Japan Explorer
Japan Explorer
Duration
12 Days 11NightsTour Type
Combined PackagesLocation
ASIAEmbark on an epic 12-day journey through Japan's most captivating destinations. From Tokyo's electric energy to Sendai's scenic Matsushima Bay, from the iconic slopes of Mt. Fuji to Kyoto's timeless temples, this comprehensive tour reveals the full spectrum of Japanese culture, history, and natural beauty.
Travel in style aboard the famous Shinkansen bullet train, cruise serene lake waters with mountain views, and explore vibrant local markets. Experience the profound history of Hiroshima, the ancient capital of Nara with its friendly deer, and Osaka's legendary food scene. This is Japan at its finest.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Tokyo's iconic temples, shrines, and vibrant districts
- Cruise Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's three most scenic views
- Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station and volcanic Owakudani Valley
- Discover Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari, and Gion District
- Meet the friendly deer of Nara and see the Great Buddha
- Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Miyajima's floating torii
- Travel by Shinkansen bullet train between cities
- Taste authentic cuisine from local restaurants and markets
Include / Exclude
- 11 nights accommodation (Tokyo 4 nights, Mt. Fuji area 1 night, Kyoto 2 nights, Osaka 4 nights)
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- 1 dinner at Mt. Fuji hotel, 1 dinner in Osaka
- 5 lunches at local restaurants
- Airport transfers (arrival Tokyo, departure Osaka)
- All Shinkansen bullet train tickets as per itinerary
- Private coach transportation throughout
- English-speaking guide (except Day 11)
- Sumida River Cruise
- Matsushima Bay Cruise
- Lake Ashi Cruise and Hakone Ropeway
- Miyajima Island ferry
- Entrance fees to all mentioned attractions
- International flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities on Day 11 (Kobe tour, Universal Studios Japan)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional activities
Tour Plan
Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport. Meet your guide and transfer by private coach to your hotel in Tokyo. After check-in, the rest of the day is free at leisure to rest or explore the neighborhood. Overnight in Tokyo.
After breakfast, depart from the hotel. Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, followed by free time at Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs. Enjoy a relaxing Sumida River Cruise offering unique city views, then have lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Tokyo Skytree Solamachi Mall for shopping beneath Japan's tallest tower. Transfer to Ueno and explore Ameyoko Shopping Street, a lively local market area famous for bargains and street food. Overnight in Tokyo.
After breakfast, depart for a full-day city tour. Visit Meiji Shrine, a major Shinto sanctuary located in a peaceful forested area in the heart of Tokyo. Walk through Harajuku Takeshita Street, famous for youth culture, colorful fashion, and trendy shops. After lunch, continue to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest and most iconic pedestrian crossings in the world. Enjoy free time in Shinjuku in the evening, Tokyo's entertainment district with endless shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Overnight in Tokyo.
After breakfast, transfer to Tokyo Station and board the Shinkansen bullet train to Sendai in the Tohoku region. Upon arrival, visit Aoba Castle Ruins for panoramic city views and learn about the samurai Date Masamune. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties. In the afternoon, enjoy a Matsushima Bay Cruise, one of Japan's three most scenic views, featuring over 260 pine-covered islands. Visit the impressive Zuigan-ji Temple and the picturesque Godaido Temple on the waterfront. Return to Tokyo by Shinkansen in the evening. Overnight in Tokyo.
After breakfast, depart for the Hakone area. Enjoy a scenic Lake Ashi Cruise with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and, weather permitting, Mt. Fuji. Continue with a ride on the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic aerial views over the volcanic landscape. Visit Owakudani Valley, famous for its active volcanic vents, sulfurous steam, and the legendary black eggs said to extend life. Transfer to the Mt. Fuji area, check-in at your hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel with views of Japan's most iconic mountain. Overnight in Mt. Fuji Area.
After breakfast, depart for sightseeing around Mt. Fuji. Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting), located at 2,300 meters elevation, offering spectacular views and a chance to stand on the sacred mountain. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to Mishima Station and board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart. Arrival in Kyoto and transfer to your hotel. Evening free for dinner on your own—explore Kyoto's charming streets. Overnight in Kyoto.
After breakfast, depart for a full-day Kyoto sightseeing tour. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its wooden terrace offering panoramic views over the city. Walk along the beautifully preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, lined with traditional shops and tea houses. After lunch, visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks covered in gold leaf and reflected in its surrounding pond. Continue to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates forming mystical tunnels up the sacred mountain. End the day with an atmospheric walk through Gion District, known for traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. Overnight in Kyoto.
After breakfast, transfer to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. Visit Todai-ji Temple housing the magnificent Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Stroll through Nara Park, home to over 1,000 friendly deer considered divine messengers. Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns. After lunch, transfer to Osaka. Enjoy free time at Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, Osaka's most famous shopping and entertainment areas with neon lights, iconic signs, and incredible street food. Overnight in Osaka.
After breakfast, depart for sightseeing in Osaka. Visit Umeda Sky Building and its Floating Garden Observatory for spectacular 360-degree panoramic city views. Enjoy free time at Kuromon Market, known as "Osaka's Kitchen," where you can sample fresh seafood, wagyu beef, and local delicacies (lunch on your own). Visit impressive Osaka Castle, surrounded by stone walls and a spacious park, with the tower offering panoramic views and exhibitions about Osaka's history. Enjoy free time in Namba area for shopping and exploration. Dinner at a local restaurant featuring Osaka specialties. Overnight in Osaka.
Early departure to Shin-Osaka Station and board the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit the sobering Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site preserved as a reminder of the devastating 1945 bombing. Explore the peaceful Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the victims and promoting world peace. Lunch on your own. Transfer to Miyajima Port and ferry to Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most scenic destinations. Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic vermillion torii gate appearing to float on water at high tide. Free time to explore the island, see the friendly deer, and browse souvenir shops. Return to Osaka by bullet train. Overnight in Osaka.
Free day in Osaka to explore at your own pace. Optional activities (not included): Visit nearby Kobe for its famous beef and harbor views, or spend the day at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) for thrilling rides and attractions. No coach or guide service on this day. Overnight in Osaka.
After breakfast, transfer to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight. End of services. Sayonara and safe travels!
