Essential Japan Explorer - 13 Days
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Overview
Highlights
- Tokyo - Visit historic Senso-ji Temple, the Akihabara anime district, the Imperial Palace and iconic Shibuya Crossing
- Kamakura - Hike to the giant bronze Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple and enjoy free time to unwind by the beach
- Hakone - Cruise Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship and ride the Hakone Ropeway cable car for amazing views of Mount Fuji, then relax in a traditional onsen
- Kyoto - Ride a bullet train to the former imperial capital, visit Kiyomizu Temple, enjoy a cycle tour of the city and attend a relaxing meditation class
- Arashiyama - Enjoy rafting on the Hozugawa River, stroll through the bamboo forest and feed the wild snow monkeys at the monkey park
- Hiroshima - Take in the sobering Peace Memorial Museum, see the A-Bomb Dome and pay your respects to victims of the atomic bomb at the Children's Peace Monument
- Osaka - Explore fascinating Osaka Castle and spend the night in one of Japan's famous capsule hotels
- Miyajima Island - Enjoy the relaxed pace of life on this Japanese isle, discover the ‘Floating Torii Gate’ and marvel at the stunning Mt Misen
What's this trip about?
Details
Destinations
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- 10 nights hostel dorm accommodation, 1 night ryokan, 1 night capsule hotel
- All transportation on public transport including Japan Rail Pass
- Escorted by a local guide (on some departures you may have different guides in each city)
- Entrance fees to all included sites
- Sightseeing in Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Miyajima as per itinerary
- Sushi making class in Tokyo
- Fuji Hakone National Park Ropeway
- Onsen bath experience in Hakone
- Sake tasting session in Hakone (for travellers aged 20+)
- Cruise on the Hozugawa River in Kyoto
- Kyoto bike rental and cycling tour
- Kyoto calligraphy class
- Meditation class at Daisen-in Temple in Kyoto
- Miyajima Island day trip including torii gate
Itinerary
Welcome to Tokyo! Arrive into either Narita or Haneda International Airport in Tokyo and independently travel by public transport into the city centre where you will be met by your tour leader and the rest of the group at the Imano Tokyo Hostel. Today's visits incl...
This morning we enjoy a lesson in the art of sushi making from a local chef, before tasting the fruits of our labour. This afternoon is spent wandering through Akihabara, Japan’s “electric town” and the hub for anime and manga. Take some time to geek out and visi...
This morning finds us wandering through the gardens of the Imperial Palace, once the largest fortress in the world. Built on the ruins of the original Edo Castle site which was destroyed over the years by war, all that remains of the ancient architecture are the origi...
This morning we wander into Tokyo's iconic Odaiba district in order to visit Joypolis, a huge indoor amusement park operated by Sega, the games company. There are lots of high-tech rides to enjoy during your free time here. Regrouping in front of the nearby Love si...
Tokyo – Kamakura. This morning we take the train to Kamakura, a coastal city that was Japan's medieval capital. Our hostel is right by the beach, and there's free time upon arrival for you to sunbathe or hire a surfboard and catch some waves. Later, we visit some o...
Kamakura – Hakone. Today we travel to Hakone by public transport. On arrival we enjoy a hike along the Old Tokaido before continuing to stunning Lake Ashi where we’ll have lunch and then board a pirate ship! From the deck of this triple-decker man-of-war you’ll cross ...
Hakone – Kyoto. We leave the mountains behind and travel by bullet train this morning to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan. We drop our luggage at the hostel and head to Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous Buddhist te...
Today we focus on the spectacular scenery of Kyoto. We begin with a boat trip in traditional wooden rafts along the Hozugawa River, which was originally used to transport many of the supplies that built Osaka and Kyoto’s famous temples and castles. Experience the rush...
Today offers free time to relax or independently explore. We recommend visiting the temples of the Philosopher’s path, or check out the famous Manga Museum or perhaps Kiyomizudera Temple.
Kyoto – Hiroshima. Our final morning in Kyoto begins with a bicycle ride to a Zen temple where we enjoy a meditation session led by a Buddhist monk. Then we visit one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple, whose top two floors a...
Hiroshima, the first place to be hit by one of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan at the end of World War II. We begin our day with a stop at the Peace Memorial Museum where we uncover the devastation left behind by the world’s first atomic bomb. We’ll see the icon...
Hiroshima – Osaka. This morning we board the bullet train to our final destination, Osaka. On arrival we have some free time to explore the Namba or Shinsaibashi area to enjoy our fill of ramen, sushi, or yakitori. We then take a short train journey to Osaka Castle, w...
Our adventure comes to an end this morning. Take the train to Osaka airport or take the bullet train to Tokyo, using your JR pass, to carry on your travels home (unescorted). We can arrange post-tour accommodation for you. Journey time: Osaka - Tokyo (approx. 4 hours)
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with On The Go Tours.
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.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
- International flights and visa
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities
Accommodation
Age ranges from 18 – 55 years old. Please note these are backpacker type tours, please bear this in mind when quoting passengers. There is some flexibility with the maximum age on the family tours. Min age: 18 years old for group tours.Avg age: 28 years old. GH requires our OTG Tour Suitability Form to be completed by all passengers aged 55 plus.
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