Japan Express

9 Days | Temples, tempura and torii on a fast-tracked adventure

4.8 out of 5 based on 65 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
EUR €1,683
View dates and book

Home to sumo wrestling, sake, geishas, karaoke and onsens, Japan’s got a lot going for it. And on this nine-day trip to some of its most acclaimed cities, you’ll get to see the country at its best. Take in the neon nightlife of Tokyo, reflect during a visit to Hiroshima, discover thousands of years of culture and history in Kyoto and finish in the eclectic Osaka. And have you heard about the food? World-class sushi, ravishing ramen, delectable donburi – you certainly won’t be going hungry. With your local leader to point you in all the right directions and plenty of time to explore at your own pace, experience the culture and charm of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Trip overview

Map of Japan Express 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
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
CJRB
This trip generates 36 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
  • Ultra-modern, ancient traditions and everything in between, this express adventure will introduce you to some of the many faces of Japan in a short amount of time.
  • Visit the Peace Park for moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
  • Eat your way around Japan with chances to try all kinds of delicious street food, sake, snacks and surprises – from a hearty bowl of ramen to world-class sashimi.
  • Spend three nights in Kyoto, exploring this amazing ancient capital in depth and with plenty of free time to create your own adventure.
  • Ride the renowned Shinkansen bullet train and make use of public transport day passes to get to and from the activities you choose. Even getting from place to place is fun in Japan!

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in. Your leader will take you on orientation walks in each destination, giving you tips on things like supermarkets, places to eat, ATMs and recommendations of fun things to see and do.
  • In some destinations you may be staying in multi-share accommodation, like a hostel or a local minshuku, which is a Japanese-style inn. You’ll be able to get a taste of pod hostels or the tradition of sleeping on futon mattresses on the floor, but the facilities will be shared.

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 Express including Japan

Inclusions

Transport

Public Bus, Metro, Train, Bullet Train

Accommodation

Multishare Hostel (3 nights), Basic hotel (5 nights)

Activities
  • Tokyo - Yoyogi Park
  • Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
  • Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
  • Tokyo - Metro day pass
  • Tokyo - Harajuku street
  • Hiroshima - Peace Museum
  • Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
  • Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
  • Hiroshima - Momiji manju making
  • Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
  • Kyoto - Public bus day pass
  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
  • Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
Add on activities
  • Tokyo - Disneyland or Disney Sea (from) - JPY7900
  • Tokyo - Gotokuji Cat Temple - Free
  • Tokyo - A Tour Through Tokyo's Kitchen (with World's Largest Fish Market) Urban Adventure - JPY11500
  • Tokyo - Kanpai Tokyo: Shinjuku Drinks and Neon Nights Urban Adventure - JPY17000
  • Tokyo - Made In Japan Shopping Tour: Cultural Curiosities Urban Adventure - JPY8850
  • Tokyo - Tokyo After 5 Urban Adventure - JPY17000
  • Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market - Free
  • Tokyo - Wholesale Fish Market (relocated to Toyosu) - Free
  • Tokyo - Sensoji Temple - Free
  • Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
  • Tokyo - Metropolitan Government Building observation deck - Free
  • Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
  • Tokyo - Karaoke - JPY2000
  • Tokyo - Sumida River Cruise - JPY1000
  • Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
  • Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - JPY500
  • Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi) - Free
  • Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre - JPY5500
  • Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) - JPY500
  • Kyoto - Nijo Castle - JPY800
  • Kyoto - Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace - JPY1300
  • Kyoto - Ryōan-ji - JPY600
  • Kyoto - Tō-ji (grounds free) - JPY800

Dates and availability

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Important notes

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for Japan now. Japan has an extensive and efficient public transport system and the joining and finishing point instructions are listed in the Essential Trip Information.

6.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 65 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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Rita · Traveled August 2024
Japan was amazing. Sadly our experience with the tour leader was far from amazing and for that reason I would not recommend this particular tour. The rest of the group I was with was what made our trip as we worked together to ensure we were all ok.
Review submitted 02 Sep 2024

Donna · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 04 Sep 2024

Marc · Traveled July 2024
This trip with Zac Bell is incredible! I highly recommend this trip!
Review submitted 27 Jul 2024

Kerrie · Traveled July 2024
Loved this trip, such a great way to see Japan. It gave me a great intro to Japan! Female solo traveller and the group and guide were all beautiful people.
Review submitted 27 Jul 2024

Sharon · Traveled June 2024
The perfect introduction to Japan with city and country, and a well informed, passionate and proud guide.
Review submitted 08 Jul 2024
Japan Express
From
EUR €1,683