- Offer returned flight from $1,199
- Incredible sightseeing including entry fees – Breathtaking Mount Fuji, the UNESCO sites of Shirakawa-gõ Village, White Heron Castle and Golden Pavilion and the charming old town of Takayama
- 15 nights in well-situated accommodation, including a night in a Japanese Onsen hotel
- Breakfast daily and two dinners, including a traditional Japanese Kaiseki dinner
- Ride the iconic Japanese bullet train
- Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking guide
- Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
16 Day Japan Discovery
Tour Code: AVGJP16
Price From
Deposit AU$100 pp
pp twin/double share
AU$3,999
| Typically | AU$8,050 |
| Single Traveller | AU$5,899 |
Asia Vacation Group - Authentic Asia
Day by Day Itinerary
Tokyo (3 nights), Kawaguchiko (1 night), Takayama (2 nights), Kanazawa (1 night), Kyoto (3 nights), Osaka (3 nights), Hiroshima (2 nights)
|
Flexible Cancellation |
|
Fully escorted by English-speaking local tour guide |
|
Returned International Flights |
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 01: Tokyo Arrival
Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel.
Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of the next day.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3* or similar
Day 02: Tokyo
Today, you will have a full day to explore Japan’s ultramodern capital – Tokyo. 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 and then visit the Tokyo Skytree – opened since May 2012, the Skytree is a television and radio broadcast site, and contains a restaurant and two viewing platforms. Next we visit Asakusa district, and the Sensō-ji Temple. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and it’s dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. On the approach to Sensō-ji is Nakamise Shopping Street, a centuries-old promenade of shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs like kimonos and bottles of saké. Next, spend some time exploring the grounds of the Imperial Palace. Here, we view the two bridges that form one of the entrances to the inner palace grounds. The current Imperial Palace is home to Japan’s Imperial Family and is located in the former site of Edo Castle, surrounded by an imposing stone wall and moat system.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3* or similar
Day 03: Tokyo
Today is a free day to explore the World’s most populous metropolis. Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3* or similar
Day 04: Tokyo 
Hakone Lake Ashi Kawaguchiko
After breakfast, you will leave Tokyo and head to the national park region of Hakone.
On arrival, you will 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.
You 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.
Later check in your hotel and have dinner before free at leisure to explore night life as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Route Inn Kawaguchiko (Onsen Hotel) 3* or similar
Day 05: Kawaguchiko Mount Fuji Takayama
Today, after departing Kawaguchiko, we travel by coach to visit Mount Fuji’s 5th Station (if the weather permitting), 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. Here, above the clouds, we’ll view the mountain’s enormous summit if weather permits.
Next we transfer to Matsumoto, where we will 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 will continue on to our final destination today, the city of Takayama.
Note, today is a long travel day and we will arrive at our hotel at approximately 7pm. There are multiple restaurants at our resort with delicious and affordable selections.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort 4* or similar
Day 06: Takayama
Today is a full free day in Takayama. Be sure to ask your guide for their recommendations on must-see spots around the city.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort 4* or similar
Day 07: Takayama Shirakawago Kanazawa
After breakfast, you will visit 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 saké breweries to explore.
You will then travel to Shirakawa-gō Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has more than 100 ‘Gassho-style’ houses, which feature steeply-pitched roofs. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. Enjoy exploring this unique village with its thatched-roof houses sitting among gorgeous mountain scenery. Following this we will transfer to Kanazawa. On arrival we will take a brief tour around Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved and picturesque historical area of Kanazawa.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa 3* or similar
Day 08: Kanazawa Kyoto
Today, you will 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. Next, visit Nomura Samurai House, the historic residence of the Nomura Samurai clan. The intriguing house and grounds provide an insight into the lifestyle of the samurai, or military nobility, during the 16-19th centuries. The residence features beautiful architecture, gardens and décor, such as intricately painted screen doors.
