Details
- Explore historic Kanazawa, famous for gold
- Visit Himeji Castle, a national treasure and Japanese garden, Koko-en
- Cycle through secluded Iya Valley and see Kazurabashi Vine Bridge
- Admire Ritsurin Garden, designated as a special place of scenic beauty
- Stay at one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs
Prices Per Person (From):
| Departure Date | Twin Share | Triple Share |
| Sun, Mon, Thurs & Fri | $7,889 | $7,555 |
* Above prices are land only and do not include airfares.
* Seasonal surcharges may apply.
* Minimum of 2 people required for tour to operate
Day 1 Haneda / Narita Airport Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shared shuttle to your accommodation. Following check in at your hotel, the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure exploring the sights and sounds of Tokyo.
Hotel: Sunshine City Prince Hotel, or similar
Day 2 Tokyo
Following breakfast at your hotel, head out to the designated meeting place to embark on the Amazing Tokyo Half Day Tour. Drive-by the National Diet Building and visit Meiji-Jingu Shinto Shrine, and the Imperial Palace before heading to the old downtown area of Asakusa for Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. The tour ends at Tokyo Station, and the afternoon is yours to continue exploring Tokyo at your own leisure. Recommended sightseeing spots include the Odaiba area (perfect for taking photos of Tokyo’s beautiful rainbow bridge), and of course, Shinjuku and Shibuya provide ample opportunity to experience the heart of Tokyo and see the famed Hachiko dog statue and congested scramble crossing. This evening, you will join a Night Food Tour. Start at a 1950s rustic bar street to try some skewers and have a drink. Then make your way to Kabukicho, the largest entertainment and red light district in Japan. Try Tonkotsu Ramen and local sushi that you will surely find delicious! After that, move into Golden Gai alley that has 200 small pubs and stalls. This night tour gives you a glimpse into the nightlife in Tokyo. At the conclusion of the tour, please make your own way back to your hotel.
Hotel: Sunshine City Prince Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Day 3 Tokyo
Following breakfast at your hotel, try your hand communicating with local people in the area! Make your way to the designated meeting point to embark on a Japanese conversational starter course which you will then put into practice, using the phrases you learned while shopping and sightseeing at Tsukiji Outer Market, accompanied by your Japanese Language Instructor. This is a highly recommended course for first time travellers and Japanese language beginners who want to immerse themselves in the Japanese experience and really make the most of their travels to Japan. Armed with your new found conversational skills, spend the afternoon at leisure sightseeing around Tokyo and engaging with the locals!
Hotel: Sunshine City Prince Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Tokyo Mt. Fuji Tokyo
Following breakfast at your hotel, pack a small travel bag as your main suitcase will be transferred directly from Tokyo to your hotel in Kyoto. Travel by coach up to 2,300 metres on Japan’s highest mountain, Mt. Fuji, to see a spectacular view. After lunch at a local restaurant, next is a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi. The view of Mt. Fuji in the background from Lake Ashi is iconic in Hakone. Lastly, take a ride on Mt. Komagatake Ropeway to the peak of Mt. Komagatake for a stunning panoramic view of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji. After the tour, you will return to Tokyo by motorcoach. Please make your own way back to your hotel.
Hotel: unshine City Prince Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 5 Tokyo Nagano
Following an early breakfast at your hotel, use your JR Pass to transfer to Nagano by bullet train to begin a two-day tour. This tour starts at JR Nagano station, taking you to see the famous Snow Monkeys that bathe in the natural hot springs in Jigokudani Park. The tour continues with lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading to Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. Your guide will take you through the temples complex, explaining its legends and myths, before leading you through a guided sake tasting experience. After indulging in some of Nagano’s sake, you will return to your hotel to spend the evening at your leisure
Hotel: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Higashiguchi, or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 6 Nagano Matsumoto Takayama
Following breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and transported to Matsumoto to see its iconic 400-year-old castle. You will be free to explore the castle until it is time for your tour of the Miso Factory. Learn the process of making Miso and the many products made from it. After your tour, enjoy lunch at the Factory. From Matsumoto, head towards the Edo like town of Takayama, and the mountain ranges of the Northern Alps. Upon arrival in Takayama, your two day tour concludes, and you can spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. Takayama is a town famed for being deeply rooted in its local culture and history, where daily life still revolves around its longstanding traditional shops such as the tofu seller, sake brewery, Japanese sweets shop, and many more. Additionally, with over a dozen museums and galleries to suit all interests, and several well-kept temples and parks, there are plenty of ways to spend a relaxing afternoon in this quaint city.
