An onsen-soaking, sake-sipping, bullet train-zipping tour
This 13-day tour of Japan will introduce you to the cultures – old and new – that define this small but influential archipelago. Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing with three nights in Kyoto, this immersive tour 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, plus an included Japan Rail Pass to get from A to B in style and comfort.
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 with your included 14-day Rail Pass.
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.
We think Japan is best explored on foot, so this tour involves lots of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
In some destinations you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn. It’s a great taste of tradition, however not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami-mat floor, small bathrooms and close proximity to other guests comfortable. Read more about ryokans in the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information. For some departures, we may change the ryokan stay into hotels depending on seasonal availability. Please consult your booking agent if you need more details.
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.
If you want to travel to Japan in winter, why not check out our Japan: Land of the Snow Monkeys tour? It’s a similar itinerary that operates during the quieter months. Enter code CJSS on the website for more.
Miyajima's floating torii gate has been under renovation since June 2019 and is covered by semi-transparent scaffolding. A bridge is being built on the left side of the gate to aid the renovation works. These works are ongoing with no set date for completion.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Japan: Land of the Rising Sun trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. A 14-day Japan Rail Pass is included in the price of your trip (validated on Day 2). For those planning to stay longer in Japan, a Japan Rail Pass extension, valid for 21-days, is available for purchase. Japan Rail Passes are only available for purchase outside of Japan. It is therefore necessary to purchase them before the tour begins.
2. A Single Supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at our chosen accommodation.
3. We are currently unable to book pre- or post-tour accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through your travel agent or an online booking engine if you are planning to stay longer in Japan.
4. If you are looking for departures during winter of a similar itinerary, see our Japan: Land of the Snow Monkeys tour by entering CJSS on our website.
5. It is essential you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. From May 2020 there will be size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage over 160–250 cm may require an additional USD 10 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251 cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your welcome meeting if your luggage is over 160–250 cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.
6. Miyajima's floating torii gate has been under renovation since June 2019 and is covered by semi-transparent scaffolding. A bridge is being built on the left side of the gate to aid the renovation works. These works are ongoing with no set date for completion.
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.
View Essential Trip Information