Simply Japan




Overview
Highlights
- Experience the buzz of modern Tokyo and ancient Kyoto's temples, shrines and Zen gardens
- Meet the snow monkeys and spend a night in temple lodgings, joining the monks for morning prayers
- Explore the samurai district of Kanazawa and try Japan's best sake at Takayama
What's this trip about?
Itinerary

Arrive in Tokyo, the ultra-modern capital of Japan. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. If some of the group are arriving...
We explore Tokyo on foot and using the super-efficient metro system along with the locals. Starting in Asakusa district we discover Senso-ji Temple which deserves to be high on any explorer's list. The oldest temple in the city, it is entered through the imposing Thun...
Today you are free to seek out the parts of Tokyo that you'd most like to experience, and there are plenty of exciting options to choose from such as the busy streets of trendy Harajuku district or quirky themed cafes in Akihabara where you can be served by vampires, ...
A beautiful express train journey of just under three hours takes us north from Tokyo to the pretty town of Matsumoto, flanked on each side by the Japanese Alps. The town's 500 year-old castle is Japan's oldest, and one of its most elegant. Known as 'Crow Castle' due...
Travelling by express train and private bus, we make our way this morning to Jigokudani Onsen, home to Japan's famous snow monkeys. Here the indigenous macaques descend from the hills to bathe and play in the hot springs, a unique behaviour not found anywhere else in ...
We will wake at sunrise and make our way to the temple, wandering through the fragrant smoke of the temple's giant incense burner to purify us before entering. In the main hall we'll watch the monks performing their morning rituals, the mesmerising chanting of the anc...
Today is a free day to make the most of Kanazawa. As the town was not targeted during World War II, much of Kanazawa consists of old buildings and gives a sense of what Japan was like in the 19th century. There is plenty to do and see, and a great option is to spend s...
This morning we take the local train to Takayama, a city that retains an authentic, traditional feel like few others in Japan. During feudal times the city was a source of highly-skilled carpenters and therefore controlled directly by the shogun, leading to a thriving...
Two wonderful train journeys will take us to Hiroshima this morning. The first is a picturesque route that follows an icy blue Hida River past shrines, bamboo groves and traditional fishermen before arriving in Nagoya. Here we change to the famous Shinkansen bullet tr...
After breakfast this morning we take a small ferry to Miyajima, just off the coast of Hiroshima. This tiny island has a very relaxed feel which is enhanced by the deer that roam freely through the streets. As we arrive we get a great view of the floating torii gate. ...
After breakfast we make our way by public tram back to the train station for the journey to Kyoto, which takes around two hours by bullet train. The imperial capital for more than 1000 years has more than 2000 temples and shrines, many set in perfectly manicured lands...
Getting around Kyoto is easy and there is a lot you can explore today. A good option is an early morning visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, beating the crowds to walk the path through the thousands of red torii gates that snake up the hillside. A great place for lunch...
We have another morning to explore Kyoto before travelling to Osaka. An early morning visit to Kiyomizu Temple (Pure Water Temple) is a great idea, especially when followed by the pleasant walk along the cobblestone streets to Kodaiji. Here you can see a perfectly gro...
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Osaka. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel, so you can head out for some last mi...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check current availability, prices, specials & more.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Stephen
Mar 2025
Simply Japan
Accommodation: was 3 to 4 star as outlined in the tour summary, very clean and comfortable. All of them provided Japanese sleepwear, which was a surprise. Sleeping...
David
Jan 2025
Simply Japan
Simply Japan was our first ever tour and we can’t wait to do another. Since returning our friends and family asked us for our favourite thing was, but we are unable ...
Edward
Dec 2024
Simply Japan
A wonderful and thorough visit of Japan! We had an outstanding tour guide Irene who went the extra mile to help us and make the most of our trip. We saw many interes...
Joanne
Dec 2024
Simply Japan
This was a well-paced trip with an excellent itinerary and more free time than I've been used to on previous tours, allowing us to seek out the areas which appealed ...
Other Explore! Reviews
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Bangkok to Saigon by Bike
We had a fantastic trip with explore! Starting with a brief intro to Thailand with professional friendly experienced guides Koi, Tri and the fab support Team (Bus dr...
Mel
Mar 2025
Walking in Madeira
Great tour - everything was well organised but offered enough flexibility for people wanting to do their own thing in the evenings after the guided tours. Most of th...
Darren
Mar 2025
Efficient and easy to navigate online booking
Booked online. Very easy to do with full information abou...
Tour Operator
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 13
- Dinner : 1
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations