9-day Japan Tour of Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto - Including Flights

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. The following is based on a Sunday departure.

DAY 1 - Sunday - Depart for Japan
Depart for Japan

DAY 2 - Monday - Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in dynamic Tokyo in the "Land of the Rising Sun"; transfer to your hotel. This evening, attend an orientation meeting at approximately at 7:00 pm with your Tour Manager on the exciting adventure that awaits you in Japan, followed by a Welcome Dinner and drinks with your fellow travellers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 pm on Day 2 of the itinerary, if possible 
Overnight: Tokyo 
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3 - Tuesday - Tour of Tokyo
On today’s tour of Tokyo, witness the contrast of this city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology. Drive through trendy Omotesando and begin your tour at the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a beautiful forested area that honours the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress. Afterwards, on to the Imperial Palace, a huge parkland with magnificent gardens, the residence of Japan’s Imperial family. View the famous stone arched Nijubashi bridge, that leads to the main entrance to the imperial palace. Continue to Asakusa, once Tokyo’s leading entertainment district. Here, enter the massive gates to the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensoji built in the 7th century and the Kannon Temple, one of the most visited spiritual sites in the world. Stroll along bustling Nakamise Street; see endless rows of traditional local snacks and souvenirs. Next, to the frenetic Ginza district, Tokyo's celebrated shopping, dining and amusement area – time to linger and discover on your own 
Overnight: Tokyo 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 - Wednesday - Full Day in Tokyo
Spend the day at leisure to explore all of the delights of Tokyo on your own, or, participate in the optional full day tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone* that promises a day of breathtaking natural scenery. Upon arrival, ascend to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, located at an elevation of 7,545 feet pausing to admire the gorgeous panorama of the park and lake. After lunch, enjoy a picturesque boat cruise around pristine Lake Ashi. Later, take off to the summit by cable car to marvel at the sweeping views of Hakone National Park. Spend time at leisure to explore the surrounding area on your own. Afterwards, return to Tokyo
*This optional tour and its inclusions are weather dependent, and subject to change 
Optional: Full day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with lunch 
Overnight: Tokyo 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 - Thursday - Bullet Train to Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, Gion District
At the Shinagawa Station, board the world-famous Shinkansen, or “bullet train” that whisks you to Kyoto – a unique experience! Upon arrival, your sightseeing of Kyoto begins with a visit to the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkakuji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion’ surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond. After lunch on your own, conclude the city tour with a walk in Gion, Kyoto's most famous Geisha district; visit the shops, restaurants and tea houses where Geisha entertain. Later, check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure 
Overnight: Kyoto 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 - Friday - Full Day in Kyoto
Time to discover Kyoto on your own, or, join the fascinating optional tour to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. After arriving by train, a tram or bus takes you to the Peace Memorial, a historical site near where the atomic bomb exploded, dedicated to the many lives lost in Hiroshima. The burning flame that marks these graves “will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world are destroyed!” This park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. After this solemn visit, a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Enjoy views of the striking Itsukushima Shrine best known for its Torii Gate, dating back to the 6th century. Spend free time on the island with its many shrines and temples before boarding the ferry to Hiroshima and the train back to Kyoto 
Optional: Full day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour 
Overnight: Kyoto 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 - Saturday - Kyoto City Tour, Drive to Osaka
Embark on a tour of historic Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan and home of the country’s most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Start with a stop at Fushimi Inari Taisha, an impressive Shinto shrine that sits at the foot of Mount Inari. Marvel at the ten thousand vermilion torii gates that line the paths up the mountain. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Tea Ceremony, where you participate in the ritualised art of preparing, serving and drinking green tea. Later, depart Kyoto and drive south to cosmopolitan Osaka, Japan's third largest city, known for its cuisine and nightlife. Begin your exploration at Kuromon Market, an Osaka landmark, with vendors selling fresh food and fast-food Japanese-style. Stop for lunch, or just try the tasty snacks. Then, free time to wander along the iconic Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori shopping streets with an array of fabulous selection of fashionable boutiques. Conclude the tour with a visit to dramatic Osaka Castle, built as a display of power in the 16th century, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat. Inside, see an excellent collection of art, armour, and collectables. Check into your hotel. This evening, discover Osaka's regional cuisine 
Overnight: Osaka 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 - Sunday - Full Day in Osaka
The morning is at leisure for personal pursuits. In the afternoon, enjoy this city on your own, or, embark on the optional tour to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara. In this repository of Japan’s cultural heritage, there are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures including some of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples. Arrive at the exquisite wooden Todai-ji Temple, home of the impressive Daibutsu (Great Buddha) bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high and visit the famous and beautiful Kasuga Grand Shrine displaying over 3,000 antique hanging bronze and stone lanterns. Continue to Nara Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. Tonight, gather together for a Farewell Dinner 
Optional: Imperial Capital of Nara (AM) 
Overnight: Osaka 
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9 - Monday - Depart Japan
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight 
Meals: Breakfast

