Japan Highlights

8 Days | Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, sampling all the sake in between

4.8 out of 5 based on 63 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
EUR €2,328
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Home of the sumo, geishas, sake, karaoke, onsen and izakaya – Japan is a feast for all your senses. This eight-day journey hits all the right spots, giving you a true appreciation for the land of the rising sun. Absorb the bustle of Tokyo before heading into the countryside for a farm stay with local tea harvesters and a walk along a 400-m suspension bridge with spectacular views of iconic Mt Fuji. Travel on a futuristic bullet train to Kyoto and step into this nation’s history before wrapping up your adventure in the foodie paradise of Osaka. This is THE trip to take in Japan!

Trip overview

Map of Japan Highlights including Japan
Start
Tokyo, Japan
Finish
Osaka, Japan
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Destinations
Japan
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CJSH
This trip generates 38 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Explore all the highlights of Japan in just over a week! This is a cultural and culinary whirlwind from the streets of Tokyo to the eats of Osaka.
  • Experience the many sides of Shibuya in Tokyo, from busy intersections to the tranquility of the ancient Meiji Shrine and the quirky fashion of Harajuku.
  • Visit a local tea farm and learn about harvesting tea leaves and making Japanese green tea, then settle into your farm stay, pick some fresh ingredients from the farm and prepare a home-cooked, farm-to-table feast with your hosts for the perfect blend of Japanese hospitality and country life.
  • Ride the rails like the locals, from lightning-fast bullet trains to scenic mountain rails offering seasonal views of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
  • Veer off the busy tourist track with a visit to Mishima – a small town built on the old lava flow of Mt Fuji – then head to the cultural heart of Kyoto, where you can dive into local history and traditions among shrines, geishas and a 300-year-old sake brewery.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Japan is best to explore on foot – in fact most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering just exploring places when walking! Make sure your shoes are comfy, and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.
  • Be prepared to pack light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Japan Highlights including Japan

Inclusions

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 dinners

Transport

Public Bus, Metro, Local Train, Bullet Train

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Farm Stay (1 night)

Activities
  • Tokyo - welcome meeting and orientation walk
  • Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
  • Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
  • Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
  • Mishima - Mishima Skywalk
  • Kawane - Farm Stay & Home-cooked Dinner
  • Kawane - Tea Farm Visit & Tea Brewing & Tasting
  • Kawane - Scenic Train Ride
  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
  • Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market
  • Kawane - Home-cooked Japanese Breakfast
  • Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
  • Kyoto - Sake Brewery Visit & Tasting
  • Osaka - Dotombori and Kuromon Street Food Walking Tour
Add on activities
  • Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market - Free
  • Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
  • Tokyo - Yoyogi Park - Free
  • Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
  • Mishima - Mishima Taisha Shrine - Free
  • Mishima - Rakujuen Park - JPY300
  • Mishima - Kakitagawa Park - Free
  • Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre - JPY5500
  • Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free
  • Kyoto Tower - JPY900
  • Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from - JPY1200
  • Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - JPY500
  • Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden - JPY600
  • Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
  • Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi) - Free

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A Single Supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at our chosen accommodation.

2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your Welcome Meeting if your luggage is from 160cm to 250cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.

3. We are currently unable to book pre or post trip accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through your booking agent.

4. This trip does not include a Japan Rail Pass. You will need to buy your own train tickets for any independent rail travel you wish to do in Japan pre or post tour.

5. Please note that there are generally less double rooms in Japanese hotels, even those in Western style. While every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests, this may not always be possible.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 63 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Robert · Traveled September 2024
The Japan highlights tour was a fantastic way to see and appreciate Japan. The intrepid team ran a great tour.
Review submitted 09 Sep 2024

Robert · Traveled September 2024
We chose Intrepid (the Japan Highlights tour) on the recommendation of our travel agent as it was our first time travelling overseas. We are happy with the choice. Intrepid gave us what we were looking for. The guide was patient, knowledgeable and thoughtful. We would use Intrepid again.
Review submitted 16 Sep 2024

Monica · Traveled August 2024
My daughter and I took this tour in the middle of Summer. A really good and easy program that allowed us to have plenty of down time while also learning more about Japanese culture and history. A perfect taster and an opportunity to plan for our return.
Review submitted 31 Aug 2024

Tommy-Lee · Traveled August 2024
Shu allowed me to fall in love with Japan more than I expected I would. I found myself missing all the shrine walks, and hearing about how every small detail has purpose and adds to the entire story. Also the immense help from chad being a "trainee" Both of them really connected to each person on the trip and made everyone feel welcomed. Nothing short of 10/10
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024

Carol · Traveled July 2024
Great introduction to Japan with added experience of life in changing rural Japan. Tour leader patient, knowledgeable and adaptable. Hot in Japan this time of year so early starts best.
Review submitted 28 Jul 2024
Japan Highlights
From
EUR €2,328