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2026

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2027

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

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ChildrenUnder 18

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From
US $4,150 per person

Highlights of Japan

8 days
From Tokyo to Kyoto
4.8
10 traveler reviews
From
US $4,150 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
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Sep
Oct
Nov
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2027

Jan
Feb
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity
Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 12
Ages 16+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Tokyo

    Meals
    Dinner (Izakaya style Japanese cuisine at a nearby local restaurant)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Sunroute Asakusa Hotel), Hotel (The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Welcome meeting at hotel reception (if arriving in time)
    • Dinner at local izakaya restaurant

    Optional Activities

    • Early check-in to hotel (available at additional cost, subject to availability)
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  2. Day 2

    Tokyo

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Sunroute Asakusa Hotel), Hotel (The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit Sensoji Temple
    • Boat journey along Sumida River
    • Visit Hamarikyu Gardens

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Meiji Shrine
    • Explore Shinjuku area
    Landmarks
    Sensoji Temple
    Sumida River
    Hamarikyu Gardens
    Meiji Shrine
    Shinjuku
    Itinerary Image 1
  3. Day 3

    Tokyo to Kanazawa

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Amanek Kanazawa), Hotel (Hotel Amanek Kanazawa (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Shinkansen bullet train journey from Tokyo to Nagano
    • Visit Jigokudani Onsen to observe snow monkeys
    • Forest walk to hot springs (30 minutes)
    Landmarks
    Jigokudani Onsen
    Kenrokuen Gardens
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 4

    Kanazawa to Osaka

    Meals
    Dinner (Sit-down meal featuring local street food specialties including takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury cabbage-based pancake), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables), and ramen (pulled noodles in meat or fish-based broth))
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Shin-Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza), Hotel (Karaksa Hotel Grande Shin-Osaka Tower (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Explore Omicho Market
    • Visit Kenrokuen Gardens
    • Train journey to Osaka
    • Guided walk through Namba district
    • Sit-down meal with local street food specialties
    Landmarks
    Omicho Market
    Kenrokuen Gardens
    Namba
  5. Day 5

    Osaka to Miyajima

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Mielparque Hiroshima), Hotel (MYSTAYS Hiroshima Peace Park (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Train journey to Hiroshima
    • Ferry to Miyajima Island
    • View of floating torii gate

    Optional Activities

    • Hiking trails on Miyajima
    • Cable car to Mount Misen
    • Visit shrines on Miyajima
    Landmarks
    Miyajima Island
    Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine
    Mount Misen
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  6. Day 6

    Hiroshima to Kyoto

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi), Hotel (Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit Peace Memorial Park
    • Museum visit at A-bomb hypocentre
    • Train journey to Kyoto
    • Visit Nijo Castle

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Ryoan-ji Temple with Zen gardens
    • Visit Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
    Landmarks
    Peace Memorial Park
    Nijo Castle
    Ryoan-ji Temple
    Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  7. Day 7

    Kyoto

    Meals
    Lunch (Free time to choose from local vendors at Nishiki covered food market), Dinner (Final dinner reflecting on the trip across Japan)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi), Hotel (Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Traditional tea ceremony
    • Explore Kyoto's charming streets
    • Visit Nishiki covered food market
    • Visit Kenninji (oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, constructed in 1202)
    • Visit Yasaka Pagoda
    • Explore Ninenzaka traditional Japanese street
    • Final dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Head to Gion district to see geishas heading to appointments
    Landmarks
    Kenninji
    Yasaka Pagoda
    Nishiki covered food market
    Ninenzaka
    Gion district
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  8. Day 8

    Kyoto

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast at hotel

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Explore!

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.5(8,639 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
92%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

4.8
Overall rating based on 10 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.7
  • Transport
    5.0
  • Guide
    4.9
  • Accommodation
    4.6
  • Food
    4.5
  • 4.5

