Japan Up Close & Personal
A small group journey through Japan with in-depth culinary and cultural experiences.
Explore neon-lit streets filled with people and quite shrines filled with silence. Come face to face with a culture steeped in thousands of years in the making. On this small group tour dive deep into Japanese culture with hands on experiences in cultural traditions, encounters with people, hearing their stories, visiting shrines, memorials, pavilions and open spaces all showcasing this incredible country.
- 6 Handpicked Accommodations
- 20 Meals - 12 Breakfast, 2 Lunches & 6 Dinners
Must-See Inclusions:
- See the gleaming beauty of the Golden Pavilion.
- Wander among the swaying trees of the Arashiyama bamboo forest.
- Explore the neon-soaked streets of Osaka’s Dotonbori district.
Cultural Experiences:
- Stay among Buddhist monks at a monastery on Mount Koya.
- Meet Japan’s Ama pearl divers and learn more about their elite profession.
- Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Memorial Museum and hear first-hand accounts of the atomic bomb’s devastation.
Culinary Inclusions:
- Dive deep into the culture and social norms of Japan over dinner with the Women’s Association of Kyoto.
- Enjoy a traditional, multi-course kaiseki meal.
- Make delicious okonomiyaki, savory pancakes that are a Japanese favourite.
Your fare excludes:
- Airfares & Travel Insurance
Day 1 - Your Tour begins today - Tokyo
Say “Konnichiwa!” to the incredible, eclectic city of Tokyo. Japan is a land of contrasts, and you’re about to discover the thousand facets of culture, art, and life that make up its incredible spirit. From neon-lit streets filled with people to quiet shrines filled only with silence, you’ll come face-to-face with a culture thousands of years in the making. Storied history, artistic traditions, cutting-edge technology – it’s all part of Japan’s everyday life. You’ll soon discover that you could explore Japan for a thousand years and only experience a part of what this country has to offer.
Day: 2 - Tokyo
This morning, start your first day in Tokyo like a true local – by hopping on the subway. Clean, efficient, fast, and easy to use, the Tokyo subway system is one of the best in the world. Follow your Tour Manager on a walk through Ginza, one of the most elegant and luxurious streets in the world. Enjoy shopping at some of the most renowned "department stores" in Japan. This afternoon, visit Zojoji Temple, standing in the shadow of Tokyo Tower and painting a powerful picture of Tokyo’s ancient roots and modern culture. Zojoji is the center of Japanese Buddhism in the region, and the resting place of the royal Tokugawa family. Head back to the hotel through the lush and beautiful Shiba park, a green oasis in the urban landscape. Tonight, sit down and get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner.
Day: 3 - Tokyo
Feel the excitement start to build as you head to Asakusa, passing by the grounds of the Imperial Palace and see the Nijubashi Bridge. Next, witness the subtle art of preparing green tea. Prepare your own cup of this local staple and learn the gentle practice of making tea using a traditional method. Enjoy free time exploring Nakamise shopping street, where you can stroll between the stalls leading to the Sensoji temple to buy local souvenirs and sweets. Then, head to Tokyo National Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the city. The museum displays artwork and antiques from Japan and the surrounding area.
Day: 4 - Tokyo - Toba
Climb aboard the high-speed shinkansen, or bullet train. Sleek, modern, and comfortable, the bullet train will flash through the idyllic Japanese countryside at 200 miles per hour, but you’ll barely feel or hear a thing. Keep an eye peeled for Mt. Fuji in the distance.* Arrive at one of the most important shrines in Japan – Ise Shrine. This grand shrine is built to honor the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu. Wander among the thatched roofs and raw wood of buildings, taking in the serenity of this spiritual wonder. Tonight, your meal will be a traditional and delicious Japanese kaiseki dinner, an artfully prepared and presented, multi-course meal using ingredients at the absolute peak of freshness.
Day: 5 - Toba
This morning, you’ll head to the Mikimoto Pearl Museum. Explore the island and the legacy of the skilled Ama pearl divers, women who defied conventional gender roles to dive in the sea to harvest oysters and their pearls. Watch divers take the plunge and learn about the history and science of pearl diving. This afternoon, visit an Ama hut for an incredible dining experience. While local seafood is grilled in a charcoal fire right before your eyes, hear tales from the Ama women about their lives and the sacred rights of their profession.
Day: 6 - Toba - Kyoto
Kyoto awaits! Before arriving in Japan’s former capital city stop at Nara Park and Todaiji Temple. Venture inside the massive building to take some time in this sacred place, and find the huge bronze Buddha statue. Wander the grounds outside and discover the famous “bowing” deer of Nara. Next, it’s off to Kyoto, one of the nation’s top cosmopolitan cities.
Day: 7 - Kyoto
Begin your day at Kinkakuji (UNESCO), the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Once the lavish retirement home of a shogun, it was converted to a Zen temple in the 1400’s. It has survived wars, been rebuilt after fires, and still stands as an impressive piece of historic architecture. Depart for the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Set out among the towering bamboo stalks that shade the forest paths and gently sway in the breeze. Later, visit the Women’s Association of Kyoto in a traditional Kyoto town house. Here, delve into a wide array of enlightening Japanese activities, guided by your knowledgeable hostess. Sip different sakes, try your hand at making sushi, fold intricate origami shapes, and speak to your hostess about Japan, its culture, and women’s roles in this complex society.
