Japan: Land of the Rising Sun



















From AUD $6795
Small Group
Average
Rating
(15 reviews)

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
12 days
Small Group
Moderate
Average
English
Experience Overview
Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto, this 12-day trip will introduce you to iconic landmarks and the lesser-known cities through Japan’s central and western reaches.
Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto, this 12-day trip will introduce you to iconic landmarks and the lesser-known cities through Japan’s central and western reaches. Ride the scenic ropeway in Hakone, stay with a local family in Hagi and see the floating torii gate of Miyajima Island. Wander through Takayama’s Hida Folk Village, visit the Peace Park in Hiroshima and join your local leader on an walk through the historic Gion District in Kyoto.
Highlights
- Soar high on a ride on the Hakone ropeway, cruise across the picturesque Lake Ashi and (on a clear day), get a glimpse of the glorious Mt. Fuji.
- Discover the lesser-known Hagi, an ancient samurai town and learn about the female sake brewer breaking stereotypes. Get a deeper insight into local life with your homestay hosts and feast on delicious home-cooked meals.
- Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama. Visit the Hida Folk Village, wander through a 600-year-old market and take some zen time at incense making in Zenkoji temple.
- Visit the Peace Park for a moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Then, get to peacefully scenic Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
- Walk through the historic streets of Kyoto – Japan's cultural capital. Wander through the Gion District, pass through the red torri gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine and see the golden glow of Kinkakuji.
Trip Details
12 days
Boat,Public Bus,Cable Car,Ferry,Metro,High Speed Train,Train
Small Group
English
Tokyo, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Moderate
Explorer, Rail & Cruises
Average
Itinerary
Optional Activities:
- Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden (300 JPY)
- Tokyo - Sumida Hokusai Museum (400 JPY)
- Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum (1000 JPY)
- Tokyo - Ueno Park - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Accommodation:
- Minshuku (Japanese Inn) (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
- Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Optional Activities:
- Hakone - Open-Air Museum (2000 JPY)
- Hakone - Checkpoint Museum (500 JPY)
- Hakone - Onsen (public hot spring bath) (1500 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Minshuku (Japanese Inn) (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Takayama - Hida Folk Village
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Takayama - Incense making in Zenkoji Temple
- Takayama - Morning Market visit
Optional Activities:
- Takayama - Festival Float Museum (1000 JPY)
- Takayama - Kusakabe Traditional House (1000 JPY)
- Takayama - Bike hire (per day) (1000 JPY)
- Takayama - Showa Museum (1000 JPY)
- Takayama - Takayama Jinya Building (440 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
Optional Activities:
- Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine (300 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Hagi - Hagi Castle and Samurai district walking tour
- Hagi - Homestay and home-cooked meals
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Hagi - Countryside cycling tour
- Hagi - Homestay local experiences
- Hagi - Female sake brewer visit
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from (1200 JPY)
- Kyoto - Sanjusangendo Temple (600 JPY)
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera (500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Tea Ceremony with Maiko/Geisha (14300 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
- 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.
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.
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.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
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).
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.
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.
Duration: 12 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Average
Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto, this 12-day trip will introduce you to iconic landmarks and the lesser-known cities through Japan’s central and western reaches.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 11 Jan 2026
Customer Reviews
04/04/2024
I traveled 100 countries before. And this tour was the highlight of all. 5 star rating. Perfect tour with the amazing tour guide Zac. Had the best times and if people ask me which country I like the most: I will say: Japan.
03/30/2024
A trip that requires a good level of physical capability with regards to the walking tours provided . The tour gives an expansive view of life and history of Japan with the opportunity to stay in both original Japanese guest houses and comfortable hotels. Travel by bullet train , bus, underground rail , boat and express trains gives a variety of experiences not to be missed
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
04/04/2024
I traveled 100 countries before. And this tour was the highlight of all. 5 star rating. Perfect tour with the amazing tour guide Zac. Had the best times and if people ask me which country I like the most: I will say: Japan.
