SHORTLIST

Land of the Samurai - 12 days

On this wonderful 12 day group tour of Japan you’ll not only take in the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, but you’ll also have the opportunity to visit historic Hiroshima, Miyajima Island with its iconic Torii Gate and the towering Himeji Castle. What’s more, you’ll sample Japanese hospitality at a ryokan where you can bathe in natural hot springs.
Tour details
Tour Provider On The Go Tours
Price From
$6,915
Number of Days
12
Start Location
Tokyo, Japan
End Location
Osaka, Japan
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
1 to 28
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Tokyo
Saturday. Upon arrival to Tokyo you will be met at either Narita or Haneda International Airport by your guide. Travel by train into the heart of the city and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure.



We recommend arriving before 3pm on this day, as there will be a Welcome Meeting at 6pm, where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group.
Day 2: Toyko - Senjoji Temple District, Harajuki & Shibuya
Today we explore the capital. First stop is Asakusa which is home to Sensoji, Tokyo's first temple which was built in the 7th century. Around the temple, in the lively Sensoji District, there are lots of interesting souvenir and craft stalls for us explore. We head to Harajuku in the afternoon, which is where the young and fashionable Tokyoites hangout, with its trendy shops and cafes. Here we’ll visit the important Meiji Shrine where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined.



Our final stop of today is Shibuya Crossing, regarded as one of the busiest intersections in the world. The famed intersection has no less than 7 pedestrian crossings and when the lights turn red at this busy junction, they all turn red at the same time in every direction. Traffic stops completely and pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides. Known as 'the scramble' it’s an amazing spectacle which we'll watch from the second floor of Starbucks, located directly opposite.



This evening offers free time, though if travelling during May or September you might like spend the evening watching a Sumo tournament (bookings must be made in advance). See our Trip Notes for more information.
Day 3: Kamakura
Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo. Today we visit Kamakura, which is just an hour from Tokyo by train. Kamakura was Japan’s first feudal capital and is renowned for its beautiful Zen temples and pristine coastline. We’ll visit the iconic bronze Big Buddha and the Hokokuji Zen Temple which has a picturesque bamboo garden where you can drink tea before walking the cobbled shopping district - adorned with lovely locally made items, before returning to Japan’s bustling capital for the night.
Day 4: Tokyo
Today offers a guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, housing a number of exhibitions from galleries to Japanese archeology. The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park, a large public park within central Tokyo and famous for a number of museums held within it's grounds. The remainder of the day offers free time to independently explore.
Day 5: Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi. This morning we travel by highway to Lake Kawaguchi, located in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Our base is Lake Kawaguchi which boasts breathtaking scenery and unparalleled views of a snow-capped Mt Fuji most of the year. Whilst in the area we'll travel on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and visit the observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 15 Apr – 28 May each year we’ll visit the Springtime Fuji Shibazakura (Phlox Moss) Festival, held at Motosu Lake, where the landscape is covered in a vibrant, hot pink moss with Fuji as the backdrop. Tonight, we stay in a Japanese style inn. At the ryokan, we'll be served dinner and you can take a relaxing dip in the natural hot spring baths.
Day 6: Kyoto
Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto. The area has some great hiking trails and early this morning you might like to opt for a hike along the foreshores of the lake. Travel by bus to Mishima, then bullet train to Kyoto - Japan’s ancient and cultural capital.



As one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia, Kyoto is home to an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Here, we enjoy a guided tour of Sanjusagen-do Temple famous for its statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The one thousand life-size statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress clad in gold leaf. They stand in 10 rows of 50, each hand crafted and slightly different from the next. Late this afternoon we head to Gion, for a walking tour of this famous Geisha District. After, you may wish to watch a cultural performance at Gion Corner Theatre where you'll have the opportunity to watch a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) performing.
Day 7: Kyoto - Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion & free time
This morning we offer a guided tour of Nijo Castle, one of the city’s most impressive UNESCO sites. Built by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, the exquisite Nijo Castle is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture. After, we visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) a stunning Zen Buddhist temple, part of the Historic Monuments of the Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site. The top two floors of the monument are completely covered in gold leaf. Set upon a small lake with landscaped gardens the large completely gilt structure is as impressive, as it is beautiful. Kinkakuji Temple continues to be one of Japan's most visited temples.



This afternoon offers free time for you to relax or to further discover the many sights of Kyoto your own way. Consider visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its winding path lined by thousands of bright red torii gates. Just a short train ride away from the main Kyoto Station, this must-see sight is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. You might also wish to hire a Kimono and walk the streets as many Japanese do or take part in a cooking lesson.
Day 8: Himeji
Kyoto - Himeji - Hiroshima. We travel by bullet train to Hiroshima today, stopping en route at Himeji to visit the UNESCO Listed Himeji Castle, nicknamed the White Egret due to its colour and elegant shape. Himeji is Japan’s best preserved and largest castle, known for its maze-like defences. After taking in the panoramic views from the top of its 6 story watch tower there is time to stroll the local Saturday market which often takes place here, before taking the bullet train to Hiroshima. The later part of this afternoon and evening offers free time.



