Destinations: Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara
Destinations: Nikko
Visit the Land of the Rising Sun, from Shinto shrines and historic temples to cities filled with vibrant culture on this one-week tour of Japan’s top sites. It all starts in Osaka, where you’ll visit the city’s feudal castle and taste your way around town with a Dotonbori street food experience. See Nara Park, filled with friendly Sika deer, and Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, as well as the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
In Kyoto, step back in time at the Golden Pavilion, walk through the Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari, then explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Garden. Take the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) to Tokyo, with highlights including the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple and bustling Shibuya Crossing. From UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites to the country’s top metropolises, this journey is your gateway to the best of Japan.
Cherry blossom dates available: See Japan during the cherry blossom season with select dates available.
Travelling to Japan? Here’s what you should know.
Destinations: Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara
Destinations: Nikko
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out by a private coach to explore Osaka Castle, a landmark once intended by samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi to unite Japan.
From there, visit the Shinsekai District, a retro neighbourhood full of nostalgic charm with street food stalls and quirky shops.
Spend the afternoon strolling along Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s premier shopping arcade packed with boutique stores and local brands. Nearby, explore the food vendors of Dotonbori, illuminated by neon lights.
Enjoy a warm welcome dinner at a local Japanese restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers to celebrate the start of your tour. Then, return to your hotel for the evening.
A busy, active day of sightseeing and travel awaits for you today as you wave goodbye to Osaka and journey by coach to Nara, where Sika deer wander freely.
Here, you will explore Todai-ji – a massive wooden temple containing one of Japan’s largest bronze buddhas. Next, explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its hundreds of lanterns.
In the afternoon, journey to Kyoto and visit the famous Gion District, the heart of geisha culture, where you can wander its narrow streets lined with traditional wooden buildings.
Enjoy a restful evening at your hotel and be sure to pack one nights worth of luggage for the next morning’s activities.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Nara day trip
Your luggage will be sent to Tokyo as you board a private coach and start your day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Next, admire the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), its reflection shimmering in the surrounding pond.
Continue to Arashiyama, where you’ll stroll through the iconic Bamboo Grove and visit the serene Tenryu-ji Garden, a Zen temple surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.
Return to Kyoto for a relaxing evening, and be sure to pack one nights worth of luggage for the next morning’s activities.
Fushimi Inari shrine visit
Today, you will be making use of Japan’s incredible local trains and buses to board the bullet train to Tokyo. Your tour leader will assist with preparing your bus fare, train tickets and getting to the correct platform.
Upon arrival, explore the city’s highlights, including the Imperial Palace, where you can stroll through its picturesque gardens. Visit the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, filled with fresh seafood and local delicacies, and wander through the stylish Ginza shopping district.
Conclude the day at Shibuya, home to the iconic crossing, before settling into your Tokyo hotel.
Travel time: Bullet train – approx. two hours
Please note: Sunshine City Prince Hotel room sizes may be smaller with less storage capacity than typical accommodations. However, the hotel is centrally located, with many nearby amenities to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Shinkansen bullet train journey to Tokyo
Enjoy breakfast as you prepare for a busy day exploring Tokyo’s historic and modern attractions on a full-day sightseeing tour with a lot of walking and bus journeys.
Visit the impressive Tokyo Skytree, offering panoramic city views, before heading to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis in bustling Tokyo.
Continue to trendy Harajuku and experience the evening buzz at Shibuya Crossing with a walking tour of the surrounding area.
Wrap up your trip with a memorable dinner at a popular restaurant known for traditional Japanese cuisine.
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say sayonara to Japan.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 11am. Please book your flights to depart from Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) at any time. Airport transfers are not included for your tour. The hotel is located approximately a 15-minute drive from Tokyo International Airport (HND) or one hour from Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT).
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.
Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours
Date Changes
Itinerary Amendments & Changes
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Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Transfers
Tipping
Please Note:
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins at your Osaka accommodation and ends at your Tokyo accommodation.
Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Please book your flights to arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM) at any time on Day 1 and depart from Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) at any time on Day 7, or on day Day 9 if joining the extended tour.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Time zone: GMT+9
Telephone: +81
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Accessing money: Cash is widely accepted and the preferred method of payment. ATMs are readily accessible in 7-Eleven. Ask your tour leader/guide about the best place to change money once you begin your tour. Please note: some ATMs may only accept four-digit pins.
Language: Japanese
Climate: Japan has four distinct seasons: cherry blossoms in spring (March-May), cool and leafy in autumn (September-November) and humid and muggy at times in summer (June-August) with snowfall at higher altitudes during winter (December-February). Cherry blossom season typically occurs from the end of March to the beginning of April but this may vary.