From CAD 4,480 Was CAD 5,410
Guarantee
Small Group
Easy
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
From the bright lights of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, this fast-paced tour packs in Japan's highlights. Sample street food in Osaka, take time to reflect at Hiroshima, the site of the world's first atomic attack, and visit the holy island of Miyajima, dotted with temples and free-roaming deer. Along the way, tick off Japan's must-dos travelling via bullet train and trying izakaya-style cuisine.
Tokyo - Get to grips with Japan's ultra-modern capital and explore the traditional temples of Asakusa.
Kyoto - Spend a full day discovering the temples and gardens of Japan's Imperial Capital.
Jigokudani Onsen - Catch a glimpse of the famous snow monkeys bathing in hot springs.
Highlights
An 8-day trip through beautiful Japan's highlights where modernity meets tradition|An unforgettable journey from Tokyo's high rise neon to the peaceful temples of Kyoto|Try street food in Osaka and look out for snow monkeys bathing in hot springs
Trip Details
Product Code: 20252
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: JPH
Starts: Japan
Finishes: Japan
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Easy
Includes
Explore Tour LeaderAccommodation
- Sunroute Asakusa Hotel
- Hotel Amanek Kanazawa
- Shin-Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza
- Hotel Mielparque Hiroshima
- Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4480 (CAD 560 /day)
Itinerary
Our tour starts today in Tokyo, Japan's ultra-modern capital. A sprawling metropolis, Tokyo is one of the world's most populous cities and a dazzling blend of traditional culture and all things new. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for a welcome meeting. If some of the group are arriving on later flights, the main introductory briefing will take place on the morning of Day 2 with everybody present. After the meeting, we'll have dinner (included) at a nearby local restaurant where you'll have the chance to try 'izakaya' style Japanese cuisine. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Tokyo at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). The city centre is around an hour away from Haneda and an hour and a half from Narita. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. Please note, while our itinerary gives us a full day in Japan's capital, there's a lot to pack in. If you really want to get to grips with Tokyo's sites, we recommend adding additional nights to your trip pre-tour. Japanese hotels have strict rules regarding check in and all customers are required to wait until 3 PM for room access. You will be able to store your luggage while waiting but if you require an early check in, then you should request this at the time of booking. We do not guarantee this will be possible and depending on availability an extra fee will be charged.
Over one-quarter of the Japanese population lives within a 50-kilometre/31-mile radius of the centre of Tokyo, making it the most populous metropolitan area in the world. The result is a bustling and exciting city - an economic powerhouse of Asia. However, scratching its neon-clad surface reveals a city bursting with history and tradition. A morning stroll to Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensoji, will introduce us to Tokyo's unique culture. We'll then board a boat for a short journey along the Sumida River. Gaining a totally different perspective of the city, we'll drift past high-rise apartments, secluded gardens and busy warehouses. Arriving in the heart of the city, we'll visit Hamarikyu Gardens. The rest of the day is left free, and you might like to board a train to visit the Meiji shrine and Shinjuku area, where the latest electronic gadgets dazzle from glowing shopfronts.
No trip to Japan would be complete without a journey on a high-speed train and this morning we leave Tokyo and board the Shinkansen. Our main bags will be forwarded to Osaka today and we'll make do with an overnight bag for tonight. The bullet trains are known for their extremely punctual service, comfortable carriages, and lack of noise as you travel at speeds of up to 300 kilometres/186 miles per hour. Alighting at Nagano in the Japanese Alps, we'll make our way by private coach to Jigokudani Onsen, home to Japan's famous snow monkeys. Here the indigenous macaques descend from the hills to bathe and play in the hot springs, a unique behaviour not found anywhere else in the world. Despite their wintry moniker, the monkeys can be observed in and around the pool throughout the year (although sightings are more likely in colder months). Our walk to the spring takes 30 minutes along a pretty forest trail which is mostly flat with some steep stairs and narrow sections. Once at the spring, we'll spend around an hour observing the monkeys before returning along the same path. Leaving Nagano behind, we'll head for Kanazawa, which until 150 years ago was the 4th largest city in Japan. The city has shunned mass industrialisation and retains its traditional charm with its winding back streets, delicate tea shops and the beautiful autumn maples and spring cherry blossoms of Kenrokuen Gardens. Once ruled by the Maeda Clan, one of the most powerful Samurai families in Japan, the city has several traditional samurai districts and, along with Kyoto, is one of Japan's cultural capitals.
