This package has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
Experience the very best the destination has to offer at an incredible price: must-see attractions and sightseeing, comfortable accommodation, and optional activities to best suit your travel style and interests.
This tour is either fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader or guided by experienced local guides at each destination. If your itinerary includes local guides, a new guide will meet you in each location, and any internal flights will be unescorted. For further details, please refer to the Essential Information for this tour.
This tour is categorised as 4 out of 5
Packed itinerary with maximum exploration: Embark on a whirlwind sightseeing tour with minimal downtime. This tour maximises your exploration, keeping you on the move and ticking off must-see locations. A good fitness level and mobility are required to keep pace with this action-packed adventure!
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.
Discover Japan on one of our most popular tours: ride a bullet train, wander through exquisite gardens and visit the sacred shrines, sites and temples Japan is renowned for. From Mount Fuji to charming Kyoto and the buzz of Tokyo, an in-depth look at the real Japan is guaranteed. Stay in centrally located hotels and immerse yourself in these stunning destinations.
Welcome to Japan!
On arrival, please make your own way from the airport to your hotel.
Your journey through this magical land of contrasts begins in Osaka, 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).
Arrival & Check-in information
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka (Itami) International Airport (Itami) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively, both airports have reliable public transport services into central Tokyo as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Tokyo area. For more information or assistance with these services, please check with the Passenger Information Desk after leaving the Baggage Claim area.
Special information
There are no scheduled activities today. If arriving prior to check-in time, which is usually from 2-3 pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the hotel and rest before touring commences tomorrow.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Please meet in the hotel lobby for your welcome meeting this morning at 8:15 am to discuss tour logistics and to give you a chance to meet your fellow travelers.
We’ll tour central Osaka today, starting with a visit to 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. Please note, entry to the Castle keep is not included but you will have time if you would like to enter.
Next, we’ll head to the Namba area and see Shinsaibashi, a shopping district with everything from fast fashion to luxury brands. 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 colorful 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 canal and is a great place to pick up souvenirs.
We’ll head to magical Kyoto and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine on arrival. This important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto was dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake, by the Hata clan in the eighth century. A magical path of over 5,000 vibrant orange torii gates winds its way through the hills behind the shrine.
A contrast to bustling Osaka, Kyoto showcases the essence of traditional Japanese culture and rich history with its timeless charm. Kyoto is considered by many to be the jewel in Japan’s crown and one of the only cities in Japan to escape destruction during World War II, leaving its countless relics intact.
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.
Inspiring Highlights:
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Enjoy an evening walking tour of downtown Kyoto – from the heart of the city’s geisha culture in Gion to the tiny backstreets and bars of Ponto-chō. Experience Gion’s atmospheric streetscape at night and catch glimpses of geisha on their way to work. Visit neighborhood shrines illuminated at night and stop at a bar and sample some local sake and food.
Please note: The following menu is a sample only, and dishes may vary depending on the venue, seasonal availability, and daily specials.
Sample Menu
- Assorted sashimi
- Small appetizer (e.g. local veggie pickles or so)
- Deep-fried dish of the season
- Grilled dish of the season
- Chef’s choice main dish
- Assorted sushi
- Homemade dessert
- Free-flow beverages, including beer, sake, and soft drinks
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 20:00
Approx Finish Time: 23:00
Duration: Approx 3 hrs
After breakfast, we’ll explore the sights of ancient Kyoto, beginning with Tofukuji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most renowned temples. Its grand sanmon entrance gate, the oldest in Japan, is designated as a National Treasure. This expansive complex includes 24 sub-temples and four distinctly different gardens, each facing a different direction. Many of these structures date back to the Muromachi period (1338-1573) and exemplify Zen architecture of that era.
Nearby, Heian Jingu Shrine is a relatively new sacred site, built in 1895. Despite its youth, this Shinto shrine is striking, featuring a massive torii (sacred gate) standing nearly 25 meters tall.
Next, we’ll visit some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This Zen temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, surrounded by a serene classical Zen garden.
We’ll pause for lunch in Arashiyama before experiencing the captivating Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Standing amidst towering bamboo stalks, this peaceful greenery offers a tranquil atmosphere, even amidst the bustling tourist crowds. As you stroll through these paths, listen to the gentle rustling of bamboo leaves; on windy days, the groves sway gracefully, enhancing the enchanting ambiance.
