- Home
- Japan Discovery
You are viewing the consumer version of the trip page. Please click here to return to search results where you can access the agent version of these trip pages.

Japan Discovery
Experience the many contrasts of Japan, from the modern metropolis of Tokyo to the spectacular beauty of Mt. Fuji and magical Kyoto with its stunning temples and colourful Geisha district. From travelling by bullet train and seeing the cherry blossoms bloom in the springtime, on this 10-day trip you'll gain an understanding of what makes Japan such an unmissable travel destination.
Travel Style - Costsaver
Essentials By Us. Tailored By You.
Book with Confidence
- Your itinerary
- Trip Details
- ReviewsReview Star Icon
Your Holiday
- Your itinerary
- Print Print Trip Details and Itinerary


7 Cities
Select a day
- Day 1 Arrive Tokyo (3 Nights)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 2 Tokyo SightseeingNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 3 Mt. Fuji and Hakone SightseeingNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 4 Tokyo - Kyoto (2 Nights)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 5 Kyoto Free DayNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 6 Kyoto - Kurashiki - Hiroshima (2 Nights)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 7 Hiroshima SightseeingNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 8 Hiroshima - Himeji (1 Night)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 9 Himeji - Osaka (1 Night)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 10 Depart OsakaNavigation Chevron Right Icon
The Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Tokyo (3 Nights)
'Konnichiwa' and welcome to dazzling, futuristic Tokyo, Japan's incredible capital city. One of the most culturally rich cities on earth, Tokyo is the kind of place where everyday is a new adventure, and where no two neighbourhoods are the same. Some are deeply connected to the past, all glowing lanterns and low-slung rustic buildings, whilst others only have eyes for the future. To say Tokyo is eclectic would be a disservice to a city that prides itself on having something for everyone. Arriving today board your shuttle bus transfer from Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport. This evening meet up with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your first taste of Japanese cuisine on your Japan value tour.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Sunshine City Prince
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Dinner
Day 2
Tokyo Sightseeing
Diving in to all that Tokyo has to offer, today's sightseeing tour will kick off 243 metres above the ground as you take in panoramic views of the city from the twin towered Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory. Step inside a forested inner-city oasis with a visit to the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, which was built to protect the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shōken. Soak in the peaceful surroundings here and make a wish on a traditional ema before heading on to Asakusa for a glimpse of Old Tokyo. Browse the craft shops along Nakamise Street, then visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple which has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in the 7th century. This afternoon and evening it's all about tailoring your trip your way. Perhaps take advantage of our optional visit to the Tokyo National Museum, where you'll be treated to collections of Japanese art, samurai swords, intricate kimonos and more, followed by a trip to two of Tokyo's premium shopping destinations, Ameyoko and Ginza. This evening, you could choose to dine local style with dinner at a traditional izakaya (Japanese pub).
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Izakaya Dining Experience with Unlimited Drinks
Join your Travel Director for a a different kind of Japanese dining experience at an izakaya. It is a type of informal Japanese pub where the food is shared by everyone at the table (similar to Spanish tapas).These are popular with the local office workers who tend to frequent them at the end of their working day. The menu changes according to the season but generally includes salad, seasonal sashimi, yakisoba, yakitori, grilled chicken and dessert. Unlimited drinks are also included with a choice of wine, beer or soft drinks. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
Tokyo National Museum, Ameyoko & Ginza
Visit The Tokyo National Museum which displays the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including ancient pottery, Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, colourful ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), gorgeous kimonos and much, much more. Continue with a visit to Ameyoko shopping street, once a black market built just after the World War II and selling American goods. Now it comprises of about 400 shops attracting thousands of shoppers every day. Then take a stroll around Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping district featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, and restaurants. Afterwards choose to either remain in Ginza for some free time to explore further or return to the hotel by coach. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥3,500.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 3
Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing
