16 Day Discover Japan & Okinawa Islands
This tour is categorised as 4 out of 5
Packed itinerary with maximum exploration: Embark on a whirlwind sightseeing tour with minimal downtime. This tour maximises your exploration, keeping you on the move and ticking off must-see locations. A good fitness level and mobility are required to keep pace with this action-packed adventure!
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.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
✓ Return airport shuttle transfers
✓ All internal airfares in economy class
✓ Iconic Japanese bullet train from Osaka to Himeji
✓ 15 nights in quality 3-4 star hotels throughout Japan
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking guide
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary, including Matsumoto Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, Hiroshima Peace Park, Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and the tropical islands of Okinawa
✓ Dedicated, comfortable coach transport
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Japan! You’ll be met at Narita Airport and take a shuttle to your nearby hotel.
Your journey through this land of contrasts begins in Tokyo, arguably one of the most extraordinary capital cities on the planet. The Tokyo metropolitan area spreads over three prefectures with 38 million residents.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to the standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Enjoy a full day touring Japan’s eclectic capital.
We’ll start with the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Previously home to samurai warriors, it’s a sprawling complex with beautiful 17th-century parks in the heart of the city. Built on the site of the old Edo castle, it is surrounded by a large park, moats and massive stone walls. Come cherry blossom season, it is blanketed in a sea of pink blooms.
In a city of such frenetic pace, a stop at the charming Asakusa neighbourhood is a refreshing taste of older Tokyo.
We’ll visit Tokyo Tower, a bright orange Eiffel Tower-inspired structure, that has two observation decks. The second-tallest structure in Japan, it stands 333 metres tall in the centre of Tokyo. The main observation deck gives you a bird’s eye view of the city, at 150 metres high.
We’ll finish the day with a visit to Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a 175-acre evergreen forest. This is an important religious site where visitors can write and hang their deepest wishes on the wishing tree.
You’ll head to your central Tokyo hotel in the afternoon.
In a city known for its quirky charm and eclectic pop culture, it seems perfectly fitting to attend a robot dance show. Think flashing neon lights, wacky costumes, loud music, robot battles, dancing ninjas and dragons. It’s kitsch, like you’ve never seen before.
On the way to the iconic Mount Fuji, we’ll stop at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Formerly customs buildings for Yokohama Port, they now make up a cultural and shopping complex.
You’ll also visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to learn about the revival of the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing for kimonos, thanks to celebrated 20th-century textile artist Kubota Itchiku. This serene complex in the wooded hills, ensconced in nature with extensive gardens and a traditional tea room, is home to a vast collection of the artist’s works.
A visit to the Fujisan World Heritage Center is the perfect place to learn more about Mount Fuji, one of the most iconic sights of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The treasured peak is an imposing sight but the revered mountain is notoriously shy.
Start the day with Mount Fuji 5th Station, about halfway up the mountain, at an elevation of 2,300 metres. You’ll savour spectacular views over the Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone National Park.
Then we’ll see Matsumoto Castle (entrance not included), with its wide moat, also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior. The donjon (keep) – Japan’s oldest remaining wooden keep, completed around 1593 – is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. On a clear day, the backdrop of the Japanese Alps is the perfect touch on this majestic setting.
Today we’ll head to the city of Takayama, nestled in the Hida mountains.
This city still retains a traditional feel, especially in its beautifully preserved old merchant district. Here you’ll find quaint, old latticed wooden buildings and Sannomachi Street, with pretty homes, restaurants and sake breweries. Enjoy a walking tour of the old town.
Step back in time to see the small, historical village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Japanese Alps. Enjoy a walk through this village to see the traditional thatched houses (gassho-zukuri) and beautiful mountain scenery.
Then it’s onto the city of Kanazawa, on the western coast. During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan’s second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. This means that parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived.
This morning we'll visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful in Japan. Developed over the course of more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species.
