This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
✓ Includes Return International Airfares
✓ Intimate small group experience, with no more than 20 people
✓ Quality accommodation in both Western-style hotels and traditional Ryokans
✓ 1 night in a traditional Japanese ryokan on the sacred Mt Koyasan
✓ All transportation, including the iconic Japanese bullet train
✓ Daily breakfast, 3 dinners
✓ Fully escorted with expert, English-speaking tour guide
✓ Tour guide assistance for departure transfers by rail
✓ In-depth discovery of northern and western Japan
✓ Visit several of Japan’s most sacred sites
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entry fees – See the forested islands of Matsushima Bay, visit beautiful temples, tombs and gardens and explore UNESCO sites like White Heron Castle and the Golden Pavilion
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Today you will board your flight for Japan!
Upon arrival to Sapporo please make your way to your hotel. Once you check in and collect your welcome pack, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the capital of Hokkaido.
Perhaps you could start with Odori Park, a popular picnic and relaxation spot in the centre of the city. A popular spot year-round, it's about 1.5km east to west (12 blocks) and the site for major events like the Snow Festival in winter.
Sapporo is also home to the Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum featuring historical buildings to show Hokkaido as it was in the Meiji and Taisho eras. The village is divided into four sections: a city area, farm village, fishing village and mountain village. There is a horse-drawn trolley in summer and horse-drawn sled in winter.
This evening you’ll join your guide and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting and dinner, to give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers.
Check In and Arrival Information:
Today there are no arranged activities until dinner time.
If requested in advance, we can pre-arrange an arrival transfer for an extra $135 per person.
Alternatively, you can travel between Sapporo Airport and your hotel by train. Your hotel is located only 450mts from Sapporo Train Station. The train ticket will cost you approximately ¥1,150 per person and a taxi from the train station to the hotel approximately ¥ 1,000 per car.
Travellers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time (3pm) 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 hotel’s discretion.
Please note: Some flights may depart Australia the night before
We’ll enjoy a walking tour of Sapporo. Visit the famous Sapporo Clock Tower, built from timber in the late 1800s, the Sapporo Beer Museum and the lively Susukino district. It’s a haven for food, shopping and entertainment. It’s positively buzzing, with neon signs, noise, shopping and nightlife.
The evening is yours to enjoy.
Please note, the Sapporo Beer Museum is closed on Mondays. If your tour falls on a Monday we will visit the Museum the following day.
We’ll start with a half-day trip to Otaru this morning, a small harbour city known for glassworks, music boxes and sake distilleries.
On our walking tour we’ll visit the quaint Otaru Canal, once an important commercial port. It’s well preserved and charming, lined with old merchant houses. We’ll visit landmarks like the Otaru Music Box Museum and the traditional shopping street Sakaimachi, all while learning about Otaru’s rich industrial heritage. Many of the buildings on Sakaimachi street have been converted into restaurants, cafes and shops – you’ll likely find some of the region’s fine glassware, a lovely souvenir.
Later we’ll catch the train back to Sapporo where you can enjoy some free time in the evening.
Your Japan Rail Pass will be activated today.
The best way to get around Japan is on the country’s famous railway system, shinkansen, the bullet train. It’s efficient and ultra-modern. You’ll zip from place to place with your included Japan Rail Pass.
We’ll board the train for the port city of Hakodate, on the southern tip of Hokkaido Island. On arrival we’ll enjoy a walk through the city and catch a glimpse of Motomachi – this Western-influenced neighbourhood was the heart of the city's foreign settlement, one of only three allowed in Japan some 150 years ago. We'll also visit Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a quaint shopping mall housed in a complex that dates back to the 1860s.
We’ll then ride up the 334m Mt Hakodate on the Hakodate ropeway, an aerial lift that takes about three minutes. On a nice day the views are spectacular across the city.
Please note: Today your luggage will be transferred to Sendai in preparation for our arrival. You will need to pack a bag for two nights and your luggage will arrive on Day 6 in the morning.
This morning, we’ll visit the Goryokaku Tower and Hakodate Morning Market – be sure to check out the live crabs and shellfish in their massive tanks.
