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Essential Japan

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Essential Japan

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Description

Say Konnichiwa to Japan – a diverse land of culture, innovation and cuisine. You’ll get your fix of sushi and shopping in Tokyo before soaking up Kanazawa’s crazy Samurai culture (this is a great place to knock back a couple of glasses of sake, too). Wander gorgeous gardens and temples and then brush up on your world history at Hiroshima at the sobering Peace Park and Museum. Spy geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district and get your Beyonce on at an Osaka karaoke bar – this trip has it all! Perfect for the independent traveller, you’ll also have loads of free time to customise your trip with activities and extras you want to do, so you won’t miss anything on your bucket list.

Trip Name
Essential Japan
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
10
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Explore Japan’s amazingly diverse destinations with loads of free time to see them your way. With all the nitty gritty details and transport worked out for you, you can focus on indulging in endless sushi, katsudon and okonomoyaki.
  • Immerse yourself in the varied neighbourhoods of Tokyo – from the technological subculture of Akihabara to the wild side of fashion in Harajuku and the nightlife of Roppongi – each suburb is almost like a city of its own!
  • Uncover the sobering history of Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Museum – a vital destination for all Japan travellers to gain an insight into the tragic events of the nation’s past.
  • Wander Kyoto with a leader-led walking tour around the Gion district – the heart of the city’s Geisha culture – then walk through the iconic Fushimi Inari-Taisha (the perfect spot for some iconic Japan photos).
  • Live your Samurai fantasies in feudal-era Kanazawa – known as the birthplace of the Samurai. Then, wander through gorgeous historic gardens and hit the bars to debrief with your group.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – the thriving capital of an ancient land – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not explore at your own pace. You could check out the free Sensoji Temple or the Imperial Palace, then hit up the Avatar Robot Café for lunch. This purpose-driven enterprise is not driven by AI at all – the waiters are actually operated by people living with disabilities. This is to give employees who have difficulty leaving their homes a better chance at employment. After your meeting, go for a leader-led walk around one of Tokyo’s most popular hubs. Then, you might like to join your new travel buddies for an optional dinner.
Day 2 - Tokyo
Head out to explore the Shibuya area with your group this morning. Look down on one of the busiest intersections in the world at Shibuya station and visit the statue of Hachiko – the famous loyal dog. Next, indulge your eyes and your belly at a depachika food hall, where vendors sell everything from bento boxes to formal gifts. Maybe grab lunch to eat in Yoyogi Park (home to many events from the first Japan Olympics) before your visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine. This afternoon, you’ll visit Harajuku – the home of quirky youth pop culture. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. If you’re a cat lover, the Gotokuji Cat Temple might be right up your alley. Tonight is also the perfect opportunity to hit Tokyo’s nightlife, whether it’s at a bar with laser shows or you’re belting out some tunes at karaoke.
Day 3 - Kanazawa
This morning, speed through central Japan on a bullet train bound for Kanazawa. This city is best known for Kenroku-en – the 17th-century gardens – and as the home of the Samurai. Here, you can find beautifully preserved Samurai and Geisha districts, historic temples and some awesome markets. After checking into your hotel, maybe explore Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. Tonight is a free evening so you can explore the streets at your own pace and maybe indulge in Kanazawa's izakaya and famed fresh seafood.
Day 4 - Kanazawa
Explore Kanazawa on foot today, on a walking tour of the Higashi Chaya district. Get lost among Geisha as you walk through alleyways and traditional Chaya houses, known locally as places of tradition, feasts and entertainment. If tea's your thing, perhaps enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at one of the local tea houses. The afternoon will then be free for you to explore on your own.
