About Your Trip
From neon-lit skyscrapers to bamboo forests dotted with ancient temples, there’s nowhere quite like Japan. This 12-day trip will take you from the foodie capital of Osaka to the city lights of Tokyo, and even down to the floating Torii Gate of Miyajima Island, which sits in Hiroshima Bay. Along the way, you’ll get to see geishas in Kyoto, sample sake in Takayama, and hang out with sumo wrestlers in the capital. You’ll have the chance to stay in a range of hotels and sing your heart out at karaoke alongside your fellow travellers. How can we squeeze so much into one itinerary? You have Japan’s incredible train networks to thank. Prepare to get your steps in on this one, too, since the other way to explore Japan at its best is on foot.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the comfort, efficiency, and thrill of riding the bullet train.
- Uncover Hiroshima’s past at the Peace Park and Museum.
- See the floating Torii Gate and deer on Miyajima Island.
- Hike through bamboo forests and the endless gates of Fushimi Inari.
- Admire views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi.
- Explore the backstreets of Kyoto and see geishas.
- Soak in an Onsen in the Japanese Alps.
- Witness a sumo wrestling demonstration and learn how to make sushi.
Your Itinerary
Osaka is a vibrant mix of cultural sights, culinary heaven, and lively nightlife, making it the perfect starting point for your Japanese adventure. After landing at Kansai International Airport (KIX), you’ll make your way to the hotel where our Local Insider will assist with check-in. Meet your fellow travellers at 5 PM for an introductory talk about Japan’s cultural dos and don’ts. You’ll then head for dinner at a local restaurant to experience your first taste of Japan. Be sure to rest well; tomorrow is packed with exciting explorations.
Accommodation
Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi
Activities Included:
- Welcome dinner
Your exploration continues as you discover the best parts of the city, both on foot and via metro under the guidance of our Local Insider. Marvel at the grandeur of the 400-year-old Osaka Castle and the ultra-modern Umeda Sky Building. Don’t miss the eclectic Shinsekai neighbourhood, which has remained largely unchanged since its establishment in 1912; it’s home to boutiques as well as traditional eateries. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by some time to explore the Kuromon Market and the iconic Dotonbori strip (home to the world’s first sushi train). Rest your feet back at the hotel before dinner.
Accommodation
Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi
Activities Included:
- Full-day guided Osaka tour
- Lunch at a local restaurant
After breakfast, we’ll board the bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum to understand the city’s historical significance. After some exploration time, we’ll gather for dinner to savor okonomiyaki, a beloved savory pancake topped with meat or seafood. You’ll spend the next two nights in Hiroshima.
Accommodation
EN HOTEL Hiroshima
Activities Included:
- Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
- Okonomiyaki Dinner
The following day, we’ll take a local train and ferry to Miyajima Island to hike Mount Misen. The peak, at 500m (1,640ft) above sea level, boasts stunning views over Hiroshima city. We’ll start by taking a cable car for scenic vistas before embarking on a 30-minute walk to the summit. Afterwards, we’ll descend to the floating Torii Gate, an ancient Shinto shrine, and enjoy snapping photos of the tame deer that roam freely. Post-sunset, we’ll return by ferry to our Hiroshima hotel.
Accommodation
EN HOTEL Hiroshima
Activities Included:
- Miyajima Island tour
- Guided Mount Misen hike (including cable car ride)
Prepare to pack your bags as we head to Kyoto. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the intricate backstreets of this picturesque city. Key highlights will include Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), and the Nishiki food market. The day concludes with a captivating tour of the famous geisha district of Gion, where you may catch a glimpse of geishas as they prepare for their evening shows.
Accommodation
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Activities Included:
- Kyoto tour
- Geisha district tour
The next day, we’ll quickly head east by train to Arashiyama for an afternoon of exploration. Prepare to stroll through towering green bamboo forests, capturing memorable photos. With comfortable walking shoes on, we’ll hike up to a sacred temple located in the mountains and traverse through the thousands of bright orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari. Later that afternoon, we’ll return to Kyoto for another night.
Accommodation
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Activities Included:
- Bamboo forest visit
- Temple hike
- Fushimi Inari tour
Say goodbye to Kyoto as we catch a train to Takayama, located in the mountainous Gifu prefecture known as the Japanese Alps. Here, you’ll visit the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum showcasing traditional architecture. After exploring, spend your afternoon sampling local sake at a nearby brewery.
Accommodation
Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama
Activities Included:
- Hida Folk Village visit
- Sake tasting
On your final adventure in Takayama, start your morning browsing the Miyagawa market, an ideal spot for souvenirs. Later, we’ll head to Hakone, located just outside of Tokyo. Here you’ll experience a traditional Japanese ryokan stay, including dinner. The town is famous for its onsens (natural hot springs), and fortunately, the hotel features a wonderful onsen for relaxing. Please note that some onsens have restrictions concerning tattoos.
Accommodation
Hakone Highland Hotel
Activities Included:
- Miyagawa market tour
- Japanese Onsen Experience
Get ready for a morning cruise on Lake Ashi. The views over the lake and forested hillsides are spectacular, particularly as you take in panoramic views of Mount Fuji. Afterward, we’ll journey via cable car over the Hell Valley mountain peaks to Owakudani, the Great Boiling Valley. Following this adventure, we’ll continue on to Tokyo. For the energetic, an optional evening walking tour around Taito City is available.
