Experience Japan
This tour not only visits the famous sights of Japan including Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mt Fuji and Tokyo, but is brimful of experiences allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture, from traditional tea ceremonies to origami.
Sake Tasting - Embark on a tour of a sake brewery, where you'll see first hand the traditional process used to brew the rice wine that is Japan's national beverage and have a few cheeky tasters.
Japanese Fan Painting - Visit an historic Kyoto-fan house to try your hand at the art of Japanese fan painting, practised for over a thousand years and still alive today.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Stroll through the scores of vast torii gates to the 800-year-old Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a beautiful structure dedicated to the god of samurai in the heart of Kamakura.
Osaka (2N) - Nara - Kyoto (2N) - Nagano - Matsumoto (2N) - Mt. Fuji - Mishima (1N) - Kamakura - Tokyo (2N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Breakfasts: 9 /Lunches: 8 /Dinners: 9
- Domestic transportation
- 3 – 4 star accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Osaka
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka! Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 3: Discover Nara
Visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River. After lunch, continue to Nara and enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Garden before returning to Osaka.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Start with a visit to Togetsukyo Bridge located in the heart of the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkakuji Temple. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to further explore the city.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Experience Kyoto
Begin the day with a visit to one of Kyoto's most famous sites – Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torrii gates and follow a forested hillside pathway passing numerous shrines along the way. Later, enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master, and try your hand at origami. After lunch, your immersive experience continues with a fan painting class where you will learn the technique of this highly refined and sought-after visual art.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: See The Snow Monkeys
Spend the morning travelling by bullet train to Nagoya and then journey on the limited express train to Nagano. Upon arrival, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park and walk through a picturesque forested valley to the hot pools where you will see the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play. Also visit the 7th-century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist temples, before continuing by road to Matsumoto.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Miso & Sake Tasting
Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle', due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. After lunch, visit a sake brewery and enjoy a tipple or two! There will be some free time this afternoon to further explore Matsumoto.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mount Fuji
Travel by road to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th Station to view Mt Fuji (weather permitting). Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway to enjoy the breathtaking scenery below. Continue to Mishima and stay overnight.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Kamakura Grand Buddah
Journey to Kamakura, a popular coastal city located south of Tokyo. Visit Kotokuin Temple, which houses Japan's second tallest bronze buddha statue, followed by a stroll through Komachi Street which is lined with pretty little shops before visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura's most important shrine. After lunch, continue to Tokyo and enjoy a leisurely walk though Hamarikyu Gardens.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Discover Tokyo
Begin the day by ascending to the observation deck at the Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest tower for panoramic views over the city below. Next, head to the old district of Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, before browsing the stalls on Nakamise shopping street. After lunch, explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historical heritage. End the day with a cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and enjoy dinner from the perfect vantage point to admire the supercharged lights of the city.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11-12: Fly Tokyo To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 10 Mar 2025 - 20 Mar 2025
from$9,890$8,990 pp twin share /$11,890/ $10,990 pp solo - 17 Mar 2025 - 27 Mar 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 24 Mar 2025 - 03 Apr 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 31 Mar 2025 - 10 Apr 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 07 Apr 2025 - 17 Apr 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 14 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 21 Apr 2025 - 01 May 2025
from$9,890$9,340 pp twin share /$11,890/ $11,340 pp solo - 05 May 2025 - 15 May 2025