Day 5 - Kyoto
Today, catch a train through the Japanese Alps to Kyoto – once the imperial capital of Japan and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a great place to get lost in. With a good bus network linking all its key sites, you can hop on the bus to get around today – maybe visit the magnificent, gold-plated Kinkaku-ji Temple with its expansive grounds in Kyoto’s northwest, or Nijo Castle – the feudal-era castle famous for its squeaking ‘nightingale floors,’ designed to alert inhabitants to approaching ninja. In the early evening, meet up with your leader for a walk through Kyoto’s famous Gion district – the heart of the city’s Geisha culture.
Day 6 - Kyoto
Join your leader this morning for a walk in the wooded hills of Inari Mountain, famous for its Shinto 'fox temple' and atmospheric red torii gates – a must-see for keen photographers. The afternoon is free for you to explore, and your leader can give you recommendations on what to see and how to get there. Cycling is also a great way to see the city, and renting a bike is inexpensive. It's your last night in Kyoto, so make sure you try some of Kyoto’s famed Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) or wander the food market of Nishiki in the city’s heart.
Day 7 - Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history and this morning, you’ll travel there via bullet train. When you arrive, your leader will take you to the Peace Park and the ruins of the A-Bomb Dome building – one of 11 structures left partially standing as a reminder of the destruction of nuclear war following the atomic bomb blast on 6 August 1945. The Peace Park contains monuments and a sobering museum dedicated to Hiroshima and international peace. The afternoon is free to rest, relax or continue exploring the city. Tonight, try Hiroshima’s most famous dish – okonomiyaki (savoury pancake of cabbage, meat or seafood) – grilled in front of you on a sizzling hotplate.
Day 8 - Hiroshima
Today you’ll jump on a local train and a ferry to spend the day at the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' Torii Gate and the grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Hike through the woods to the peak of Mt Misen for some stunning views of the Inland Sea stretching far out below you. Be sure to watch out for inquisitive and eternally hungry deer that roam the island. Back in Hiroshima, you can enjoy a free evening tonight.
Day 9 - Osaka
Travel by bullet train to Osaka today – what better way to finish your trip than in a city with the motto 'kuidaore' (eat until you drop)! Osaka is Japan's unofficial culinary capital, with its tiny backstreets overflowing with restaurants and bars serving up local delicacies. You can also discover Japan's answer to fast food – Osaka is credited with the first kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants after its inventor (the owner of a sushi restaurant with staffing issues) watched beer bottles on a conveyor belt at the nearby Asahi brewery. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led walking tour of the Dotombori district, famous for its shopping and entertainment. At night, this place is lit with the colour of hundreds of neon lights! Today, you could also take on a taiko drum lesson or try a traditional Japanese Onsen. For dinner, maybe try takoyaki (grilled octopus), an Osaka speciality.
Day 10 - Osaka
There are no activities planned for today, and you can depart at any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore the many neighbourhoods of Osaka, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-01-202521-01-2025AUD $ 3,245-
26-01-202504-02-2025AUD $ 3,245-
02-02-202511-02-2025AUD $ 2,268-
09-02-202518-02-2025AUD $ 2,620-
16-02-202525-02-2025AUD $ 2,925-
23-02-202504-03-2025AUD $ 2,695-
02-03-202511-03-2025AUD $ 2,695-
06-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 2,725-
09-03-202518-03-2025AUD $ 2,830-
13-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 2,830-
16-03-202525-03-2025AUD $ 2,930-
20-03-202529-03-2025AUD $ 2,830-
23-03-202501-04-2025AUD $ 2,935-
25-03-202503-04-2025AUD $ 2,935-
27-03-202505-04-2025AUD $ 2,935-
30-03-202508-04-2025AUD $ 2,935-
01-04-202510-04-2025AUD $ 2,970-
03-04-202512-04-2025AUD $ 3,120-
06-04-202515-04-2025AUD $ 3,020-
08-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 2,935-
