Spirit of Japan
Get ready to explore Japan’s wonderful blend of ancient traditions and vibrant modern life on this delightful adventure. Wander bustling Tokyo streets, visit peaceful temples, marvel at the majestic Mt Fuji, and find quiet moments of reflection in Hiroshima. Along the way, enjoy warm traditions, tasty meals, and unforgettable memories that are a joy to discover.
Round-trip tour departing from Australia for 16 days. Multiple departures from Sep 2026 to Apr 2028.
- Twin Share from $13,995 per person*
- Single from $17,695 per person*
Call Us Now to get up-to-date pricing and availability.
*Advertised fares are available until allocation is exhausted, and prices may fluctuate during the campaign period without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart Australia – Valid from (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth & Adelaide)
Day 2 – Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Begin your adventure in vibrant Tokyo, where modern innovation meets timeless tradition. Arrive by 5:30 pm to meet your guide and fellow travellers. If arriving later, you’ll meet the group tomorrow morning. Please check your arrival letter for your guide’s details and meeting time.
Day 3 – Tokyo
Explore Tokyo’s fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, visiting the tranquil Imperial Palace East Garden, the vibrant Ginza district and iconic Shibuya Crossing. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner aboard a traditional yakatabune, cruising Tokyo Bay with delicious food and stunning skyline views.
Day 4 – Tokyo
Ride Tokyo’s subway like a local as we explore the historic Shitamachi district. Visit Asakusa’s iconic Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, then stroll along Nakamise Street, browsing local snacks, souvenirs and traditional crafts.
Day 5 – Tokyo – Hakone
Leave Tokyo for Fukasawa, with free time to explore Gotemba Premium Outlets and enjoy views of Mt. Fuji. Continue to Hakone for a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway to volcanic Ōwakudani Valley, before checking into a traditional ryokan and enjoying a Japanese-style dinner.
Day 6 – Hakone – Takayama
Experience Japan’s famous Shinkansen from Hakone to Nagoya, connecting to Takayama by regional train. Explore Takayama Jinya, a beautifully preserved Edo-period government building, and stroll through historic Sanmachi Street before checking into your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 7 – Takayama – Shirakawago – Gokayama – Takayama
Explore Takayama’s lively Miyagawa Morning Market before visiting the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go and its traditional gasshō-zukuri houses. Continue to Gokayama to discover traditional washi papermaking, before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Day 8 – Takayama – Kyoto
Travel by local train from Takayama to Nagoya, then board the famous Shinkansen to Kyoto. Discover Kyoto’s cultural charm with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, before checking into your hotel.
Day 9 – Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s traditional art of shodō, Japanese black ink calligraphy. Learn about this meditative art form before having the opportunity to try it yourself.
Day 10 – Kyoto
Explore Kyoto’s spiritual heritage with a visit to the iconic Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, beautifully reflected in its surrounding pond. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant and experience Japan’s rich food culture.
Day 11 – Kyoto- Hiroshima
Explore Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, visiting the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, peaceful Bamboo Forest and UNESCO-listed Tenryū-ji Temple. Enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian lunch before taking the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, where the evening is yours to relax and explore.
Day 12 – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima
Visit the UNESCO-listed Miyajima Island and its iconic Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its floating torii gate. Return to Hiroshima to explore Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome, powerful symbols of remembrance and peace. Enjoy a relaxed evening with the option to sample local okonomiyaki.
Day 13 – Hiroshima – Himeji – Osaka
Take the bullet train to Himeji and explore the magnificent UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, known as the White Heron Castle, followed by a stroll through Kōkoen Garden. Enjoy free time for lunch before visiting a local sake brewery for a behind-the-scenes look and tasting.
Day 14 – Osaka – Nara – Osaka
Travel from Osaka to historic Nara, visiting Tōdai-ji Temple and its impressive Great Buddha before strolling through Nara Deer Park. Return to Osaka for free time and lunch in the vibrant Dōtonbori district, famous for its neon lights and lively atmosphere.
