18 Day Inspiring Japan
This package does not include international airfares from your home airport. Any flights within your tour itinerary are included. If you would like to add international airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available after your booking is made.
Experience the very best the destination has to offer at an incredible price: must-see attractions and sightseeing, comfortable accommodation, and optional activities to best suit your travel style and interests.
This tour is either fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader or guided by experienced local guides at each destination. If your itinerary includes local guides, a new guide will meet you in each location, and any internal flights will be unescorted. For further details, please refer to the Essential Information for this tour.
Our Steady tours offer a good mix of guided sightseeing and personal free time. With a combination of 2-3 night stays and occasional 1 night stops in key locations, this pace allows for deeper exploration while minimising long travel days.
✓ Breakfast daily and 1 dinner
✓ Experience the iconic Japanese bullet train
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ Fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader in Japan
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entrance fees as per itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Looking to travel prior September 2027? See our itinerary HERE
Journey from Osaka to Tokyo through a side of Japan few tours reach: soak in the steaming Hells of Beppu, drift past Miyajima's floating torii, wander the thatched villages of Shirakawa-go and Kyoto's golden temples, then ride the bullet train and stand beneath sacred Mount Fuji.
Welcome to Japan. On arrival in Osaka you will make your way to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to settle in and rest after your flight.
Once you have found your feet, the evening is yours to wander the streets for a first taste of the city before your tour begins.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal may offer the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your
Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion
After breakfast you will leave Osaka behind and travel by private coach onto the island of Shikoku. The route crosses the great Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, and skirts the Naruto Strait, where powerful tidal whirlpools turn between the islands.
Arriving in Takamatsu, you will visit Shikokumura, an open-air museum where historic farmhouses, an old kabuki theatre and a swaying vine bridge have been gathered from across the region. From there you will walk in Ritsurin Garden, a beautifully composed landscape of ponds, stone bridges and sculpted pines that took generations of feudal lords to complete.
Later, settle into your hotel in Takamatsu.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast, travel by private coach to Matsuyama, pausing for photographs at Ishite-ji, an atmospheric temple on the ancient Shikoku pilgrimage trail. You will then visit Matsuyama Castle, set high on a hilltop with wide views across the city to the sea.
Nearby stands Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot spring bathhouses in Japan and said to have inspired a much-loved animated film. Continuing to the coast at Yawatahama, you will board a ferry for the crossing to Beppu on the island of Kyushu.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
NOTE: Travel time is an estimate (coach plus the Yawatahama to Beppu ferry). Please confirm against operator timings, as ferry schedules vary.
After breakfast, give yourself over to Beppu, a town that sits on so much geothermal activity it sends columns of steam drifting over the rooftops.
You will visit several of the Jigoku, the vivid hot springs known as the hells, among them the cobalt pool of Umi Jigoku and the bubbling grey mud of Oniishibozu. Later, ride the Beppu Ropeway to the summit of Mount Tsurumi, where the view reaches out over Beppu Bay and, on a clear day, far along the Kyushu coast.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, travel by private coach to Nagasaki, a port city with a long and unusual history of contact with the wider world.
On arrival you will visit Glover Garden, a hillside of preserved merchant houses with sweeping views over the harbour, and the nearby Oura Church, the oldest standing Christian church in the country.
The remainder of the day is yours. You might stroll through the lantern-lined streets of Shinchi Chinatown or wander along the waterfront. Tonight is at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 1900
Approx Finish Time: 21:30
Duration: Approx 3 hrs
Stroll through central Nagasaki in the evening, stopping for a bowl of champon ramen noodles, Nagasaki-style. Champon is a classic Nagasaki dish and reflects the city’s cosmopolitan past and history with early Chinese and Western traders. Afterwards, head up Mount Inasa for stunning panoramic views of this attractive port city at night.
Inclusions:
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
After breakfast you will visit the Nagasaki Peace Memorial, a moving tribute to the events of 1945, followed by the waterfront at Dejima Wharf.
The afternoon is at leisure. With your free time you might walk to the Megane Bridge, the graceful double-arched stone bridge whose reflection forms the shape of a pair of spectacles, visit the colourful Confucius Shrine, or simply relax beside the harbour. Tonight is at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, travel by private coach towards Fukuoka, stopping along the way at Dazaifu. Here you will visit Dazaifu Tenmangu, a shrine set among ancient trees and dedicated to the deity of learning, alongside the striking Kyushu National Museum.
