Description
Uncover the essentials of Japan on this immersive 13-day adventure, blending iconic landmarks, rich traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore Tokyo’s vibrant energy, Kyoto’s timeless charm, and Hiroshima’s poignant history. Visit Mount Fuji, experience a traditional tea ceremony, and discover serene temples, bustling markets, and picturesque countryside. Perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded journey through Japan’s culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
**Travel insurance is compulsory for all One Life tours **
Inclusions
- STAYS: 12 nights of accommodation
- TRANSPORT: All transport during the tour including bullet train, subways, Romance Car & more (Airport transfers Day 1 & 13 excl.)
- CREW: Your unbeatable, legendary tour guide & local activity guides
- MEALS: 5 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Not Included
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Some meals
- Airport Transfers
Activities
- Welcome Dinner
- Visit to Senso-ji Temple at night
- Japan Orientation
- Famous Tokyo Districts (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Akihabara and more)
- Shibuya Crossing
- Mt Fuji viewing & exploring Hakone
- Fushimi-Inari Red Torii Gates
- Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
- The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
- Climb Monkey Mountain (Iwatayama)
- The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Food tour in Osaka
- Karaoke
- Osaka Castle Gardens
- Shinsekai Tour
- Explore Nara Park & temples
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Guided Tour
- Miyajima Island
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Hall of 1,000 Mats”
Highlights
- Explore the endless incredible gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine without the crowds
- Stroll down the famous bamboo forest
- Take a bow with the famous local free roaming deer in Nara
- Marvel at Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion
- Explore the ancient temples at Miyajima Island
- Stay at Hakone and seek out the incredible Mount Fuji
- Learn the history of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
- Experience Tokyo’s most famous temple by night
Your Travel Itinerary
Touch down in Tokyo! Once you reach your hostel in the historic Asakusa area, your tour guide will be there to welcome you. Tonight, you will enjoy a Japanese cuisine feast and get to know the other members of your group. After dinner, when the crowds have dispersed, you will have the chance to explore the Tokyo Senso-ji Temple by night, which is an iconic landmark.
In the morning, you will attend a Japan Orientation Briefing where you will learn about simple Japanese customs and phrases. After that, you will head to Harajuku, the birthplace of Japanese teen pop culture, followed by a visit to Yoyogi Park, which houses the beautiful Meiji Shrine.
Later in the day, you will be heading to Akihabara, also known as Tokyo’s electric town. Here, you will be amazed by the neon lights and the variety of shops around the area. You can engage in arcade games, explore the famous Maid Cafes, or simply wander around the town. For those of you who want to try street go-karting*, this will be your chance! Take to the streets in a go-kart while wearing your favorite character costume.
*You are responsible for booking your own Street Go-karting if you wish to do this activity. We recommend organising this well in advance of your tour arrival as it is a popular activity and you must have an international drivers license
You have the first half of the day to yourself. Your guide will be available to assist you with your plans, but you could attend a sushi-making class*, visit the Imperial Palace, or simply wander around this enchanting city. Later in the evening, you will travel to Shinjuku, where you can take in an unparalleled view of Tokyo’s skyline, explore the famous Omoide Yokocho Alley and have dinner before observing the iconic Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing.
*Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability.
Today, you will head off on a journey to the beautiful mountain town of Hakone by taking the “”Romance Car.”” On your arrival, you will check into your guesthouse and then take a train deeper into the mountains to explore.
Hakone is known for its delicious food and offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). After a day of exploring and taking pictures of Japan’s most famous mountain, you will return to your guesthouse for a family-style dinner.
If you have asthma or a respiratory condition, it is best to avoid the brief visit to Owakudani. Please speak to your guide for alternative arrangements.
Say goodbye to the peaceful surroundings of Hakone, you will take the bullet train journey to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. On your arrival, you will check into your accommodation, which is conveniently located near the traditional area. After settling in, you will set out to explore the surrounding neighbourhood. In the evening, you will be accompanied by a guide on a walking tour of Kyoto’s Gion district. This area is famous for its Geishas, the traditional art form of entertainment in Japan. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one. After the walking tour, you will be treated to a delicious dinner at one of the best yakitori (grilled chicken sticks) places in town, which is included in your tour.
