From snow-capped mountains to bustling cities, and a plethora of history, culture and tradition, experience Japan's unique sights, sounds and flavours on this 9 day itinerary of Osaka, Nara, Tokyo, Kyoto and much more for only $2,499 per person.
9 day itinerary
Inclusions:
- Return flights
- Daily breakfast
- English-speaking guides
- Six night stay in 3 – 4 star hotel accommodation
Day 1: Australia – Osaka
Today you’ll depart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth for Osaka, Japan (via Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing). Fly with China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines or Air China (subject to availability) with all meals included.
Hot tip: Travel with peace of mind: A comprehensive travel insurance policy must be organised before all details for your Highlights of Japan holiday can be finalised with the NRMA.
Day 2: Osaka
Welcome to Osaka – the food capital of Japan. This is where your exciting journey begins. Once you arrive, you’ll be met by your tour guide and taken to the hotel where you can relax and enjoy the evening in this vibrant city.
Where you'll stay: Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, Osaka.
Day 3: Osaka – Nara – Osaka
Following breakfast, your first stop is Nishinomaru Garden. Featuring manicured lawns, sculpted topiary and, at the right time of year, cherry blossoms, the garden offers views of Osaka Castle – one of Japan's most famous landmarks – as well as historic stone walls and moats. After this enjoy some free time in Shinsaibashi, the main shopping area in Osaka, complete with trendy boutiques and luxury department stores. Then make your way to Nara to visit Todai-ji temple which houses one of the world’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Enjoy free time in Nara before returning to Osaka.
Where you'll stay: Shin Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza, Osaka.
Did you know: The city of Nara is shrouded in legend and overflowing with significant sites, including the ancient, 8th century Todai-ji temple. Home to some of Japan’s national treasures and 3,000 antique bronze and stone lanterns. While visiting the temple you’ll also encounter wild deer that roam freely in Nara Park.
Day 4: Osaka – Kyoto – Toyohashi
Today you’re Kyoto-bound where you can explore as you like until 4pm, or join an optional tour (not included) and see what the city has to offer. The optional tour will visit sights including Fushimi Inari-taisha and Kinkaku-ji, before indulging in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. After spending the day in Kyoto, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Toyohashi.
The former imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is famed for its ancient temples, traditional ryokan inns and Shinto shrines, as well as its formal traditions such as kaiseki dining.
Where you'll stay: Loisir Hotel, Toyohashi
Did you know: Kyoto is considered the birthplace of Geisha culture, and has more World Heritage Sites per square mile than anywhere else in the world.
Day 5: Toyohashi – Shizuoka – Lake Yamanaka – Mt Fuji – Yamanashi
After breakfast you'll head to the capital of Japanese tea production, Shizuoka, where you’ll also visit a local tea house. Take in the countryside and mountains as you journey to Lake Yamanaka, the largest of all the Fuji Five Lakes with a great view of Mount Fuji. On arrival, you’ll climb aboard a boat where you'll take a scenic ride around the lake before heading to Mount Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting).
Where you'll stay: Route Inn Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi
Did you know: The village of Yamanakako has a large population of swans, and has since been nicknamed ‘Swan Lake’. If you don’t catch a glimpse of a swan, you’re sure to get an amazing view of the Fuji Five Lakes from the Mount Fuji 5th Station, 2,300 metres above sea level.
Day 6: Yamanashi – Tokyo
Today you'll visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha that stands on the grounds of the Kotokuin temple. Then you’ll head to Tokyo where you’ll get to visit Meiji Shrine, a key Shinto religious site that was dedicated to the Imperial Family in 1926. To round out your day head to Nakamise Shopping Street, a thoroughfare of food vendors and souvenir stores that lead to Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as 'Sensoji', one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites and the oldest temple in Tokyo.
Where you'll stay: APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari
Day 7: A day at your leisure in Tokyo
Explore the capital city however you like. Alternatively, you can join an optional tour to visit Nikko National Park (not included) with lunch, and feast your eyes on breathtaking countryside, sacred shrines and stunning temples.
Where you'll stay: APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari
Did you know: Home to over 11 million people, Tokyo has one of the largest populations in the world. Not just the political and economical centre of Japan, it’s also emerged as a centre of global economy and culture where tradition and modernity co-exist.
Day 8: Tokyo – Australia
Enjoy some free time in the morning before heading to Haneda or Narita Airport for your flight home via Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing) with all meals included.
Extend your trip with a visit to Hiroshima (pre tour only)
Day 1: Australia – Osaka
Today you’ll depart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth for Osaka, Japan (via Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing). Fly with China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines or Air China (subject to availability) with all meals included.
Day 2: Arrive in Osaka
Upon arrival into Osaka Airport you’ll be greeted by your tour guide and taken to your hotel.
Where you'll stay: Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, Osaka
Day 3: Osaka – Hiroshima – Osaka
This morning you’ll head to Shin-Osaka station where you’ll climb aboard a bullet train to Hiroshima. Once you’ve reached Hiroshima, you’ll continue your journey to Miyajimaguchi by coach or train before hopping on a boat to the majestic Miyajima Island. After lunch (not included) you’ll head back to Hiroshima and reflect on the regions history before returning to the train station and bulleting back to Osaka where you’ll meet the rest of your tour group.
Did you know: Also known as Itsukushima or Divine Island, Miyajima Island is hailed as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll discover the natural and cultural treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage Listed Island. Plus, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome to learn of the tragedy that took place during the final stages of World War II.
Download the full itinerary here.
