Loading...

11-day Small Group Expedition through Japan

SAVE 10% on select dates!
  • history
    DURATION
    10 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    10 nights

Along the way we’ll see perfectly manicured gardens, ancient shrines and dramatic mountain gorges – and pause to taste some of each region’s finest delicacies.

  • Travel Japan on the world-famous Shinkansen (‘bullet train’)
  •  Explore the natural beauty of Miyajima Island, a World Cultural Heritage Site
  •  Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the most complete medieval castles in Japan

Photos

expand_more
Slide 1 of 5
Touring Map

Inclusions/Exclusions

expand_more

Your tour includes:

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • 10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Tour Leader
  • Max Up to 18 Passengers

Itinerary

expand_more

Day 1 - Tokyo

A city where the traditions of old meet with ultra-modern architecture and cutting-edge technology in scintillating style, Tokyo is where our exploration of Japan will begin. After checking into our centrally located hotel, we’ll get to know each other a little better over a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Here’s to a fantastic tour!
Meals - Dinner

Day 2 - Tokyo

On today’s agenda: a half-day guided tour of Tokyo’s must-sees, by way of the city’s famously user-friendly public transport system. Our first stop will be the fascinating Edo-Tokyo Museum, which documents the Japanese capital’s transformation from a small fishing village to one of the largest metropolises in the world. And then? We’ll move on to the Kokyo Gaien National Garden – the beautifully maintained outer gardens of the Imperial Palace (the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan). This afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel for some relaxation time – or, if you’d prefer, some time to explore the city at your own pace.
Meals - Breakfast

Day 3 - Tokyo - Matsumoto - Tsumago

Grand, breathtaking and utterly iconic, Matsumoto Castle is the first historic destination on today’s itinerary. This towering black-and-white structure holds 400 years’ worth of history – and rewards those who scale its steep, narrow stairs with magnificent views over the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto City and the swans circling the moat below. After pausing for a photo opportunity or two, we’ll move on to Tsumago: one of the best preserved ‘post towns’ in the country, which still retains its traditional Edo Period appearance and ambience. To round off a busy day, we’ll come together for a delicious included dinner at our hotel.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Tsumago - Kyoto

Today it’s all aboard the world-famous Shinkansen (or ‘bullet train’, as it’s more widely known) for the journey to Kyoto – Japan’s spiritual heart. After transferring to the hotel for check-in, you’ll be free to embark on your own exploration of the city’s traditional teahouses, food markets and Zen gardens – or to spend some time enjoying the hotel facilities.
Meals - Breakfast

Day 5 - Kyoto

After breakfast, it’s out of the hotel and onwards to the western outskirts of the city – where a tour of the famed Arashiyama area awaits. We’ll begin our day at the tranquil Gio-Ji Temple, a monument known for its luxuriant moss garden and dense tangle of maple trees, before moving on to Okochi-Sanso Villa: one of the finest examples of traditional Japanese residential architecture in the country. While we’re here, we’ll take the chance to savour a complimentary matcha green tea and Japanese sweets in the charming gardens. Appetites satisfied, we’ll set our sights on the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where we’ll have time to enjoy a stroll amidst the high-reaching stalks.
Meals - Breakfast

Day 6 - Kyoto - Kurashiki - Takamatsu

This morning we’ll meet with the Shinkansen for a second time as we make the short train journey to the historic city of Kurashiki: a former rice distribution centre that remains remarkably unspoiled by the passage of time. After exploring the romantic canal-side laneways, we’ll stop off at the Ohashi House, a one-of-a-kind property complete with beautiful tatami floors and paper sliding doors. Our final stop of the day will be the port city of Takamatsu, where the afternoon will be yours to spend as you please.
Meals - Breakfast

