Japan Highlights
Tour Description
Day 1: Tokyo
Home of the sumo, geishas, sake, karaoke, onsen and izakaya – Japan is a feast for all your senses. This eight-day journey hits all the right spots, giving you a true appreciation for the land of the rising sun. Absorb the bustle of Tokyo before heading into the countryside for a farm stay with local tea harvesters and a walk along a 400-m suspension bridge with spectacular views of iconic Mt Fuji. Travel on a futuristic bullet train to Kyoto and step into this nation’s history before wrapping up your adventure in the foodie paradise of Osaka. This is THE trip to take in Japan!
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, Tokyo has fascinating museums, world-class shopping and backstreets stuffed with restaurants and karaoke bars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, follow your leader on an orientation walk and perhaps a group dinner together.
If you arrive early, there is plenty to see and explore in Tokyo on your own. Maybe check out our urban adventure tours in Tokyo, take a walk down Shinjuku’s Omoide Tokocho or ‘Memory Lane’ – a crowded alley of busy restaurants and bar stalls that’s now one of the best spots to try some of Tokyo’s local fast food.
Day 2: Tokyo
Dive right into Tokyo today by exploring historic Asakusa – one of the older and more traditional parts of the city. Visit the city’s oldest temple – Senso-ji – founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. Browse the many interesting stalls filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs that line the shopping street of Nakamise Dori. Then, hop on the metro and head to the buzzing Shibuya area. Check out one of the busiest intersections in the world before heading into a depachika (underground food hall) for a mouth-watering array of tempting Japanese treats. Next, allow the city sounds to fade away as you visit Meiji Shrine, surrounded by forest. Then it’s back into the city streets to explore the Harajuku district – the home of Japan’s quirky youth pop culture. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend at your leisure.
Day 3: Mishima
Leave Tokyo behind and jump on the train to Mishima – a city built on the lava flow of Mt Fuji. Thanks to an eruption several thousand years ago, the soil here is rich in nutrients and there’s an endless supply of fresh, filtered water that flows through the city like a natural irrigation system. As a result, Mishima is a garden city with many waterways running alongside residential streets. When you arrive, head to the longest suspension bridge in Japan – 400-m-long Mishima Skywalk – for an unbeatable view of Mt Fuji. You’ll then have free time to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Mishima Shrine or wander along the waterways and through the many parks. When you’ve worked up an appetite, maybe try the city’s special charbroiled eel that’s said to have been prepped by filtered fuji water! If you’re lucky enough to visit during cherry blossom season, there’s nothing better than a picnic as the sun goes down.
Day 4: Kawane
Today, you’ll hop on a local train to Kanaya station, then transfer to the scenic train that travels through the mountains and gorges of Kawane. The ride is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in the spring and when the colours change in autumn! This afternoon, visit a local tea farm and try your hand at tea picking, learn about how tea is properly brewed. After the tea experience, your host for the night will welcome you and take you to their home. Dinner will be a home-cooked feast using seasonal vegetables may from their garden, and your host will be able to teach you a thing or two about Japanese home cooking.
Day 5: Kyoto
After a home-cooked, Japanese-style breakfast, hop on the bus and a Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. One of the Kyoto’s original names was Heian-kyo, which literally translates to ‘tranquility and peace capital’, and the thousands of temples, shrines and gardens make it clear why. In the afternoon, head to the Noshiki Market and stroll through ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ for the perfect introduction to Kyoto’s regional specialties – from pickled vegetables hidden beneath layers of fermented rice to delicious and ornate Kyo-wagashi (Kyoto sweets) and other local produce. As the sun goes down, continue to Gion – the city’s cultural centre and most famous geisha district. You may catch a glimpse of an elegantly attired geisha or maiko moving between teahouses here, though much of this high-class world of entertainment is still off-limits to outsiders.
Day 6: Kyoto
Today, you’ll head to one of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. Famous for the thousands of scarlet torii (square archways) along the path, this shrine is dedicated to Inari – the god of rice. Because foxes do his bidding, there are also plenty of fox statues along the way. Then, visit a 300-year-old sake brewery – the city’s oldest continuously run brewery. Learn about their special sake-brewing techniques and the importance of rice and water before sampling some for yourself. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. If you’re in a contemplative mood, the Path of Philosophy might have what you’re after. Stroll beside a stream, beneath the dappled shade of blossoming trees, past the Zen temple Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion and Nanzen-ji Temple. You can keep walking south to the Old Town and explore the wooden houses, or visit Kinkakuhi Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel ‘The Golden Pavilion’.
Day 7: Osaka
Jump back on the train this morning and head onto Osaka – Japan’s unofficial food capital. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk, then explore the city at your own pace. Meet in the evening for a street food walking tour with your group through Dotombori District and Kuromon Market and celebrate the end of this fast and furious journey in Japan with your fellow travellers.
