Essential Japan
Essential Japan
The Essential Japan tour is perfect for the first time visitor to Japan
Enjoy spending time in the vibrant capital, Tokyo. Take a journey to the 5th station at Mt. Fuji, marvel at Japan’s highest mountain with its single, volcanic snowy peak. The cultural city of Kyoto is where you will discover beautiful gardens, ancient temples and traditional townhouses. Learn about Hiroshima and its past and present. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine, said to be one of the three most beautiful sights in Japan, and try delicious Japanese cuisine, Takoyaki (octopus ball) and Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) in Osaka, your final destination.
Locations you will be visiting
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Tokyo
Discover Japan's dazzling capital - where ancient meets modern
2 Days
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Hakone & Mt. Fuji
Explore one of the most iconic sights of Japan
1 Day
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Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hiroshima, rebuilt after World War II, and stunning Miyajima island, are among the most visited spot...
1 Day
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Kyoto
Explore historic sights and wander the atmospheric streets of Kyoto
2 Days
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Osaka
An exciting and bustling city with a wide range of tasty cuisine on offer
1 Day
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Essential Japan
9 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Fly to Tokyo
Take a scheduled flight from your regional airport to Tokyo.
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 2 Arrive Tokyo
On arrival at the airport in Tokyo, you will be met by a guide. You will be escorted to your hotel in Tokyo city centre. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
DAY 3 Tokyo Full Day Tour
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Meet with our representative in the reception area. Enjoy the Tokyo Full Day Tour. This group tour will take you to some Must-See spots in Tokyo by public transportation. Visit Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Shibuya Crossing.
- Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 4 Hakone Full Day Tour
Meet with our guide and enjoy Hakone tour by local transportation using Hakone Free Pass. Take the limited train to Hakone Area.
Enjoy a short cruise on Lake Ashi to marvel at the beauty of Mt Fuji and continue to the Owakudani Ropeway and Hakone Ropeway. Back to Tokyo with our representative in the evening.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Drive
DAY 5 Bullet Train to Hiroshima
After breakfast at the hotel, meet our representative in the reception area. We will take the bullet train to Hiroshima, which is 4 hours journey time. We arrive into Hiroshima in the afternoon.
Enjoy sightseeing in Hiroshima city. Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum The Atomic Bomb Dome designated a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 1996 and Peace Memorial Park.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Miyajima and Bullet Train to Kyoto
After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our representative in the reception area. Take the ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima shrine and Big Torii Gate. Try some street food in Miyajima, for example oyster croquette etc. Back to Hiroshima and we take the bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, check in the hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7 Kyoto Full Day Tour
Meet the representative at the hotel’s reception and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto. Take the local train to Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to thousands of torii gates and the Buddhist Sanjusangendo Temple, filled with 1001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of mercy. Enjoy the tea ceremony at Kyoto. You will visit Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple. The tour ends at Gion area, should you prefer to continue your sightseeing by yourself.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8 Nara & Osaka Full Day Tour
This morning starts with a walking tour of Nara. We take the train to Nara, the imperial capital of Japan in the 8th century, and visit the Todaiji Temple where an enormous bronze Buddha image is exhibited in the Daibutsuden Hall. We then continue to Nara Park, where over 1,200 wild shika deer roam freely. Visitors can feed with Shika-senbei, a special snack for the deer sold in the park grounds. Travel to Osaka visit Osaka Castle and Back to the hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Fly to UK
Transfer you to Kansai Airport for your flight to the UK.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Sushi Workshop Morning Tour, Tokyo
Experience hand-shaping and rolling sushi from a Tsukiji sushi chef and tour around Tsukiji Outer Fish Market to have an insight into how chef selects their fish for sushi.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Dinner with Maiko, Kyoto
Enjoy a traditional dinner with a Maiko, or apprentice Geisha and enjoy two traditional dance performances. Opportunity to ask questions and take photos with Maiko.
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View this packageJapan
Ninja Wifi, Japan
WiFi on the go in Japan to help you stay connected.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Samurai Experience, Osaka
Be a Samurai for a day! Learn about the Samurai (old Japanese soldier) in Kimono or Ninja costume!
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
2025, 2026 and 2027 departure dates and price will be available soon
Single supplement from £509
Land price from £2,749
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Japan: Essential Japan
from£3,749
What's included:
- International flights
- Accommodation
- English speaking guides
- Transfer & Transport
- Meals as specified
- Japan Information Pack
- Airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Ninja Wifi
- Personal Spending
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
TOUR MAP
Extend your holiday with a stopover
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View this packageStopovers Tailor Made Beach
Dubai Stopover
Dubai, the ultimate stopover destination for shopping and relaxation