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 features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
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.
✓ Limited Time Offer - Add on return international airfares from $1099
✓ 27 nights in accommodation, including a night in a Japanese Onsen hotel
✓ Breakfast daily and 4 dinners, including a Japanese Izakaya experience
✓ Experience the iconic Japanese bullet train
✓ Rail tickets for independent travel as per itinerary
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ Fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader Days 8 to 22
✓ Independent travel with local guides in Hokkaido and Kyushu (Day 1 to 7 and Day 22 to 28)
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entrance fees as per itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Discover some of Japan’s most breathtaking sights and experiences. Explore the less-visited islands of Hokkaido and Kyushu, including the Hells of Beppu. Take in Mount Fuji and some quintessential bucket list experiences: ride a bullet train and wander through Nara Park with freely roaming Sika deer.
Welcome to Japan! Today begins your magnificent tour through Japan! 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
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively, the airport has reliable public transport services into central Sapporo as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Sapporo 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.
After breakfast, your local guide will meet you around 8am at your hotel for a full day tour of Otaru. Located about half an hour north-west of Sapporo, Otaru is a stunning port city famous for it's wonderfully preserved canal, sake distilleries and rich fishing culture.
You'll visit Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, Tanaka Sake Brewery and other landmarks throughout the town.
On arrival back to Sapporo this afternoon, around 5pm, enjoy time at leisure to explore the nightlife of Hokkaido's largest city.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Please be in the lobby 5 minutes before the meeting time at latest and bring passport to activate the rail pass at JR Sapporo station before heading to Otaru.
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
At the appropriate time today, make your way to the station to board your train to Hakodate.
It's an approximately 4 hour train journey through stunning countryside to Hakodate. On arrival, make your way to your centrally located hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps make your way via cable car up Mount Hakodate for stunning night-time views over the city. The mountain looms 330m over the city and is the best place to get a birds-eye view of the city.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today your local guide will meet you at your hotel around 9am for a half-day walking tour of Hakodate.
Your first stop will be the Hakodate morning market. The market boasts over 250 stalls offering fresh produce and souvenirs. You might like to try the mouth-watering seafood donburi here to start your day with a bowl of steaming rice topped with freshly-caught seafood.
Next up we visit the famous Red Brick Warehouses of Hakodate. Dating back to the trading days of the past, the warehouses have been thoughtfully restored and now host an atmospheric shopping, dining and entertainment complex.
Afterwards we visit the Motomachi district and wander through the eclectic mix of Russian, British and Chinese architecture that was built when Japan ended its period of isolation from the world in the 1850's.
We will finish the day with a visit to the Goryokaku Fort at around 1pm.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Please be in the lobby 5 minutes before the meeting time at latest to meet your local guide
Today, make your way to the train station to board the shinkansen bullet train to Sendai. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast this morning, meet your local guide in the lobby around 9:30am for your half day tour to Matsushima.
The first stop is the Zuiganji Temple, founded in 828 AD during the Heian period by Jikaku Daish. The temple is a National Treasure and one of the most important Buddhist sites in northern Japan.
Afterwards you will enjoy a scenic cruise around the islands of Matsushima Bay. The bay is known as one of the most scenic spots in Japan, and is characterised by hundreds of islands covered in pine trees.
Return to Sendai around 3pm and enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Please be in the lobby 5 minutes before the meeting time at latest to meet your local guide
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast today may your way to the station and board the train to Tokyo. On arrival, make your way to your centrally located hotel.
This morning, you will begin your full-day coach tour of Japan's ultramodern capital - Tokyo! Ensure you allow enough time to enjoy your breakfast and to meet your Tour Leader in the lobby at 8:15am.
Our tour will begin with a visit to Meiji Shrine, located within a 170 acre forest in the centre of the city. Constructed of cypress wood and copper, the shrine commemorates Emperor Meiji, Japan’s 122nd emperor, who presided over Japan’s industrial revolution and emergence onto the world stage.
We will then visit the Tokyo Skytree. Open since May 2012, the Skytree is a television and radio broadcast site, and contains a restaurant and two viewing platforms. At 634m, it's among the tallest structures in the world. Our entry ticket includes access to Floor350, giving us a birdseye view over the sprawling city.
