Japan Highlights

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
Japan Highlights
9 Days
From AUD $5245
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (15 reviews)

Japan Highlights

Japan Highlights

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
4.1
15 Reviews
View Map
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Home of the sumo, geishas, sake, karaoke, onsen and izakaya – Japan is a feast for all your senses. This nine-day journey hits all the right spots, giving you a true appreciation for the land of the rising sun.

Highlights

  • Explore some of the best parts of Japan in just over a week! This is a cultural and culinary whirlwind from the streets of Tokyo to the eats of Osaka.
  • Discover the peaceful rural life with a countryside home stay in Shizuoka prefecture, sitting with the backdrop of Mt Fuji. Learn about the region’s local produce and sit down to a farm-to-table feast with your hosts.
  • Visit the red torii gate standing in the sea in Miyajima, learn about the history of Hiroshima and treat your taste buds to a signature Okonomiyaki pancake and a tasting through Hiroshima's 'sake town'.
  • Ride the rails like the locals, from lightning-fast bullet trains to scenic mountain rails offering seasonal views of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
  • See the many sides of Shibuya in Tokyo, from busy intersections to the tranquility of the ancient Meiji Shrine and the quirky fashion of Harajuku.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Public Bus,Metro,Local Train,Bullet Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Finishes

Osaka, Japan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Tokyo. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, Tokyo has fascinating museums, world-class shopping and backstreets stuffed with restaurants and karaoke bars. If you arrive early, maybe check out an Urban Adventure Tour in Tokyo or walk down Shinjuku’s Omoide Tokocho (Memory Lane) – a crowded alley of busy restaurants and bar stalls that's now one of the best spots to try some of Tokyo’s local fast food. After your meeting, follow your leader on an orientation walk, then maybe head out for dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.

Included Activities:

  • Tokyo - welcome meeting and orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Tokyo
Dive right into Tokyo today by exploring historic Asakusa – one of the older and more traditional parts of the city. Visit the city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji – founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. Then, browse the many interesting stalls along the shopping street of Nakamise Dori. After, hop on the metro and head to the buzzing Shibuya area. Check out one of the busiest intersections in the world before heading into a depachika (underground food hall) for a mouth-watering array of tempting Japanese treats. Next, allow the city sounds to fade away as you visit Meiji Shrine, surrounded by forest. Then it’s back into the city streets to explore the Harajuku district – the home of Japan’s quirky youth pop culture. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend at your leisure.

Included Activities:

  • Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
  • Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
  • Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen (500 JPY)
  • Tokyo - Yoyogi Park - Free
  • Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Kawane (or Gotemba)
Today, you’ll hop on a local train to Kanaya station, then transfer to the scenic train that travels through the mountains and gorges of Kawane. The ride is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in the spring and when the colours change in autumn! Watch out for a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on the way when the weather is good! This afternoon, visit a local tea farm, try your hand at tea picking and learn how the tea is properly brewed. After this experience, your host for the night will welcome you to their home. Dinner will be a home-cooked feast using seasonal vegetables from their garden, and your host will be able to teach you a thing or two about Japanese home cooking. For some departures, you'll travel to Gotemba instead. This is to ensure that we do not overwhelm our Kawane hosts with too many groups and ensure we are working with local communities in a sustainable manner. For these departures, you'll travel to Gotemba instead and your local hosts will welcome you into their home. You'll be able to help pick the vegetables that'll be used for dinner from their garden, learn about their life in the countryside and enjoy a fantastic home-cooked dinner together.

Included Activities:

  • Kawane/Gotemba - Homestay & Home-cooked Dinner
  • Kawane - Tea Farm Visit & Tea Brewing & Tasting (or Gotemba - Local farm and vegetable picking)

Accommodation:

  • Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Kyoto
After a home-cooked, Japanese-style breakfast, hop on the bus and a Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. One of Kyoto’s original names was Heian-kyo, which translates to ‘tranquility and peace capital’, and the thousands of temples, shrines and gardens make it clear why. In the afternoon, head to the Nishiki Market and stroll through ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ for the perfect introduction to Kyoto's regional specialties – from pickled vegetables hidden beneath layers of fermented rice to delicious and ornate Kyo-wagashi (Kyoto sweets) and other local produce. As the sun goes down, continue to Gion – the city’s cultural centre and most famous geisha district. You may catch a glimpse of an elegantly attired geisha or maiko moving between teahouses here, though much of this high-class world of entertainment is still off-limits to outsiders.

Included Activities:

  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
  • Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market

Optional Activities:

  • Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre (5500 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Kyoto
Today, you’ll head to one of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. Famous for the thousands of scarlet torii (square archways) along the path, this shrine is dedicated to Inari – the god of rice. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Path of Philosophy, see the Old Town and explore the wooden houses, or visit Kinkakuhi Temple, which was immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel ‘The Golden Pavilion’. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Included Activities:

  • Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Optional Activities:

  • Kyoto - Kyoto Tower (900 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from (1200 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (500 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden (600 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
  • Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi) - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Hiroshima
Travel by express train and shinkansen to Hiroshima today. Depending on what time you arrive today, you may visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park this afternoon or tomorrow morning. The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated, so it was able to retain its shape. 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, head out with your leader for 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 - Okonomiyaki dinner
  • Hiroshima - Peace Museum
  • Hiroshima - Peace Park & A-Bomb Dome

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Hiroshima
Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its well-known 'floating' torii gate. When you arrive, maybe explore the island further by climbing to the top of Mt Miyajima (or hopping on the cable car instead) for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Keep your eyes out for inquisitive and hungry deer that roam the streets. After, visit the Saijo Sake Brewery Street and taste some locally produced sake. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore Hiroshima at your own pace. Maybe stop by the five-storied Hiroshima Castle, which originally dates to the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but reconstructed in all its glory in the 1950s and now holds an informative museum. The wonderful Shukkeien Garden, with teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress.

Included Activities:

  • Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
  • Hiroshima - Saijo Sake Brewery Street visit & tasting

Optional Activities:

  • Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shine (300 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Osaka
Jump back on the train this morning and head to Osaka – Japan’s unofficial food capital. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk, then explore the city at your own pace. Meet in the evening for a street food walking tour with your group through Dotombori District and Kuromon Market and celebrate the last night of your trip.

Included Activities:

  • Osaka - Dotombori and Kuromon Street Food Walking Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Osaka
With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end today. If you would like to extend your stay in Osaka, and it’s recommended that you do, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • 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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $5,245
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Home of the sumo, geishas, sake, karaoke, onsen and izakaya – Japan is a feast for all your senses. This nine-day journey hits all the right spots, giving you a true appreciation for the land of the rising sun.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 Jan 2026

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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
4.0
Helen
Traveled, March 2024

04/02/2024

Fantastic introductory trip to Japan , gives you great insights to the country , Daisuke our guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable about Japan , he went out of his way to accommodate people’s requests , he was super organised every day . The farm stay was a genuine Japanese family experience.I would recommend this trip to anyone

4.0
Carole
Traveled, March 2024

03/26/2024

Diasuke our leader was very organized managing our group through Japan’s busiest cities and coordinating the transportation. We were very fortunate to have Jane-san and Yusu-san along as well. Very enjoyable trip for covering the highlights of Japan in a short amount of time. There is so much to see and learn about Japan that I will be coming back to Japan for another Intrepid trip this year. \

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

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