ToursAsia ToursHighlights of Japan

Highlights of Japan

Reviews
Countries
1
Days
11
Per Day from
€ 205
Start Point:
Tokyo/
End Point:
Osaka/Tokyo/Tokyo/
Ages:
10 - 75+
Accommodation:
Hotel
Transport:
Private coach

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Was€ 3,225
From € 2,255
View Dates & Rates

Price per adult twin share room.

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More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes Learn More
  • Low deposit secures your booking
  • Quality tours at affordable prices
  • Pay the remaining balance off in instalments
  • High quality accommodation

Summary

Temples, skyscrapers, neon lights and ancient traditions. Few places in the world showcase the meeting of old and new better than Japan! Escape the ordinary on this Japan group tour. On this trip to Japan, travel from buzzing Tokyo to Hakone where the best views of Mount Fuji are found. Explore Hiroshima, Kyoto and more. Discover the best things to do in Japan. Visit incredible temples and castles. Sip on sake, watch sumo wrestlers in action, test out your ninja skills and see geishas adorned in colourful garments. These are the highlights of Japan expertly packed into 11 exciting days! 

Highlights

  • Discover Tokyo, Japan’s capital, on a city tour!
  • Visit the monumental Great Buddha in Kamakura
  • Witness impressive vistas of Mount Fuji
  • See Itsukushima, Meiji and Hakone Shrines
  • Experience dinner at a traditional Japanese-style pub
  • Explore Himeji Castle, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Golden Pavilion

Itinerary View Full ItineraryDownload PDF

Start Point

Hotel in Tokyo | 06:30 PM

End Point

Hotel in Osaka | 09:00 AM
Kichijōji Station in Tokyo | 08:00 PM
Tokyo Station | 02:00 PM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! This Highlights of Japan group tour begins in the country’s dazzling capital city. Arrive at the hotel, check in from 15:00 onwards and receive an Expat Explore information pack containing all of the info for the first day’s activities. Meet up with your tour leader and the rest of your group this evening. Tonight, get to know the group over a welcome dinner. Sample your first taste of Japanese cuisine at a Japanese-style pub known as an Izakaya!

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! This Highlights of Japan group tour begins in the country’s dazzling capital city. Arrive at the hotel, check in from 15:00 onwards and receive an Expat Explore information pack containing all of the info for the first day’s activities. Meet up with your tour leader and the rest of your group this evening. Tonight, get to know the group over a welcome dinner. Sample your first taste of Japanese cuisine at a Japanese-style pub known as an Izakaya!

Experiences

Welcome dinner at an Izakaya: Celebrate your first night on tour in Japan with a visit to an Izakaya. These pubs are uniquely Japanese and are popular spots for locals to grab a drink and meal with groups of friends or colleagues. You’ll usually find yakitori, edamame, grilled fish, french fries and more on the menu in an Izakaya. Tuck in and enjoy!

Meals

Dinner

DAY 2: Tokyo City Tour

Today, Tokyo awaits! After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing tour of the city with an expert English-speaking local guide. Stroll around Tokyo and see how tradition meets modernity with historic temples and neon skyscrapers lining the streets. The tour includes highlights such as the Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market and Takeshita Street - one of the brightest and busiest shopping areas in all of Tokyo! Spend the evening exploring more of this diverse city with free time tonight. Why not head out and find a local spot to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine for dinner?

Experiences

Tokyo city sightseeing tour: See the highlights of Tokyo on an exciting city sightseeing day tour! Travel through Tokyo by coach and on foot. Join an expert local guide who will lead a tour through the main attractions of this sprawling city. Visit the grand Meiji Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. Marvel at Tokyo’s oldest temple, the Buddhist Senso-ji Temple. Wander through the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and Takeshita Street. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Tsukiji Market where you will have free time for lunch - it's the best place to find fresh seafood and produce.

