- See one of Japan’s most revered shrines, the Meji shrine in Tokyo
- Cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji
- Kawaguchiko – Experience a traditional hot-spring onsen guesthouse
- Shirakawago – View World Heritage site with 114 Gassho-style houses
- Explore Takayama’s Old Town with Edo period houses
- Explore the Samurai district in Kanazawa
- Kyoto – Visit Kinkakuji – the Golden Pavilion
- Osaka – Wander the Namba-Shinsaibashi shopping district
- Hiroshima – Visit the moving Atomic Bomb Dome.
17 Day Grand Japan
Tour Code: JP17
Price From
SOLO
You get your own room/cabin by paying a single supplement charge in addition to the tour price.
$5,399
Overview
Note:
As flight times, hotels, logistical services and days of travel can be subject to availability and modifications beyond our control, if cancellations or delays should occur, we will make a conscientious effort to secure alternative arrangements of similar value to those in our booking agreement.
Route
Tokyo – Yokohama – Hakone – Kawaguchiko – Mt Fuji – Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Home 
Tokyo
Today begins your magnificent tour through Japan! This friendly country is ready to welcome you with open arms. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel.
PLEASE NOTE – Some flights may depart the night before, arriving in the morning on Day 1. You will be able to leave your luggage at the hotel until check-in, allowing you to start exploring this amazing city straight away.
DAY 2: Tokyo
After breakfast this morning your English-speaking guide will meet you to begin your full-day coach tour of Japan’s ultramodern capital – Tokyo. Our tour will begin with a visit to Meiji Shrine, located within a 170 acre forest in the centre of the city. Constructed of cypress wood and copper, the shrine commemorates Emperor Meiji, Japan’s 122nd emperor, who presided over Japan’s industrial revolution and emergence onto the world stage.
Next we visit Asakusa district, and the Sensō-ji Temple. We’ll take a short break for lunch before beginning our Sumida River Cruise, where we’ll have the opportunity to view the beautiful scenery of Tokyo from a unique perspective.
We round off the day with a trip to Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Built as an island fortress in the 19th century, Odaiba will be a venue location for the 2020 Olympic Games, and is already a popular leisure and sightseeing area.
DAY 4: Tokyo 
Yokohama Hakone - Kawaguchiko
Leaving Tokyo this morning we head to the national park region of Hakone. On the way we explore the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse – a building complex that was erected a century ago as a customs house for Yokohama Port.
Next, we visit the incredible Kamakura Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, at Kōtoku-in Temple. Constructed in 1252, and once covered in gold, the bronze Great Buddha is an impressive sight.
Afterwards, we’ll take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. The lake sits within the caldera of Mount Hakone, and is famed for its views of Mount Fuji. Boats inspired by western warships cruise the scenic lake, and the picturesque, forested region has been popular with hikers and sightseers for centuries. We then transfer to Lake Kawaguchiko, an absolutely stunning area that’s home to the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and promises more fabulous views of Mount Fuji.
DAY 5: Kawaguchiko Mt. Fuji Takayama
Today, after departing Kawaguchiko, we travel by coach to visit Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, which is halfway up the active volcano. Mount Fuji is the country’s tallest peak and it is considered one of Japan’s three holy mountains. Next we transfer to Matsumoto, where we’ll visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as the ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan and was built in the 1500s.
Following this we’ll continue on to our final destination today, the city of Takayama.
Please note for 2021 travel, Matsumoto entry fee is not included.
DAY 7: Takayama Shirakawago Kanazawa
Today your luggage will be sent ahead to meet you in Kyoto tomorrow evening, so please ensure you have an overnight bag packed and ready for this evening.
Before leaving Takayama this morning we’ll tour the Miyagawa Open-Air Market and stop at Kamisannomachi Street in Takayama’s Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868). As well as the charming architecture, there are several quaint cafés and a number of old sake breweries to explore.
We’ll then travel to Shirakawa-gō Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has more than 100 ‘Gassho-style’ houses. Following this we will transfer to Kanazawa to restfor the evening.
DAY 8: Kanazawa Kyoto
This morning we’ll visit the stunning Kenrokuen Garden – one of the most beautiful in Japan. Developed over more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species.
We also visit Nomura Samurai House, the historic residence of the Nomura Samurai clan. Finally we will take a brief tour around Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved and picturesque historical area of
Kanazawa, before heading to Kanazawa station. After a break for lunch here, we’ll transfer by limited express
Thunderbird train from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
DAY 10: Kyoto Nara Kyoto
This morning, we travel the short distance to Nara by bus, and visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold.
Next, we visit Heian-jingū (Heian Shinto Shrine), a replica of an ancient imperial palace, and a symbol of the rebirth of Kyoto after World War II.
Later today we’ll visit Tōdai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), famed for its Great Buddha Hall, which remains one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. This impressive building houses a 15m-tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana.
Following this we’ll wander through gorgeous Nara Park, where more than 1200 tame sika deer roam freely, before returning to Kyoto for the evening.
