Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Tour Description
Day 1: Tokyo
Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto, this 12-day trip will introduce you to iconic landmarks and the lesser-known cities through Japan’s central and western reaches. Ride the scenic ropeway in Hakone, stay with a local family in Hagi and see the floating torii gate of Miyajima Island. Wander through Takayama’s Hida Folk Village, visit the Peace Park in Hiroshima and join your local leader on an walk through the historic Gion District in Kyoto.
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore including fascinating museums, world-class shopping centres and neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the Hama Rikyu Garden, visit the Sumida Hokusai Museum or explore Ueno Park. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Hakone
Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo and travel to Hakone in the afternoon – a scenic hot spring town in the foothills of Mt Fuji. When you arrive, the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the iconic red gate that stands in the water of Lake Ashi, visit Hakone Shrine, wander through modern sculptures and beautiful gardens at the Hakone Open-Air Museum or simply relax in one of Hakone’s numerous onsens (hot springs). Tonight, why not find a local restaurant for dinner and try black eggs, which are cooked in the hot springs of Owakudani, paired with a local beer.
Day 3: Hakone
This morning, hop on a boat across Ashinoko Lake, then ride the Hakone ropeway cable car to the top of the surrounding mountains. The area around the lake offers plenty of stunning views, and you may even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance if weather conditions are clear. The afternoon is free to further explore Hakone’s mountain scenery and volcanic sites. Maybe visit the boiling sulphur springs of Owakudani, go for a walk through the hills of the famed grassland ecosystem of Sengokuhara or discover a collection of art at the Pola Museum of Art.
Day 4: Takayama
Travel by a local train, then a shinkansen towards Takayama – a charming Edo period town in the Japanese Alps, famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the Hida Folk Village. The village is your first stop – an outdoor museum where the traditional thatched-roof architecture unique to the area has been relocated to a mountain setting to preserve traditional Japanese culture. Discover the techniques used to build farmhouses that could withstand fierce winters and long periods of isolation due to snow-closed roads. The thick thatching kept in warmth, and the roofs were angled to minimise snow build-up. Each house is like its own self-contained museum, with displays of personal items and traditional tools. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 5: Takayama
This morning, you’ll head to the markets in Gifu prefecture – these markets have been held for over 600 years and are known for their array of high-altitude vegetables. Browse the stalls of seasonal produce that’s brought in from the surrounding countryside and set up by local farm women from 7 am every morning. Look out for the unique local style of pickles, the bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices and the delicious marshmallow treat, owara tamaten. Then, head to Zenkoji Temple to learn how to make incense, which is believed to have purifying qualities. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the town at your own pace.
Day 6: Hiroshima
Travel by express train and shinkansen to Hiroshima today. When you arrive, you’ll visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park. The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated so it was able to retain its shape and the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing has made it an enduring symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims. This evening, maybe head out with your leader for one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood).
Day 7: Hiroshima
Today you’ll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous ‘floating’ torii gate. You might like to further explore the island by climbing to the top of Mt Miyajima (or hopping on the cable car instead) for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Keep your eyes out for inquisitive and hungry deer that roam the streets. You have the rest of the day free to enjoy some of the other sites. You could stop by the five-storied Hiroshima Castle, which originally dates to the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but reconstructed in all its glory in the 1950s and now holds an informative museum. The wonderful Shukkeien Garden, with teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress.
Day 8: Hagi
This morning, travel to Hagi – a coastal city known for its spring cherry blossoms and forested slopes of Mt Shizuki. When you arrive, take a walking tour around the Samurai District. Wander through the middle- and lower-class samurai houses and merchants, then walk down the widest street and main road where the feudal lord’s processions passed. During your walking tour, you’ll also visit the Former Kubota Family Residence – the old house of a former kimono and sake brewing business man, which is very representative of life in the area over 100 years ago. Tonight, meet your homestay family and join in the family with the preparation and cooking of your dinner.
Day 9: Hagi
This morning, go with the flow and dive into the day to day life in Hagi with your host. Maybe check out their gardens and vegetables, visit the local supermarket for some shopping or walk around the neighbourhood. Each host will have their own plans. This afternoon, you’ll regroup and hop on a bike to explore the countryside of Hagi. But first, visit a local sake brewery and hear about the inspiring story of the local female sake brewer and how she’s broken the taboo and taken on the family business to continue brewing as one of the very few female sake brewers in the country. Then, continue your cycling tour to explore the countryside of Hagi. Later, head back to your homestay for another night with your host family.
Day 10: Kyoto
Leave Hagi today and travel to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (‘tranquility and peace capital’) by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, but the emperor and government are now in Tokyo. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there’s plenty to explore in this gorgeous city. Your leader will take you on a sunset walk through the Gion District (look out for wandering Geisha and Meiko!). Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and try some traditional sushi or beef.
Day 11: Kyoto
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, with its impressive Golden Pavilion, immortalised by Yukio Mishima’s novel. Then, visit the red tori gates in Fushimi Inari. For the more active, hiking up the mountain following the red torii gates is a great way to enjoy the forest and the views over the city! Your afternoon is free to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Maybe head out in the evening with your group to celebrate the end of your adventure together.
