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.
Spend the Night in a Ryokan - Spend the night in a ryokan, a centuries-old style of guesthouse that offers the ultimate Japanese experience! Sleep on futons and tatami mats, dine on traditional food and bathe in the relaxing warm waters of an onsen.
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.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 4: Discover Tokyo
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 Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo's oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum. Housed in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo, the museum powerfully illustrates Tokyo's past (known as Edo until 1869) right up to recent decades.
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: Search For 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. Sighting not guaranteed.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 7: Japanese Alps
Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway for breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with onsen facilities. 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. This evening, enjoy dinner in your ryokan.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Bullet Train To Kyoto
Take a Limited Express train to Nagoya, then board a super-fast bullet train to whizz your way through the countryside to Kyoto. Start discovering the city's rich heritage with visits to the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Stroll around Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner, which showcases the seven professional performing arts.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 9: Kyoto
Start today by visiting Arashiyama district to explore the striking bamboo forest and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Later, visit Ryoan-ji, the ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’. Continue to the famous Kinkaku-ji, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion'; the top two levels are covered in pure gold leaf.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 10: Kyoto Culture & Koyasan
Witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony. Go on to try your hand at the traditional art of origami, and enjoy the opportunity to wear a kimono! This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan for your overnight stay in a 13th-century temple - a true glimpse into the life of a Shingon Buddhist monk.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Morning Prayers In Koyasan
Rise early to join the monks for their daily morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. One of Japan's holiest sites, this mountain top sanctuary is full of temples and pagodas. Also visit Kongobu-ji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery 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 and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and 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.
- 30 Mar 2026 - 11 Apr 2026
from$12,980$12,680 pp twin share /$15,780/ $15,480 pp solo - 06 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026
from$12,980$12,280 pp twin share /$15,780/ $15,080 pp solo - 13 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026
from$12,980$12,080 pp twin share /$15,780/ $14,880 pp solo - 11 May 2026 - 23 May 2026
from $12,680 pp twin share / $15,480 pp solo - 14 Sep 2026 - 26 Sep 2026
from $12,680 pp twin share / $15,480 pp solo - 12 Oct 2026 - 24 Oct 2026
from $12,980 pp twin share / $15,780 pp solo - 19 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
from$12,980$12,680 pp twin share /$15,780/ $15,480 pp solo - 26 Oct 2026 - 07 Nov 2026
from$12,980$12,680 pp twin share /$15,780/ $15,480 pp solo - 02 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026
from $12,980 pp twin share / $15,780 pp solo - 15 Mar 2027 - 27 Mar 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 22 Mar 2027 - 03 Apr 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 29 Mar 2027 - 10 Apr 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 05 Apr 2027 - 17 Apr 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 12 Apr 2027 - 24 Apr 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 10 May 2027 - 22 May 2027
from$12,980$12,680 pp twin share /$16,080/ $15,780 pp solo - 17 May 2027 - 29 May 2027
from$12,980$12,680 pp twin share /$16,080/ $15,780 pp solo - 13 Sep 2027 - 25 Sep 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 20 Sep 2027 - 02 Oct 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 11 Oct 2027 - 23 Oct 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 18 Oct 2027 - 30 Oct 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 25 Oct 2027 - 06 Nov 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 pp solo - 01 Nov 2027 - 13 Nov 2027
from$13,980$13,680 pp twin share /$17,080/ $16,780 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 2025. 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.