Inspiring Highlights:
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 16:00
Approx Finish Time: 18:00
Duration: Approx 2 hrs
Start with a walk through Nishiki Market where everything from fresh produce to Japanese green teas and pickles are sold. On the way, explore traditional fan shops, chopstick shops and one of the best knife shops in Kyoto. Wander through the famous shopping arcade of Teramachi, discovering incense shops, Japanese woodblock print shops, ceramics and traditional tea shops, as well as the best of Japan’s contemporary fashion – both mainstream and quirky
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
After breakfast we’ll travel south over the Awaji Bridge to the Naruto Strait to reach our destination of Takamatsu, which is on the north coast of Shikoku island. This scenic port city is known for its udon noodles, a Japanese favourite. Today's lunch will be at a highway service stop, but in Japan, these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food
Today's lunch will be at a highway service stop, but in Japan, these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food
Touring the open-air museum of Shikoku Mura is the perfect chance to explore Japan’s history and heritage, with a glimpse of old village life. Over 20 restored traditional buildings and structures, built in the Shikoku style and mainly from the Edo and Meiji periods, were relocated here from all over the island.
This hillside village includes farmhouses, storehouses, production workshops for soy sauce and sugar, a thatched kabuki theatre and a vine suspension bridge made of vine and wood. There is also a small, modern art gallery.
We will also visit the Ritsurin Garden, an exquisite traditional garden. Built during the Edo period – when the city was a castle town controlled by the Matsudaira clan – it’s a National Treasure and arguably one of the most beautiful gardens in the country.
There are six ponds and 13 buildings in this tranquil oasis, including a lush lotus pond and the Okedoi-no-Taki waterfall. Pine-covered Mount Shiun at the garden’s western border provides a gorgeous backdrop. There is also a tea house and various folk art and craft exhibits.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
This morning after breakfast, we will pass by the impressive Matsuyama Castle on our way to Matsuyama, with a quick stop to visit Ishiteiji Temple, one of the 88 pilgrimage temples and a popular tourist attraction. Afterward, we will proceed to the historic Dogo Onsen area for another photo opportunity and a chance to have lunch.
In Misaki, we will board a ferry to the onsen town of Beppu, renowned for its stunning hot springs. Beppu is located on the island of Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours
This morning after breakfast, we will explore Kyushu Island, which is onsen country, with hot springs dotted all over. The city of Beppu is home to over 2,000 hot springs but this morning we’ll visit the most bizarre. The Hells of Beppu are a spooky sight – each hot spring bubbles and steams somewhat violently. These jigoku (hells) can reach temperatures of about 98 degrees. They are for viewing, not bathing!
Each ‘hell’ is distinctly different. We will be visiting the the largest of the seven pools, Umi (Sea) Jigoku which earned its name for its vivid turquoise colour.
We’ll travel south to Nagasaki, one of two cities in Japan destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Our first stop is a visit to Glover Garden, for an insight into Nagasaki’s cosmopolitan past. This open air museum has six Western-style buildings from all over the city that were relocated here – grand mansions that were once home to Nagasaki’s foreign residents, such as European diplomats and foreign traders. Take in the lovely views over the harbour. Nearby here is Oura Church, said to be the oldest church in Japan. Lunch will be in Nagasaki today, so tuck into some local cuisine.
You’ll arrive at your hotel after a fulfilling day of sightseeing with the rest of your evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 1900
Approx Finish Time: 21:30
Duration: Approx 3 hrs
Stroll through central Nagasaki in the evening, stopping for a bowl of champon ramen noodles, Nagasaki-style. Champon is a classic Nagasaki dish and reflects the city’s cosmopolitan past and history with early Chinese and Western traders. Afterwards, head up Mount Inasa for stunning panoramic views of this attractive port city at night.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Today’s sightseeing begins after breakfast with the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. The museum is a challenging yet essential visit, showcasing photos and artifacts from the period following the bomb. The poignant exhibits include narratives gathered from survivors. The attack and its aftermath claimed the lives of 75,000 people.
