Japan Highlights

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 86 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
USD $3,051

Home of the sumo, the geisha, sake, karaoke, onsen and izakaya – Japan is a true feast for all of your senses. This 8-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 farmstay with local tea harvesters and a quiet hike featuring spectacular views of Mt Fuji. Travel on a futuristic bullet train to Kyoto and step into history before wrapping up your adventure in the foodie paradise of Osaka.

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
  • This is THE trip to take in Japan – a cultural and culinary whirlwind from the streets of Tokyo to the eats of Osaka.
  • Explore the many sides of Shibuya in Tokyo, from busy intersections to rooftop city views and from the tranquillity of the ancient Meiji Shrine to quirky Harajuku.
  • Settle into rural Japanese life at a local farmstay, where you might help harvest tea and prepare a home-cooked, farm-to-table feast and hike a quiet country trail passing through tea plantations and featuring the unmissable view of Mt. Fuji along the way.
  • Ride the rails like the locals, from lightening-fast bullet trains to scenic mountain rails offering seasonal views of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
  • Immerse yourself in the history and tradition of Kyoto among shrines, geishas and a 300-year-old sake brewery, and follow it up with the mouth-watering street food in Osaka.

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.
  • 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 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
  • Tokyo - Shibuya Sky Observation Platform
  • Kawane - Homestay & Home-cooked Dinner
  • Kawane - Tea Farm Visit & Tea Brewing & Tasting
  • Kawane - Scenic Train Ride
  • Kawane - Home-cooked Japanese Breakfast
  • Shizuoka - Tokai Nature Trail Soft Hike
  • Shizuoka - Nihondaira Yume Terrace​ (Mt. Fuji viewing platform)
  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
  • Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market
  • Shizuoka - Shimizu Fish Market & Brunch
  • Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
  • Kyoto - Sake Brewery Visit & Tasting
  • Osaka - Dotombori and Kuromon Street Food Walking Tour
Optional activities
  • Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market - Free
  • Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
  • Tokyo - Yoyogi Park - Free
  • Tokyo - Imperial Palace - 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. 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 86 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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Tracy · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 30 Oct 2024

Michelle · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 29 Oct 2024

Sandra · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 06 Nov 2024

Judith · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 27 Oct 2024

Jennifer · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 27 Oct 2024
Japan Highlights
From
USD $3,051