Exploring Japan

10 Days / 9 Nights

Experience all that Japan is famed for, and much more on this fully tailorable itinerary. Great for travellers who want to come back with fantastic stories.

Tokyo – Hakone – Osaka – Kyoto

Trip Highlights

  • Soak in the relaxing mineral waters of an onsen hot spring, one of Japan’s most restful cultural practices
  • Enjoy hands-on experiences in Kyoto with a calligraphy class and a meditation practice course
  • Enjoy the fantastic culinary scene of Osaka on an evening street-food tour

Inclusions:

  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation 9 nights
  • Meals: 9B 1D
  • 2-day train pass to Hakone
  • Half-day Kyoto tour
  • Tea ceremony
  • Kyoto cycling tour
  • Osaka evening nightlife tour
  • Tokyo half-day tour
  • Public transport use covered by 3,500 JPY value IC card

Itinerary Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Guest are met on arrival by the driver and transferred to the accommodation.

Day 2: Tokyo

Set off on a morning tour to explore Asakusa, a traditional “shitamachi” area of the city, meaning a place for artisans and craftspeople, since the Edo period in the 15th Century. During your journey, wander down Nakamise Street for a glimpse at one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping arcades in action. Wrap up the day at Kappabashi Kitchen Street for some time to enjoy its collection of restaurants and souvenir shops. The afternoon is free; travellers can opt in for one of our many optional Tokyo tours.

 Day 3: Tokyo

Enjoy a free day to explore Tokyo at your own leisure. Travellers can opt into our fantastic Tokyo experiences.

Day 4:  Tokyo – Hakone

This morning, travellers make their way to Shinjuku station and head to Hakone via 2-day Hakone Freepass on their own. Take a series of cars and mountain railways through the national park and ride the Hakone ropeway all the way up Mt. Owakudani, soaring over sulphurous fumes emanating from hot springs and rivers in this volcanic area. Travellers can cross Ashinoko Lake on a replica pirate ship and keep an eye out for Mt. Fuji. That evening, enjoy a rest in the ryokan with a Japanese Kaiseki-style meal for dinner. 

Day 5: Hakone – Osaka  

Travel by across the country on a bullet train (via Odawara) to arrive at the city of Osaka. In the evening, join the Osaka Night Food Tour through the busy streets and the hidden, less frequented parts of central Osaka. Explore the Doutonburi area, with a focus from the local guide on exploring the back streets with their hidden secret bars and restaurants. Along the way, enjoy various grilled skewers, hotpot, tempura, octopus fritters, and other treats in many izakaya.

Day 6: Osaka

Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka. There are plenty of options for additional tours for travellers.

Day 7: Osaka – Kyoto

Travellers make their way to Kyoto for a tea ceremony in the morning. This features an explanation of the importance of matcha green tea to Kyoto followed by a demonstration and hands-on involvement from the guests. Next, head to the meeting point to join Kyoto Back Street Cycling Private Tour. Listen to the knowledgeable tour guide and learn about the former Japanese capital’s captivating history and cultural heritage. Highlights include cycling through two geisha districts and admiring Imperial Palace Park.

Day 8: Kyoto

Enjoy a half-day walking tour of Kyoto this morning. Visit the city’s oldest Zen temple, founded in 1202. Explore its beautiful ‘Karesansui’, Japanese rock garden, and admire the famous artwork of ‘Fujin-Raijin-Zu. Depicting the Gods of Wind and Thunder, the painting by celebrated artist Soutatu Tawaraya is considered a national treasure. End this tour of Gion at the venerated Yasaka Shrine. Established over 1350 years ago, the Shinto shrine connects the Geisha District of Gion and the beautiful Higashiyama Temple District and is the location of the popular Gion Festival.  

Day 9: Kyoto

A free day at leisure in Kyoto. Again, travellers have plenty of options for additional tours.

Day 10: Departure

Enjoy the final morning in Kyoto before departing for the flight.

For more information, email our friendly team at [email protected]

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