- Enjoy the World class cuisine and soak up the cultural bounties.
- Get astounded by the breath taking view of Mt.Fuji.
- Visit numerous delights of nature in Hakone.
- Explore buzzing Osaka, or the crown jewel of Japan, Kyoto.
- Experience Tokyo’s incredible nightlife and admire the nation’s icon, Matsumoto Castle.
16 Day Japan Discovery
Tour Code: JP16
Price From
SOLO
You get your own room/cabin by paying a single supplement charge in addition to the tour price.
$4,199
Overview
If you are searching for a stress-free and authentic cultural experience while exploring Japan, AVG has got you covered. This 16-day Discovery tour will take you to all the essential spots like Mt. Fuji, the lively city streets of Tokyo, the enchanting cherry blossom trees of Kyoto, and many more! You can even receive good luck for the rest of your journey when you drink from the flowing streams of Otowa Waterfall, a sacred cultural custom of Japan.
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(5N) – Matsumoto(1N) – Takayama(1N) – Kanazawa(2N) – Kyoto(2N) – Osaka(3N)
Highlights
Itinerary
Japan
Day 3: Tokyo Sightseeing
Today after breakfast, we make our way to the Meiji Shrine. Later, stroll through the Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo’s most colorful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs at Nakamise Shopping Street and Odaiba area. Lunch is on your own account. This afternoon, relax on a Water bus toward Hama-Rikyu garden. Your last stop today is Tokyo Tower and Ginza area before you head back to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Tokyo.
Day 5: Tokyo 
Mount Fuji 
Hakone Tokyo
Today, visit Oshino Hakkai. Known as the Springs of Mount Fuji, the eight ponds are fed by melting snow filtering down from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji through porous layers of lava resulting in very clear spring water that is revered by the locals. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Later, take a cruise on Lake Ashi by Pirate Ship and savour the numerous delights of nature in Hakone region. Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo, famous for hot springs, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji. You will visit Hakone Shirine before returning to Tokyo.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Tokyo.
Day 7: Tokyo Matsumoto
Today we leave Tokyo behind us and travel inland to the cultural city of Matsumoto, famed for its castle. You will have time to visit Matsumoto Castle, considered in the top 3 feudal castles of Japan and arguably the city’s most famous site. After that stroll through the former merchant district of Nakamachi, lined with well-preserved old buildings where you can find lovely local crafts, treasures, and great restaurants.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Matsumoto.
Day 8: Matsumoto Takayama
This morning after breakfast, we leave Matsumoto and make our way to Takayama. Today we visit some of Takayama’s highlights. We begin our day with the Hida Folk Village, an open air museum exhibiting over 30 traditional houses from the region. After, we continue to the Matsuri-no-mori museum, which showcases the key aspects of the Takayama Festival, which takes place for two days each spring and autumn. You will stay in a hotel in Takayama tonight.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Takayama
Day 9: Takayama City Tour Kanazawa
After breakfast, we will take you to the early morning Takayama markets where local fresh product and souvenir stalls are on display. Continue with the narrow streets of Takayama’s Sanmachi Suji historic district are lined with wooden merchants’ houses dating to the Edo Period, along with many small museums. We will stop at Shirakawago Village before transfering to Kanazawa.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kanazawa.
Day 10: Kanazawa City Tour
After breakfast, we enjoy a city tour of this colorful city. We begin with a visit to the Nagamachi Buke Yashiki district with the highlight of Nomura-ke. Nagamachi was a samurai district located at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to reside. We then continue to the Kenroku-en Garden – from its scale and beauty, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal lords’ gardens in Japan and has been maintained over generations. In the afternoon, explore the Higashi Chayagai district famous for its teahouses built in traditional Japanese design. We finish our day with a visit to the Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the Edo Period.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kanazawa.
Day 11: Kanazawa Kyoto
This morning we leave Kanazawa and make our way to the jewel of Japan, Kyoto. On arrival we visit Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate and is designated a UNESCO world heritage site. It is then on to Kinkakuji, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion. A Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold and detailed architecture incorporating three distinct styles of Shinden, Samurai and Zen. We finish with a visit to Bamboo Groves and the Togetsu Bridge, the landmark of Western Kyoto’s Arashiyama District for over four hundred years.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kyoto.
Day 12: Kyoto Free Day
Today is a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Kyoto attracts millions of visitors every year and it’s no wonder. With over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, palaces and gardens, who would not want to visit? You might be lucky enough to spot a Geisha in the old district.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kyoto.
Day 13: Kyoto Nara Osaka
This morning we travel to Nara and visit Kiyomizu Temple and watch Kimono Show. After lunch on your own, we will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine before we wander back through Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara’s nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city. We will leave after visiting Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous temples. The massive building houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). Upon arrival in Osaka, you will check-in hotel and enjoy your free evening.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Osaka.
Day 14: Osaka City Tour
This morning after breakfast, we get to know this neon powerhouse starting with a visit to Osaka Castle. We continue on to the Umeda Floating Garden Observatory for 360 degree views of Osaka. Finally we head to the Shinsaibashi Shopping District which is the city’s most famous entertainment district and offers abundant dining and shopping choices.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Osaka.
What's included
- Return International flights from Australia
- 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 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
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program
- Visa fee
- 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.
Dates & Prices
indicates Lowest Price
Departure
Arrival
Price
Note
Fine Print
Deposit & Payment
First Payment
$500
To secure your seat
Second Payment
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
Please write this special request when you have made the booking with us or you are able to contact to one of our Travel Consultants to do for you.
Important Information
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. 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.                  Â
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 $995 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveller
Not available.
Triple Share
Not available. 3rd customer needs to pay for single supplement.
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 traveller’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.
The Australian and Kiwis do not require the visa in advance.
It is the traveller’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.
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: Qantas Airways, Japan Airlines, 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 upgradesÂ
- Business Class upgrade available from an additional $3,000 per person (subject to availability).
We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm 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.
