10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Japan That You Shouldn't Miss

September 14, 2021 Vivienne Hutton

Coordinates: 35°N 136°E / 35°N 136°E / 35; 136
Restaurants in Japan

1. Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, accompanied by one of our nationally-licensed, experienced multilingual guides, who will help you efficiently enjoy a six-hour tour, introducing both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient city. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, or anywhere else at your convenience, and will take you to a number of Kyoto's famous spots. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will arrange a tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Lunch - Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)

Reviewed By X4119CEgaryc

Had a pleasant tour of older Tokyo near Nezu Shrine. Our guide (Hiroyuki-san) spoke good English and shared much of the history related to sights we visited. He also took us to areas that local Japanese people visited and shopped frequently. Very nice tour - will do again.

2. [Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour

金沢駅 団体バス乗降場, 1 Chome-6 Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0031, Japan White Ring
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This is a weekend-only bus tour from Kanazawa Station. This tour will visit Shirakawa-go, a world heritage site. Since the English staff will accompany you, it is a safe tour for foreigners. A guide will give you a walking map on the bus. We will also guide you to highlights and souvenirs in advance. The tour bus will take you to the Shirakawa Gosho Castle Castle Observatory, so you can enjoy an efficient walk. Lunch includes local dishes from the Hida region and Japanese set meals full of mountain food. There is no need to worry about meals, so you can take a leisurely walk. The tour includes a hand-baked rice cracker experience. Bake yourself a traditional Japanese rice snack. Try eating a baked rice cracker.

Inclusions: Japanese set meal using traditional food from the Hida region

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Reviewed By 855edwinak

We had the best experience on outlr tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and funny. Very good local insight. The tour ran on time and lunch was the best meal we have had in Japan. Would highly recommend!

3. Kyoto Virtual Tour

Kinkaku-ji, 1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan All Star Osaka Walk
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5.0 based on 50 reviews

This is a virtual tour using Zoom, online conference system. This unique 1h tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. The friendly host will make your experience more interactive. We use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from guides' living room, that makes you feel livelier. You can ask them anything about Japan, Kyoto and other popular tourists spots by chat or by talk session after the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan. PLEASE NOTE the tour time is Japan standard time. Make adjustment to your time when booking. We'll send you Zoom URL invitation when you book the tour.

Inclusions: National Licensed English speaking local tour guide, Interactive communication with local guides , Fun quizzes and giveaway

Exclusions: Internet equipment, environment and charges

Reviewed By doart4fun

I love the interactive nature of Minako's virtual tours! She takes the time to connect with each of her guests, and her quizzes make the tour extra fun and engaging! Take the Kyoto tour, too!

4. Hiroshima in a Nutshell: Morning Bike Adventure

1-chōme-4-25 Kamiyachō, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0031, Japan Cycle Hiroshima
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5.0 based on 42 reviews

Explore one of the world's most iconic cities on two wheels with a small group of travellers and a knowledgable English speaking guide. Pedalling the streets and riverside paths of Hiroshima on top quality 'Trek' bikes, we will take in Hiroshima's infamous past at the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, as well as discovering the Hiroshima of today, a relaxed and forward looking city full of great people, great food and a great cycling infrastructure!

Inclusions: English-Speaking Guide, High Quality Bike and Helmet Rental, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By Victoria S

My husband and I love using food tours to explore a new city. This one was exceptional! It was wonderful to explore the local food scene and learn about the city's history and culture. We highly recommend this tour to others visiting Hiroshima!

5. The right way to know Kyoto

Kyoto Daily Tours
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5.0 based on 59 reviews

We are a small group of people who specializes in private and personalized tours in Kyoto. Our aim is to help our customers to utilize best their precious time in Kyoto by offering specially crafted tours covering Kyoto's top attractions. When it comes to a trip, we know that you have your goals and preferences. We would love to hear about them and help you have a unique an unforgettable Kyoto experience. Postgraduate students with Ph.D. or MA- level scholar graduated from Japanese universities, our guides have vast knowledge about Japanese history and culture because they have been living here for several years and are experts in their fields. Their high academic level makes them proficient not only on everything Kyoto but also on the way of life in Japan and its rich history.

Inclusions: Expert guide

Exclusions: Entrance tickets, Transportation

Reviewed By CBR-TKYO

Our guide Javier was superb. For both tours he covered the main attractions with insight, commanding knowledge of history, and with very good patience in relation to our easily distracted children. But then he also took us off the main tourist thoroughfares for some quiet, exclusive trips down pathways close by. So we saw all the main attractions, but also little shops and paths, and gardens and ponds we would not have discovered but for his knowledge and guidance. Highly recommend! And hope to see Javier again when we next go to Kyoto.

6. The Essence of Nara Cultural Tour: Big Buddha, Bambi and Backstreets

Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 〒630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29 Kyoto Urban Adventures
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Explore the ancient capital of Japan with us and discover a peaceful city, brimming with dazzling temples, shrines, imperial tombs and machiya houses built in the traditional style. We’ll meet divine deer roaming the streets, grab some tasty street food, chat with locals about living and working here and show you our favourite hidden gems in the alleys of the old city. All this at your own pace, without the hassle or the crowds of a typical day in Kyoto. What are you waiting for?!

