Japan Express

4.3Based on

Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Ends

Osaka, Japan

Highlights

Ultra-modern, ancient traditions and everything in between, this express adventure will introduce you to some of the many faces of Japan in a short amount of time.

Visit the Peace Park for moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.

Eat your way around Japan with chances to try all kinds of delicious street food, sake, snacks and surprises – from a hearty bowl of ramen to world-class sashimi.

Spend three nights in Kyoto, exploring this amazing ancient capital in depth and with plenty of free time to create your own adventure.

Ride the renowned Shinkansen bullet train and make use of public transport day passes to get to and from the activities you choose. Even getting from place to place is fun in Japan!

Itinerary

From Tokyo’s neon-lit nights to the historical depth of Kyoto and the culinary delights of Osaka, the "Japan Express" is a 9-day city sightseeing adventure for travelers eager to experience the Land of the Rising Sun’s highlights. Discover the solemn history of Hiroshima, wander ancient temples, and dive into vibrant city life with the guidance of a local expert. Sample everything from sushi to ramen, and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace alongside a small group. The tour’s unique selling point is the perfect balance of structured experiences and independent discovery, ensuring a memorable immersion into Japanese culture.

day 1 - Tokyo

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with restaurants and karaoke bars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Afterwards, why not head out for an optional dinner to try some local food and experience the nightlife in this amazing city? You might like to finish the night with a drink at a traditional Japanese izakaya – ask your leader for their favourites.

accommodation:Japanese Inn or Multishare Podhostel (with shared facilities)

day 2 - Tokyo

This morning, venture out with your small group on the metro to explore the buzzing Shibuya area. Check out one of the busiest intersections in the world before heading into a depachika (underground food hall) for a mouth-watering array of tempting Japanese treats. Next, visit Meiji Shrine – enter via a massive torii (gate) and notice the sights and sounds of the city fade away as you enter the tranquil forest. Afterwards, explore the Harajuku district, the home of quirky youth pop culture. In your free time this afternoon, perhaps take in the historic Asakusa area – one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo. Here you can stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, which was founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. This evening, you've got endless options for dinner – how about a hearty bowl of ramen, crispy tonkatsu, or snacks and beer at (another) izakaya.

included:Tokyo - Yoyogi Park, Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour, Tokyo - Metro day pass, Tokyo - Harajuku street

accommodation:Japanese Inn or Multishare Podhostel (with shared facilities)

day 3 - Hiroshima

Time to leave Tokyo and travel by shinkansen to Hiroshima. In the afternoon visit The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum, which stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was the target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated, so the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing has made it an enduring symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims. This evening, maybe try one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat or seafood.

included:Hiroshima - Peace Museum, Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome, Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk

accommodation:Basic Hotel

day 4 - Hiroshima

Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. While here, you might like to climb (or hop on the cable car) to the top of Mt Miyajima for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Then, visit a local workshop and learn how to make a momiji manju (Japanese maple-leaf shaped pastry). This pastry originated from Miyajima so it’s only befitting that you learn how to make it from the origin. After your sweet treat, return to Hiroshima for a free afternoon. You could stop by the five-storied Hiroshima Castle, which originally dates from the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but reconstructed in all its glory in the 1950s, and now holds an informative museum. The wonderful Shukkeien Garden, with its graceful teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress on a break from sightseeing. For something a bit louder, there are local baseball and soccer teams (if the day is right), or endless shopping choices. Ask your leader for other tips and suggestions as there is plenty to see and do.

included:Hiroshima - Miyajima Island, Hiroshima - Momiji manju making

accommodation:Basic hotel

day 5 - Kyoto

This morning, jump back on the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo ('tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in AD794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, and with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there is a lot to explore. On arrival, head to one of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine – famous for the thousands of vermillion-coloured torii (gates) that straddle the paths and trails in the area. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with Kyoto by walking through its historic neighbourhoods.

included:Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha

accommodation:Basic hotel

day 6 - Kyoto

Today is free for you to explore. With its many landmarks and historical sites and an abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is also a city that lends itself to walking, and there are plenty of paths available – ask your leader for their recommendations. Perhaps visit the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji temple, also known as ‘The Golden Pavilion’, or if you’re visiting in spring, head to the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (the Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha). In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through the Pontocho and Gion areas – the famous geisha districts. Even today you can observe the age-old tradition of geisha visiting members of the wealthy elite – this unfolds in small teahouses tucked away in tiny back streets. For those who are keen, you can also choose to attend the Gion Corner cultural centre where you can enjoy some Japanese performing arts, from flower arranging to the Lion Dance.

included:Kyoto - Public bus day pass, Kyoto - Gion District walk

accommodation:Basic hotel

day 7 - Kyoto

Make the most of your last day in Kyoto. If you haven’t done so already, you may like to see Japan’s largest pagoda at Toji, or you could visit the imposing and opulent Nijo Castle, home to the Tokugawa Shoguns who had power over the country during the Edo period. You can also check out the ‘nightingale floors’ of Ninomaru Palace, which squeak to warn off intruders. From the castle, it’s a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji, perhaps Japan’s most acclaimed Zen garden, where carefully placed rocks sit in an immaculately raked sea of gravel. For some local shopping there’s Kyoto’s handicraft centre, a perfect place to pick up some souvenirs with a fine selection of woodblock prints, yukata (light cotton robes), jewellery and pottery. Tonight, why not enjoy karaoke with your new friends, or maybe splash out on a kaiseki meal in a ryotei – small restaurants serving traditional multi-course cuisine.

included:Kyoto - Public bus day pass

accommodation:Basic hotel

day 8 - Osaka

Hop on board the train this morning and head onto Osaka – arguably Japan’s food capital. To get situated, follow your leader on an orientation walk, and then explore this eclectic city in your free time. Meet in the evening again and take a walking tour with your leader through the Dotombori district and celebrate the end of this fast and furious journey in Japan with your fellow travellers.

included:Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour

accommodation:Multishare hostel (with shared facilities)

day 9 - Osaka

With no activities planned for today, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore the many neighbourhoods of Osaka, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Multishare Pod Hostel (2 nights), Basic Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Public Bus, Metro, Train, Bullet Train

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Tokyo - Yoyogi ParkTokyo - Meiji Jingu ShrineTokyo - Shibuya walking tourTokyo - Metro day passTokyo - Harajuku streetHiroshima - Peace MuseumHiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb DomeHiroshima - Leader-led orientation walkHiroshima - Miyajima IslandHiroshima - Momiji manju makingKyoto - Fushimi Inari-TaishaKyoto - Public bus day passKyoto - Gion District walkOsaka - Dotombori District walking tour

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Japan Express

4.3

based on 3 reviews

Tour Availability

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Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

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4.67/5

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Prompt reply to my questions which was helpful.

1 day ago

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