In the afternoon, you will transfer by coach from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi 3* or similar
Day 09: Kyoto
Today is a full free day to spend in Kyoto. This golden city was once the capital of Japan and sits on the island of Honshu. It’s famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Beautiful Geisha are often found in the Gion district.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi 3* or similar
Day 10: Kyoto Nara Kyoto
This morning, we travel the short distance to Nara by bus, and 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.
After lunch (at your own), we return to Kyoto 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. The site is set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture of Kinkaku-ji incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen.
Afterwards 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. The enormous vermillion Shinto torii (a traditional Japanese gate) is unforgettable.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi 3* or similar
Day 11: Kyoto Osaka
This morning we begin a full-day coach tour of Kyoto. Our first stop will be Arashiyama, a stunning area known for its thick bamboo forest, which is also designated by the Japanese government as a Place of Scenic Beauty.
Next, visit 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. Following our tour we’ll depart Kyoto and head to Osaka, where we’ll check into our hotel and spend the evening relaxing.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Osaka Sheraton Miyako Hotel 4* or similar
Day 12: Osaka Himeji Kurashiki Hiroshima
Today your main luggage will remain at the hotel in Osaka to meet you upon your return. Please ensure you have an overnight bag packed for your two evenings in Hiroshima.
After breakfast you will 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 you will 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.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Grand Prince Hiroshima Hotel 4* or similar
Day 13: Hiroshima Miyajima Hiroshima
After breakfast, we will pick up and 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 will 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. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we’ll never forget the tragic events that took place here.
Later, 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.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Grand Prince Hiroshima Hotel 4* or similar
Day 14: Hiroshima Osaka
This morning you will depart Hiroshima via the bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station. Upon arrival in Osaka your will begin a full-day coach tour with our guide, beginning at Osaka Castle (entry at your own), which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century.
Later, you will visit 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.
Next, 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.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Osaka Sheraton Miyako Hotel 4* or similar
Day 15: Osaka
Today is a full free day in Osaka to spend at your leisure. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on great places to see and eat.
This evening you will enjoy dinner as a group at a local restaurant.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Osaka Sheraton Miyako Hotel 4* or similar
Day 16: Osaka Departure
Today, you are free at leisure till leave for flight back home (your own airport transport)
What's included
- 3* and 4* accommodation in centrally location.
- Daily breakfast
- Meals as mentioned in the program
- All local boat rentals as mentioned in the program
- Water bottles during tour
- Air-conditioned transportation
- All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
- Local English-speaking guides
- 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support
- Return International flights from Australia
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program
- Tipping for driver and tour guide & 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.
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a “Instalment Payment Plan” by 3 steps, you will be required to settle a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you select to book your departure tour
- Step 1: You will be required to settle $100pp deposit online through our website link.
- Step 2: You will be required to settle second payment at $1,400 with after 7 days.
- Step 3: Final payment will be collected at 120 days before your travel and you will only pay when you receive our company invoice.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This package does not include international flights from Sydney/Melbourne/Adelaide/Brisbane/Perth and we will offer a flight from $1,199.
Interstate Surcharge
Surcharge of $400 for departures from Adelaide & Brisbane & and $500 for departures from Perth
In this packages, we will use some different airlines such as: Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airllines, Vietnam Airlines or similar (20/23kg for checked baggage per passenger and 7kg hand luggage per passenger, 01-piece check-in baggage).
- Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
- All tickets will include 23 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, Airline change fees and an Asia Vacation Group change fee of $250 per person.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Asia Vacation Group name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler’s expense.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
- After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Asia Vacation Group. Asia Vacation Group reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer’s invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
- Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in.
- If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability.
- You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
- In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Asia Vacation Group will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline’s policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
FINE PRINTS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing the Travel Insurance package as soon as you pay the deposit for a piece of mind. Please refer to Travel Insurance for further information.We have partnered with nibTravel Insurance to offer you competitive rates for your travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply to arrange your policy.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Please be advised that tipping for tour guides, drivers and bellmen are required and will be collected by your travel consultant 7 days before you depart. A gratuity of 10AUD per person/day can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry as they have done an impeccable job to serve you through your holiday.