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.
We also spend some time exploring the grounds of the Imperial Palace. Here, we view the two bridges that form one of the entrances to the inner palace grounds. The current Imperial Palace is home to Japan's Imperial Family and is located in the former site of Edo Castle, surrounded by an imposing stone wall and moat system.
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 guide for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.
Meeting Point:
Approx Start Time: 10:00
Approx Finish Time: 11:00
Duration: Approx 1 hr
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.
Meeting Point:
Approx Start Time: 11:00
Approx Finish Time: 13:00
Duration: Approx 2 hrs
Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate. Learn the art of sushi-making from a sushi master, then enjoying your creations afterwards.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
This evening, enjoy an authentic Izakaya experience—a traditional Japanese casual pub popular for after-work drinks and social gatherings. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to a local Izakaya, where you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture while sampling a variety of drinks and classic Japanese pub-style dishes.
Please note: The following menu is a sample only, and dishes may vary depending on the venue, seasonal availability and daily specials.
Sample dishes may include:
- Assorted appetizers
- Grilled shiitake mushrooms
- Grilled whole onion
- Roasted Japanese beef
- Potato salad
- Japanese-style omelet
- Grilled mackerel
- “Musubi” rice ball with ikura (salmon roe)
- Free-flow beverages, including beer, sake, and soft drinks
Meeting Point: Hotel Reception
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, food and drinks
Approx Start Time: 19:00
Approx Finish Time: 21:00
After breakfast we will leave Tokyo and head to the national park region of Hakone, with a lunch stop in Hakone-Machi on the way.
On arrival, we'll take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. The lake sits within the caldera of Mount Hakone, and is famed for its views of Mount Fuji. Boats inspired by western warships cruise the scenic lake, and the picturesque, forested region has been popular with hikers and sightseers for centuries.
We then transfer to Lake Kawaguchiko, an absolutely stunning area that's home to the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and promises more fabulous views of Mount Fuji.
Later we'll arrive at the hotel and prepare for a lovely dinner with our fellow travellers.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
After breakfast we will depart Kawaguchiko, and travel by coach to visit Mount Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting), which is halfway up the active volcano. Mount Fuji is the country’s tallest peak and it is considered one of Japan’s three holy mountains. Here, above the clouds, we'll view the mountain’s enormous summit if weather permits.
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'll continue on to our final destination today, the city of Takayama.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Today is a full free day in Takayama. Be sure to ask your guide for their recommendations on must-see spots around the city.
Meeting Point: Takayama Old Town
Approx Start Time: 10:00
Approx Finish Time: 11:00
Duration: 1 hr
Kimonos are a traditional Japanese garment that were first introduced in Japan in the Heian period. You will be able to rent a Kimono and walk around the traditional streets of Takayama to take iconic photos. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.
We will require your shirt size and height at the time of booking to confirm this optional tour for you in order to prepare for your arrival and to ensure a memorable experience.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Before leaving Takayama this morning we'll tour Kamisannomachi Street in Takayama’s Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868). As well as the charming architecture, there are several quaint cafés and a number of old saké breweries to explore.
We'll then travel to Shirakawa-gō Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has more than 100 'Gassho-style' houses, which feature steeply-pitched roofs. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. Enjoy exploring this unique village with its thatched-roof houses sitting among gorgeous mountain scenery, and taking some time to have lunch.
Following this we will transfer to Kanazawa. On arrival we will take a brief tour around Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved and picturesque historical area of Kanazawa.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning, after breakfast, we’ll visit the stunning Kenrokuen Garden – one of the most beautiful in Japan. Developed over more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species.
We also visit Nomura Samurai House, the historic residence of the Nomura Samurai clan. The intriguing house and grounds provide an insight into the lifestyle of the samurai, or military nobility, during the 16-19th centuries. The residence features beautiful architecture, gardens and décor, such as intricately painted screen doors.
After a break for lunch at one of Japan's high quality service stops, we’ll transfer by coach from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today is a full free day to spend in Kyoto. This golden city was once the capital of Japan and sits on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Beautiful Geisha are often found in the Gion district.
