10 Day Deluxe Independent Japan
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
Enjoy the comfort of having your travel arrangements all to yourself. From the exclusivity of having your own transportation to your own expert English-speaking guide who in most cases will accompany you throughout the entire tour unless stated.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
✓ All coach, rail and ferry transportation, including the iconic Japanese bullet train
✓ 12 nights in comfortable 3-star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast, 1 dinner
✓ Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking guide
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary, including the beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms) in beautiful destinations like Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Kyoto’s Heian Jingu Shrine and Lake Kawaguchiko with the backdrop of iconic Mount Fuji
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Zip around Japan by bullet train and experience its breadth of rich travel experiences, from Tokyo’s traditional heart and ultra-modern icons to Kyoto’s ancient geisha districts. Visit 16th-century Osaka Castle, breathtaking Mount Fuji and so much more.
The flexibility of independent travel with everything organised for you!
Konichiwa and welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s ultra modern capital. You will meet your driver and be transferred to the hotel by shared shuttle.
Set off on a private guided morning tour to explore Asakusa, a traditional or "shitamachi" area of the city since the Edo period in the 15th Century. During your journey, wander down Nakamise Street for a glimpse at one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping arcades in action. Wrap up your day at Kappabashi Kitchen Street for some time to enjoy its collection of restaurants and souvenir shops.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Tokyo today. To enhance your journey, you may wish to join one of our optional tours.
Master the delicate art of authentic Japanese sushi making and learn everything there is to know about dashi, miso, mirin and sake. Impress friends with your ability to prepare traditional rice and toppings, creating a multitude of colourful and delicious sushi, including Rolled Egg, Sushi Rice, Inari Sushi, Tuna Roll, Cucumber Roll, California Roll, Nigiri Sushi and Miso Soup.
After being welcomed by the courteous staff and enjoying a cup of traditional Japanese green tea, you will receive a short introduction to the importance of quality ingredients in Japanese cuisine. Learn about the subtle flavours of dashi (Japanese soup stock) and how to pick the best seasonings. (soy sauce, sake, miso etc.)
After creating a variety of nigiri, inari and hosomaki, it is time to eat and enjoy. This cooking class will not only provide you with an unforgettable memory, but also offers a great opportunity to learn a new skill that you can bring home and share with your family and friends.
**Note: It is possible to arrange for vegetarian, halal or all sorts of dietary requirements**
Meeting Point: Cooking Lesson Venue
Includes: Japanese green tea and sushi lunch.
Start Time:1.30pm
End Time: 4.30pm
Discover the strong, captivating rhythm of Taiko, the traditional Japanese drumming in a hands on course with a professional.
Get ready as you roll up your sleeves for your hour-long lesson, as your teacher explains and demonstrates the techniques. Learn about the culture and history surrounding this pounding musical form, while trying your hand at it! No experience is required and by the end of the course you’ll be able to play a traditional song on your own.
Next, sit back as you enjoy a live performance by the masters, taking in the wonder and skill. Be sure to capture the action with a photo, to commemorate this memorable experience.
Meeting Point: Taiko Drumming Lesson Venue at 10:30am
Drop off: Taiko Drumming Lesson Venue at 11:30am
This morning, make your way to Shinjuku station and head to Hakone via 2-day Hakone Freepass on your own.
Take a series of cars and mountain railways through the national park and you will ride the Hakone ropeway all the way up Mt. Owakudani, soaring over sulphurous fumes emanating from hot springs and rivers in this volcanic area. At the top, try the famous hardboiled egg, cooked at the source of the springs and add seven years to your life, according to local lore!
Cruise on a majestic replica pirate ship across Ashinoko Lake, formed by a volcanic eruption over 3000 years ago! Keep an eye out for a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, but keep in mind that he is notoriously shy and needs a clear day to be seen in full splendour.
This evening, enjoy a rest in your ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn with Japanese Kaiseki-style meal for dinner. Treat yourself to a soak in the relaxing mineral waters of an onsen hot spring, one of Japan’s most restful cultural practices.
