Be captivated by the unique culture of Japan as you discover lively Tokyo, beautiful Mt Fuji and historic Kyoto. A visit to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial and the holy island of Miyajima complete this fascinating tour.
Learn the Art of Origami - Take part in a handicraft experience - the traditions and techniques of the intricate art of origami. You'll learn to fold some of the simpler, but still impressive, shapes and designs.
Try your hand at Soba Noodle making - The buckwheat soba noodle is one of Japan's most famous culinary exports - try your hand at making them from scratch, before feasting on the delicious results for lunch.
Traditional Japan Tea Ceremony - Experience the perfect display of Japanese culture as you witness the preparation and performance involved in the 'Way of Tea', a traditional tea ceremony.
Tokyo (3N) - Mt Fuji - Mishima (1N) - Kyoto (2N) - Hiroshima (2N) - Himeji - Osaka (1N)
Days 1-2: Fly To Tokyo
Fly overnight to Tokyo, Japan’s capital, for a three-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 soak up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 3: Discover Tokyo
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you’ll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and then take time to explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historical heritage. After lunch, seek out the tranquillity at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa district, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for panoramic views over the sprawling city below.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Meiji Shrine
Take a relaxed morning wander around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, the Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken before passing the famous Shibuya Crossing. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. This evening, take a relaxed dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Fuji Five Lakes
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base, where you will find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Head up Fuji’s 5th Station for spectacular mountain vistas. Please note it is only possible to reach the 5th station if weather permits. After lunch, visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations before exploring the Iyashi no Sato historical village, located on the western shores of Lake Saiko, famous for its thatched-roofed houses. Transfer around 1 hour to your hotel and check in.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Fuji Five Lakes - Kyoto
Visit Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal-clear spring water created by Fuji’s melting snow. Stroll around the area before trying your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles, which you will then tuck into for lunch. Drive around 2 hours to Mishima Station to board a 2-hour bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, 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. Check in to your hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Kyoto
Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto, starting with a visit to the spectacular Kiyomizu Temple. You will spend 1.5 hours on foot exploring the temple. Next, immerse yourself in the culture, learning the traditional Japanese handicraft of origami. After lunch, visit a traditional teahouse where you will be joined by a Tea Master, followed by a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine. With its thousands of vermillion torii gates, the Shrine stretches up Mount Inari (233m high). You will walk up part of the mountain and the incline allows a steady-paced walk.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Kyoto - Osaka - Hiroshima
Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous zen garden, and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavillion due to its golden exterior. Continue around 1 hour by coach to Osaka to have lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori district. Transfer to the train station and take the bullet train to Hiroshima, a journey of 1 hour 40 minutes. A modern and prosperous city, Hiroshima will be forever remembered as the world’s first atomic bomb target..
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Hiroshima
Hop on the ferry to Miyajima Island, where sightseeing will be at a leisurely pace on foot. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and explore the traditional market town at leisure. Return by ferry and then coach to Hiroshima and have lunch. Later, visit the famous Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Please be aware that the museum may be confronting and upsetting for some group members and it is at your discretion if you wish to visit or enjoy time at leisure exploring the Peace Memorial Park. Also visit the Orizuru Tower.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Himeji Castle
Travel to Himeji, with a rest stop along the way. On arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the beautiful Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden. Himeji Castle is largely in its original condition so, please be mindful of your step when walking around. Transfer approximately 2 hours to Osaka for your overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 11-12: Fly Osaka To Australia
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
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.
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.
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.
Grand Prince Hotel - Hiroshima
Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.
Hotel Monterey Osaka - Osaka
Situated in central Osaka, the Hotel Monterey Osaka is directly connected to Namba train station and just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori Shopping Street. The hotel features 4 dining options with panoramic city views. Guest rooms feature British-Style interiors and modern practical amenities.
Dedicated Solo departures have smaller group sizes - Max Group Size of 18
How fit do I need to be to join this tour?
A reasonable level of fitness is required. 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.
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.
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).
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.