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Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • J
    November 9th, 2025
    Fast paced that covered a lot of Japan. There are a few improvements that could be made to make it better.
    Traveled in October 2025
    Reply from: Explore!
    Thank you for leaving a four star review of your recent trip! This is a full on trip where we try to squeeze as many of Japan's highlights in as we can, and we hope you felt properly immersed in all the culture and beauty Japan has to offer. If you have specific feedback you wish to discuss about your trip, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as we would greatly appreciate any comments you may have. We hope you decide to travel with us on another Explore trip again soon!
    Show more
  • Highlights of Japan reviewer 2
    September 18th, 2025
    i had an amazing trip , met lots of new friends that i still keep in touch with and followed with the rest of my...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2025
    Reply from: Explore!
    Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of the Highlights of Japan tour. We are delighted to hear that you had such an amazing time. Japan truly is a special place, and it's wonderful to know it left such a strong impression on you. We will be sure to pass on your kind words to your Tour Leader, he will be delighted to hear how much his enthusiasm and effort meant to you. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure in the future.
    Show more
  • A
    March 27th, 2023
    Snow monkeys in Nagano, Hiroshima museum, golden pavilion
    Traveled in March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    March 27th, 2023
    The architecture and art at Nijo Castle was my personal favourite. Overall the amount of inclusions was impressive...
    Show more
    Traveled in March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    March 27th, 2023
    Our leader was the best. The support we had from him and your thoughtful setting up was excellent. Seeing the snow...
    Show more
    Traveled in March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    April 5th, 2023
    The tea ceremony.
    Traveled in March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    April 10th, 2023
    For me the highlight was probably seeing the snow monkeys.
    Traveled in April 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    November 23rd, 2023
    Highlights of the tour were Tokyo, Hiroshima, Snow Monkeys, Osaka and Kyoto and of course the Bullet Train. Our tour...
    Show more
    Traveled in November 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    May 17th, 2019
    Well organised from start to finish. The guide was knowledgable and helpful. Richard steered the group to the key...
    Show more
    Traveled in May 2018
    Reply from: Explore!
    Thanks for your great review!
    Show more
  • A
    May 17th, 2019
    AtM cash outlets were easily accessible every where. We just took enough yen for the first few days. Even that was...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2018
    Reply from: Explore!
    Thanks for taking the time to write a review. I'm glad that you were able to rate the trip so highly. Our website includes average prices for lunch, dinner, water and beer in the hope that it will assist in budgeting for the tour.
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
  • From Sunday
    17 May, 2026
    To Sunday
    24 May, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,220 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    6 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    13 Sep, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,380 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    25 Oct, 2026
    To Sunday
    1 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,520 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    14 Mar, 2027
    To Sunday
    21 Mar, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,560 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    28 Mar, 2027
    To Sunday
    4 Apr, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,560 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    4 Apr, 2027
    To Sunday
    11 Apr, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,560 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    11 Apr, 2027
    To Sunday
    18 Apr, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,560 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    16 May, 2027
    To Sunday
    23 May, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,430 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    6 Jun, 2027
    To Sunday
    13 Jun, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,150 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    1 Aug, 2027
    To Sunday
    8 Aug, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,560 per person
    Multiple Room Types

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • H

    Heidi

    Asked on January 29th, 2026

    My 22-year-old son and his bestie are thinking of going to Japan, possibly in April, before the cherry blossom festival. He loves Anime and really wants to go to Akihabara. Is this location included in any of your tours? Could he get a quote pls. Is it possible to include the airfare too?

    Flights / Transfers
    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten January 2026

      Unfortunately, this particular trip cannot be customized, and international flights are not included in our offerings. If you are interested in exploring a custom private tour, we would be happy to assist you further.

  • B

    Becky

    Asked on January 24th, 2026

    I see that the tour ends in Kyoto, do you provide assistance for me to get from Kyoto back to Tokyo for my departing flight back to the US?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Explore!OperatorWritten January 2026

      Our tour does end in Kyoto and we do not offer any transfers back to Tokyo.

      We would recommend either taking the train or a quick flight from Kyoto to Tokyo.

  • C

    Carole

    Asked on January 19th, 2026

    are any of the train trips on the bullet train? are transfers and transport supplied to airport as part of package and how long a journey is each bus transport or train and do they have toilets on train and bus? also I am gluten free can you cater for that? what deposit is required and what insurance is best for this trip do you supply a insurance company and who do you suggest if not. Is the flight direct from Brisbane to Japan and return a direct flight?

    Flights / Transfers
    Meals
    Payments
    Transport
    Travel Support
    • Explore!OperatorWritten January 2026

      Yes we do use the bullet trains but it's worth noting that depending on train schedules, we won't always catch a bullet train. On some routes, we'll be using regional services and occasionally will have to change trains.

      If you are arriving the same day the tour starts and departing the same day the tour ends, then we provide complimentary airport transfers to and from the listed airports on the itinerary.

      Gluten allergies are not well known or understood in Japan, please see the following notes about it from this tour - It can also be difficult to cater for those with severe allergies. If you have an allergy, you must inform us at the time of booking. Even when informed in advance we cannot guarantee a 100% allergy free setting as there can always be some cross - contamination in kitchens or at buffet settings in hotels/restaurants. Many restaurants in Japan are unfamiliar with some allergies in Europe/North America/Australia/NZ and are reluctant or unable to make provisions for serious cross-contact allergy risk.