Continuing into Fukuoka, you will see Ohori Park, laid out around a wide central lake with gardens and walking paths. This evening you may wish to head to the Nakasu or Tenjin districts, famous for their yatai, the open-air food stalls where locals gather over ramen and grilled skewers (dishes here are at your own expense).
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast, travel by private coach to Hiroshima.
On arrival you will visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, which together stand in quiet remembrance of August 1945 and the city’s enduring message of peace.
Tonight will be at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
After breakfast, take the short ferry across to the island of Miyajima to visit Itsukushima Shrine, with its great vermilion torii gate that appears to float on the water when the tide is high.
Returning to Hiroshima, the afternoon is at leisure. With your free time you might visit Shukkeien, a classical garden of miniature landscapes, walk in the grounds of Hiroshima Castle, or browse the covered Hondori shopping arcade. Tonight is at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 20:00
Approx Finish Time: 21:30
Duration: Approx 1.5 hrs
Tonight, you will be able to enjoy an okonomiyaki dinner. Okonomiyaki is a savoury Japanese pancake, famed in Hiroshima for its layering of ingredients including batter, cabbage and pork to which you can add optional items such as squid, octopus or more vegetables. The duration of this activity is one hour in the evening.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 20:00
Approx Finish Time: 22:00
Duration: Approx 2 hrs
Experience one of Japan’s most classic meals – sukiyaki – in one of Osaka’s traditional restaurants in the heart of the city. Enjoy fine slices of wagyu beef, silken tofu and fresh vegetables lightly cooked in a hot pot and dipped in sauce before eating. Your hot pot is shared amongst 3-4 people and is a very communal way of dining.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
After breakfast, your main luggage will be sent ahead to Kyoto, leaving you free to travel light. By private coach you will make your way to Himeji to visit its famous castle, a brilliant white hilltop fortress and one of the grandest to survive anywhere in Japan.
From Himeji you will board the shinkansen, the bullet train, for the swift journey on to Kyoto, where you will transfer to your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your main luggage will be transported separately to Kyoto. Please keep anything you need for the day, including medication and valuables, in your hand luggage.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
After breakfast, spend a full day among the temples and shrines of Kyoto, for centuries the imperial capital.
You will visit Tofuku-ji, known for its wooden halls and garden bridges, the vermilion gateways of Heian Jingu, and Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion that seems to float above its mirror-still pond.
Later, walk among the towering stems of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on the western edge of the city.
Inspiring Highlights
Enjoy an evening walking tour of downtown Kyoto – from the heart of the city’s geisha culture in Gion to the tiny backstreets and bars of Ponto-chō. Experience Gion’s atmospheric streetscape at night and catch glimpses of geisha on their way to work. Visit neighborhood shrines illuminated at night and stop at a bar and sample some local sake and food.
Please note: The following menu is a sample only, and dishes may vary depending on the venue, seasonal availability, and daily specials.
Sample Menu
- Assorted sashimi
- Small appetizer (e.g. local veggie pickles or so)
- Deep-fried dish of the season
- Grilled dish of the season
- Chef’s choice main dish
- Assorted sushi
- Homemade dessert
- Free-flow beverages, including beer, sake, and soft drinks
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 20:00
Approx Finish Time: 23:00
Duration: Approx 3 hrs
Today is a free day in Kyoto to explore at whatever pace suits you.
You might wander the covered aisles of Nishiki Market, lined with stalls selling pickles, sweets and kitchenware, or stroll the old wooden lanes of the Gion district. The Philosopher’s Path makes for a gentle walk along a willow-lined canal, and the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace are open to visitors. As evening falls, the riverside lanes of Pontocho come softly to life.
Tonight is at your leisure.
After breakfast, travel by private coach up into the mountains of central Japan to the old castle town of Takayama.
On arrival you will visit the Takayama Yatai Kaikan, where the tall, gilded floats of the town’s celebrated festivals are kept on display, and the Kusakabe Folk Museum, a finely preserved merchant’s house. The rest of the day is yours to relax. Tonight is at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
After breakfast, travel by private coach to Shirakawa-go, a village tucked into a mountain valley and listed by UNESCO for its steep thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of them more than two centuries old.
