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From
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Japan Express

9 days
•
From Tokyo to Osaka
4.5
40 traveler reviews
  • Kyoto cityscape with cherry blossoms and pagoda.
  • Traditional red bridge over a flowing river.
  • Table with various Japanese dishes and drinks.
  • Waterfall amid a verdant landscape with distant town.
    View all

  • Having both guided tours and lots of free time made for a nicely balanced tour. Our guide loves Japan's history and it was very interesting talking to him about Japan.

    Japan Express reviewer 1
    Anthony Floyd, traveled in October
    5.0
  • Woman in traditional kimono reading in front of a bookshop.
  • Golden temple surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Cityscape with neon lights at night.
  • High-speed train at a station.
  • Group enjoying a meal in a lively restaurant setting.
    View all
From
$2,720
-15%
US $2,312 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
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Operator
Intrepid Travel
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 16
Ages 15+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Tokyo

    Optional Activities

    • Dinner and nightlife exploration in Tokyo
    • Drinks at a traditional Japanese izakaya
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  2. Day 2

    Tokyo

    Included Activities

    • Shibuya walking tour
    • Depachika (underground department store food hall) visit
    • Meiji Jingu Shrine visit
    • Harajuku street exploration
    • Metro day pass for group exploration
    • Yoyogi Park access

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Asakusa area and Senso-ji temple
    • Dinner in Tokyo (ramen, tonkatsu, or izakaya)
    Landmarks
    Meiji Jingu Shrine
    Shibuya Crossing
    Harajuku
    Senso-ji
    Yoyogi Park
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 3

    Tokyo to Hiroshima

    Included Activities

    • Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima
    • Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome visit
    • Peace Memorial Museum visit
    • Peace Park visit
    • Leader-led orientation walk

    Optional Activities

    • Okonomiyaki dinner (Hiroshima signature dish)
    Landmarks
    Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome
    Peace Memorial Museum
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 4

    Hiroshima

    Included Activities

    • Miyajima Island visit
    • Momiji manju making workshop

    Optional Activities

    • Mt Misen climb or cable car ride
    • Hiroshima Castle visit
    • Shukkeien Garden visit
    • Local baseball or soccer match
    Landmarks
    Miyajima Island
    Mt Misen
    Hiroshima Castle
    Shukkeien Garden
  5. Day 5

    Hiroshima to Kyoto

    Included Activities

    • Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto
    • Fushimi Inari Taisha visit
    • Historic neighbourhood exploration
    Landmarks
    Fushimi Inari Taisha
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  6. Day 6

    Kyoto

    Included Activities

    • Gion District walk (guided, evening)

    Optional Activities

    • Kinkakuji Temple visit
    • Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom Dance) performance (spring only)
    • Gion Corner cultural centre visit
    Landmarks
    Kinkakuji Temple
    Gion District
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  7. Day 7

    Kyoto

    Optional Activities

    • Toji Temple visit
    • Nijo Castle visit
    • Ninomaru Palace and nightingale floors visit
    • Ryoan-ji Zen garden visit
    • Kyoto Handicraft Centre shopping
    • Karaoke with fellow travellers
    • Kaiseki meal at a ryotei
    Landmarks
    Toji Temple
    Nijo Castle
    Ryoan-ji
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  8. Day 8

    Kyoto to Osaka

    Included Activities

    • Train to Osaka
    • Leader-led orientation walk
    • Dotombori District walking tour

    Optional Activities

    • Dinner with fellow travellers in Osaka
    Landmarks
    Dotombori District
  9. Day 9

    Osaka

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Meals
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

4.5
(11,999 reviews)

Number of tours

874

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

6 hours

Response rate

92%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Other

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Moments

  • Lit tower structure against a dark night sky.
  • Traditional red bridge over a flowing river.
  • Waterfall amid a verdant landscape with distant town.
  • Group of people in colorful yukata holding umbrellas.
  • Golden temple surrounded by lush greenery.
  • High-speed train at a station.
  • Cable car over lush green mountains.
  • Tall tower structure with modern buildings nearby.
  • Stone bridge over a river with historic architecture in the background.
  • Traditional Japanese gate with ornate details.
  • Multi-tiered pagoda surrounded by trees.
  • Traditional Japanese shrine with intricate architecture.
  • Small Shinto shrine with traditional stone torii gate.
  • Traditional Japanese temple entrance with ornate details.
  • Pathway lined with vibrant orange torii gates.
  • Serene Japanese garden with a pond and lush greenery.