You will wake up before dawn and take the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. You and your group will arrive early to avoid the huge crowds of tourists and explore the winding corridors of the red gates that seem to go on forever. After that, you will head towards Kiyomizu-dera temple, which is one of Japan’s most famous temples, and an absolute must-see. It is a breathtaking bamboo and wooden complex that sits high on the mountainside. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your own pace. If you want to experience the traditional side of Japan, you can choose to participate in a tea ceremony* and rent a kimono.
*Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability.
Your day will start with a train ride to Arashiyama, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and a river flowing through it. Today’s itinerary includes a visit to the stunning bamboo forest, a climb up Monkey Mountain, and an optional traditional Japanese boat ride through the valleys. You will have the afternoon free to explore the town at your leisure.
*Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability.
You will head to the breathtaking Golden Pavilion, a stunning building covered in gold and surrounded by a lake and a beautiful traditional Japanese garden. After that, you will visit the peaceful Daitoku-ji, a complex of old temples nestled in a leafy area where you can reflect on your adventures so far in a serene environment. Later, you will be exploring the famous Dotonbori area in Osaka, where you will experience the food, the people, the lights, and the vibrant colours of the “kitchen of Japan.” Your guide will show you the best spots for street food, and you will have the chance to taste some of the delicacies that make Osaka such a renowned foodie city. The evening will finish with a night of karaoke and drinks.
After nursing your head from last night’s antics, we thought it best to give you the morning off to explore Osaka yourself. You may choose to visit AmericaTown, where you can explore unique shops and cafes, or relax and rejuvenate at Spa World, a sprawling complex offering various international-themed baths and wellness treatments. Alternatively, dive into the culinary history of Japan at the Ramen Museum, where you can sample different regional varieties of this beloved dish.
In the evening, you’ll regroup to visit the historic Osaka Castle, a magnificent structure surrounded by beautiful gardens and moats. After watching the sunset, you’ll then head over to the vibrant Shinsekai district, Dotonbori’s little brother. Here, you can savour a variety of local delicacies for dinner, explore bustling streets filled with neon lights, and experience the lively atmosphere that makes this area a must-visit.
It’s an early start today as you head out of the city, 45 minutes on the train to beautiful Nara. As you leave the train station and begin your walk towards the main park, keep your eyes out for the friendly locals along the way. Nara is famous for being a city that lives symbiotically with deer and is historically important as the former capital of ancient Japan. You’ll make your way around the serene park & stunning temples before heading back to Osaka to explore further districts, or for those of you who want to explore Osaka’s dark underbelly with a local, join the Osaka Backstreets tour!
After a little downtime in the morning, you’ll head to the iconic city of Hiroshima. After checking in to your accommodation, you’ll walk to the humbling Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and be taken around this area by our local guide to educate you on the area’s astonishing past. View the Atomic Dome, ring the Peace Bell and say a prayer at the eternal flame. This important and historic city will live long in your memories.
You’ll finish with a walk around the museum to learn about Hiroshima’s devastating past before grabbing some food and calling it a day.
Today you will take the metro towards the beautiful Miyajima Island, located about 1hr away from Hiroshima. Once you’re off the metro, you’ll take a short ferry ride to the island, known for its stunning collection of forests and ancient temples. You’ll take an easy stroll around the island, visiting the incredible Great Torii gate that sits just offshore. This famous giant, orange Torii gate sits partially submerged at high tide. Next, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the serenity of the rest of this island paradise. In the evening, you’ll head out one last time as a group for your final evening together in Japan!
It’s time to say goodbye to your group and the new friends you have made from your tour. We hope you’ve loved your Japan experience!
Important info before travel
- Main bag – smaller than 160cm when height, width and depth are added together
- Comfortable shoes
- Travel adaptor
- Camera
- If travelling between September-April warm clothes
Optional Activities: Sushi making class, Street Go Karting, Kimono Hire, Tea ceremony, Samurai Museum and Sword Experience, Osaka Backstreets Tour
