11 Day Japan North To South
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
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.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small group tour, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including the lively Susukino district of Sapporo, walking tour of Asakusa, Japan’s oldest temple Sensō-ji Temple, Osaka Castle, wander through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit Japan’s oldest Zen temple in Fukuoka.
✓ 10 nights in central 3-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka
✓ Included internal flights in economy class from Sapporo to Tokyo and Osaka to Fukuoka
✓ Escorted by professional English-speaking tour guides
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
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!
Upon arrival in Sapporo please make your way to your hotel. 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.
Check In and Arrival Information:
Travel between Sapporo Airport and your hotel by train. Your hotel is located only 750mts 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 ¥ 1,200 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.
Enjoy a tour of Sapporo today. 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.
Ascend to the 38th floor of the JR Tower observation deck. The panoramic view from 160 metres above ground is breathtaking and offers views of Ishikari Bay New Port to the North, Hokkaido University and Mt. Teine to the West, and the Sapporo Dome and central Sapporo, which is laid out as a grid, to the South.
If it’s snowing, maybe explore central Sapporo underground in one of the several shopping streets.
The evening is yours to enjoy. Sapporo offers many excellent restaurants, bars and shopping experiences all open until late.
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 return to Sapporo where you can enjoy free time in the evening.
Transfer to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport this morning for the 2 hour flight to Tokyo. You will be met upon arrival in Japan's mega capital and transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free.
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. The Shibuya Crossing is a must-see, with its neon displays and hordes of people crossing the intersection. It’s hectic, crazy and so very 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 also a great spot to just stop and watch the world go by. 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.
Our first stop today will be Tokyo Tower – a bright orange Eiffel Tower-inspired structure, which offers wonderful views of the surrounding city. Later, we will visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, a shopping district adjacent to the enormous former wholesale fish market. This lively area is home to everything food-related – fresh ingredients, street food vendors, kitchen utensils. There’s great sushi and other restaurants around here, too.
Next we visit Asakusa district, and the Sensō-ji Temple. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and it's dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. On the approach to Sensō-ji is Nakamise Shopping Street, a centuries-old promenade of shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs like kimonos and bottles of saké.
This morning transfer to the station and say goodbye to Tokyo. Board the Shinkansen Nozomi train and travel the 515 km in 2 hours 53 mins.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day is free. Maybe choose one of the following optional activities.
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.
Start time: 5pm
Finishing time: approx 8.30pm
(This tour cannot operate on the same day as Hiroshima Day Tour. If you are wanting to do both tours, the Osaka Food Tour will operate the evening prior.)
Takoyaki, octopus balls, is one of Osaka's most popular street food. You'll have an oppurtunity to make your own takoyaki. Even if you have no experience, staff will help you grill it to perfection. Enjoy them while they are hot and delicious.
Start time approx: 1:00pm
Finish time approx: 1.45pm
We’ll tour central Osaka today, starting with a tour of the extensive grounds of Osaka Castle, 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.
Next up, enjoy a walking tour of the Dōtonbori area. One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dōtonbori canal and is a hugely popular destination for shopping, street food, bars and entertainment. 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.
Celebrate the end of your Japan adventure with a casual meal at Izakaya, followed by a visit to a karaoke bar for that quintessential Japanese 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, 1 drink and Karaoke
Start time approx: 6:00pm
Finish time approx: 9:00pm
This morning we begin a full-day coach tour of Kyoto. Our first stop will be the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine. Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii (shrine gates), which straddle a network of trails behind its main temples, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is incredibly photogenic. The trails lead into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233m and belongs to the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Next, visit one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, 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.
After, a true Japanese mesmerising experience – standing amongst the soaring stalks of bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It’s green, peaceful and the seemingly endless boughs make for a serene experience, even with the tourist crowds. Take in the sound of rustling bamboo as you stroll these paths – if there’s a bit of wind, the groves will gently sway back and forth which only adds to the magic.
Return to Osaka for the evening after a full day of touring.
Transfer to Osaka airport for the flight to Fukuoka. Upon arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Fukuoka is Japan's eighth largest city and is made up of two former towns; the castle town of Fukuoka and the trading town of Hakata on the east bank of the Naka-gawa river. The towns merged in 1889.
The Kyushu region is known for its weather, art, shopping, cuisine and architecture.
If you’ve got free time maybe check out the Fukuoka Asian art museum on the upper floors of the Hakata Riverain mall. Otherwise the 234m-tall Fukuoka Tower has a great observation deck and cafe and is especially scenic at dusk.
Learn about traditional kimonos and their place in modern Japan in this kimono dressing experience.
Chuo Ward - Fukuoka starting 2-3pm or 3-4pm
Transfers are not included
Learn the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy called ‘shodo’ in Fukuoka.
Practise with brushes, ink and paper from a master calligrapher
Chuo Ward - Fukuoka starting 2-3pm or 3-4pm or 4-5pm
Transfers are not included
Learn the art of paper folding to create a small, intricate sculpture. It is said that many Japanese who have been familiar with origami since childhood have dexterous hands.
Chuo Ward - Fukuoka starting 2-3pm or 3-4pm or 4-5pm
Transfers are not included
Enjoy a free morning before heading out this afternoon to tour friendly Fukuoka at Japan's oldest Zen Temple - Shofukuji. Founded in 1195 by Eisai, who is said to have introduced Zen and tea to Japan. The first tea plants in Japan are said to have been planted here.
Next up, enjoy an evening Yatai experience. A yatai is a Japanese food stall. Since the Edo period these have sprung up along busy roads and usually welcome office workers who come to eat and relax after work. It's a great way to end your trip eating and drinking with local people in the streets of Fukuoka.
Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan.
Departure and check out: There are several ways to travel from your hotel to Fukuoka airport, from shuttle buses to trains and taxis. Transport to the airports can cost between 300 Yen to 5000 Yen depending on the form of transport you choose. The hotel reception or your local guide will be able to assist you arrange the most convenient way to the airport on the last day of the trip.
Travellers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out is from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the 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.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are 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
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
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 [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
Pay In Full Option:
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Booking Process
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
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 $1,337.00 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 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 traveling.
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.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.safetravel.govt.nz 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
6-20 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.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Cherry Blossoms
Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Note: You are able to select more than 1 option on Day 9 as these optional activities take place in the same location.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information on the weather in Japan, click HERE.
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