Japan Highlights From Tokyo to Osaka (4 Star) - 7 days Tour by On The Go Tours

Carbon neutral

7 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

6 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Highlights

Tokyo - Wander through the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market and sample classic Japanese street food

Meiji Jingu - Experience traditional Shinto rituals at Tokyo’s most important shrine set in a tranquil forest

Hakone - Ride the ropeway over Owakudani Valley and enjoy Lake Ashi views with Mt. Fuji in the distance

Gion - Discover Kyoto’s historic geisha district with lantern-lit teahouses and preserved wooden streets

Kasuga Taisha - See thousands of lanterns lining the paths and corridors of this ancient Shinto shrine

Kyoto - Marvel at the gold-leaf-covered Golden Pavilion and its reflection in the surrounding pond

Osaka - Taste local delicacies at Kuromon Market before visiting Osaka Castle and neon-lit Dotonbori

Nara - Meet the sacred free-roaming deer of Nara Park and visit the giant Buddha at Todaiji Temple

Kyoto - Marvel at the gold-leaf-covered Golden Pavilion and its reflection in the surrounding pond

Osaka - Taste local delicacies at Kuromon Market before visiting Osaka Castle and neon-lit Dotonbori

Nara - Meet the sacred free-roaming deer of Nara Park and visit the giant Buddha at Todaiji Temple

Itinerary

Experience the best of Japan on this 7-day journey from Tokyo to Osaka. Begin in the capital with visits to the lively Tsukiji Market, serene Meiji Shrine, and colourful Senso-ji Temple, before a day trip to Hakone for ropeways, lake cruises, and, weather permitting, views of Mt. Fuji. Ride the bullet train to Kyoto, where you’ll marvel at the Golden Pavilion, wander Gion’s lantern-lit streets, and explore Fushimi Inari’s iconic torii gates. A side trip to Nara brings close encounters with friendly deer and ancient temples, before your adventure ends in Osaka with markets, castles and neon-lit Dotonbori.

day 1 - Arrival in Tokyo

Upon arrival in Tokyo, we’ll meet you in the airport arrivals hall and transfer you by shared car to your hotel in the city centre. Shared transfers operate until 20:30 – if your flight arrives later, please make your own way to the hotel or arrange a private pick-up with us.

OverNight:Tokyo

day 2 - Market, Shrine, Palace & Temple

After meeting your guide, we begin at Tsukiji Outer Market (since 1935) – “Tokyo’s Kitchen” – where you can sample Japanese snacks such as tamagoyaki omelettes while soaking up the lively morning atmosphere.

Next, we escape the bustle at Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and his empress. Set within a vast man-made forest, it offers a tranquil setting for learning about Shinto rituals. You may even glimpse a traditional wedding procession.

We then continue to the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, home to landmarks such as Nijubashi Bridge and Fujimi Tower, blending Edo-period architecture with serene gardens. In spring, this is one of Tokyo’s most picturesque cherry blossom spots.

Our afternoon visit takes us to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Passing through the Kaminarimon Gate, we stroll along Nakamise-dori Street, lined with shops selling treats such as matcha ice cream and taiyaki. At the temple itself, the vermilion main hall and five-storey pagoda stand in striking contrast to the lively streets around them.

Return with your guide to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Tokyo

day 3 - Excursion to Hakone – Mt. Fuji Views

Tokyo - Hakone - Mt Fuji - Tokyo. Today we take the bullet train to Odawara, then continue on the historic Hakone Tozan Train through scenic mountains. In summer, the railway is lined with hydrangeas in bloom.

From Sounzan, we ride the ropeway to Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic zone with steaming vents and sulphur springs. Here, you can try a black egg boiled in the hot springs. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.

We continue by ropeway to Lake Ashi for a 30-minute pirate ship cruise, with vistas of the lake, Hakone Shrine’s red torii gate, and – weather permitting – Mt. Fuji.

After sightseeing, return to Tokyo by train.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Tokyo

day 4 - Golden Pavilion, Pure Water Temple & Gion

Tokyo - Kyoto. This morning, take the bullet train to Kyoto (tickets arranged in advance). If travelling with heavy luggage, we recommend using Japan’s reliable luggage delivery service.

On arrival, meet your local guide and begin at the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), once a shogun’s villa and now a Zen temple famed for its gold-leaf upper floors.

Next, explore Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple), approached via the charming Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lanes. From its wooden stage, enjoy sweeping views of Kyoto. Behind the hall lies the Jishujinja Shrine, known for its “love stones” that visitors cross with eyes closed to seek good fortune in romance.

We end the day with a walking tour of Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district. Wander past Yasaka Shrine and atmospheric alleys lined with teahouses. After dark, you may spot geishas on their way to evening engagements. Return to your hotel independently by taxi if you stay later.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kyoto

day 5 - Shrines, Temples & Deer Park

Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto. We start at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the hillside.

Next, we travel to Nara Park, home to over 1,000 sacred deer. Then we visit Todai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), housing a colossal Buddha statue and once built with contributions from across Japan.

We continue to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, noted for its lanterns, and stroll to Naramachi, the city’s preserved merchant district. Here, we stop at Naramachi Lattice House, a narrow yet deep townhouse reflecting Edo-era tax rules, offering a glimpse into historic life.

Return with your guide to Kyoto.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kyoto

day 6 - Castle, Market & Dotonbori

Kyoto - Osaka. We begin at Nijo Castle, former Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Its lavish interiors, including murals of tigers painted without ever seeing one, showcase the power of the shogunate.

By train, we continue to Osaka. At Kuromon Market, you can sample snacks such as takoyaki and grilled seafood for lunch (at own expense).

Next, we explore Osaka Castle, originally built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and rebuilt in the 20th century. Inside, displays trace the castle’s history, while the top floor offers panoramic city views.

Our day ends at Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s bustling districts for food and shopping, lit by neon billboards. After the tour, either return with your guide or stay longer to enjoy dinner independently before walking back to your nearby hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Osaka

day 7 - Departure from Osaka

Check out and make your own way to Kansai International Airport. Your guide will be happy to advise on the best route depending on your flight. If you are returning to Tokyo for onward travel, we can assist with booking train or plane tickets.

Meals:1 Breakfast

Japan Highlights From Tokyo to Osaka (4 Star) - 7 days

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What's Included

Accommodation

6 nights accomodation in 4 star hotels

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

Shared airport pick-up transfer on arrival day 1Public transportation fare by bus, metro and train

Others

Services of English-speaking local guides

Entrance

Entrance Fees

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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