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.
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
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.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including breathtaking Mount Fuji, Tokyo's traditional heart and ultra-modern icons, 16th-century Osaka Castle and Kyoto's ancient geisha districts
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
✓ 9 nights accommodation in central 4-star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast & 1 dinner
✓ Private guided tours in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto
✓ Ride the exhilarating shinkansen bullet train
✓ 2-day Hakone Freepass including unlimited travel throughout the Hakone region
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
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!
Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight.
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Haneda International Airport (HND) to Tokyo Central is by train or by monorail. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle bus service from around ¥1300 per person.
The best way to travel from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Tokyo Central is by the Narita Airport Express. The journey to most Tokyo stations takes approximately 1hr and the ticket costs ¥4070. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle buses from around ¥1300 per person.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
There are no scheduled activities today. If arriving prior to check-in time, which is usually from 2-3 pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the hotel and rest before touring commences tomorrow.
Special information
This is one of our Independent Tours. On this package 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. You will be responsible for your luggage for the entirety of the trip. Please note that you will be required to walk to/from train stations. We recommend you use a small to medium size suitcase only to ensure you can manage the itinerary effectively.
If arriving prior to 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 no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability
After breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the pick up point for your full day guided tour of Tokyo.
Our exploration of Tokyo begins with a visit to Asakusa Sensoji Temple – the oldest temple in Tokyo – famous for its huge hanging lantern at the Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate). Then, we’ll explore the outer grounds of 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.
There is arguably no better place in Tokyo to have a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch than at the Tsukiji Outer Market. At the market, you can find processed and fresh seafood, along with culinary-related items such as specialty knives.
No trip to Tokyo is complete with a visit to the famous Shibuya Crossing – the famed icon of the district alongside the Hachiko statue.
You will have the evening to spend at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Today is a full free day in Tokyo. There is no end to the spectacular sightseeing and activities available to you, as Tokyo truly has something for everyone. Take as much time as you like to relax at your leisure, explore the city, shop for souvenirs and eat the delectable cuisine. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.
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
Tonight, enjoy your experience of an Izakaya - a typical Japanese casual pub where Japanese people go for 'after work drinks'. You will be picked up from your hotel and will head to a local Izakaya to experience the lifestyle of a local while enjoying different types of alcohol and traditional Japanese 'pub' food.
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Includes: Full dinner of 7-8 izakaya style dishes, and all you can drink.
Start Time: 7.00pm
End Time: 10.00pm
Please note: You will be taken to a izakaya pub close to your hotel. As we stay at a number of different hotels in Tokyo depending on your departure date, the izakaya pub location may change.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on your journey independently to Hakone via train, using a 2-day Hakone Freepass.
Explore the national park by taking a sequence of cars and mountain railways. Experience the Hakone ropeway as it ascends Mt. Owakudani, offering breathtaking views of volcanic hot springs and rivers emitting sulphurous fumes. At the summit, savour a renowned hard boiled egg cooked in the spring's waters, believed to add seven years to your life according to local legend.
Later, cruise Ashinoko Lake on a splendid replica pirate ship, a result of a volcanic eruption over three millennia ago. Keep an eye out for a potential sighting of Mt. Fuji, although it typically requires a clear day to reveal its full splendour.
In the evening, unwind in a traditional Japanese onsen hotel. Enjoy a Japanese Kaiseki-style dinner and indulge in the serene mineral-rich onsen hot spring, a time-honoured Japanese cultural practice that promotes relaxation.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
This morning, travel independently to the nearest train station and use your 2-day Hakone Freepass to Odawara to board a bullet train to Osaka.
After a ride on a high-speed bullet train, you'll find yourself in Osaka. The bullet train is not only a convenient mode of transportation but also an exciting part of your journey. As you disembark in Osaka, you'll step into a city known for its blend of tradition and modernity, offering a unique urban experience. The transition from the train's serene countryside views to Osaka's vibrant cityscape adds an interesting dimension to your trip.
Once you arrive, use public transportation to reach your Osaka hotel.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Discover the soul of western Japan - Osaka!
Meet your friendly guide and make your way through the lively Kuromon Ichiba market, a street containing over 500 metres of lively market stalls selling Osaka’s freshest meat, fish, and vegetables.
Afterwards, make your way to Shinsekai, an old neighbourhood in Osaka that is famous for its kushi-katsu restaurants. Try some of these deep-fried delights for yourself before heading to the iconic Dotonbori area. Here, you'll have another opportunity to try some of Osaka's local specialities - takoyaki, deep fried balls of batter and octopus.