Tonight, if you like baseball consider booking tickets to watch the Carp play. The Carp, Hiroshima’s beloved professional baseball players, play games at home between May - Oct at Mazda Stadium.
Day 9: Miyajima
Located off the coast of Hiroshima is Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most picturesque destinations. Today we take the ferry out to the island and see the dramatic red 'floating' Torii Gate at the revered Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site. The iconic gate seems to float on the water but at low tide can reached by foot. It stands 16 metres high and is made from camphor wood. As we explore the island we'll see further Shinto shrines, towering pagodas and pavilions before soaking up the incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea, dozens of nearby islands and Hiroshima city from our cable car ride to the top of Mount Misen, the highest point of the island. Free time is offered before we return to Hiroshima for the night. Tonight, we'll make a reservation for Okonomiyaki - a mix between a savoury pancake and omelette, a local speciality of Hiroshima. Okonomiyaki is always a fun night, its inexpensive and is washed down perfectly with a Asahi beer.
Day 10: Hiroshima
Hiroshima - Kyoto. Hiroshima is of course infamous for being the first site where one of two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan at the end World War II. This morning we visit Peace Park and Peace Park Museum which are a poignant reminder of Hiroshima’s tragic past. We’ll see the iconic A-Bomb Dome, one of the very few buildings left standing after the blast and visit the Children's Peace Monument a memorial to the children killed, where schools from around the world donate paper origami cranes, signifying hope and peace.



This afternoon we take the bullet train to Kyoto. On the train we bid farewell to travellers on our 13 day tour who will continue with your guide to Takayama.
Day 11: Kyoto
A free day to spend a leisure in Kyoto. Independently exploring this enchanting city you'll find sacred shrines tucked in among shopping arcades, time‐honoured teahouses nestling among modern businesses and geisha in the historic Gion District. Alternatively, consider a day trip to Nara which has a myriad of shrines and temples, all set against the backdrop of the low lying mountains in the midst of Nara Park.
Day 12: Osaka
Wednesday. Kyoto - Osaka. Your Japan adventure comes to an end today. Take the train (un-escorted) from Kyoto Station to Osaka Airport for your onward flight. Please ensure you book your departing flight after 10am.



Prefer to end your tour in Tokyo? On day 12 you can opt to travel by train from Kyoto to Tokyo, where you will spend the night. On day 13 (Thursday) catch the train to Tokyo Airport (breakfast excluded on day 13).



For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our [[travel guide|126582]].
Inclusions
7 breakfasts and 1 dinner at the Lake Kawaguchi ryokan
11 nights 3 star accommodation (including 1 night at a Japanese style inn
Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Tokyo, Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchi, Kyoto, Himeji, Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji - Kachikachi-yama Ropeway and Observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 14 Apr – 28 May each year we'll visit to the Fuji Shibazakura (Moss Phlox) Festival with Mt Fuji in the distance
Ferry to Miyajima Island and cable car to the top of Mt Misen
Escorted by a licensed English speaking Japanese tour guide until day 10
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 (by train) from Narita or Haneda International Airport
Departure transfer on day 12 (unescorted) - by train or bus from Kyoto Station to Osaka Airports (ITM and KIX)
All transportation and transfers - buses, trains and bullet trains including Suica swipe card
Baggage forwarding service from Tokyo to Kyoto (one bag per person)
Maximum Group size: 18 persons
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
08 Mar 2025 19 Mar 2025 Available $7,485
22 Mar 2025 02 Apr 2025 Contact Operator $7,485
12 Apr 2025 23 Apr 2025 Contact Operator $7,485
19 Apr 2025 30 Apr 2025 Available $7,485
10 May 2025 21 May 2025 Available $7,215
17 May 2025 28 May 2025 Available $7,215
24 May 2025 04 Jun 2025 Available $7,215
31 May 2025 11 Jun 2025 Available $6,915
14 Jun 2025 25 Jun 2025 Available $6,915
28 Jun 2025 09 Jul 2025 Available $6,915
12 Jul 2025 23 Jul 2025 Available $7,215
26 Jul 2025 06 Aug 2025 Available $7,215
23 Aug 2025 03 Sep 2025 Available $7,215
30 Aug 2025 10 Sep 2025 Available $7,215
06 Sep 2025 17 Sep 2025 Available $7,215
13 Sep 2025 24 Sep 2025 Available $7,215
20 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 Available $7,215
27 Sep 2025 08 Oct 2025 Available $7,485
04 Oct 2025 15 Oct 2025 Available $7,485
11 Oct 2025 22 Oct 2025 Available $7,485
18 Oct 2025 29 Oct 2025 Available $7,485
01 Nov 2025 12 Nov 2025 Available $7,485
15 Nov 2025 26 Nov 2025 Available $7,485