This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.
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.
✓ Included roundtrip international airfares
✓ Incredible sightseeing including breath-taking Mt Fuji, UNESCO World Heritage Sites Golden Pavilion and Atomic Bomb Dome, the floating torii gate of Miyajima Island,Tokyo’s buzzing metropolis, Bulguksa Temple, JeonjuHanok Village and much more
✓ Internal flight from Osaka to Seoul
✓ 17 nights in central 3-4 star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guides
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
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.
Get ready! Today you are departing for Tokyo to begin your unbelieveable Japan adventure.
Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow.
Arrival & Check-in information
Arrival instructions from Narita Airport.
The best way to make your way from Narita Airport to your starting point hotel is by the Keisei Skyliner. Firstly, take the Keisei Skyliner train to Keisei Ueno station, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This ride costs JPY 2570.
From here you have two options:
1- Take a taxi to your starting hotel. The ride will take approximately 30 minutes (8km) and cost you approximately PY4000 for the ride.
2- Alternatively, walk approximately 200 meters from Keisei Ueno station to Hibiya Ueno station and to take the Hibiya Metro Line (Gray Line) towards Roppongi Station. This service runs every 5 to10 mins takes approximately 30mins (14 stops) and costs JPY200 per ticket. Once at Roppongi Station, use Exit 5 and walk for approximately 1 minute to your hotel.
Arrival instructions from Haneda Airport.
The best way to make your way from Haneda Airport to your starting point hotel is by the Tokyo Monorail. Firstly, take the Tokyo Monorail from to Hamamatsucho. This ride takes approximately 25 to 45 minutes and costs JPY500 per ticket.
From here you have two options
1- Take a taxi from the north side of Hamamatsucho station to your starting hotel. The ride costs approximately JPY2000 and takes 15 minutes (3.5km approximately)
2- Alternatively, walk (100 meters approximately) from North Exit of Hamamatsu station to Ooedo Daimon station and take Ooedo Subway Line (Purple Line) to Roppongi. This service runs every 5 to 10 minutes, takes approximately 7 minutes (3 stops) and costs approximately JPY180. Once at Roppongi Station use Exit 5 and walk approximately 1 minute to your hotel.
Hotel Check-in.
Travellers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. 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 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 hotels discretion.
Please meet in the hotel lobby for your welcome meeting this morning to discuss tour logistics and to give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers. A Welcome Letter with the meeting time will be provided upon arrival
Following the meeting, you will begin your full-day coach tour of Japan's ultramodern capital - Tokyo!
Our exploration of Tokyo begins with a visit to Asakusa Sensoji temple–the oldest temple in Tokyo–famous for its huge lantern hung at the Kaminarimon gate (Thunder Gate).
We’ll drive-by the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Previously home to samurai warriors, it’s a sprawling complex with beautiful 17th-century parks in the heart of the city.
Next, we'll venture into the vibrant neighbourhood of Shibuya, allowing you some time to explore at your leisure and discover a delightful local eatery for lunch (at your own expense). Nearby, we will visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Surrounded by green trees it’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time exploring before retiring to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Today is a full free day in Tokyo. There is no end to the spectacular sightseeing and activities available to you, as Tokyo truly has something for everyone. Take as much time as you like to relax at your leisure, explore the city, shop for souvenirs and eat the delectable cuisine. Be sure to ask your tour leader for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.
Meeting Point:
Approx Start Time: 10:00
Approx Finish Time: 11:30
Duration: Approx 1.5 hrs
Today, learn the Shodo - the way of writing. Experience the traditional Japanese calligraphy - from the preparation of the ink, to the writing with a brush.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Escorted by your tour leader, take a short Shinkansen ride to Atami. Atami is a famous resort town surrounded by mountains and the sea. You'll enjoy a walking tour around one of the main streets along with sweet and craft shops and you will enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant (included in the cost).
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Start time approx: 9:00am
Finish time approx: 4:30pm
Duration: 7.5 hrs
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Half Day Atami Tour cannot be booked in conjunction with Calligraphy Class.
