Ultimate Japan

Intrepid Travel · 23 days

4.1

5 Reviews

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Duration

23 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover some of the best landmarks and cultural gems on this 23-day adventure through Japan. Ride the scenic Hakone ropeway, wander through the Hida Folk Village in Takayama and learn about the sobering past of Hiroshima.

Highlights

Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of the iconic Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
Stay in a countryside homestay, taking you off the beaten track to experience classic Japanese hospitality. Feast on home-cooked meals over conversations with your welcoming hosts and learn about rural life in Japan. 
Explore the iconic temples of Kyoto and craft your own experience in this ancient capital during your free time, with recommendations from your local leader.
Watch the steam coming out of the ‘hells’ (hot spring pools in Jigoku) of Beppu, then cook and steam your food right in the hot spring steam, said to be rich with healthy minerals.
Discover the little town of Takayama that sits within the Japanese Northern Alps and take in the stunning view of the five peaks of Mount Aso from the Daikanbo Observatory.

Trip Details

Duration

23 days

Transportation

Boat,Public Bus,Private Bus,Cable Car,Ferry,Metro,Bullet Train,Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Finishes

Osaka, Japan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore including fascinating museums, world-class shopping centres and neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the Hama Rikyu Garden, visit the Sumida Hokusai Museum or explore Ueno Park. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.

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)

Day 2: Hakone

This morning, travel to Hakone – a scenic hot spring town in the foothills of Mt Fuji. When you arrive, the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the iconic red gate that stands in the water of Lake Ashi, visit Hakone Shrine, wander through modern sculptures and beautiful gardens at the Hakone Open-Air Museum or simply relax in one of Hakone’s numerous onsens (hot springs). Tonight, why not find a local restaurant for dinner and try black eggs, which are cooked in the hot springs of Owakudani, paired with a local beer.

Accommodation:

Minshuku (Japanese Inn) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Hakone

This morning, hop on a boat across Ashinoko Lake, then ride the Hakone ropeway cable car to the top of the surrounding mountains. The area around the lake offers plenty of stunning views, and you may even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance if weather conditions are clear. The afternoon is free to further explore Hakone’s mountain scenery and volcanic sites. Maybe visit the boiling sulphur springs of Owakudani, go for a walk through the hills of the famed grassland ecosystem of Sengokuhara or discover a collection of art at the Pola Museum of Art.

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)

Day 4: Takayama

Travel by a local train, then a shinkansen towards Takayama – a charming Edo period town in the Japanese Alps, famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the Hida Folk Village. The village is your first stop – an outdoor museum where the traditional thatched-roof architecture unique to the area has been relocated to a mountain setting to preserve traditional Japanese culture. Discover the techniques used to build farmhouses that could withstand fierce winters and long periods of isolation due to snow-closed roads. The thick thatching kept in warmth, and the roofs were angled to minimise snow build-up. Each house is like its own self-contained museum, with displays of personal items and traditional tools. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Included Activities:

Takayama - Hida Folk Village

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Takayama

This morning, you’ll head to the markets in Gifu prefecture – these markets have been held for over 600 years and are known for their array of high-altitude vegetables. Browse the stalls of seasonal produce that’s brought in from the surrounding countryside and set up by local farm women from 7 am every morning. Look out for the unique local style of pickles, the bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices and the delicious marshmallow treat, owara tamaten. Then, head to Zenkoji Temple to learn how to make incense, which is believed to have purifying qualities. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the town at your own pace.

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)

Day 6: Hiroshima

Travel by express train and shinkansen to Hiroshima today. When you arrive, you’ll visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park. The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated so it was able to retain its shape and 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 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 - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
Hiroshima - Peace Museum

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Hiroshima

Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. You might like to further explore the island 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. You have the rest of the day free to enjoy some of the other sites. You could 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

Optional Activities:

Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine (300 JPY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Hagi

This morning, travel to Hagi – a coastal city known for its spring cherry blossoms and forested slopes of Mt Shizuki. When you arrive, discover the Hagi Castle Ruins. Then, join a walking tour around the Samurai District. Wander through the middle- and lower-class samurai houses and merchants, then walk down the widest street and main road where the feudal lord’s processions passed. Tonight, meet your homestay family and sit down to a home-cooked meal.

Included Activities:

Hagi - Hagi Castle and Samurai district walking tour
Hagi - Homestay and home-cooked meals

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Hagi

This morning, go with the flow and dive into the day to day life in Hagi with your host. Maybe check out their gardens and vegetables, visit the local supermarket for some shopping or walk around the neighbourhood. Each host will have their own plans. This afternoon, you’ll regroup and hop on a bike to explore the countryside and coastline of Hagi. But first, visit a local sake brewery and hear about the inspiring story of the local female sake brewer and how she’s broken the taboo and taken on the family business to continue brewing as one of the very few female sake brewers in the country. Then, continue your cycling tour through the countryside of Hagi, passing rice fields, along the coastline with a great view of the Sea of Japan. Later, head back to your homestay for another night with your host family.

