Off-Beat Japan
Prepare to immerse yourself in the wacky and wonderful in this fascinating land. Get off the beaten track on our most culturally immersive Japan holiday and trek at the foot of Fuji, meet the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, take a rickshaw ride through a bamboo forest. You'll see all the classic highlights too in Tokyo and Kyoto. This tour includes a one night stay in a traditional ryokan as well as a one night stay in a Buddhist lodge with simple shared facilities.
Morning Prayers with Monks - Enjoy the peace and serenity inspired by the sacred chanting of Buddhist monks as you join them for their morning prayers in a beautiful 13th-century temple.
Try Taiko Drumming - Have a go at traditional drumming with a Taiko drumming class, taking part in an energetic and age-old ensemble performance on big, floor tom drums.
Stay in a Ryokan - For a classic Japanese experience, spend a night in a ryokan, a traditional inn with onsen facilities, where you will sleep on a futon in a comfortable tatami mat room.
Tokyo (3N) - Mt Fuji (1N) - Yudanaka - Nagano (1N) - Takayama (1N) - Nagoya - Kyoto (2N) - Koyasan (1N) - Himeji - Osaka (2N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- Most Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Breakfasts: 11 /Dinners: 4
- Domestic transportation
- 3 – 4 star accommodation, plus ryokan and Buddhist temple lodging
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, for a three-night stay. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Japanese Drumming
Begin your tour of Tokyo and immerse yourself into the local culture by spending the morning trying your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class, where you will learn how to beat the 'wadaiko' with 'bachi'. Later, stop by Meiji Jingu Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 4: Discover Tokyo
Tokyo is a city that is always moving forward from the ever-changing skyline to the fashions and trends of the people who call it home. As modern as it may appear, behind the neon façade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Sightseeing today begins with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and a visit to the observation deck of the 634m Skytree for views over the sprawling city below. You'll also stop by Sensoji Temple - Tokyo's oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 5: Mount Fuji
Journey out of Tokyo to the foot of mighty Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Pick up a walking trail and make your way through lush alpine forest at Fuji’s base, pausing often to admire the landscapes around you.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Snow Monkeys
Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Continue to Nagano, stopping in Yudanaka to watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park bathe and play in and around their hot spring pool.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 7: Japanese Alps
Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, reaching an observation platform at 2,156 metres, which gives breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will be staying at an onsen hotel. Here you can relax and bathe in the natural hot spring pools and experience this most traditional pastime. This afternoon you will have time to explore Kamisannomachi Street and sample the street food on offer (at your own expense).
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Bullet Train To Kyoto
Take a Limited Express train to Nagoya, where you will change onto a Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. This afternoon, start discovering Kyoto's rich heritage with a visit to the enchanting Fushimi Inaritaisha Shrine with its pathway of torii gates before admiring the views over the city from Kiyomizudera Temple. Stroll around the old neighbourhoods of Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 9: Japanese Tea Ceremony
Start today by visiting Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion', and Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden. Continue to the Arashiyama district where you will have some free time to explore the Bamboo Forest as well as enjoying a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 10: Kyoto Culture & Koyasan
Spend the morning discovering the craft of kimono creation at Nishijin Textile Centre, before learning the paper-folding art of origami and the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono. This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan, where you will spend the night in a 13th-century temple in a traditional tatami room.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Morning Prayers
Rise early to join the monks for their morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. Visit Kongobu-ji and Okunoin before travelling to Osaka.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 12: Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery
Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century Himeji Castle which is considered a prime example of Japanese feudal period architecture. Continue to a sake brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process of this potent rice wine and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and experience the bright and brash Dotonbori district. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Days 13-14: Fly Osaka To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 15 Sep 2025 - 27 Sep 2025
from $11,690 pp twin share / $14,290 pp solo - 13 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025
from $11,980 pp twin share / $14,580 pp solo - 03 Nov 2025 - 15 Nov 2025
from$11,980$11,180 pp twin share /$14,580/ $13,780 pp solo - 16 Mar 2026 - 28 Mar 2026
from$12,690$11,690 pp twin share /$15,490/ $14,490 pp solo - 23 Mar 2026 - 04 Apr 2026
from$12,690$11,690 pp twin share /$15,490/ $14,490 pp solo - 30 Mar 2026 - 11 Apr 2026
from$12,690$11,690 pp twin share /$15,490/ $14,490 pp solo - 06 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026
from$12,690$11,690 pp twin share /$15,490/ $14,490 pp solo - 13 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026
from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,490 pp solo - 11 May 2026 - 23 May 2026
from$12,390$11,590 pp twin share /$15,190/ $14,390 pp solo - 14 Sep 2026 - 26 Sep 2026
from$12,390$11,590 pp twin share /$15,190/ $14,390 pp solo - 12 Oct 2026 - 24 Oct 2026
from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,490 pp solo - 19 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
from$12,690$11,890 pp twin share /$15,490/ $14,690 pp solo - 26 Oct 2026 - 07 Nov 2026
from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,490 pp solo - 02 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026
from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,490 pp solo - 15 Mar 2027 - 27 Mar 2027
from$13,590$12,590 pp twin share /$16,490/ $15,490 pp solo - 22 Mar 2027 - 03 Apr 2027
from$13,590$12,590 pp twin share /$16,490/ $15,490 pp solo - 29 Mar 2027 - 10 Apr 2027
from$13,590$12,590 pp twin share /$16,490/ $15,490 pp solo - 05 Apr 2027 - 17 Apr 2027
from$13,590$12,590 pp twin share /$16,490/ $15,490 pp solo - 12 Apr 2027 - 24 Apr 2027
from $13,590 pp twin share / $16,490 pp solo - 10 May 2027 - 22 May 2027
from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,890 pp solo - 17 May 2027 - 29 May 2027
from$12,990$12,390 pp twin share /$15,890/ $15,290 pp solo - 13 Sep 2027 - 25 Sep 2027
from$13,590$12,990 pp twin share /$16,490/ $15,890 pp solo - 20 Sep 2027 - 02 Oct 2027
from$13,590$12,990 pp twin share /$16,490/ $15,890 pp solo - 11 Oct 2027 - 23 Oct 2027
from $13,590 pp twin share / $16,490 pp solo - 18 Oct 2027 - 30 Oct 2027
from $13,590 pp twin share / $16,490 pp solo - 25 Oct 2027 - 06 Nov 2027
from$13,590$12,990 pp twin share /$16,490/ $15,890 pp solo - 01 Nov 2027 - 13 Nov 2027
from $13,590 pp twin share / $16,490 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.
Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa - Hakone/Mt Fuji
This contemporary spa hotel in the mountainous Hakone area features sleek rooms with balconies or terraces, and include minibars, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. There are 2 stylish restaurants in addition to a plush lounge. Other perks include a day spa and a geothermal traditional onsen.
Hotel Ryu Resort & Spa - Takayama
The Ryu Resort allows guests to appreciate the natural scenery of the area. Facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, a bar and a relaxing onsen. Each of its Japanese-western style rooms have an ensuite bathroom, tea making facilities and a satellite TV. There are three on site restaurants serving excellent local cuisine.
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.
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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. 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.
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