After breakfast today we depart Tokyo and travel to Hakone. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone offers tranquillity among stunning natural scenery.
Upon arrival at Hakone, enjoy a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake, followed by taking a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani. You’ll have spectacular views, and on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance. Here we will enjoy lunch and make our way to the hotel in Hakone.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast we’ll travel to Takayama, a charming Edo period town located in the Japanese alps. Upon arrival in Takayama, take a walk with your tour leader who will point out examples of beautiful traditional architecture as you explore the old part of town. During the walk, you will visit a local sake brewery and try different kinds of sake. You also learn how the town’s isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene. The area is particularly famous for Hida beef, which comes from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed that has been raised in the Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Stop off on your tour to sample delicious Hida beef sushi or skewers (own expense).
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Before leaving Takayama this morning after breakfast we'll visit the Hida Folk Village, also known as Hida no Sato, which serves as an open-air museum that showcases over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region. Creating a charming village-like ambiance, the museum encompasses various structures including a former village leader's residence, logging huts, storage buildings, and numerous gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
The term "gassho-zukuri" translates to "hands folded in prayer," aptly describing the steep thatched roofs resembling hands joined in prayer. These distinctive farmhouses were transported from nearby Shirakawago, a location renowned for its gassho-zukuri houses, which contributed to the region's recognition as a World Heritage site.
Today's lunch will be at highway service stop, but in Japan, these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food, and then we continue to travel to Kyoto where the afternoon is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
We’ll see the sights of ancient Kyoto this morning after breakfast, starting with Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you’re feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views.
We’ll continue onto some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like 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.
This afternoon, you have free time to explore the city on your own.
Inspiring Highlights
Meeting Point:
Approx Start Time: 14:00
Approx Finish Time: 15:00
Duration: Approx 1 hr
Also called Chado, "the way of tea" is the traditional and ceremonial preparation and presentation of Matcha. You will be shown how to prepare the tea and be able to experience preparing it as well. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Meeting Point:
Approx Start Time: 15:00
Approx Finish Time: 16:00
Duration: Approx 1 hr
Today, experience Ikebana - the Japanese art of flower arrangement that dates back to the 7th century. The tradition believes that by arranging the flowers you give a new life to the flowers - Ike (live) Hana (flower). Head to a master's classroom where you will be able to try hands-on the art of flower arrangement in Japan
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Tonight, enjoy your experience of an Izakaya - a typical Japanese casual pub where Japanese go for a drink after work. You will be picked up from your tour leader at your hotel and will head to a local Izakaya to try the lifestyle of a local while enjoying different types of alcoholic beverages and traditional Japanese pub 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:
- Three kinds of appetizers
- Sashimi
- Sushi
- Japanese salad
- Assorted deep-fried
- Tsukemen “dipping noodles”
** No beverages included
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, food
Start time approx: 6:00pm
Finish time approx: 8:00pm
After breakfast this morning, we spend the day travelling to Hiroshima.
Upon arrival in Hiroshima, visit Miyajima, an island known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, there's a 'floating' torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century.
Later, check in your hotel and relax in the evening. You might want to try a local famous dish okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat or seafood.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
This morning after breakfast we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum. A shell of a building that was one of very few left standing after the United States bombed Hiroshima in 1945. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 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.
Today's lunch will be at a highway service stop, but in Japan, these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food, After lunch, we continue our Japan adventure to Osaka. Upon arrival, you have free time to explore Osaka.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
For those of you who would like to experience the Shinkansen bullet train, there is an option to take the train back to Osaka. Please discuss with your tour leader and they can arrange a ticket for you (own expense).
This morning after breakfast we’ll enjoy a coach tour with our tour leader, with our destination being Nara. Enroute to Nara, we will stop at the impressive Todaji Temple, which holds a world record as the largest wooden building in the world, and houses one of Japan’s largest buddha statues. You’ll then have some time to stroll Nara Park amongst the wild roaming holy deers, where you’ll then have some time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense).
We’ll also 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.
