Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

12 days4.8199 reviews
From
USD $5,245

Steaming onsens, serene shrines and incredible hospitality – all in the Land of Rising Sun

Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto, this 12-day trip will introduce you to iconic landmarks and the lesser-known cities through Japan’s central and western reaches. Ride the scenic ropeway in Hakone, stay with a local family in Hagi and see the floating torii gate of Miyajima Island. Wander through Takayama’s Hida Folk Village, visit the Peace Park in Hiroshima and join your local leader on an walk through the historic Gion District in Kyoto.

Map of Japan: Land Of The Rising Sun including Japan
Trip code: CJST
Start
Tokyo, Japan
End
Kyoto, Japan
Destinations
Japan
Meals
4 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, High Speed Train, Train
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Japanese Inn ( 2 nights), Home Stay (2 nights)
Days
12
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
Explorer, Rail
Style
Basix: 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 rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
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 on a ride on the Hakone ropeway, cruise across the picturesque Lake Ashi and (on a clear day), get a glimpse of the glorious Mt. Fuji.
  • Discover the lesser-known Hagi, an ancient samurai town and learn about the female sake brewer breaking stereotypes. Get a deeper insight into local life with your homestay hosts and feast on delicious home-cooked meals.
  • Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama. Visit the Hida Folk Village, wander through a 600-year-old market and take some zen time at incense making in Zenkoji temple.
  • Visit the Peace Park for a moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Then, get to peacefully scenic Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
  • Walk through the historic streets of Kyoto – Japan's cultural capital. Wander through the Gion District, pass through the red torri gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine and see the golden glow of Kinkakuji.
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.

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

Itinerary

Map of Japan: Land Of The Rising Sun including Japan

Inclusions and activities

Meals

4 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, High Speed Train, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Japanese Inn ( 2 nights), Home Stay (2 nights)

Included activities
  • Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
  • Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
  • Takayama - Hida Folk Village
  • Takayama - Incense making in Zenkoji Temple
  • Takayama - Morning Market visit
  • Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
  • Hiroshima - Peace Museum
  • Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
  • Hagi - Hagi Castle and Samurai district walking tour
  • Hagi - Homestay and home-cooked meals
  • Hagi - Countryside cycling tour
  • Hagi - Homestay local experiences
  • Hagi - Female sake brewer visit
  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
  • Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  • Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Optional activities
  • Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden - JPY300
  • Tokyo - Sumida Hokusai Museum - JPY400
  • Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
  • Tokyo - Ueno Park - Free
  • 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

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

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.
  • On this trip, you'll get to experience the traditional minshuku (Japanese-style inn) and homestay. These are great chances for a taste of tradition and authentic local life, but you'll be sleeping on futon mattresses on the tatami floor and the facilities will be shared on the property. Read more about it in the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information. For some departures, we may swap them with hotels 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.
  • 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.
  • On this trip, you'll get to experience the traditional minshuku (Japanese-style inn) and homestay. These are great chances for a taste of tradition and authentic local life, but you'll be sleeping on futon mattresses on the tatami floor and the facilities will be shared on the property. Read more about it in the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information. For some departures, we may swap them with hotels 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.

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 .   199 reviews
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Pamela
Traveled August 2025
Robin
Traveled July 2025
Marc
Traveled July 2025
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Traveled June 2025
Shirley
Traveled June 2025
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
From
USD $5,245