Highlights of Japan

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
From the bright lights of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, this fast-paced tour explores Japan's highlights. We take time to reflect at Hiroshima, site of the world's first atomic attack before visiting the holy island of Miyajima, dotted with beautiful temples and free roaming deer. In Osaka we try street food and in Kyoto we relax in perfectly manicu...
19%
$4,379
From$3,560
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • An 8-day trip through beautiful Japan's highlights where modernity meets tradition
    • An unforgettable journey from Tokyo's high rise neon to the peaceful temples of Kyoto
    • Try street food in Osaka and look out for snow monkeys bathing in hot springs

What's this trip about?

    From the bright lights of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, this fast-paced tour explores Japan's highlights. We take time to reflect at Hiroshima, site of the world's first atomic attack before visiting the holy island of Miyajima, dotted with beautiful temples and free roaming deer. In Osaka we try street food and in Kyoto we relax in perfectly manicured Zen gardens. Tokyo - Explore the traditional temples of Asakusa Kyoto - Discover the temples and gardens of Japan's Imperial Capital Jigokudani Onsen - Watch the famous snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityTokyo
End CityKyoto

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Japan

Attractions

  • Hiroshima
  • Kanazawa
  • Kyoto
  • Nijo Castle
  • Osaka
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Tour begins in Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, the ultra-modern capital of Japan. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for the welcome meeting. If some of the group are arriving on later flights then the main introductory briefing will be con...

Day 2 Explore Tokyo’s neon streets and peaceful gardens

Over one-quarter of the Japanese population live within a 50 km radius of the centre of Tokyo, making it the most populous metropolitan area in the world. The result is a bustling and exciting city - the economic powerhouse of Asia. However, scratching its neon-clad s...

Day 3 Bullet train to Kanazawa via the snow monkeys of Jigokudani

No trip to Japan would be complete without a journey on a high speed train and this morning we leave Tokyo and board the Shinkansen. Our main bags will be forwarded to Osaka today and we make do with an overnight bag for tonight. The bullet trains are known for the ex...

Day 4 Explore Kanazawa. Train to Osaka for street food tour

As the town was not targeted during World War II, much of Kanazawa consists of old buildings and gives a sense of what Japan was like in the 19th century. We'll spend some time wandering around the colourful stalls at the town's Omicho market, where fresh fish and cra...

Day 5 Travel by train to Hiroshima and visit Miyajima Island

Our main luggage is forwarded to Kyoto today and we use our overnight bag again. A couple of morning train journeys take us to Hiroshima. This thought-provoking city was completely destroyed on the 6th of August 1945 as the target of the first atomic bomb to be used i...

Day 6 Experience the poignant Peace Park and Peace Museum. Bullet train to Kyoto and explore Nijo Castle

First thing this morning we will have time to visit the Peace Memorial Park and the well-presented museum on the site of the 1945 A-bomb hypocentre. Whilst serving as poignant reminders of the nuclear holocaust, their over-whelming message is of hope that such horrors...

Day 7 Explore Kyoto's temples and gardens - full day tour with local guide

We spend today visiting some of the cities many temples. We start with a a traditional tea ceremony and take time to explore Kyoto's charming streets, soaking up the unique atmosphere. Accompanied by a professional local guide we will head on to Ryoan-ji Temple ...

Day 8 Tour ends in Kyoto

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Kyoto. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Kyoto at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel, while you head out for ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,560
Price per day$445
Last Updated: 5/15/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
27 Oct 2024
03 Nov 2024
$3,560
$450
12 spots left
10 Nov 2024
17 Nov 2024
$4,030
$440
14 spots left
23 Feb 2025
02 Mar 2025
$4,160
$460
16 spots left
16 Mar 2025
23 Mar 2025
$4,160
$460
16 spots left
23 Mar 2025
30 Mar 2025
$4,160
$460
14 spots left
30 Mar 2025
06 Apr 2025
$4,160
$460
13 spots left
06 Apr 2025
13 Apr 2025
$4,160
$460
9 spots left
13 Apr 2025
20 Apr 2025
$4,160
$460
15 spots left
18 May 2025
25 May 2025
$4,160
$460
16 spots left
08 Jun 2025
15 Jun 2025
$4,160
$460
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,883
Great
2,289
Average
386
Disappointing
121
Terrible
58
T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Highlights of Japan

The way the tour is set up is a mistake. The majority of time is spent using the local transit system to get to the sites. Very little time is spent at the site. The...

P

Peter

Apr 2024

Written on

Highlights of Japan

It was a great trip & we will travel with Explore again.

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Highlights of Japan

This trip was my first tour and I didn't know what to expect. Others on this trip had experienced many before and were very dissatisfied with most all aspects of it....

C

Christopher

Apr 2024

Written on

Highlights of Japan

OK only downside I will say I don't feel I had enough time in Tokyo due to some people missing there fights and losing very important tickets for travelling which ex...

J

Johanna

Apr 2024

Written on

Highlights of Japan

Japan is such a beautiful country it looks so familiar then it really isn't. The best way to describe it is 'Frantically calm,' The cherry blossom was late this yea...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Train,

Transportation & flights

Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
\red5\green99\blue193; British passport holder do not require visa to enter Japan for tourism purposes. All visa related issues for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Japan Rail Pass - A clear copy, either as a scanned photocopy or photo, of your main passport photo page is required. Please ensure that all the information is clearly visible with none of the edges missing. This is required by our local agent to issue your Japan Rail Pass and is required no later than 6 weeks prior to travel. Explore will request this from you approximately 8 weeks prior to departure. If your passport copy is not received on time this will mean we cannot issue you a Japan Rail Pass. Instead you will be issued individual rail tickets for the included journeys and you will not have the benefit of a Japan Rail Pass, which enables you to travel effectively for free on local trains and the Tokyo Monorail in your free time while the pass is valid. Similarly for late bookings it will not be possible to issue a Japan Rail Pass if the cut off date has already passed, and you will be issued single tickets instead. Although not required, by registering on the visit Japan Web website, travellers are able fill out the Disembarkation Form and Custom Declaration Form in advance. By filling out these forms online, two QR codes will be produced that can be shown during entry procedures into Japan. This may help you proceed through customs and control quicker. As this step is not required, travellers can instead fill out physical paper forms upon arrival as well. More information can be found here: \ul \ulnone
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory. We recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. The use or possession of Vicks inhalers and some other common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g. for allergies and sinus problems or even certain mild painkillers, such as those containing certain levels of codeine) are banned under Japan's strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance about these medicines. If in any doubt about customs procedures for such items, you should check with the nearest Japanese Embassy before visiting Japan. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
  • Dinner : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-JPH

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