Highlights of Japan

Highlights of Japan

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11 Days From

$3464

$3355

Highlights of Japan

11 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan

Visiting: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone, Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 22

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3464 $3355 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$109

NB: Prices correct on 03-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Get ready for an exciting journey through Japan's cultural treasures. Your trip starts in Tokyo, where you'll delve into the storied past of the Meiji Jingu Shrine, experience the bustling atmosphere of the Tsukiji Fish Market, and absorb the historical charm of Senso-ji Temple. The tour then takes you to Mount Fuji, where you'll enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi, take a cable car up the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for stunning views, and explore the picturesque Arakurayama Sengen Park and Oshino Hakkai before a relaxing night in Hakone. The next day, you'll venture to Takayama, where the Morning Market and Kusakabe Folk Museum await your exploration. The following day, unveil the enchanting village of Shirakawa-go and the captivating Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum before you end your day in Kanazawa. From here, you travel to Kyoto, which leads you to the natural splendor of Arashiyama,  Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Before concluding this remarkable tour, you visit the Osaka Castle, a prominent landmark in Osaka. The last day bids farewell in Osaka, and you return to your home, carrying cherished memories of this Japan tour.

Highlights

  • Discover the rich history and spiritual essence of the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo

  • Soak in the beauty of Lake Kawaguchi and ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

  • Experience the relaxing atmosphere of Hakone in a ryokan with hot spring pools

  • Sail on a Japanese Yakatabune boat and enjoy the view of the Togetsukyo Bridge

  • Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates in Kyoto

  • Enjoy shopping at Shinsaibashi District, a vibrant retail hub in the city of Osaka

Places You'll See

Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Kyoto

Osaka, Japan

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Tokyo (Arrival)

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: SHIBUYA TOKYU REI HOTEL

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at Narita International Airport today, you will be met by our representative and assisted to board transfer to your hotel (standard Check-In time is 14:00 hrs. Early check-in is subject to availability). Spend the rest of the day at leisure


Overnight in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo (B/-/-)

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: SHIBUYA TOKYU REI HOTEL

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, start your Tokyo city tour from Meiji Jingu, a shrine built in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Although located in Tokyo's bustling city center, just a few minutes walk away from Harajuku, the shrine's surrounding forest creates a peaceful, tranquil vibe. If you happen to enter from the Yoyogi entrance, you can see a massive torii gate standing in the road leading to the main shrine. In addition to making offerings and praying at the main shrine, just like the locals do, you can also visit the Meiji Jingu Museum to see the treasures from the shrine's collection. Perhaps there is no better place to learn about Japan's culinary culture in Tokyo than the centrally located Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. Dating all the way back to the Edo Period, it was moved to the current location after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Around 400 shops and restaurants are crammed into the narrow lanes here, trading all kinds of fresh and dried seafood, traditional snacks, and cooking ingredients. Roam around the market as your guide explains Japan's culinary culture, and stop at a restaurant to try some fresh seafood for breakfast or lunch if you wish. Step into the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only place open to the public in the palace. The garden sits on the grounds of the former Edo Castle, featuring seasonal flowers, lush green lawns, water features, teahouses, and guardhouses. You can also take in the sight of the double-arched Nijubashi Bridge, which originally was built with wood but later rebuilt with steel. Please note East Gardens of the Imperial Palace closes on Monday and Friday. Afterward, visit Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples with a history dating back to the 7th century. After slipping past the giant lanterns on the Kaminarimon, which is the outer gate of the temple, stroll along the lively Nakamise-dori, a 250-meter-long street lined by shops bursting with traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. Then, arrive at the second gate Hozomon, beyond which stands the temple's main hall and a five-story pagoda. You can pray to the Kannon enshrined in the main hall just like the locals do, pick up an omikuji (random fortunes written on strips of paper), and get a temple seal stamp at the Yokodo located next to the main hall.


Overnight at Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo (B/-/-)

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: SHIBUYA TOKYU REI HOTEL

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is yours to explore this charming city at your own pace. Apart from numerous historic spots, you can step into some popular neighborhoods for a glimpse of Japanese daily life. Ramble around the Harajuku district - the center of teenage fashion and cosplay culture, or enjoy shopping at Ginza where the streets are lined up with high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries, and designer brand stores.