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 3: Kamakura - Hakone - Shizuoka

Today, it’s time to travel to the next stop in Japan. Board the coach to travel towards Shizuoka. En route, embark on sightseeing tours of the seaside town of Kamakura, home to the Great Buddha, as well as Hakone where you can see amazing views of Mount Fuji! There will be free time for lunch during the sightseeing tour - the perfect time to refuel your energy to see the rest of the amazing sights! Arrive in Shizuoka in the early evening. Check in, freshen up and head out to see more of the city. The evening is free to spend as you choose. You could explore nearby Shun Castle Park or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Experiences

City sightseeing tours of Kamakura and Hakone: Visit the city of Kamakura which is a laid-back seaside Japanese city that is home to numerous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. See the city’s famous Great Buddha in the Kōtoku-in Temple as well as the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine - the city’s most important shrine. Next up is Hakone where you can admire Hakone Shrine - located in a beautiful spot on the edge of Lake Ashi.

Mount Fuji photo stop: Make a photo stop in Hakone where you will find excellent views of the famous Mount Fuji - Japan’s iconic volcano.

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 4: Nihondaira - Tea Farm - Miso Factory - Kusatsu

Another day filled with unique Japanese adventures awaits! Today’s first stop is Nihondaira which is famous for its views of Mount Fuji. Next up is a tea farm visit followed by a stop with free time for lunch en route. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a miso factory before arriving in Kusatsu where the tour will be spending the night. Check into the hotel and then the evening is free to do some exploring!  Why not enjoy a taste of one of Japan’s most famous dishes - Ōmibeef - on tonight’s mouthwatering optional excursion?

Experiences

Take in the views from Nihondaira: Admire the panoramic vistas from Nihondaira. This ancient plateau offers incredible views of Mount Fuji, the Pacific Ocean as well as the beautiful tea plantations in the area. 

Visit a tea farm: Shizuoka is known as the green tea capital of Japan! Enjoy a visit to a working tea farm to see how this widely loved drink is produced. You can even try out a bit of tea picking for yourself! 

Tour a miso factory: Take a tour around a miso factory to see how this popular Japanese ingredient is produced. Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans, which is widely used in Japanese cooking - it gives dishes the distinct, salty ‘umami’ flavour.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Ōmibeef Yakiniku Dinner and Drinks

Enjoy an Ōmibeef Yakiniku (Japanese Barbeque of wagyū beef) dinner complete with unlimited drinks at a local restaurant.

DAY 5: Iga - Nara - Himeji

Look forward to experiencing a sightseeing tour of Iga and Nara today! Visit the Iga Ninja Museum and the Kehaya Sumo Museum. Afterwards, enjoy free time for lunch in Nara. Next, enjoy a visit to the Todai Temple which houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana (known in Japanese as Daibutsu) followed by time to explore Nara Park and see the free-roaming herds of deer. Arrive in Himeji and enjoy a free evening. Why not visit Otokoyama Hill for amazing views of the city or Egret Himeji, which is a great spot for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat? It also has a rooftop which offers views of Himeji Castle and is open for free to the public.

Experiences

Learn about the history of the ninja: Enjoy a guided tour around the Iga Ninja Museum which is dedicated to celebrating the history of the ninja! Ninjas were warriors during Japan’s feudal ages known for their unconventional warfare and stealth. 

Experience the world of Sumo: Visit the Kehaya Sumo Museum in Nara for insight into all things sumo! Sumo originated in Japan and is a full-contact form of wrestling. Learn all about the history and traditions during the visit - the museum even has its own Sumo arena! 

Todai Temple and Deer Park in Nara: Enjoy a visit to Tokai Temple in Nara - this temple is famous for housing the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana. Afterwards, enjoy time to wander around Nara Park and encounter the resident, free-roaming deer! Deer are symbols of Nara and while in the park, you can buy crackers to feed the beautiful animals.

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 6: Himeji - Okayama - Hiroshima

Experience a full day of sightseeing in Himeji and Okayama. Travel by coach and on foot to discover more about these intriguing destinations. Visit the magnificent Himeji Castle to see a great example of Japanese architecture, wander through the stunning Korakuen Garden in Okayama and enjoy free time for lunch during the sightseeing tour. After a day filled with beautiful Japanese sights, it's time to head to Hiroshima. Arrive and check in at the hotel where the tour will be based for the next three nights. Enjoy an included Okonomiyaki dinner with the group tonight!