You may have seen glimpses of its snowcapped peaks but today's the day you get up close and personal when you visit Mt. Fuji, the highest volcano in Japan. Driving up to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (weather permitting), catch your breath as you survey the scenery from 2300 metres above sea level. Take in the spectacular views of the Fuji Five Lakes area below and enjoy some free time for lunch in the shadow of Mt. Fuji's iconic peak. Not done with incredible scenery just yet, you'll then catch the Komagatake Ropeway for equally impressive views of Lake Ashi, a crater formed lake. Driving back through Hakone, take in the incomparable mountain scenery and traditional buildings of this tranquil little city getaway before heading back to your hotel where the evening is all yours to stay in, or get out there and explore the streets on your last night in Tokyo.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Tokyo - Kyoto (2 Nights)
Board the bullet train this morning and speed towards the atmospheric city of Kyoto at a staggering 320 kilometres per hour. Known for geishas, gorgeous temples and traditional teahouses, Kyoto will undoubtedly charm you in an instant, then continue to impress on your sightseeing tour this afternoon. Starting off at the iconic Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, gaze in wonder at this gold leaf covered beauty that shines like a beacon above its reflecting pond. Heading on to the visually stunning Heian-jingu shrine, discover the history of this Shinto masterpiece and visit the 25 metre high torii gate that is equally, if not more beautiful than the shine itself. From here it will be on to a traditional handicraft centre to browse the Japanese crafts, before finally arriving at your hotel. No doubt hungry from an action-packed day, dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Kyoto Annex Tower
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Kyoto Free Day
Waking up this morning, the day is free to explore your way, and beautiful Kyoto is a prospect that will surely fill you with excitement. Perhaps start your day surrounded by lush greenery at the Ginkaku-ji shrine, or head over to the Gion district in the hopes of catching a glimpse of a geisha. Think of yourself as something of a foodie? You're in the right place. Kyoto is a huge culinary destination where you can enjoy fresh sushi, steaming bowls of ramen or creamy matcha ice cream to your heart's content, most likely at the Nishiki Market. This morning we imagine that you'll find our optional visit to Nara hard to resist. Known as a place that specialises in the art of bokusho (ink making), you'll watch talented artisans create these beautiful masterpieces and even have a go yourself before heading on to Todaji Temple and Nara Park, an area taken over by hundreds of cute, free roaming deer. Keen to see a Kyoto icon? You could join our optional trip to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. It's instantly recognisable for its tunnel of thousands of orange vermilion torii gates stretching upwards through a thickly wooded mountain towards the shrine.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sake Tasting Experience
Leave the hotel by coach to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its tunnel of thousands of bright orange torii gates guiding the path through the sacred site and up into the mountains. Continue to the Gekkeikan Okura Museum to learn about the history of sake and the process of making it followed by a sake tasting. The family run sake brewery, which is next door to the museum, was founded in 1637 by Jiemen Okura and has been passed down through 14 generations to the current President of Gekkeikan, Haruhiko Okura. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,500.00*
Dinner at Bamboo Forest Themed Pub with Unlimited Drinks
Join your Travel Director for a short walk to the Bamboo Forest themed izakaya (pub) for dinner. Enjoy a variety of Japanese style tapas including edamame, seasonal salad, Yakitori, fried potatoes, chicken, steamed pork with miso sauce and Yaki Onigiri (soy sauce flavoured rice) followed by dessert. Unlimited drinks are included with a choice of wine beer, or soft drinks. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
Nara Visit and Ink Making Experience
Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan and specialises in ‘bokusho’ the art of ink-making. The ink sticks are delicately crafted by artisans and the meticulous process involves kneading soot with glue, adding fragrances and carefully moulding the mixture into the desired shape before slowly drying it into its finished form. Handcrafted ink sticks are more than just everyday utensils used by calligraphers and artists – their inspired quality and shapes also make them works of art. Observe the artisans at work and have a go at making your own ink stick which you are welcome to keep as a souvenir. Later visit Todaji Temple which is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. It houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha at 15 metres tall. Afterwards visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer before returning to Osaka by coach. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 6
Kyoto - Kurashiki - Hiroshima (2 Nights)
Leaving Kyoto behind your first stop today will be Kurashiki, where you'll meet up with a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the historic Bikan Quarter. With black and white warehouses converted into contemporary museums, old wooden houses and winding laneways, this area exudes a timeless elegance. You'll learn stories about the trading history of the district before heading on to Hiroshima, a place that needs little introduction and a city where peace and hope resound. Destroyed beyond recognition on the 6th August 1945 by the world's first atomic bomb attack, Hiroshima respectfully remembers its catastrophic past while looking to the future with optimism. It's a thriving cosmopolitan city with a lot to offer, including its delicious cuisine. You'll enjoy your first taste tonight as you tuck into okonomiyaki, a type of Japanese savoury pancake and a Hiroshima specialty.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Oriental