10-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 2,970-
13-04-202522-04-2025AUD $ 3,260-
15-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 3,120-
17-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 3,120-
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 2,935-
11-05-202520-05-2025AUD $ 2,725-
15-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 2,725-
18-05-202527-05-2025AUD $ 2,950-
20-05-202529-05-2025AUD $ 2,725-
22-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 2,725-
25-05-202503-06-2025AUD $ 2,620-
29-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 2,620-
01-06-202510-06-2025AUD $ 2,620-
15-06-202524-06-2025AUD $ 2,620-
22-06-202501-07-2025AUD $ 2,620-
29-06-202508-07-2025AUD $ 2,620-
03-07-202512-07-2025AUD $ 2,725-
06-07-202515-07-2025AUD $ 2,725-
24-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 2,725-
27-07-202505-08-2025AUD $ 2,725-
31-07-202509-08-2025AUD $ 2,620-
03-08-202512-08-2025AUD $ 2,620-
10-08-202519-08-2025AUD $ 2,620-
24-08-202502-09-2025AUD $ 2,620-
31-08-202509-09-2025AUD $ 2,725-
04-09-202513-09-2025AUD $ 2,830-
07-09-202516-09-2025AUD $ 2,830-
11-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 2,935-
14-09-202523-09-2025AUD $ 2,935-
21-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 2,935-
25-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 2,935-
28-09-202507-10-2025AUD $ 2,935-
02-10-202511-10-2025AUD $ 2,995-
05-10-202514-10-2025AUD $ 2,995-
09-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 2,995-
12-10-202521-10-2025AUD $ 2,995-
16-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 2,995-
19-10-202528-10-2025AUD $ 2,995-
23-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 2,995-
26-10-202504-11-2025AUD $ 2,885-
30-10-202508-11-2025AUD $ 2,885-
02-11-202511-11-2025AUD $ 2,830-
06-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 2,830-
09-11-202518-11-2025AUD $ 2,830-
13-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 2,830-
16-11-202525-11-2025AUD $ 2,725-
20-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 2,725-
23-11-202502-12-2025AUD $ 2,725-
30-11-202509-12-2025AUD $ 2,725-
04-12-202513-12-2025AUD $ 2,620-
07-12-202516-12-2025AUD $ 2,620-
14-12-202523-12-2025AUD $ 2,620-
11-01-202620-01-2026AUD $ 2,620-
25-01-202603-02-2026AUD $ 2,620-
01-02-202610-02-2026AUD $ 2,620-
15-02-202624-02-2026AUD $ 2,620-
22-02-202603-03-2026AUD $ 2,620-
08-03-202617-03-2026AUD $ 2,725-
12-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 2,725-
15-03-202624-03-2026AUD $ 2,830-
22-03-202631-03-2026AUD $ 2,830-
26-03-202604-04-2026AUD $ 2,935-
29-03-202607-04-2026AUD $ 2,935-
31-03-202609-04-2026AUD $ 2,935-
02-04-202611-04-2026AUD $ 2,935-
05-04-202614-04-2026AUD $ 2,935-
07-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 2,935-
09-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 2,935-
12-04-202621-04-2026AUD $ 2,935-
14-04-202623-04-2026AUD $ 2,935-
10-05-202619-05-2026AUD $ 2,830-
17-05-202626-05-2026AUD $ 2,725-
21-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 2,725-
24-05-202602-06-2026AUD $ 2,725-
28-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 2,725-
31-05-202609-06-2026AUD $ 2,725-
14-06-202623-06-2026AUD $ 2,620-
28-06-202607-07-2026AUD $ 2,620-
05-07-202614-07-2026AUD $ 2,620-
23-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 2,620-
26-07-202604-08-2026AUD $ 2,620-
30-07-202608-08-2026AUD $ 2,620-
02-08-202611-08-2026AUD $ 2,620-
23-08-202601-09-2026AUD $ 2,620-
30-08-202608-09-2026AUD $ 2,620-
06-09-202615-09-2026AUD $ 2,830-
10-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 2,830-
13-09-202622-09-2026AUD $ 2,830-
20-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 2,935-
27-09-202606-10-2026AUD $ 2,935-
04-10-202613-10-2026AUD $ 2,935-
08-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 2,935-
11-10-202620-10-2026AUD $ 2,935-
18-10-202627-10-2026AUD $ 2,935-
25-10-202603-11-2026AUD $ 2,935-
08-11-202617-11-2026AUD $ 2,935-
15-11-202624-11-2026AUD $ 2,830-
19-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 2,830-
22-11-202601-12-2026AUD $ 2,830-
29-11-202608-12-2026AUD $ 2,830-
03-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 2,620-
06-12-202615-12-2026AUD $ 2,620-
13-12-202622-12-2026AUD $ 2,620-

Accommodation

Multishare Hostel (5 nights),Pod Hostel (2 nights),Family Owned Guesthouse (2 nights)

Transport

Public Bus,Metro,Train,Bullet Train

Map

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