Overnight at Tokyo

Day 4: Tokyo – Mt Fuji – Hakone (B/-/D)

Location: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ryokan with hot spring pools

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy your breakfast, and later, meet your local guide at the hotel lobby. Depart for Mount Fuji. Upon arrival, aboard a cruise on Lake Kawaguchi and appreciate Mt. Fuji from a distance. Afterward, take the Mt.Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to an observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo for a panoramic view of the lake below and Mt. Fuji. In the afternoon, drive to Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can capture its beautiful pagoda with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Immerse in the beauty of Oshino Hakkai, a set of eight ponds fed by snow melt from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji. After the tour, transfer to Hakone and overnight in a ryokan with hot spring pools. Dinner is served in your hotel.


Overnight at Hakone

Day 5: Hakone - Takayama (B/-/-)

Location: Hakone, Nagoya, Takayama

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: SPA HOTEL ALPINA HIDA TAKAYAM

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, with an easy guide and map on hand, make your way to Odawara Station (Hakone), from where you'll board the Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (1h20min) and then change Express Train to Takayama Station(2h50min). Upon arrival in Takayama, go to the hotel by yourself and have the rest of the day at leisure.


Overnight in Takayama

Day 6: Takayama (B/-/-)

Location: Takayama

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: SPA HOTEL ALPINA HIDA TAKAYAM

Meals Included: Breakfast

Post breakfast, start your day at the Morning Market, where you can mingle with the locals, get a close look at their daily lives, and stop at stands selling local crafts, snacks, and fresh produce. Then, move on to Nakabashi, a traditional-styled crimson bridge spanning over the Miyagawa River with a dreamy cherry blossom vista in Spring. In the afternoon, visit the Kusakabe Folk Museum. An Edo-period merchants' house owned by the Kusakabe family, the museum now boasts a wide collection of folk crafts, including Hida ceramics. Roaming within the museum is like a journey back in time. Afterward, head to Kami-Sannomachi, located in the southern part of Takayama's old town, to discover traditional homes, shops, and sake breweries lining both sides of the narrow street.


Overnight in Takayama

Day 7: Takayama – Shirakawago - Kanazawa (B/-/-)

Location: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER KANAZAWA

Meals Included: Breakfast

After having a delicious breakfast, get ready for a 1-hour drive to Shirakawa-go, the fairy tale world made of traditional gassho-zukur farmhouses hidden in the valley. Take off the shoes and explore the living room, guest room, butsuma, and so on inside Wada House to get an idea of how people lived back then. Thereafter, check out the great view of this area at Shirakawa-go Observation Deck. Before going to Kanazawa, you'll explore more farmhouses in gassho style in the Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum.


Overnight in Kanazawa

Day 8: Kanazawa – Kyoto (B/-/-)

Location: Kanazawa, Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: IBIS STYLES KYOTO STATION

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast, visit Kenrokuen Garden to appreciate its water features, bridges, teahouses, trees, flowers, and stones. Just a few steps from the garden is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Spend time according to your interest inside the museum and then visit the reconstructed Kanazawa Castle. After the tour, your guide will drop you off at Kanazawa Station, from where you can take the Shinkansen to Kyoto Station. Find your way to the hotel upon your arrival and have a rest.


Overnight in Kyoto

Day 9: Kyoto (B/-/-)

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: IBIS STYLES KYOTO STATION

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arashiyama, on the outskirts of Kyoto is a popular spot for you to enjoy the beauty of nature. Today, post breakfast, you will embark on a journey to Arashiyama, a place that is filled with scenic beauty and cultural significance. Your first stop will be at Jojakko-Ji Temple, where you will witness the serenity of the Japanese garden and experience the spiritual ambiance of the temple. After that, you will take a leisurely stroll through the Sagano Bamboo Grove, where you will be surrounded by towering bamboo trees that sway gently in the breeze. Don't forget to capture some stunning photos of the bamboo grove, as it is one of the most photographed locations in Japan. Next, board a Yakatabune, a traditional Japanese pleasure boat, and admire the breathtaking view of the Togetsukyo Bridge from the water. Later, you will sit back and relax on the Sagano Scenic Railway, which will take you on a mesmerizing journey through the countryside. You will be able to hear the gentle rustling of the leaves and feel the cool breeze on your face. As you pass along the Hozugawa River, you will be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the place. Finally, your guide will accompany you back to the city.


