Discover Japan
Japan is a country of contrasts, where ancient gods rub shoulders with modern technology, skyscrapers give way to paddy fields and crowds disperse into the tranquillity of a classical garden. This tour is the perfect introduction to this fascinating archipelago.
Learn about Washi Paper Making - Discover the traditional process of paper making before getting your hands dirty making 'washi' (Japanese paper) the age-old way.
The Art of Gold Leaf Making - Join a dedicated craftsperson in a small workshop to learn all about the lovely and intricate art of gold leaf making, discover what the gold leaf is then used for and have a go at doing it yourself!
Learn about Miso Seasoning - Learn all about the traditional production of an essential element of Japanese cooking, the fermented soybean paste 'miso', at an old wooden miso house.
Tokyo (2N) - Mt. Fuji - Suwa (1N) - Takayama (2N) - Kanazawa (1N) - Kyoto (2N) - Nara (1N) - Osaka (2N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Breakfasts: 11 /Lunches: 10 /Dinners: 11
- 3 – 4 star accommodation
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Dedicated Solo Departures only: Complimentary airport lounge pass in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 50km radius, single room included in price
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
Days 1-2: Fly To Tokyo
Fly overnight to Tokyo, Japan's capital, for a two-night stay. Tokyo was once known as Edo and was a small fishing town. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 3: Vibrant Tokyo
Head to the top of Tokyo Skytree for sweeping views of the city. Next, visit Asakusa and wander through Nakamise shopping street and Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples. Enjoy lunch and stop at the Imperial Palace to view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. This afternoon, stroll through the Hamarikyu Gardens and in the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise around Tokyo Bay.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Mount Fuji
Take the super-fast bullet train to Odawara. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi for spectacular panoramas of this beautiful area before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway. Next, ascend over 2,000 metres up Mount Fuji to the 5th Station, (weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views over the Fuji Five Lakes area below.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Matsumoto Castle
This morning, drive 2 hours to Nagano to explore the formidable 16th century Matsumoto Castle. There are steep ladder-style steps in the Matsumoto Castle that you must climb up and back down again. If you choose not to look inside the castle, you can enjoy the surrounding gardens, moat and architecture of Matsumoto Castle. After lunch, stop at a Miso House to learn about the process of making this Japanese seasoning. Try Miso soup before travelling a further 2 and a half hours to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Takayama
Wander to the Miyagawa morning market and sample some of the region’s fruit and vegetables. Later you will visit traditional houses and local museums, including the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, Kusakabe Folk Museum and the Takayama Jinya. Enjoy some free time to explore the local shopping streets, which date back to the 17th century.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Charming Shirakawa-go Village
Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage listed village, Shirakawago, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Try your hand at making traditional Japanese washi paper before continuing to Kanazawa. On arrival, wander through the beautiful Kenroku-en, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’, before checking in to your hotel.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Travel To Kyoto
This morning, learn the process of how gold leaf is made and applied to everyday objects. Try it for yourself by decorating a pair of chopsticks and take your newly created artwork home! Later, stroll down the traditional Higashi Chaya (Eastern Teahouse District), visiting Ochaya Shima – a historical geisha house. After lunch, drive 4 hours to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Explore Kyoto
Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. This morning, head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse and try your hand at origami and enjoy the rituals of a tea ceremony. In the afternoon, visit Ryoanji Temple, which means 'temple of the peaceful dragon', and the famous Kinkakuji, a Zen temple known as the 'Golden Pavilion'.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Kyoto To Nara
Visit the unforgettable Fushimi Inari Shrine, which features in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. It is famous for its thousands of orange torii gates and is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers, and you will see many fox statues here. Later travel to Nara, a charming town virtually untouched by the ravages of modernity. Home to much early art and architecture, you will stroll through Nara Park to Todai-ji Temple, meeting the resident Sika deer en route, before exploring Isui-en Gardens.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Koyasan
