Japan & J-Pop Express - 11 days
11 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
6-
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through Japan with the "Japan & J-Pop Express" tour. Dive into the vibrant culture of Tokyo, exploring iconic districts like Harajuku and Shibuya, and visit the renowned Meiji Shrine. Experience the magic of AnimeJapan, Japan's largest anime convention, available for March departures. Sail across Lake Ashi in Hakone with stunning views of Mount Fuji, and unwind in a traditional ryokan. Discover Kyoto's rich history with a visit to the Gion geisha district and a zazen meditation session. Reflect on history at Hiroshima's Peace Park and Museum, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Osaka's Dotonbori district. The tour concludes in Tokyo, where you can immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli. With seamless transportation, comfortable accommodations, and a knowledgeable tour leader, this cultural adventure offers a perfect blend of modern and traditional Japan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1-3: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: The B Ikebukuro or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted by a driver and taken to our hotel in Ikebukuro by shared transfer. Our tour leader will meet you there to kick off the trip with a welcome meeting and dinner.
Day 2 will be packed with a walking tour of Tokyo, including stops at Harajuku for a glimpse of the unique street styles, Shibuya for lunch in the retro yokocho alleys, and Meiji Shrine for a peaceful stroll in the woods. We also witness the bustling scramble crossing in Shibuya among other highlights.
On day 3, we explore different areas of Tokyo, starting with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh sushi before crossing the bay to Odaiba on the monorail. Along the way, you'll see the impressive Ghibli clock at Shiodome. Our tour leader will then take you to Akihabara, known as the culture hub of Tokyo. For a change of pace, you can opt to visit the Skytree for panoramic views or the innovative National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).
Accommodation: The B Ikebukuro or similar
Day 4: Hakone
Location: Hakone
Accommodation Name: Fuji Hakone Guest House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tokyo - Hakone. Today we leave Tokyo's glistening skyscrapers behind and journey to Hakone, a picturesque national park where Mount Fuji stands tall. Fans of anime will recognize Hakone as the setting for Tokyo-3 in the popular series Neon Genesis Evangelion, and we can visit the Evangelion gift shop during our visit.
While in Hakone, we embark on a boat ride across Lake Ashi and catch sight of Mount Fuji from the Komagatake Ropeway or cable car, which will take us up the mountainside for exploration.
For the night, experience a stay at a charming traditional ryokan inn featuring tatami mat floors, futon mattresses, and indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Hot spring bathing is a cherished part of Japanese culture, so be sure to take advantage of this relaxing experience.
Accommodation: Fuji Hakone Guest House or similar
Day 5-6: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hakone - Kyoto. With over 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto is a treasure trove of Japanese tradition and history. On day 5, we travel to Kyoto at high speeds by bullet train. On arrival our tour leader guides you through the city's backstreets to the enchanting Gion district, where you may catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Day 6 offers the opportunity to participate in zazen meditation at Ryosoku-in Temple, followed by a personalized tour of Kyoto's hidden gems curated by our tour leader. Alternatively, you can choose to explore solo, and engage in activities like yuzen dyeing, attend a kimono show, or visit the Toei Movie Park. For manga enthusiasts, there is also a museum dedicated to Japan's renowned comic book culture.
Accommodation: Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo or similar
Day 7: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Intergate Hiroshima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kyoto - Hiroshima. Take a bullet train to Hiroshima and then a short ferry ride to Miyajima, a small island known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly deer population, and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Later in the day, we enjoy an included dinner, comprising the local specialty, okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is made with noodles and vegetables cooked on a hotplate at your table.
Accommodation: Intergate Hiroshima or similar
Day 8: Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vista Osaka Nanba or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hiroshima - Osaka. Today, we explore Hiroshima's solemn Peace Park and Museum, offering a poignant reflection on the events of World War Two and promoting a message of peace for the future. Additionally, you can take part in a tatedo stage-fighting workshop to master the art of wielding a samurai sword before we head to Osaka for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Osaka Nanba or similar
Day 9-11: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Osaka - Tokyo. Begin day 9 in Osaka, a dynamic city known for its vibrant atmosphere. Explore Dotonbori, a paradise for trying takoyaki (octopus balls), and browse the cooking tools street of Doguyasuji. You also have the option to visit Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Castle before taking the bullet train back to Tokyo. Don't miss out on sampling Osaka's famous street food!
