Walking Tours in Japan

Learn about Japanese garden landscaping on a Kyoto walking tour, led by a local expert. The 3-hour experience takes in an array of the country's different garden designs, from the intricately constructed gardens of emperors to the stylish Zen Buddhist temple grounds. Wander around the Golden Pavilion's Mirror Pond, and then admire Ryoan-ji's lauded Karesansui Garden and the grounds of Ninna-ji. This tour runs with a maximum of just six people for a small-group experience.

Experience the neon lights and buzzing crowds of Tokyo's Shinjuku neighborhood during this 4-hour evening walking tour. Enjoy the nighttime views from the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, sample included Japanese snacks along Omoide-Yokocho (Memory Lane), explore the Kabukicho area, and pass through the Golden Gai nightlife area.

Get a taste of local life in Osaka on a 3-hour walking tour of Japan's third largest city. Witness Osaka's different faces, from bustling business center to historic cultural hub, as you follow your guide through the city's vibrant neighborhoods. Stroll along the lively waterfront of the Dotonbori entertainment district; visit the landmark Hozenji temple; and ride the subway like a local. Get an insight into Japanese cuisine as you browse the Depachika (food market) in Umeda, then sample local specialty Kushikatsu as you explore traditional Shinsekai.

See a different side of Kyoto during this 5-hour off-the-beaten path walking tour covering the city's hidden temples, shrines and shops. Gain new insight into this one-time Japanese capital as you see a side of the city few tourists ever visit. Stop by lesser-known Buddhist temples, Shinto Shrines and explore artisanal handicraft shops. An afternoon tea break is also included.Please note: This seasonal tour runs annually between March and November and the dates are subject to change.

Visit Osaka's ancient Shinto shrine, Sumiyoshi Taisha on this walking tour that touches on the heart of Japan. Your guide teaches you the history and shows you the power spots of this important place. Then visit the core of the Japanese food scene at Kuromon-Ichiba, and try Osakan street food like takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and other delicacies.

Discover the stunning Zen gardens, colorful temples and ancient shrines of Kyoto on this 3.5-hour, small-group walking tour that's limited to just 12 participants. Experience the elegant architecture and sublime religious monuments of this historic Japanese city, once the imperial capital, as you join a guide on visits to the Gion Geisha district, Tofukuji Temple and more. This small-group Kyoto experience also includes snacks and all entrance fees.

Discover the best sights of Osaka during this 4-hour tour and river cruise. First join your guide to explore Osaka Castle, one of the city's best-known sights, taking time to enjoy the castle's unique architecture and wealth of exhibits. Then climb aboard your boat for a cruise around nearby Nakanoshima lsle. During your ride you be able to admire seasonal views like colorful autumn leaves or blossoming cherry trees, as well as landmarks including the Umeda Sky Building, City Hall and Osaka Castle. Your Osaka excursion also includes all admission fees.

Explore the past, present and future of Tokyo's fascinating urban backdrop during this guided 3-hour walking tour with a small group. Discover two of the city's most important Shinto and Buddhist sites at Meiji Jingu and Senso-ji, as you learn about Japan's religious traditions. Then fast forward into the cutting-edge present during a stroll through Harajuku, the city's hotspot of youth culture, street style and shopping. This small-group excursion also includes complimentary Wi-Fi and optional upgrades for private and full-day packages.

Take a stroll through the heart of Tokyo and learn about the city's prominent architecture during a 3-hour walking tour with an expert guide. Depart in the morning or afternoon for Omotesando Street, which features a range of traditional and contemporary buildings designed by esteemed Japanese and international architects. Learn about design features and soak up the bustling street life on this small-group tour.

Make sushi in Tokyo's famous Tsukiji Fish Market, and learn from the sushi masters who honed their skills in the city's top restaurants. The half-day masterclass is aimed at beginner cooks, who want to understand the ingredients and learn to prepare classic sushi, too. Shop in the market for ingredients, fillet the fish to make the sushi, then sit down to eat. Up to five types of sake are also included for you to try.

