Japan Explorer

• Airport transfers
• Other meals & drinks
• Optional activities
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned in 'inclusions'

Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your accommodation.

Upon arrival at Narita International Airport, meet our representative outside the arrival hall - they will hold a sign with your name. Enjoy a convenient, hassle-free shared shuttle transfer to your hotel.

Spend the day exploring Tokyo's main attractions on your own.

Today you’re free to peel back the layers of Tokyo, and can do whatever you fancy. If you’re a food lover, wake up early and head to Toyosu (formerly Tsukiji) Fish Market to explore the bustling stalls with a wide array of fresh seafood. For the urban explorer, head to the famously busy scramble crossing at Shibuya, before venturing to the Maid Cafés and comic book stores of Akihabara “electric town”. For a break from the buzz of the city, venture to Hamarikyu Gardens or take a leisurely stroll around the Imperial Palace grounds for some quiet serenity. To see the city in full swing, spend the evening in Shinjuku to take advantage of some of the country's best restaurants, bars, clubs and karaoke boxes. Today is a free day and there are no services organised.

OPTIONAL TOUR

Amazing Tokyo Full-Day Tour Visit all of the capital's must-see landmarks, on this Amazing Tokyo Group Tour. See the awe-inspiring Imperial Palace with its immaculate gardens, the ancient Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, and the impressive Tokyo Skytree and go on a pleasant cruise of Tokyo Bay passing under the famous Rainbow Bridge. Travelling in the utmost comfort, drive by the Harajuku, National Diet Building, Akihabara, Marunouchi, Kanda, Akihabara, Ueno & Ame-Yoko market, and Kappa-Bashi shopping arcade. The Amazing Tokyo Group Tour is an ideal way to see all the highlights of Tokyo in a single day, making sure not to miss anything. The tour also includes a delicious chanko lunch. 

Meals: B

Enjoy a second day discovering the wonders of the world's biggest city.

Tokyo has some fantastic art galleries and museums that are well-catered to English-speaking tourists. Head to the Tokyo-Edo museum to learn about the history of the city or hit up the Tokyo Museum of Contemporary Art for a dose of culture and creativity. Or for something a bit different seek out the Railway Museum to learn the ins and outs of one of the world's most efficient transport systems. Today is a free day and there are no services organised

OPTIONAL TOUR

Nikko World Heritage Full-Day Shared Tour Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikko on this full-day tour from Tokyo. Most famous for its historical monuments and natural beauty, this excursion visits the Toshogu Shrine, beautiful Kegon Falls depending on the season and the vast Lake Chuzenji. Between sightseeing, enjoy free wi-fi on your bus. This day trip from Tokyo is perfect during cherry blossom season in the Spring, although it is beautiful at any time of the year.

Meals: B

You'll be transferred to Hakone by bus to experience the breathtaking and iconic Mt. Fuji. 

Beginning your tour from Tokyo by gliding past Japanese scenery. Cruise up to Mount Fuji’s 5th station, the entrance to the highest peak in Japan, and enjoy the view from an altitude of 2,300 metres. Sail across the pristine Lake Ashi, a crater lake surrounded by extraordinary mountain terrain and Mount Hakone, a volcano that last erupted in 1170CE. Take a ride on the Komagatake Ropeway, a cable cart overlooking Hakone National Park, and the vast natural landscape. After the tour, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hakone. Spend the night in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, a type of inn that originated in the Edo period. Feast on a local dinner and soak in the natural onsen hot spring baths.

Meals: B, L, D

Catch a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto.

A 7-day standard class Japan Rail Pass is included, to cover all your intercity journeys for the period as specified in this itinerary. Please go to the Rail Pass exchange desk at any major station, present the rail pass vouchers provided and bring passports as ID. Give the start date as advised in this itinerary. The desk staff will then issue your actual Rail Pass. Once you have it in your hands, you can make free advance seat reservations at the ticket desk. From Odawara, you will take Shinkansen to Kyoto. The Shinkansen trains travel at speeds of up to 300km/hr and cover the 430km distance to Kyoto in approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, make your own way to your hotel in Kyoto centre. Then the rest of your day is free to explore the old capital of Japan.

Meals: B

After a free morning, enjoy a half-day city tour that takes you to some cultural highlights of beautiful Kyoto.

A free morning to discover the city on your own. In the afternoon, join a shared bus tour around Kyoto to see the best highlights of the city. Start by visiting Fushimi Inari, an important Shinto shrine in Kyoto and famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Next, visit Sanjusangendo Temple, the name literally stands for "Hall with thirty-three spaces between the columns". Here you can find historical architecture as well as sculptures impressive sculptures. Finally, head to Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan.

Meals: B

Free Day

Start early and go on a self-guided exploration of Kyoto. Or if you prefer, plan a self-guided day trip to Nara (transport included).

OPTIONAL TOUR

Nara Afternoon Shared Tour Visit Todaiji Temple, a revered World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. Enter the stately Buddha’s hall and marvel at the gigantic Buddha that welcomes you. Listen to your guide tell you how they built the statue as well as the history of this remarkable landmark of Nara. Explore Nara Park and watch the graceful deer nibbling at the grass hidden between the trees. You may even get the chance to feed crackers to some of the bolder deer, a rarity in Japan as well as the rest of the world. Make your way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and admire the ornate interior filled with both bronze and stone lanterns. Finally, enjoy the view between Nara and Kyoto on your train journey back to the city.

Note: The tour may not visit Nara Nagomikan if it is closed or due to traffic conditions.

Meals: B

Check out and hop on a bullet train to Hiroshima.

Catch a bullet train 90 minutes from Kyoto to Hiroshima today, using the Rail Pass to make free advance seat reservations at the station ticket desk if you wish. The recommended schedule is below: Hikari 535 bullet train departs Kyoto at 8:29 am and arrives in Hiroshima at 10:32 am.