Returning to Takayama, you will have time to wander the preserved streets of the old town at Kamisanomachi, where dark timber merchant houses now hold sake breweries, craft shops and tea houses.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Meeting Point: At venue
Approx Start Time: 14:00 or 15:00
Approx Finish Time: 14:40 or 15:40 at venue
Duration: Approx 40 mins
Sample some fine sake produced from Takayama’s clear alpine waters in an old sake brewery located in the heart of Takayama’s old town area. Experience different sake styles from aged forms to newly released varieties made from the latest rice harvest. Enjoy the traditional rustic ambience of a merchant’s house from Japan’s feudal era.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Meeting Point: At venue
Approx Start Time: 12:45
Approx Finish Time: 13:45
Duration: Approx 1 hr
Experience a classic Japanese bento, served lunch-box style in a traditional building near the town’s old centre. The ingredients used are sourced from Takayama’s farms and served in lacquered boxes.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
After breakfast, travel by private coach to Matsumoto, pausing for photographs at its castle, one of the oldest in the country and instantly recognisable by its black timber keep. There is also time along Nakamachi, an old merchant street of white-walled storehouses.
Continuing towards Mount Fuji, you will ride up to the 5th Station on its northern slopes (weather and road conditions permitting) for a closer look at Japan’s most famous peak. This evening you will arrive at your hotel beside Lake Kawaguchiko, where a traditional dinner is served and a soak in the natural hot springs is a fine way to end the day.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Access to the Mount Fuji 5th Station depends on weather and road conditions. If the road is closed, an alternative such as the Fujisan World Heritage Centre will be offered.
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing cruise on Lake Kawaguchi, with Mount Fuji rising beyond the far shore on a clear morning, followed by a visit to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and its collection of intricate dyed kimono.
Later, travel by private coach to Tokyo, passing the Metropolitan Government Building for wide city views (traffic permitting), before checking in to your hotel. Tonight is at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Celebrate the end of your Japan adventure with a casual meal at Izakaya, followed by a visit to a karaoke bar for that quintessential Japan experience!
Please note: The following menu is a sample only, and dishes may vary depending on the venue, seasonal availability, and daily specials.
Sample Menu
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, food and drinks
Approx Start Time: 18:30
Approx Finish Time: 22:00
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Tokyo.
You will visit Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, approached along Nakamise, a shopping street that has served visitors and pilgrims for centuries. From there, continue to the Tsukiji Outer Market, a maze of food stalls and knife shops, and on to the famous scramble crossing at Shibuya.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end and at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable journey through Japan, from the quiet islands of the south to the temples of Kyoto and the bright streets of Tokyo.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Optional tours
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected during the booking process, or once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding
Pre/post accommodation
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
Post Tour Accommodation
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.
Please note: All add-ons, including upgrades, pre/post accommodation, and optional tours, are subject to availability until confirmed by our operators. We recommend waiting for final confirmation of all itinerary components before making irreversible bookings like flights.
Upgrades
Not available
Airport Transfers
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,600.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
On this tour you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport – and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your tour.
Should you wish to change from a shared room to a solo room, this would be at the cost of the traveller who has requested to change the room type. Changes to room configuration during the tour must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after.
Triple Share
Not available
Payment Information
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Cooling Off Period
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product.
Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.
Terms and conditions
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation, which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure, for your confirmed hotel list.
If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at 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 hotel’s discretion.
Note: If you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.
As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. These must be booked at least 70 days prior to departure.
To make your own way to your hotel from the airport, it is recommended to use taxis booked from an official taxi booking desk at the airport, or alternatively you can use ride share apps such as Uber. Both Kansai (KIX) and Osaka Itami (ITM) airports also have reliable train and Limousine Bus services into central Osaka.
If you're having any problems finding the hotel, please ring the hotel directly or you can phone our customer support team for on-tour assistance.
Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.
Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.
Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.
Welcome Meeting Instructions
You are welcome to arrive at any time on your first day and the day is at your leisure, as there are no scheduled activities. On checking in you will receive a letter with meeting instructions for the following morning. If you do not receive these details, please ask hotel reception.
Your welcome meeting takes place in the hotel lobby the following morning, before we depart Osaka for Takamatsu.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it is essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative so they can take immediate action to address the problem and minimise any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
If your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction, please request that the matter be escalated to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this information on arrival during your welcome meeting.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.
If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am–12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments exploring the area, or speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and may incur an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.
As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.
To make your way to Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) airport, there are various connections by train or limousine bus. Most destinations offer ride-share services, such as Uber. If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.