Hotel: Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu, or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7 Takayama Shirakawa-go Kanazawa
Following breakfast at your hotel, head to the designated meeting spot to embark on the Gokayama Ainokura and Shirakawago Sightseeing Bus Tour. Stroll around the Ainokura Village in the World Heritage site Gokayama. Enjoy lunch at Shirakawago with its panoramic views. While in Shirakawago, see over 100 thatched roof houses surrounded by breathtaking scenery. At the conclusion of the tour, transfer from Shirakawago to Kanazawa via the Nohi Bus service. Upon arrival in Kanazawa, make your own way to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Hotel: Hotel Kanazawa, or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 8 Kanzawa
Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy free time at leisure until it is time to make your way to the designated departure point where you will meet your guide and embark on a Kanazawa Historical District Walking Tour. Beginning in the Samurai District of Kanazawa, feel like you’ve time slipped to back in time to the feudal era of Japan as you are guided around the restored Samurai residence of the Nomura family a once highly ranked Samurai family so you can get a feel for the life of the Samurai as it would have been back in the day! Move next to one of Japan’s top 3 landscape gardens; the gorgeous Kenrokuen Garden, as well as Kanazawa Castle and its grounds for a quick history lesson. The spacious Kenrokuen is beautiful throughout all the seasons, and its spacious grounds and unique man-made features lined exquisitely with nature will surely mesmerize you. Your guide will then escort you to the famous Geisha district of Kanazawa where you can take an extensive look at an original Tea House where Geisha used to perform! At the conclusion of the tour, your guide will treat you to a delicious soft-serve ice cream wrapped in real gold-leaf.
Hotel: Hotel Kanazawa, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Kanazawa Kyoto
Following breakfast at your hotel, continue exploring Kanazawa at your leisure before using your JR Pass to board the limited express train from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, make your own way to your accommodation. The afternoon / evening is free to spend at your leisure exploring Japan’s ancient capital. We recommend taking in sights such as Arashiyama Sagano Bamboo Grove - Explore beautiful bamboo forests and historic temples set among the sublime natural environment.
Hotel: Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Kyoto
Following breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the designated departure point where you will meet your guide and embark on a Kyoto UNESCO Historical Walking Tour; including Explore Ninnaji temple and know more about Japanese emperors, Explore Ryoanji temple to feel and learn the art of Zen, Explore golden temple, learn the rich history of Japan and experience Japan's traditional culture including matcha and Shakyo (sutra copying). The tour will conclude in the early afternoon, leaving you free time at leisure to further explore Japan’s ancient capital at your own pace.
Hotel: Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Kyoto Himeji Okayama
Following breakfast at your hotel, use your JR Pass to travel to Himeji station. Leave your luggage in a station locker, before meeting your guide to embark on a walk to Himeji Castle for sightseeing. This castle is known as “White Heron Castle” due to its elegant, white appearance, and is widely considered Japan’s most spectacular castle. Enjoy a 2-hour leisurely stroll through Himeji Castle and see colored carp swimming in Koko-en Garden, located right near Himeji Castle. Lunch includes a teppanyaki grill steak (Mondays) or Japanese/Western fusion course (Wednesdays & Fridays), from where a view of Himeji Castle can be seen. Those who would like may take pictures at the rooftop after the meal. Lastly, visit Nadagiku Shuzo, a sake brewery with relation to the "father of French judo," and try sampling some sake! The tour ends at Himeji station. From here, collect your luggage and travel onward to Okayama using your JR Pass. Upon arrival in Okayama, check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Hotel: Hotel Mielparque Okayama, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Okayama Uno Station {ferry} Naoshima {ferry} Okayama (B)
Following breakfast at your hotel, use your JR Pass to travel by train to Uno Station. Upon arrival, meet your guide and travel onward by ferry to Naoshima for a full day tour. Catch the local bus to explore the island, visit Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum designed by architect Tadao Ando. The tour ends upon return to Uno Station. Use your JR Pass to return to Okayama by train and enjoy an evening at your own leisure
Hotel: HHotel Mielparque Okayama, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Okayama Tokushima
Following breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning exploring Okayama at your leisure. We recommend you check out Okayama's most famous attraction; Korakuen Garden, which is ranked as one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan, along with Kanazawa's Kenrokuen and Mito's Kairakuen. Okayama Castle is located just across from the garden. Okayama serves as the locale for the popular fairy tale of Momotaro (the Peach Boy), so visitors will notice many references to the legendary hero. In the afternoon, proceed to Tokushima by limited express train using your JR Pass - it takes about 2 hours. Check into your Tokushima hotel and enjoy further time at leisure this evening.