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 tour leader will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Start time approx: 3:00pm
Finish time approx: 4:00pm
Duration: 1 hr
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.
This morning, after breakfast, we'll drive-by Heian-jingū (Heian Shinto Shrine) on our way to visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold. The site is set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture of Kinkaku-ji incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. We then travel the short distance to Nara for lunch at leisure.
Following this we'll wander through gorgeous Nara Park, where more than 1200 tame sika deer roam freely. We then visit Tōdai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), famed for its Great Buddha Hall, which remains one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. This impressive building houses a 15m-tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana.
Back in Kyoto, you have the evening to yourself
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast we begin a full-day coach tour of Kyoto. Our first stop will be Arashiyama, a stunning area known for its thick bamboo forest, which is also designated by the Japanese government as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Today's lunch will be in Arashiyama.
Next we'll visit 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.
Following our tour we'll depart Kyoto and head to Osaka, where we'll check into our hotel and spend the evening relaxing.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast we'll depart Osaka to visit the so-called 'White Heron Castle', Himeji – it's the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight, hence the popular name Shirasagi-jō (White Heron Castle). This is the most visited castle in Japan and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city. We will have time in Hemeji for lunch around the castle area.
After our visit here we'll transfer to our hotel in Hiroshima via Fukuyama.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Today your main luggage will remain at the hotel in Osaka to meet you upon your return in two days time. Please ensure you have an overnight bag packed for your two evenings in Hiroshima.
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
After breakfast this morning our guide will meet us in the hotel lobby. Together we'll board a ferry for the short trip to 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. Nearby, the Museum of History and Folklore has cultural artifacts in a 19th-century merchant's home. We’ll take a walk along Omotesando Shopping Street where you can grab some lunch before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
Once we're back in Hiroshima we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. 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.
Later, we'll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which contains many poignant, yet important, exhibits. The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
This morning, after breakfast, we'll depart Hiroshima via the bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station. Upon arrival in Osaka we'll begin a coach tour with our guide, passing Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century.
After arriving at the Dōtonbori area, we will have a walk through one of Japan’s typical downtowns. 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
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
Today is a full free day in Osaka to spend at your leisure. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on great places to see and eat.
This evening we’ll enjoy dinner as a group at a local restaurant.
This morning, make your own way to Osaka train station to board your bullet train to Beppu. On arrival in Beppu, make your own way to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the local area or relax in your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Total travel time today is approximately 4hrs
Start the day with a half-day guided tour of Beppu, including a visit to the famous "Hells of Beppu," a group of geothermal hot springs and bubbling mud pools. You might like to try some Jigoku Mushi, a traditional way of cooking using the heat from the hot springs. Return to Beppu in the afternoon for time at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
This morning you will have free time to explore Beppu. In the afternoon, take a 1.5-hour train ride to Yufuin. Check into your traditional ryokan, the Yufuin Iyotomi, and enjoy dinner at the hotel. This evening, you might wish to experience the onsen at your ryokan.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Total travel time today is approximately 2 hours
Spend the day at your leisure in Yufuin, a charming town known for its hot springs and beautiful scenery. In the evening, enjoy another traditional Japanese meal at your ryokan.
After breakfast, take a 2.5-hour train ride to Fukuoka. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city or relaxing in your hotel. Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest city, is a haven for food-lovers and the Hakata ramen is a dish not to be missed. Fukuoka is a laid-back and friendly city and is easy to explore with your Japan Rail pass.
Special information
Total travel time today is approximately 3 hours
Enjoy a guided day tour of Dazaifu, a historic town just outside Fukuoka. Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu, a famous Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of learning and scholarship, and the nearby Kyushu National Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region. After Dazaifu, embark on a river cruise on the Yanagawa River, where you can enjoy a boat trip accompanied by the Funauta boatman's song, while taking in the beautiful scenery of each season.
Your return train ticket to Dazaifu is included.
Back in Fukuoka, spend your last evening in Japan at leisure. We recommend dining at a yatai, temporary restaurants that spring up and serve all kinds of delicious and inexpensive food options.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Total travel time today is approximately 1hr
Today marks the end of your incredible journey. At the appropriate time, make your own way to Fukuoka Airport or your next destination.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
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.
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