It’s about a four-hour train ride to Sendai, we’ll arrive in the evening. In the north of Honshu island, Sendai is famous for several traditionally significant monuments. It’s home to the remains of 17th-century Sendai Castle, built for samurai lord Date Masamune on Aoba Hill, which overlooks the city.
You’ll have free time to explore this city. Perhaps head to the top of the AER building to get a birds-eye view of the ‘city of trees’ from the observation terrace on the 31st floor.
We’ll take a day trip to Matsushima. It’s known for the hundreds of forested islands that dot Matsushima Bay, and is regarded as one of Japan's three most scenic views; here, we'll enjoy a cruise around the islets.
Next, we'll visit the Zuiganji Temple – one of the most famous in the Tohoku region. The Zen temple is designated as a National Treasure of Japan and was first founded in 828 CE. You will find yourself mesmerised by the exquisite artwork on the sliding screen doors in the Main Hall.
We’ll then return to Sendai.
Today’s bullet train ride takes us right across Japan to the city of Kanazawa on the western coast.
During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan’s second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. This means that parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived.
On arrival, we’ll enjoy a short visit to a samurai residence and Higashi Chaya district. The rest of the day is free for you. You’ll have a one day bus pass to explore this city.
Please note: Today your luggage will be transferred to Osaka in preparation for our arrival in two days time. You will need to pack a bag for the two nights in Kanazawa and your luggage will be waiting for you on arrival in Osaka.
This morning we'll visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful in Japan. Developed over the course of more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species.
We'll also enjoy a walking tour of Omicho Market – Kanazawa's largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colourful network of covered streets lined with some 200 shops and stalls.
We’ll finish our sightseeing with a visit to the Higashi Chaya District, famous for its well-preserved wooden teahouses where geisha perform.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore.
We’ll board a new type of train today, the Thunderbird, and pass through the picturesque Japanese Alps on our way south to Osaka. It’s about a three-hour trip. Your luggage will arrive today.
The rest of evening is free. Perhaps you could visit the Dōtonbori area – one of the city's most popular tourist destinations, Dōtonbori Street runs parallel to the eponymous canal. It’s a popular shopping and entertainment district and an area famed for its street food and plentiful restaurants. 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.
You may choose to include 1 optional Inspiring Sight throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Explore old backstreets, markets, and retail areas seldom seen by most tourists; discover the New York-inspired neighbourhood of Shinsekai and see what ghosts still linger in the streets. Wander through the flashy, glittering, famed district of Dotonbori and sample famous Osaka treats like kushi-katsu and takoyaki octopus balls; plus find out why Osaka is considered the heart and soul of the Kansai region.
Participants will need to make their own way to the meeting point, Nippombashi Station - exit #10, by 5pm to commence the 3.5 hour tour. This tour will conclude at 8:30pm at Namba Station.
We’ll leave for Koyasan today, one of the most spiritual locations in all of Japan, and the centre of Shingon Buddhism – an important Buddhist sect that was introduced to Japan in 805 CE by Kōbō-Daishi, also known as Kūkai. A small, secluded temple town has developed around the sect's headquarters that Kōbō-Daishi built on Mount Kōya's wooded mountain top.
Here you’ll experience an Inspiring Stay at a Monastery (Shukubo) in Koyasan, where you’ll get a taste of a monk’s lifestyle. Enjoy vegetarian monk’s cuisine (shōjin ryōri), sleep on futons laid on the Tatami floor and attend the morning prayers.
Upon arrival, we'll take the scenic and monumental walk to Okunoin Temple, one of the holiest locations in Japan; it's said to be Japan's largest cemetery with memorials and monuments to more than 200,000 souls.
Please note: Today your luggage will be transferred to Hiroshima in preparation for your arrival. You will need to pack an overnight bag for Koyasan.
We’ll experience a morning prayer chant and fire ceremony before leaving sacred Koyasan behind. We'll make our way along the coast of Honshu to Hiroshima. Your luggage will arrive today.
A modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, Hiroshima was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II.
We’ll see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, home to the ruins of Genbaku Dome, one of the few buildings that was left standing near ground zero. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage Site 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.
We’ll then have a town orientation walk.
This morning we’ll pay a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located in the Peace Memorial Park. It’s a sobering but important experience. The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed.
In the afternoon, you’ll board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima.