Day 12: Kyoto
There are no activities planned for the day and you’re free to depart the hotel at any time after check out. If you would like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 2026 | Sep 14, 2026 | $6,826.50 | |
| Sep 6, 2026 | Sep 17, 2026 | $9,395.00 | |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Sep 19, 2026 | $7,495.50 | |
| Sep 13, 2026 | Sep 24, 2026 | $9,360.00 | |
| Sep 17, 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 | $9,390.00 | |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 | $10,130.00 | |
| Sep 27, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 | $10,130.00 | |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Oct 10, 2026 | $10,295.00 | |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | $10,295.00 | |
| Oct 4, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | $10,295.00 | |
| Oct 8, 2026 | Oct 19, 2026 | $10,295.00 | |
| Oct 11, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | $10,660.00 | |
| Oct 13, 2026 | Oct 24, 2026 | $10,295.00 | |
| Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 26, 2026 | $9,790.00 | |
| Oct 18, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | $10,630.00 | |
| Oct 20, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | $9,780.25 | |
| Oct 22, 2026 | Nov 2, 2026 | $10,032.00 | |
| Oct 25, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 | $10,495.00 | |
| Oct 27, 2026 | Nov 7, 2026 | $10,295.00 | |
| Oct 29, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | $10,230.00 | |
| Nov 1, 2026 | Nov 12, 2026 | $10,190.00 | |
| Nov 8, 2026 | Nov 19, 2026 | $10,530.00 | |
| Nov 12, 2026 | Nov 23, 2026 | $10,295.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2026 | Nov 26, 2026 | $9,995.00 | |
| Nov 22, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | $9,160.00 | |
| Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 10, 2026 | $8,495.00 | |
| Dec 6, 2026 | Dec 17, 2026 | $8,295.00 | |
| Dec 13, 2026 | Dec 24, 2026 | $8,460.00 | |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Jan 21, 2027 | $7,795.00 | |
| Jan 31, 2027 | Feb 11, 2027 | $7,860.00 | |
| Feb 14, 2027 | Feb 25, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Feb 28, 2027 | Mar 11, 2027 | $7,860.00 | |
| Mar 7, 2027 | Mar 18, 2027 | $8,275.00 | |
| Mar 11, 2027 | Mar 22, 2027 | $8,275.00 | |
| Mar 14, 2027 | Mar 25, 2027 | $9,120.00 | |
| Mar 16, 2027 | Mar 27, 2027 | $8,480.00 | |
| Mar 18, 2027 | Mar 29, 2027 | $8,620.00 | |
| Mar 21, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $8,730.00 | |
| Mar 23, 2027 | Apr 3, 2027 | $9,995.00 | |
| Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 | $8,995.00 | |
| Mar 28, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $8,995.00 | |
| Mar 30, 2027 | Apr 10, 2027 | $9,560.00 | |
| Mar 31, 2027 | Apr 11, 2027 | $8,995.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 12, 2027 | $8,995.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2027 | Apr 13, 2027 | $8,890.00 | |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Apr 14, 2027 | $9,930.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2027 | Apr 15, 2027 | $8,890.00 | |
| Apr 6, 2027 | Apr 17, 2027 | $8,560.00 | |
| Apr 8, 2027 | Apr 19, 2027 | $9,780.00 | |
| Apr 9, 2027 | Apr 20, 2027 | $9,780.00 | |
| Apr 13, 2027 | Apr 24, 2027 | $8,990.00 | |
| Apr 15, 2027 | Apr 26, 2027 | $8,275.00 | |
| May 6, 2027 | May 17, 2027 | $8,430.00 | |
| May 9, 2027 | May 20, 2027 | $8,000.00 | |
| May 11, 2027 | May 22, 2027 | $8,095.00 | |
| May 13, 2027 | May 24, 2027 | $8,095.00 | |
| May 16, 2027 | May 27, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| May 19, 2027 | May 30, 2027 | $8,095.00 | |
| May 23, 2027 | Jun 3, 2027 | $8,095.00 | |
| May 27, 2027 | Jun 7, 2027 | $8,095.00 | |
| May 30, 2027 | Jun 10, 2027 | $8,095.00 | |
| Jun 6, 2027 | Jun 17, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Jun 13, 2027 | Jun 24, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Jun 20, 2027 | Jul 1, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Jun 27, 2027 | Jul 8, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Jun 29, 2027 | Jul 10, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Jul 1, 2027 | Jul 12, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Jul 15, 2027 | Jul 26, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Jul 18, 2027 | Jul 29, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Jul 22, 2027 | Aug 2, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Jul 25, 2027 | Aug 5, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Aug 17, 2027 | Aug 28, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Aug 22, 2027 | Sep 2, 2027 | $7,960.00 | |
| Aug 26, 2027 | Sep 6, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Aug 29, 2027 | Sep 9, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Aug 31, 2027 | Sep 11, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Sep 2, 2027 | Sep 13, 2027 | $7,965.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2027 | Sep 14, 2027 | $7,965.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2027 | Sep 16, 2027 | $7,965.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2027 | Sep 18, 2027 | $7,965.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2027 | Sep 20, 2027 | $7,965.00 | |
| Sep 12, 2027 | Sep 23, 2027 | $7,965.00 | |
| Sep 16, 2027 | Sep 27, 2027 | $8,360.00 | |
| Sep 23, 2027 | Oct 4, 2027 | $8,275.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2027 | Oct 7, 2027 | $8,275.00 | |
| Sep 28, 2027 | Oct 9, 2027 | $8,275.00 | |
| Sep 30, 2027 | Oct 11, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2027 | Oct 14, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Oct 4, 2027 | Oct 15, 2027 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 12, 2027 | Oct 23, 2027 | $8,730.00 | |
| Oct 14, 2027 | Oct 25, 2027 | $8,730.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2027 | Oct 28, 2027 | $8,730.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2027 | Oct 30, 2027 | $8,730.00 | |
