NAJC Tours and Experiences

Explore Japan and beyond with our curated cultural travel programs.

Experience Japan through meaningful cultural travel with the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC).

Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time, returning to explore new regions, or hoping to connect with Nikkei communities and fellow travellers, our curated tours offer unforgettable cultural experiences, lifelong friendships, and unique opportunities to learn about Japan’s history, traditions, and people.

Join us in 2027 for another exciting year of travel.

Introductory Japan Tour May 2027

Perfect for first-time visitors to Japan, while also offering plenty for returning travellers.

Experience Japan’s famous landmarks, historic temples, beautiful gardens, modern cities, and traditional culture alongside knowledgeable guides and a wonderful group of fellow travellers.

Typical Destinations Include:

  • Tokyo
  • Hakone
  • Kyoto
  • Hiroshima
  • Osaka

Highlights may include:

  • Staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan
  • Mt. Fuji area
  • Shinkansen (bullet train)
  • Historic temples and shrines
  • Local cultural experiences
  • Delicious regional cuisine

Tour Information

  • Dates: May 10th – 20th, 2027  (10 days – tentative)
  • Registration Opens: January 2027 (tentative)
  • Price: The May 2026 tour was quoted at around  $4300 CAD per person (not including airfare) based on a double-occupancy hotel room. Additionally, changes to inflation and costs of services may cause the final cost to fluctuate. Costs will be discussed at the information sessions – please submit the information form above to stay up-to-date!
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Download the sample itinerary

Inaka (Rural Japan) Tour - October 2027

Discover another side of Japan by exploring charming rural communities, breathtaking landscapes, and places many international visitors never experience.

This tour focuses on regional Japan while highlighting local culture, history, food, and the lasting connections between Japan and the Japanese Canadian community.

Possible Destinations

  • Tokyo
  • Nagano
  • Gifu
  • Takayama
  • Nagoya
  • Wakayama
  • Osaka

Destinations may vary each year.

Tour Information

  • Dates: October 10th (tentative)
  • Registration Opens: April (tentative)
  • Price: For example, the October 2026 tour was quoted at around  $4500 CAD per person (not including airfare) based on a double-occupancy hotel room. Additionally, changes to inflation and costs of services may cause the final cost to fluctuate. Costs will be discussed at the information sessions – please submit the information form above to stay up-to-date!
Sign up for tour updates
Download the sample itinerary

Why Travel with the NAJC?

Our tours are designed to provide more than sightseeing. Participants enjoy:

  • Carefully planned itineraries
  • Monthly zoom meetings to prepare
  • English-speaking tour support
  • Opportunities to connect with fellow travellers
  • Cultural and historical experiences
  • Visits to places significant to Japanese Canadian history
  • Comfortable accommodations
  • Private transportation throughout the tour
  • Free time for personal exploration and meals

Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or with friends, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive travel community.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of the tour depends on the itinerary planned, tour agency rates, and options chosen. 

For example, the October 2026 tour was quoted at around  $4500 CAD per person (not including airfare) based on a double-occupancy hotel room. Additionally, changes to inflation and costs of services may cause the final cost to fluctuate. Costs will be discussed at the information sessions – please submit the information form above to stay up-to-date!

NAJC tours include accommodations, ground transportation within Japan, some meals, sightseeing, entrance fees, and the services of professional tour guides and Luggage Transfers. Airfare is generally booked separately unless otherwise stated.

The introductory tour is tentatively scheduled for May 2027 for a duration of approximately 10 days. The Inaka tour is tentatively scheduled for Octover 2027. Final dates are not yet confirmed and are subject to travel agency arrangements.

Yes. Many participants join on their own and quickly become part of the group. Single-room accommodations are available for an additional fee, (for last year it was around +955 on the base fare of double occupancy) subject to availability.

