Japan Highlights
Experience Overview
Home of the sumo, geishas, sake, karaoke, onsen and izakaya – Japan is a feast for all your senses. This nine-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 homestay with fantastic home-cooked meals and take in the views of the iconic Mt Fuji. Travel on a futuristic bullet train to Kyoto and Hiroshima and step into this nation’s history before wrapping up your adventure in the foodie paradise of Osaka.
Highlights
- Explore some of the best parts of Japan in just over a week! This is a cultural and culinary whirlwind from the streets of Tokyo to the eats of Osaka.
- Discover the peaceful rural life with a countryside home stay in Shizuoka prefecture, sitting with the backdrop of Mt Fuji. Learn about the region’s local produce and sit down to a farm-to-table feast with your hosts.
- Visit the red torii gate standing in the sea in Miyajima, learn about the history of Hiroshima and treat your taste buds to a signature Okonomiyaki pancake and a tasting through Hiroshima's 'sake town'.
- Ride the rails like the locals, from lightning-fast bullet trains to scenic mountain rails offering seasonal views of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
- See the many sides of Shibuya in Tokyo, from busy intersections to the tranquility of the ancient Meiji Shrine and the quirky fashion of Harajuku.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1719
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Public Bus,Metro,Local Train,Bullet Train
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Rail & Cruises
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: CJSH
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Osaka, Japan
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (1), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3073 ($341 /day)
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Tokyo. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, Tokyo has fascinating museums, world-class shopping and backstreets stuffed with restaurants and karaoke bars. If you arrive early, maybe check out an Urban Adventure Tour in Tokyo or walk down Shinjuku’s Omoide Tokocho (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. After your meeting, follow your leader on an orientation walk, then maybe head out for dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.
Included Activities:
- Tokyo - welcome meeting and orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. Then, browse the many interesting stalls along the shopping street of Nakamise Dori. After, 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.
Included Activities:
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen (500 JPY)
- Tokyo - Yoyogi Park - Free
- Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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! Watch out for a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on the way when the weather is good! This afternoon, visit a local tea farm, try your hand at tea picking and learn how the tea is properly brewed. After this experience, your host for the night will welcome you to their home. Dinner will be a home-cooked feast using seasonal vegetables from their garden, and your host will be able to teach you a thing or two about Japanese home cooking.
For some departures, you'll travel to Gotemba instead. This is to ensure that we do not overwhelm our Kawane hosts with too many groups and ensure we are working with local communities in a sustainable manner. For these departures, you'll travel to Gotemba instead and your local hosts will welcome you into their home. You'll be able to help pick the vegetables that'll be used for dinner from their garden, learn about their life in the countryside and enjoy a fantastic home-cooked dinner together.
Included Activities:
- Kawane/Gotemba - Homestay & Home-cooked Dinner
- Kawane - Tea Farm Visit & Tea Brewing & Tasting (or Gotemba - Local farm and vegetable picking)
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
After a home-cooked, Japanese-style breakfast, hop on the bus and a Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. One of Kyoto’s original names was Heian-kyo, which translates to ‘tranquility and peace capital’, and the thousands of temples, shrines and gardens make it clear why. In the afternoon, head to the Nishiki 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.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
- Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre (5500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Path of Philosophy, see the Old Town and explore the wooden houses, or visit Kinkakuhi Temple, which was immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel ‘The Golden Pavilion’. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Kyoto Tower (900 JPY)
- Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from (1200 JPY)
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden (600 JPY)
- Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
- Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi) - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by express train and shinkansen to Hiroshima today. Depending on what time you arrive today, you may visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park this afternoon or tomorrow morning. The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated, so it was able to retain its shape. 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, 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).
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A-Bomb Dome
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its well-known 'floating' torii gate. When you arrive, maybe explore the island further 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. After, visit the Saijo Sake Brewery Street and taste some locally produced sake. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore Hiroshima at your own pace. Maybe 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.
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
- Hiroshima - Saijo Sake Brewery Street visit & tasting
Optional Activities:
- Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shine (300 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Jump back on the train this morning and head to 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 last night of your trip.
