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
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
Start the day with a relaxing wander around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, before driving past the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish. End the day with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay and witness the city lit up at night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mount Fuji And Fuji Five Lakes
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. Upon arrival, ascend 2,000 metres up to Mount Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting) where, with its perfectly conical looming overhead, you can take in the breathtaking views over the landscapes below. After lunch, continue to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the artist's elaborate dyed silk creations and spend some time strolling around the beautiful garden. Also explore Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Bullet Train To Kyoto
Start the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai before learning how to make your very own traditional Japanese soba noodles which you will then tuck into for lunch! Later, transfer to Mishima station and journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for 1,000 years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Explore Kyoto
Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto starting with a visit to one of Kyoto's delightful temples – the 17th-century Buddhist Kiyomizu. Immerse yourself in the culture by experiencing the sacred rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at origami. Dating back to the 6th-century, the art of 'folding paper' is a cultural symbol of simplicity, beauty and peace. Later, explore the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its remarkable 10,000 red torii gates.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Journey To Hiroshima
Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. Later, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that needs no introduction.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Hiroshima And Miyajima
Hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy some free time and take an optional ride on the cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy the panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima and take a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and also visit the Orizuru Tower.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Himeji Castle
Travel to Himeji to visit its famous castle. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city and is recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate its turbulent past before strolling around Kokoen, the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat. Later, transfer to Osaka for an 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.