Accommodation
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka
Activities Included:
- Lake Ashi cruise
- Ropeway to Hell cable car
The last days of your journey will be spent discovering Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan. Begin your morning with a city tour that includes a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market, followed by a trip to the Meiji Shrine and the bustling Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world. In the afternoon, unleash your culinary skills with a sushi-making class – and enjoy your delicious creations before returning to the hotel for the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka
Activities Included:
- Tsukiji Outer Market tour
- Sushi-making class
- Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing tour
Your last full day in Japan includes a visit to Asakusa and the magnificent Sensō-ji temple. Subsequently, you’ll participate in a sumo masterclass with two retired wrestlers who will demonstrate basic techniques, giving you a chance to interact with them personally. This experience will culminate in a delicious lunch featuring Tonkatsu (Japanese-style pork cutlet) and Chanko Nabe, a hearty dish favored by sumo wrestlers. After some delightful conversation with our retired wrestlers, we’ll transition into the vibrant Shinjuku district, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline from the TMG Building. The evening will wrap up with dinner and a lively karaoke session in the Golden Gai district.
Accommodation
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka
Activities Included:
- Asakusa tour
- Sensō-ji temple visit
- Sumo wrestler experience (including lunch)
- Shinjuku tour
- Farewell dinner and karaoke night
It’s time to bid farewell to Japan. Feel free to enjoy a relaxed morning before breakfast. Check-out is by midday. Say your final goodbyes before starting your journey home via Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) – or consider extending your stay in the Land of the Rising Sun.
What’s Included
- One night spa hotel accommodation
- 10 nights standard hotel accommodation
- Private and local transport
- 11 breakfasts, two lunches, four dinners
- Local Insider
- Osaka tour
- Hiroshima tour
- Miyajima Island tour
- Bamboo forest and temple visit
- Fushimi Inari tour
- Kyoto tour
- Hida Folk Village visit
- Sake tasting
- Onsen experience
- Lake Ashi cruise
- Ropeway to Hell cable car
- Sumo wrestler experience
- Tsukiji Outer Market tour
- Sushi-making class
- Tokyo tour
- Karaoke night
What’s Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Flights to and from the destination
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating:
4.6/5
Independent Service Rating based on 153 verified reviews.
Accommodation
Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi, Osaka
This stylish, modern city hotel places you right in the middle of Osaka’s vibrant district. Feel the city’s pulsating energy as you step outside, yet enjoy a sense of calm the moment you enter. Option for Japanese or Western-style breakfasts sets you up for the day ahead!
EN HOTEL Hiroshima
Warm hues and clever lighting create a sophisticated ambience at this hotel by the Kyobashi River. Lush greenery, including cherry blossoms in season, is just a short stroll away in Hijiyama Park, an oasis of tranquility.
Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi, Kyoto
This Kyoto hotel, conveniently situated near the train station, exemplifies Japan’s embrace of futuristic technology. Enjoy specially designed mattresses and atmosphere-enhancing materials. Greeted by robot dinosaurs at reception, your stay promises to be unique!
Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama
Immerse yourself in Takayama’s scenic Edo-period streets with this hotel. Experience a blend of tradition and modern comfort; the cozy bedrooms and public bath with natural hot spring water make this a delightful stay. Enjoy local specialties like miso soup and Hida beef croquettes at the restaurant.
Hakone Highland Hotel, Hakone
Surrounded by lush greenery, this peaceful hotel offers relaxation in a stunning forested setting. With cozy beds, delightful onsens, and breathtaking vistas, it’s the ultimate place to unwind.
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka, Tokyo
Located in the heart of Tokyo, this sophisticated hotel provides easy access to major attractions and three train stations. Explore the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and the vibrant Shibuya district. Enjoy varied breakfast options and unique dining at the hotel’s very own Irish-style pub!
Covid Safety
Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. We’ve implemented the following measures on all trips:
- Our average group size is 10 people (max 18), allowing security in a group while avoiding crowds.
- We utilize boutique accommodations to reduce exposure to other travelers.
- All accommodation providers are required to share their health and hygiene protocols.
- Included activities aim to be exclusive to our group, minimizing contact with others.
- Covid-19 negative test results or vaccine certificates may be necessary. Please check destination entry requirements, and our experts can guide you.
- Always verify all guidance on official government sites to understand travel insurance policies.
Important Info
- You should feel comfortable walking between stations, hotels, and activities, so ensure you’re prepared for walking throughout this trip.
- This is a fast-paced and active itinerary, packed with inclusions utilizing Japan’s efficient rail network.
- Pack light; luggage storage in Japan can be limited.
- On Day 3, your luggage will transfer separately from Osaka to Kyoto, so bring an overnight bag with essential items for two days. The same applies to Day 7, when luggage transfers from Kyoto to Tokyo occur.
- Note that the sushi class may be rescheduled in the itinerary.
- Participants must be 25 years or older to join this trip.
- Check visa requirements for the destination before travel.
- Notify our Customer Support team of any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility needs.
- Solo travelers are assigned twin rooms with same-gender roommates at no additional charge.
Hassle-Free Booking
When booking, enjoy low deposit options, flexible cancellations, and dedicated customer support.
Lifelong Memories
Our carefully curated trips strike the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. Join us and discover the world alongside like-minded travelers who will feel like friends from the outset.
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