Included Activities:
- Osaka - Dotombori and Kuromon Street Food Walking Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end today. If you would like to extend your stay in Osaka, and it’s recommended that you do, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Helen - Traveled, March 2024
Fantastic introductory trip to Japan , gives you great insights to the country , Daisuke our guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable about Japan , he went out of his way to accommodate people’s requests , he was super organised every day . The farm stay was a genuine Japanese family experience.I would recommend this trip to anyone
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Carole - Traveled, March 2024
Diasuke our leader was very organized managing our group through Japan’s busiest cities and coordinating the transportation. We were very fortunate to have Jane-san and Yusu-san along as well. Very enjoyable trip for covering the highlights of Japan in a short amount of time. There is so much to see and learn about Japan that I will be coming back to Japan for another Intrepid trip this year. \
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Katie - Traveled, March 2024
Japan Highlights is great trip if you only have a short period of time to explore this amazing country. A good mix of group activities, free time and an authentic home stay. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Eilis - Traveled, November 2023
Great introductory trip to Japan. This is a 5 day packed tour that gives you great insights to Japan and it covers loads! Yuki, our wonderful tour guide, made it special-she was outgoing, energetic, super organised and minded everyone. Some trip tips- pack light-(leave space in your bag for any shopping), there are laundry(washer/dryer) facilities at all hotels (you can have fresh clothes in 2 hours), the hotels also have shampoo/ conditioner etc with extras. The walk mentioned is a 2 hour hike (B/c) up a mountain, which was well worth doing. Easily done in runners. There is lots of walking so bring comfortable footwear. If you days to spare, do it after the trip as you will know how everything works. Enjoy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Pete - Traveled, November 2023
Had an amazing trip. The itinerary was well planned, the accommodations were excellent and our guide went above and beyond at every step. Would travel with Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Jayson - Traveled, November 2023
The Japan Highlight tours was fantastic, especially with the tour leader (Susumu) he made the trip so memorable, his leadership and ability to show us around his wonderful country. Definitely will be going back in the future based on this trip. I recommend going a few days early and extending a few days as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Phil - Traveled, October 2023
The week found a good balance of seeing the main Japanese city sites and some personalised quieter locations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Victoria - Traveled, October 2023
The Japan Highlights trip was incredible. It provided a great introduction into so many beautiful and cool places in Japan. We got to have some brilliant experiences and eat some amazing foods. The stay at local’s house was so awesome and provided a wonderful insight into the Japanese culture. The hosts were very generous and kind. Overall it was an awesome trip. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Maria - Traveled, October 2023
This is my second time experience with Intrepid Tours and I would like to recommend it to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Amy - Traveled, October 2023
What a fun and eye- opening trip! Japan is not all like Tokyo and Intrepid Travel helped introduce it to me, and whet my appetite for more????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2023
Nicki - Traveled, October 2023
What a fabulous introduction to Japan! Highly recommend this quick tour to travel with confidence and with like minded people. Farm stay was a genuine Japanese family experience and something we would not have been able to organise ourselves. This tour provides lots of variety and adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
christopher - Traveled, October 2023
The trip was a good introduction to Japan and our team leader was very knowledgeable and a charming character. The trip is advertised as an 8 day trip , but the reality it is only a six trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Soula - Traveled, October 2023
Highlights of japan,I would highly recommend it's a stress free adventure. I would've done or seen what I saw on this tour....buzzing tokyo,home stay in a little village,amazing fishmarkets,Kyoto's little backstreets Food and endless shopping in in osaka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Hannah - Traveled, September 2023
What an amazing experience with such fantastic people! I'll never have an experience like this ever again and can't wait for the next one to meet more like-minded people that want to do everything they can in such an amazing country like Japan
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Brianna - Traveled, September 2023
My group leader, Daisuke, did a wonderful job in showing me a bit of Japan with this tour. The tour was a bit on the pricey side, but the hotels are very nice and that includes all transport for included activities. We were even able to go to optional activities together as a group. All in all, I am very happy with the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
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