Day 7 - Takamatsu - Iya Valley

Built by feudal lords during the Edo Period, the Ritsurin Garden is one of the most famous gardens in Japan – and it’s here that we’ll begin the seventh day of our journey. With plenty of masterfully kept ponds, bridges, and footpaths to explore, there’s no better place to relax and feel at one with nature. Refreshed, we’ll move on to the mountain slopes and deep gorges of the remote Iya Valley, where we’ll settle into our traditional Japanese-style hotel accommodation. Why not take a dip in the open-air onsen (hot spring baths) and soak up the beauty of your stunning surroundings before we reconvene for dinner?
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Iya Valley - Okayama - Hiroshima

After leaving the mountains behind us, we’ll stop off to purchase authentic Japanese bento boxes to eat during our bullet train journey from Okayama to Hiroshima: the infamous site of the 1945 atomic bombing. When we get there, we’ll pay a moving visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, ticking off the UNESCO World Heritage-listed A-Bomb Dome: the tragic remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall (one of the few buildings to remain standing after the catastrophic explosion).
Meals - Breakfast

Day 9 - Hiroshima - Miyajima Island - Hiroshima

Today’s scenic destination? Miyajima Island, where a combination of mountains, sea and a world-famous ‘floating’ Torii gate* make for mystical views (and excellent photo opportunities). First on the agenda: we’ll visit the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, an attractive example of 12th-century Shinto architecture. Afterwards, we’ll move on to Momijidani Park, a delightful public garden filled with maple trees, where we’ll have the opportunity to climb Mt Misen via ropeway. Although the surrounding area is renowned for its colourful autumn foliage, the vistas from the mountaintop are undeniably beautiful at any time of year! *Please note: Renovation works on Miyajima’s famous Torii gate have been underway since June 2019. During the renovation works, the gate will be covered in scaffolding. It is not known exactly how long the renovations will take, but they are expected to last at least one year.
Meals - Breakfast

Day 10 - Hiroshima - Osaka

Time to move on to our final stop: the gastronomic haven of Osaka. This morning, we’ll take some time to explore the city’s famous 16th-century castle and its surrounding park. Five storeys high and decorated with lavish gold motifs, the castle is filled with fascinating artefacts detailing Osaka’s history. After paying an afternoon visit to the striking Umeda Sky Building’s observatory, you’ll be free to hunt down some delicious cuisine on Takimi-Koji Street (a renowned foodie haunt)
Meals - Breakfast

Day 11 - Osaka

That’s a wrap! Our Highlights of Japan tour will come to a close after breakfast.
Meals - Breakfast

Dates and Prices

expand_more

2020 departures:

Fri 17 Apr:

  • Usually $6,999 pp twin share, NOW from $6,299 pp twin share

Fri 5 Jun:

  • Usually $6,199 pp twin share, NOW from $5,579 pp twin share

Fri 8 May, Fri 15 May, Fri 15 May, Fri 11 Sep:

  • From $6,199 pp twin share

Fri 3 Apr, Fri 10 Apr, Fri 25 Sep, Fri 9 Oct, Fri 23 Oct, Fri 6 Nov:

  • From $6,999 pp twin share

For sole use prices call our friendly travel team on freecall 1300 414 198 today!

Accommodation

expand_more

10 nights in quality accommodation

FAQs

expand_more
Where do I meet my Tour Leader upon arrival?

Your Tour Leader will usually meet you in the arrival hotel’s reception area at the tour’s listed start time. If you can’t see your Tour Leader, look out for any notices posted in the lobby or ask a member of the hotel staff.

How much luggage can I bring?

Each of our guests may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag per person.

What clothes should I bring?

We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. If you are travelling through Italy, Spain or Southern France in summer, make sure you pack a hat and sunscreen. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours.

Top 10 items to bring:
  • Chargers and adapters
  • A waterproof jacket or umbrella
  • Layers
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Passport
  • Towel
  • Medication
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Reusable water bottle

T&Cs

expand_less

Travel at 60 and supplier conditions apply.

Share this holiday with your friends!

This holiday deal has expired.

Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.

Share this holiday with your friends!
Simply click any of the buttons below to share this holiday with your favourite travel buddy/group!

This holiday deal has expired.

Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.