Day: 8 - Kyoto
Head to Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Here, your Tour Manager leads you through the narrow cobblestone streets and if you’re lucky, you may see a woman in full traditional geisha regalia headed to one of the hidden, exclusive tea houses. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore how you want. Perhaps you’ll stay in the Gion district to wander among its temples, shrines, traditional shops and charming cafes. Or, you could make your way to the Nishiki Market, where colourful stalls are filled with fresh foods and local specialties, like pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.
Day: 9 - Kyoto - Mt. Koya
This morning, explore Fushimi Inari Taisha for a glimpse into the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the rows of orange torii that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. Then, head for the mountain village atop Mount Koya. A special and sacred site, Mount Koya is filled with shrines, temples, and monasteries. Settle into your accommodations for the night – a traditional Japanese monastery,** complete with sliding paper doors and tatami mats. Meet with one of the monks of the temple and learn about life there before sitting down for dinner, where you’ll eat a vegetarian meal, featuring tempura-fried favourites. This evening, join a monk as they walk you into the heart of the awe-inspiring Okunoin Cemetery, and make your way to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Kobo Daishi hasn’t passed on – Buddhist belief says he waits in eternal meditation, answering the calls of those who would pray to him.
Day: 10 - Mt. Koya - Hiroshima
If you so choose, you can rise in the early morning to join the Buddhist monks in prayer. Sit in the serenity of the temple shrine as the monks ring their gongs, chant, burn incense, and center themselves for the activities of the grand day ahead. Then, you’ll once again board the shinkansen bullet train and be whisked away to Hiroshima. Enjoy lunch at a local cooking studio, where you’ll learn how to make the famous Japanese okonomiyaki, or savory pancake, a favourite of Hiroshima residents. After, visit the Peace Memorial Park, and pause to see the ruined Atomic Dome (UNESCO), a sobering reminder of the devastation caused by the dropping of the atomic bomb during World War II. Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Day: 11 - Hiroshima
Head back to the Peace Park and Memorial Museum this morning for a powerful impact moment, a meeting with someone who experienced the devastating effects of the Atomic bomb firsthand.*** They’ll talk about what it was like to live in Japan during that time, the aftermath of that terrible day, and how they keep the memories of those who were lost alive. After, board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island” (UNESCO). Famous for the Itsukushima Shrine and its mythic O-torii Gate standing proudly in the water.
Day: 12 - Hiroshima - Osaka
Today, journey to your final destination, the energetic city of Osaka. Set out on a walking tour through the famous Dotonbori district. From shopping, to dining, to nightlife, Dotonbori has it all – bathed in the neon glow of huge electric signs. Learn why Osaka is known as the “Kitchen of Japan” as you sample its famous and delicious street food. Tonight, sit down and say your fond farewells to your travel companions at a farewell dinner. Raise a cup of sake and toast to the colourful spirit of Japan, and the adventures you’ve had.
Day: 13 - Osaka - Tour Ends
Take a quiet moment to reflect on all the new memories you have created before heading home.
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice. We also recommend arriving into Japan a day or two early to help with any jetlag - ask our team for details.
Multiple departure from February 2024 to May 2025.
Below pricing is for 08 September 2024 Departure.
- Twin Share - from $8,249 per person
- Single traveller - from $10,249 per person
This popular tour of Japan sells out quickly, to avoid disappointment, call our team today on 1300 414 198
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
- 6 Handpicked Accommodations
Activity Level 4 - You’re ready to seize the day, whatever it may bring. You lead an active life at home (walking, biking, and half or full day hikes are things you may enjoy) and 10,000 steps a day is normal for you. You can handle longer walking tours (more than 3 hours covering 3+ miles at a steady clip) and activities that involve traversing uneven terrain, steep slopes, standing for periods of time, and varying altitudes and temperatures. You don’t mind being on the go with some early starts, late-nights, and full days. You can handle altitudes of 9,000 feet or higher with little to no issue. This level is not appropriate for travellers who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Note: Some temples and shrines request guests to remove their shoes in order to enter, we recommend wearing footwear that is easy to remove for sightseeing on these days. Mt Fiji is only visible from the Train on a clear day and cannot be guaranteed based on weather conditions. In the event that an atomic bomb survivor is unavailable, a legacy successor (relative or friend of a survivor) will meet the group and share their relative's experiences and stories. This tour features a one-night experiential stay at a traditional monastery. During this stay, porterage is not available and rolling your luggage inside is not allowed. An overnight bag is required and your main luggage will stay on the coach.
Accommodation at the Monastery is traditional, ALL guests will sleep on tatami mats that are placed on the floor. Western style beds are not available. Therefore this tour is not recommended for those with mobility restrictions. Shoes are not permitted inside the monastery, socks are highly recommended. Meals are also traditional and served on trays that you will eat while sitting on the floor on a cushion. All meals at the monastery are vegetarian. This tour provides authentic dining experiences, special dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free may not be able to be accommodated. Please advise dietary restrictions at the time of booking and we will accommodate as best as possible.