Known for its lush forests, ancient temples, and freely roaming sika deer, this island is just as popular with Japanese tourists as it is with international visitors. Just offshore we'll spy a 'floating' vermilion 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 houses cultural artifacts in a 19th-century merchant’s home.
On the way to Kyoto, we’ll stop at Himeji Castle, the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO-registered complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight, hence the popular name ‘Shirasagi-jō’, meaning White Heron Castle. Himeji Castle is said to be the most visited in Japan, and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city.
We’ll then continue to Kyoto, considered by many to be the jewel in Japan’s crown and one of the only cities in Japan to escape destruction during World World II, leaving its countless relics intact. You’ll have a bus/subway pass to get around and see this city.
Please note: Today your luggage will be transferred to Kyoto (arriving on Day 15). You will need to pack an overnight bag.
Your luggage will arrive today.
Today we’ll visit some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like the Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden.
We'll also take in breathtaking Nijō Castle. Constructed in the 17th century under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nijō Castle's buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and as such it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
We’ll visit Ryoanji Temple, the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden and finish at Nishiki Market, a five-block long shopping street where everything from seafood to handmade Japanese knives are sold.
After breakfast we’ll leave for a day tour to historic Nara, ancient capital of Japan.
We’ll visit Todaiji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and home to the country’s largest Buddha statue. We’ll then see Kasuga Shrine, featuring over 3000 stone and bronze lanterns.
Our last stop is at Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, to see over one thousand tame deer roaming freely in this vast, tranquil space.
We’ll take the local train back to Kyoto and the evening is free time for you. Perhaps stroll the streets of Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. With any luck you might spot a geisha, otherwise known as a geiko or maiko.
It’s a free day in this historic city until your walking tour in the evening. You’ll have a one day bus/subway pass to get around Kyoto.
In the evening, we’ll set out on foot and explore the Higashiyama District along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains, one of the city's best preserved historic districts. It is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizu and Yasaka Shrine, where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital.
You’ll have the choice between 2 of 4 bonus sightseeing experiences to enhance your journey. You may choose to include 1 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Your Japan Rail Pass will finish today, with your last bullet train trip to Tokyo. On the way you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji. Make sure to get a seat on the left-hand side for your best chance of spotting this sacred sight.
Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free time until dinner.
Tokyo is arguably one of the most extraordinary capital cities on the planet. It’s the world’s most populous metropolis but very modern and efficient – it’s a breeze to get around on its excellent subway network. To get a view of this buzzing city, head to the Tokyo Skytree for incredible panoramic views from its observation decks, at 350 and 450 metres high. Tokyo Tower – a bright orange Eiffel Tower-inspired structure – also has two observation decks. The Shibuya Crossing is a must-see, with its neon displays and hordes of people crossing the intersection. It’s hectic, crazy and so Tokyo.
The Imperial Palace, previously home to samurai warriors, is a sprawling complex with its beautiful 17th-century parks in the heart of the city. Sensō-ji Temple is the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo – which means it’s very busy. If you can head there at night, it’s much less crowded and very pretty with its lights. The Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a 175-acre evergreen forest, is an important religious site where visitors can write and hang their deepest wishes on the wishing tree.
If it’s shopping you’re interested in, Tokyo is home to some of the world’s biggest and most unusual shopping experiences. The Akihabara district is known for tech shops and otaku and anime culture. The Ginza district, the city’s busiest shopping area, is also a great spot to just stop and watch the world go by. Or rush by, rather. If you need some respite from the frenetic pace of this city, head for the serenity of Ueno Park, the city’s largest green space and home to numerous temples and museums. There’s even a zoo here.
Please note: Today your luggage will be transferred to Tokyo in preparation for your arrival. You will need to pack an overnight bag.
It’s a free day for you to explore this energetic, fascinating city. Your luggage will arrive today.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group and tour guide to celebrate your time in Japan.
You may choose to include 1 of 4 optional Inspiring Sight throughout your tour, free as part of your package. This morning you’ll have the choice of two different options.
Stroll through Tokyo’s kitchen and delight in the tastes, smells and sights of the world’s largest fish market. Discover new flavour sensations and learn about the people who work here. Round off the morning with an introduction to sake and a spirited tasting to whet your appetite.