from$9,890$9,340 pp twin share /$11,890/ $11,340 pp solo - 12 May 2025 - 22 May 2025
from$9,890$9,340 pp twin share /$11,890/ $11,340 pp solo - 02 Jun 2025 - 12 Jun 2025
from$9,690$9,140 pp twin share /$11,690/ $11,140 pp solo - 09 Jun 2025 - 19 Jun 2025
from$9,690$9,140 pp twin share /$11,690/ $11,140 pp solo - 16 Jun 2025 - 26 Jun 2025
from$9,690$9,140 pp twin share /$11,690/ $11,140 pp solo - 21 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025
from $9,690 pp twin share / $11,690 pp solo - 18 Aug 2025 - 28 Aug 2025
from$9,890$9,340 pp twin share /$11,890/ $11,340 pp solo - 08 Sep 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
from$9,890$9,340 pp twin share /$11,890/ $11,340 pp solo - 15 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 22 Sep 2025 - 02 Oct 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 06 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 13 Oct 2025 - 23 Oct 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 20 Oct 2025 - 30 Oct 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 27 Oct 2025 - 06 Nov 2025
from$9,890$9,340 pp twin share /$11,890/ $11,340 pp solo - 03 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 10 Nov 2025 - 20 Nov 2025
from $9,890 pp twin share / $11,890 pp solo - 09 Mar 2026 - 19 Mar 2026
from$10,980$10,430 pp twin share /$13,280/ $12,730 pp solo - 16 Mar 2026 - 26 Mar 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 23 Mar 2026 - 02 Apr 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 30 Mar 2026 - 09 Apr 2026
from$10,980$10,430 pp twin share /$13,280/ $12,730 pp solo - 06 Apr 2026 - 16 Apr 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 13 Apr 2026 - 23 Apr 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 20 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2026
from$10,980$10,430 pp twin share /$13,280/ $12,730 pp solo - 04 May 2026 - 14 May 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 11 May 2026 - 21 May 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 18 May 2026 - 28 May 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 25 May 2026 - 04 Jun 2026
from$10,980$10,430 pp twin share /$13,280/ $12,730 pp solo - 01 Jun 2026 - 11 Jun 2026
from $10,590 pp twin share / $12,890 pp solo - 08 Jun 2026 - 18 Jun 2026
from $10,590 pp twin share / $12,890 pp solo - 15 Jun 2026 - 25 Jun 2026
from $10,590 pp twin share / $12,890 pp solo - 20 Jul 2026 - 30 Jul 2026
from$10,980$10,430 pp twin share /$13,280/ $12,730 pp solo - 17 Aug 2026 - 27 Aug 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 07 Sep 2026 - 17 Sep 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 14 Sep 2026 - 24 Sep 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 21 Sep 2026 - 01 Oct 2026
from$10,980$10,430 pp twin share /$13,280/ $12,730 pp solo - 05 Oct 2026 - 15 Oct 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 12 Oct 2026 - 22 Oct 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 19 Oct 2026 - 29 Oct 2026
from$10,980$10,430 pp twin share /$13,280/ $12,730 pp solo - 26 Oct 2026 - 05 Nov 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 02 Nov 2026 - 12 Nov 2026
from $10,980 pp twin share / $13,280 pp solo - 09 Nov 2026 - 19 Nov 2026
from$10,980$10,430 pp twin share /$13,280/ $12,730 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Respire Osaka - Osaka
Set in the heart of Osaka, the Respire Osaka features spacious ensuite guest rooms with air conditioning, a flat screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel was designed to help guests forget the hustle and bustle of the city around them and features the unique charm and character of Osaka.
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.
Fuji Mishima Tokyu - Mishima
The 4-star Fuji Mishima Tokyu hotel features contemporary ensuite guest rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi and a flat screen TV. The location offers great access to the famous Mount Fuji and the beautiful resort areas in Hakone.
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.
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.
Do I need to tip on tour? Although tipping in Japan is not customary, if you feel you have received an excellent service, please feel free to tip your guide at your discretion.
What type of food can I expect during this tour? Japanese cuisine is delicious, colourful and healthy. Food is an important element of Japanese culture. Meals are usually served with a bowl of rice and a bowl of miso soup and consist usually of fish, pickled vegetables and meat. Japan’s other main staple is noodles, most famous being Udon and Soba. Meals on this tour are 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. 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.
What type of Cultural Differences can I expect during this tour? 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. Some examples of scenarios you may encounter include 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 plenty of spare socks, and shoes that are easy to take off for the fairly regular occasions when they must be removed. Your National Escort will advise you of some of these other customs at the beginning of your tour.
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.