Day 15 – Depart Osaka
Journey concludes after breakfast this morning. Take home wonderful memories, new friendships and unforgettable stories from your time in Japan.
Day 16 – Arrive Australia
*This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Highlights
- Discover Japan’s iconic Golden Route from Tokyo to Osaka, blending vibrant cities, ancient temples, and rich traditions.
- Experience Mt Fuji, Hiroshima & historic Kyoto, including unforgettable cultural and scenic highlights.
- Travel like a local with bullet trains, a traditional ryokan stay and a Tokyo Bay dinner cruise.
Get ready to explore Japan’s wonderful blend of ancient traditions and vibrant modern life on this delightful adventure. Wander bustling Tokyo streets, visit peaceful temples, marvel at the majestic Mt Fuji, and find quiet moments of reflection in Hiroshima. Along the way, enjoy warm traditions, tasty meals, and unforgettable memories that are a joy to discover.
Inclusions
Sightseeing
- Visit Imperial Palace East Garden
- Stroll through the Ginza District
- Experience Shibuya Crossing
- Admire the city lights of Tokyo Bay while on a dinner cruise
- Tokyo sightseeing including Asakusa Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade
- Enjoy a sumo wrestling demonstration and a traditional Chanko Nabe lunch
- See Mt Fuji while riding the Hakone Ropeway (weather permitting)
- Spend a night in a traditional ryokan guesthouse
- Take in the sights of historic Takayama by foot
- Free time to explore Miyagawa Open Air Market
- Wander through Shirakawa-go, with its famous gasshō-zukuri thatched roofs
- Learn about the Japanese tradition of washi papermaking in Gokayama
- Tour the Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Stroll the Philosopher’s Walk
- Take part in a black ink calligraphy class
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto
- Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- Enjoy a tofu and shichimi making lesson
- Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and see the Tōgetsu-kyō Bridge
- Enjoy a Buddhist lunch at Shigetsu (Tenryū-ji Temple)
- Visit the island Miyajima and see the giant Itsukushima Torii Gate (currently under maintenance)
- Tour the Hiroshima Peace Park and visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and the very moving Peace Memorial
- Visit Himeji Castle
- Sample the famous sake beverage
- Explore the Tōdai-ji Temple
- Feed the deer in Nara Deer Park
- Free time to explore Osaka’s Dōtonbori District
- Learn the way of the Samurai in Osaka, Japan’s pre-modern warriors
Travel
- Return economy-class flights from Australia to Japan. Taxes included
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour (please refer to Some things to note)
- All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
- 4 bullet train journeys in Japan
- 2 Limited Express train journeys in Japan
- Tipping is not part of the Japanese culture, so tips are not expected
Meals
- 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
Tour Guides
- English-speaking, locally based national guide
Exclusions
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
FAQs
Accommodation
- 12 nights in 3-4 star hotels
- 1 night in a traditional ryokan guesthouse, Hakone
Properties include:
- Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, Tokyo
- Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel, Hakone – Japanese Style Ryokan accommodation
- Hida Hotel Plaza, Takayama
- Umekoji Potel Kyoto, Kyoto
- Sheraton Grand Hotel Hiroshima, Hiroshima
- Sheraton Miyako Hotel, Osaka
*The hotels listed are for indication purposes and are subject to change without notice.
Some things to note
- Should you not be travelling on the group tour flights shared, bus transfers will be used between the hotel and the airport for the departure transfer.
- On days 6 and 11 we will be travelling by bullet train, and luggage will be transferred via coach. We will need to pack an overnight bag with two nights’ worth of luggage. Unfortunately, bullet trains have very limited space for luggage.
- Miyajima’s famous floating Torii Gate is undergoing renovations. During the renovation works, the Torii Gate may be partially covered by scaffolding.
- If you are travelling on or around the holidays of Golden Week (29 April to 5 May) heavier traffic conditions and longer waiting times can be expected.
- Women may need a headscarf to enter some mosques and temples and wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Also, a good tip is to pack a spare pair of socks in your daypack, as sometimes shoes need to be removed when entering and the ground can be hot.
Fine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.
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