8 day Japan exploration escorted tour

Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
Fly overnight to the vibrant, neon bright metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Please note: Early check in is not included. If your flight arrives in the morning and you wish to arrange this, please speak to your consultant. Transfers will differ depending on group size, but you may share a coach with other passengers who are not part of this Tour. If you are on a shared bus transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to your hotel

Day 3: Explore Tokyo
As modern as Tokyo may appear, behind the neon facade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Today, you will explore the city, ascending the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower, before taking a wander through Asakusa district, stopping to soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. This evening, enjoy a Japanese diner cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and admire the supercharged lights of the city.

Day 4: Mt Fuiji
Travel by road from Tokyo to Fuji, where you'll ascend 2,300 metres up Japan's most iconic sight to the '5th Station' for magnificent views of both Fuji’s cone and the surrounding landscapes. If the road to the 5th Station is closed, you will instead visit the Fuji Visitor Centre. Transfer to the spa region of Hakone by coach. Embark on a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi, keeping an eye out for the bright red of vermilion torii gates that nestle on the surrounding alpinesque hills and in the shallows of the lake itself. You may even catch a glimpse of the cone of Mt Fuji peering over the hills, though once you have flown high above the lake of the Komagatake Ropeway to the summit of Mt Komagatake the views of Mt Fuji will be breathtaking but weather dependent of course! Stay overnight in Mishima

Day 5: Bullet Train to Kyoto
Transfer to Odawara Station, jump onboard the bullet train and whizz your way to Kyoto. Capital for a millennium, Kyoto was also the heart of religion, philosophy, art and cuisine, making it a treasure trove of history and culture. It is here that all of the best known cultural arts were born, including the tea ceremony, Kabuki and Geisha. This afternoon, visit the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine. Follow the pathway through thousands of vermillion torii gates that leads through a complex of shrines spread over a peaceful, forested hillside.

Day 6: Explore Kyoto
Begin the day with a visit to one of Japan's most famous temples, Kinkakuji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. Set amongst classical Japanese zen gardens and on the edge of a reflecting pool, the temple's main hall is covered in gold leaf – a breathtaking sight no matter what season you visit in. Continue to Ryoanji Temple, where you can contemplate Japan's most famous zen garden. Enjoy a taste of authentic Japanese culture, experiencing the elegant ritual of a tea ceremony with a tea master and learn the traditional art of calligraphy.

Day 7: Explore Nara & Osaka
This morning, depart for Nara. Another former capital, Nara also has a huge cultural legacy, considered second only to Kyoto’s. This picturesque, compact city is endlessly charming, something you’ll notice as you explore. Spend the morning discovering Todai-ji Templeh which houses the magnificent Daibutsu, a 15-metre tall bronze statue of Buddha. Here you’ll also be able to meet Nara's famous Sika Deer, believed to be the messengers of the Shinto gods. You’ll also stroll Isui-en, a prime example of a Meiji-era (1868-1912) garden. Continue to Osaka, where you'll have lunch and explore the Dontonburi district, Osaka’s vibrant foodie and entertainment district. It is best known for its plethora of neon signs and snack-offering street food stalls. Later, you can learn about the turbulent history of the magnificent Osaka Castle.

Days 8 & 9: Fly Osaka to Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

Please note: Only breakfast is included today.

Transfers: In the event that your flight departs outside of the majority group departure time, you will be transferred to the airport by a shared coach. If you are on a shared coach transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to the coach.

Flexible Booking terms:   Secure your tour with just a $99pp deposit per tour . No more to pay until 75 days before departure . Unlimited changes until 75 days prior  

Various travel dates available from September 2022 to November 2023

Travel 11 - 18 September 2022
Twin share from $7,559 per person

Travel 9 - 16 October 2023
Twin share from $8,299 per person

To find out more about this immersive tour of Japan contact our experienced travel team on 1300 414 198.

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking or until sold out and may change without notice. The prices above include flights departing Brisbane, airline fuel surcharges and taxes which are subject to change.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities. In the Fuji area, hotels tend to be more traditional in style and culture. In this area, you may be asked to take your shoes off at the door and store them in a secure locker – this is very traditional Japanese culture.

Hotels are generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and Japan.

Please note that in Japan, hotel rooms and bathrooms are renowned for being small. Standard single rooms are usually smaller than a standard double or twin room, contain one small double bed (or one single bed), and are designed for only one person to use. All group tour hotels have private western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and telephone. Hotels in Japan often do not have porters and you will be required to carry your own luggage.

How fit do I need to be to join this tour?

A reasonable level of fitness is required.

• On several days, there will be sightseeing on foot for extended periods of time, often involving steps or uneven ground.
• You will be required to get on and off the boat in Tokyo Bay without assistance.

What type of food can I expect during this tour?

All meals (excluding drinks) are included from the groups’ arrival until the day of departure. The schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Japan.

• Breakfast will mostly be buffet style but may be a set-menu.
• Lunches are mostly pre-set options as is custom in many local restaurants.
• Dinner is usually buffet-style, featuring a wide selection of high quality Japanese and Western dishes, but may occasionally be a set-menu.

On some days where lots of sights are covered, dinner times may be early and your tour group may head directly to the restaurant after sightseeing without stopping at your hotel to freshen up.

Will I be required to take my shoes on and off at sites we visit?

Japanese society and culture is built on intricate social etiquette and customs. As foreigners, we are not expected to be knowledgeable about all etiquette, but it will make your time in Japan more enjoyable if you are respectful of local customs.

You may encounter removing your shoes and hats when entering a temple or house (some restaurants as well). You may be supplied with slippers at some places, but please come prepared with shoes that are easy to take off for the fairly regular occasions when they must be removed.

How many people will on this tour?

Most Japan groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by a national escort. There will usually be no more than 28 travellers in each group . All departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 8 travellers booked (unless cancelled due to factors beyond our control).