other cultural assets such as Futarasan Shrine or Rinnoji Temple, and its crimzon red leaves in autumn.
Takayama
Best Times: All year around.
Takayama...the small town of craftsmanship, art and history!!
Located within the deep mountains of Gifu prefecture, Takayama is quickly becoming a hot place to visit. Also known as Hida-Takayama, this small city is a cultural and historical gem and it's worth adding to your travel itinerary, while in Japan. This mountainous area is famous for its well-preserved, 4 centuries old town houses called "Takayama Jinya" and gorgeous Takayama Matsuri festivals. Are you looking for a place where you can relax on your days off from work and spend quality time with your family? If so, this is the right place to go!
Nara
Best Times: All year around.
Nara...Let's discover the spiritual soul of Japan!
Have you ever been to Nara, an ancient capital of Japan? Conveniently located nearby Osaka, this city lures the domestic and foreign tourists with its historic and heritage sites. As a tourist destination, this city also boasts its natural landscapes, ancient architecture, and an array of wildlife. Once you are in Nara, why don't you pay a visit to Todaiji Temple, a world heritage site, and pet and play with the deer at Nara Deer Park? We're sure that you'll enjoy the trip of a lifetime with us!
Hiroshima
Best Times: All year around.
Hiroshima...a cultural-rich city of water and peace
Standing as a vivid reminder of tragedy and the WWII, this city is widely recognized as the embodiment of human resilience and fortitude. Located in western Japan, Hiroshima is home to two world heritage sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima. Why don't you come and experience this peaceful city for yourself?
Kamakura
Best Times: All year around.
Kamakura...famous for its history and Samurai Town!!
Just one hour's train ride from Tokyo, Kamakura has many temples and shrines as this quiet little town was the political capital of Japan from 1185 to 1333. If you are interested in its historical landmarks found across Kamakura, why not visit some famous sites including Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hasedera Temple and, Kotokuin Temple which is home to the giant Buddha Statue? You can learn a lot about Japanese samurai culture with our local guide.
Hokkaido
Best Times: All year around, December - May (for skiers).
Hokkaido...a winter wonderland located in northern Japan!!
Are you looking for a place where you can really relax while enjoying snow and the natural beauty of the area? If so, you'll definitely love Hokkaido! World-famous as a magical snowland (Niseko Sky Resort), this northernmost island of Japan offers visitors spectacular views of the cities (Sapporo, Hakodate) and surrounding mountains and lakes (Mt. Usu Volcano, Lake Toya), and showcases an extensive collections of flowers, plants, and trees. Hokkaido is also famous for its super fresh, delicous seafood caught in the waters off this region, such as snow crabs and scallops! Why don't you fly into Hokkaido to experience something special during your stay in Japan?
Kagoshima
Best Times: All year around.
Kagoshima...a historical city full of special charms and delights!!
As a vibrant gateway for trade and exchange between Japan and Western countries since old times, Kagoshima has a lot to offer its visitors in terms of sightseeing. This sub-tropical city has many tourist attractions ranging from active volcanoes (Sakurajima etc.) to hot spring resorts (Sand Bath at Ibusuki Hot Springs) to numerous historical buildings that makes you think that you are in the Edo period (Bukeyashiki or old samurai houses which was built about 400 years ago.) We're sure that you'll be mesmerized by its grandeur of nature and the hospitality of the people.