Highlights Of Japan
Highlights Of Japan
Highlights Of Japan
13 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Tokyo
Visiting: Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Shizuoka, Nihondaira, Tea Farm, Miso Factory, Kusatsu, Iga, Nara, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kurashiki, Osaka, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the highlights of Japan with this 13-day group tour. From skyscrapers and flashing lights to ancient temples and serene gardens, you’ll see it all! Begin in Tokyo, Japan’s capital, and travel to Hakone and Shizuoka for breathtaking Mount Fuji views. Explore Hiroshima, Takayama and Kyoto on guided tours. Delve into Japan’s heritage with visits to Kurashiki, Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go. Experience Osaka’s vibrant nightlife and enjoy local delicacies. Learn about Ninjas, Sumo wrestlers, Samurai and more! Take the Shinkansen bullet train and experience modern Japanese innovation. This Japan tour package has it all!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Dinner
Today is the first day of this exciting 13-day Japan group tour! Arrive in Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, and check into the hotel from 03:00 PM. You will receive an Expat Explore information pack explaining today’s activities. This evening, meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at a local restaurant. Enjoy an included welcome dinner and get your first taste of delicious Japanese cuisine!
Enjoy a welcome dinner at an Izakaya
Day 2: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for a full day in the iconic city of Tokyo today! After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour to discover some of the city’s top attractions and witness ancient culture at the Meiji Shrine and the Senso-ji Temple. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market and stroll through the shopping neighbourhood of Ginza, which is known for its bright, neon lights. This evening, continue exploring Tokyo at leisure or join the optional Tokyo+ excursion, which includes a visit to the Skytree Tower for panoramic views of the city, dinner in Omoide Yokocho and a walking tour of Shinjuku City.
Stroll through Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods on a city tour
Visit the Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple
Explore the Tsukiji Fish Market
Day 3: Kamakura - Hakone - Shizuoka
Location: Kamakura, Hakone, Shizuoka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Tokyo as the journey continues to Shizuoka with some insightful sightseeing along the way. Discover Kamakura, a picturesque seaside city known for its Great Buddha and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine. Then, unwind in Hakone, a charming town on the shores of Lake Ashi with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Enjoy free time for lunch and further exploration before continuing the journey to Shizuoka Prefecture. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and look forward to a free evening to spend as you wish!
Visit the Great Buddha in Kamakura
See the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine
Visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi
Capture Mount Fuji during a photo stop
Day 4: Nihondaira Tea Farm - Miso Factory - Iga
Location: Nihondaira, Tea Farm, Miso Factory, Kusatsu
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day full of one-of-a-kind Japanese experiences lies ahead! The first stop of the day is Nihondaira where views of the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji await. Upon arrival, visit a green tea farm to learn how Japan’s most popular tea is produced and then enjoy free time for lunch. Up next is a tour of a miso factory. The last stop of the day is the city of Iga where tonight's accommodation is. Enjoy a free evening and ask your tour leader for some recommendations on what to see and do near the hotel to make the most out of your free time!
Admire the views from Nihondaira
Visit a green tea plantation
Tour a miso factory
Day 5: Iga Ninja Museum - Sumo Museum - Osaka
Location: Iga, Nara, Himeji
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fuel up for today’s adventures with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the Iga Ninja Museum to learn about the mysterious ways of these martial artists and witness a Ninja skill and weaponry demonstration. Next, travel to the Kehaya Sumo Museum and learn about the history of this unique style of wrestling. Then, continue to Osaka and enjoy an orientation tour. Discover some of the city’s highlights and learn all about this lively city that is both an important trade centre and a top nightlife destination. Then, explore the vibrant Dotonbori area during free time. Be sure to taste some of the delicious street food. Make the most of a free evening to experience this nightlife for yourself!
Witness a Ninja demonstration at the Iga Ninja Museum
Experience the world of Sumo at the Kehaya Sumo Museum
Explore Osaka and its famous Dotonbori district
Day 6: Osaka - Himeji - Hiroshima
Location: Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hiroshima awaits! This morning, wave goodbye to Osaka as the tour journeys to yet another intriguing Japanese city. En route to Hiroshima, make a stop at Himeji Castle, the construction of which dates back to the 14th century and is still one of the best examples of Japanese architecture today. Witness the incredible views from this hilltop castle (keep an eye out for cherry blossoms between March and May) and admire its well-preserved interior before continuing the journey. Upon arrival in Hiroshima this afternoon, check into the hotel where the group will stay for the next two nights. To end the day, enjoy an included Okonomiyaki dinner. This savoury pancake is one of Japan’s most popular dishes and a must-try!
Visit the beautiful Himeji Castle
Enjoy an Okonomiyaki dinner
Day 7: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day to uncover Hiroshima’s modern delights and ancient wonders. Walk across the historic Kintaikyo Bridge and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, which is known for its “floating” torii (gate), on Miyajima Island. Here, enjoy free time for lunch and be sure to trymomiji manju, a local sweet treat. Back in Hiroshima, learn about the devastating impact of the atomic bombing on Hiroshima during WW2 and how it has shaped the city today. Pay your respects to the victims of the 1945 bombing at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum before enjoying a free evening. Explore at leisure or get a taste of the city’s nightlife by visiting the Nagarekawa district for a night to remember!