For certain departures in March, tickets to Tokyo's AnimeJapan event are included in your tour. This convention is one of the largest in the world, showcasing top names in anime and manga.
On day 10, enjoy a full day in Tokyo. Visit the enchanting Studio Ghibli Museum to immerse yourself in Miyazaki's imaginative world. Explore Tokyo from the Skytree, shop at Shinjuku, or visit Nakano Broadway, a popular spot for Tokyo's otaku community. Your tour leader will offer suggestions for activities. in the evening we enjoy a farewell group dinner.
On day 11 it's time to say farewell to Japan, and there's an included shared shuttle bus to Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight home. Have a safe journey back!
Accommodation: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star hotels -
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
Enjoy 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners during your tour.
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9 nights 3-star hotel & 1 night traditional ryokan in Hakone
Stay for 9 nights in a 3-star hotel and 1 night in a traditional ryokan in Hakone.
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Escorted by a tour leader
The tour is escorted by a knowledgeable tour leader.
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Arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 11 by shared shuttle bus
Arrival and departure transfers are provided by shared shuttle bus on day 1 and day 11.
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All relevant transportation and transfers including by minibus and train - Transport passes in Hakone, Kyoto and Miyajima
All relevant transportation and transfers are included, with transport passes in Hakone, Kyoto, and Miyajima.
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Transport card with 4,500 Yen (USD $30) credit for city transport
A transport card with 4,500 Yen credit is provided for city transport.
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Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo is included.
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Cable car and boat ride across Lake Ashi in Hakone
Enjoy a cable car and boat ride across Lake Ashi in Hakone.
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Evening walking tour of Kyoto’s Gion geisha district
Participate in an evening walking tour of Kyoto’s Gion geisha district.
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Zazen meditation session at Ryosoku-in Temple
Experience a Zazen meditation session at Ryosoku-in Temple.
What's Not Included
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International flights
International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Any local transport unless covered by the included transport passes
Local transport is not included unless covered by the provided transport passes.
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Any entrance fees (including temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
Entrance fees to temples, shrines, and museums are not included unless specified.
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Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified - you will be expected to carry your own luggage
Baggage handling and luggage forwarding are not included unless specified; you are expected to carry your own luggage.
Age Policy
Minimum age: 6 years, accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with shared shuttle bus transfers on arrival and departure days, and all relevant transportation including minibus and train rides, plus transport passes in Hakone, Kyoto, and Miyajima.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 9 nights in 3-star hotels and 1 night in a traditional ryokan in Hakone, offering a blend of modern amenities and authentic Japanese experiences.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights in 3-star hotels and 1 night in a traditional ryokan in Hakone, offering a blend of modern amenities and authentic Japanese experiences.
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Is there a tour leader accompanying the group?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a knowledgeable tour leader who will guide you through the itinerary and provide insights into the destinations.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.
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What transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes shared shuttle bus transfers on arrival and departure days, all relevant transportation including minibus and train rides, and transport passes in Hakone, Kyoto, and Miyajima. A transport card with 4,500 Yen credit for city transport is also provided.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, shared portable Wi-Fi access is available throughout the trip.
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Are there any special events included in the tour?
For March departures, tickets to Tokyo's AnimeJapan event are included. This is Japan's largest anime convention and a must-visit for anime enthusiasts.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Zazen meditation session at Ryosoku-in Temple, a Tatedo swordplay experience in Osaka, and a visit to the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo.
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Is luggage forwarding service available during the tour?
Yes, luggage forwarding is provided from Tokyo to Kyoto and from Hiroshima to Tokyo.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.