Traveler Reviews

4.5
Overall rating based on 40 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.2
  • Transport
    4.4
  • Guide
    4.6
  • Accommodation
    4.0
  • Food
    3.8
  • Tour Operator
    4.5

Sort by

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Sort by

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Highest First
Lowest First
  • Japan Express reviewer 1
    November 7th, 2025
    5
    Yuki Nakano was the best tour guide to show Japan's cultural sites and experiences. She took her time with our group...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2025
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review! It's heartwarming to hear how much you enjoyed your Japan Express trip with Yuki. She truly is a wonderful leader, and it’s great to know her knowledge, patience and attention to detail helped make the journey so memorable for you and your group. Thank you again for choosing Intrepid, we hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
    Show more
  • A
    November 7th, 2025
    5
    The tour guide Mami was fantastic. She brought us to a lot of Shrine and Temples but we also had a lot of free time...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2025
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review! We love to to hear that you had such a great experience, and that Mami helped make your trip all the more memorable. It sounds like you enjoyed a wonderful balance of guided exploration and free time to discover each city at your own pace. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another Intrepid adventure soon!
    Show more
  • W
    June 2nd, 2025
    5
    Zac was outstanding. Excellent tour guide and very pleasant to deal with. Would recommend to others.
    Traveled in May 2025
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thank you for taking the time to post a review and for your recommendation to others. We are delighted to learn that overall, you had a 5* experience with Zac who was an excellent, outstanding guide. We do hope you will find another of our itineraries to your liking, and we can welcome you on another if our adventures soon.
    Show more
  • J
    June 2nd, 2025
    5
    Great tour with an awesome tour guide. However, the tour was too focused on travelling to shrines and temples for the...
    Show more
    Traveled in May 2025
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thank you Joel for taking the time to share your experience with us on your Japan Express trip. Thank you for your feedback regarding the trip being heavily focused on temples and you would have liked to have seen more nature visits incorporated. However, we are delighted to hear that you had a great tour leader who enhanced your experience. We look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid adventure soon.
    Show more
  • Japan Express reviewer 5
    May 27th, 2025
    4
    I really enjoyed this tour. There was a lot of interesting places to see and the choices of cities was fantastic. Our...
    Show more
    Traveled in May 2025
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that the cities and that Zac did an excellent job. We also appreciate your thoughtful feedback about the balance of activities. This is something we’ll keep in mind, as we look at ways to improve our customers experiences. Thank you again for your kind words and for recommending the tour. We hope to welcome you on another of our adventures soon.
    Show more
  • R
    May 26th, 2025
    4
    Our guide Zac (Bell) was a highlight. He was excellent- friendly, knowledgeable, took our requests and blew us out of...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2025
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Hello Rebecca, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review. We're thrilled to hear that your tour leader, Zac, was a highlight, and that his personal recommendations made such a memorable impact. We're sorry to learn that the itinerary felt repetitive towards the end, and we appreciate your insight about wanting more group activities and shared dinners. Your constructive feedback is invaluable as it helps us refine our itineraries and enhance the experiences we offer to our travellers. We truly hope you'll discover another journey that aligns with your interests, and we'd be delighted to welcome you back for another adventure soon.
    Show more
  • J
    May 17th, 2025
    4
    Zac was awesome! More scheduled activities.
    Traveled in May 2025
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Hello Julie, thank you for taking the time to review your experienced. We are pleased to learn that Zax was an awesome Tour Leader. We hope to welcome you on another of our adventures soon.
    Show more
  • R
    October 18th, 2024
    4
    We didn’t receive much information or updates about our tour so we were a bit nervous when we went for the...
    Show more
    Traveled in September 2024
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thank you for leaving a review, Rodney. We are sorry to hear that your booking process was not streamline and you did not receive adequate information before you travelled. If you would like to give us more information on this, please email us at customercare@intrepidtravel.com. We hope the trip itself was enjoyable and you had a great time exploring Japan. All the best with your future travels.
    Show more
  • A
    October 18th, 2023
    5
    It was a really great experience! Having both guided tours and lots of free time made for a nicely balanced tour...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2023
  • A
    August 2nd, 2023
    5
    We had an amazing time on our trip to Japan thanks to our amazing group leader. Highly recommend this tour as it...
    Show more
    Traveled in June 2023
    Review collected by Intrepid Travel
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    We are so excited to read your positive comments! Thank you so much for taking the time to share them with us. We can't wait to welcome you back on your next adventure!
    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
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 25 Mar, 2026
  • From Wednesday
    25 Mar, 2026
    To Thursday
    2 Apr, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $2,745 per person
  • -10%
    From Saturday
    28 Mar, 2026
    To Sunday
    5 Apr, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $2,640
    US $2,376 per person
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    1 Apr, 2026
    To Thursday
    9 Apr, 2026
    English
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    Departure on request
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    $2,790
    US $2,372 per person
  • From Saturday
    4 Apr, 2026
    To Sunday
    12 Apr, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
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    Departure on request
    From:
    US $2,770 per person
  • From Wednesday
    8 Apr, 2026
    To Thursday
    16 Apr, 2026
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    Departure on request
    From:
    US $2,750 per person
  • -15%
    From Saturday
    11 Apr, 2026
    To Sunday
    19 Apr, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
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    Departure on request
    From:
    $2,720
    US $2,312 per person
  • -15%
    From Wednesday
    15 Apr, 2026
    To Thursday
    23 Apr, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
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    Departure on request
    From:
    $2,720
    US $2,312 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Saturday
    9 May, 2026
    To Sunday
    17 May, 2026
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    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,750
    US $2,338 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    16 May, 2026
    To Sunday
    24 May, 2026
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    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,820 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    23 May, 2026
    To Sunday
    31 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,650 per person
Want to read it later?