Walk along the impressive Kintaikyo Bridge
Visit the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
Pay your respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Day 8: Hiroshima - Kurashiki - Kyoto
Location: Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart Hiroshima and head to Kurashiki, a city boasting peaceful canals and historic rice storehouses. Enjoy free time exploring Kurashiki’s historic centre and the multiple museums or soak in the tranquil city’s sights from the water on a punting boat. In the early afternoon, the journey continues to Kyoto, a true highlight of any Japan tour! This ancient city and former capital of Japan showcases breathtaking architecture and unique traditions. End the day with a trip to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Admire the breathtaking bamboo towers as you walk through this otherworldly forest. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish!
Explore the peaceful, canal-lined city of Kurashiki
Experience the enchanting city of Kyoto
Wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Day 9: Kyoto
Location: Hiroshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, Kyoto is yours to enjoy! With over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, this iconic city is rich in culture and natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. First up is a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha. This spellbinding sight features rows upon rows of red torii gates! Soak it all in before discovering one of Japan’s most impressive temples, The Kiyomizu Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 1,200 years of history. Next, travel to Kinkakuji, a Zen temple known as the “Golden Pavilion” due to its top two floors being covered in gold leaf! Head back to the hotel for a free evening.
Stand in awe of Fushimi Inari Taisha
Explore the Kiyomizu Temple
Discover Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion
Day 10: Kyoto - Hikone - Goju - Takayama
Location: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto, Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to explore more fascinating Japanese sights as the tour heads to Hikone, a quaint city on the shores of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa. Experience the 17th-century Genkyuen Garden and catch a glimpse of the Edo-period Hikone Castle. Then, head to the mountainous Gifu Prefecture where the first stop is Goju, a riverside town known for its serene waterways. This afternoon, travel to Takayama, where the tour will spend the evening. Offering an abundance of charm, history, and natural beauty, Takayama is yours to explore! Discover the historic Sanmachi district this afternoon and get insights into the artisans, merchants and farmers who lived here during the Edo period. End the day with a brewery tour and Sake tasting!
Visit Genkyuen Garden in Hikone
Admire the tranquil waterways of Goju
Experience Edo-period Japan in Takayama
Enjoy a brewery tour and Sake tasting
Day 11: Takayama - Shirakawa - Kanazawa
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to Takayama Jin’ya, a former Edo-period government building. Then, head to Hida no Sato Open Air Museum and explore a collection of old farmhouses showcasing unique architectural styles of Japan's mountainous regions. Admire their characteristic wooden, thatched gable roofs. Next, travel to the traditional village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled among the Japanese Alps, this village feels as though you’re stepping into a fairytale. This afternoon, journey to Kanazawa where the group will spend the night. Upon arrival, visit the picture-perfect Kenrokuen Garden which blooms with cherry blossoms in spring and colourful leaves in autumn! After, take some time to explore the historic Higashi Chaya District and its old teahouses.
Explore Takayama Jin-ya
Visit the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum
Travel back in time in Shirakawa-go
Discover the unmatched beauty of Kenrokuen Garden
Experience the teahouses in Kanazwa’s Higashi Chaya district
Day 12: Kanazawa - Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take time this morning to explore Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Soak in the history and culture of this hidden gem that shares many similarities with Kyoto but is much less crowded. Discover the famous Nagamachi Samurai District, wander its cobblestone streets and look forward to visiting a former Samurai home! This afternoon, head to the train station to hop aboard the Shinkansen and travel to Tokyo. Known for its exceptional speed, this bullet train can travel up to 320kph (200mph)! Upon arrival, check into the hotel and get ready to enjoy a farewell group dinner this evening!
Visit a former Samurai home in Kanazaw
Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tokyo
Day 13: End Of Tour In Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After an unforgettable 13 days spent exploring the highlights of Japan, the tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Be sure to swap contact details with your fellow travellers so the memories can live on! Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onward.
What's Included
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Accommodation
12 nights in 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
Shinkansen (bullet train) journey from Kanazawa to Tokyo
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
12 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request -
Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
Shinkansen (bullet train) journey from Kanazawa to Tokyo
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
12 nights in 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
Enjoy a welcome dinner at an Izakaya
Stroll through Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods on a city tour
Visit the Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple
Explore the Tsukiji Fish Market
Visit the Great Buddha in Kamakura
See the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shinto shrine
Visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi
Capture Mount Fuji during a photo stop
Admire the views from Nihondaira
Visit a green tea plantation
Tour a miso factory
Witness a Ninja demonstration at the Iga Ninja Museum
Experience the world of Sumo at the Kehaya Sumo Museum
Explore Osaka and its famous Dotonbori district
Visit the beautiful Himeji Castle
Enjoy an Okonomiyaki dinner
Walk along the impressive Kintaikyo Bridge
Visit the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
Pay your respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Explore the peaceful, canal-lined city of Kurashiki
Experience the enchanting city of Kyoto
Wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Stand in awe of Fushimi Inari Taisha
Explore the Kiyomizu Temple
Discover Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion
Visit Genkyuen Garden in Hikone
Admire the tranquil waterways of Goju
Experience Edo-period Japan in Takayama
Enjoy a brewery tour and Sake tasting
Explore Takayama Jin-ya
Visit the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum
Travel back in time in Shirakawa-go
Discover the unmatched beauty of Kenrokuen Garden
Experience the teahouses in Kanazwa’s Higashi Chaya district
Visit a former Samurai home in Kanazaw
Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tokyo
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage. Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Credit cards are widely accepted in Japan - Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards - and ATMs are readily available in all major cities. Travellers should keep in mind that Japan is still very much a cash culture, especially in smaller shops and regional areas, so it is always a good idea to keep cash on you. Travelers Cheques are also an option, although it is wise to have these available in
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. Japan visa requirements vary from country to country.
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.