Discover Japan’s top sights and hidden gems. From Tokyo to Kyoto, Kanazawa and Osaka, experience tradition, nature, and modern marvels.
Experience the “land of the rising sun” on this 13-day Japan group tour! Explore buzzing Tokyo and Osaka, see Mount Fuji, and ride the Shinkansen. Uncover history and hidden gems in Hiroshima, Takayama, Kyoto, Kanazawa and beyond. Discover ninjas, sumo, and samurai on this unforgettable journey blending history and modernity.
Hotel in Tokyo
Hotel in Tokyo
12 Nights, (3 & 4 star hotels)
12 Nights
(3 & 4 star hotels)
12 Breakfasts | 3 Dinners
12 Breakfasts
3 Dinners
Air-conditioned coach | Shinkansen bullet train
Air-conditioned coach
Shinkansen bullet train
Fully-guided tour
Fully-guided tour
Hotel in Tokyo | 06:00 PM
Hotel in Tokyo | 10:00 AM
Konnichiwa Japan! Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, check into the hotel from 3 PM and receive your info pack. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and meet your tour leader and group. Get your first taste of delicious Japanese cuisine, which is world-renowned for its high-quality, fresh ingredients.
Celebrate your first night in Japan at a lively Izakaya pub. Enjoy drinks, yakitori, edamame, grilled fish, and more with fellow travellers!
Celebrate your first night in Japan at a lively Izakaya pub. Enjoy drinks, yakitori, edamame, grilled fish, and more with fellow travellers!
Discover top attractions like the Meiji Shrine and the Senso-ji Temple on a Tokyo city tour. Enjoy free time for lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market (sushi, anyone?) and wander through the bizarre yet stylish, youthful and buzzing Takeshita Street. Join the Tokyo+ optional evening tour to see Skytree Tower views, dine in Omoide Yokocho, and stroll through lively Shinjuku City!
Join a local guide and visit the Meiji Shrine, admire the Senso-ji Temple and wander the Nakamise Shopping Arcade, Takeshita Street and Tsukiji Fish Market.
Join a local guide and visit the Meiji Shrine, admire the Senso-ji Temple and wander the Nakamise Shopping Arcade, Takeshita Street and Tsukiji Fish Market.
Marvel at panoramic city views from the Skytree Tower, visit Omoide Yokocho and enjoy a walking tour of the bustling Shinjuku City.
Marvel at panoramic city views from the Skytree Tower, visit Omoide Yokocho and enjoy a walking tour of the bustling Shinjuku City.
Wave farewell to Tokyo for now as the tour travels towards Shizuoka. Along the way, discover Kamakura, a stunning seaside city known for its Great Buddha. Enjoy free time for lunch and sightseeing in Hakone, a picturesque town which boasts spectacular Mount Fuji views! Last stop is Shizuoka. Check into the hotel and look forward to a free evening.
Explore Kamakura’s shrines and temples, including the Great Buddha and Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine. Then, visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi.
Explore Kamakura’s shrines and temples, including the Great Buddha and Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine. Then, visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi.
Make a photo stop in Hakone where you can enjoy excellent views, and snap amazing pictures, of the famous Mount Fuji - Japan’s iconic volcano.
Make a photo stop in Hakone where you can enjoy excellent views, and snap amazing pictures, of the famous Mount Fuji - Japan’s iconic volcano.
Delight in a day full of one-of-a-kind Japanese experiences! Awe-inspiring Mount Fuji views await in Nihondaira, as well as a visit to a green tea farm. After free time for lunch, tour a miso factory. Finally, arrive in Iga and check into tonight’s hotel. Ask your tour leader for some suggestions on how to spend this free evening.
Admire panoramic vistas from Nihondaira. This ancient plateau offers incredible Mount Fuji views, the Pacific Ocean and beautiful tea plantations in the area.
Admire panoramic vistas from Nihondaira. This ancient plateau offers incredible Mount Fuji views, the Pacific Ocean and beautiful tea plantations in the area.
Shizuoka is Japan’s green tea capital! Visit a working tea plantation to see how this beloved drink is produced. You can even try tea picking!
Shizuoka is Japan’s green tea capital! Visit a working tea plantation to see how this beloved drink is produced. You can even try tea picking!
Learn how miso, a paste made from fermented soybeans and a popular Japanese ingredient, is made. Miso gives dishes a distinct, salty ‘umami’ flavour!
Learn how miso, a paste made from fermented soybeans and a popular Japanese ingredient, is made. Miso gives dishes a distinct, salty ‘umami’ flavour!
After breakfast, head to the Iga Ninja Museum for a Ninja skill and weaponry demonstration. Then, visit the Kehaya Sumo Museum for insight into this unique wrestling style. Finally, travel to buzzing Osaka, embark on an orientation tour, and enjoy free time in the famous Dotonbori area! Why not indulge in a feast of Wagyu beef with tonight’s optional excursion?