Day 8: Osaka
With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end today. If you would like to extend your stay in Osaka, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 8, 2025 | Oct 15, 2025 | $6,160.00 | |
| Oct 12, 2025 | Oct 19, 2025 | $6,160.00 | |
| Oct 15, 2025 | Oct 22, 2025 | $6,160.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2025 | Oct 29, 2025 | $6,165.00 | |
| Oct 26, 2025 | Nov 2, 2025 | $5,791.50 | |
| Oct 29, 2025 | Nov 5, 2025 | $5,865.00 | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | Nov 9, 2025 | $6,440.00 | |
| Nov 9, 2025 | Nov 16, 2025 | $6,440.00 | |
| Nov 16, 2025 | Nov 23, 2025 | $6,440.00 | |
| Nov 23, 2025 | Nov 30, 2025 | $4,332.00 | |
| Dec 7, 2025 | Dec 14, 2025 | $5,175.00 | |
| Jan 17, 2026 | Jan 25, 2026 | $5,670.00 | |
| Feb 28, 2026 | Mar 8, 2026 | $5,760.00 | |
| Mar 1, 2026 | Mar 9, 2026 | $6,460.00 | |
| Mar 7, 2026 | Mar 15, 2026 | $5,930.00 | |
| Mar 8, 2026 | Mar 16, 2026 | $6,040.00 | |
| Mar 14, 2026 | Mar 22, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Mar 15, 2026 | Mar 23, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Mar 21, 2026 | Mar 29, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Mar 22, 2026 | Mar 30, 2026 | $7,870.00 | |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Apr 5, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Mar 29, 2026 | Apr 6, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 10, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Apr 3, 2026 | Apr 11, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Apr 12, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Apr 17, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Apr 19, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Apr 20, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| Apr 13, 2026 | Apr 21, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Apr 24, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| May 7, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| May 9, 2026 | May 17, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| May 14, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| May 16, 2026 | May 24, 2026 | $6,685.00 | |
| May 17, 2026 | May 25, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| May 23, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | $6,685.00 | |
| May 30, 2026 | Jun 7, 2026 | $6,685.00 | |
| Jun 6, 2026 | Jun 14, 2026 | $6,295.00 | |
| Jun 13, 2026 | Jun 21, 2026 | $5,665.00 | |
| Jun 20, 2026 | Jun 28, 2026 | $5,665.00 | |
| Jun 27, 2026 | Jul 5, 2026 | $5,665.00 | |
| Jul 4, 2026 | Jul 12, 2026 | $6,295.00 | |
| Jul 19, 2026 | Jul 27, 2026 | $5,665.00 | |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Aug 8, 2026 | $6,295.00 | |
| Aug 1, 2026 | Aug 9, 2026 | $5,665.00 | |
| Aug 2, 2026 | Aug 10, 2026 | $5,665.00 | |
| Aug 8, 2026 | Aug 16, 2026 | $5,665.00 | |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Aug 23, 2026 | $5,835.00 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Aug 30, 2026 | $5,835.00 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | Sep 6, 2026 | $5,835.00 | |
| Aug 31, 2026 | Sep 8, 2026 | $5,835.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Sep 11, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Sep 4, 2026 | Sep 12, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Sep 18, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 2, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Sep 28, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Oct 4, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | $6,800.00 | |
| Oct 11, 2026 | Oct 19, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Oct 18, 2026 | Oct 26, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Oct 25, 2026 | Nov 2, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | $6,670.00 | |
| Nov 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2026 | Nov 23, 2026 | $6,485.00 | |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | $6,295.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | $5,595.00 | |
| Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | $5,595.00 | |
| Dec 6, 2026 | Dec 14, 2026 | $5,595.00 | |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | $5,595.00 | |
| Jan 16, 2027 | Jan 24, 2027 | $5,875.00 | |
| Mar 6, 2027 | Mar 14, 2027 | $6,050.00 | |
| Mar 13, 2027 | Mar 21, 2027 | $6,050.00 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Mar 28, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Apr 4, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Mar 28, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Apr 11, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Apr 8, 2027 | Apr 16, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 18, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Apr 11, 2027 | Apr 19, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Apr 12, 2027 | Apr 20, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Apr 15, 2027 | Apr 23, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| May 6, 2027 | May 14, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| May 8, 2027 | May 16, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| May 13, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| May 15, 2027 | May 23, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| May 22, 2027 | May 30, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| May 29, 2027 | Jun 6, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Jun 5, 2027 | Jun 13, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Jun 12, 2027 | Jun 20, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Jun 27, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Jun 26, 2027 | Jul 4, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Jul 3, 2027 | Jul 11, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Jul 18, 2027 | Jul 26, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Jul 30, 2027 | Aug 7, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Aug 21, 2027 | Aug 29, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Aug 28, 2027 | Sep 5, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Aug 30, 2027 | Sep 7, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Sep 2, 2027 | Sep 10, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2027 | Sep 11, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Sep 4, 2027 | Sep 12, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Sep 6, 2027 | Sep 14, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2027 | Sep 17, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Sep 27, 2027 | Oct 5, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Sep 30, 2027 | Oct 8, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Oct 2, 2027 | Oct 10, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2027 | Oct 17, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Oct 16, 2027 | Oct 24, 2027 | $7,140.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2027 | Oct 25, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Oct 21, 2027 | Oct 29, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Oct 23, 2027 | Oct 31, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2027 | Nov 7, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2027 | Nov 8, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Nov 6, 2027 | Nov 14, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Nov 13, 2027 | Nov 21, 2027 | $6,810.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2027 | Nov 28, 2027 | $6,610.00 | |
| Nov 27, 2027 | Dec 5, 2027 | $5,875.00 | |
| Dec 4, 2027 | Dec 12, 2027 | $5,875.00 | |
| Dec 11, 2027 | Dec 19, 2027 | $5,875.00 |