*Book by 26 Sep 2019 and save up to $750 per person
The following price is based on the 08 Jun 2020 departure.

Twin share - from $3166 per person

Departure dates:

• Feb 2020 - 10
• Mar 2020 - 09
• Apr 2020 - 05, 06, 08, 12, 13, 15, 20, 22
• May 2020 - 04, 10, 11, 13, 18, 25
• Jun 2020 -08, 15
• Jul 2020 - 01, 05
• Aug 2020 - 17, 31
• Sep 2020 - 07, 09, 16, 21, 30
• Oct 2020 - 05, 11, 12, 14, 19, 25,26
• Nov 2020 - 02, 09, 23
• Dec 2020 - 09, 21

Please note your accommodation may change depending on the day of departure. The following is based on a Sunday departure.

• Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro, Tokyo (4-star)

This first class hotel is located nearby the Ikebukuro train station.

Guest Rooms: Guest rooms at this hotel are decorated with contemporary decor and comfortable furnishings. All are well equipped with a range of modern amenities. Guests must be at least 16 years old to use the hotel's pool.

Location: The hotel is located nearby the Ikebukuro train station, which offers easy access to explore the city. The Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is a short walk away, and the Sunshine City observatory and shopping mall are within a mile walk.

Restaurants: The hotel has a variety of dining options. Cross Dine serves buffets with Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes. The hotel also has Japanese, Chinese and Italian restaurants. Beverages are available at the hotel's bars.

• Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station, Osaka (4.5 star)

This superior first class hotel is located close to Shin-Osaka Station.

Guest Rooms: The rooms at this hotel are modern, bright and intuitively designed. All are equipped with a range of amenities for an enjoyable stay.

Location: The hotel is situated a short walk from the Shin-Osaka Station. The Umeda Sky Building is about a ten minute drive away, and the Osaka Castle is about a twenty minute drive away.

Restaurants: Dining and Bar Lavarock offers a breakfast buffet and contemporary bistro style cuisine for lunch and dinner. The Teppanyaki Ikka Ichiyo restaurant and the Bar 19 both feature spectacular views.

• Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto (4-star)

This first class hotel is a short drive away from Kyoto Station.

Guest Rooms: The rooms are decorated with comfortable furnishings and contemporary style decor. All rooms are equipped with free WiFi internet access, a television and a private bathroom.

Location: The hotel is about a five minute drive away from Kyoto Station. The Nishi Honganji Temple is within a half mile walk, and the Kyoto Tower and the Higashi Honganji Temple are within a mile walk of the hotel.

Restaurants: KAZAHANA restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tankuma Kitamise offers local Kyoto dishes, and Star Hill serves Chinese fare. Guests can enjoy a refreshment at the hotel's tea lounge and bar or the courtyard terrace.

Is This Trip Right for You?

In many ways Japan, the most "western" of Asian nations, has clear cultural differences. It is not our wish to generalise, but rather point out traits you may notice, and prepare your expectations. The English language can be challenging for the Japanese. It may take some time for your ear to adjust to the accent. As a nation, the Japanese are very formal and polite. Easily embarrassed by behaviour to the contrary, their response can be silence, sometimes mistakenly interpreted as being "cold". Few have travelled outside of Japan, and therefore their understanding of other behaviour patterns and languages is limited. We believe that a little understanding goes a long way, and hope that this explanation will help make your experience more pleasant.