Hotel: Awa Kanko Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Tokushima Iya Valley Tokushima
Following breakfast at your hotel, use your JR Pass and make your own way to Awa Ikeda Station to join a full day, Iya Valley Brompton Folding Bike Tour. Meet in Awa-Ikeda, catch the train to Oboke Station and bus to Iya Valley Vine Bridge. See beautiful Biwa Waterfall. Ride on the old road beside the emerald green Iya River. Points of interest include Hi no Ji Bend. The Peeing Boy stands on a 200m precipice. Iya Valley road runs gently downhill for most of the way, so no special physical prowess is required. The tour ends at Awa-Ikeda. Use your JR Pass to return to Tokushima by train and spend the evening at leisure.
Hotel: Awa Kanko Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 Tokushima Takamatsu
Following breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning sightseeing and exploring in Tokushima at your leisure before using your JR Pass to travel to Takamatsu by limited express train (approximately 70 minutes). Make your own way to your hotel in Takamatsu for check in and enjoy time at leisure this afternoon / evening exploring the city.
Hotel: Rihga Hotel Zest Takamatsu, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 Takamatsu
Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full free day sightseeing a leisure in Takamatsu. Recommended sightseeing locations include Yashima; located a 15 minute train ride away, offers stunning views of Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea, and is home to Shikoku Mura; an open air museum and pleasant hillside park preserves and exhibits traditional buildings and structures that have been relocated here from all over Shikoku Island. Closer to the city centre, Ritsurin Garden is one of the most famous historic gardens in Japan and the ruins of Takamatsu Castle highlight one of the few Japanese castles built along a waterfront, with saltwater moats that draw directly from the sea.
Hotel: Rihga Hotel Zest Takamatsu, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 Takamatsu Dogo Onsen
Following breakfast at your hotel, use your JR Pass to travel to Matsuyama. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, head to the tramway station and board the tram (not covered by JR Pass, please pay on the spot at time of travel) to Dogo Onsen. Spend the day at your leisure exploring and experiencing one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs. We recommend you experience dressing in a Yukata robe to take a stroll, enjoy dinner and then relax at the onsen at your ryokan.
Hotel: Chaharu Ryokan, or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Day 18 Dogo Onsen Matsuyama Hiroshima
Following breakfast at your ryokan, return to Matusyama station by local tram (*Please pay tram fee on the spot from Dogo Onsen to Matsuyama). From Matsuyama station, use your JR Pass to travel to Hiroshima. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure sightseeing around the city. We recommend that you head downtown to Okonomi-Mura (Okonomiyaki Village) to test out all the different styles and flavour combinations of this area’s local delicacy – Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki! (Savoury Pancake)
Hotel: Hiroshima Washington Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 19 Hiroshima
Following breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide at a designated location and embark on a full day tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. Visit Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, the Peace Memorial Park Museum and the famous Atomic Bomb Dome, symbolising the fight to rid the world of nuclear weapons. Witness the contrast of beauty and devastation between the juxtaposed Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. At the conclusion of your tour, spend the evening at your own leisure.
Hotel: Hiroshima Washington Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 20 Hiroshima Osaka
Following breakfast at your hotel, use your JR Pass to travel to Osaka by bullet train. Make your own way to your hotel for check in and then spend the rest of the day at leisure. We recommend a visit to the famous landmark Osaka Castle Garden. Surrounded by greenery, the garden commands a beautiful view of the castle tower and the stone wall of a moat. Also recommended is the Dotonbori; one of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, and running parallel to the Dotonbori canal. It is a popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.