      A 10% deposit of the tour price is required to secure your place on tour.
      A fully comprehensive travel insurance policy is required to travel with Explore. I believe the Tour Radar team can assist you with this when making a booking.

      There are direct flights from Brisbane to Japan with Jetstar and Qantas I believe. For this tour you need to arrive in Tokyo and you depart Kyoto. We do not book flights apologies so there are potentially other options available.

  • P

    Patricia

    Asked on May 24th, 2025

    What level of travel is this? Is it a luxury tour or moderate? Is there a single supplement accomodation option?

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten May 2025

      This tour is classed as comfortable accommodation with hotels rating 3-3.5 stars. The trip pace is full on which means you do and see a lot in the time you are travelling and it generally requires a good level of fitness for the amount of walking as well. We have longer tours as well as our upgraded range of tours if you prefer a more leisurely pace or a higher rating of accommodation. As we are now so close to the departure date for this particular tour it is on request for both availability for a single room.

  • D

    Daniela

    Asked on March 21st, 2025

    What hotels do you stay in?

    Accommodation
    • D

      Daniela

      TravelerWritten March 2025

      No where in this itinerary doesn't mention the specific hotels that are used for this trip. Although you told me to look at the itinerary, which I did, it does not specify that information. Can you please clarify the accommodations?

    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      Please see the hotel list below:

      From Day 1 Sunday 30 March 2025 for 2 Nights
      Sunroute Asakusa Hotel

      From Day 3 Tuesday 01 April 2025 for 1 Night
      Hotel Amanek Kanazawa

      From Day 4 Wednesday 02 April 2025 for 1 Night
      Shin-Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza

      From Day 5 Thursday 03 April 2025 for 1 Night
      MYSTAYS Hiroshima Peace Park

      From Day 6 Friday 04 April 2025 for 2 Nights
      Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi

    • 1 more answer
  • L

    Lydia

    Asked on March 16th, 2025

    how much is this without the flights/ what are the details of transport arrangements

    Price / Availability
    Transport
    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      The Explore tour is not inclusive of flights and is the tour cost only. We utilise trains for this trip. From bullet trains to Tokyo's metro, throughout this tour, we use public transport. Not only does this help to curb our carbon footprint, but it also brings us closer to local life and lets us soak in awe-inspiring landscapes as we go. It's worth noting that depending on train schedules, we won't always catch a bullet train. On some routes, we'll be using regional services and occasionally will have to change trains.

  • B

    Benjamin

    Asked on March 4th, 2025

    It states that the trip ends in Kyoto, but on the awaiting booking confirmation it states that the trip ends in Hiroshima? Please advise.

    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      This trip starts in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto.

  • M

    Maria

    Asked on February 21st, 2025

    How would the accommodations work - would they be able to stay in one room? Or must the daughter be a single supplement (She would not want to share with a stranger).

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • Explore!OperatorWritten February 2025

      We do not offer triple rooms on this trip. So if the daughter did not wish to share a room a 2 bedded with another female she would need to book a single room.

  • L

    Lynda

    Asked on September 26th, 2024

    I am interested in a detailed itinerary for a tour in Japan for two persons.

    Tour Details
    • L

      Lynda

      TravelerWritten September 2024

      I am writing to discuss the tour charges for our upcoming trip to Japan. We would prefer a less luxurious option and do not require a guide for our travels in minimum amount $3000 to $3500 for per person. Could you please let us know the best rate you can offer?

    • Explore!OperatorWritten September 2024

      All of our Japanese tours are guided tours and do include a Tour Leader. Please advise if you would still be interested in discussing options. It would be helpful to detail how long a trip you are considering?

    • 1 more answer
  • B

    Ben

    Asked on January 19th, 2023

    Does the tour require lot of walking? Give us some idea of how much walking will be there. Will it be cold during November? Give us some idea of what to pack for clothing depending on the weather during November.

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten January 2023

      Clothing: Rain gear is essential all year. You will need warm clothing from October through until April when temperatures drop, especially at night. December until February are particularly cold so bring extra layers if you are travelling at this time. Footwear - Comfortable shoes, and sandals for relaxing.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Explore! with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
US $4,150 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 143900

  • Currency
    ¥
    Yen
    Japan
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before July 18th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 18th, 2026, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Explore!. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Explore! will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Explore!" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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Oct
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2027

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2028

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