A Taste of Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

12 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Discover Japan's enchanting mix of ancient and modern influences, exploring history, culture and cuisine. Travel on the bullet train through a land of contrasting flavours, taking in the bright lights of Tokyo as well as the freshest seafood at busy fish markets. Head to the mountains to learn about rural life in the Edo period, and enjoy a traditional Japane...
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$6,777
From$5,510
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Travel by bullet train across Japan and savour the freshest seafood, sushi and Hida beef
    • Discover thriving Tokyo, beautiful Kyoto and vibrant Osaka
    • Sample sake, make wagashi, enjoy our private tea ceremony

What's this trip about?

    Discover Japan's enchanting mix of ancient and modern influences, exploring history, culture and cuisine. Travel on the bullet train through a land of contrasting flavours, taking in the bright lights of Tokyo as well as the freshest seafood at busy fish markets. Head to the mountains to learn about rural life in the Edo period, and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in a family-run minshuku. Kyoto - Explore Nijo Castle and its extensive gardens followed by an izakaya dinner Harajuku - Soak up the vibrant Tokyo fashion culture and sample sweet desserts from street food carts, including Japanese-style crepes Osaka - Savour kushikatsu and takoyaki in Japan's food capital

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityTokyo
End CityOsaka

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Japan

Attractions

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Kanazawa
  • Kyoto
  • Nijo Castle
  • Osaka
  • Shirakawa
  • Shirakawago
  • Takayama
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join Tour in Tokyo, konnichiwa!

The trip starts today in Tokyo, the most populous metropolitan area in the world, home to more than 26 million people including the Japanese imperial family. The city holds a lot of history as well as modern shopping centres and the neon-illuminated signs it's famous ...

Day 2 Tokyo seafood market, sushi lunch, Hamarikyu gardens, kitchen town and street food dessert

This morning we start our exploration of this thriving metropolis on foot and by use of the super-efficient metro system. Firstly, we visit Tsukiji Outer Market, one of the biggest and busiest fish markets in Japan where freshly caught fish and seafood are on display....

Day 3 Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine, Okonomiyaki lunch and trendy Harajuku district

We start our second day in the capital with a visit to Meiji Jingu, an important Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of the first Emperor and Empress of modern Japan at the end of Japan's feudal era. Its forested grounds offer a peaceful haven in this dense...

Day 4 Train to mountain town Takayama, afternoon Hida no Sato folk village museum

Say sayonara to Tokyo as we travel by fast train to historic Takayama, a town in the mountainous Hida region. The train journey will last 4-5 hours, firstly on the Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya followed by a regional train to Takayama. It is a great chance to buy ...

Day 5 Bus to Kanazawa via Shirakawago UNESCO village

This morning we explore the old town of Takayama and at the morning market you will be able to try the famous and delicious Hida beef. Made from a breed of Japanese black cattle reared in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, this prized local product is known for high qu...

Day 6 Visit stunning Kenrokuen Garden. Japanese traditional sweets (wagashi) making. Temaki sushi lunch. Free afternoon

As the town was not targeted during World War II, much of Kanazawa consists of old buildings and gives a sense of what Japan was like in the 19th century. This morning we visit Kenrokuen Garden, designated as one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. Taking nearly ...

Day 7 Visit Omicho market. Train to Kyoto. Visit Nijo Castle and Gion geisha district. Izakaya dinner

First thing this morning we wander around the colourful stalls of Omicho market, where some of the best seafood in Japan is brought daily from the Sea of Japan. Sending our main luggage on to the accommodation makes for a relaxing journey by train (over 2 hours) to Ky...

Day 8 AM - Visit Uji green tea growing capital. Try matcha sweets and ice cream. PM - Private tea ceremony in Kyoto

Start the day with a short train ride to Uji, famous for growing the highest quality of green tea, whose finest leaves milled into a fine powder and used for matcha. We will visit Byodoin Temple, a striking example of Buddhist Pure Land architecture, that features on ...

Day 9 AM free in Kyoto. PM visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. Sake Museum and Tasting. Teppanyaki dinner

Getting around Kyoto is easy and there is a lot you can explore this morning. Nishiki Market is an important market for locals and tourists alike, you will find all sorts of pickles, snacks, and typical Kyoto dishes. This afternoon we visit the entrance to Fushimi Ina...