Hotel: Hotel New Hankyu Annex, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21 Osaka Kansai Airport
Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some last-minute sightseeing before using your JR Pass to travel by train to Kansai Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
- Hotels: Tokyo (4 nights), Nagano (1 night), Takayama (1 night), Kanazawa (2 nights), Kyoto (2 nights), Okayama (2 nights), Tokushima (2 nights), Takamatsu (2 nights), Dogo Onsen (1 night), Hiroshima (2 nights), Osaka (1 night)
- Meals: 20 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 2 Dinners
- Guide: English-speaking guide included on day tours only
- Transportation: One-way Tokyo airport shuttle transfer; Japan National rail Pass 21 days
* Costing may vary depending on the exchange rate, the final rate will be confirmed at time of booking confirmation.
* The above itinerary is subject to availability
* For full terms and conditions, please contact our travel specialists.
Day 2: Amazing Tokyo AM Half Day Tour
※Itinerary may be changed due to weather, traffic and operational reasons.
※If any of the locations covered in the itinerary are closed, an alternative place may be visited.
※Tour guide may not accompany you on a tour, but there will be tour assistant on the bus.
※Minimum participant: 1 person
※Hotel drop off service not provided.
※Infants (0-5yrs) are free of charge. However, meals, seats and other services are not included.
Day 2: Shinjuku Golden Gai Food Tour
※ If the minimum number of participants is not met by 4 days prior to the tour date, the tour may be cancelled.
※ There is a strict policy regarding tours starting on time. This is to protect the enjoyment of all our guests and restaurant partners. If you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, the tour will start regardless and no refund will be provided.
※ The tour operators are unable to accommodate meeting up in any of the food stops once you’ve missed the start of the tour.
※ Dietary restrictions & allergies must be advised at the time of booking.
Day 4: Mt Fuji & Hakone 1 Day tour (Return to TYO)
※ Please note that the tour may not visit the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway in cases of heavy traffic, the tour will not be cancelled, and no refunds will be provided in such cases. In addition, the arrival time may also be delayed.
※ If Fuji Visitor Centre is closed or the tour is behind schedule due to traffic the visit to Fuji Visitor Centre may be skipped.
※ If Mt. Fuji's 5th Station cannot be reached due to road surface freezing or an accident on the Fuji Subaru Line, the tour will be taken to the highest elevation point possible. No alternative destinations are planned when the tour reaches beyond the 1st Station. When the tour has to turn back at the 1st Station, or when the Fuji Subaru Line is completely blocked, the tour will visit Fujisan World Heritage Center or Lake Kawaguchi Oishi Park. Please note that an alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.
※ As temperatures drop significant on Mt. Fuji, it is highly recommended to bring an overcoat of other warm clothing from fall to spring.
※ The tour will not be cancelled or refunded even if the full view if Mt. Fuji is not visible due to weather conditions.
※ The Komagatake Ropeway or Lake Ashi cruise may be omitted or substituted depending on traffic, weather conditions or other operational concerns. The tour will not be cancelled or refunded for such itinerary alteration.
※ Vegetarian meals are available and must be requested at the time of booking.
※ Allergy-friendly meals etc. are not available. Customers with allergies should reserve the tour without lunch plan.
※ GPS-enabled audio guides are available on this tour in Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Thai, French and Indonesian. Please make a request at the time of booking. There are a limited number of audio guides available, so it may not be possible to provide one for each person. Not refunds will be issued even if the audio guide is unusable due to weak signal, device issues, Wi-Fi malfunction, etc. If there are changes to the itinerary, information will not be provided in advance.
※ The bus may make multiple stops at hotels, in the Hakone area after sightseeing concludes.
※ If the minimum number of participants is not met by 4 days before a scheduled date, the tour on the date may be cancelled.
※ The order of the tour itinerary is subject to change due to road conditions or other reasons.
※ Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with bus seats or lunch. If bus seats or lunch is required, please make a booking under the child rate.