This morning, make your way to Hakone Yumoto station on your own and head to Odawara via 2-day Hakone Freepass. Zooming across the country on a bullet train, you will arrive at the city of Osaka.
Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel in Osaka by public transportation. This evening, you may wish to join an Osaka nighlife food tour.
This 3-hour Osaka Night Food Tour will take you on an unforgettable eating excursion through the busy streets and the hidden, less frequented parts of Minami (South) Osaka. Starting on the the bright and busy Doutonburi area we will learn about Glico man, a Filipino sprinter named Fortunato Catalon who inspired a nation and a company! Similar to Shibuya (its counterpart in Tokyo) the lights and sounds of Dotounburi often lead you astray to overly-commercialised restaurants with queues of tourists outside. We want to take our guests to places they would certainly miss without a locals guidance. We will take secret alleys not long after we begin the tour toward the shrine wedged out of sight from the average passerby.
We will sample , Kushikatsu, (deep fried meat and veggie skewers) a local take on Yakitori and we will surprise you with a Michelin rated street food stop for Osaka’s favorite snack- Takoyaki! (a kind of grilled octopus fritter) Next, travel down a more narrow alleys and see some of the more unconventional restaurants and pubs. Your guide will then lead you to a local dinner spot. This shop is an Izakaya or local pub with seasonal dishes that will intrigue and delight. You will enjoy yakitori (grilled skewers), sukiyaki (a delicious simmered beef hotpot), tempura other regional dishes and 1 drink. This spot is very local, you will not find tourists here! Try a draft beer or Nihonshu (rice wine) with your tasty meal.
Please be aware there maybe substitutions and changes on the food in this tour based on season and availability.
From there, we will show you a famous building full of hidden unorthodox bars, one after another. Every 5 feet there is a new door with a new adventure to be had. This area gives you the retro, artsy feel of a very hip and very unique cluster of bars. Finally finish off with a tasty local street food dessert! As you say farewell to your guide you can explore more on your own in this fascinating part of town.
Inclusions:
- 4 food stops
- 1 drink
- dessert
Meeting point: in front of Starbucks Tsutaya Ebisu-bashi in Dotonbori (1-8-19 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka) at 4:45pm
Your day will start with visiting Osaka castle with a guide by public transportation. Osaka castle was built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo). It is now a symbol of Osaka.
After Osaka castle, make your way to Umeda Sky Building and go up to the observatory. While enjoying the breathtaking sights, you can also directly feel the wind, which at 170 meters off the ground can get quite strong. Here, not only you can see all of Osaka but also you can see as far away as Awaji Island. The basement of the building houses the Takimi-Koji gourmet street with old fashioned images of Osaka from the 1920s. You may wish to stroll around before finishing your day.
Today make your way to Kyoto and check in to your hotel on your own. This afternoon, you might like to start your exploration of Kyoto with a private cycling tour of Kyoto's backstreets.
Discover a different side to Kyoto on this half-day bicycle adventure of the city.
Start at the cycling terminal near Kyoto Station and whizz through the hidden backstreets and winding alleyways of this atmospheric town. Listen to the knowledgeable tour guide and learn about the captivating history and cultural heritage of the former Japanese capital.
At a slower pace, pedal through two renowned geisha districts, Miyagawacho and Gion. Lined with hundreds of teahouses, take a break and spend some time people watching. Next, cycle along the Shirakawa River past beautiful wooden houses and willow trees, before taking a trip through the spacious Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, home to two Imperial Palaces.
End the journey with tired legs and unforgettable memories at the cycling terminal.
Meeting Point: KCTP Kyoto Station Cycle Terminal at 1:30pm
Drop off: KCTP Kyoto Station Cycle Terminal at 4:30pm
Partake in a Japanese Tea Ceremony called Sao or Cha-no-yu which has more than 400 years of history.
Spiritually and physically, we would like you to feel the air as well. As a quote says, Ichigo-ichie, we praise our only once-in-a-lifetime moment with you in a beautifully decorated tea room. Please come by and have a bowl of tea.