Adjacent to the museum is Nagasaki Peace Park, situated near the epicenter of the atomic blast. Within the Zone of Hopes stands the towering Peace Statue, its right hand pointing skyward and its left arm outstretched horizontally, symbolizing the desire for peace. Flanking the statue are two small shrines adorned with garlands of origami cranes, honoring Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. This expansive park is divided into five zones, offering a tranquil setting for contemplation.
We will dedicate much of our morning to this poignant visit before proceeding to Dejima Wharf for lunch at your leisure. Located on the waterfront in Nagasaki, Dejima historically served as an artificial island created in the 17th century to accommodate foreign traders, primarily Dutch merchants. During Japan's Sakoku (closed-country) period, when the nation restricted foreign interactions, Dejima remained one of the few places where trade with foreigners was permitted. The Dutch East India Company operated here as the sole European entity allowed to conduct trade with Japan during this era.
The remainder of your afternoon is free for leisure activities before an early start tomorrow morning.
Inspiring Highlights
There is an early start this morning for a full day of incredible sightseeing. We will start our travel to Hiroshima via Miyajima Island. Known for its lush forests, ancient shrines and temples, and freely roaming sika deer, this island is just as popular with Japanese tourists as it is with international visitors. We will have an early lunch today, at a highway service stop - in Japan these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food
Just offshore we'll spy a 'floating' vermilion torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. We will visit this shrine from the outside only.
We will then travel onwards for our night in Hiroshima.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 20:00
Approx Finish Time: 21:30
Duration: Approx 1.5 hrs
Tonight, you will be able to enjoy an okonomiyaki dinner. Okonomiyaki is a savoury Japanese pancake, famed in Hiroshima for its layering of ingredients including batter, cabbage and pork to which you can add optional items such as squid, octopus or more vegetables. The duration of this activity is one hour in the evening.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
After breakfast, we'll head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park where we will spend approximately two hours at The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is home to the ruins of the Genbaku Dome, one of the few buildings that were 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.
The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located in the Peace Memorial Park, is a sobering experience for those who wish to explore further.
We’ll then travel to the Himeji area where we will make a brief stop for lunch, then continue onto a tour of magnificent Himeji Castle, the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle.
Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO-listed 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.
To finish off the day, you will Japan’s world-famous bullet train, a shining example of this country’s technology and engineering prowess, is an absolute must-do. We’ll take the shinkansen to Osaka.
Inspiring Highlights
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Approx Start Time: 20:00
Approx Finish Time: 22:00
Duration: Approx 2 hrs
Experience one of Japan’s most classic meals – sukiyaki – in one of Osaka’s traditional restaurants in the heart of the city. Enjoy fine slices of wagyu beef, silken tofu and fresh vegetables lightly cooked in a hot pot and dipped in sauce before eating. Your hot pot is shared amongst 3-4 people and is a very communal way of dining.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
After breakfast, we’ll travel to the city of Kanazawa, on the northwestern shore of Honshu, once the base for the powerful Maeda clan. 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. We will get lunch enroute to our next destination.
On arrival, we’ll tour Kenrokuen Garden, heralded as one of the three most beautiful gardens 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 enjoy a walking tour of the Higashi Chaya District, famous for its well-preserved wooden teahouses where geisha perform.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Meeting Point: At venue
Approx Start Time: 15:30
Approx Finish Time: 16:30 at venue
Duration: Approx 1 hr
Learn about the history of gold leaf in Japan and how it’s used to embellish fine lacquerware, ceramics, chopsticks and modern-day items. Create your own design and apply gold leaf to your choice of material – whether chopsticks, lacquerware, glassware or even washi stationery and postcards.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of an Izakaya pub – Japan’s traditional drinking place where friends and colleagues get together to catch up and socialise over traditional Japanese food and drinks. Kanazawa’s proximity to the Sea of Japan means that fresh seafood (particularly crab) is a key feature of izakaya in this city.
Please note: The following menu is a sample only, and dishes may vary depending on the venue, seasonal availability, and daily specials.
Sample Menu
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, food and drinks
Approx Start Time: 19:30
Approx Finish Time: 21:30
Travel back in time to explore the quaint, historical village of Shirakawa-go, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Japanese Alps. Take a leisurely stroll through the village to admire its traditional thatched-roof houses (gassho-zukuri) and stunning mountain vistas.
