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Traditional geisha visiting a temple in Kyoto

See the best places to visit in Japan with private tours in its most exciting cities

Discover culture and tradition in Kyoto, a wicked sense of humor in food-obsessed Osaka and sweeping mountain ranges in Kobe. Explore ancient temples and Asian influences in ​Fukuoka​. Experience festivals and feast on ramen in beer-loving​ Sapporo​. Experience dizzying contrasts in ultra-modern Tokyo, and international cuisine in Yokohama. Explore a surprising history in industrious Nagoya and the resilience of Hiroshima & Nagasaki. Walk through preserved history and beautiful gardens in foodie Kanazawa.

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        Read reviews from our guests about their Japan tours

        “We felt like we were spending time with a friend who wanted us to experience the best of her hometown.”

        Dan M, October 2018

        “Possibly the best single day tour my wife and I have ever had and we have traveled a lot.”

        Steven P, April 2019

        “The wonder of this tour is you can change paths at any moment. It was exactly what I wanted, even when I didn’t know I wanted it.”

        Jordan S, July 2019

        “We saw as much as was possible as the tour was built around the attractions that were important to us. Would highly recommend.”

        Paula L, November 2019

        See all reviews

        The best things to do in Japan

        The best things to do in Japan

        Japan is a land of contrasts, its drastically different cities each with a reputation that precedes it and a list of things to do that would take years to tick-off. Take Hiroshima, whose tragic past to this day remains a dark cloud that often overshadows its true character: a thriving cosmopolitan community of trendy coffee shops, crowded stores, and friendly locals. Kyoto’s wood-built streets, traditional dining, and lantern-lit geishas, on the other hand, are perfectly preserved pictures of old Japan – but its late-night karaoke bars and 100-yen sushi restaurants are equally exhilarating. Then there’s Tokyo and Osaka, both ultra-modern metropolises of neon-lit skyscrapers and high-octane entertainment. Even here, countless opportunities to connect with Japan’s traditional culture abound, from ancient shrines and temples to sumo stadiums. The common thread that runs through the country is the magical marriage of traditional and high-tech, centuries-old and contemporary, old and new.

        What to see in Japan: articles & travel tips from our local insiders

        See the best places to visit in Japan with private tours in its most exciting cities
        Private tours in Japan

        Whether you have a full day, half a day, or just three hours, our personalized city tours of Japan are the perfect way to appreciate the country’s spirit and soul. Japan is famous for neon-lit urban jungles and high-octane entertainment, but even in its most modern cities, opportunities to connect with traditional culture abound. Led by a local guide who’s already uncovered every inch of their city, private tours in Japan let you discover the hidden gems your guidebook doesn’t even know about. On tours of Japan, experience this land of contrasts where incredible places congregate, and the traditional and high-tech are effortlessly married. From crowded sidewalks and flashing signs in futuristic Osaka to the lantern-lit streets of magical Kyoto, a private walking tour will paint a nuanced picture of Japan’s diverse cities and their personalities. The country is brimming with world-famous attractions, but some of the best experiences and things to do in Japan are the simple pastimes of the people who call it home. On a private tour with City Unscripted, you won’t get caught in a tourist trap – simply tell us what your dream local tour of Japan looks like, and we’ll make it happen.