Inspiring Highlights
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
After breakfast, make your own way to Osaka Kansai Airport for your flight to Seoul. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Departure Information
Kansai International Airport (KIX) has 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
There is no airport transfer included in Osaka. Please speak with your tour leader or hotel concierge for details on how to travel to the airport.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day of sightseeing in Seoul and the surrounding areas. Our first stop will be at Jogyesa Temple, the center of Korean Buddhism. We will then proceed to Gyeongbokgung Palace to observe the changing of the guard ceremony, followed by a visit to the National Folk Museum.
After lunch, we will head to the Korean Folk Village located on the outskirts of Seoul. Here, you will immerse yourself in the culture of the late Joseon Dynasty as we explore a village featuring over 260 different types of historical houses and buildings.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, we depart Seoul and travel to Gongju. Here, we visit the UNESCO-listed Tomb of King Muryeong and the Royal Tombs. Dating back to 500 AD, the tomb complex was rediscovered in 1927 and provides insight into the Ungjin Period. We then explore the impressive Gongsanseong Fortress before proceeding to Buyeo, an ancient capital of the Baekje Dynasty.
Later, we journey on to Jeonju where we will spend the night at our leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
After breakfast at our hotel, we proceed on our journey to Gwangju, the principal city of Honam, a region pivotal in the birth of the modern democratic movement in Korea. Here, we visit the May 18th National Cemetery, dedicated to those who participated in the Gwangju Uprising in 1980.
Our journey then takes us to Suncheon, where we will explore the Suncheon Bay Garden. Afterwards, we travel to Yeosu, where we take a tour of the contemporary port city before checking in to our hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Suncheon Bay Garden will be closed on the last Monday of every month staring from April and will be replaced to Suncheon Nakaneupseong Folk Village.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
Our first destination today is Jinjuseong Fortress, historically associated with the Japanese invasion in 1592.
Next, we proceed to Busan and visit the Jagalchi Fish Market, Busan’s largest seafood market, followed by a visit to Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park. Our tour then takes us to the historic coastal city of Gyeongju, where we check in to our hotel and have the evening free to relax.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
Today is a real highlight, starting with our first destination at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Seokguram Grotto. This religious site was constructed between 742 and 765 AD and remains significant for Korean and international Buddhists due to its ceremonial and artistic value.
Next, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bulguksa Temple before heading to Andong Hahoe Folk Village, which preserves the housing architecture and village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. The village has naturally evolved with residents living there and gained global fame after a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.
Afterwards, we continue to the scenic city of Pyeongchang, renowned for its stunning landscapes and as the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Pyeongchang offers a wealth of attractions, from world-class ski resorts to captivating natural wonders.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours
Today we visit the site of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.
Next, we head to Mt. Seorak National Park. The peaks of the Seoraksan Mountains pierce through the clouds, and jade-like water flows through the valleys, creating stunning vistas that make this Korea's most renowned national park. UNESCO designated this park as a Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to its abundance of rare species. You will have the option to take a cable car to the summit (additional cost) before we return to Seoul for our final evening in South Korea.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
After breakfast, join your included transfer to Incheon Airport accordng to your flight schedule.
We hope you've been inspired.
Some flights may arrive home a day later, subject to flight timings
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:
Installment Payment Plan Option:
Booking Process
Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase.
Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?
This depends on the package you are booking.
Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.
We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):
When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance.
Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare.
The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked.
Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:
If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
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”
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, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Room size
Japan is a densely populated country and space is at a premium. On average, Japan's room sizes are the smallest you will encounter. At times, single beds are separated by a 30 cm to 40 cm gap.
Storage room is also limited - for your own comfort, ensure to pack as lightly as you can.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,679.00 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 as 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 traveler
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveler of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your traveling 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 trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organized by travelers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after
.
Triple Share
Not available.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
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://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 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
20-40 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:
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
** Please note: These tours operate at similar times, which means you may only choose one option on this day.
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, Optional tours are unable to be purchased whilst on tour, therefore we suggest you book before you go to avoid disappointment. We appreciate your understanding.
Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is not included in the price. You will be required to make your own way to the starting point of the optional tour, as well as back to your hotel. Your tour guide can provide you with the direction and guidance needed to make your own way.