Take a guided tour of the Iga Ninja Museum, showcasing ninja history, skills, and weaponry. Enjoy a live demonstration of their stealth techniques.
Take a guided tour of the Iga Ninja Museum, showcasing ninja history, skills, and weaponry. Enjoy a live demonstration of their stealth techniques.
Visit the Kehaya Sumo Museum and learn all about Sumo’s history and traditions. The museum even has its own Sumo arena!
Visit the Kehaya Sumo Museum and learn all about Sumo’s history and traditions. The museum even has its own Sumo arena!
Discover this city famous for its vibrant nightlife, street food and shopping. Explore the Dotonbori district, filled with neon lights and abuzz with activity!
Discover this city famous for its vibrant nightlife, street food and shopping. Explore the Dotonbori district, filled with neon lights and abuzz with activity!
Indulge in a multi-course dinner featuring various cuts of exceptional Matsusaka Wagyu beef - one of the best cuts of beef in the world!
Indulge in a multi-course dinner featuring various cuts of exceptional Matsusaka Wagyu beef - one of the best cuts of beef in the world!
En route to Hiroshima, visit Himeji Castle. Take in incredible views from this 14th-century hilltop castle and explore its well-preserved interior. Arrive in Hiroshima this afternoon and check into the hotel for the next two nights. After, enjoy an included Okonomiyaki dinner. This savoury pancake is one of Japan’s most popular dishes!
Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 1300s and Japan’s most-visited castle. Admire its stunning white walls and bird-like design.
Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 1300s and Japan’s most-visited castle. Admire its stunning white walls and bird-like design.
Tuck into a classic Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake cooked on an iron griddle with toppings like pork belly, seafood, cabbage, and Okonomiyaki sauce.
Tuck into a classic Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake cooked on an iron griddle with toppings like pork belly, seafood, cabbage, and Okonomiyaki sauce.
Explore Hiroshima’s highlights, starting with the impressive 17th-century Kintaikyo Bridge. Take a ferry to the serene Miyajima Island, home to “floating” torii gates at the Itsukushima Shrine, and enjoy free time for lunch. For a sweet treat, try momiji manju - a maple-leaf-shaped dough filled with red bean jam! Later, visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum before a free evening.
Take a walk across this impressive, arched wooden bridge which is a distinguished landmark in Yamaguchi.
Take a walk across this impressive, arched wooden bridge which is a distinguished landmark in Yamaguchi.
Take a trip to Miyajima and see the iconic “floating” gate or torii, which the UNESCO-listed shrine is famous for.
Take a trip to Miyajima and see the iconic “floating” gate or torii, which the UNESCO-listed shrine is famous for.
Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum, honoring victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. See the A-bomb Dome, monuments, and thought-provoking museum exhibits.
Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum, honoring victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. See the A-bomb Dome, monuments, and thought-provoking museum exhibits.
Depart Hiroshima after breakfast and head to Kurashiki, a dreamy city home to gorgeous canals and historic rice storehouses. In the early afternoon, travel to Kyoto for a true highlight of Japan tours! Visit the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Admire the awe-inspiring scenery as you walk through the breathtaking bamboo towers! The rest of the evening is free.
Enjoy free time to explore this charming city known for its Edo-period canals and storehouses, now home to museums, cafés, and boutiques.
Enjoy free time to explore this charming city known for its Edo-period canals and storehouses, now home to museums, cafés, and boutiques.
Spend two nights in Japan’s former capital. Rich in history, temples, shrines, gardens, and ancient culture, this captivating city offers unparalleled insight into traditional Japan.
Spend two nights in Japan’s former capital. Rich in history, temples, shrines, gardens, and ancient culture, this captivating city offers unparalleled insight into traditional Japan.
Visiting this majestic bamboo grove feels like an otherworldly experience! Take a stroll along the path that runs through the towering green stalks.
Visiting this majestic bamboo grove feels like an otherworldly experience! Take a stroll along the path that runs through the towering green stalks.
Spend the day exploring Kyoto! Marvel at Fushimi Inari Shrine’s 10,000 red torii gates (see how many you can count!), visit the 1,200+ year- old Kiyomizu Temple, and the stunning “golden” Kinkakuji Pavilion. Join the optional “An Evening in Kyoto” to experience traditional arts in Gion, including a Geisha performance and tea ceremony.
Beat the crowds with an early visit to this important Shinto Shrine, home to thousands of dazzling red torii gates dedicated to the god of rice.
Beat the crowds with an early visit to this important Shinto Shrine, home to thousands of dazzling red torii gates dedicated to the god of rice.
This picturesque, UNESCO-listed Buddhist temple is one of Japan’s most celebrated. Admire the views of the surroundings from the large wooden deck.