As the town was not targeted during World War II, much of Kanazawa consists of old buildings and gives a sense of what Japan was like in the 19th century. We'll spend some time wandering around the colourful stalls at the town's Omicho market, where fresh fish and crab are brought daily from the Sea of Japan along with vegetables from the surrounding countryside. The market is open but please note that some of the stalls are closed on a wednesday but it is still worth a visit. A great dish to try here is chirashi-zushi, which consists of scattered seasoned sushi rice topped with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and raw fish. We'll also visit Kenrokoen Gardens which took nearly two centuries to complete and translate from their original Japanese as the 'Garden of the Six Sublimities'. This afternoon, we'll travel by train once more (a two-hour journey) to the city of Osaka. Japan's second city is famed for its modern architecture, buzzing nightlife and tasty street food. This evening your tour leader will take you on a walk around the Namba area, one of Osaka's most vibrant and interesting districts where miles of covered arcades criss-crossed by canals and rivers open up to back streets filled with history and small shops. We'll get to see the street food scene with local delicacies such as Takoyaki - also known as Octopus balls, Okonomiyaki - a type of savoury cabbage-based pancake filled with pretty much whatever you like, Kushikatsu - skewered meat and vegetables that are deep-fried, and ramen - pulled noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or miso. For practical reasons we have included a sit down meal where you get the chance to try some of these specialties this evening.
Our main luggage will be forwarded to Kyoto today and we'll use our overnight bags again. A couple of morning train journeys take us to Hiroshima. This thought-provoking city was completely destroyed on the 6th of August 1945 as the target of the first atomic bomb to be used in wartime. Hiroshima has literally risen from the ashes and is now a thriving, friendly city. Travel around the city is easy, thanks to the colourful street trams, brought in all over Japan after the war. Just off the coast of Hiroshima is the tiny island of Miyajima which we'll visit upon arrival today. The relaxed feel of this island is enhanced by the deer that roam freely through the streets. As you arrive on the ferry, you can take in the famous view of the floating torii gate. Considered to be one of the most iconic sights in Japan, these red gates appear to float on the water with the hills of the island forming a spectacular backdrop. If time permits - there are various hiking trails to explore and a cable car to the top of Mount Misen for great views. You might also like to take time to visit some of the island's many shrines before we take the ferry back to the mainland.
First thing this morning, we'll have time to visit the Peace Memorial Park and the well-presented museum on the site of the 1945 A-bomb hypocentre. Whilst serving as poignant reminders of the nuclear holocaust, their overwhelming message is of hope that such horrors will never reoccur. Later this morning, we'll make our way back to the train station for the journey to Kyoto, which takes around two hours. The imperial capital for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto has more than 2,000 temples and shrines, many set in perfectly manicured landscaped and tranquil gardens. We'll start exploring this fabulous city this afternoon with a visit to Nijo Castle. Built in 1603 as a Shogun palace, it's a great example of the sumptuous setting in which the Shogun would have held audiences with his samurai warriors. The extensive gardens and gates are impressive, but the real ingenuity of the castle is the nightingale floors, so called because they are designed to make a chirping noise when walked upon, thus making it impossible to sneak up on the castle's inhabitants. The rest of the afternoon is left free to explore. You may choose to visit Ryoan-ji Temple with its beautiful Zen gardens and famous rock garden. The exact history of the gardens is unknown, but it's thought the temple was converted from an aristocrat's villa in 1450. Whilst in the gardens try testing out the theory that at least one of the rocks is hidden from every vantage point. Another possibility is the famous Golden Pavillion (Kinkaku-ji). The temple is a three-storey building with the top two tiers covered in gold leaf. Set in a lake, the building appears to float on the water and the reflections, coupled with the background of forest make it worthy of its place on many Japanese postcards.
We'll spend today exploring more of Kyoto and visiting some of the city's many temples. We'll start with a traditional tea ceremony and take time to explore Kyoto's charming streets, soaking up the unique atmosphere. Continuing to Nishiki covered food market there will be some free time to choose your lunch from an array of excellent local vendors. In the afternoon we will visit Kenninji, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto constructed in 1202. Founded by the Buddhist monk who introduced both Zen Buddhism and tea cultivation to Japan upon returning from study trips to China. Our next stop is to visit Yasaka Pagoda - one of the most visible and recognisable landmarks in Higashiyama district and the last remnant of Hokanji Temple. Finally we take in the traditional Japanese street of Ninenzaka. We will end in the late afternoon and we recommend, if time permits, heading to Gion district to see geishas heading to appointments. LAter this evening we enjoy our a final dinner where we can think back over our trip across wonderful Japan.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Kyoto. Kyoto is a wonderful city with so much to see and do. Please consider extending your stay when booking your trip with additional time here. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Kyoto at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is approximately one hour and thirty minutes by train, or Osaka International Airport (ITM) which takes around an hour by shuttle bus. Please note that you'll be required to walk a short distance from the hotel to the train station or bus collection point and that the transfer will be unescorted. Please note, our itinerary allows for limited time in Kyoto, if you'd like to explore more of Japan's cultural capital, we recommend adding additional nights to your trip.