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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
  • J

    Jose

    Asked on October 26th, 2025

    How do I apply for a Japanese tourist visa? I was required to provide air ticket booking. Does it include the air ticket?

    Flights / Transfers
    Visa
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written October 2025

      Unfortunately, we are unable to provide advice on visa applications or requirements. We recommend contacting the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to apply for a tourist visa. Please note that our trip price does not include international air tickets unless specified in your booking details.

  • J

    Judy

    Asked on March 29th, 2025

    Can my husband and I stay together in our own room every night?

    Accommodation
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written March 2025

      Our standard accommodation will be on twin share accommodation and travelers who are booked on the same booking will be roomed together. Upon request, we can provide double beddings wherever possible.

  • T

    Tracey

    Asked on November 21st, 2024

    What kind of rooms can we expect at the hostels?

    Accommodation
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written November 2024

      Multishare Hostel (3 nights), Basic hotel (5 nights). Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities.

  • R

    Richard

    Asked on November 18th, 2024

    How can I purchase my train tickets in Japan if they are not included in the tour?

    Transport
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written November 2024

      You need to buy the train tickets yourself through local agencies or stations once in Japan.

  • A

    Audray-Anna

    Asked on October 5th, 2024

    How can I get a full list of hotels for each night of the Japan Express tour?

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written October 2024

      You should contact Intrepid Travel via your booking confirmation page to request a full list of hotels.

  • F

    Francette

    Asked on September 14th, 2024

    Can I request pre/post accommodation or airport transfers for the Japan Express tour?

    Accommodation
    Flights / Transfers
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written September 2024

      Yes, you need to indicate your preferred dates through the booking confirmation page or directly contact Intrepid Travel.

  • Z

    Zoe

    Asked on August 30th, 2024

    What should I do if I have questions after making payments for the Japan Express tour?

    Payments
    Travel Support
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written August 2024

      Contact Intrepid Travel via your booking confirmation page.

  • A

    April

    Asked on July 27th, 2024

    Where can I get a payment receipt after making a payment for the Japan Express tour?

    Payments
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written July 2024

      You can access your payment receipt through your booking confirmation page.

  • M

    Mike

    Asked on July 8th, 2024

    What are the necessary preparations to complete after booking the Japan Express tour?

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written July 2024

      Provide your passport and travel insurance details on the booking confirmation page.

  • J

    Joel

    Asked on June 20th, 2024

    What is the booking process for the Japan Express tour?

    Payments
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written June 2024

      Click 'Book Now' on the tour page, enter passenger details, and make the required deposit to secure your booking.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 6 hours.
From
$2,720
-15%
US $2,312 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
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 1633

  • 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 May 18th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 18th, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. 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 60 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 Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" 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
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