Tour Suitability
Country Specific Notes
Cherry blossom season is one of the most beautiful times to visit Japan, with stunning pink blooms transforming parks, temples, and city streets. However, it is also the busiest travel period of the year. Popular sightseeing spots attract large crowds, meaning longer wait times at attractions, restaurants, and transport hubs. Roads and bus parks experience heavier congestion, which can lead to slower travel times. Hotels and trains are in high demand, and the overall atmosphere is lively and bustling. While the charm of cherry blossoms is truly special, it’s important to set expectations for a busier and more energetic travel experience.
Personal Medication
If you regularly use certain forms of medication, bear in mind that Japanese customs can be very strict regarding the importation of some relatively common drugs, including any opioids, psychotropics, tranquilisers, and certain antihistamines. They can also be strict regarding medical equipment like syringes. If you have any doubts, please refer to the official guidelines by Japan’s Ministry of Health.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while traveling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Child Policy
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Pace
This tour category is Steady
Our Steady tours offer a good mix of guided sightseeing and personal free time. With a combination of 2-3 night stays and occasional 1 night stops in key locations, this pace allows for deeper exploration while minimising long travel days.
Activity and Mobility
This tour is categorised as: 3 out of 5 - Balanced
Our Balanced tours involve a moderate level of physical activity and are designed to suit the majority of travellers. Be prepared for walking on varied surfaces, which may include cobblestones, gravel paths, and noticeable inclines common in historic towns and natural areas. You must be confident on your feet and capable of navigating multiple flights of stairs and uneven ground without assistance to fully participate.
Activity level: Balanced. A mix of flat city walking, heritage sites with stairs and slopes, and some uneven ground, with most travel by private coach and one rail leg on the bullet train.
Typical walking: Around 2–4 km on sightseeing days, at a relaxed pace with regular stops. Longer travel days involve less walking.
Terrain and key walks:
Mobility and accessibility:
As a general requirement across all of our tours, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your tour.
Group Size
Minimum: 20 passengers, Maximum: 40 passengers
Escorted Style
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour in Japan.
Tour Type
Our Classic Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much into their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between tours and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each tour page.
Exclusions
Getting Around
While touring Japan, you will travel by dedicated, private coach and by train, including riding the iconic Shinkansen, or bullet train. The journey from Shikoku to Kyushu also includes a ferry crossing to Beppu. On the rail leg into Kyoto, your main luggage is forwarded ahead so you can travel light on the train.
Expect some long travel days on the coach, but rest assured there will be comfort stops along the way where you can freshen up, stretch your legs, use the bathroom and often purchase refreshments. Lunch stops are generally taken at highway service areas, which in Japan are known for high-quality food.
If you're arriving in Japan before your tour commences and exploring on your own, Japanese public transport is world-class and simpler to navigate than you may think. Most train stations have signage in English and Japanese. When in doubt, consult a staff member, and get familiar with a maps app such as Google Maps before your trip, as many provide detailed transport information right down to the departure platform.
Accommodation Details
In Japan, the hotels commonly used for group touring are known as Business hotels. These offer affordable accommodation and although the rooms are typically small, averaging between 15 and 20 sqm, they are clean, well-maintained and equipped with a private bathroom featuring a toilet, sink and shower. Some rooms may have a shower over a small bath.
These hotels generally provide essentials such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors and towels, and most rooms have a television, air conditioner, hairdryer, refrigerator and a water boiler with green tea. Not all hotels offer every amenity, so we recommend travelling with any essentials you consider necessary. Many hotels have vending machines, and some have coin-operated laundry, but this is not guaranteed at every property.
Generally these hotels offer a buffet-style breakfast with a mix of Japanese and Western options. As you will be travelling in a foreign country, we encourage you to approach dining with an open mind, as Western-style options may not always be available. If you have specific dietary requirements, please consult your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader.
This tour also includes a feature stay at an onsen hotel near Mount Fuji, in the Lake Kawaguchiko area, where dinner is included.
Travel tip: twin rooms are usually slightly bigger than double rooms in Japan, so if you would like a little more space we suggest requesting a twin room, keeping in mind these are subject to availability. We strongly recommend travelling with one piece of luggage per person due to room sizes, and you will be responsible for handling your own luggage at all times.
Packing Essentials
What you need to pack will vary with the season you travel in. We recommend packing as lightly as possible, ensuring you can carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances and up or down stairs.
A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal. We recommend keeping your main luggage to around 15 kg and no more than 20 kg. You will also need a day pack to carry water, a camera, a jacket and your essentials while touring during the day. Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are essential.