Meeting Point: Namba Station
Includes: Guided tour of Osaka, and street food options.
Start Time: 5.00pm
End Time: 8.30pm
After breakfast, start your day with a guided visit to Osaka Castle via public transport (entrance fees and transportation at your own expense), a historic landmark symbolising Osaka.
After exploring the castle, head to Umeda Sky Building's observatory for panoramic views. You'll experience both stunning scenery and the strong winds at 170 metres above ground, offering vistas reaching Awaji Island. Explore Takimi-Koji gourmet street in the building's basement, featuring 1920s Osaka ambiance, before concluding your day.
You will have the evening at your leisure to explore this wonderful city.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast at your hotel and a leisurely morning in Osaka, make your way to Kyoto via train and check in to your hotel on your own.
This afternoon, you might like to join an optional tour. Alternatively, join one of the free walking tours on offer in Kyoto.
Enjoy a tea ceremony experience in the heart of Kyoto.
Learn the secrets of Sado, the Japanese tea ceremony, from a qualified tea instructor. The Japanese tea ceremony (known as sado or chado in Japanese) is a Japanese tradition that has become an art form. More than just about preparing and drinking tea, it is a formal way for a guest to enjoy a host's hospitality, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional ritual influenced by the principles of Zen Buddhism in which powdered green tea, or matcha, is prepared and served by a host in a quiet setting.
Enjoy tasting traditional Japanese confectionery with your green tea.
Meeting Point:Meeting point may vary, please refer to voucher.
Includes: Traditional Japanese tea ceremony with a qualified tea instructor, with tea and Japanese confectionery. included.
Start Time: 3.00pm
After breakfast, continue your Kyoto exploration with a captivating full-day guided tour (entrance fees and transportation at your own expense). Begin by embarking on a leisurely walk through Miyagawa-cho, one of Kyoto's cherished 'Hanamachi' or geisha districts. From there, proceed to Hanamikoji Street, the bustling heart of the Gion district. As you meander along, be enchanted by the fragrant ambience emanating from the traditional restaurants and 'Ochayas,' the quintessential Japanese tea rooms. With a touch of luck, you may even chance upon a Geisha or a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) gracing the historic streets.
Your journey then leads you to Kennin-ji temple, a venerable Zen temple established in 1202 and revered as Kyoto's oldest. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the 'Karesansui,' a meticulously crafted Japanese rock garden, and admire the renowned 'Fujin-Raijin-zu' artwork. This masterpiece, created by the celebrated artist Soutatu Tawaraya, portrays the Gods of Wind and Thunder and is esteemed as a national treasure.
Conclude your Gion tour at the revered Yasaka Shrine, a sacred Shinto shrine with a legacy spanning over 1350 years. Nestled at the nexus of the Geisha District of Gion and the picturesque Higashiyama Temple District, this shrine also serves as the site of the renowned Gion Festival, enriching your Kyoto experience with historical and cultural depth.
Inspiring Highlights
Enjoy a day at leisure in Kyoto today. To enhance your journey, you may wish to join one of our optional tours or join a free walking tour.
This morning, take a bullet train from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station. Enjoy a full-day private tour in Hiroshima led by an English-speaking guide, covering Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima. You'll explore Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, various monuments, and the Peace Memorial Museum. You'll also visit Miyajima Island, a World Cultural Heritage site, and experience the stunning floating torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine. Afterward, return to Kyoto to rest for the night.
Please note this is a full day tour. Expect to depart around 8am and not return back to your hotel until 8pm. This tour cannot be booked on the same day as the Tea Ceremony. Please book tours on alternate days.
Meeting Point: Hiroshima Train Station - Train ticket will be provided in advance.
Includes: Bullet train to/from Hiroshima, ferry to Miyajima, guided tour of Hiroshima and Miya Jima.
Start Time: 8.00am
End Time: 8.00pm
Enjoy your final morning in Kyoto before transferring independently to Osaka International Airport for your onward flight.
The best way to get from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) is to train which takes 1h 20m and costs ¥2700 - ¥4000. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which costs ¥2100 - ¥2900 and takes 1h 28m.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Travellers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out is from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
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. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirement
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 categorized as a ”2”
Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
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, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
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 $1,095.00 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 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.
Children
There is no minimum age for children on this tour. Children must share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
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.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Japan.
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