Japan Highlights 10D/9N
10 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
57162
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-90
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting wonders of Japan with an unforgettable guided adventure! Explore Tokyo's bustling streets, Kyoto's historic temples, and Mount Fuji's breathtaking views. Experience traditional tea ceremonies, vibrant markets, and serene bamboo forests. Delight in the rich culture and culinary marvels, including sushi-making sessions. Ideal for travelers seeking immersive experiences, this tour promises insider access and unforgettable memories. Perfect for individuals and families drawn to Japan's blend of modern marvels and ancient heritage. Book your dream journey today!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo, Japan
Location: Tokyo
Transfer to Accommodation
Upon your arrival at Narita International Airport, meet our representative outside the arrival hall - they will be holding a sign with your name. Enjoy a convenient, hassle-free shared shuttle transfer to your hotel.Overnight: Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo, Japan
Location: Tokyo
Free Day
If you’re a food lover, wake up early and head to Toyosu (formerly Tsukiji) Fish Market to explore the bustling stalls with a wide array of fresh seafood. For a break from the buzz of the city, venture to Hamarikyu Gardens or take a leisurely stroll around the Imperial Palace grounds for some quiet serenity. To see the city in full swing, spend the evening in Shinjuku to take advantage of some of the country's best restaurants, bars, clubs and karaoke boxes.
Optional Activities
- Amazing Tokyo Full Day Shared Tour
Visit all of the capitals must-see landmarks, on this Amazing Tokyo Group Tour. See the awe-inspiring Imperial Palace with its immaculate gardens, the ancient Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the impressive Tokyo Skytree and go on a pleasant cruise of Tokyo Bay passing under the famous Rainbow Bridge. The Amazing Tokyo Group Tour is an ideal way to see all the highlights of Tokyo in a single day, making sure not to miss anything.
-Sushi Cooking Class Shared Afternoon Tour
Master the delicate art of authentic Japanese sushi making and learn everything there is to know about dashi, miso, mirin and sake. Impress friends with your ability to prepare traditional rice and toppings, creating a multitude of colourful and delicious sushi, including Rolled Egg, Sushi Rice, Inari Sushi, Tuna Roll, Cucumber Roll, California Roll, Nigiri Sushi and Miso Soup.
Day 3: Tokyo - Hakone, Japan
Location: Hakone
Train from Tokyo to Hakone (D)
Hakone, one of Japan ́s most famous hot spring (onsen) areas and rich in unspoiled nature, is within easy traveling distance of Tokyo. The 2 Day Hakone Freepass is an excursion ticket offering full coverage of the popular sightseeing destinations in Hakone. Hakone Freepass allows you to get on and off freely within a specified area, as well as providing discount admission to various attractions in the area, and also includes return transportation on the Odakyu Line. With Hakone Freepass, you can also ride on 8 different types of transport in the area, such as the Hakone Tozan Line and the Hakone Ropeway, allowing you the freedom to thoroughly explore Hakone. Enjoy your trip to Hakone with the convenient Hakone Freepass.Spend the night in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, a type of inn that originated in the Edo period. Feast on a local dinner and soak in the natural onsen hot spring baths.
Overnight: Hakone
Day 4: Hakone - Kyoto, Japan
Location: Kyoto
Train from Hakone to Kyoto
A 7-day standard class Japan Rail Pass is included, to cover all your intercity journeys for the period as specified in this itinerary. Please go to the Rail Pass exchange desk at any major station, present the rail pass vouchers provided and bring passports as ID. Give the start date as advised in this itinerary. The desk staff will then issue your actual Rail Pass. Once you have it in your hands, you can make free advance seat reservations at the ticket desk. From Odawara, you will take the Shinkansen to Kyoto. The Shinkansen trains travel at speeds of up to 300km/hr and cover the 430km distance to Kyoto in approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, make your own way to your hotel in Kyoto centre. Then the rest of your day is free to explore the old capital of Japan.Overnight: Kyoto
Day 5: Kyoto, Japan
Location: Kyoto
Kyoto day tour (L)
Dive into Kyoto’s stunning scenery by visiting three world heritage sites and some of the city’s most interesting cultural centres, all in one day. Amongst an array of historical highlights, discover why this ancient political capital of Japan is now the sightseeing capital. Start your day by visiting Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises a number of impressive palaces, ruins and gardens. Then, make your way to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as ‘Temple of the Golden Pavilion’, and gaze at the peaceful surrounding still waters and the backdrop of lush forest. Later, head to Kyoto Imperial Palace to learn about the fascinating history of the emperors that resided there from as early as 1869. If Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed on the day of your tour, visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, another impressive memorial with a captivating past encompassing Japanese politics and beliefs.After lunch, follow your guide to Heian Jingu shrine and Sanjusangendo Temple, two culturally significant and intriguing properties. Finally, continue to Kyoto’s most popular temple, Kiyomizu-dera, established hundreds of years ago before Kyoto was even named capital.