Day 10 Train to Osaka. Cup noodle Museum. Osaka castle visit. Dinner in Shinsekai district

We leave Kyoto this morning and take the train a short distance to our final destination of the holiday, the large metropolis of Osaka. Known by many as the food capital of Japan, Osaka is ultra-modern, bright, vivacious and friendly. We will travel with our luggage t...

Day 11 Visit Namba Yasaka Shrine and neon Dotonburi District. Views from Umeda Sky Tower. Free afternoon. Shabu-Shabu hot pot dinner

Our first visit today is to Namba Yasaka shrine, an atypical Shinto shrine featuring a ritualistic performance stage in the shape of a lion's head. Next stop is the world-famous Dotonburi area where you can see towering neon signs, unofficial mascot the Glico Man and ...

Day 12 Trip ends in Osaka

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Osaka. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel, so you can head out for some last mi...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,510
Price per day$459
Last Updated: 5/8/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
07 Sep 2024
18 Sep 2024
$5,510
$660
14 spots left
12 Oct 2024
23 Oct 2024
$6,050
$660
10 spots left
09 Nov 2024
20 Nov 2024
$6,250
$690
13 spots left
05 Apr 2025
16 Apr 2025
$6,180
$700
16 spots left
10 May 2025
21 May 2025
$6,180
$700
16 spots left
19 Jul 2025
30 Jul 2025
$6,180
$700
16 spots left
06 Sep 2025
17 Sep 2025
$6,180
$700
16 spots left
11 Oct 2025
22 Oct 2025
$6,180
$700
16 spots left
08 Nov 2025
19 Nov 2025
$6,180
$700
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,612
Great
2,191
Average
376
Disappointing
117
Terrible
56
A

Anne

Apr 2024

Written on

A Taste of Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

Loved our trip and our guide Guilia was fabulous. We really got a "taste" of Japan!

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

A Taste of Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

Customer service prior to the tour was poor. The tour itself was good, it delivered on everything described in the itinerary. It provided a good selection of places...

D

Debra

Apr 2024

Written on

A Taste of Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

Outstanding guide Excellent choice of sites to get a true feel for Japan

M

Moira

Sep 2023

Written on

A Taste of Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

Really enjoyed this trip. This tour is a good combination of culture, history, scenery, and food experiences. Its quite a varied trip with a full on itinerary. Its a...

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Other Explore! Reviews

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John

May 2024

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Jordan Discovery

Abdallah was a wonderful tour guide. We also had great bus drivers. We saw all of the major sights in only 9 days, 8 nights. We kept moving the whole time. The o...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Public Bus, Train,

Transportation & flights

Public Bus, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
British passport holder do not require visa to enter Japan for tourism purposes. All visa related issues for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Japan Rail Pass - A clear copy, either as a scanned photocopy or photo, of your main passport photo page is required. Please ensure that all the information is clearly visible with none of the edges missing. This is required by our local agent to issue your Japan Rail Pass and is required no later than 6 weeks prior to travel. Explore will request this from you approximately 8 weeks prior to departure. If your passport copy is not received on time this will mean we cannot issue you a Japan Rail Pass. Instead you will be issued individual rail tickets for the included journeys and you will not have the benefit of a Japan Rail Pass, which enables you to travel effectively for free on local trains and the Tokyo Monorail in your free time while the pass is valid. Similarly for late bookings it will not be possible to issue a Japan Rail Pass if the cut off date has already passed, and you will be issued single tickets instead. Although not required, by registering on the visit Japan Web website, travellers are able fill out the Disembarkation Form and Custom Declaration Form in advance. By filling out these forms online, two QR codes will be produced that can be shown during entry procedures into Japan. This may help you proceed through customs and control quicker. As this step is not required, travellers can instead fill out physical paper forms upon arrival as well. More information can be found here: https://www.digital.go.jp/enervices/visit_japan_web-en/
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory. We recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. The use or possession of Vicks inhalers and some other common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g. for allergies and sinus problems or even certain mild painkillers, such as those containing certain levels of codeine) are banned under Japan's strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance about these medicines. If in any doubt about customs procedures for such items, you should check with the nearest Japanese Embassy before visiting Japan. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 11
  • Dinner : 5
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-XJF

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