This tour commences at 7:30am at your hotel and concludes at 10am at the Tsukiji Market. Participants will need to make their own way back to the hotel. You will have time to complete both optional tours today.
Spend your day with us browsing Ningyocho, a charming neighborhood known for its special, traditional souvenirs and goods made right here in Japan and get some insight to the foods and snacks the Japanese people eat and typical items they use in everyday life.
Participants will need to make their own way to the starting location, Ningyocho Station at 12:45pm to commence this 3 hour tour. This tour concludes at 15:45 at Mitsukoshimae Station. You will have time to complete both optional tours today.
We hope you have enjoyed your journey through this magical country.
Please note: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at 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. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Arrive home today. We hope you've been inspired.
Inspiring Stays
Inspiring Sights
You may choose to include 1 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
The remaining 3 inspiring sights may be purchased prior to departure if you would like to participate in all optional Inspiring sights (see full details under 'Optional Tours').
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. 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 support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Installment Payment Option:
Full Payment Option
Booking Process
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “4”:
4 – Active Tour: A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach 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. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
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.
Twin Share Bedding Configuration
At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,415.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
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 to Australia.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for travel to Japan.
Please note that details within this email 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.
Group Size
Minimum: 8
Maximum: 20
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.
Luggage
You will be required to manoeuvre your own luggage throughout this trip. We have included luggage transfers from city to city for the longer journeys so you can travel unencumbered. However you'll need an overnight bag for 1-2 night stays which you are comfortable carrying/wheeling and lifting. We recommend for your convenience you limit your luggage to 15kgs per person.
Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase.
Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?
This depends on the package you are booking.
Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.
We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):
When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance.
Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare.
The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked.
Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:
If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.
How to book my flights through the flight portal:
As the travel industry moves towards providing customers with more self-service options, we are excited that our customers will have the opportunity to book their flights through our flight portal. If this option is available to you, you will be notified once flights are available to book for your selected departure date. Flights may be booked by Inspiring Vacations at any time.
Please visit our FAQ for more information.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while travelling.
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.
You have the choice of 1 of 4 Inspiring Experiences to enhance your journey. If you wish to purchase the remaining 3 you may purchase the additional optional tours as follows:
Optional tours can be selected 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.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure. 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, therefore we suggest you book before you go to avoid disappointment. We appreciate your understanding.
Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is not included in the price. You will be required to make your own way to the starting point of the optional tour, as well as back to your hotel. Your tour guide can provide you with the direction and guidance needed to make your own way.
The main form of transportation used on this tour is the Japan rail network.
Due to limited luggage space on the Japan rail network, it is necessary to transfer your large pieces of luggage via a luggage transfer operator.
We use one of Japan's largest door-to-door delivery service companies. Due to the large distances travelled, they will need one or two nights to deliver your luggage. Unfortunately no same day delivery is possible.
On this tour we have the following deliveries scheduled:
Sapporo to Sendai (two nights without main luggage)
Sendai to Osaka (two nights without main luggage)
Osaka to Hiroshima (one night without main luggage)
Hiroshima to Kyoto (one night without main luggage)
Kyoto to Tokyo (one night without main luggage)
Since you will not have access to your main luggage, you should bring a daypack, rucksack or small suitcase for the days that you do not have your larger bags. A backpack is preferable, however if you have any concerns or mobility issues you can use a small roller suitcase. This bag needs to be light enough for you to carry it yourself. It also needs to be small enough so it can be stored on the train, either overhead or in front of your knees, similar to airline cabin bag.
When travelling, you will need to carry this small bag from each hotel to the departure train station and on to the train. Upon arrival at your next destination, you will take your bag from the arriving train station to the destination hotel.
Japanese hotels provide many amenities in the rooms, including a night gown, slippers, toothbrush, shampoo, etc. We stay at hotels near the train stations so that the walking distance is short (approx 500 meters), and also so the group can drop off their smaller bags upon arrival before starting any touring for the day. If hotel drop off is not an option, those that wish to store their bags at the train station, lockers are available for a small fee.
Please limit your luggage to one large piece of main luggage per person. Each passenger is entitled to one piece of luggage shipped throughout the journey. Shipping of an additional piece of luggage may be accommodated but not guaranteed and will be at the cost of the passenger paid direct.