15 Days | Highlights of Japan | With Flights | 2025
Tokyo - Kamakura - Shizuoka - Iga - Osaka - Himeji - Hiroshima - Kyoto - Takayama - Kanazawa - and more...
Discover Tokyo, Japan’s capital, on a city tour
See Himeji Castle, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Kiyomizu Temple
Enjoy full days to explore Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto
Travel back in time in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Kanazawa to Tokyo
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$5,699
Typically $6,599
pp twin share
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Description
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the captivating landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Japan with our meticulously curated Highlights of Japan group tour.
From the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to the serene ancient temples nestled in picturesque countryside, this immersive experience is designed to showcase the diverse wonders of the "land of the rising sun."
Begin your adventure in Tokyo, where towering skyscrapers and vibrant neon lights coexist with traditional shrines and bustling street markets. Dive into the heart of Japanese culture as you explore iconic landmarks such as the awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine, the historic Meiji Shrine, and the breathtaking vistas of Hakone.
Next, journey to Hakone and Shizuoka for a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji, its snow-capped peak looming in the distance like a guardian deity. Traverse through time as you unravel the poignant history of Hiroshima, delve into the ancient traditions of Takayama and Kyoto, and wander through the charming streets of Kurashiki, Kanazawa, and Shirakawa-go.
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Osaka, where the energy of the city pulses through its bustling streets and eclectic entertainment districts. Marvel at the agility of ninjas, the strength of sumo wrestlers, and the valor of samurai as you delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese martial arts and folklore.
Experience the exhilaration of traveling on the legendary Shinkansen bullet train, racing across the countryside at exhilarating speeds. Delight in full days dedicated to exploring the cultural treasures of Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto, where every street corner unveils a new story waiting to be discovered.
Indulge in moments of tranquility amidst the timeless beauty of Takayama and Shirakawa-go, where ancient traditions endure amidst the breathtaking natural scenery. Marvel at the architectural splendor of Himeji Castle, wander through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and find serenity amidst the sacred halls of Kiyomizu Temple.
This extraordinary Japan tour package also includes return international flights from Australia to Japan, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free journey from start to finish. Join us on this unforgettable odyssey through the heart of Japan, where every moment is a testament to the enduring allure of this enchanting land.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15
Australia Tokyo, Japan
Today you will check in and board your flight bound for Japan! Enjoy the services of your flight as you fly North.
Please note, depending on your allocated flight schedule, you may fly out and arrive on Day 2.
Meals: Inflight Menu
Tokyo
Konnichiwa Japan! This jam-packed Japan group tour starts today in Tokyo. Arrive in Japan’s vibrant capital city, make your way to your accommodation and check into the hotel from 3PM. You will get an Expat Explore information pack explaining today’s activities. This evening, look forward to an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant and get your first taste of Japanese cuisine! As one of the world’s healthiest cuisines, Japanese food is known for its high-quality, fresh ingredients. At the restaurant, meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers and get excited about the days to come!
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Oriental Express Kamata or similar
Tokyo
Wake up in buzzing Tokyo and look forward to a full day in this iconic city. Set off on a sightseeing city tour after breakfast to discover some of Tokyo’s top attractions. Discover ancient culture at the Meiji Shrine and the Senso-ji Temple. Enjoy free time for lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market (sushi, anyone?) and wander through the Ginza shopping neighbourhood which is known for its bright, neon lights. The evening is free to spend as you wish. The Tokyo+ optional excursion is highly recommended. Visit the Skytree Tower for panoramic views of Tokyo, grab dinner in Omoide Yokocho and enjoy a walking tour of Shinjuku City.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Oriental Express Kamata or similar
Tokyo Kamakura Hakone Shizuoka Prefecture
Wave farewell to Tokyo for now as the tour travels towards Shizuoka with some insightful sightseeing along the way. Discover Kamakura, a stunning seaside city which is known for its Great Buddha and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine. Then, enjoy free time for lunch and more sightseeing in Hakone, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Ashi which boasts spectacular Mount Fuji views! The last stop of the day is Shizuoka Prefecture. Check into the hotel and look forward to a free evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet or similar
Shizuoka Prefecture Nihondaira Iga
Delight in a day full of one-of-a-kind Japanese experiences today! Awe-inspiring Mount Fuji views await at our first stop in Nihondaira where the group will also get to visit a green tea farm and learn more about how Japan’s most popular tea is produced. After some free time for lunch, enjoy a tour of a miso factory. Finally, arrive in the city of Iga and check into the hotel for the night. The rest of the evening is free. Ask your tour leader for suggestions on things to do and places to see near the accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Route Inn Grantia or similar
Iga Sumo Museum Osaka
The adventures start right away today! After breakfast, head to the Iga Ninja Museum and learn all about these mysterious martial artists with a Ninja skill and weaponry demonstration. Leaving Iga behind, travel to the Kehaya Sumo Museum which will provide great insight into the history of this unique style of wrestling. Then, travel onwards to Osaka and enjoy some free time for lunch in the famous Dotonbori area before embarking on a guided city tour. Discover some of the city’s most beloved sights and learn all about this buzzing city which is an important trade centre as well as a top nightlife destination. Enjoy a free evening to experience this nightlife for yourself!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Noku Osaka or similar
Osaka Himeji Hiroshima
Wave goodbye to Osaka this morning as the tour travels to another intriguing Japanese city - Hiroshima! En route, pay a visit to Himeji Castle. This castle’s construction dates back to the 14th Century and is one of the best examples of Japanese architecture. Take in the incredible views (featuring cherry blossom trees in bloom between March and May) from this hilltop castle and explore its well-preserved interior. Arrive in Hiroshima later this afternoon where the group will stay for the next two nights. After checking into the hotel, enjoy an included Okonomiyaki dinner. This savoury pancake is one of Japan’s most popular dishes!