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Hiroshima Sightseeing
Today's Hiroshima sightseeing tour will begin with a ferry ride across the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, bound for the island of Miyajima. Considered one of Japan's most scenic spots, this is where you'll visit the 12th century Itsukushima Shrine and see the famous orange torii gate which appears to be floating above the sea. Heading back to Hiroshima it will be on to the quiet, leafy space of the Peace Memorial Park. Dotted with memorials and tranquil spaces for reflection, visit the cenotaph displaying the names of all those who lost their lives in the catastrophe before heading on to the Memorial Museum. Here, exhibits of ragged clothes, a melted lunchbox and a watch frozen in time at 8.15am all bring home the horror of a day that changed history forever. Your tour will end at the UNESCO listed Peace Memorial, the only building in the city to survive the bomb, then this afternoon perhaps opt to join our 'Secrets of Hiroshima' Optional Experience.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Secrets of Hiroshima
Start with a delicious lunch of oysters, sashimi, miso soup and rice in a local restaurant followed by a visit to Shukkeien Japanese Garden. The name ‘Shukkeien’ can be translated into English as ‘shrunken-scenery garden’ which is also a good description of the garden itself which features miniature valleys, mountains and forests. The entire garden is connected by a path which winds around the pond and passes through all the miniaturised sceneries. Later, visit Hiroshima Castle, built on a plain in the centre of the city, its main keep is five storeys high and its grounds are surrounded by a moat. It was built in 1589 and like the rest of the city; it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945 and then rebuilt 13 years later. For the lunch vegetarian options are available. The price shown is in Japanese Yen. "
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 8
Hiroshima - Himeji (1 Night)
Heading on from Hiroshima, this morning you'll journey on to Himeji, a city best known for its beautiful and fairy tale-esque 400-year-old castle. After some free time for lunch and exploring the city your way, this afternoon you'll meet up with a Local Specialist to visit the UNESCO listed castle. Known as the White Heron Castle, this site is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle and looking up at its vast size, beauty and stunning gardens, it won't be hard to see why. Learn about its history before heading on to your hotel for an evening free to spend however you choose.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Nikko Himeji
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Himeji - Osaka (1 Night)
On the last full day of your Japan tour package, perhaps start with a visit to a sake brewery led by your Local Specialist. Made with a combination of quality rice, clean water, koji mould and yeast, sake is the drink that compliments just about anything in Japan. Learn about its history and brewing process before heading on to the final destination of your Japanese adventure, Osaka, a spirited and liberal city. With an afternoon free to explore your way, explore this neon sign loving metropolis or take advantage of our Optional Experience to the Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Castle. Standing at 170 metres tall, admire the views of the city from the Floating Garden Observatory before heading on to the striking castle to delve into the rich collection of paintings, samurai costumes and historical artefacts that are housed within its walls. This evening and to see out your trip in style, you can opt to join our foodie inspired experience to Namba, Osaka's dining and entertainment hub, for a final feast of local delights.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - New Hankyu Osaka
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Umeda Sky Building & Osaka Castle
Visit the Umeda Sky Building which is about 170m tall and one of the most famous landmarks of Osaka. Admire the panoramic views of the city from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Enjoy some free time in Umeda before continuing to Osaka Castle, a striking historical landmark in the middle of the modern cityscapes which was built around 1585 by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Admire the historical artefacts, samurai costumes, colourful paintings and a model village of a 16th century castle town before returning to the hotel. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,000.00*
Dinner in Dotonbori
Travel by coach to Namba; the dining and entertainment district of Osaka. At a local restaurant enjoy a dinner of traditional Osaka cuisine such as okomomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu and fried meats followed by dessert. Also included are unlimited drinks for 90 minutes with a choice of beer, sake or soft drinks. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥7,000.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 10
Depart Osaka
Culturally satisfied after your incredible Japan journey, head for the airport and your onward flight. We're sure you'll be leaving with big smiles courtesy of Japan's faultless hospitality. Bon voyage!
