Japan Highlights





Experience the speed of Japan, fast and slow, from Tokyo to Osaka

- Start
- Tokyo, Japan
- End
- Osaka, Japan
- Destinations
- Japan
- Meals
- 1 breakfast, 3 dinners
- Transport
- Public Bus, Metro, Local Train, Bullet Train
- Accommodation
- Hotel (7 nights), Homestay (1 night)
- Days
- 9
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Ages
- Min 15
- ThemeOur themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer, Rail
- StyleBasix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders - Original
- Physical ratingIndicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore some of the best parts of Japan in just over a week! This is a cultural and culinary whirlwind from the streets of Tokyo to the eats of Osaka.
- Discover the peaceful rural life with a countryside home stay in Shizuoka prefecture, sitting with the backdrop of Mt Fuji. Learn about the region’s local produce and sit down to a farm-to-table feast with your hosts.
- Visit the red torii gate standing in the sea in Miyajima, learn about the history of Hiroshima and treat your taste buds to a signature Okonomiyaki pancake and a tasting through Hiroshima's 'sake town'.
- Ride the rails like the locals, from lightning-fast bullet trains to scenic mountain rails offering seasonal views of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
- See the many sides of Shibuya in Tokyo, from busy intersections to the tranquility of the ancient Meiji Shrine and the quirky fashion of Harajuku.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions and activities
1 breakfast, 3 dinners
Public Bus, Metro, Local Train, Bullet Train
Hotel (7 nights), Homestay (1 night)
Is this trip right for you?
- Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
- Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
- The farm stay on Day 3 will be mostly in Kawane, with a visit to the local tea farm. As our host gets older, they cannot accommodate all our groups, so for some departures, you’ll experience a different homestay instead in Gotemba. In such cases, you'll not visit the tea farm, but your host will show you their wonderful vegetable gardens and you'll take part in helping them pick the veggies needed for a fantastic home-cooked dinner for the night.
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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.
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