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Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Anita - Traveled, April 2024
This “tour” ended up being a poor method of transport from one city to another. Any hope of being guided and seeing places listed in the written summary were quickly dashed with the guide’s comment: “no we won’t see that/do that- the plan has changed.” The tour guide, while I’m sure a nice human being, was not at all prepared to keep ten people following him. No umbrella or flag to see him in a crowd of people. Tour member gave him a bright colored hat to find him. Without that, he would have lost us. Especially worrisome was his not good grasp of English. He said left when he meant right (a big problem in a busy train station) and several times led the exhausted group up and down stairs at stations only to realize it was the wrong way. One pair of the group had to go back to USA due to sudden death in family. He could not help them arrange for their baggage, and he would not )as in, REFUSED) to give them a manager phone number to call. Unbelievable!! Other times the tour didn’t allow for any time to buy food - if you didn’t have snacks you were out of luck for as long as twelve (yes, 12!!) hours. All in all, hotel cost and transportation cost could have been done on our own for less than half the “discount” price. Would not recommend TourRadar Japan tours AT ALL. Luggage handling was farcical - send away your luggage for 2 days between stops, no hauling of backpacks and carryons like other tour companies provide. Use of public buses where you may end up squished and standing for an hour or two. This is not a tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Emma - Traveled, January 2024
Our 8 day trip was amazing - the destinations were perfect (especially Takayama - where it snowed). The accom was great & the other people in the tour were really friendly - turned out to be a great combination. Above all, our tour guide Yoshi was sensational - great English, great knowledge & always got us everywhere on time. Highly recommend this tour (as long as Yoshi is your guide)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Antonela - Traveled, December 2023
Japan is a fascinating country, and this tour has a great itinerary, covering many must-see places. However, my experience with Travel Talk was not great. The tour guide had zero experience as a travel guide, it was actually his first time leading a group tour. I believe that Travel Talk only started tours in Japan in 2023, so that should have been a red flag already. But I was hopeful that by March when I went on the tour, they would haven gained a bit of experience and everything would be OK. However, that was not the case. For example, the hotels that we were supposed to stay in got changed at the last minute. This caused me much frustration both in Tokyo as well as Kyoto, because I had booked my pre and post tour accommodations based on the original hotels we were supposed to stay at. For example, in Tokyo I had to check out and travel to the other side of town to join the tour at the newly chosen hotel, wasting 2 hours of my precious time there. The itinerary was not going according to plan either. For example, in Tokyo we were supposed to go to the famous fish market. That never happened. Other items on the itinerary were removed as well, and even the guide felt bad for us and said the only thing we can do is write a review and complain to Travel Talk. Highly recommend going to Japan but not with Travel Talk.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Anita - Traveled, December 2023
The food and hotel was five stars. We did everything on the list. The guide at best was a three star.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, November 2023
The 8 day "Highlights of Japan" tour run by Travel Talk was really a 6 day tour as we met for a briefing and optional diner meeting which counted as Day 1 and then Day 8 was a farewell at Breakfast. Mariko Takehana-our guide, was excellent. She was patient, knowledgeable and made our tour extremely pleasant . Tour Radar was good with pre tour communication. Travel talk was extremely poor regarding hotels and most tour participants had issues with knowing hotels and having ability to plan their trips. this puts extra unnecessary stress on travel. I would recommend Tour Radar but would hesitate to recommend Travel Talk
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Elion - Traveled, September 2023
Guide was top notch; we did not the same guide as the less positive reviews below. There is so much to see and do in each of the places on the tour that it really feels like you need someone who knows what they're doing every step of the way to point you in the right direction. The stuff in the itinerary is great too. Day one is fantastic and sets the tone for the rest of the trip - active, interesting, and tiring (in a good way). I run regular 5Ks and the leg work here is no joke; my calves were worked stiff most every day. It made for a very rewarding vacation and I was sad to leave by the end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2023
Steven - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent tour Did a lot saw a lot not having bag for 3 nights was unexpected and a bit disappointing but otherwise everything went smoothly
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
Deane - Traveled, June 2023
The guide was disorganized so that we missed trains, were consistently and didn’t get to see much of what was planned
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
Jessica - Traveled, July 2023