Meals: B

Today, enjoy free time in the beautiful and historic city of Hiroshima.

The city of Hiroshima, now the largest city in the Chugoku Shikoku region, is also referred to as the "City of Water." Why not start the day with The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is located at the centre of Hiroshima City. The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building served as a location to promote Hiroshima's industries. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing and remains so today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past. Hijiyama park is the perfect park to go to after spending the morning visiting the museums and the Peace Memorial Park. It's a good place to unwind, perfect for walking, and reading, and there are several things to see: on the one hand there's the Taman In Temple, with its buildings, statues and in the middle with a cemetery, and at the top of the park is the museum of contemporary art and a manga library for those interested in culture. Today is a free day and there are no services organised.

OPTIONAL TOUR

Hiroshima & Miyajima Full Day Shared Tour Join this round-trip tour and visit the popular world heritage sites Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. After meeting your group at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, take a bus then hop on board a boat and make your way to the historic and spiritual island of Miyajima. After meeting your group at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, take a bus then hop on board a boat and make your way to the historic and spiritual island of Miyajima. Make your way to Hiroshima and view the sobering Atomic Bomb Dome, a memorial to the thousands that died in the atomic bombing of 1945. Finally, learn about the fascinating history of this World Heritage Site at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum.

Please Note: This tour is not operated daily. The minimum no of pax is 2 pax.

Meals: B

Check out and hop on a bullet train to Osaka.

Travel by Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka using your Rail Pass, the journey takes under 1.5 hours to cover 342km. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore this vibrant city. Maybe start with a visit to Osaka castle. Built-in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo), it is now a symbol of Osaka. After Osaka castle, make your way to Umeda Sky Building and go up to the observatory. While enjoying the breathtaking sights, you can also directly feel the wind ― which at 170 metres off the ground can get quite strong. Here, not only you can see all of Osaka but also you can see as far away as Awaji Island. The basement of the building houses the Takimi-Koji gourmet street with old-fashioned images of Osaka from the 1920s. Today is a free day and there are no services organised.

Meals: B

Enjoy a free day exploring the high-energy city of Osaka and trying the region’s famous street food.

A full free day at leisure to further explore Osaka and its surrounding area. The below itinerary is a suggestion only. With over 400 years of history fusing the old and new, towering skyscrapers abounding cherry blossom trees and surounding waterways, Osaka has many impressive sights to enjoy in any season. Start with visiting Osaka castle, built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo). It is now a symbol of Osaka. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a remarkable facility located in the Northeastern part of the Kita Area. The museum has re-created buildings and streets that show what life was like in Osaka in the past. Next head to Umeda Sky Building and go up to the observatory. While enjoying the breathtaking sights, you can also directly feel the wind, which at 170 meters off the ground can get quite strong. Here, not only you can see all of Osaka but also you can see as far away as Awaji Island. In the evening, visit Dotonbori, a large-scale downtown along the south bank of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal. Masses of neon lights and the atmosphere of the 17th century coexist in the area. Famous for its restaurants it's a great place to try the local specialties of Osaka. The above is only a set of recommendations, you are free at leisure with no services arranged today.

OPTIONAL TOUR

Osaka Walking Afternoon Shared Tour Explore the historic city of Osaka by foot on this guided walking journey through the city’s best sights. Setting off from Hotel Granvia Osaka, this tour connects the dots between Osaka’s best-known attractions, including Osaka Castle and a leisurely sightseeing cruise aboard the Aqua Liner. Along the way, explore the city alongside a local guide for fascinating stories and history about the city’s best sights.

Meals: B

Spend a second day visiting the city's main sights A full free day at leisure to further explore Osaka and its surrounding area.

OPTIONAL TOUR

Nightlife Osaka Food Shared Evening Tour This 3-hour Osaka Night Food Tour will take you on an unforgettable eating excursion through the busy streets and the hidden, less frequented parts of Minami (South) Osaka. Starting on the bright and busy Doutonburi area we will learn about Glico man, a Filipino sprinter named Fortunato Catalon who inspired a nation and a company! Similar to Shibuya (its counterpart in Tokyo) the lights and sounds of Dotounburi often lead you astray to overly-commercialised restaurants with queues of tourists outside. We want to take our guests to places they would certainly miss without a local's guidance. We will take secret alleys not long after we begin the tour toward the shrine wedged out of sight from the average passerby. We will sample, Kushikatsu, (deep-fried meat and veggie skewers) a local take on Yakitori and we will surprise you with a Michelin-rated street food stop for Osaka’s favourite snack- Takoyaki! (a kind of grilled octopus fritter) Next, travel down more narrow alleys and see some of the more unconventional restaurants and pubs. Your guide will then lead you to a local dinner spot. This shop is an Izakaya or local pub with seasonal dishes that will intrigue and delight. You will enjoy yakitori (grilled skewers), sukiyaki (a delicious simmered beef hotpot), tempura other regional dishes and 1 drink. This spot is very local, you will not find tourists here! Try a draft beer or Nihonshu (rice wine) with your tasty meal. Please be aware there may be substitutions and changes in the food in this tour based on season and availability From there, we will show you a famous building full of hidden unorthodox bars, one after another. Every 5 feet there is a new door with a new adventure to be had. This area gives you the retro, artsy feel of a very hip and very unique cluster of bars. Finally, finish off with a tasty local street food dessert! As you say farewell to your guide you can explore more on your own in this fascinating part of town. 

Please Note: Minimum 2 pax. Tour runs every day.

Meals: B

Make your way to Kansai airport by train.

Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay about 40 kilometres from central Osaka. Make your way to the Kansai airport by taking the JR Limited Express Train with the train tickets provided.

Meals: B