The holy mountain of Koyasan is home to a cluster of over a hundred monasteries nestled in a valley enclosed by peaks said to resemble a lotus flower. Full of atmosphere, savour the tranquillity and spectacular views as you discover Kongobu-ji Temple and the Garan Temple complex before wandering around Okunoin – a vast forest cemetery of 200,000 stupas. Continue on to Osaka.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Osaka Castle
This morning, visit the famous Osaka Castle before taking a stroll around the Dotonbori district, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious local delicacies. Next, enjoy a 20-minute cruise along the Yodogawa River. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before a farewell dinner this evening.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13-14: Fly Osaka To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day. (B)
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 19 Oct 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
from / $13,480 pp solo - 02 Nov 2024 - 14 Nov 2024
from $11,990 pp twin share / $14,340 pp solo - 04 Nov 2024 - 16 Nov 2024
from $11,990 pp twin share / $14,340 pp solo - 09 Nov 2024 - 21 Nov 2024
from $11,990 pp twin share / $14,340 pp solo - 16 Nov 2024 - 28 Nov 2024
from $11,990 pp twin share / $14,340 pp solo - 16 Mar 2025 - 28 Mar 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 18 Mar 2025 - 30 Mar 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 20 Mar 2025 - 01 Apr 2025
from$11,990$11,390 pp twin share /$14,490/ $13,890 pp solo - 22 Mar 2025 - 03 Apr 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 24 Mar 2025 - 05 Apr 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 26 Mar 2025 - 07 Apr 2025
from $12,490 pp twin share / $14,990 pp solo - 28 Mar 2025 - 09 Apr 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 30 Mar 2025 - 11 Apr 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 31 Mar 2025 - 12 Apr 2025
from / $13,680 pp solo - 02 Apr 2025 - 14 Apr 2025
from $12,490 pp twin share / $14,990 pp solo - 04 Apr 2025 - 16 Apr 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 06 Apr 2025 - 18 Apr 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 10 Apr 2025 - 22 Apr 2025
from $12,490 pp twin share / $14,990 pp solo - 13 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 20 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025
from $11,690 pp twin share / $14,190 pp solo - 04 May 2025 - 16 May 2025
from$11,690$11,090 pp twin share /$14,190/ $13,590 pp solo - 11 May 2025 - 23 May 2025
from$11,690$11,090 pp twin share /$14,190/ $13,590 pp solo - 18 May 2025 - 30 May 2025
from$11,690$11,090 pp twin share /$14,190/ $13,590 pp solo - 25 May 2025 - 06 Jun 2025
from$11,690$11,090 pp twin share /$14,190/ $13,590 pp solo - 01 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025
from$11,490$10,890 pp twin share /$13,990/ $13,390 pp solo - 08 Jun 2025 - 20 Jun 2025
from$11,490$10,890 pp twin share /$13,990/ $13,390 pp solo - 15 Jun 2025 - 27 Jun 2025
from $11,490 pp twin share / $13,990 pp solo - 20 Jul 2025 - 01 Aug 2025
from$11,490$10,890 pp twin share /$13,990/ $13,390 pp solo - 17 Aug 2025 - 29 Aug 2025
from$11,690$11,090 pp twin share /$14,190/ $13,590 pp solo - 07 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025
from$11,690$11,090 pp twin share /$14,190/ $13,590 pp solo - 11 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025
from$11,690$11,090 pp twin share /$14,190/ $13,590 pp solo - 14 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
from$11,690$11,090 pp twin share /$14,190/ $13,590 pp solo - 21 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025
from $12,490 pp twin share / $14,990 pp solo - 28 Sep 2025 - 10 Oct 2025
from $11,690 pp twin share / $14,190 pp solo - 02 Oct 2025 - 14 Oct 2025
from $12,490 pp twin share / $14,990 pp solo - 05 Oct 2025 - 17 Oct 2025
from $12,490 pp twin share / $14,990 pp solo - 12 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025
from $12,490 pp twin share / $14,990 pp solo - 19 Oct 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
from / $13,680 pp solo - 26 Oct 2025 - 07 Nov 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 30 Oct 2025 - 11 Nov 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 02 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 06 Nov 2025 - 18 Nov 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 09 Nov 2025 - 21 Nov 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 13 Nov 2025 - 25 Nov 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 16 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025
from$12,490$11,890 pp twin share /$14,990/ $14,390 pp solo - 18 Mar 2026 - 30 Mar 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 20 Mar 2026 - 01 Apr 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 22 Mar 2026 - 03 Apr 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 24 Mar 2026 - 05 Apr 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 26 Mar 2026 - 07 Apr 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 28 Mar 2026 - 09 Apr 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 30 Mar 2026 - 11 Apr 2026
