15 Day Explore 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 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.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Ride the iconic bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo
✓ All airport transfers
✓ 13 nights in quality 4-star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast plus 1 authentic dinner Kaiseki dinner
✓ Escorted by expert, English-speaking guides throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing including the sights and icons of Japan’s eclectic capital Tokyo and lively Osaka, and the green and mountainous north
✓ 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.
We'll leave Tokyo and head north for Nikko today, one of Japan's most famous mountain towns.
First stop is the Nikko Toshugo shrine (ticket included). Enclosed in dense forest and hailed as Japan’s most lavish shrine, it's the final resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Most of the shrine complex was rebuilt in the 17th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.
Nikko is home to 48 beautiful waterfalls, the most famous of which is your next stop, Kegon Waterfall, which stands almost 100 metres tall. Entry is included. Then it's onto nearby Lake Chuzenji, at the foot of Nikko's sacred volcano Mount Nantai, offering spectacular scenery.
This morning, spend some free time to relax and then begin your drive to Niigata.
You will arrive in to Niigata some time in the afternoon following which, you will have the evening to relax after checking in to your hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, it's time to board the ferry to Sado Island, which lies about 50km off the coast of Niigata prefecture. Your ferry trip is included along with entry to the Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park, the ruins of a former gold mine. Visit the museum, learn about the gold mining process and even try panning for gold yourself.
You'll board the ferry back and have the rest of the evening to yourself.
You'll discover what's so lovely about the north-west Honshu coastline today, departing after breakfast for Hakusan Island, located by the beautiful seaside town of Tsuruoka. We'll drive over the distinct red bridge to see this small island, said to have been created as a result of volcanic eruptions.
A visit to Zenpoji Temple in Tsuruoka is an 800-year-old temple with amazing buildings, gardens, and a five-storied pagoda that honours all the creatures of the sea, the only one of its kind in Japan.
Finally, finish your day with a visit to the Akita prefectural museum before heading back to the hotel.
More of Japan's natural beauty awaits today – after breakfast we'll head to Shirakami Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the mountains of northern Honshu. These forests are an untouched treasure, home to rare animals and plants, and they also include the last virgin beech forests in Japan.
Then it's onto Aomori to see Sannai-Maruyama, one of Japan's largest historical sites consisting of remains of human settlement from approximately 5500 years ago. Accidentally discovered in 1992, it's one of the most complete and best-preserved Jomon Period (13000-300 BC) villages in Japan.
A visit to Tsugara Shamisen Hall is a great place to learn about Japan's very own stringed instrument, the shamisen. Here you can learn about the origins and history of the instrument and Tsugaru folk songs - and even hear a live Tsugara shamisen performance.
Back to the hotel, the rest of the night is yours to explore Aomori or get some rest.
After breakfast, we'll take the Shinkansen bullet train to Hakodate (ticket included). The first sight on this tour is the Hakodate ropeway (ticket included), an aerial lift that climbs Mount Hakodate. It takes about three minutes and on a nice day the views are lovely across the city.
The next stop is Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, situated alongside the flourishing Hakodate Port, this area city has seen countless people and cultures come and go. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, the first commercial warehouse in Hakodate, has witnessed the history of the city through its warehousing business. Take the time here to enjoy some souvenir shopping and dining.
The day ends with dinner at your hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to Sapporo and 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.
We'll then visit the red-light district of Susukino, a haven for food, shopping and entertainment. It's positively buzzing, with neon signs, noise and nightlife.
Your extraordinary adventure through Japan comes to an end today.
You’ll be transferred to the airport at the appropriate time for your flight home today.
We hope you’ve been inspired.
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 $1200 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 you 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
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. 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.
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 $1,700 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.
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.
New Zealand 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://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
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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