8 Day Gems Of Japan
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, 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 trip.
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo
✓ All airport transfers
✓ 6 nights in comfortable 3-4 star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Escorted by expert, English-speaking guide
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary, including the sights and icons of Japan’s eclectic capital Tokyo and lively Osaka
✓ Dedicated coach transportation
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
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.
Welcome to Japan! You’ll take the shuttle to your airport hotel.
Osaka is a vibrant city renowned for its food culture. Known as tenka no daidokoro (the nation’s kitchen), it’s a dream for foodies. Try some of its famed street food like takoyaki (octopus and pickled ginger in batter), kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers) or Osaka-style okonomiyaki (a delicious savoury pancake).
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally 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.
Enjoy a free day in Osaka to relax or explore at your own pace.
The flashy district of Dōtonbori is a hive of activity; a shopping, food and entertainment hotspot. You’ll find a host of gastronomic delights here, from Michelin-starred establishments to exciting street food – no surprise given the city’s strong food heritage. With its colourful neon lights and signs, it’s home to one of Osaka’s most photographed icons, the neon Glico running man sign. Dōtonbori Street runs parallel to the eponymous canal and is a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Enjoy a day in historic Nara, ancient capital of Japan. You’ll be picked up at your hotel and first visit Tōdai-ji 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. These two sites make up part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day finishes with the old city of Nara, before heading back to your hotel.
Take a day trip to charming Kyoto, one of the only cities in Japan to escape destruction during World War II. You’ll visit some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like 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 then visit the Kinkaku-ji (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 continue to Ryoanji Temple, the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden and finish at Arasiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene experience. Standing amongst the soaring stalks of bamboo – seemingly endless boughs – is mesmerising.
We’ll start the day’s touring with a visit to Kuromon Market, fondly referred to as ‘Osaka’s Kitchen’. A stalwart of the Osaka food scene, this food market stretches for around 600 metres. It’s no surprise in this food-loving city, it’s a haven for gourmands. There’s a wide variety of foods to try, from Japanese pickles to Japanese Black wagyu beef and freshly fried tempura.
We’ll tour Osaka Castle (ticket included), an important historic monument of feudal Japan. It was built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most famous warlords. At the time of completion it was the largest castle in the country.
We’ll go to the Namba area and see Shinsaibashi, a shopping district with everything from fast fashion to luxury brands.
The Kuchu Teien Observatory (ticket included) at the Umeda Sky Building gives you the perfect vantage point over the city – on the 40th floor, this observation platform connects the two towers of this landmark building. The circular, completely open rooftop observatory offers 360-degree views of Osaka.
It’s a free day for you until your journey to Tokyo by bullet train. When you arrive, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
You’ll have a free day to explore Tokyo. This may be the world’s most populous metropolis but very modern and efficient – it’s a breeze to get around on Tokyo’s excellent subway network.
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. 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 an upmarket area with high-end shopping, galleries and restaurants. This is a superb spot for people watching, given the sophisticated crowd that frequent this elegant neighbourhood. It was the first Western-style shopping district in the city and you can still find some of Tokyo’s original department stores here.
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.
We’ll then continue onto Oshino Hakkai. Located among a group of eight sacred hot springs and surrounded by beautiful rural scenery framing Mount Fuji, you’ll see why this small, scenic village has a well-deserved reputation for having one of the best views in Japan.
A visit to the Fujisan World Heritage Center is the perfect place to learn more about this treasured peak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading back to your Tokyo hotel.
One of the most iconic sights of Japan, the revered Mount Fuji is an imposing sight. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and travel to Mount Fuji 5th Station, about halfway up the mountain, at an elevation of 2,300 metres. Savour spectacular views over the Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone National Park.
Another day of sightseeing awaits in this extraordinary city. Japan’s eclectic capital is a city of wonder. The Tokyo metropolitan area spreads over three prefectures with 38 million residents.