Included Activities:

Hagi - Countryside cycling tour
Hagi - Homestay local experiences
Hagi - Female sake brewer visit

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Kyoto

Leave Hagi today and travel to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (‘tranquility and peace capital’) by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, but the emperor and government are now in Tokyo. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there’s plenty to explore in this gorgeous city. Your leader will take you on a sunset walk through the Gion District (look out for wandering Geisha and Meiko!). Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and try some traditional sushi or beef.

Included Activities:

Kyoto - Gion District walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Kyoto

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, with its impressive Golden Pavilion, immortalised by Yukio Mishima's novel. Then, visit the red tori gates in Fushimi Inari. For the more active, hiking up the mountain following the red torii gates is a great way to enjoy the forest and the views over the city! Your afternoon is free to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Maybe head out in the evening with your group to celebrate the end of your adventure together.

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)

Day 12: Osaka

This morning, travel to Osaka – the vibrant unofficial culinary capital, whose motto is 'Kuidaore' (eat until you drop). When you arrive, you’ll have free time to wander the trendy streets or pick up some lunch in Dotombori, before another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, maybe join your new travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant or wander the neon-lit streets for some street food and drinks.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Takamatsu

Depart Osaka this morning and begin the journey west. Take the train across the bridge spanning the stunning Inland Sea and onto Takamatsu. This may be the largest city on the island of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s four main islands), but it's a beautifully unpretentious town full of history, top-notch food and interesting local art. Here, you'll visit Ritsurin Garden – one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Dating back to the Edo period, it comprises several ponds and arched bridges designed around strolling paths, tea pavilions and historic trees, with a western garden in addition to the Japanese one. The garden also houses the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum, which displays a variety of ceramics and basketwork dating from the time of the Tokugawa shoguns.

Included Activities:

Takamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft Museum

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Naoshima Island/Takamatsu

Take the ferry this morning for a daytrip to the island of Naoshima, in the Inland Sea between Takamatsu and the mainland – famous worldwide for its modern art galleries, museums, avant-garde architecture and lovely natural setting. Explore the island by public bus or bicycle to take you between the galleries and installations. Wander between artworks, hear the sound of waves lapping at quiet coves and stumble upon the wonderful outdoor sculptures. Return to Takayama after a full day on the island, where you’ll have a free night.

Included Activities:

Takamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)

Optional Activities:

Naoshima - Benesse House Museum (1500 JPY)
Naoshima - Chichu Art Museum (2800 JPY)
Naoshima - Art House Project (combined ticket) (1400 JPY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Matsuyama

This morning, take the train and head west to Matsuyama – one of Japan’s least discovered prefectures coined ‘the citrus state’ by the locals. When you arrive and have maybe picked up a mikan (mandarin) or two, visit the hill-top Matsuyama Castle with your group. This is one of Japan's most impressive surviving castles, sitting right in the middle of the city. Unlike most castles in Japan, this one has an exciting collection of artefacts inside, so take the chance to check them out and learn a little more about Matsuyama's feudal history while you’re there. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax and unwind at the Dogo Onsen – one of the oldest bath houses in Japan – or if you’d prefer more exploration, maybe visit Ishiteji Temple – the 51st of the 88 temples that make up Shikoku’s 88 Sacred Temples circuit (Japan’s most famous pilgrimage route).

Included Activities:

Matsuyama - Matsuyama Castle

Optional Activities:

Matsuyama - Ishiteji Temple - Free
Matsuyama - Dogo Onsen (basic entry) (700 JPY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Usuki

When you arrive around midday, take a public bus to the village to visit the local Shochu distillery, where you’ll get to see how Shochu (much loved in Kyushu, distilled from rice, barley etc)) is made, followed by a tasting of their finest.

Included Activities:

Usuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tasting
Usuki - Japanese home-cooking experience

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Beppu

Say goodbye to your hosts after a traditional home-cooked breakfast. Then, head to Beppu, famous for its variety of hot springs and onsens in Kyushu. Have lunch at a specialty restaurant that offers a unique dining experience where you can select the food you’d like, put the dishes in a steamer and watch as they’re cooked by the steam of the hot springs! This means your food will be infused with all the healthy minerals of the baths. Then, you’ll visit Jigoku (which translates to 'hell') – a collection of differently coloured steaming hot spring pools with different benefits. After, head to a local onsen for a relaxing soak. The evening is yours to spend your way in this relaxing city.