Next, we’ll proceed to the city of Takayama, nestled in the Hida mountains.
Takayama retains a charmingly traditional atmosphere, especially in its meticulously preserved old merchant district. Here, you’ll discover charming lattice-worked wooden buildings and Sannomachi Street, lined with picturesque homes, eateries, and sake breweries. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town before continuing our journey to Matsumoto.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
Meeting Point: At venue
Approx Start Time: 12:45
Approx Finish Time: 13:45
Duration: Approx 1 hr
Experience a classic Japanese bento, served lunch-box style in a traditional building near the town’s old centre. The ingredients used are sourced from Takayama’s farms and served in lacquered boxes.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Meeting Point: At venue
Approx Start Time: 14:00 or 15:00
Approx Finish Time: 14:40 or 15:40 at venue
Duration: Approx 40 mins
Sample some fine sake produced from Takayama’s clear alpine waters in an old sake brewery located in the heart of Takayama’s old town area. Experience different sake styles from aged forms to newly released varieties made from the latest rice harvest. Enjoy the traditional rustic ambience of a merchant’s house from Japan’s feudal era.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
This morning, we’ll embark on a tour of historic Matsumoto Castle and the charming old town area that surrounds it. Nakamachi Street, a delightful and picturesque thoroughfare, features well-preserved old buildings such as restored Edo-period storehouses. Here, you’ll discover craft shops, a sake brewery, restored Japanese ryokan (inns), and restaurants. This street was once the main thoroughfare during Matsumoto’s time as a castle town. Across the river, Nawate Street provides a pedestrian-friendly environment ideal for picking up unique souvenirs and snacks.
Matsumoto Castle, encircled by a broad moat, is famously known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its striking black exterior. The donjon (keep), Japan’s oldest surviving wooden keep completed around 1593, is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. On clear days, the backdrop of the Japanese Alps adds a majestic touch to this historic setting.
Next, we’ll embark on a three-hour journey to Mount Fuji, a revered peak and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This enduring cultural symbol has been revered as sacred since ancient times, standing tall at 3,776 meters.
Our destination is Mount Fuji 5th Station, situated approximately halfway up the mountain at an elevation of 2,300 meters. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views overlooking the Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone National Park.
You’ll be lodging in the Lake Kawaguchiko area, the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes and a popular destination for admiring the iconic peak. Mount Fuji is famously elusive, but under clear conditions, the views from this area are breathtaking. Lake Kawaguchiko also hosts a renowned cherry blossom festival during the season, among the most celebrated in the country.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
This morning we will embark on a short sightseeing cruise that offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Lake Kawaguchi and its surroundings from the water. The lake itself is perfectly situated with Mount Fuji providing a stunning backdrop, making it an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing.
Afterward, we'll visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to discover the revival of the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing for kimonos, thanks to the celebrated 20th-century textile artist Kubota Itchiku. This tranquil complex nestled in the wooded hills, surrounded by nature with expansive gardens and a traditional tea room, houses a vast collection of the artist’s works.
Next, we’ll head to Tokyo, the renowned metropolis and arguably one of the most extraordinary capital cities on Earth. Tokyo, Japan’s diverse capital, sprawls across three prefectures with a population of 38 million residents.
En route to our hotel, if weather permits, we’ll make a late afternoon stop at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views of this vibrant city.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Celebrate the end of your Japan adventure with a casual meal at Izakaya, followed by a visit to a karaoke bar for that quintessential Japan experience!
Please note: The following menu is a sample only, and dishes may vary depending on the venue, seasonal availability, and daily specials.
Sample Menu
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, food and drinks
Approx Start Time: 18:30
Approx Finish Time: 22:00
In a city known for its fast pace, a visit to the charming Asakusa neighborhood offers a refreshing glimpse into old Tokyo. Here, you'll find the ancient Sensō-ji Temple, dating back to the seventh century. Built during the Asuka period, it stands as Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temple – though it tends to draw large crowds! Its iconic entrance gate, Kaminarimon (also known as the 'Thunder Gate'), adorned with a striking red lantern, is a notable sight.