Overnight: Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto, Japan
Location: Kyoto
Afternoon Kyoto tour
Spend morning at your leisure, stroll through the streets of Kyoto or relax in your accommodation. At 1:45PM make your own way to the meeting point and start your afternoon tour. During this tour you will visit Todaiji Temple, a revered World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. Enter the stately Buddha’s hall and marvel at the gigantic Buddha that welcomes you. Listen to your guide tell you how they built the statue as well as the history of this remarkable landmark of Nara. Explore Nara Park and watch the graceful deer nibbling at the grass hidden between the trees. You may even get the chance to feed crackers to some of the bolder deer, a rarity in Japan as well as the rest of the world. Make your way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and admire the ornate interior filled with both bronze and stone lanterns. Finally, enjoy the view between Nara and Kyoto on your train journey back to the city.Note: The tour may not visit Nara Nagomikan if it is closed or due to traffic conditions
Overnight: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto - Hiroshima, Japan
Location: Hiroshima
Train from Kyoto to Hiroshima
Catch a bullet train 90 mins from Kyoto to Hiroshima today, using the Rail Pass to make free advance seat reservations at station ticket desk if you wish. The recommended schedule is below: Hikari 535 bullet train departs Kyoto 08:29am, arrives into Hiroshima 10:32am.Overnight: Hiroshima
Day 8: Hiroshima, Japan
Location: Hiroshima
Free Day
The city of Hiroshima, now the largest city in the Chugoku Shikoku region, is also referred to as the "City of Water." Why not start the day with The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is located at the centre of Hiroshima City. The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. Hijiyama park is the perfect park to go to after spending the morning visiting the museums and the Peace Memorial Park. It's a good place to unwind, perfect for walking, reading, and there are several things to see: on the one hand there's the Taman In Temple, with its buildings, statues and in the middle with a cemetery, and at the top of the park is the museum of contemporary art and a manga library for those interested in culture.
Optional Activity:
-Hiroshima & Miyajima Full Day Shared Tour
After meeting your group at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, take a bus then hop on board a boat and make your way to the historic and spiritual island of Miyajima. After meeting your group at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, take a bus then hop on board a boat and make your way to the historic and spiritual island of Miyajima. Make your way to Hiroshima and view the sobering Atomic Bomb Dome, a memorial to the thousands that died in the atomic bombing of 1945.
Day 9: Hiroshima - Osaka, Japan
Location: Osaka
Train from Hiroshima to Osaka
Travel by Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka using your Rail Pass, the journey takes under 1.5 hours to cover 342km. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore this vibrant city. Maybe start with a visit to Osaka castle. Built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo), it is now a symbol of Osaka. After Osaka castle, make your way to Umeda Sky Building and go up to the observatory. While enjoying the breathtaking sights, you can also directly feel the wind―which at 170 meters off the ground can get quite strong. Here, not only you can see all of Osaka but also you can see as far away as Awaji Island. The basement of the building houses the Takimi-Koji gourmet street with old fashioned images of Osaka from the 1920s.Today is a free day and there are no services organised.
Overnight: Osaka
Day 10: Osaka - Tokyo, Japan
Location: Tokyo
Airport arrival
Please use the Rail Pass to catch a Hikari bullet train from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo today. Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, please take the Narita Express 1 hour to Narita Airport. Note that it stops at Terminal 2 before Terminal 1. Rail Pass users MUST reserve seats in advance at the Narita Express desks in Tokyo station before travel. It's a one hour journey, there are departures about every half an hour from 06.18 a.m. to 20.03 p.m., the seat reservation staff can advise you of the best departure time at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight departure time.What's Included
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Accommodation
*2N in Tokyo
*1N Hakone
*3N Kyoto
*2N Hiroshima
*9N in hostels or 3-star hotels
*1N Osaka -
Transport
*Hakone FreePass
*Japan Rail Pass -
Meals
*9Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1Dinner, daily breakfast fro 3-star hotel category
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Activities
*Hakone Freepass excursion ticket
*Kyoto Half Day tour
*Kyoto Full Day tour -
Guides
*English speaking guide for some experiences
What's Not Included
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*Other meals & drinks
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*Tips
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*Personal Expenses
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*Travel Insurance
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*Airfare
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Optional Activities
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights of accommodation in hostels or 3-star hotels, with stays in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka. In Hakone, you will experience a traditional Japanese Ryokan, which includes a local dinner and access to natural onsen hot spring baths.
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What transportation options are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Hakone FreePass for local travel in Hakone and a Japan Rail Pass for intercity travel, allowing you to make free advance seat reservations on trains, including the Shinkansen bullet trains.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. Daily breakfast is provided for those staying in the 3-star hotel category.
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What guided activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Hakone Freepass excursion ticket, a Kyoto Half Day tour, and a Kyoto Full Day tour. An English-speaking guide is available for some experiences.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include the Amazing Tokyo Full Day Shared Tour, a Sushi Cooking Class Shared Afternoon Tour, and the Hiroshima & Miyajima Full Day Shared Tour.
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What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive at Narita International Airport in Tokyo, where a representative will meet you for a shared shuttle transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Tokyo.
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What can I expect during the Kyoto day tour?
During the Kyoto day tour, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple. You will also explore Kyoto Imperial Palace or Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Heian Jingu shrine, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera.
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Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.