| Oct 21, 2027 | Nov 1, 2027 | $8,730.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2027 | Nov 4, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Oct 26, 2027 | Nov 6, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Oct 28, 2027 | Nov 8, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Oct 29, 2027 | Nov 9, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2027 | Nov 11, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Nov 4, 2027 | Nov 15, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Nov 7, 2027 | Nov 18, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Nov 11, 2027 | Nov 22, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2027 | Nov 25, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Nov 21, 2027 | Dec 2, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2027 | Dec 9, 2027 | $8,395.00 | |
| Dec 5, 2027 | Dec 16, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Dec 12, 2027 | Dec 23, 2027 | $7,660.00 | |
| Jan 9, 2028 | Jan 20, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jan 30, 2028 | Feb 10, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Feb 13, 2028 | Feb 24, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Feb 27, 2028 | Mar 9, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Mar 5, 2028 | Mar 16, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Mar 9, 2028 | Mar 20, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Mar 12, 2028 | Mar 23, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 14, 2028 | Mar 25, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 16, 2028 | Mar 27, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 19, 2028 | Mar 30, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 21, 2028 | Apr 1, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 23, 2028 | Apr 3, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 26, 2028 | Apr 6, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 28, 2028 | Apr 8, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 29, 2028 | Apr 9, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 30, 2028 | Apr 10, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Mar 31, 2028 | Apr 11, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2028 | Apr 12, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2028 | Apr 13, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2028 | Apr 15, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Apr 6, 2028 | Apr 17, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Apr 7, 2028 | Apr 18, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Apr 11, 2028 | Apr 22, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Apr 13, 2028 | Apr 24, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| May 4, 2028 | May 15, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| May 7, 2028 | May 18, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| May 9, 2028 | May 20, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| May 11, 2028 | May 22, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| May 14, 2028 | May 25, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| May 17, 2028 | May 28, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| May 21, 2028 | Jun 1, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| May 25, 2028 | Jun 5, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| May 28, 2028 | Jun 8, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jun 4, 2028 | Jun 15, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jun 11, 2028 | Jun 22, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jun 18, 2028 | Jun 29, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jun 25, 2028 | Jul 6, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jun 27, 2028 | Jul 8, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jun 29, 2028 | Jul 10, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jul 13, 2028 | Jul 24, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jul 16, 2028 | Jul 27, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jul 20, 2028 | Jul 31, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Jul 23, 2028 | Aug 3, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Aug 15, 2028 | Aug 26, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Aug 20, 2028 | Aug 31, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Aug 22, 2028 | Sep 2, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Aug 24, 2028 | Sep 4, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Aug 27, 2028 | Sep 7, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Aug 29, 2028 | Sep 9, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Aug 31, 2028 | Sep 11, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 1, 2028 | Sep 12, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2028 | Sep 14, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2028 | Sep 16, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2028 | Sep 18, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 10, 2028 | Sep 21, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 14, 2028 | Sep 25, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 21, 2028 | Oct 2, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 24, 2028 | Oct 5, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2028 | Oct 7, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Sep 28, 2028 | Oct 9, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Oct 1, 2028 | Oct 12, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 2, 2028 | Oct 13, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2028 | Oct 21, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 12, 2028 | Oct 23, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 15, 2028 | Oct 26, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2028 | Oct 28, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2028 | Oct 30, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2028 | Nov 2, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2028 | Nov 4, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 26, 2028 | Nov 6, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 27, 2028 | Nov 7, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Oct 29, 2028 | Nov 9, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Nov 2, 2028 | Nov 13, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Nov 5, 2028 | Nov 16, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Nov 9, 2028 | Nov 20, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Nov 12, 2028 | Nov 23, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Nov 19, 2028 | Nov 30, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Nov 26, 2028 | Dec 7, 2028 | $9,590.00 | |
| Dec 3, 2028 | Dec 14, 2028 | $8,640.00 | |
| Dec 10, 2028 | Dec 21, 2028 | $8,640.00 |