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 $5,899 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size: Maximum 40 persons
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
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.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan, for stays less than 90 days.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
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.
Cherry Blossoms
Please note that Cherry Blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
Luggage Policy:
1 Passenger is limited to carrying a maximum of 2 Suitcases with following Dimensions;
1 Suitcase having measurement of L 51 cm x W 31 cm x H 77 cm, with maximum weight 30 KG
1 Common Carry on Cabin Suitcase having L 38cm x W 23cm x H 60cm, with maximum weight of 10kg
Extra Charge for transfers is needed for any overweight and over quota luggages
Coach
* Drivers’ working hours are regulated by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
* Driver’s daily working hours may not exceed 12 hours, including leaving/returning/standby time (average service hours: 09.00 – 20.00)
* Daily driving time shall not exceed 9 hours. In addition to this, driver must have a daily rest period of at least 8 consecutive hours.
* Daily driving distance shall not exceed 500 KM.
* ONLY 1 piece of large suitcase per guest will be accepted to be loaded in coach trunk.
* Should there the bus trunk capacity is FULL, Guests have to bear the luggage transfer cost according to their respective dimension or weight.
* If over 35 pax/coach, luggage transfer truck is required on Arrival and Departure.
* Regarding current official government guidelines in safe coach operation, passengers may be required to wear masks and body temperature screening will be conducted whenever it is necessary.
* There is also a possibility of changing in passenger capacity per coach to keep passengers apart from each other. Therefore, with this in mind, please note that price may change based on government measures.
How to Extend Your Stay
Additional nights are unable to be booked on this package, should you wish to stay longer in Japan you will need to make your own arrangements.
Dates & Prices
Select Year
Select Month
indicates Lowest Price
Depart AU
Return Date
Price
Note
Thursday
07 Mar 2024
Friday
22 Mar 2024
AU$5,199
Cherry Blossom
Wednesday
20 Mar 2024
Thursday
04 Apr 2024
AU$5,799
Cherry Blossom
Monday
25 Mar 2024
Tuesday
09 Apr 2024
AU$5,799
Cherry Blossom
Saturday
30 Mar 2024
Sunday
14 Apr 2024
AU$5,799
Cherry Blossom
Sunday
07 Apr 2024
Monday
22 Apr 2024
AU$5,799
Cherry Blossom
Wednesday
17 Apr 2024
Thursday
02 May 2024
AU$5,799
Thursday
09 May 2024
Friday
24 May 2024
AU$4,599
Wednesday
15 May 2024
Thursday
30 May 2024
AU$4,599
Wednesday
29 May 2024
Thursday
13 Jun 2024
AU$4,599
Sunday
09 Jun 2024
Monday
24 Jun 2024
AU$3,999
Sunday
07 Jul 2024
Monday
22 Jul 2024
AU$4,599
Thursday
15 Aug 2024
Friday
30 Aug 2024
AU$4,805
Thursday
12 Sep 2024
Friday
27 Sep 2024
AU$5,394
Thursday
10 Oct 2024
Friday
25 Oct 2024
AU$5,085
Autumn Season
Thursday
24 Oct 2024
Friday
08 Nov 2024
AU$5,274
Autumn Season
Thursday
07 Nov 2024
Friday
22 Nov 2024
AU$5,274
Autumn Season
Thursday
14 Nov 2024
Friday
29 Nov 2024
AU$5,274
Autumn Season
Why us?
Refund in 7 days without questions
For cancellations made within 07 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
24/7 Support
We are passionate about being your travel expert and deliver every effort of helpfulness and sincerity as a friend of yours. All of us are here strongly dedicated to the aim of providing top-notch journeys wherever you travel.
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