Experiences

Visit the Himeji Castle: Enjoy a visit to one of the finest surviving examples of Japan’s castle architecture. Himeji Castle’s construction dates back to the 1300s and it survived extensive bombings in the area during WW2. The brilliant white walls and unique shape were created to resemble a bird taking flight. Himeji is Japan’s most visited castle and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a truly impressive sight to behold! 

Wander through the Korakuen Garden: A visit to Korakuen Garden in Okayama is sure to be memorable! Korakuen is located next to Okayama Castle and is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Take a stroll through the grounds and admire the incredible landscapes.

Okonomiyaki dinner: Tuck into a classic Japanese dish during tonight’s included Okonomiyaki dinner. Okonomiyaki is a Japanese Teppanyaki (a style of cooking which uses an iron griddle to cook food) and is a savoury pancake. Popular toppings include pork belly, seafood, cabbage and Okonomiyaki sauce!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 7: Hiroshima

Explore the highlights of Hiroshima on a city sightseeing tour after breakfast. Hiroshima’s history stretches back centuries. Today, it is widely remembered for being the target of an atomic bomb attack during WW2. Learn all about the city’s history and the impact of the war during the guided city tour. Embark by coach and travel on foot to see some of the city’s highlights including the impressive Kintaikyo Bridge, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island as well as the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Tonight is free to spend as you wish. Nagarekawa is a hub for food and entertainment. Why not visit Okonomimura? This food hall in Hiroshima is famous for its Okonomiyaki!

Experiences

Visit the Kintaikyo Bridge: Take a walk across this impressive, curved wooden bridge which is a distinguished landmark in Yamaguchi.

Visit the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island: Take a trip to Miyajima and see the iconic “floating” gate or torii, which the shrine is famous for. This Shinto Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and many of the buildings and significant items within have been declared national treasures by the Japanese government.

Explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum: Visit one of the most prominent sites in Hiroshima. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum were built to remember the dropping of the atomic bomb in 1945 and honour the hundreds of thousands of victims of the attack. Explore the museums on-site, see the A-bomb dome and visit the numerous monuments throughout the park.

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 8: Hiroshima: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to explore more of Hiroshima. Choose to see a whole new side to the city on the Hidden Hiroshima optional excursion which includes a visit to the historic Mitaki Temple, a visit to a local oyster farm where the group will enjoy lunch, and time to explore the serene Shukkeien Garden. The optional excursion finishes up mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. There are a number of exciting things to see and do around the city. You could pay a visit to the Hiroshima Castle or wander through Hijiyama Park, which offers beautiful views and is home to the Hiroshima MOCA.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Hidden Hiroshima

Uncover the hidden sights of Hiroshima with a local guide! See Mitaki Temple, Shukkeien Garden and visit a local oyster farm.

DAY 9: Hiroshima - Okayama - Kurashiki - Osaka

Travel onwards to Osaka and explore a little more of what Okayama has to offer today. Board the coach after breakfast for more sightseeing adventures! Enjoy city tours of Okayama and Kurashiki where you will have free time to enjoy lunch. Once the group has fueled up on some delicious Japanese food, it’s time to continue onwards and enjoy an included sake tasting and museum tour! Later, arrive in Osaka and check into the hotel where the group will spend the next two nights. Tonight you have the option to explore Osaka on a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the vibrant Dotonbori area!

Experiences

Sightseeing tour of Okayama: See the highlights of the city which boasts some of the best weather in Japan! It is home to the Okayama Castle (also known as “Crow Castle” thanks to the black exterior) and the beautiful Korakuen formal garden.

Enjoy a city tour of Kurashiki: Get to know more about this charming old merchant town. See the canals and traditional Japanese houses surrounded by beautiful willow trees. 

Sip on sake in Nada: The Nada region is Japan’s foremost sake-producing region. Visit the Sake Museum to learn all about this Japanese rice wine that is enjoyed throughout the country and the world!

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Osaka Sightseeing: Dotonbori, Takoyaki-Making Experience & Dinner

Explore Dotonbori in the heart of Osaka! Discover the bustling neighbourhood before enjoying a Takoyaki-making class and dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 10: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Kyoto - Osaka

Escape into nature this morning on a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling to the forest which is one of Kyoto’s top attractions. Next up, spend time wandering through Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavilion) before visiting the Kiyomizu Temple for some exploring and free time to have lunch. This afternoon, visit Gion - Kyoto’s historic geisha district and browse the many shops. Keep an eye out for geishas strolling through the streets! It’s the last night of this incredible tour and the group will be celebrating with an included farewell dinner. Toast to your favourite memories over a delicious meal tonight!