We’ll finish our sightseeing with a visit to the Higashi Chaya District, famous for its well-preserved wooden teahouses where geisha perform.
We’ll then journey to ancient Kyoto. Kyoto showcases the essence of traditional Japanese culture and rich history with its timeless charm.
We’ll start the day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It was dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake, by the Hata clan in the 8th century. A magical path of over 5000 vibrant orange torii gates winds its way through the hills behind the shrine.
Then we’ll see Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights (entrance not included). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden.
Then, standing amongst the soaring stalks of bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove really is mesmerising. It’s green, peaceful and the seemingly endless boughs make for a serene experience, even with the tourist crowds. Take in the sound of rustling bamboo as you stroll these paths – if there’s a bit of wind, the groves will gently sway back and forth which only adds to the magic.
Kimonos are a traditional Japanese garment that were first introduced in Japan in the Heian period. You will be able to rent a Kimono and walk around the traditional streets of Kyoto to take iconic photos. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.
Start time: approx 2:00pm.
Duration: 45mins to 1 hour
Also called Chado, "the way of tea" is the traditional and ceremonial preparation and presentation of Matcha. You will be shown how to prepare the tea and be able to experience preparing it as well. Your tour leader will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Start time approx: 3:00pm
Finish time approx: 4:00pm
Duration: 1 hr
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
This morning we’ll depart for historic Nara, the ancient capital of Japan.
Our first stop is Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, to see over one thousand tame deer roaming freely in this vast, tranquil space.
We’ll see Todaiji Temple (entrance not included), one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and home to the country’s largest Buddha statue.
Upon arrival in vibrant Osaka, we’ll see Osaka Castle (entrance not included), an important historic monument of feudal Japan. It was built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most famous warlords. At the time of completion it was the largest castle in the country.
Tonight, enjoy the delicacy of world-famous Kobe beef. Kobe beef comes from the Tajima strain of the Japanese Black cattle, raised under strict rules in the Hyogo Prefecture. The meat is famous for its flavour, tenderness and marbling. The duration of this activity is one hour.
Japan’s world-famous bullet train, a shining example of this country’s technology and engineering prowess, is an absolute must-do. Today’s touring starts with a ride on the iconic shinkansen from Osaka to Himeji.
When we arrive, we’ll see Himeji Castle, the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle (entrance not included). Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO-registered complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight, hence the popular name ‘Shirasagi-jō’, meaning White Heron Castle. The site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city.
Then it’s onto Hiroshima. We’ll pay a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located in the Peace Memorial Park. It’s a sobering but important experience. The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed.
We’ll also see the ruins of Genbaku Dome, one of the few buildings that was left standing near ground zero. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage Site structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we'll never forget the tragic events that took place here.
This morning, you’ll board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima.
Known for its lush forests, ancient temples, and freely roaming sika deer, this island is just as popular with Japanese tourists as it is with international visitors. Just offshore we'll spy a 'floating' vermilion torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. We’ll visit the shrine before taking the ferry back, and driving to Fukuoka
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 19:30
Approx Finish Time: 21:30
Duration: Approx 2 hrs
Tonight, you will be able to enjoy an okonomiyaki dinner. Okonomiyaki is a savoury Japanese pancake, famed in Hiroshima for its layering of ingredients including batter, cabbage and pork to which you can add optional items such as squid, octopus or more vegetables. The duration of this activity is one hour in the evening.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
You’ll be taken to Fukuoka Airport this morning for your flight to the subtropical island paradise of Okinawa. It’s the largest of the Okinawa Islands, a group of over 160 tiny islands. This idyllic part of the world – think coral reefs, beautiful beaches and world-class diving spots – is rapidly gaining traction as a popular beach destination for both Japanese and international visitors. Okinawa boasts a special culture, thanks in large part to its past as the Ryukyu Kingdom, before becoming part of Japan in 1879.
After landing in Naha, we’ll head to Makishi Public Market, where locals and tourists alike shop for fresh food. Of course, it’s renowned for fresh seafood.
