Japan In Depth - Footsteps of the Shogun

BM-17272

5.0Based on

12 days

“

We did the 9 days “Steps of the Shogun” tour with Explore. Booking process on the website was clear and staff were responsive in addressing additional concerns and questions we had. Our tour guide Zilola was top notch. She was friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and accommodating to the specific needs of the group. She provided daily itineraries with updates ad hoc. She suggested additional excursions based on individual interests and overall went above and beyond as a tour leader making the trip enjoyable, safe and unforgetable for all. The itinerary was for those who want to do the “must see” Japan highlights as well as the “off the beaten path” areas many tourists may miss. All transportation was well planned and activities were diverse and comprehensive to match any specific interests. Plenty of free time to “do your own thing”. Accommodations met our expectations. Safe, clean and centrally located. In Japan you need to pack light and account for small spaces- the rooms are for sleeping. 10/10 would recommend for those seeking a Japanese adventure that will check all your boxes and then some. Pace is moderate, be prepared to climb and walk a lot everyday. Nothing a thai massage in Nagasaki can’t fix! Overall, the trip of a lifeline.

Mark | Traveled in October

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

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

Starts

Ends

Tokyo, Japan

Fukuoka, Japan

Select Date

Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

1 other person is considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Tokyo and Fuji - Explore the city's lively neon-lit streets and visit Hakone National Park for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Kyushu Island - Discover less visited highlights in Nagasaki, Hirado and Fukuoka. Meet with a geisha - Learn about her art, dance and the traditional geisha way of life.

Itinerary

From neon-lit metropolises to tranquil mountain retreats, the Japan In Depth – Footsteps of the Shogun tour immerses you in the duality of modern and ancient Japan. Over 12 days, experienced travelers will journey from Tokyo to Fukuoka, discovering the highlights of Honshu and Kyushu at an easy pace.

Explore Tokyo’s energetic streets and pause for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji in Hakone National Park. Travel by bullet train to Kyoto, where serene temples and hidden shrines await, and pay respects in Hiroshima at the poignant site of the world’s first atomic attack. Venture off the tourist trail on Kyushu Island—staying in a traditional ryokan on Hirado and uncovering the lesser-visited gems of Nagasaki and Fukuoka.

Unique experiences include meeting a geisha to learn about her art and traditions, and soaking in natural hot springs. With accommodations, transport, and meals included, you’ll travel in comfort and style.

The unique selling point of this tour package is its expert balance: blending Japan’s iconic landmarks with authentic, off-the-beaten-path encounters. For those who wish to experience the country’s contrasts in depth, this journey is both comprehensive and captivating.

day 1Join tour in Tokyo

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, with the chance to go out for dinner afterwards. 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. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Tokyo at any time. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If you'd like to receive a complimentary 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 Airport and an hour and a half from Narita. You'll be met in the arrivals hall and transferred to the hotel by public shuttle bus or private vehicle. The shuttle bus may stop at other hotels, before dropping you at our hotel. Please note, while our itinerary gives us one 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.

Accommodation

Sunroute Asakusa Hotel

day 2Visit Tokyo's shrines and gardens

day 3Drive to Hakone National Park and Mount Fuji

day 4Bullet train to Kyoto; explore the Geisha district

day 5Explore Kyoto

day 6Free day to explore traditional Kyoto

day 7Bullet train to Nagasaki via Hiroshima

day 8Take a walk through Dejima, Nagasaki's Dutch quarter

day 9Drive to Hirado Island through scenic tea plantations with lunch at a tea farmer's house

day 10Full day to explore Hirado and Ikitsuki Islands

day 11Drive to Sasebo, cruise the '99 Islands' then train to Fukuoka

day 12Tour ends in Fukuoka

What's Included

Accommodation

Sunroute Asakusa Hotel (2 nights)Fuji Hakone Guest House (1 night)Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station (3 nights)Inasayama Kanko Hotel (2 nights)Saiyou Wakigawa Hotel (2 nights)Hakata Tokyu EXCEL Hotel (1 night)

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Transport

BusBoatTrain

Guide

Explore Tour Leader

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.5

based on 6 reviews

Availability

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Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

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4.67/5

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3 weeks ago

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Highlights