Strolling along Nakamise, the bustling shopping street that links the temple's front gate to its main hall, you'll experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with food stalls and souvenir shops offering authentic Japanese crafts. It's an ideal place to find unique souvenirs.
For food enthusiasts, a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market awaits, situated near the former wholesale fish market. This lively district boasts everything related to food – from fresh ingredients to street food vendors and kitchenware stores. You'll also find excellent sushi and other dining options in the area.
Next, we'll explore the lively Shibuya neighborhood, where you'll have free time to wander and discover a delightful local eatery for lunch (at your own expense). You can choose to extend your visit in this bustling area or return to the hotel with the group. The evening will be yours to savor and enjoy your final moments in Tokyo!
Inspiring Highlights
Today marks the end of your spectacular journey through Japan.
At the appropriate time please make your own way to the airport for your flight home or embark on your own independent onward journey.
Check-out and Departure Information
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.
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from your hotel to Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively both airports have reliable public transport services from central Osaka as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Osaka area. For more information or assistance with these services, please speak with your hotel reception or tour leader.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Optional tours
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected 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.
Please note: All add-ons, including upgrades, pre/post accommodation, and optional tours, are subject to availability until confirmed by our operators. We recommend waiting for final confirmation of all itinerary components before making irreversible bookings like flights.
Pre/post accommodation
Not available
Upgrades
Not available
Airport Transfers
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Bedding Configuration
You will have the option choose single, twin or double:
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,750.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. All rooms provided to single travellers will be smaller than the twin rooms we recommend for two people. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this tour you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your tour.
Should you wish to change from a shared room to a solo room, this would be at the cost of the traveller who has requested to change the room type. Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after
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.
Triple Share
Not available.
Child Policy
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
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Deep into Japanese snow season, the northern city of Sapporo hosts the country’s largest winter festival Japan has long been considered a leading winter destination, thanks to its powdery slopes and heavy snowfall. From February 4-11, 2025, the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) turns the capital of Hokkaido into a f...
From sights to scenery and five-star fare, Japan is the ultimate Asian all-rounder Japan is undoubtedly one of the hottest destinations in the world right now, and for good reason. This geographically blessed country is spectacular year-round, easy to navigate and packed with ancient sights. In between attractions, d...
Japan is a country with buckets of charm and ancient history, but its customs can be tricky to navigate There’s a lot to love about Japan. Its quirky streets, delicious cuisine and centuries-old castles attract millions of visitors each year, but while its culture intrigues, it also confuses. Manners and strict etiquet...
From the delicious to the quirky, Japan is bursting with fun things to do If you're all templed-out or just have some time to kill while visiting Japan, here, 101 ideas to keep you busy. 1. Queue up for sushi at Daiwa Sushi in the Toyosu Market (Tokyo) Recently located to a new, larger location, the sprawling fish...
Discover five faces of Japan’s sprawling capital over as many days with a jaunt through these diverse areas Day 1 – Shinjuku and Harajuku Dive headlong into two of Tokyo’s most colourful neighbourhoods. Begin in youthful Harajuku, where edgy boutiques line Omotesando Avenue and Cat Street and all things cute reign on T...
A needle-nosed train speeds past the base of beloved Mount Fuji. It's an image as synonymous with Japan as a geisha shuffling through the streets of Kyoto or a steaming bowl of ramen—and for good reason. Travelling on a Japan bullet train is a bucket list fixture for many visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan'...
Japan can be visited year-round, with each season showcasing its own special charm While its eclectic capital Tokyo exudes modernity and is one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, there are many prefectures throughout Japan that resemble their traditional forms with wooden minka architecture and t...
Japanese food is treasured across the globe, but there’s much more to it than teriyaki chicken With such a vast array of flavours, dishes and regional specialties, it’s no surprise that Japan’s capital Tokyo, has been awarded the most Michelin Stars in the world, defeating culinary superpower Paris for 11 consecutive y...
From modern classics to guides and memoirs, the many facets of Japan are best explored through literature These days, it seems like everything you need to know about a place can be found with a quick Google search. But sometimes, the best way to find out about the history or culture of a country is to turn to a good ol...
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