Experiences

Wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Visiting this majestic bamboo grove feels like an otherworldly experience! Take a stroll along the path that runs through the towering green stalks. This is one of Kyoto’s most photographed spots! 

Visit Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion: Pay a visit to this beautiful building which is one of Japan’s most popular! Kinkakuji is a Zen temple and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interestingly, this temple uses a different style of Japanese architecture on each floor. 

Explore the Kiyomizu Temple: This picturesque Buddhist temple is one of Japan’s most celebrated temples. Kiyomizu, which means Pure Water Temple, was named after the nearby Otowa Waterfall. Admire the views of the surroundings from the large wooden deck. 

Greet geishas in the Gion district: Visit Gion to see geishas adorned in colourful garments. Along with these Japanese hostesses, Gion is home to streets filled with shops, a great number of Japanese teahouses and excellent restaurants. 

Farewell dinner in Osaka: Celebrate the last night on an incredible tour with a group farewell dinner this evening.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 11: End of tour in Tokyo

After ten experience-filled days, the Highlights of Japan tour comes to an end today. Enjoy a final breakfast with the group before travelling back to Tokyo. The transfer will be by coach and will last approximately 10 hours, with Tokyo Station being the final stop. Alternatively, choose to end the tour in Osaka and transfer to Kansai Int ’l Airport by airport shuttle bus or transfer to Shin-Osaka and take a bullet train to Tokyo at an additional cost. Arrive in Tokyo where the tour ends. Reminisce about your time on this Japan trip. Swap memories and contact details with your newly made travel friends before saying goodbye and heading home.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Bullet Train from Osaka to Tokyo

Travel from Osaka to Tokyo Station in just 2.5 hours when you book a seat on a high speed bullet train.

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 10 nights' accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities
  • Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

28 Experiences!

  • Welcome Dinner at a Japanese-style pub, known as an Izakaya
  • Stroll through Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods on a city sightseeing tour 
  • Visit the Meiji Shrine
  • Explore the Tsukiji Fish Market
  • Visit the Great Buddha in Kamakura
  • See the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine 
  • Visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi
  • Snap pictures of the impressive Mount Fuji during a photo stop
  • Take in the views from Nihondaira
  • Visit a tea farm
  • Tour a miso factory
  • Learn about the history of the ninja at the Iga Ninja Museum
  • Experience the world of Sumo at the Kehaya Sumo Museum in Nara
  • Visit Todai Temple and Deer Park in Nara
  • Visit the beautiful Himeji Castle
  • Wander through the Korakuen Garden 
  • Enjoy an Okonomiyaki dinner
  • Visit the Kintaikyo Bridge
  • Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
  • Explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
  • Sightseeing tour of Okayama
  • Enjoy a city tour of Kurashiki
  • Sip on sake at the Sake Museum in Nada
  • Meander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
  • Visit Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion
  • Explore the Kiyomizu Temple
  • Greet geishas in the Gion district
  • Farewell dinner in Osaka

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Tokyo

Photos of the tour

Ōmibeef Yakiniku Dinner and Drinks

Taste Japan’s famous Ōmibeef, Yakiniku style! Ōmibeef is an exceptionally high-quality wagyū beef originating from the Shiga Prefecture in Japan. It is widely considered one of the world’s top beef products and is said to be the oldest beef brand in Japan! Enjoy an Ōmibeef Yakiniku (Japanese Barbeque) dinner complete with unlimited drinks at a local restaurant. 

Please Note: This excursion must be pre-booked 30 days prior to your tour starting - please email us to book.

