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Best of Japan Escorted Tour

 

Tick off your Japan must-do list with a rich journey through this country of contrasts, fascinating culture and dazzling beauty.

Explore eclectic Tokyo, visit a charming small village in the Fuji Five Lake region and soak in the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. See the famed deer of Nara, visit a ninja museum, see sacred shrines, castles and temples – and of course, witness the natural beauty of breathtaking Mount Fuji.

 

 

 
 

 

 Selected Departure Date:   Jul 2025 - Nov 2026
  Tokyo  →  Tokyo
8 days from

typically $4197, now

$2,999

pp incl flights
 
Your Inclusions:

 

 Return international airfares included
 6 nights in 3 and 4-star accommodation
 Breakfast daily
 
 Dedicated private transportation throughout
 Fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader
 Incredible sightseeing including entrance fees as per itinerary
 
 
Your Itinerary:

 

Day 1:  Flight to Tokyo
Today, board your flight to Tokyo.
Upon arrival into Tokyo, make your own way to your starting hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow.
Overnight at Hotel Oriental Express Tokyo Kamata, or similar
 
Day 2:  Tokyo    Oishi Park    Lake Kawaguchi    Mount Fuji    Hamamatsu
Enjoy breakfast this morning before you meet your group and Tour Leader at 08:30am in the hotel lobby (Day 1 hotel) to meet your other travellers and to have your tour briefing.
After this, set off for the day. Our day starts with a stop at Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, well known for its serene, flower-lined walking path and its spectacular view of Mount Fuji.
Then, we stop by the eight ponds at Oshino Hakkai, a small village in the Fuji Five Lake region fed by the snow melt from the nearby mountains. See traditional thatched roof farmhouses in the shadow of the iconic Mount Fuji. After our day in the Mount Fuji area we continue to Hamamatsu. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel Crown Palais Hamamatsu, or similar (B)
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Day 4: Osaka    Kyoto    Gion    Osaka
After breakfast, we’ll see the sights of ancient Kyoto this morning, starting with Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you’re feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views.
We’ll continue on to some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden.
Afterwards, stand amongst the soaring stalks of bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It’s green, peaceful and the seemingly endless boughs make for a serene experience, even with the tourist crowds. Take in the sound of rustling bamboo as you stroll these paths – if there’s a bit of wind, the groves will gently sway back and forth which only adds to the magic.
Before leaving Kyoto, we visit the authentic Gion district. This historic area is home to many geisha and is packed with bars, restaurants and cafes.
We head back to Osaka for another evening at leisure.
Overnight at Sarasa Hotel Namba, or similar (B)
 

Day 5: Osaka   Todaiji    Igaryu    Shizuoka
This morning after breakfast we will depart Osaka for Shizuoka. On the way, we will travel to Nara, famous for it's many temples and free-roaming deer. Here, we will visit Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), one of Japan's most famous temples. This massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu).
We will then carry on to visit the Ninja Museum of Igaryu where you can see a ninja trick house, ninja museum and experience a ninja show (if time permits, at own expense).
Afterwards, we will continue to Shizuoka for an evening at leisure.
Overnight at Kuretake Inn Premium Shizuoka Annex, or similar (B)
 

Day 6: Shizuoka    Asakusa    Nakamise Street    Tokyo
After breakfast we travel back to Tokyo, where we embark on a tour of this energetic city.
In a city of such frenetic pace, a stop at the charming Asakusa neighbourhood is a refreshing taste of older Tokyo. It’s home to the ancient seventh-century Sensō-ji Temple. Built in the Asuka era, it’s the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo – be prepared for crowds! It’s known for its imposing entrance gate, Kaminarimon (also known as ‘Thunder Gate’), with its magnificent red lantern.
We’ll walk along Nakamise, the shopping street connecting the front gate and main hall of the temple. It’s a wonderful atmosphere, with food stalls and souvenir shops, selling authentic Japanese items like traditional crafts. You’ll find great souvenirs here. We’ll then stop at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for late afternoon panoramic city views.
Afterwards, we check-in to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel Oriental Express Tokyo Kamata, or similar (B)
 

Days 7-8: Tokyo    Home
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Japanese adventure comes to an end.
At an appropriate time, make your way to the airport for your flight home or embark on your own independent onward journey.
(B)

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS: *Conditions Apply. All pricing is per person twin share, quoted in Australian dollars and is correct as at 30 April 2025. Pricing is inclusive of all cruise, air & hotel taxes, fees, port expenses which are subject to change with surcharges or currency fluctuation. Named hotels are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Alternative hotels will always be of equal or higher star rating. Airfare is subject to availability at the time of booking and may require immediate payment and ticketing. Flight times and the daily order of sightseeing are subject to change. Transfer times are approximate and subject to local, traffic conditions at the time of travel. All tour & flight times will be advised in your detailed itinerary & please contact us for other departure cities &/or Business Class Upgrades. Please check all reservation information with your travel consultant prior to booking. Meals are included as stated as per itinerary. Package prices are subject to change due to being sold out, changed or withdrawn without prior notice. For full terms and conditions & visa requirements, please speak to your travel consultant.

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