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Japan & J-Pop Express

11 days

Mix traditional Japan with modern anime and J-pop culture on this 11-day escorted tour. Take in the ancient sites of Tokyo such as the Meiji Shrine, as well as the vibrant fashion district of Harajuku and 'electric town', Akihabara. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji, sail across Lake Ashi and stay in a ryokan in Hakone. Try zazen meditation in Kyoto and enjoy a guided tour of the Geisha district. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Park and Miyajima Island, and head to Osaka for guided sightseeing. If travelling in March, enjoy included entrance to Tokyo's AnimeJapan convention, a dream for any fan of anime and manga.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

11 days

Starts

Tokyo

Ends

Tokyo

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 16

Minimum age

6 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

3 star hotels

Countries

Japan

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 3
Per Person From

Tour Highlights

Tokyo - See the ancient highlights and the modern gems of the Japanese capital, including Akihabara
AnimeJapan - Visit Japan's largest anime convention, a bucket list activity for fans of this Japanese art form (March departures only)
Hakone - Sail across Lake Ashia, enjoy views of Mount Fuji, stay in a ryokan inn and ride the cable car up the mountainside
Kyoto - Tour the traditional geisha district, try zazen meditation and join a specially curated tour of the city with our tour leader
Hiroshima - Wield a samurai sword at a workshop, explore charming Miyajima island and visit the city's sobering Peace Park & Museum
Osaka - Take in highlights of the city with included sightseeing and opt to visit Universal Studios or Osaka Castle

Included

10 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
9 nights 3-star hotel & 1 night traditional ryokan in Hakone
Escorted by a tour leader
Arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 11 by shared shuttle bus
All relevant transportation and transfers including by minibus and train - Transport passes in Hakone, Kyoto and Miyajima
Transport card with 4,500 Yen (USD $30) credit for city transport
Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
Cable car and boat ride across Lake Ashi in Hakone
Evening walking tour of Kyoto’s Gion geisha district
Zazen meditation session at Ryosoku-in Temple
Visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Museum
Tatedo swordplay experience in Osaka
Tickets to Tokyo’s Anime Japan event <b>(March departures only)</b>
Tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum
Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Kyoto and from Hiroshima to Tokyo
Information pack on arrival
Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip

Not Included

International flights
Any local transport unless covered by the included transport passes
Any entrance fees (including temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified - you will be expected to carry your own luggage

Itinerary

Days 1-3 - Tokyo sightseeing

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted by a driver and taken to our hotel in Ikebukuro by shared transfer. Our tour leader will meet you there to kick off the trip with a welcome meeting and dinner.

Day 2 will be packed with a walking tour of Tokyo, including stops at Harajuku for a glimpse of the unique street styles, Shibuya for lunch in the retro yokocho alleys, and Meiji Shrine for a peaceful stroll in the woods. We also witness the bustling scramble crossing in Shibuya among other highlights.

On day 3, we explore different areas of Tokyo, starting with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh sushi before crossing the bay to Odaiba on the monorail. Along the way, you'll see the impressive Ghibli clock at Shiodome. Our tour leader will then take you to Akihabara, known as the culture hub of Tokyo. For a change of pace, you can opt to visit the Skytree for panoramic views or the innovative National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).

Accommodation: The B Ikebukuro or similar

Overnight: Tokyo (3)
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Hakone, Mount Fuji & ryokan stay

Tokyo - Hakone. Today we leave Tokyo's glistening skyscrapers behind and journey to Hakone, a picturesque national park where Mount Fuji stands tall. Fans of anime will recognize Hakone as the setting for Tokyo-3 in the popular series Neon Genesis Evangelion, and we can visit the Evangelion gift shop during our visit.

While in Hakone, we embark on a boat ride across Lake Ashi and catch sight of Mount Fuji from the Komagatake Ropeway or cable car, which will take us up the mountainside for exploration.

For the night, experience a stay at a charming traditional ryokan inn featuring tatami mat floors, futon mattresses, and indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Hot spring bathing is a cherished part of Japanese culture, so be sure to take advantage of this relaxing experience.