Okinawa is the birthplace of karate – under Ryukyu rule, weapons were banned and locals defended themselves with their bare hands. We’ll round out the day with a karate lesson.
The 90-day Battle of Okinawa in World War II is a tragic part of Okinawa’s history, a fierce battle that claimed more than 200,000 lives. We’ll visit the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters. It’s an eerie experience to see this elaborate underground network of tunnels and bunkers, where so many Japanese sailors ended their lives as troops closed in. There’s a museum displaying personal effects and letters.
We’ll visit the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum to learn more about the Battle of Okinawa. There are many displays here that commemorate victims of the war and share this painful history with future generations.
Get up close to Okinawa’s rich marine life at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, once the largest aquarium in the world. It’s known for its work with whale sharks, succeeding in raising a number in captivity for the purpose of breeding. Among the wide variety of fish, you can see deep sea creatures, beautiful manta rays and a dazzling selection of coral reef.
Okinawa boasts a special, proud culture that’s reflected in its cuisine. Enjoy dinner and learn more about local food traditions and delicacies. Okinawans are also known for their long life expectancy, in large part thanks to their traditional Okinawa diet.
Today we’ll fly to nearby Ishigaki for a beach break, the southernmost city in Japan. This remote island, part of the Yaeyama Islands, is another slice of paradise.
We’ll start the day with an introduction to a hand-woven craft of the Yaeyama Islands (another island chain of Okinawa Prefecture). Minsa weaving uses time-honoured techniques and is an officially designated traditional craft of the island.
A stop at the open-air museum Yaima Village gives you a charming glimpse of a well-preserved Ryukyu village. 100-year-old traditional huts, with their distinctive red-tiled roofs, have been restored. You can even venture inside to have a look around. There are Okinawan cultural experiences, like making sata andagi (Okinawan donuts, a traditional sweet) and dance performances, and a garden that’s home to squirrel monkeys.
We’ll round out the day with a chance to savour the beautiful views at Kawahira Bay.
We’ll depart Ishigaki and fly to Naha today.
The rest of the day is free for you to see more of this relaxed city before heading home. Should time allow (depending on your flight), you may like to visit Shuri Castle, former royal capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The site is in the process of restoration after a 2019 fire but most parts are open to the public. It’s a much-loved symbol of Okinawan history and culture.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Japanese adventure comes to an end. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll take the shuttle to the airport for your flight back home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
You can enhance your package by choosing some of the following extra services available for this package:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur 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 this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation - if choosing Land Only and arranging your own flights, we can arrange additional nights accommodation for you where required, though please note that you are still required to make your own transfer arrangements both from and to the airport:
Arrival and departure airport transfers
If you have selected Land Only and are arranging your own airfares, you are still welcome to utilise the airport shuttle service upon arrival, though please keep in mind that the shuttle service only operates at certain times, therefore you would need to make sure that your arrival flight time is appropriate. There will be no representative to meet you when using this service, so you will need to make your own way to the shuttle pick up point, which will then take you to your hotel. Please note that this is a shared service with other travellers. If you would prefer a private transfer service, you will need to make those arrangements indepedently.
The final hotel stay is nearby to the airport, so the best mode of transport is to take a taxi, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes and will cost a minimum of 3000 yen for two passengers. We cannot provide a private transfer service on departure.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes 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 this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
To enhance your journey, we're offering a choice of the following optional activities:
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 or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 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.
Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is included in the price as well as a guide.
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.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Twin Share Bedding Configuration
At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1900 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this deal that you will receive a single room, which is smaller in size than a twin/double room. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a double/twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
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 Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
15-38 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent
Click HERE for more information on the weather in Japan
Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to move their trip to any other 2021 or 2022 date, destination, itinerary or even, another brand in our vast travel portfolio (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred and any applicable surcharges for the new date selected).
Date change must be requested prior to 65 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 65 days of departure, date changes are not permitted.
*some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
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