Japan Highlights

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 65 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
USD $3,128
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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

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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. 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 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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Raymond · Traveled September 2024
Konica, Overall great tour guides special thank you to Shu and Paolo, knowledgeable, great history information. Delivered beyond our expectations and made our trip more enjoyable than expected. We were guided to further places than anticipated and very grateful to see more around Japan and further suggestions after our trip ended. Our home stay was thoroughly appreciated and wished it was for extended day! Arigato Ray & Marie
Review submitted 22 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

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

Sevim · Traveled September 2024
I recently returned from an incredible 8-day holiday in Japan organized by your agency. Everything exceeded our expectations! Our group leader, Yuka, was exceptional — her knowledge, attention to detail, and warm personality made the experience unforgettable. The itinerary was well-planned, and the entire trip ran smoothly. My brother and I, along with the rest of the group, had a wonderful time. I highly recommend your agency for anyone looking to explore Japan!
Review submitted 20 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
Japan Highlights
From
USD $3,128