Optional Excursions

All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Dates & Rates

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Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
02 Oct 2023 - 12 Oct 2023Flexible booking date for 02 Oct 2023 - 12 Oct 2023SOLD OUT!
16 Oct 2023 - 26 Oct 2023Flexible booking date for 16 Oct 2023 - 26 Oct 2023SOLD OUT!
07 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 07 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024SOLD OUT!
18 Apr 2024 - 28 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 18 Apr 2024 - 28 Apr 2024SOLD OUT!
06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024Flexible booking date for 06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024SOLD OUT!
20 May 2024 - 30 May 2024Flexible booking date for 20 May 2024 - 30 May 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 3,225 € 2,330
15 Jul 2024 - 25 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 15 Jul 2024 - 25 Jul 2024SOLD OUT!
16 Sep 2024 - 26 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 16 Sep 2024 - 26 Sep 2024Last 4 seats left - Book Now!€ 3,225 € 2,260
07 Oct 2024 - 17 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 07 Oct 2024 - 17 Oct 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 3,225 € 2,260
21 Oct 2024 - 31 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 21 Oct 2024 - 31 Oct 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 3,225 € 2,260

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

25 reviews
L
Laurie Verified Buyer2023-09-14
Great Group travel
Our tour leaders were great
E
Ex.san Verified Buyer2023-09-13
Amazing adventure through Japan
The tour was very comprehensive and covers most of Japan. The tour leader Sato was amazing!!!!!!she was so kind, accomodating, fun, passionate and I felt extremely safe with her around (being a solo traveler). Sato also spoke excellent english. Sato was outstanding! She is truely an asset to expat explore!
H
Happy Traveler Verified Buyer2023-09-13
Explore Japan with Expat Explore
Through this tour group I was able to experience many places that I would not have found on my own. From the time we started tour to the end was well organized. Hotels were clean and breakfast provided to start our busy days. Had free nights to go out on own or with tour guides. Great experience !
H
HunSi Verified Buyer2023-05-31
Highlight of Japan
We travelled as a couple. We had a good introduction to Japan. Visited many places from Tokyo to Hiroshima and back to Tokyo on a bullet train. The experience was amazing and we would love to go back to Japan again. Fellow travellers of mixed ages were friendly and some of them have travelled with Expat several times previously. The driver and local assistant together with the Tour Leader made us felt cared for and safe. The choice of the hotels were very good as all are in city centre location and have easy access to train, malls and surrounded by restaurants. I believe the success of the tour is very much depending on the Tour Leader. Our Tour Leader, Jamie was excellent in his leadership, management and fun personality. Very friendly and helpful. I am already looking for another trip with Expat.
A
Andrew Verified Buyer2023-05-26
Great Adventure
I really enjoyed the whole experience of being in Japan and the variety of everything we did was great. I did struggle with the amount of walking and stairs to negotiate as this was far more than was stated in the brochure. However, the tour was very organised and many thanks to Jamie. Joshi and our driver.

Why this tour?

This Highlights of Japan tour is designed to show off the best of this enchanting country! You’ll have time to fully embrace the Japanese culture as you spend 11 exciting days being guided to all of the country’s top attractions. Spend time in Tokyo, Okayama and Hiroshima to name a few. Travelling to the countryside in a coach bus allows for affordable and comfortable exploring, with well-timed sightseeing stops. 

Your Japan travel package will start in Tokyo, with a traditional dinner at an Izakaya pub. Then, take a day to enjoy a full city tour. Marvel at the combination of historic temples and modern shopping arcades as you take in the dazzling metropolis. Experience the best of Japan with visits to Himeji Castle, a bamboo forest, and the Great Buddha. Your tour leader will help you spot Mount Fuji from Hakone, an absolute must-see on this journey. 

Find all the top things to do in Japan, all within your budget! With visits to places like Iga’s Ninja Museum and a working green tea farm in Shizuoka, and with the chance to see a beautifully dressed Geisha in Gion - this is bound to be an unforgettable trip to Japan!. You will be able to learn more about the a ncient art of sumo wrestling and enjoy a lesson in traditional pottery. 

Japanese food also plays a big part in the country’s tourism, and on this Japan trip, your taste buds will be treated every step of the way. There are visits to a Miso Factory to see how this common paste is made, and to a sake museum with a taste of this rice wine to sip on. 

Travellers of all ages will enjoy this group tour, including couples, families, and solo adventurers. Book now with our low deposit and secure your seat in this not-to-be-missed trip of a lifetime.