8 Days Japan Highlights

Tokyo | 

Japan

Experience the best of Japan in 8 days, from Kyoto’s ancient temples to Hiroshima’s historic sites and Tokyo’s futuristic cityscapes. A perfect mix of culture, history, and adventure.

Overview

This 8-day journey takes you through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, blending ancient traditions with modern energy. Start in Tokyo, where historic temples meet neon-lit streets. Explore Shibuya, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine, then escape to the scenic town of Mishima, with stunning views of Mt Fuji. Ride through the tea-covered hills of Kawane, visiting a local tea farm before an authentic homestay experience with a home-cooked meal.

Arriving in Kyoto, walk through Fushimi Inari’s torii gates, explore Nishiki Market, and learn the art of sake brewing. Finally, Osaka offers a street food tour in Dotonbori, where flavours and neon lights collide. With high-speed bullet trains, local experiences, and incredible sights, this trip is the ultimate introduction to Japan.

Inclusions
  • Accommodation: 6 nights in hotels and 1 night in a traditional ryokan
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
  • Transportation: High-speed bullet train (Shinkansen), Scenic train ride through Kawane, Private transfers and local transport
  • Activities & Experiences:
    • Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya walking tour
    • Mishima: Mishima Skywalk for panoramic views of Mt Fuji
    • Kawane: Tea farm visit, scenic train ride, homestay experience
    • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, sake brewery tour, Nishiki Market walk
    • Osaka: Dotonbori street food walking tour
Highlights
  • Walk through Fushimi Inari’s 10,000 torii gates in Kyoto.
  • Experience an authentic homestay in rural Japan, including a home-cooked meal.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Fuji from Mishima Skywalk.
  • Taste the flavours of Japan in Osaka’s street food capital.
  • Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and historic Asakusa.
  • Sip on freshly brewed green tea at a local farm in Kawane.
  • Travel like a local on Japan’s iconic bullet trains.
Optional Activities:
  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen, Imperial Palace, Samurai Museum
  • Mishima: Rakujuen Park, Mishima Taisha Shrine
  • Kyoto: Golden Pavilion, Zen gardens, tea ceremony
  • Osaka: Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, private sushi-making class
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo – Arrival & City Walk

Welcome to Tokyo, a city where ancient traditions meet futuristic energy. Your adventure begins with a 6 pm welcome meeting at the hotel. After, take a walk through Shinjuku’s Memory Lane, a lively alley lined with small izakayas, yakitori stalls, and tiny ramen shops. This bustling backstreet, dating back to the 1940s, is one of the best places to sample Tokyo’s local street food.

Accommodation: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku or similar

Day 2: Tokyo – Old Meets New

Start the day in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest district, where you’ll visit Senso-ji Temple and stroll through Nakamise shopping street. Then, experience Tokyo’s modern energy in Shibuya, home to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Visit a depachika (underground food hall), before heading to Meiji Shrine, a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. End the afternoon exploring Harajuku, Tokyo’s hub of youth culture and quirky fashion.

Accommodation: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku or similar

Day 3: Mishima – Gateway to Mt Fuji

Take a train to Mishima, a picturesque town at the base of Mt Fuji. Visit the Mishima Skywalk, Japan’s longest suspension bridge, offering breathtaking views of Mt Fuji and Suruga Bay. After, explore the town at your own pace – visit Mishima Shrine, wander along the natural springs, or try the famous charbroiled eel, a local specialty prepared with fresh Fuji water.

Accommodation: Dormy Inn Mishima or similar

Day 4: Kawane – Tea Farm & Homestay

Travel by scenic train through Kawane’s lush mountains. Visit a local tea farm, where you’ll pick tea leaves, learn traditional brewing techniques, and taste freshly made green tea. In the evening, meet your homestay host and enjoy a home-cooked Japanese dinner featuring seasonal vegetables and local ingredients.

Accommodation: Traditional Japanese homestay

Day 5: Kyoto – Nishiki Market & Gion District

After a homemade breakfast, take a bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. Stroll through Nishiki Market, known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, where you’ll sample local specialties like Kyoto-style pickles, matcha sweets, and grilled seafood skewers. As the sun sets, explore Gion, the city’s geisha district, where narrow lanes, wooden teahouses, and lantern-lit streets transport you back in time.

Accommodation: Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi or similar

Day 6: Kyoto – Fushimi Inari & Sake Tasting

Visit Fushimi Inari-Taisha, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, known for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates stretching through the forest. Later, head to a 300-year-old sake brewery, where you’ll learn about the brewing process and sample Kyoto’s finest sake. Spend the afternoon exploring Kyoto at your own pace – visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) or take a walk along the Path of Philosophy.

Accommodation: Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi or similar

Day 7: Osaka – Street Food Capital

Travel to Osaka, Japan’s vibrant food capital. Take a walking food tour through Dotonbori and Kuromon Market, where you’ll sample takoyaki (octopus balls), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and Osaka-style okonomiyaki. After dinner, explore Shinsekai, a nostalgic district with retro charm, or experience Osaka’s nightlife.

Accommodation: Hotel Monterey Osaka or similar

Day 8: Osaka – Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast before checking out. If you have time, explore Osaka Castle or take a day trip to Nara before your onward journey.

Terms & Conditions

Travel Dates:
Available for select departures throughout the year. Seasonal variations may apply.

Group Size:
This package is designed for 12 people. Adjustments for different group sizes may be arranged upon request, with changes to pricing and accommodation.This tour is only for travellers aged 15 and above at the time of travel.

Important Notes:
Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.

Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.

Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.

Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.

Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.

Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.

Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.

Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).

Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.

Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.

Valid for Sale: Saturday 1 March, 2025 -
Friday 31 December, 2027
Valid for Travel: Tuesday 1 April, 2025 -
Friday 31 December, 2027
Price on Application
Trip Summary
● Duration:
8 Days
● Starts: Tokyo
● Ends: Osaka
● Trip Type: Adventure
● Accommodation: 3- Star Hotel & Traditional Japanese Ryokan
● Transportation: Bullet train, Private transfers and Local transport

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