Included Activities:

Beppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku)
Beppu - local onsen
Beppu - Steamed lunch (Beppu style)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Beppu

Today is a free day in Beppu. This is the perfect opportunity to take it easy in this onsen town, soaking your muscles and taking advantage of the benefits. Maybe explore other onsens in the city or alternatively, explore Beppu at your own pace. Maybe check out Jigoku Onsen Museum or take the Mount Tsurumi ropeway to the top for views overlooking the city. The lower station of the ropeway is a great spot for cherry blossom season! You might like to visit the Yawata Asami Shrine, Beppu Tower or take a daytrip out the nearby Yufuin town. The day is yours!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Mount Aso

Today is all about chasing views! Hop in your private transfer this morning and head to Mt Aso, stopping at Ogi Rice Terrace along the way. Soak up the scenic landscape of Ogi between Mt Aso and the Kuju Mountains Range. When you’ve snapped some photos, head on to the Daikanbo Observatory for some excellent views of the five central peaks of the mountain. This viewpoint is also known as the Nehan-zo, or Nirvana Buddha, referencing the image of Buddha in repose. Stop for lunch, then get ready for a hike either on the moon-like Sunesenri trail to Nakadake Crater – the largest among the five craters of the mountain or to Kusasenri trail on the grassland, depending on crater's accessibility. After your hike, continue your journey to your accommodation for tonight – you’ll be staying in a traditional Japanese inn, right in the caldera formed from ancient volcano eruptions. Surrounded by rice fields, you’re in for a peaceful night here.

Included Activities:

Mount Aso - Nakadake Crater
Mount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike (or Kusasenri trail, weather and access dependent)
Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terraces
Mount Aso - Daikanbo Observatory

Accommodation:

Japanese Inn (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Nagasaki

This morning, say goodbye to your scenic guesthouse and hop back on the train to Nagasaki, arriving in the early afternoon. Nagasaki was the sole port in Japan to trade with Dutch and Portuguese back in the 16th century, so city has a fascinating mixture of traditional Japanese and western architectural influence. Follow your leader on an orientation walk, then head over to Glover Garden – an open air museum where you can see some of the old foreign merchant houses. See the Former Glover House, the oldest wooden western style building, and learn about a unique part of history in Nagasaki. You then have a free afternoon, so maybe ask your leader where to grab dinner.

Included Activities:

Nagasaki - Glover Garden

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Nagasaki

Wake up in Nagasaki this morning – the coastal city set on a natural harbour has surrounding hills with many viewpoints over the scenic hub. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum for a sobering reminder of what happened on that dreadful day – the 9th of August 1945. If you wish to reflect and explore further, there are some other interesting museums nearby worth visiting. You will have a day pass for the trams in the city, so take the time to explore Nagasaki in your free afternoon. Consider heading over to Dejima – this artificial island was once a Dutch trading post in the 17th to the 19th centuries (and the sole foreign presence in the whole country at one point). The 26 Martyrs Memorial, Oura Catholic Church, and Dutch Slopes also give you a glimpse into the life of the early Christians and European traders in Japan. The Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This evening, maybe slurp up some champon noodles (ramen, Nagasaki-style)!

Included Activities:

Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
Nagasaki - tram day pass

Optional Activities:

Nagasaki - Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture (630 JPY)
Nagasaki - Dejima Historical District (520 JPY)
Nagasaki - 26 Martyrs Memorial (500 JPY)
Nagasaki - Oura Catholic Church (1000 JPY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Osaka

Say goodbye to Kyushu and jump on the shinkansen back to Osaka. When you arrive this afternoon, soak up some free time to relax or explore. Tonight, why not head out for dinner and drinks with your leader and fellow travellers, to celebrate an amazing trip in southern Japan.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 23: Osaka

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. That doesn’t mean your time in Japan has to end! There is plenty to do and explore in Osaka, so if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak 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 $14,385

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 23 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Mar 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

Helena

Traveled, September 2023

09/24/2023

I recommend this trip if you have never been to Japan and want to see the highlights. There are definitely some long travel days but considering we were travelling by bullet trains, could’ve been much longer! It was a good balance of included activities and free time and the leaders were great at providing suggestions. Takeshi (Tai) was great at providing insight into the culture of Japan. Atsuko (Addie) was very well organized and so enthusiastic. There was definitely way more hiking than I anticipated on this trip, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

4.0

Peter

Traveled, April 2023

05/01/2023

Be aware! I’ve had 3 great trips but this last one started off poorly but ended well. Poor customer service and some unwelcome surprises in the first few days. In perspective, Japans wage growth in the last 30 years is only 5%! This tour is overpriced. Offsetting the negatives the tour guides were excellent.

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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