People on tour were great. Guide was poor.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2023
Marquise - Traveled, June 2023
This tour takes you both through urban and serene regions of Japan and really allows you to understand a lot about the culture, history, and geography of the land. While you do not stay long in Tokyo, you do get to experience a large swath of Japan. There are some times where you may feel rushed from one destination to the next, but the overall experience is well worth the price and time. Extend your trip either before or after to explore more of Tokyo if you want to though!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Jason - Traveled, May 2023
This tour was amazing , wonderful experience that left me wanting to return to this remarkable country in the near future. Travel Talk ensured a seamless journey, with comfortable accommodations and transportation. Their attention to detail made this trip an unforgettable adventure. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, informative and added immense value to the trip, sharing fascinating insights into Japan's history and culture. There are some long walks on specific days of the tour, so, be prepared. Thank you team , looking forward to my next trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2023
Suzette - Traveled, May 2023
I love the accommodations that was selected for us. I didn't realize how much walking we were going to be doing and wish we were more informed on that. I felt communication would have been better. In reality, i did not even know if we were going to find somebody from the tour group at the first hotel cause of lack of communication. If i had to rate communication from TourRadar as a company... it would be BAD. Our tour guide was well versed in taking us from point A to point B but i was hoping that our tour guide was more talkative and knowledgeable in the places he took us to such as history of the town, cultures, etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2023
Elena - Traveled, May 2023
Great tour “Highlights of Japan”, was very well organised! Hotels were absolutely fantastic, all 4-3 stars , very clean, rooms are large and have spa in almost all of them ! My group was really interesting, positive and humorous! Our tour guide Pepijn was informative, polite and caring, really appreciated that ! Also special thanks to his colleague Sonny, who was very accommodating, happy to help and resolve any issues ! Thank you guys for a such good time The only comment I would like to make that this tour is physically very intense, we had to walk at least 12 km(7-8miles a day at a very fast pace,) so it might not be suitable for everyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2023
ADRIAN - Traveled, May 2023
Good value well worth the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Carmen - Traveled, May 2023
Linked us with Travel Talk which was outstanding. Tour Radar gives lots of options of itineraries to great tours. Great value. Great communication and responsiveness. Will use Tour Radar again !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2023
Misheel - Traveled, May 2023
It´s a great experience but be physically and mentally ready for a lot of traveling. Most days you won´t have your luggage for 2 days because it will be send to the next hotel. But just seeing all the Highlights from Japan was a great experience. Our group was great you will learn a lot of people from around the world. John our Travel Guide was the best you could hoped for he is just an amazing person. It was great overall but some hotels were a lot of better then others.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2023
Erzsebet - Traveled, March 2023
We had very little time for Tokyo and Kyoto but overall had been a good tour and enjoyed our stay in a stunning country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2023
Paul - Traveled, January 2023
Yoshi was a knowledgeable, local guide that adjusted the optional support based on the group requests. This made the tour really personal for me and resulted in an outstanding overall experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2023
Leonard - Traveled, May 2024
Tour guide was very knowledgeable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024
Irene - Traveled, May 2024
The tour was great but the communication from Travel Talk was very poor. 1. We had a difficult time learning the booked hotels and only learned the final location a day or two in advance after multiple emails. 2. The tour incorrectly listed the departure time as 12 noon when the actual departure was 8:30am. 3. Details about luggage was not specified. That being said, the cities, sites and tour guide, Kay, were great and we had a fabulous time. This was our first Public Transportation Tour. We loved trains and were looking forward to using public transportation. We decided to bring one medium sized suitcase and a backpack to make walking with luggage easier. It would have been too cumbersome to have a carry-on, medium suitcase and backpack. To our surprise, we learned that our luggage would be sent from our current location to the destination we would be at in the future. This made train travel easier, but the only caveat is that you have to live out of your backpack for 1-2 days for two different portions of the journey. This was fine, but it was communicated to us by the tour company. Some people had to pay extra for luggage transport as only one piece per person was included in the tour price.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/26/2024
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