Hang out with Tokyo's trendiest fashionistas and cosplayers as you shop your way through Tokyo's world-famous Harajuku district and Omotesando Hills on this 2.5-hour walking tour. Harajuku and Omotesando are known worldwide for their trend-setting crowds of street-style aficionados, who come to show off the latest wears, and for their diverse selection of fashion boutiques spanning the high-end down to 100-Yen shops where you can shop for a few bargains. This must-do fashion-lovers tour also includes a guide and a train ticket from Shinjuku to Harajuku.

Wander past the most famous attractions in Osaka during this 6-hour, guided walking tour that includes lunch and a 1-hour river cruise. Follow your guide as you check out landmarks such as Osaka Castle and visit the Floating Garden Observatory at the Umeda Sky Building, before boarding your ship to admire sights including the Twin Towers and City Hall on Nakanoshima Isle. Your Osaka walking excursion and river cruise also includes all entrance fees.

Experience the glowing lanterns and lively atmosphere of Kyoto after dark on this 3.5-hour evening walking tour with a small group. Experience the ancient Japanese capital after dark as you stroll the city's serene back streets and visit city landmarks like Yasaka Shrine, the Pontocho restaurant district, and a 'tachinomiya' stand and drink shop for included food and drink samples.

Dress up geisha-style with the help of a stylist, and explore the history-steeped streets of Gion. Wearing a kimono and other accessories, you'll discover the highlights of this enchanting enclave, from sights such as Yasaka Shrine to the lantern-decked ryokans and wooden teahouses where Kyoto's real-life geishas take center stage. It's a fun way to experience the culture of the area and learn about Gion at the same time.

Explore the modernist architectural heritage of Japan during this small-group, 3-hour walking tour with an expert scholar, covering the Tokyo neighborhoods of Harajuku, Omotesando and Roppongi. Follow a local scholar as you learn the principles behind Japanese design philosophy, touching on its influence across architecture, fashion and art. Along the way you'll visit some of Tokyo's most interesting modern skyscrapers, explore the subcultures of Harajuku and stop by the Meiji shrine for an example of traditional architecture. This intimate tour, limited to just 6 guests, ensures a personalized experience.

Explore the faded grandeur and cobblestone streets of Tokyo's Kagurazaka neighborhood during this 3-hour guided walking tour. Over the course of your excursion you'll check out the unique architecture and intriguing history of this former geisha district that's chock-full of shrines and other points of interest. Your walking tour of Kagurazaka also includes a one-way subway ticket from Shinjuku.

Wander the neon-lit alleys of Tokyo's Shinjuku and Kabuchiko areas after dark on this 2-hour nocturnal adventure with a guide. Your visit to these two intriguing Tokyo neighborhoods, among Tokyo's busiest for food and nightlife, will allow you the chance to sample hole-in-the-wall restaurants, enjoy the quirky bars of the Golden Gai and explore Kabuchiko's infamous red-light district.

Experience the shrines and temples of Kamakura, one of Japan's most prominent religious centers, on a 5-hour walking tour. In a small group limited to 10 people, you'll visit historical sites such as Tokei-ji Temple, Jochi-ji Temple, and Genji-yama Park, while learning about the foundations of Buddhism and Shintoism. Plus, you'll marvel at Kotokuin (Great Buddha of Kamakura), a 47-foot (14-meter) Buddha statue that dates back to the 13th century.

Feel like you're big in Japan during this 2.5-hour tour of Ryogoku (sumo town) and the historic Asakusa district led by a sumo wrestler. Follow your hulking host as you check out the Ryogoku kokugikan sumo stadium, see where the wrestlers practice and visit a sumo goods shop. Then head to Asakusa, where you'll check out the iconic Senso-ji temple, sample some snacks and shopping on Nakamise Street and much more. A translator and sumo guide are both included.

If you're interested in a deeper understanding of the shrines and temples of Japan, take this tour of Fushimi Inari with a real insider. Go past the tunnels of red tori gates. Learn fascinating stories, history and folklore. See temples, shrines, forest-bathing sites and a zen garden, and get access to sites not on the official map.