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Available on day 2
Izakaya Dining Experience with Unlimited Drinks
Join your Travel Director for a a different kind of Japanese dining experience at an izakaya. It is a type of informal Japanese pub where the food is shared by everyone at the table (similar to Spanish tapas).These are popular with the local office workers who tend to frequent them at the end of their working day. The menu changes according to the season but generally includes salad, seasonal sashimi, yakisoba, yakitori, grilled chicken and dessert. Unlimited drinks are also included with a choice of wine, beer or soft drinks. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
Available on day 2
Tokyo National Museum, Ameyoko & Ginza
Visit The Tokyo National Museum which displays the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including ancient pottery, Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, colourful ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), gorgeous kimonos and much, much more. Continue with a visit to Ameyoko shopping street, once a black market built just after the World War II and selling American goods. Now it comprises of about 400 shops attracting thousands of shoppers every day. Then take a stroll around Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping district featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, and restaurants. Afterwards choose to either remain in Ginza for some free time to explore further or return to the hotel by coach. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥3,500.00*
Available on day 5
Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sake Tasting Experience
Leave the hotel by coach to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its tunnel of thousands of bright orange torii gates guiding the path through the sacred site and up into the mountains. Continue to the Gekkeikan Okura Museum to learn about the history of sake and the process of making it followed by a sake tasting. The family run sake brewery, which is next door to the museum, was founded in 1637 by Jiemen Okura and has been passed down through 14 generations to the current President of Gekkeikan, Haruhiko Okura. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,500.00*
Available on day 5
Dinner at Bamboo Forest Themed Pub with Unlimited Drinks
Join your Travel Director for a short walk to the Bamboo Forest themed izakaya (pub) for dinner. Enjoy a variety of Japanese style tapas including edamame, seasonal salad, Yakitori, fried potatoes, chicken, steamed pork with miso sauce and Yaki Onigiri (soy sauce flavoured rice) followed by dessert. Unlimited drinks are included with a choice of wine beer, or soft drinks. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
Available on day 5
Nara Visit and Ink Making Experience
Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan and specialises in ‘bokusho’ the art of ink-making. The ink sticks are delicately crafted by artisans and the meticulous process involves kneading soot with glue, adding fragrances and carefully moulding the mixture into the desired shape before slowly drying it into its finished form. Handcrafted ink sticks are more than just everyday utensils used by calligraphers and artists – their inspired quality and shapes also make them works of art. Observe the artisans at work and have a go at making your own ink stick which you are welcome to keep as a souvenir. Later visit Todaji Temple which is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. It houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha at 15 metres tall. Afterwards visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer before returning to Osaka by coach. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
Available on day 7
Secrets of Hiroshima
Start with a delicious lunch of oysters, sashimi, miso soup and rice in a local restaurant followed by a visit to Shukkeien Japanese Garden. The name ‘Shukkeien’ can be translated into English as ‘shrunken-scenery garden’ which is also a good description of the garden itself which features miniature valleys, mountains and forests. The entire garden is connected by a path which winds around the pond and passes through all the miniaturised sceneries. Later, visit Hiroshima Castle, built on a plain in the centre of the city, its main keep is five storeys high and its grounds are surrounded by a moat. It was built in 1589 and like the rest of the city; it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945 and then rebuilt 13 years later. For the lunch vegetarian options are available. The price shown is in Japanese Yen. "
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
Available on day 9
Umeda Sky Building & Osaka Castle
Visit the Umeda Sky Building which is about 170m tall and one of the most famous landmarks of Osaka. Admire the panoramic views of the city from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Enjoy some free time in Umeda before continuing to Osaka Castle, a striking historical landmark in the middle of the modern cityscapes which was built around 1585 by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Admire the historical artefacts, samurai costumes, colourful paintings and a model village of a 16th century castle town before returning to the hotel. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,000.00*
Available on day 9
Dinner in Dotonbori
Travel by coach to Namba; the dining and entertainment district of Osaka. At a local restaurant enjoy a dinner of traditional Osaka cuisine such as okomomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu and fried meats followed by dessert. Also included are unlimited drinks for 90 minutes with a choice of beer, sake or soft drinks. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥7,000.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
YOUR INCLUDED TRIP ESSENTIALS
YOUR INCLUDED TRIP ESSENTIALS
YOUR TRIP
9 nights
Accommodation
13 Meals
9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING
Hakone
View Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi from the Komagatake Ropeway
Himeji
Visit Himeji Castle and a sake brewery en route to Osaka
Hiroshima
Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island, and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Kurashiki
Sightseeing with a Local Specialist includes a visit to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kyoto
Visit Kinkakuji Temple, Heian-jingu shrine and a traditional Japanese handicraft centre
Mt. Fuji
Drive up to the 5th Station for panoramic views
Tokyo
Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory, Sensoji Buddhist Temple and Nakamise shopping street at Asakusa and the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT ON EVERY TRIP
Audio Headsets Provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
Luxury air-conditioned coach
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Variety of Optional Experiences
An expert Travel Director and separate driver
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Japan Discovery Trip Reviews
Overall Rating
3.9
Out of 5
Trip Rating
Customer experience
3.7
Out of 5
3.9
Out of 5
see how our guests tailored their trip, their way
Or search for something else
Trip Notes
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Website Terms of Use page.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.