Ultimate Japan Tour by Intrepid Travel

23 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Ends

Osaka, Japan

Highlights

Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of the iconic Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.

Stay in a countryside homestay, taking you off the beaten track to experience classic Japanese hospitality. Feast on home-cooked meals over conversations with your welcoming hosts and learn about rural life in Japan. 

Explore the iconic temples of Kyoto and craft your own experience in this ancient capital during your free time, with recommendations from your local leader.

Watch the steam coming out of the ‘hells’ (hot spring pools in Jigoku) of Beppu, then cook and steam your food right in the hot spring steam, said to be rich with healthy minerals.

Discover the little town of Takayama that sits within the Japanese Northern Alps and take in the stunning view of the five peaks of Mount Aso from the Daikanbo Observatory.

Itinerary

Set out from Tokyo and journey across Japan’s vibrant cities and tranquil countryside on the 24-day Ultimate Japan tour package, culminating in dynamic Osaka. This moderate city sightseeing tour is perfect for travelers eager to delve deep into both iconic and lesser-known corners of Japan. Discover the futuristic pulse of Tokyo before gliding to Hakone, where panoramic vistas await on the ropeway. Indulge in Takayama’s celebrated sake, and pause for reflection in Hiroshima, a poignant testament to history. Marvel at Miyajima’s famed floating torii gate and soak up Kyoto’s timeless elegance. Venture beyond Honshu to the scenic southwest, where you’ll encounter art-filled castles, experience a peaceful homestay in Usuki, and unwind in Beppu’s soothing onsens. The caldera of Mt. Aso offers a serene retreat in a traditional inn encircled by rice terraces. Explore the Peace Park in Nagasaki and wrap up your Japanese odyssey in bustling Osaka. What truly sets this tour apart is the depth of cultural immersion: with expert local guides illuminating hidden stories and arranging authentic stays, you’ll access layers of Japan rarely seen by casual visitors. The Ultimate Japan trip ensures a well-paced balance of activity and relaxation—ideal for those keen to experience Japan’s diversity and rich traditions in one unforgettable journey.

day 1 - Tokyo

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore including fascinating museums, world-class shopping centres and neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the Hama Rikyu Garden, visit the Sumida Hokusai Museum or explore Ueno Park. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Hakone

This morning, travel to Hakone – a scenic hot spring town in the foothills of Mt Fuji. When you arrive, the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the iconic red gate that stands in the water of Lake Ashi, visit Hakone Shrine, wander through modern sculptures and beautiful gardens at the Hakone Open-Air Museum or simply relax in one of Hakone’s numerous onsens (hot springs). Tonight, why not find a local restaurant for dinner and try black eggs, which are cooked in the hot springs of Owakudani, paired with a local beer.

accommodation:Minshuku (Japanese Inn)

day 3 - Hakone

This morning, hop on a boat across Ashinoko Lake, then ride the Hakone ropeway cable car to the top of the surrounding mountains. The area around the lake offers plenty of stunning views, and you may even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance if weather conditions are clear. The afternoon is free to further explore Hakone’s mountain scenery and volcanic sites. Maybe visit the boiling sulphur springs of Owakudani, go for a walk through the hills of the famed grassland ecosystem of Sengokuhara or discover a collection of art at the Pola Museum of Art.

included:Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway, Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise

accommodation:Minshuku (Japanese Inn)

day 4 - Takayama

Travel by a local train, then a shinkansen towards Takayama – a charming Edo period town in the Japanese Alps, famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the Hida Folk Village. The village is your first stop – an outdoor museum where the traditional thatched-roof architecture unique to the area has been relocated to a mountain setting to preserve traditional Japanese culture. Discover the techniques used to build farmhouses that could withstand fierce winters and long periods of isolation due to snow-closed roads. The thick thatching kept in warmth, and the roofs were angled to minimise snow build-up. Each house is like its own self-contained museum, with displays of personal items and traditional tools. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

included:Takayama - Hida Folk Village

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 5 - Takayama

This morning, you’ll head to the markets in Gifu prefecture – these markets have been held for over 600 years and are known for their array of high-altitude vegetables. Browse the stalls of seasonal produce that’s brought in from the surrounding countryside and set up by local farm women from 7 am every morning. Look out for the unique local style of pickles, the bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices and the delicious marshmallow treat, owara tamaten. Then, head to Zenkoji Temple to learn how to make incense, which is believed to have purifying qualities. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the town at your own pace.

included:Takayama - Incense making in Zenkoji Temple, Takayama - Morning Market visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 6 - Hiroshima

Travel by express train and shinkansen to Hiroshima today. When you arrive, you’ll visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park. The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated so it was able to retain its shape and 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 head out with your leader for 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 Park & A - Bomb Dome, Hiroshima - Peace Museum

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Hiroshima

Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. You might like to further explore the island by climbing to the top of Mt Miyajima (or hopping on the cable car instead) for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Keep your eyes out for inquisitive and hungry deer that roam the streets. You have the rest of the day free to enjoy some of the other sites. You could stop by the five-storied Hiroshima Castle, which originally dates to 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 teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress.

