Japanese Buddhist shrine, watercolour by Ella du Cane publ. 1913.

Cultural tours in Japan

On our expert-led tours of Japan, we uncover and make sense of a rich and mesmerising cultural heritage. The best Japan tours highlight the unique harmony between thoroughly modern and unwaveringly traditional – and we do exactly that, with itineraries covering the major cultural highlights.

Our new itineraries to Japan

Alongside our ever-popular tours to Japan focusing on arts, architecture, crafts and gardens, we are delighted to introduce two more itineraries to our programme. Both are led by Reverend Professor Lloyd Llewellyn–Jones.

Taking place in 2026, our Christmas in Japan tour explores uniquely Japanese ways of celebrating the festive season, blending the deeply traditional – Kabuki theatre, geisha entertainment and tea ceremonies, with the ultra-modern lights of Tokyo and Osaka.

In 2027, our new Shōguns and Samurai tour takes us through one of history's most captivating chapters, exploring Japan's feudal landscape through private collections and the finest castles.

Exploring Japan on a cultural tour

We grasp the essence of Japanese cultural heritage: from the samurai houses of Kanazawa, to Nara, the cradle of Buddhist Japan, where we study the world’s oldest wooden temple. In Kyoto, the Japanese tea ceremony thrives and Zen Buddhist rock gardens beckon.

We explore the art of Japan and unveil an eclectic legacy: Discover vibrant ukiyo-e woodblocks, painted screens and shrines – then dart by bullet train travel to Naoshima, Japan’s famed art colony where contemporary jewels by Kusama, Hockney and Warhol intrigue in Tadao Ando galleries.

From legacies of tea masters to samurai and Buddhist priests, Japanese gardens have been shaped by extraordinary stories of social, horticultural and aesthetic expression over 1,600 years. On visits to Japanese gardens, specialist Yoko Kawaguchi takes us on a comprehensive 12 day discovery of these symbolic spaces.

Expect the temples, Geisha culture, and neon–bright Tokyo on our itineraries, but our experts will take you to the heart of Japan: the reinterpretations and revelations will come thick and fast.

Cultural tours in Japan

Japanese Gardens Tokyo, Kyoto, Hikone, Nara & Kanazawa

Art in Japan Art, craft, architecture & design

Ancient Rome Art and architecture of the classical world

" Yoko brought the gardens to life! Her knowledge was extensive and her explanations clear and interesting. " Japanese Gardens - Tokyo, Kyoto, Hikone, Nara & Kanazawa

" Timon Screech was an absolute legend! He is so well informed, so enthusiastic, so engaged, and integrated into the group. I feel terribly lucky to have had the chance to be on this tour with access to his inspired teaching. " Art in Japan - Art, craft, architecture & design

" The itinerary was comprehensive and covered all elements very efficiently. " Ancient Rome - Art and architecture of the classical world

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