from / $14,990 pp solo - 02 Apr 2026 - 14 Apr 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 04 Apr 2026 - 16 Apr 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 06 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 08 Apr 2026 - 20 Apr 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 10 Apr 2026 - 22 Apr 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 13 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 16 Apr 2026 - 28 Apr 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 20 Apr 2026 - 02 May 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 04 May 2026 - 16 May 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 07 May 2026 - 19 May 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 11 May 2026 - 23 May 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 14 May 2026 - 26 May 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 18 May 2026 - 30 May 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 21 May 2026 - 02 Jun 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 25 May 2026 - 06 Jun 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 01 Jun 2026 - 13 Jun 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 08 Jun 2026 - 20 Jun 2026
from$12,690$12,090 pp twin share /$15,510/ $14,910 pp solo - 15 Jun 2026 - 27 Jun 2026
from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,510 pp solo - 20 Jul 2026 - 01 Aug 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 17 Aug 2026 - 29 Aug 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 07 Sep 2026 - 19 Sep 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 14 Sep 2026 - 26 Sep 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 21 Sep 2026 - 03 Oct 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 28 Sep 2026 - 10 Oct 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 05 Oct 2026 - 17 Oct 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 12 Oct 2026 - 24 Oct 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 19 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 22 Oct 2026 - 03 Nov 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 26 Oct 2026 - 07 Nov 2026
from / $14,990 pp solo - 02 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 05 Nov 2026 - 17 Nov 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 09 Nov 2026 - 21 Nov 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo - 16 Nov 2026 - 28 Nov 2026
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,810 pp solo - 19 Nov 2026 - 01 Dec 2026
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,810/ $15,210 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Sunshine City Prince Hotel - Tokyo
The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
Rako Hananoi Hotel - Suwa
Boasting beautiful views of Suwa Lake, the Rako Hananoi Hotel offers ensuite guest rooms equipped with free Wifi, a flat screen TV and a mini fridge. The hotel features relaxing spa and wellness facilities including a hot spring bath and sauna.
Hida Hotel Plaza - Takayama
Conveniently located just a 5 minute's walk from Takayama Station and 13 minutes on foot from Takayama's Old Town, the 3* Hida Hotel Plaza offers guests a great stay. The hotel is equipped with its own hot spring baths as well as a restaurant, serving Japanese, Chinese and Western flavours. Your room will include a refrigerator, toiletry as well as an in-room safe plus much more!
Hotel Kanazawa - Kanazawa
Close to Kanazawa Train Station, Hotel Kanazawa is conveniently located and offers guests modern accommodation with a choice of dining options. Pico restaurant serves Western dishes while Japanese cuisine can be found at Kitano Shoya restaurant.
Rihga Gran Kyoto - Kyoto
Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
Piazza Hotel Nara - Nara
The 4-star Piazza Hotel Nara is located within walking distance of many of Nara's tourist attractions, including the national treasure Nara Park. All rooms are air conditioned and include a flat screen TV, ensuite bathroom and free WiFi.
Rihga Royal Osaka - Osaka
In the heart of Osaka, the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka provides modern guest rooms with air conditioning, a flat screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel features a fitness centre and an impressive 20 dining options, offering a variety of cuisines from French to traditional Japanese.
How fit do I need to be to join this tour?
This tour is rated as a physical level 1 tour. It requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights. A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps. 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 various sizes of boats without assistance Of course, the National Escort will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
Luggage
All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of five kilograms. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated.
Visas: Please be advised that your passport must have at least six months validity left on it when you arrive back into Australis. Visas are not required for Australian passport holders for entry into Japan for stays of up to 90 days.
Itinerary Changes
It is the intention to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, the order of events or sightseeing may change as the supplier looks to improve their tours or as local conditions dictate. In these circumstances they will make the best possible arrangements maintaining the integrity of your trip.
Please note: Isuien Garden in Nara, visited on Day 10, is closed for maintenance weekly on Tuesdays. Departures coinciding with this will visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine as an alternative.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
- Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.