included:Hiroshima - Miyajima Island

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 8 - Hagi

This morning, travel to Hagi – a coastal city known for its spring cherry blossoms and forested slopes of Mt Shizuki. When you arrive, discover the Hagi Castle Ruins. Then, join a walking tour around the Samurai District. Wander through the middle- and lower-class samurai houses and merchants, then walk down the widest street and main road where the feudal lord’s processions passed. Tonight, meet your homestay family and sit down to a home-cooked meal.

included:Hagi - Hagi Castle and Samurai district walking tour, Hagi - Homestay and home-cooked meals

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Dinner

day 9 - Hagi

This morning, go with the flow and dive into the day to day life in Hagi with your host. Maybe check out their gardens and vegetables, visit the local supermarket for some shopping or walk around the neighbourhood. Each host will have their own plans. This afternoon, you’ll regroup and hop on a bike to explore the countryside and coastline of Hagi. But first, visit a local sake brewery and hear about the inspiring story of the local female sake brewer and how she’s broken the taboo and taken on the family business to continue brewing as one of the very few female sake brewers in the country. Then, continue your cycling tour through the countryside of Hagi, passing rice fields, along the coastline with a great view of the Sea of Japan. Later, head back to your homestay for another night with your host family.

included:Hagi - Countryside cycling tour, Hagi - Homestay local experiences, Hagi - Female sake brewer visit

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 10 - Kyoto

Leave Hagi today and travel to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (‘tranquility and peace capital’) by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, but the emperor and government are now in Tokyo. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there’s plenty to explore in this gorgeous city. Your leader will take you on a sunset walk through the Gion District (look out for wandering Geisha and Meiko!). Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and try some traditional sushi or beef.

included:Kyoto - Gion District walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 11 - Kyoto

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, with its impressive Golden Pavilion, immortalised by Yukio Mishima's novel. Then, visit the red tori gates in Fushimi Inari. For the more active, hiking up the mountain following the red torii gates is a great way to enjoy the forest and the views over the city! Your afternoon is free to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Maybe head out in the evening with your group to celebrate the end of your adventure together.

included:Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 12 - Osaka

This morning, travel to Osaka – the vibrant unofficial culinary capital, whose motto is 'Kuidaore' (eat until you drop). When you arrive, you’ll have free time to wander the trendy streets or pick up some lunch in Dotombori, before another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, maybe join your new travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant or wander the neon-lit streets for some street food and drinks.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 13 - Takamatsu

Depart Osaka this morning and begin the journey west. Take the train across the bridge spanning the stunning Inland Sea and onto Takamatsu. This may be the largest city on the island of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s four main islands), but it's a beautifully unpretentious town full of history, top-notch food and interesting local art. Here, you'll visit Ritsurin Garden – one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Dating back to the Edo period, it comprises several ponds and arched bridges designed around strolling paths, tea pavilions and historic trees, with a western garden in addition to the Japanese one. The garden also houses the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum, which displays a variety of ceramics and basketwork dating from the time of the Tokugawa shoguns.

included:Takamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft Museum

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 14 - Naoshima Island/Takamatsu

Take the ferry this morning for a daytrip to the island of Naoshima, in the Inland Sea between Takamatsu and the mainland – famous worldwide for its modern art galleries, museums, avant-garde architecture and lovely natural setting. Explore the island by public bus or bicycle to take you between the galleries and installations. Wander between artworks, hear the sound of waves lapping at quiet coves and stumble upon the wonderful outdoor sculptures. Return to Takamatsu after a full day on the island, where you’ll have a free night.

included:Takamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 15 - Matsuyama

This morning, take the train and head west to Matsuyama – one of Japan’s least discovered prefectures coined ‘the citrus state’ by the locals. When you arrive and have maybe picked up a mikan (mandarin) or two, visit the hill-top Matsuyama Castle with your group. This is one of Japan's most impressive surviving castles, sitting right in the middle of the city. Unlike most castles in Japan, this one has an exciting collection of artefacts inside, so take the chance to check them out and learn a little more about Matsuyama's feudal history while you’re there. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax and unwind at the Dogo Onsen – one of the oldest bath houses in Japan – or if you’d prefer more exploration, maybe visit Ishiteji Temple – the 51st of the 88 temples that make up Shikoku’s 88 Sacred Temples circuit (Japan’s most famous pilgrimage route).

included:Matsuyama - Matsuyama Castle

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 16 - Usuki

When you arrive around midday, take a public bus to the village to visit the local Shochu distillery, where you’ll get to see how Shochu (much loved in Kyushu, distilled from rice, barley etc)) is made, followed by a tasting of their finest.

included:Usuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tasting, Usuki - Japanese home-cooking experience

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Dinner

day 17 - Beppu

Say goodbye to your hosts after a traditional home-cooked breakfast. Then, head to Beppu, famous for its variety of hot springs and onsens in Kyushu. Have lunch at a specialty restaurant that offers a unique dining experience where you can select the food you’d like, put the dishes in a steamer and watch as they’re cooked by the steam of the hot springs! This means your food will be infused with all the healthy minerals of the baths. Then, you’ll visit Jigoku (which translates to 'hell') – a collection of differently coloured steaming hot spring pools with different benefits. After, head to a local onsen for a relaxing soak. The evening is yours to spend your way in this relaxing city.

included:Beppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku), Beppu - local onsen, Beppu - Steamed lunch (Beppu style)

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 18 - Beppu

Today is a free day in Beppu. This is the perfect opportunity to take it easy in this onsen town, soaking your muscles and taking advantage of the benefits. Maybe explore other onsens in the city or alternatively, explore Beppu at your own pace. Maybe check out Jigoku Onsen Museum or take the Mount Tsurumi ropeway to the top for views overlooking the city. The lower station of the ropeway is a great spot for cherry blossom season! You might like to visit the Yawata Asami Shrine, Beppu Tower or take a daytrip out the nearby Yufuin town. The day is yours!

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 19 - Mount Aso

Today is all about chasing views! Hop in your private transfer this morning and head to Mt Aso, stopping at Ogi Rice Terrace along the way. Soak up the scenic landscape of Ogi between Mt Aso and the Kuju Mountains Range. When you’ve snapped some photos, head on to the Daikanbo Observatory for some excellent views of the five central peaks of the mountain. This viewpoint is also known as the Nehan-zo, or Nirvana Buddha, referencing the image of Buddha in repose. Stop for lunch, then get ready for a hike either on the moon-like Sunesenri trail to Nakadake Crater – the largest among the five craters of the mountain or to Kusasenri trail on the grassland, depending on crater's accessibility. After your hike, continue your journey to your accommodation for tonight – you’ll be staying in a traditional Japanese inn, right in the caldera formed from ancient volcano eruptions. Surrounded by rice fields, you’re in for a peaceful night here.

included:Mount Aso - Nakadake Crater, Mount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike (or Kusasenri trail, weather and access dependent), Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terraces, Mount Aso - Daikanbo Observatory

accommodation:Japanese Inn

meals:1 Dinner

day 20 - Nagasaki

This morning, say goodbye to your scenic guesthouse and hop back on the train to Nagasaki, arriving in the early afternoon. Nagasaki was the sole port in Japan to trade with Dutch and Portuguese back in the 16th century, so city has a fascinating mixture of traditional Japanese and western architectural influence. Follow your leader on an orientation walk, then head over to Glover Garden – an open air museum where you can see some of the old foreign merchant houses. See the Former Glover House, the oldest wooden western style building, and learn about a unique part of history in Nagasaki. You then have a free afternoon, so maybe ask your leader where to grab dinner.

included:Nagasaki - Glover Garden

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 21 - Nagasaki

Wake up in Nagasaki this morning – the coastal city set on a natural harbour has surrounding hills with many viewpoints over the scenic hub. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum for a sobering reminder of what happened on that dreadful day – the 9th of August 1945. You'll also have the chance to attend a talk given by a A-bomb survivor, no doubt a sobering and powerful talk. If you wish to reflect and explore further, there are some other interesting museums nearby worth visiting. You will have a day pass for the trams in the city, so take the time to explore Nagasaki in your free afternoon. Consider heading over to Dejima – this artificial island was once a Dutch trading post in the 17th to the 19th centuries (and the sole foreign presence in the whole country at one point). The 26 Martyrs Memorial, Oura Catholic Church, and Dutch Slopes also give you a glimpse into the life of the early Christians and European traders in Japan. The Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This evening, maybe slurp up some champon noodles (ramen, Nagasaki-style)!

included:Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki - tram day pass, Nagasaki - A-bomb survivor talk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 22 - Osaka

Say goodbye to Kyushu and jump on the shinkansen back to Osaka. When you arrive this afternoon, soak up some free time to relax or explore. Tonight, why not head out for dinner and drinks with your leader and fellow travellers, to celebrate an amazing trip in southern Japan.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 23 - Osaka

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. That doesn’t mean your time in Japan has to end! There is plenty to do and explore in Osaka, so if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (16 nights), Japanese Inn (3 nights), Homestay (3 night)

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

Transport

Boat, Public Bus, Private Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, Bullet Train, Train

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Hakone - Cable car/RopewayHakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruiseTakayama - Hida Folk VillageTakayama - Incense making in Zenkoji TempleTakayama - Morning Market visitHiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb DomeHiroshima - Peace MuseumHiroshima - Miyajima IslandHagi - Hagi Castle and Samurai district walking tourHagi - Homestay and home-cooked mealsHagi - Countryside cycling tourHagi - Homestay local experiencesHagi - Female sake brewer visitKyoto - Gion District walkKyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-TaishaTakamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft MuseumTakamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)Matsuyama - Matsuyama CastleUsuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tastingUsuki - Japanese home-cooking experienceBeppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku)Beppu - local onsenBeppu - Steamed lunch (Beppu style)Mount Aso - Nakadake CraterMount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike (or Kusasenri trail, weather and access dependent)Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terracesMount Aso - Daikanbo ObservatoryNagasaki - Glover GardenNagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb MuseumNagasaki - tram day passNagasaki - A-bomb survivor talk

What's Excluded

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