Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

13 Days | An onsen-soaking, sake-sipping, bullet train-zipping tour

4.8 out of 5 based on 138 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
NZD $7,020

This 13-day adventure through Japan will introduce you to the cultures – old and new – that define this small but influential archipelago. Beginning in tech-haven Tokyo and finishing with three nights in Kyoto, this immersive trip will also introduce you to lesser-known cities through Japan’s centre and southern reaches. Discover scenic beauty on the Hakone ropeway, sip the best sake in Takayama, find out about the Hiroshima of today and wonder at the floating torii gate of Miyajima. You’ll have a local to guide you through these lesser-known destinations and reveal layers of culture and history. What are you waiting for?

Trip overview

Map of Japan: Land Of The Rising Sun including Japan
Start
Tokyo, Japan
Finish
Kyoto, 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
CJST
This trip generates 35 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
  • Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of glorious Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
  • Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra modernity of Japan’s bullet trains as you zip from place to place.
  • Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama and visit a folk village, tour a 600-year-old market and a enjoy a sake brewery tasting.
  • 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.
  • Finish your tour with three nights in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and home to literally thousands of temples, the Gion District where Geisha entertain the wealthy elite and renowned Kyoto sushi.

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.
  • In some destinations, you may be staying in a minshuku, a Japanese-style inn. It’s a great taste of tradition; however, not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more Western-style hotels and beds. Read more about it in the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information. For some departures, we may swap them with hotels or vice versa depending on seasonal availability. Please consult your booking agent if you need more details.
  • This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Ultimate Japan.
  • 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.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Japan: Land Of The Rising Sun including Japan

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, Bullet Train, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Japanese Inn ( 4 nights)

Activities
  • Nikko - Toshogu Shrine
  • Hakone - public onsen
  • Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
  • Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
  • Takayama - Hida Folk Village
  • Takayama - Market visit with snack sampling
  • Takayama - Sake brewery tasting
  • Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
  • Hiroshima - Peace Museum
  • Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
  • Himeji - Himeji Castle
  • Kyoto - Temple/Shrine entrance (2)
  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
Optional activities
  • Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden - JPY300
  • Tokyo - Sumida Hokusai Museum - JPY400
  • Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
  • Tokyo - Ueno Park - Free
  • Nikko - Bus to Chuzenji Lake (return) - JPY2500
  • Nikko - Imperial Villa - JPY600
  • Hakone - Open-Air Museum - JPY2000
  • Hakone - Checkpoint Museum - JPY500
  • Hakone - Onsen (public hot spring bath) - JPY1500
  • Takayama - Festival Float Museum - JPY1000
  • Takayama - Kusakabe Traditional House - JPY1000
  • Takayama - Bike hire (per day) - JPY1000
  • Takayama - Showa Museum - JPY1000
  • Takayama - Takayama Jinya Building - JPY440
  • Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine - JPY300
  • Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from - JPY1200
  • Kyoto - Sanjusangendo Temple - JPY600
  • Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
  • Kyoto - Tea Ceremony with Maiko/Geisha - JPY14300
  • Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - JPY500

Dates and availability

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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.

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 138 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 November 2024
Review submitted 18 Nov 2024

Bonnie · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 08 Nov 2024

Marino · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 07 Nov 2024

Soňa · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 08 Nov 2024

Helen · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 09 Nov 2024
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
From
NZD $7,020