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Mystays Hiroshima or similar
Hiroshima
Today offers a full day to uncover Hiroshima’s modern highlights and ancient history. On a guided city tour, learn all about the impact of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima during WW2 and how this has shaped the city today. During the walking and driving tour, walk across the historic Kintaikyo Bridge and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, known for its “floating” torii (gate), on Miyajima Island. Explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and pay your respects to the victims of the 1945 bombing. The evening is free to explore Hiroshima on your own. For a taste of the Hiroshima nightlife, visit the Nagarekawa district.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mystays Hiroshima or similar
Hiroshima Kurashiki Kyoto
Depart Hiroshima after breakfast this morning and head to Kurashiki, a charming city which is home to gorgeous canals and historic rice storehouses. Here, enjoy some free time to explore one of Kurashiki’s many museums located in its historic centre or admire the city’s sights from the water on a punting boat. In the early afternoon, travel onwards to Kyoto for a true highlight of Japan tours! This ancient city and former capital of Japan is beloved by visitors from all over the world. Enjoy some sightseeing before checking into the hotel for the night. The rest of the evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Prince Kyoto or similar
Kyoto
Ohayō Kyoto! Enjoy a full day to experience this enigmatic city which is home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Start the day at the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and walk through the breathtaking bamboo towers. After soaking up this stunning scenery, discover one of Japan’s most impressive temples. The Kiyomizu Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,200 years of history. It’s also one of the best places to see sakura during cherry blossom season in Japan (March-May). Then, head towards the famous Gion district, strolling along Ninenzaka with its many shops along the way. Enjoy free time for lunch, shopping or more sightseeing before heading back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Prince Kyoto or similar
Kyoto Hikone Takayama
More fascinating Japanese sights await as we leave Kyoto this morning. First up on the agenda today is a visit to Hikone, a quaint city on the shores of Lake Biwa (Japan’s largest lake). The Edo-period Hikone Castle, which is considered a national treasure, is best viewed from the luscious, 17th-Century Genkyuen Garden. In the afternoon, travel to Takayama where the tour will spend the evening. Located in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture, Takayama offers plenty of charm, history and natural beauty. Explore the historic Sanmachi district this afternoon and learn about the artisans, merchants and farmers who lived here during the Edo period.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Chisun or similar
Takayama Shirakawa Kanazawa
Today offers a unique opportunity to discover Gassho-zukuri architecture. After breakfast, look forward to visiting the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum and exploring the numerous old farmhouses which represent the architectural styles of Japan’s mountainous regions. Characteristic of the Gassho-zukuri style, many of the houses are made of wood and feature thatched gable roofs. Then, explore the traditional village of Shirakawa-go. This UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping into a fairytale with its traditional houses and serene scenery among the Japanese Alps. In the afternoon, the tour will make its way to Kanazawa where the group will spend the night. Here, visit the picture-perfect Kenrokuen Garden which blooms with cherry blossoms in spring and colourful leaves in autumn!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mystays or similar
Kanazawa Tokyo
The tour may be ending tomorrow but the adventures aren’t over yet! Enjoy free time this morning to explore Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Rich in history and cultural heritage, Kanazawa shares many similarities with Kyoto yet is much less crowded. This hidden gem of a city is probably best known for the Nagamachi Samurai District. Here, wander its cobblestone streets lined with shops and restaurants and admire the former samurai homes. In the afternoon, the tour heads to the train station and hops aboard the Shinkansen towards Tokyo. Known for its exceptional speed, this bullet train can travel up to 320kph (200mph)! Check into the hotel upon arrival in Tokyo. This evening, enjoy a farewell group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Oriental Express Kamata or similar
Tokyo Australia
After unforgettable days of exploring Japan’s highlights and hidden gems, the tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Your tour group wishes you a safe journey onward Sayōnara!
Make your way to the airport and check in for your return flgiht home.
Meals: Breakfast and Inflight Menu
Australia
Welcome Home! We trust you have enjoyed this amazing time away in Japan and we look forward to making your next Traveldream a reality!
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Return International Economy Class Flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Other cities available with a flight surcharge
- 12 nights in 3 & 4 star hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
- 12 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
- Shinkansen (bullet train) journey from Kanazawa to Tokyo
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
Why is there a surcharge on selected dates? Surcharges apply when you are travelling at a peak travel period such as the Cherry Blossom season or other important events, holidays, festivals etc. This costing covers the increased cost of both air and land services. We are unable to discount or remove a surcharge.
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
- Any personal expenses or shopping, ie souvenirs
- Meals not included in itinerary
- Laundry costs
- Any necessary visas or passport fees
- Tipping or gratuities
Child Policy: No children under 10 years of age are allowed on this tour. Contact us if you are after a family-friendly trip!
Single supplement: Travelling solo? The single supplement is $2376 and is available at check-out.
Fitness levels: These tours require a moderate level of fitness and are not ideal for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
Want to stay longer, add on another tour or need help with flights? Get in touch with us today!
Travelling on your own? Why not join the Traveldream Solo Travellers Facebook group where you can interact with other travellers.
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