17 Day Japan Discovery
Australian Company Owned
Return Flights Included
7 Day Change Of Mind
Small Group Size
Day by Day Itinerary
Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima
Highlights
- Return Flights from Australia
- Airport transfers included
- 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 1 dinner
- Ride the iconic Japanese bullet train
- Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout.
Itinerary
Tokyo Arrival
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan!
Upon arrival into Tokyo, we will pick you up and transfer to the hotel for check in.
Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of the next day.
Meal: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3* or similar
Please note:
● Customers buying land only do not include airport transfer fees. Please arrange your own airport transfer to the hotel
● Please be aware that you will need to have the same flight time with the group. Otherwise, you will have to arrange your own transfer from airport to the hotel
Arrival & Check-in information:
● Haneda International Airport (HND): The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Haneda International Airport (HND) to Tokyo Central is by train or by Monorail. The airport is also serviced by many Limousine Bus services which offer shared shuttle bus service from around 1300 Yen per person. (Please note that the bus stops only at designated locations)
● Narita International Airport (NRT): The best way to travel from Narita International Airport to Tokyo Central is by the Narita Airport Express. The journey to most Tokyo stations takes approximately 1hr and the ticket costs 4070 Yen. The airport is also serviced by many Limousine Bus services which offer shared shuttle buses from around 1300 Yen per person.
● Hotel Check-in: Travelers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as There are no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Osaka 
Home
Today, you are free at leisure till we pick up and trabsfe to the airport for flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: On Plane
Please note:
● Customers buying land only do not include airport transfer fees. Please arrange your own airport transfers.
● Please be aware that you will need to have the same flight time with the group. Otherwise, you will have to arrange your own transfer from hotel to the airport.
Departure and check out:
● There are several ways to travel from your hotel to either Osaka International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX), from shuttle buses to trains and taxis. Transport to the airports can cost between 250 Yen to 21,000 Yen depending on the form of transport you choose.
● Travelers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out is from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.
Home
You arrive at your home today and we hope you enjoy your trip with Asia Vacation Group!
Included
- Return flights from Australia
- Airport transfers included
- Comfortable at 3-star and 4-star horel accommodation in centrally location.
- Daily breakfasts, 1 dinner
- 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
- Experienced Local English-speaking guides
- 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support
Excluded
- 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
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a “3 Instalment Payment”, you will be required to settle a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you select to book your departure tour
- First Payment: You will be required to settle $300 per person deposit online through our website link.
- Second Payment: You will be required to settle second payment at $1,600 per person after 7-days deposit
- Final Payment: 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 includes the returned flights from Sydney/Melbourne/Adelaide/Brisbane/Perth.
Interstate Surcharge
Surcharge of $400 for departures from Adelaide & Brisbane and Perth
In this packages, we will use some different airlines such as: Qantas Airways, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Malaysia Airllines, Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar 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
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 $2,399 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size:
From 10 – 20 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
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
– $315 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
Post Tour Accommodation
– $315 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
Please select the number of extra nights required in the ‘Additional Nights Accommodation’ field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
Wide variety of well priced Tours of Asia. I found the Tours available to choose
Our holiday was an amazing experience we enjoyed the scheduled tours all were very interesting.
We were very happy and had no problem at all when booking
This is the 2nd time that I have booked with Asia Vacation
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