Japan's Cultural Odyssey Cities and Shrines
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Kick off in Tokyo and wrap up in Kyoto on this 8–day Japan journey – think sky–high views from Tokyo Skytree, famous crossings and serene shrines. Speed to Hiroshima by bullet train to reflect in the Peace Memorial Park, then ferry to Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine. Cross to Shikoku for Matsuyama Castle, Ishiteji and a soak at Dogo Onsen. Wander Ritsurin Garden and peer at Naruto’s whirlpools from a glass walkway, then pause in Kobe at the Earthquake Memorial. Stay overnight on Mount Koya – temple lodgings and meditation – before Kyoto’s icons await, from Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku–ji to the lantern–lit lanes of Gion.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
TokyoEnds
KyotoMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Japan that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Country
JapanTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travellers
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPassengers
$5,805.00
$500.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See
Tokyo
Hiroshima
Matsuyama
Kotohira
Takamatsu
Naruto
Kobe
Osaka
Mount Koya
Kyoto
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Tokyo
Welcome to Japan. After clearing customs we transfer by shared shuttle to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring at your own pace. In the afternoon you receive information about the tour’s start.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Tokyo
This morning we set out on a comprehensive guided tour – around seven hours – balancing Tokyo’s buzz with tranquil oases. We pause at Zojoji Temple for superb views of Tokyo Tower and its rows of Jizo statues in knitted hats, bibs and pinwheels. From the coach we take in the famed Shibuya Crossing before visiting Meiji Shrine. Admission is included to Tokyo Skytree up to the Tembo Deck at 350 metres for sweeping city views. We then explore Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street, returning via Akihabara – the Electric City and hub of manga and anime – and elegant Ginza. 6.30 pm – we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway – tickets included – to Shinjuku for a stroll followed by dinner at a local restaurant – included. We return to the hotel by subway with our guide. Note – the order of visits may vary depending on Skytree timings. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, Skytree access may be limited and an alternative iconic viewpoint will be offered.
Day 3 - Tokyo - Hiroshima
After breakfast we transfer to the station and board the bullet train to Hiroshima – about four hours to cover roughly 800 kilometres. On arrival we explore the city’s poignant landmarks, visiting Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum. Later we sail to Miyajima to visit Itsukushima Shrine – partly built over the sea and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You have time to wander the island’s centre and find lunch. We return to Hiroshima for the evening, with dinner included. Note – the order of visits may vary, though all experiences are maintained.
Day 4 - Hiroshima - Matsuyama
Today we take the ferry to Shikoku – a pleasant crossing of around two and a half hours that reveals Japan’s island character. In Matsuyama we ride the cable car to its imposing castle, then visit Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple on a renowned pilgrimage route. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Later we include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional bathhouse dating from the 19th century.
Day 5 - Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe
We continue to Kotohira to visit the Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of sailors – an important pilgrimage site on Mount Zosu with an approach of 785 steps. In Takamatsu we visit Ritsurin, among the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Afterwards in Naruto we stop at the striking bridge to examine its engineering and walk the glass floor section to view powerful whirlpools from 45 metres above. Our scenic route then crosses spectacular bridges linking the islands before we arrive in Kobe for the night.
Day 6 - Kobe - Osaka - Mount Koya
In Kobe we visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, honouring the 1995 disaster and the city’s remarkable reconstruction. We continue to Osaka and then travel to sacred Mount Koya, the foremost centre of Shingon Buddhism with around 120 temples and monasteries. We visit the Okuno Mausoleum – a vast forested cemetery with more than 200,000 graves – and Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593. We spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where monks lead a Zen meditation practice – Ajikan. Dinner is included – vegetarian meal. If you wish, you can attend the temple’s religious ceremony before breakfast. Notes – on certain dates the Earthquake Museum visit may be replaced by the Sake Museum or an ascent of Kobe Tower. Staying at the monastery is a valued experience with simple tatami rooms and shared bathrooms. Meditation cannot be guaranteed during peak dates. Owing to limited capacity at Mount Koya temples, some groups may be accommodated in nearby hotels with half board included.
Day 7 - Mount Koya - Kyoto
We begin with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple before setting off early for Kyoto – Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Spared bombing in the Second World War, the city preserves an exceptional artistic and cultural legacy and later gave its name to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions. We visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji – the Golden Pavilion – with its exquisite gardens. You have free time to explore, then we continue to Gion, the lively traditional district renowned for Geisha culture, where you have further free time to soak up the atmosphere. Note – if you have already visited Kyoto earlier in your tour, our guide will offer suggestions to help you explore other areas independently.
Day 8 - Kyoto
After breakfast our journey concludes – leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Kyoto
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Tokyo
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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