This picturesque, UNESCO-listed Buddhist temple is one of Japan’s most celebrated. Admire the views of the surroundings from the large wooden deck.
Known as the Golden Pavilion, this famous Zen temple’s two top floors are completely covered in gold leaf! Admire its stunning reflections in the “mirror pond”!
Known as the Golden Pavilion, this famous Zen temple’s two top floors are completely covered in gold leaf! Admire its stunning reflections in the “mirror pond”!
Immerse yourself in the Gion district’s age-old traditions with a Geisha performance, tea ceremony, and more! After, savour a delectable dinner.
Immerse yourself in the Gion district’s age-old traditions with a Geisha performance, tea ceremony, and more! After, savour a delectable dinner.
This morning, visit Hikone on Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and explore the luscious Genkyuen Garden. Next, visit the quaint town of Gujo, known for its waterways. Later, travel to Takayama in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture. Discover the Edo-era Sanmachi district and learn about its artisan history. End the day with a local brewery tour and sample authentic Japanese sake.
Visit the lush Genkyuen Garden and soak up the scenery from every angle! Marvel at the views of Hikone’s renowned Edo-period castle.
Visit the lush Genkyuen Garden and soak up the scenery from every angle! Marvel at the views of Hikone’s renowned Edo-period castle.
Step back in time in this rural town, where 17th-century waterways still flow. Spot koi fish and visit the historic Sogisui Source water pools.
Step back in time in this rural town, where 17th-century waterways still flow. Spot koi fish and visit the historic Sogisui Source water pools.
Gain fascinating insight into Edo-period Japan and admire gorgeous mountain scenery. Wander the preserved Sanmachi district, once alive with merchants, farmers, and craftsmen.
Gain fascinating insight into Edo-period Japan and admire gorgeous mountain scenery. Wander the preserved Sanmachi district, once alive with merchants, farmers, and craftsmen.
Learn all about Japan’s national drink with a Sake brewery tour! Discover the highly skilled craftsmanship behind it and look forward to a tasting. Kanpai!
Learn all about Japan’s national drink with a Sake brewery tour! Discover the highly skilled craftsmanship behind it and look forward to a tasting. Kanpai!
After breakfast, visit Takayama Jin'ya, a former Edo-era government building. Afterwards, explore the traditional wooden farmhouses of Hida no Sato Open Air Museum. Then, visit the fairytale village of Shirakawa-go, set against the Japanese Alps. Later, head to Kanazawa. Here, wander the picture-perfect Kenrokuen Garden. Tonight, opt for a seven-course Kaiseki dinner showcasing the region’s renowned seafood and culinary heritage.
Visit this former government building and learn all about Japanese Edo-period history as you explore the building’s many entrances, offices and living rooms.
Visit this former government building and learn all about Japanese Edo-period history as you explore the building’s many entrances, offices and living rooms.
Also called Hida Folk Village, this open-air museum showcases 30 traditional farmhouses, many in Gassho-zukuri style, set on a hill overlooking Takayama Valley.
Also called Hida Folk Village, this open-air museum showcases 30 traditional farmhouses, many in Gassho-zukuri style, set on a hill overlooking Takayama Valley.
This UNESCO-listed fairytale village in the Japanese Alps features 300-year-old Gassho-zukuri houses and is set against tranquil mountain scenery.
This UNESCO-listed fairytale village in the Japanese Alps features 300-year-old Gassho-zukuri houses and is set against tranquil mountain scenery.
Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three landscaped gardens, offers stunning seasonal beauty year-round, from spring cherry blossoms to vibrant autumn leaves and winter snowscapes.
Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three landscaped gardens, offers stunning seasonal beauty year-round, from spring cherry blossoms to vibrant autumn leaves and winter snowscapes.
Delight in a Kaiseki dinner highlighting Kanazawa seafood, fresh local produce, seasonal delicacies, and masterful Japanese culinary artistry.
Delight in a Kaiseki dinner highlighting Kanazawa seafood, fresh local produce, seasonal delicacies, and masterful Japanese culinary artistry.
Explore Kanazawa, a hidden gem city best known for its Nagamachi Samurai District. Visit a former samurai home to learn more about these ancient Japanese warriors! In the afternoon, hop aboard the Shinkansen towards Tokyo. Known for its exceptional speed, this bullet train travels up to 320kph (200mph)! Check into the hotel upon arrival and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.
This hidden gem from the Samurai era offers laid-back sightseeing. Explore a preserved Samurai home in the Nagamachi District to uncover Japan's warrior history.
This hidden gem from the Samurai era offers laid-back sightseeing. Explore a preserved Samurai home in the Nagamachi District to uncover Japan's warrior history.
Travel from Kanazawa to Tokyo on the lightning-fast Shinkansen bullet train. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this included journey!
Travel from Kanazawa to Tokyo on the lightning-fast Shinkansen bullet train. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this included journey!