Day 5&6: 2 Day Snow Monkey Tour
※This tour includes an English-speaking guide on Day 1 but is self-guided on Day 2. On the second day you will be transported to/between all listed destinations by your driver/tour vehicle. They will assist you to arrange entry tickets at the castle and show you to the miso brewery for lunch, and then leave you to enjoy these experiences for yourself.
※Please wear suitable shoes for the walking trail into the Snow Monkey Park.
※During the winter it is common to see the Snow Monkeys enjoying the hot spring bath, however from spring up to autumn there will be times where the monkeys play or eat in the water, however please note that the monkeys are wild animals and there is no guarantee that there will be monkeys in the bath.
※There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park. In such case we will provide an alternative activity.
※Infants (0-5) are included free of charge. No seat is provided for them and they must sit on the lap of an accompanying adult.
Day 7: Shirakawa-go Tour
※Depending on operational circumstances, certain tour dates may be cancelled, or tour operation may cease entirely.
※Seats on the bus may not be designated.
※The lunch venue may be changed to a different venue located near Shirakawago or Suganuma.
※Please understand that there is no vegetarian option available. Soba (buckwheat) noodles are included in the lunch menu.
※No changes to the menu can be made. No refunds will be issued even if the lunch is not eaten.
※The tour uses a regular sightseeing bus that departs on schedule from each departure location.
※If a customer boards the wrong vehicle, no refunds or compensation for additional expenses will be provided.
※Always wear your seatbelt when the bus is moving & Please refrain from talking on the phone while on the bus.
※Please stick to the scheduled times, as all participants travel together on this tour.
※The amount of time spent at destinations may be shortened or altered depending on road conditions and other unavoidable circumstances.
※The outdoor museum is closed on Thursdays from December to March (preceding Wednesday if Thursday is a national holiday), and cannot be entered. To make up for this, participants will receive a souvenir. The type of souvenir may vary. Thank you for your understanding.
※Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with bus seats or meals. If bus seats are necessary, please make a booking. Children are classified as up to 12 years of age. Ages are determined based on how old the participant will be on the day of the tour.
Day 8: Kanazawa Historical District Walking Tour
※What's included: Entrance to all venues, Gold Leaf Ice Cream, 4.5 hours with a local friendly and knowledgeable tour guide are included in the tour.
※Bus ticket transport (￥500 ($5)) for one day unlimited travel is not included in the tour. Your guide will tell you how to buy this at the start of the tour
※All ages are welcome on this tour.
※Please bring some cash for any purchase of souvenirs/drinks etc.
※Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.
※Please note that if you are late for more than 15 minutes than meeting time (10 mins before the tour starting time), you will not be able to join the tour, get refund or rescheduled.
Day 10: Kyoto UNESCO Historical Walking Tour
※Entrance fee for Ninnaji temple, Ryoanji temple and Golden temple + Matcha drink and Shakyo (Hand copying sutra) are included in the tour.
※Additional purchases including food and drinks are not included.
※Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.
※Please note that if you are late for more than 15 minutes than meeting time (10 mins before the tour starting time), you will not be able to join the tour, get refund or rescheduled.
Day 11: Himeji Castle Half Day Walking Tour
※All ages are welcome on this tour.
※Please bring some cash for any purchase of souvenirs/drinks etc.
※Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.
※Please note that if you are late for more than 15 minutes than meeting time (10 mins before the tour starting time), you will not be able to join the tour, get refund or rescheduled.
Day 14: Iya Valley Cycling Tour (Depart : Awa-Ikeda Station)
※Does not include food and drinks, bus to Kazurabashi Bridge, and other modes of public transport to and from attractions on the itinerary, or admission to hot springs at Wa-no-Yado Hotel Iya Onsen
Day 19. Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour (Depart: Hiroshima)
※ Manner of transportation (mini bus, taxi, train or tram) between Hiroshima and Miyajima will vary depending on the number of participants.
※ Lunch is not included in the tour. Please have lunch on your own at Miyajima.
※ If the minimum number of participants is not met by 4 days prior to the tour date, the tour may be cancelled.
※ There is a strict policy regarding tours starting on time. This is to protect the enjoyment of all our guests. If you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, the tour will start regardless and no refund will be provided.
※ The tour operators are unable to accommodate meeting at any of the stops once you’ve missed the start of the tour.