We live in Canada and are interested in this tour. We are world travellers with access to staff airline tickets and prefer to travel without insurance. If insurance is mandatory, this is a deal breaker. Please let me know soonest what is available. Our dates are flexible.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader.

I have to be in Seoul before 8am on October 11th for the start of another tour. Therefore, I will have to leave Osaka the evening of October 10th. Can that day be prorated to exclude hotel stay?

As our departures operate with a fixed trip cost, the overall tour price cannot be prorated for early departures. All tour arrangements, including accommodations and activities, are provided on a shared basis.

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

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.

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

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.

What kind of rooms can we expect at the hostels?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Intrepid Travel via your booking confirmation page.

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

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

From

$2,250

US $1,913 per person

Japan Express

9 days

•

From Tokyo to Osaka

4.5

40 traveler reviews

View all
I am so glad I joined this tour! I thoroughly enjoyed the leader, the group of people I went with, and the places we visited.
A
Anne B., traveled in August
5.0
View all

From

$2,250

-15%

US $1,913 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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

Day 1
Tokyo
Optional Activities
- Dinner and nightlife exploration in Tokyo
- Drinks at a traditional Japanese izakaya
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
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
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
Day 5
Hiroshima to Kyoto
Included Activities
- Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari Taisha visit
- Historic neighbourhood exploration
Landmarks
Fushimi Inari Taisha
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
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
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
Day 9
Osaka

Landmarks
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Shibuya Crossing
Harajuku
Senso-ji
Yoyogi Park

Landmarks
Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome
Peace Memorial Museum

Landmarks
Miyajima Island
Mt Misen
Hiroshima Castle
Shukkeien Garden

Landmarks
Fushimi Inari Taisha

Landmarks
Kinkakuji Temple
Gion District

Landmarks
Toji Temple
Nijo Castle
Ryoan-ji

Landmarks
Dotombori District

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

(12,040 reviews)

Number of tours

891

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

8 hours

Response rate

92%

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

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

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

J
November 7th, 2025
5.0
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
C
Claire
November 7th, 2025
5.0
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
William
June 2nd, 2025
5.0
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
Joel
June 2nd, 2025
5.0
Great tour with an awesome tour guide. However, the tour was too focused on travelling to shrines and temples for the...
Great tour with an awesome tour guide. However, the tour was too focused on travelling to shrines and temples for the majority of the trip. I would love to see Perhaps Mount Fuji and/or Nara to visit the bowing deer added instead of some of the shrines and maybe a day dedicated to seeing something nature related like the bamboo Forrest. Zac was an amazing tour guide and made our Japan experience even better.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
Liam
May 27th, 2025
4.0
I really enjoyed this tour. There was a lot of interesting places to see and the choices of cities was fantastic. Our...
I really enjoyed this tour. There was a lot of interesting places to see and the choices of cities was fantastic. Our tour guide Zac did an excellent job conveying the wonderful qualities Japan has to offer and from personal experience, was able to provide a glimpse into the everyday life of someone living there. The only thing I would change is with how many shrines and temples we went to see, there wasn't an equal balance of planned activities like the morning of Miyajima getting to make the bean and chocolate flavored pastries. I would still recommend this tour to anyone coming to Japan but would like to see some other curricular activities added to the experience.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
Rebecca
May 26th, 2025
4.0
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
Julie
May 17th, 2025
4.0
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
RODNEY
October 18th, 2024
4.0
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
Anthony
October 18th, 2023
5.0
It was a really great experience! Having both guided tours and lots of free time made for a nicely balanced tour...
It was a really great experience! Having both guided tours and lots of free time made for a nicely balanced tour where our guide, Toshimi, a very knowledgeable local, would show us parts of Japan and tell us of their significance historically and socially, and also tell us how and where to appreciate Japan during our free time. Our guide loves Japan's history and it was very interesting talking to him about Japan. He also made lots of great recommendations on places to see and eat at, and overall made the whole tour experience very convenient, fun, and informative.Show more
Traveled in October 2023
A
Bradley
August 2nd, 2023
5.0
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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 28 Apr, 2026

-15%
From Saturday
9 May, 2026
To Sunday
17 May, 2026
English
Filling Fast
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$2,750
US $2,338 per person
-15%
From Saturday
16 May, 2026
To Sunday
24 May, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$2,820
US $2,397 per person
Instant Confirmation
-20%
From Saturday
23 May, 2026
To Sunday
31 May, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,650
US $2,120 per person
Instant Confirmation
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From Wednesday
27 May, 2026
To Thursday
4 Jun, 2026
English
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This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
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US $2,008 per person
Instant Confirmation
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From Saturday
30 May, 2026
To Sunday
7 Jun, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,760
US $2,346 per person
Instant Confirmation
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From Saturday
6 Jun, 2026
To Sunday
14 Jun, 2026
English
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Guaranteed departure
From:
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US $2,142 per person
Instant Confirmation
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From Saturday
13 Jun, 2026
To Sunday
21 Jun, 2026
English
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Guaranteed departure
From:
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US $1,976 per person
Instant Confirmation
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From Saturday
27 Jun, 2026
To Sunday
5 Jul, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,495
US $2,121 per person
Instant Confirmation
-15%
From Saturday
4 Jul, 2026
To Sunday
12 Jul, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,420
US $2,057 per person
Instant Confirmation
-15%
From Wednesday
22 Jul, 2026
To Thursday
30 Jul, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,370
US $2,015 per person

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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

T
Tracy
Asked on March 10th, 2026
We live in Canada and are interested in this tour. We are world travellers with access to staff airline tickets and prefer to travel without insurance. If insurance is mandatory, this is a deal breaker. Please let me know soonest what is available. Our dates are flexible.
Payments
Travel Support
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written March 2026
  Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader.
L
Liam
Asked on February 22nd, 2026
I have to be in Seoul before 8am on October 11th for the start of another tour. Therefore, I will have to leave Osaka the evening of October 10th. Can that day be prorated to exclude hotel stay?
Accommodation
Price / Availability
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written February 2026
  As our departures operate with a fixed trip cost, the overall tour price cannot be prorated for early departures. All tour arrangements, including accommodations and activities, are provided on a shared basis.
- L
  Liam
  Traveler•Written February 2026
  I am traveling solo, so I will be paying for an empty hotel room. Is it possible to get a credit of the hotel cost to use towards an optional activity(ies)?
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written February 2026
  Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply a credit for the hotel cost towards optional activities. As mentioned earlier, our departures operate with a fixed trip cost, and the overall tour price cannot be prorated for early departures. All tour arrangements, including accommodations and activities, are provided on a shared basis.
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.

From

$2,250

-15%

US $1,913 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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 June 21st, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 21st, 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
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Intrepid Travel. Please familiarize yourself with the Intrepid Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
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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Videos

Japan: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Main Page Video

Japan Express

Itinerary

Tokyo

Optional Activities

Tokyo

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Tokyo to Hiroshima

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Hiroshima

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Hiroshima to Kyoto

Included Activities

Kyoto

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Kyoto

Optional Activities

Kyoto to Osaka

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Osaka

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What's Included