Reminisce about the countless adventures over the last 12 days with your newfound travel buddies over a farewell dinner in Tokyo.
Reminisce about the countless adventures over the last 12 days with your newfound travel buddies over a farewell dinner in Tokyo.
After an unforgettable 13 days of exploring Japan’s highlights and hidden gems, the tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onward and hopes to see you on tour with us again soon. Sayōnara!
Celebrate your first night in Japan at a lively Izakaya pub. Enjoy drinks, yakitori, edamame, grilled fish, and more with fellow travellers!
Make a photo stop in Hakone where you can enjoy excellent views, and snap amazing pictures, of the famous Mount Fuji - Japan’s iconic volcano.
Discover this city famous for its vibrant nightlife, street food and shopping. Explore the Dotonbori district, filled with neon lights and abuzz with activity!
Spend two nights in Japan’s former capital. Rich in history, temples, shrines, gardens, and ancient culture, this captivating city offers unparalleled insight into traditional Japan.
Travel from Kanazawa to Tokyo on the lightning-fast Shinkansen bullet train. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this included journey!
You'll Love
Enhance your tour with these carefully selected optional experiences. Each one is designed to add depth and excitement to your journey, allowing you to customize your adventure according to your interests.
Marvel at panoramic city views from the Skytree Tower, visit Omoide Yokocho and enjoy a walking tour of the bustling Shinjuku City.
Indulge in a multi-course dinner featuring various cuts of exceptional Matsusaka Wagyu beef - one of the best cuts of beef in the world!
Immerse yourself in the Gion district’s age-old traditions with a Geisha performance, tea ceremony, and more! After, savour a delectable dinner.
Delight in a Kaiseki dinner highlighting Kanazawa seafood, fresh local produce, seasonal delicacies, and masterful Japanese culinary artistry.
If you are planning to travel a different year, please select here to view the relevant itinerary:
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard.
A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Tokyo, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.
Our tour leader Jamie was amazing. He was super organized and provided us with lots of information and details about all the fantastic places we visited. He was always there to ans...
This incredible journey through Japan with EXPAT felt like a beautiful story one that unfolded across cities,castles,mountains & quiet temples. From neon energy of Tokyo,Dotonbori ...
The trip was great, couldn't ask for a better tour. Cherry Blossom season is the time to go as the scenery is just beautiful. The Japanese people are as friendly as you could want....
Explore more with our diverse selection of tours, featuring similar adventures with unique destinations and unforgettable experiences.
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.
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights. Please click here to visit Skyscanner - a useful tool for comparing prices from the vast majority of airlines.
When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in the same room(s), unless you request single supplements or specifically request us not to.
If there are unequal numbers (3, 5, 7 etc.) then the remaining traveller will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender. Please note that minors under the age of 18 cannot share with another traveller outside of your group's booking.
If you are making separate bookings and would like to share the same room(s), please send us an email with the booking references for each of the travellers and the details of your preferred rooming allocation.
Yes, and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Passengers and their personal property travel with Expat Explore solely at their own risk. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday, and loss of holiday monies through cancellation or curtailment of the holiday or other insurable reasons. Clients should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities in their tour.
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. To receive a quote from our preferred travel insurance partner please visit World Nomads*.
For more information on what to look for in a travel insurance policy, click here.
While Expat Explore cannot assist with booking pre or post-tour accommodation, we have partnered with Booking.com for affordable accommodation options prior to and after the tour.
If you would like to receive the hotel list in advance so that you can book accommodation at or nearby the start hotel, please request this by sending an email to info@expatexplore.com with your booking reference.
Expat Explore can provide travellers requiring visas with visa support documents on a request basis. Please note that you are required to pay for your tour in full in order to receive the documents. This is an embassy/consulate requirement by law. Once you have received confirmation that your booking has been paid in full, you can request your visa support documents by emailing info@expatexplore.com - please allow up to 10 working days to receive these documents.
All travellers are required to carry their own bags. Our walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down stairs. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.
Your deposit secures your spot on tour and locks in the price you pay. Although the deposit you pay at the time of booking is non-refundable, you're protected by our 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee – a full refund if you cancel within 10 days of making your booking.
For more information, please refer to the 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee in our Terms & Conditions.
Before the tour starts, you will receive an email from us requesting your dietary requirements. There is always a vegetarian option available. We try as much as we can to offer you the traditional local cuisine.
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. We have partnered with Welcome Pickups to secure a hassle-free service. You will be met at the arrivals gate by your driver. Your driver will track your flight, so they'll wait for you even if it's delayed. Please click here to book an airport transfer.
This is up to you and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. We do, however, provide you with free time to see everything you want, and our tour leaders will have all the information on pricing and locations so you can manage your own budget. Please refer to your tours specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details.