Japan: the Grand Tour

12 days
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From neon-lit skyscrapers to bamboo forests dotted with ancient temples, there’s nowhere quite like Japan. This 12-day trip will take you from the foodie capital of Osaka, to the city lights of Tokyo and even down to the floating Torii Gate of Miyajima Island, which sits in Hiroshima Bay. Along the way, you’ll get to see geishas in Kyoto, sample sake in Takay...
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$5,750
From$4,259
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Uncover Hiroshima’s past at the Peace Park and Museum
    • See the floating Torii Gate and deer on Miyajima Island
    • Hike through bamboo forests and the endless gates of Fushimi Inari
    • Explore the backstreets of Kyoto by bicycle and see geishas
    • Stay in a traditional ryokan with an on-site onsen
    • Admire views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi
    • Witness sumo wrestling training and learn how to make sushi
    • Find your rhythm at a Taiko drumming class

What's this trip about?

    From neon-lit skyscrapers to bamboo forests dotted with ancient temples, there’s nowhere quite like Japan. This 12-day trip will take you from the foodie capital of Osaka, to the city lights of Tokyo and even down to the floating Torii Gate of Miyajima Island, which sits in Hiroshima Bay. Along the way, you’ll get to see geishas in Kyoto, sample sake in Takayama and watch sumo wrestlers train in the capital. You’ll even get the chance to stay in a traditional ryokan-style hotel and sing your heart out at karaoke alongside your fellow travellers.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityOsaka
End CityTokyo

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Japan

Attractions

  • Hakone
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial
  • Kyoto
  • Mount Fuji
  • Osaka
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Short Cruise

Trip includes

    • One night spa hotel accommodation
    • One night Japanese Ryokan accommodation
    • Nine nights standard hotel accommodation
    • Private and local transport
    • 11 breakfasts, two lunches, four dinners
    • Local Insider
    • Osaka tour
    • Aikido lesson
    • Hiroshima and Miyajima Island tour
    • Bamboo forest and temple visit
    • Fushimi Inari sunrise tour
    • Kyoto bicycle tour
    • Hida Folk Village visit
    • Sake tasting
    • Lake Ashi cruise
    • Ropeway to Hell cable car
    • Geyser visit
    • Sumo wrestler training visit
    • Tsukiji Outer Market tour
    • Sushi-making class
    • Tokyo tour
    • Taiko drumming class
    • Karaoke night

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Osaka

Accommodation: Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba

Activities Included: Welcome dinner

Osaka is a heady mix of cultural sights, foodie heaven and lively nightlife, making it the perfect introductory city to Japan. After landing at Kansai International Airport, mak...

Day 2: Explore Osaka city, including the castle and Kuromon Market

Accommodation: Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba

Activities Included: Full-day guided Osaka tour

Today is all about exploring the best bits of the city on foot and by metro, led by our Local Insider. Marvel at the 400-year-old Osaka Castle as well as the uber-mo...

Day 3: Learn aikido and try ‘okonomiyaki’ in Hiroshima

Accommodation: Nest Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae

Activities Included: Aikido lesson

After breakfast, it’s time to climb aboard the bullet train to Hiroshima. On arrival, you’ll have the afternoon to explore at leisure – take a stroll around the Shukkei-en gard...

Day 4: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, plus Miyajima Island

Accommodation: Nest Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae

Activities Included: Hiroshima and Miyajima Island tour, Guided Mount Misen hike

A fully guided day awaits, starting with a visit to Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the city's past. Afterward...

Day 5: Wander through the Arashiyama bamboo forest

Accommodation: Sakura Terrace The Gallery

Activities Included: Bamboo forest visit & Temple hike

Pack your bags – it’s time to head to Kyoto. Whizz east by train to the outskirts, ready for your afternoon tour in Arashiyama. You know those towering g...

Day 6: Take snaps of torii gates and see geishas in Kyoto

Accommodation: Sakura Terrace The Gallery

Activities Included: Fushimi Inari sunrise tour, Kyoto bicycle tour

Optional Activities: Geisha district walking tour

It’s an early wake-up this morning, for good reason: to hike through the thousands of b...

Day 7: Explore the Japanese Alps and taste sake

Accommodation: Spa Hotel Alpina Hida Takayama

Activities Included: Hida Folk Village visit, Sake tasting

Bid sayonara to Kyoto this morning, and hop on a train to Takayama. In the mountainous Gifu prefecture, this area is known as the Japanese Alps. Toda...

Day 8: Soak in an onsen in Hakone

Accommodation: Ryokan Hakone Ashinoko Toranoyu

Activities Included: Miyagawa market tour & Traditional ryokan experience and onsen soak

Spend the morning browsing the Miyagawa market in Takayama – it is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs. After t...

Day 9: Cruise on Lake Ashi and hike to volcanic geysers

Accommodation: Hotel Resol Ueno

Activities Included: Lake Ashi cruise, Ropeway to Hell cable car & Geyser visit

Optional Activities: Guided Taito City walk

Prepare yourself for a morning cruise on Lake Ashi. Beyond the water and forested hills...

Day 10: Watch sumo wrestlers and make sushi in Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel Resol Ueno

Activities Included:

Sumo wrestler training visit (season permitting)

Tsukiji Outer Market tour

Sushi-making class

Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park tour

You’ll spend the last few days of your trip e...

Day 11: Try taiko drumming and sing karaoke in Kabukicho

Accommodation: Hotel Resol Ueno

Activities Included:

Asakusa tour

Sensō-ji temple visit

Taiko drumming class

Shinjuku tour

Farewell dinner and karaoke night

Your final full day in Japan will see a visit to the Asakusa d...

Day 12: Depart from Tokyo

It’s time to wave goodbye to Japan. Don’t worry if you’ve got a slightly sore head this morning, as you can enjoy a lie-in before breakfast. Checkout is by midday. Say your final farewells before starting the journey home – or extend your stay in the Land of the Rising Sun.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,259
Price per day$355
Last Updated: 6/28/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Culture Trip.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

,Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba , Osaka Tranquil rooms at Hotel Gracery provide respite from the busy Namba district in Osaka. Tuck into a western buffet breakfast each morning. The bars and restaurants of Dotonbori are a five-minute walk away. Nest Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae , Hiroshima A chic spot to rest your head in Hiroshima. Rooms are sleek and light-filled, while downstairs the cafe lounge is decked in earthy tones and minimalist furnishings. You’re perfectly placed for exploring the city on foot. Sakura Terrace The Gallery , Kyoto A design-led gem plonked next to Kyoto’s main train station, the rooms here are all blonde wood panelling, clean lines and large windows that offer vistas across the city. Common areas are clad with modern art, plus there’s a spa with gendered saunas. Spa Hotel Alpina Hida Takayama , Takayama A spa and open-air hot spring baths are a highlight at Spa Hotel Alpina, overlooking the Takayama mountains. Rooms are decked out in neutral tones with plenty of wood for a restful night’s sleep. Ryokan Hakone Ashinoko Toranoyu , Hakone With traditional-style tatami rooms (complete with futons), you’ll lap up Japanese culture at this authentic ryokan. Situated at the base of Mount Hakone, you can marvel at the leafy surroundings from the steaming outdoor onsen. Hotel Resol Ueno , Tokyo You couldn’t be closer to the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Park at this central Tokyo hotel. Enjoy fresh bagels for breakfast and on-demand drip coffee by front desk, available all day.
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Meals Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 4 Dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
cultur2-cultur2-JaThGrTo

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