Accommodation: Fuji Hakone Guest House or similar

Overnight: Hakone (ryokan)
Meals: Breakfast

Days 5-6 - Exploring Kyoto

Hakone - Kyoto. With over 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto is a treasure trove of Japanese tradition and history. On day 5, we travel to Kyoto at high speeds by bullet train. On arrival our tour leader guides you through the city's backstreets to the enchanting Gion district, where you may catch a glimpse of a geisha.

Day 6 offers the opportunity to participate in zazen meditation at Ryosoku-in Temple, followed by a personalized tour of Kyoto's hidden gems curated by our tour leader. Alternatively, you can choose to explore solo, and engage in activities like yuzen dyeing, attend a kimono show, or visit the Toei Movie Park. For manga enthusiasts, there is also a museum dedicated to Japan's renowned comic book culture.

Accommodation: Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo or similar

Overnight: Kyoto (2)
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 7 - Miyajima Island

Kyoto - Hiroshima. Take a bullet train to Hiroshima and then a short ferry ride to Miyajima, a small island known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly deer population, and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Later in the day, we enjoy an included dinner, comprising the local specialty, okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is made with noodles and vegetables cooked on a hotplate at your table.

Accommodation: Intergate Hiroshima or similar

Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Hiroshima to Osaka

Hiroshima - Osaka. Today, we explore Hiroshima's solemn Peace Park and Museum, offering a poignant reflection on the events of World War Two and promoting a message of peace for the future. Additionally, you can take part in a tatedo stage-fighting workshop to master the art of wielding a samurai sword before we head to Osaka for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel Vista Osaka Nanba or similar

Overnight: Osaka
Meals: Breakfast

Days 9-11 - Osaka sightseeing, anime & Tokyo

Osaka - Tokyo. Begin day 9 in Osaka, a dynamic city known for its vibrant atmosphere. Explore Dotonbori, a paradise for trying takoyaki (octopus balls), and browse the cooking tools street of Doguyasuji. You also have the option to visit Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Castle before taking the bullet train back to Tokyo. Don't miss out on sampling Osaka's famous street food!

For certain departures in March, tickets to Tokyo's AnimeJapan event are included in your tour. This convention is one of the largest in the world, showcasing top names in anime and manga.

On day 10, enjoy a full day in Tokyo. Visit the enchanting Studio Ghibli Museum to immerse yourself in Miyazaki's imaginative world. Explore Tokyo from the Skytree, shop at Shinjuku, or visit Nakano Broadway, a popular spot for Tokyo's otaku community. Your tour leader will offer suggestions for activities. in the evening we enjoy a farewell group dinner.

On day 11 it's time to say farewell to Japan, and there's an included shared shuttle bus to Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight home. Have a safe journey back!

Accommodation: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar

Overnight: Tokyo (2)
Meals: Breakfast x3, Dinner

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Fuji Hakone Guest House
Hakone

Located in the Sengokuhara area of Hakone, the Fuji Hakone Guest House is one of the most popular inns for foreign visitors in the area. The owners, Mr and Mrs Takahashi have been welcoming visitors from all round the World to their inn since the early 1980s and to date have guests from nearly 100 different countries in their guestbook. The rooms are basic Japanese style and do not have attached bathroom facilities or toilets. However, the Guest House boasts some superb natural hot spring baths - indoors and outdoors - both of which can be booked for private use. A soak in these restorative creamy white onsen waters will leave you feeling extremely relaxed and your skin silky soft. You will have one night here. The staff all speak excellent English and the warm welcome you will receive is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Japanese Ryokan
Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Tokyo

Renovated in 2007, the chic Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku offers contemporary accommodation in Japan's capital. Guest rooms are tastefully furnished in a modern style with comfortable amenities. The hotel also offers a number of excellent dining options including the Villazza trattoria style restaurant and the Bar Ku Kon Shinjuku dining experience! Why not sip on a delicious cocktail by the crackling fire - a great way to spend the evening! Located in the west of the city - a short walk from Shinjuku train station.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

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