DAY 11: Kyoto Osaka
This morning we begin a full-day coach tour of Kyoto. Our first stop will be the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine. Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii (shrine gates), which straddle a network of trails behind its main temples, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is incredibly photogenic. The trails lead into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233m and belongs to the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Next we’ll visit Arashiyama, a stunning area known for its thick bamboo forest, which is also designated by the Japanese government as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Following our tour we’ll depart Kyoto and head to Osaka, where we’ll check into our hotel and spend the evening relaxing.
DAY 12: Osaka Himeji Kurashiki Hiroshima
Today your main luggage will remain at the hotel in Osaka to meet you upon your return in two days time. Please ensure you have an overnight bag packed for your two evenings in Hiroshima.
After breakfast we’ll depart Osaka to visit the so-called ‘White Heron Castle’, Himeji – it’s the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight, hence the popular name Shirasagi-jō (White Heron Castle). This is the most visited castle in Japan and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city.
From here we’ll continue on to Kurashiki, a city on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, where we’ll tour the Bikan Historical Quarter, known for its centuries-old buildings and lovely local shops. After our visit here we’ll transfer to our hotel in Hiroshima.
Please note for 2021 travel, Himeji Castle entry fee is not included.
DAY 13: Hiroshima Miyajima Hiroshima
After breakfast this morning our guide will meet us in the hotel lobby. Together we’ll board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima, an island known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, there’s a ‘floating’ torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. Nearby, the Museum of History and Folklore has cultural artifacts in a 19th-century merchant’s home. We’ll take a walk along Omotesando Shopping Street where you can grab some lunch before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
Once we’re back in Hiroshima we’ll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. A shell of a building that was one of very few left standing after the United States bombed Hiroshima in 1945.
Later, we’ll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which contains many poignant, yet important, exhibits. The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed.
DAY 14: Hiroshima Osaka
This morning we’ll depart Hiroshima via the bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station. Upon arrival in Osaka we’ll begin a fullday coach tour with our guide, beginning at Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century.
Later, we’ll tour Kuromon Ichiba, one of the city’s main food markets. This spacious covered market features vendors peddling street food, fresh produce, shellfish and trinkets and souvenirs.
After a short break for lunch our tour continues to the Minami area in the city’s south – a district that’s bursting with boutiques, designers outlets, restaurants and bars.
We’ll also enjoy a walking tour of the Dōtonbori area. One of Osaka’s most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dōtonbori canal and is a hugely popular destination for shopping, street food, bars and entertainment.
At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.
This evening we’ll enjoy dinner as a group at a local restaurant.
Please note for 2021 travel, Osaka Castle entry fee is not included.
What's included
- Return Economy flights from Melb & Syd. For any other city please enquire
- Accommodation and breakfast in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability)
- Meals as mentioned in the program
- All local boat rentals as mentioned in the program
- Water bottles during tours
- Air-conditioned transportation
- All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
- English speaking guides in Japan
- 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program.
- Visa fee to Japan (If you need assistance with your Visa, please request it upon filling in Booking Form).
- Tipping for driver and tour guide (not mandatory) & personal expenses.
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you hold a valid travel insurance policy for all domestic and overseas travel).
- Trip delay or interruption by airline schedule change.
- Extra cost or missing tour caused by flight delay or cancel.
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
*Actual accommodation may vary due to availability. However, equivalent quality is guaranteed.
Dates & Prices
indicates Lowest Price
Departure
Arrival
Price
Note
Fine Print
Deposit & Payment
First Payment
$500
To secure your seat
Second Payment
$2,500
Pay within 30 days
Final Payment
90 days
Prior the departure date
Booking Process
Step 1
Select tour packages as preferred
Step 2
Complete the Booking Form
Step 3
We will contact you within 12 hours
Another option: Feel free to request your tailor-made tour
How to Extend Your Stay
If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
- Follow the “Book Now” prompts, until you reach the “Special Requests” field
- Here, please specify your preferred flight arrangements and if you require additional accommodation, with the number of nights needed.
- After finalising your purchase and submitting your booking form, a member of our Reservation team will be in contact with you via email to verify your request.
The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice, due 90 days prior to departure, and is strictly subject to availability. From $200 per person is applied for trip extension or early arrivals (subject to availability and applicable fare difference).
Important Information
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
For the services of your guide, it is suggested that you budget for AUD$10-20 per person, per day. Tipping of your driver is also appreciated and we would suggest AUD$5 per person, per day.
As this particular tour does not collect a ‘kitty’, it is entirely up to the individual whether or not you would like to tip locals for the services of things like taxis or when dining at restaurants. In these cases, we suggest you allow 10-20% of the value of the service as a tip. Again, it is not compulsory and entirely up to the individual.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,728 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with SureSave to offer you competitive rates for your travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
If you’re visiting for less than 90 days as a tourist, for a business trip or conference, or to visit friends and family, you don’t need a visa to Japan. To qualify, you need to show evidence of sufficient funds and an onward/return ticket or confirmed accommodation arrangements.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group size
20 – 40 people
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Flight Information
Airfare Information
- Airline: Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines or similar (20kg for checked baggage per passenger and 7kg hand luggage per passenger, 01-piece check-in baggage each person only
- Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
- All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
- Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
- Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
- Business Class upgrade available from an additional $3,000 per person (subject to availability).
Please specify this as a “Special Request” when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