In my own hands I hold a bowl of tea; I see all of nature represented in its green color. Closing my eyes, I find green mountains and pure water within my own heart. Silently sitting alone and drinking tea, I feel these become a part of me.
- Sen Soshitsu, Urasenke Tea Master XIV, Urasenke School of Japanese Tea Ceremony
Explanation, demonstration and a hands-on experience of making a matcha green tea by yourself with a formal tea ceremony sweet (gluten free).
Meeting Point: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotoku-ji at 11:00am
Drop off: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotoku-ji at 11:50am
Your exploration of Kyoto continues with a half-day guided tour. Start the day with a stroll through Miyagawa-cho, one of Kyoto’s five active ‘Hanamachi’ or geisha districts. Continue to Hanamikoji Street, the main street of Gion district, and enjoy the aroma from the many traditional restaurants and ‘Ochayas’, otherwise known as Japanese tea rooms. If lucky, spot a Geisha or a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) whilst walking around this historical area. Reach Kennin-ji temple and visit the city’s oldest Zen temple, founded in 1202. Explore its beautiful ‘Karesansui’, Japanese rock garden, and admire the famous artwork of ‘Fujin-Raijin-zu’. Depicting the Gods of Wind and Thunder, the painting by celebrated artist Soutatu Tawaraya is considered a national treasure.
End this tour of Gion at the venerated Yasaka Shrine. Established over 1350 years ago, the Shinto shrine connects the Geisha District of Gion and the beautiful Higashiyama Temple District and is the location of the popular Gion Festival.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Kyoto today. To enhance your journey, you may wish to join one of our optional tours.
Hop on a short train ride to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nara with your private guide. For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s first capital, and became the centre of power. With great prosperity it became the face of Japanese culture and politics and ushered in a great number of changes. Therefore, Nara is home to some of the most impressive and ancient historical landmarks in the country.
Start off your adventure in this historic area at the jaw-dropping Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building. Enter the enormous wooden gateway, towering over 25 meters high and fashioned from 800 year old trees, passing the guardian king statues of the temple. Take in the stunning complex grounds, as you gaze upon this impressive structure. Next, head inside to see the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue enveloped in a golden halo.
Next, head off to Nara's most celebrated shrine, the bright and beautiful Kasuga Taisha. This grand Shinto shrine was established in 768 AD, when four deities were invited to live here. Kasuga Taisha is not only ancient, but architecturally stunning with bright vermillion buildings and halls surrounded by Nara’s beautiful woods. Be sure to walk through the hallways which house hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshipers over the centuries.
Now, before returning to Kyoto, take a wander through Nara Park. One of the oldest parks in Japan, over a thousand tamed yet wild deer freely roam its grounds. Considered in Shintoism to be sacred messengers of the gods, the deer are still protected as national treasures and they call this park home. Stroll through “deer park” as the locals call it, as you take in the quaint yet ancient charm of the grounds.
Inclusions:
English-speaking Local Guide
Public Transportation
Entrance Fee
Pick up: Kyoto Hotel at 9:00am
Drop off: Kyoto Hotel at 2:00pm
Start by visiting Fushimi Inari, an important Shinto shrine in Kyoto and famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Next, visit Sanjusangendo Temple, the name literally stands for "Hall with thirty three spaces between the columns". Here you can find historical architectures as well as sculptures impressive sculptures.
Finally, head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan.
Pick up: AVANTI Sunrise Tour Desk at 1:30pm
Drop off: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit approx. 6:00pm
Enjoy your final morning in Kyoto before transferring to Osaka International Airport for your onward flight. We hope you have enjoyed your adventure through Japan!
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,781.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan, for stays less than 90 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Style - Independent
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults. Children must be 2 years or older.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding domestic & international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”. By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can then assist with turning your booking into a flight inclusive package.
Upon completing the purchase of your package and fulfilling the following booking requirements, you will be granted access to our flight portal via your Traveller Hub.
Once these criteria have been met, access will be made available to you via Traveller Hub to book your flights via our flight portal.
The following requests are able to be processed through the online flight portal:
The online flight portal is unable to process the following requests and you must book these yourself independently:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
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