03/30/2024
A trip that requires a good level of physical capability with regards to the walking tours provided . The tour gives an expansive view of life and history of Japan with the opportunity to stay in both original Japanese guest houses and comfortable hotels. Travel by bullet train , bus, underground rail , boat and express trains gives a variety of experiences not to be missed
04/01/2024
This trip is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and leave you wanting more!! The itinerary covers both modern and traditional Japan and coupled with a great tour leader - Michiko It was a fantastic experience.
03/28/2024
Shingo is the only way to go! A fantastic guide, very organised, knowledgeable and friendly. This trip was incredible showcasing a variety of Japanese culture, food and experiences. The public transport was always comfortable, clean, reliable and Shingo was excellent at guiding us through all the stations. The accommodation was also always clean and comfortable. Food ranging from family run restaurants to street markets with each day something new to try. Definitely recommend having a few days in Tokyo prior to the tour to explore. Thank you Shingo for the BEST trip ever!
03/23/2024
Land of Rising Sun trip is a must for anyone who has not visited Japan. Each location gives you an opportunity to experience culture, landscape and food. Thank you Mr.Shingo for your professionalism and your personality. You are a great ambassador for your country.
02/26/2024
This trip gave a great taste of Japan with a really nice mix of city and small towns. Everything ran so smoothly and effortlessly so we only had to sit back and enjoy. A nice mix of Japanese treats were included such as ensens, ryokan style hotels, wonderful mix of food options provided by the trip leader, tea ceremony nd kimono experience. And not to mention some really stunning scenery.
12/02/2023
This is a wonderful trip which gives you feel for the culture and history of Japan, seen through its landscapes and architecture. Asako was a brilliant team leader and her passion for the history of her country was clear fro all to see. I would highly recommend any trip to Japan led by Asako and her colleague Nobuyuki.
11/29/2023
Was a great way to see some key highlights for my first trip to Japan. Was delighted to be able to enjoy some hidden gems too, due to our guide Asako. Her relationship with the local Ryokan owners was really beautiful to see, and it made our time at each one extra special. It was super helpful to have intrepid organise 2 weeks of a long trip and I would recommend it for first time visits especially!
12/29/2023
An excellent introduction to Japan. There is so much to see but our guide KJ made sure that the whole group got the best of the experience. KJ even arranged excellent weather for viewing Mount Fuji!! As vegetarians we expected to struggle a bit as dashi is used in everything but with KJ's help and using Happy Cow app and Google Translate we managed to eat really well.
12/20/2023
This trip provides a great overall experience of Japan I feel. Staying in the local ryokans was such a wonderful experience of the culture as was going in the onsens. The train travel was well organised and comfortable. If you experience Mt Fuji on a sunny day like we did then you won't be disappointed. Our guide KJ helped make the trip. He was fantastic!
11/19/2023
Our trip to Japan was amazing. It could not have been better. There was a packed itinerary and everything went so smoothly. The only decisions we had to make was what to eat. It was responsible tourism and with zero stress - exactly what you want from a holiday. Our tour leader Daisuke Okawa was outstanding and made the holiday special.
12/02/2023
I had a great time with our guides Dai and Hiro! This trip was a great mix of cities and small towns. The accommodation was sometimes a bit lackluster, but the cities themselves and the knowledge of the guides made up for it! Pack light & bring a great pair of walking shoes, as you'll be sure to get your steps in during this trip! Highly recommend going to Karaoke with your group and getting up in the early morning to see some of Kyoto's best sights without the crowds!
01/23/2024
Lovely! Thank you for the treasured memories and giving us an amazing unforgettable experience! We saw the highlights of Japan.The guide was very helpful and knowledgeable.Helped us to see the amazing and incredible country: safe, clean, has delicious food and great shopping. We saw Japan’s amazing history, culture and technology. Thank you! An unforgettable trip and we really didn’t want to part! The group was great! ??
01/22/2024
I would highly recommend Daisuke. Very friendly and fun guy to be around. He is very efficient when it comes to public transport He know where we have to go and how to get there. We were almost never late and a lot about Japanese culture.
12/02/2023
I thought November might be too cold for “The Land of the Rising Sun Tour” but it was perfect. I loved travelling by Japan’s amazing Rail system. Our guide Asako made everything super easy for us. Having all tickets ready for us, even getting up early to line up for the day’s activities, so we wouldn’t have to. I cant recommend this trip highly enough. Japan, I will be back!

Family trips cannot be booked online.
Please contact webjet customer service to book the trip.
Email: [email protected]