Japan Express

Intrepid Travel · 9 days

4.4

20 Reviews

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Home to sumo wrestling, sake, geishas, karaoke and onsens, Japan’s got a lot going for it. And on this nine-day trip to some of its most acclaimed cities, you’ll get to see the country at its best.

Includes

Accommodation: Multishare Pod Hostel (2 nights), Basic Hotel (6 nights)

Highlights

Encounter the many faces of Japan in a short amount of time on this express adventure. See ultra-modern Tokyo, ancient traditions in Kyoto and everything in between.
Visit the Peace Park for a sobering insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
Eat your way around Japan with chances to try all kinds of delicious street food, sake and snacks – think hearty bowls of ramen, world-class sashimi and char-grilled yakitori (chicken skewers).
Spend three nights in Kyoto, exploring this amazing ancient capital in depth – visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of crimson torii (gates) leading up Mt Inari. Plus, enjoy plenty of free time to create your own adventure.
Ride the renowned shinkansen bullet train and make use of public transport day passes to get to and from the activities you choose. Even getting from place to place is fun in Japan!

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Public Bus, Metro, Train, Bullet Train

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Finishes

Osaka, Japan

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with restaurants and karaoke bars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not head out for an optional dinner to try some local food and experience the nightlife in this amazing city? You might like to finish the night with a drink at a traditional Japanese izakaya (casual bar) – ask your leader for their favourites.

Optional Activities:

Tokyo - Disneyland or Disney Sea (from) (7900 JPY)
Tokyo - Gotokuji Cat Temple - Free
Tokyo - A Tour Through Tokyo's Kitchen (with World's Largest Fish Market) Urban Adventure (12535 JPY)
Tokyo - Tokyo After 5 Urban Adventure (17000 JPY)

Accommodation:

Multishare Podhostel (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Tokyo

This morning, venture out with your small group on the metro to explore the buzzing Shibuya area. Check out one of the busiest intersections in the world before heading into a depachika (underground department store food hall) for a mouth-watering array of Japanese treats. Next, visit Meiji Shrine – enter via a massive torii (gate) and notice the sights and sounds of the city fade away as you enter the tranquil forest. After, explore the Harajuku district, the home of quirky youth pop culture. In your free time this afternoon, maybe wander through the historic Asakusa area – one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo. Here you can stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, which was founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. This evening, you've got endless options for dinner – how about a steaming bowl of ramen, crispy tonkatsu (pork cutlet) or snacks and beer at (another) izakaya.

Included Activities:

Tokyo - Yoyogi Park
Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
Tokyo - Metro day pass
Tokyo - Harajuku street

Optional Activities:

Tokyo - Sensoji Temple - Free
Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
Tokyo - Metropolitan Government Building observation deck - Free
Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen (500 JPY)
Tokyo - Karaoke (2000 JPY)
Tokyo - Sumida River Cruise (1000 JPY)

Accommodation:

Multishare Podhostel (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Hiroshima

Today, it’s time to leave Tokyo and travel by shinkansen to Hiroshima. This afternoon, you’ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum, which stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was the target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated, so 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, maybe try 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 - Peace Museum
Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Hiroshima

Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. While here, you might like to climb (or hop on the cable car) to the top of Mt Misen for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Then, visit a local workshop and learn how to make a momiji manju (Japanese maple-leaf shaped pastry). This pastry originated from Miyajima, so it’s only fitting that you learn how to make it in its birthplace! After your sweet treat, return to Hiroshima for a free afternoon. You could stop by the five-storey Hiroshima Castle, which dates back to the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but was reconstructed in the 1950s and is now a museum. Shukkeien Garden, with its graceful teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress from sightseeing. Or, you could watch the local baseball and soccer teams in action if you’re lucky enough to be in town when there’s a match on. Ask your leader for other tips and suggestions – there’s plenty to see and do.

Included Activities:

Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
Hiroshima - Momiji manju making

Accommodation:

Basic hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Kyoto

This morning, jump back on the shinkansen to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo ('tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in AD794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, and with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there’s a lot to explore. When you arrive, head to one of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine – famous for its thousands of vermillion-coloured torii (gates) that straddle the paths and trails leading up Mt Inari. After, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with Kyoto by walking through its historic neighbourhoods.

Included Activities:

Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Accommodation:

Basic hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Kyoto

Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. With its many landmarks and historical sites and an abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is also a city that lends itself to walking, and there are plenty of paths to follow – ask your leader for their recommendations. Maybe visit the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, also known as ‘The Golden Pavilion’. Or, if you’re visiting in spring, head to the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (the Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha). This evening, go on a guided walk through the Pontocho and Gion areas – the famous geiko (geisha) districts. Even today, you can observe the age-old tradition of geiko visiting members of the wealthy elite – this unfolds in small teahouses tucked away in tiny back streets. For those who are keen, you can also choose to attend the Gion Corner cultural centre, where you can watch some Japanese performing arts, like flower arranging and the Lion Dance.

Included Activities:

Kyoto - Public bus day pass
Kyoto - Gion District walk

Optional Activities:

Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera (500 JPY)
Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (500 JPY)
Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi) - Free
Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre (5500 JPY)
Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) (500 JPY)

Accommodation:

Basic hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Kyoto

Today, make the most of your last day in Kyoto. If you haven’t done so already, you may like to see Japan’s largest pagoda at Toji Temple, or you could visit the imposing and opulent Nijo Castle – former home to the Tokugawa Shoguns who had power over the country during the Edo period. You can also check out the ‘nightingale floors’ of Ninomaru Palace, which squeak to warn of intruders. From the castle, it’s a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji, perhaps Japan’s most acclaimed Zen garden, where carefully placed rocks sit in an immaculately raked sea of gravel. For some local shopping, there’s Kyoto’s Handicraft Centre – a great spot to pick up some souvenirs with a fine selection of woodblock prints, yukata (light cotton robes), jewellery and pottery. Tonight, why not head out for karaoke with your new friends, or maybe splash out on a kaiseki meal in a ryotei (small restaurants serving traditional multi-course cuisine).

Included Activities:

Kyoto - Public bus day pass

Optional Activities:

Kyoto - Nijo Castle (800 JPY)
Kyoto - Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace (1300 JPY)
Kyoto - Ryōan-ji (600 JPY)
Kyoto - Tō-ji (grounds free) (800 JPY)

Accommodation:

Basic hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Osaka

Hop on board the train this morning and head to Osaka – arguably Japan’s food capital. To get situated, follow your leader on an orientation walk, and then explore this eclectic city in your free time. Meet in the evening again and take a walking tour with your leader through the Dotombori district. Tonight, why not go out for dinner with your fellow travellers and celebrate the end of this fast and furious journey in Japan.

Included Activities:

Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour

Accommodation:

Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Osaka

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore the many neighbourhoods of Osaka, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,920

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 12 Aug 2026

View Map

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Pamela

Traveled, March 2024

04/01/2024

Great tour if you dont know how to travel around Japan. You have to freedom to explore on your own or with the guide. The guides are knowledgeable and super helpful. Thoroughly enjoyed.

4.5

James

Traveled, March 2024

03/31/2024

Intrepid Travel provided an excellent tour of Tokyo, Nikko, and Kyoto that was stimulating, educational, and environmentally sound. I highly recommend you ask for Eiko as your tour guide.

Tour Operator

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

Book Now