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, Entrance fees for all the sites mentioned, Local snacks

Exclusions: Additional food and drink, Gratuities for your guide

Reviewed By Ebayasianf

I booked a virtual tour of Kyoto's traditional Higashiyama neighborhood from Amazon Explore. We had the pleasure and good fortune to have Akemi as our tour guide. She spoke good English and was very accommodating to our requests for pictures, shopping, and information. We truly felt the Japan experience and enjoyed it so much, we want to do more travel explore segments. We had been to Japan but somehow missed this beautiful neighborhood. Akemi engaged the local people and introduced them to us and they would take the time to say hello! We saw geishas and couples getting married. Then Akemi helped us look for souvenirs, which we have already received back in the U.S.! The best part was Akemi writing on a monkey wish souvenir and hanging it at the temple. We are planning a trip to Japan and were so impressed with Akemi, we definitely will try to contact her for tour services and thank her in person for such a wonderful experience.

7. Kyoto Early Bird Tour

Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan KAMNAVI Tours
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4.9 based on 42 reviews

Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan. There are plenty of wonderful sites, but it is always bustling with tourists from all over the world, so it’s hard to enjoy Kyoto's natural beauty quietly and in depth. Here we offer a luxurious tour that enables you to visit three of the most famous tourist attractions in Kyoto with fewer people in half a day till noon. After this tour there is time for  you to spend on other activities.

Inclusions: Guide fee

Exclusions: Admission fees. 400yen@Kinkaku-ji Temple, Drink and Food, Transportation fare. 760 yen for JR Lines, 460 yen for City Bus

Reviewed By MCJ62

Our tour guide was Kommy. He was very knowledgeable of the areas and we received good background information. It was a good way to spend the afternoon and see Osaka. I would recommend this tour.

8. 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano Tour

Nagano Station, Japan, 〒380-0921 長野県長野市大字栗田59 Snow Monkey Resorts
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4.9 based on 194 reviews

Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan - followed by sake tasting and lunch at a nearby restaurant. It's then time to head to the Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys! All led by a locally-based English-speaking guide, this tour is a great way to see the best that Nagano has to offer and get up close and personal with its most famous furry residents! From Dec.1st 2020 until Mar.15 2021 guests based in Hakuba have the option of joining this tour by using our morning shuttle service from the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal*. Departing at 08:20, our staff will have you board the tour bus and begin your journey toward the Snow Monkey Park. *Please note, that the guide will join the tour from JR Nagano Station.

Inclusions: Transportation fee from Nagano to the Snow Monkey Park and between activities/attractions, Lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available, please try to let us know in advance), Sake tasting, English-speaking guide

Exclusions: Shinkansen/bullet train tickets, Entry to paid attractions at Zenko-ji , Additional food, snacks and drinks

Reviewed By LyceTherece

AMAZING Valentine's Day! Our guide (Peter, I believe) was absolutely fantastic, offering information, fun facts and history at every turn. He went above and beyond to make our experience wonderful, and it was, despite abnormally warm weather keeping the monkeys away from the onsen, and COVID precautions causing an early end to the lantern festival. Our guide was super knowledgeable and helpful, and went above and beyond to provide a memorable tour for us all. He was the epitome of the hospitality and kindness that I love so much about Japan!

9. Osaka's Best and Brightest by Private Vehicle

Pinpoint Traveler
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4.9 based on 27 reviews

Looking for a full-day, private vehicle tour that covers top spots with a fun, knowledgeable, and truly fluent English speaker? You've found it. We show you Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shin-sekai, a view from high above, and more! Plus, get some local insight and interesting commentary at some of our other recommended stops. All of this at your pace, with your own personal driver/guide, and high quality vehicle service. Your guide is *guaranteed* to be a native English speaker or honest equivalent.

Inclusions: Private vehicle with all related fees., A likable guide that speaks English superbly.

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Admissions (which will range from zero to a few hundred yen or so, depending on if you change the plan), Pickup if you are outside of central Osaka (defined as within or along the JR Loop Line). Other locations will incur a surcharge for both pickup and drop off as follows: Port of Osaka pickups, 2,500 yen each way. Universal Studios area, 2,000 yen each way. Shin-Osaka Station area, 1,000 yen each way., Child seat: 1,000 yen payable on day of tour.

Reviewed By DaveLDelano

My wife and I booked a tour with Liran Levy on our first day in Osaka and couldn't have had a better experience. Not only was Liran extremely knowledgeable about the city's history, sites, food, and culture, he was genuinely enthusiastic about sharing it. He went out of his way to get to know us - where we were from, our interests, our plans for the rest of the trip - and from that point on treated us as he would friends or family whom he was taking around town. If you view travel as a learning experience and prefer a glimpse of real, daily life to a "canned" tour, I strongly recommend booking a tour with Liran. And tell him Dave and Laura said hi!

10. Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto

プレステージ祇園, Umemotocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0064, Japan Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei
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4.8 based on 15 reviews

During this kimono rental or yukata rental experience, you can rent and get dressed in a kimono or yukata (during the summer) in the Gion District of Kyoto. Then have the chance to walk around the city and see the sights in this traditional attire.

Inclusions: Kimono or yukata rental, Kimono fitting by a professional

Exclusions: Other options: Hair styling (JPY1000) Makeup (JPY3000), Gratuities, Guide, Hotel pickup/drop off

Reviewed By PaulMahdib

My wife and daughter rented the kimonos and they looked stunning. My daughter got her hair done (1000¥ extra) and afterwards my wife said she had wished she had her hair done as well. We wandered around the shrines and gardens to the east of the rental shop. This isn't just a cheesy tourist thing as probably about a third of the women (and a tenth of the men) were also dressed in kimonos. Note, they moved their shop but the signage is still on the building in the old location. The old location has signage indicating they are on the 3rd floor. That is the wrong building. Head north from there about 200 meters and they are on the 5th floor with new signage. It was quite confusing and hopefully they remove the signage on the old building soon. (The instructions they send you aren't helpful since the address is in Japanese and addresses aren't obvious to my eyes.)

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