The itinerary is subject to change and will be finalized once the tour details are confirmed. Below is a sample structure, starting in Osaka and concluding in Tokyo: 

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka 
Day 2: Full day tour of Osaka and Nara 
Day 3: Travel to Hiroshima, visit Peace Memorial and Miyajima 
Day 4: Free time in Hiroshima, then transfer to Kyoto; cultural tour of temples, shrines, and Nara 
Day 5: Continued Kyoto exploration, including Arashiyama and additional Nara sites 
Day 6: Transfer to Tokyo 
Day 7: Tokyo city tour: Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya 
Day 8: Day trip to Mt. Fuji and Hakone 
Day 9: Leisure day in Tokyo 
Day 10: Departure from Narita or Haneda Airport 

Accommodation will be arranged. An English-speaking guide will accompany the group throughout the entire tour to provide context, assist with logistics, and support participants as needed. The tour includes breakfast daily and selected lunches. Transportation is provided via bullet trains, chartered coaches, and ferry rides where applicable. Free time will be provided daily in most cities to allow for personal exploration, with the exception of structured day trips such as Hiroshima and Mt. Fuji. 

Of course! Our tours are open to anyone interested in experiencing Japan through cultural learning and community. You do not need to be of Japanese heritage to participate.

You will be responsible for arranging a flight to the tour’s starting location, as well as a flight home at the end of the tour. 

Narita International Airport (NRT) is the primary airport for international flights arriving from Canada, but it is located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from central Tokyo. Haneda Airport (HND) is much closer to the city and more convenient for transit, but fewer direct flights are available from Canada. Some travelers may need to transit through the U.S. to arrive at Haneda.

Canadian citizens visiting Japan for less than 90 days do not require a visa. 

As of April 2023, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement to enter Japan. 

It is highly recommended to double-check travel documentation requirements in advance. Contact your airline, consult Transport Canada, or use IATA’s Travel Centre to verify your personalized entry requirements. IATA Travel Centre uses information from Timatic, an industry-standard tool used by airlines across Canada to verify travellers’ entry requirements.

Participants are encouraged to carry an appropriate amount of Japanese yen during the tour. While major urban areas in Japan accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), some smaller restaurants, local shops, and rural establishments may only accept cash. 

For travelers relying primarily on cash: approximately CAD $1,500 is recommended for a 10-day trip. 

For travelers using credit cards: carrying ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 (approximately CAD $300–$450) in cash is advisable for incidental purchases. 

Public transportation tickets can be purchased at self-serve terminals at major stations, and buses will take exact change.********

Suica and Pasmo Cards: These are rechargeable IC cards widely used for public transportation, including trains, subways, and buses. They are also accepted at convenience stores and select vending machines. Cards are available as physical passes or digital versions (e.g., the Suica on apple wallet). 

  • These cards are valid only in Japan and are non-refundable. 
  • We recommend reloading small amounts at a time to avoid leftover balances at the end of your stay. 

Japan Rail (JR) Pass: 
The JR Pass is a cost-effective option for travelers planning multiple long-distance train journeys, especially if using the Shinkansen (bullet trains) four or more times during the trip. If most of your travel is within Tokyo, Kyoto, or nearby areas, individual tickets may be more economical. 
Learn more: https://japanrailpass.net/en/purchase/price 

Free public wifi is not as common in Japan as it is in North America. Reliable internet access is important for navigation and communication. The following options are recommended: 

  • eSIM: Install an eSIM app (e.g., Airalo) before departure. Use referral code JULIA7391 for a small discount. 
  • Pocket Wi-Fi: A small portable device ideal for families or those with multiple devices. Rental is available at most international airports. 
  • Sakura Mobile (locations in NRT, Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka airports) allows you to reserve in advance and pickup upon arrival. You may return the device at the airport before your departure.
  • SIM cards: Can be purchased at major airports or convenience stores. 
  • Roaming: Canadian providers may offer roaming plans, but these are often expensive unless pre-arranged. 

English is fairly common in large tourist areas such as Tokyo. We recommend using a translation app like Google Translate or Apple Translate (pre-installed on most iPhones), which has a camera feature and can translate signage and menus in real time. 

Leading up to the tour, we will organize virtual information sessions that will cover important details of the tour – during these sessions we will also discuss things like etiquette and cultural customs. Attending these sessions will ensure you are well prepared, and ready for your first visit to Japan!

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