In Japan you will need to manage your own luggage for the most part. Train stations are complex and often involve stair climbing during transfers, and lifts are not always available, so please ensure you can lift and carry your bag without difficulty. Pack layers for the cooler alpine sections around Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Mount Fuji, where evenings can be cold even outside winter.
Climate
Japan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
This itinerary spends time in the Japanese Alps around Takayama and Shirakawa-go and at Mount Fuji 5th Station, which are noticeably cooler than the coastal cities year-round, and can be cold in the evenings. We recommend packing layers regardless of season.
Currency and ATMs
The currency used in Japan is the Yen (JPY). Most chains and hotels accept cards. Convenience stores are the best places to withdraw cash, as almost every store has an ATM that accepts foreign cards. There are over 20,000 7-Eleven stores across the country, alongside chains such as Lawson and Family Mart. It is still worth carrying some cash for smaller payments.
Food and Allergies
Japanese cuisine is one of the highlights of any visit, and this itinerary travels through some of the country's great food regions, from Osaka's street food and Takamatsu's udon to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, Nagasaki champon and the markets of Tokyo. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, most meals are not included, which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat.
The Japanese daily diet contains gluten (for example in soy sauce) and seafood (dashi, or fish stock, is the basis of most dishes, even vegetable ones), so we highly recommend that vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs research the options available to them before departure. While our leaders will assist where they can, some included meals are decided in advance and cannot be altered for different diets.
While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing, as well as experience the vast array of culinary offerings in Japan. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support
Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Guide or Local Guide will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your tour. For those with a particular food allergy, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Guide will endeavour to advise the main ingredients in the dishes consumed. It is, however, still your responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any problematic ingredients.
Local Customs
It's always a good idea to learn something about local customs before you travel, and visiting Japan is no exception. Your leader will be on hand to guide you through cultural differences during your tour.
This itinerary visits several onsen (hot spring) towns, including Beppu and Dogo, as well as an onsen hotel stay. Please note that decorative tattoos are uncommon in Japanese culture, and some bathing facilities restrict entry for those with visible tattoos. Please check the rules for bathing in public onsens and endeavour to wear modest clothing.
Dress Code
While Japan is known for its eclectic fashion in some cities, overall it is quite a conservative country. On this tour you will visit temples, shrines, castles, gardens and recreated villages. When visiting places of religious significance in particular, it is important to be respectful to staff and other visitors by wearing modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Responsible Dining
We are big supporters of the protection of endangered species around the world. Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1,000 whales are still being killed every year. We do not visit places that serve whale meat on any of our tours, nor will your leader guide you to where it is offered.
Peak Travel Times
Please be aware that while travelling during major national holidays (late April to early May in Japan) and peak seasons (April–May and September–October) are fascinating times to travel, there are also some downsides to consider. There will be large crowds at most tourist attractions and on public transport. It is often difficult to secure train tickets at preferred times, and traffic congestion and changes to the itinerary without prior notice can sometimes be necessary. If you travel during peak periods, come with a sense of adventure and flexibility and you will still have a memorable experience.
Apps to Download
Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, where the lens function is especially useful for reading product labels, signs and menus, and Google Maps with offline maps downloaded for easy navigation without relying on wifi. The most widely used taxi app is GO Taxi. We also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you leave and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour. For those visiting during cherry blossom season, the Sakura Navi app tracks the blossom forecast in real time across the country.
Itinerary Changes
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience.
This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your trip! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our trips. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-trip cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Health, Wellness & Fitness Requirements
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.
When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully to assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. If we find that you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.
Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations
We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.
Open communication helps us ensure your trip is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible.
Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping trips, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs.
Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your trip.
Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook
During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.
We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming trip!
Travelling in a Group
Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group—patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please ensure that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip before departure.
Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.
Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.
If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options.
Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs Guide
While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire trip, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.
Coach Transportation
The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate your group. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath the coach or in a dedicated trailer.
While the exact coach style may vary depending on the departure, all our coaches offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets might not always be available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries, we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.
For longer journeys, we'll make sure to include ample restroom breaks along the way, so you can freshen up and recharge at your convenience, as facilities are not on-board the coach.
Staying Connected
If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM may be possible as a final option.
We also recommend downloading WhatsApp and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour, and of course, after the tour if you’d like to stay in touch. Our tour leaders may also use this as a means of communicating essential trip information with you, as well as if you choose to add-on transfers to your booking, as your driver may use this to confirm arrangements with you.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth trip survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your trip has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved.
This is a Land Only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
New Zealand
United States
Canada