We’ll start with the ancient seventh-century Sensō-ji Temple, in the charming Asakusa neighbourhood. It’s the oldest Buddhist temple, and one of the most important in Tokyo – be prepared for crowds! It’s known for its imposing entrance gate, Kaminarimon (also known as ‘Thunder Gate’), with its magnificent red lantern.
We’ll walk along Nakamise, the shopping street connecting the front gate and main hall of the temple. It’s a wonderful atmosphere, with food stalls and souvenir shops, selling authentic Japanese items like traditional crafts. You’ll find great souvenirs here.
The Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, is great for a photo stop. Then it’s onto nearby Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), located within a 170-acre forest in the centre of Tokyo. Constructed of cypress wood and copper, the shrine commemorates Emperor Meiji, who presided over Japan’s industrial revolution in the second half of the 19th century. Visitors can write and hang their deepest wishes on the wishing tree.
We’ll finish in Harajuku, Tokyo’s kawaii fashion capital. This fun-loving neighbourhood is the epicentre of pop culture, where colour and quirk reign supreme. Among the vibrant atmosphere you can see the outrageous fashion scene, latest cosplay trends, rainbow food and adorable kawaii culture.
You will then be transferred to your hotel in Narita.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Japanese adventure comes to an end. After checking out of your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: 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. Please note 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 after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $900 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
If arranging your own airfares, you are still welcome to utilise the airport shuttle service upon arrival, though please keep in mind that the shuttle service only operates at certain times, therefore you would need to make sure that your arrival flight time is appropriate. There will be no representative to meet you when using this service, so you will need to make your own way to the shuttle pick up point, which will then take you to your hotel. Please note that this is a shared service with other travellers. If you would prefer a private transfer service, you will need to make those arrangements indepedently. The final hotel is located within the airport, therefore is within walking distance, so no transfer service is required for the departure, unless you choose to stay in an alternative hotel within Osaka or Kyoto central, whereby you will be required to make your own arrangements. Where our preferred hotels are not available, a suitable alternative will be booked within the vacinity of the airport, that offers an airport shuttle service. These details will be confirmed at time of final documentation being released, 30 days before departure.
Extending Your Stay
If you wish to extend your stay either pre or post-tour, please select the Land Only option at time of check-out, whereby you will be required to make your own international airfare and airport transfer arrangements. Unfortunately, we cannot assist in amending your airfares outside of the standard package. We can however arrange additional nights' accommodation for you upon request. Please refer to "Extra Services" below.
You can enhance your package by choosing some of the following extra services available for this package:
Pre and post-tour accommodation - if choosing Land Only and arranging your own flights, we can arrange additional nights accommodation for you where required, though please note that you are still required to make your own transfer arrangements both from and to the airport:
Arrival and departure airport transfers
If you have selected Land Only and are arranging your own airfares, you are still welcome to utilise the airport shuttle service upon arrival, though please keep in mind that the shuttle service only operates at certain times, therefore you would need to make sure that your arrival flight time is appropriate. There will be no representative to meet you when using this service, so you will need to make your own way to the shuttle pick up point, which will then take you to your hotel. Please note that this is a shared service with other travellers. If you would prefer a private transfer service, you will need to make those arrangements indepedently. The final hotel is located within the airport, therefore is within walking distance, so no transfer service is required for the departure, unless you choose to stay in an alternative hotel within Osaka or Kyoto central, whereby you will be required to make your own arrangements. Where our preferred hotels are not available, a suitable alternative will be booked within the vacinity of the airport, that offers an airport shuttle service. These details will be confirmed at time of final documentation being released, 30 days before departure.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur 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 this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes 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 this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
To enhance your journey, we're offering a choice of the following optional activities:
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. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 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.
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.
Tour guide and transportation services are included. These tours do not include food or drink
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 “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. 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 $750 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this deal that you will receive a single room, which is smaller in size than a twin/double room. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a double/twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan, for stays less than 90 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
20-30 people
Children
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.
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group 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 in to 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 deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent
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