Enchanting Japan From Temples to Tech
Set off from Tokyo on an 11 day loop that ends back in the capital – ideal for first timers and return visitors. You'll explore Tokyo's shrines, neon quarters and skyline views before day trips to Kamakura's Great Buddha and the seaside at Enoshima. Expect to see Hakone's volcanic scenery, cruise Lake Kawaguchiko and take in Mount Fuji – with a night in a ryokan and time in the onsen. You'll visit Kyoto's temples and bamboo groves, Nara's friendly deer and vibrant Osaka. Westward, discover Himeji Castle, Okayama's Korakuen Garden and atmospheric Kurashiki, then reflect in Hiroshima and on Miyajima – returning to Tokyo by Shinkansen.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
TokyoEnds
TokyoMinimum 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
JapanPassengers
$4,465.00
$400.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
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.
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 ToursPlaces You'll See
Tokyo
Kamakura
Odawara
Gora
Mount Fuji
Kawaguchiko
Iyashi No Sato Nenba
Toyota
Kyoto
Nara
Osaka
Himeji
Korakuen Garden
Okayama
Kurashiki
Itsukushima
Hiroshima
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Tokyo
Welcome to Japan. On arrival in Tokyo and after clearing customs, we’ll arrange your shared shuttle transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can unwind after your journey or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we’ll share practical information about the start of your tour.
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 take a guided city tour – around seven hours – showcasing Tokyo’s contrasts of serene tradition and modern buzz. We make a brief stop at Zojoji Temple for a classic view of Tokyo Tower, where you’ll see rows of Jizo statues, guardians of children, dressed with knitted hats, bibs and pinwheels. We then continue to Shibuya Crossing, which we’ll view from the bus, before visiting Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Admission is included for Tokyo Skytree up to the Tembo Deck at 350 metres for wide city views. We finish in Asakusa to explore Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street, then return to the hotel via Akihabara – the Electric City – and Ginza.At 6:30 pm we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway – tickets included – to Shinjuku for a guided stroll, followed by dinner at a local restaurant, which is included. We return to the hotel by subway with our guide.Please note: the order of visits may change depending on the Skytree admission time. In bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, Skytree access may be limited – in that case an alternative iconic viewpoint will be offered.
Day 3 - Tokyo - Kamakura - ENOSHIMA - Odawara
We leave Tokyo for Kamakura, once Japan’s capital for two centuries and home to many shrines, temples and gardens. At Hokoku-ji Zen Temple we’ll stroll through its bamboo grove – admission included – and enjoy a cup of green tea, before we visit Sugimoto-dera, founded in 734 and considered the city’s oldest temple. You’ll have free time in the charming city centre, then we’ll visit the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in – admission included. We continue along a scenic coastal road beside the Pacific Ocean to Enoshima, a small island linked to the mainland by bridge, where you’ll have free time for lunch and a walk. We then travel to Odawara for an included visit to Odawara Castle – an Edo-period fortress restored in the 20th century and regarded as one of Japan’s most important castles. Overnight in Odawara.
Day 4 - Odawara - Mount Fuji - Kawaguchiko
From Odawara we travel into the Hakone region of lakes and mountains near Mount Fuji. We begin by ascending to Owakudani – the Valley of Hell – a volcanic crater with steam vents, bubbling pools and sulphurous gases. If access is closed due to activity or gases, we will visit Arakurayama Sengen Park instead. We continue to Oshino Hakkai, a small village with eight clear ponds and views of Mount Fuji, then on to Kawaguchiko for a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko. Later, we drive up Mount Fuji to the Fifth Station at 2,305 metres, passing forests and scenic landscapes en route. In winter, road closures may limit access – in that case we will go as far as conditions allow. We return to Kawaguchiko to stay in a ryokan, where you can unwind in the onsen. Dinner is included. Rooms may be Japanese style with tatami or Western style, and on some dates accommodation may be in a Western-style hotel instead.
Day 5 - Kawaguchiko - Iyashi No Sato Nenba - Toyota - Kyoto
In the morning, we follow a scenic lakeside route to Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a village destroyed by a 1966 typhoon and later restored as an open air museum. Its traditional houses now host arts and crafts, small restaurants and cultural exhibits that offer a clear glimpse into Japan’s past.We then visit Shiraito Falls, where the water cascades in a curtain 20 metres high. From here, we continue to Nagoya to visit the Toyota Museum – admission included – a fascinating look at automotive innovation. We then proceed to Kyoto for the overnight stay.
Day 6 - Kyoto
We’ll spend a full day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, it was spared bombing during the Second World War, preserving an outstanding artistic legacy. The Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997.We’ll begin in Arashiyama to admire the Togetsukyo Bridge – the Bridge over the Moon – before visiting Tenryuji, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a calm walk through its bamboo grove. We’ll then continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji – the Golden Pavilion – set amid classic gardens. The order of visits may vary.After the tour, you can spend time in Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district known for its lively atmosphere and geisha.
Day 7 - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka
We depart Kyoto for Nara to visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple founded in 752 and home to a giant Buddha. You’ll also have the chance to take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam the surrounding park. Lunch is included. We then continue to Horyuji Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising a seminary, monasteries and temples – whose central pagoda is among the oldest wooden structures in the world and marks Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. We travel on to Osaka, arriving in the evening for an overnight stay in this vibrant, modern city. Later, we visit Dotonbori – a lively, colourful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.
Day 8 - Osaka - Himeji - Korakuen Garden - Okayama
We’ll depart Osaka for Himeji, where admission to its immense castle complex is included – a superb showcase of Japanese castle architecture. After an included lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Okayama to visit Korakuen, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, with lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses. By crossing the pedestrian bridge over the river, you can visit Okayama Castle, a sixteenth century fortification rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in a World War II bombing – entry to the interior is not included. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the city, an active provincial capital of just over 700,000 inhabitants. On some dates, we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki – in that case, the visit to Kurashiki may take place this afternoon.
Day 9 - Okayama - Kurashiki - Itsukushima - Hiroshima
We set out for Kurashiki, renowned for its beautifully preserved historic centre – you’ll have time to stroll its atmospheric streets at your own pace. We then continue to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the moving Peace Memorial Museum. Afterwards, we take the ferry to the nearby island often described as the place where men and gods live together, where we visit Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partly built over the water – you’ll have free time to explore the town centre and enjoy lunch. We return to our hotel in Hiroshima for the evening, with dinner included. Note: the order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without altering the overall itinerary.
Day 10 - Hiroshima - Tokyo
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the station for the bullet train to Tokyo – a high speed Shinkansen journey of around four hours covering approximately 800 kilometres. We expect to arrive in Tokyo at around 14:00.
Day 11 - Tokyo
After breakfast, our tour comes to an end in Tokyo – we hope you depart with 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 - Tokyo
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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