Overnight in Kyoto

Day 10: Kyoto – Osaka (B/-/-)

Location: Kyoto, Osaka

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: SHIN-OSAKA ESAKA TOKYU REI HOTEL

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have your breakfast and later, explore the landmarks of Kyoto, including the Kinkaku-ji Temple with the top two floors completely covered in gold leaf, and the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Later, depart for Osaka and visit Osaka Castle, which is arguably Osaka's most prominent landmark and belies bloody power struggles leading up to the 1603 foundation of the Edo era. After that, go to the Shinsaibashi shopping district.


Overnight in Osaka

Day 11: Osaka (B/-/-)

Location: Osaka

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, have some time at leisure until your private driver escort you to the airport for your departure flight.

What's Included

  • 10 Nights accommodation at listed hotels or similar

  • Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel

  • 01 Special Dinner as per itinerary

  • Arrival and departure transfers with private bus

  • Transportation as per detailed itinerary by Private bus & train

  • Services of an English-speaking guide daily from 9 AM to 5 PM

  • Entrance fees as per itinerary

  • All locally applicable taxes

What's Not Included

  • Items of a personal nature, tips & gratuities

  • International airfare for land only passengers

Mode of Transport

Travel conveniently with arrival transfers via airport buses, and transportation by bus and train as per the detailed itinerary, including a Shinkansen ride.

Accommodation

Enjoy 10 nights of comfortable accommodation at listed hotels or similar, including a stay in a traditional ryokan with hot spring pools in Hakone.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 10 nights of comfortable accommodation at listed hotels or similar, including a stay in a traditional ryokan with hot spring pools in Hakone.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation includes arrival transfers via airport buses, and travel by bus and train as per the detailed itinerary, including a Shinkansen ride.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, daily buffet breakfast at the hotel and one special dinner as per the itinerary are included.

  • Is there a guide provided during the sightseeing tours?

    Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide are provided during the sightseeing tours.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?

    Yes, entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.

  • What activities are planned for the visit to Mount Fuji?

    Activities include a cruise on Lake Kawaguchi, a ride on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, and a visit to Arakurayama Sengen Park and Oshino Hakkai.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Kyoto?

    In Kyoto, you will visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and enjoy a journey to Arashiyama, including a visit to Jojakko-Ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Grove, a Yakatabune boat ride, and the Sagano Scenic Railway.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Osaka?

    In Osaka, you will visit Osaka Castle and enjoy shopping at the Shinsaibashi District.

  • What is the policy on tips and gratuities?

    Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included in the tour price.

  • Is international airfare included in the tour package?

    No, international airfare for land-only passengers is not included.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.

  • If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.

  • Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?

    In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.

Reviews of this operator

Terry Kratz (Google Reviewer)  

Thanks to Indus and Nicko...

13-Sep-2024

Thanks to Indus and Nicko Cruise for a great trip down the Danube. I had not been on a river cruise prior to this and found it a very relaxing way to travel and see some European highlights. The ship was superb. The staff served great meals, were friendly and accommodating. As far as the tours and city visits, they all gave us a reasonable amount of time and insight into the location we were visiting to come away with a sense that we had a good glimpse of the city and were able to spend some free time in the city as well. A special thanks to Dhruv our fearless leader from Indus who was a great organizer. Lastly - nice to meet all of you in our group. terry

Joyce Elyse Baumbach  

The tour organized by Indus Travels ...

16-Dec-2022

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Indus Travel Reviews
Sirjirick Gibson (Google Reviewer)  

This is my fourth Indus...

20-Aug-2024

This is my fourth Indus trip coming up. I love the way the app works. I love the way the trips are organized and small groupings. I love the accommodations. I love the transportation it’s just top-notch service for individual traveler. I just completed my fourth trip with This and I have already signed up for my up-and-coming fifth trip with Indus travel. Once again, I have to say the service of this is absolutely top-notch service. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel and style and comfort. The organization of this is top-notch service from start to finish.. I have to say this sales management and associate team is absolutely amazing which basically allows me to continuously book my trips through end this. My travel life is to travel to as many countries as possible, and it will all be done through excellent job. I would like to give a special thanks to Rachel P. And Ravi., I have been involved with Rachel for the past five years and I will continue to travel within due to the fact that she makes this such a pleasant experience. Great job to her..

Neeraj Nauhwaar (Google Reviewer)  

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07-Dec-2023

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with them visiting Cairo and a 03 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in May. All services were perfect since the time we arrived at the airport, we were met by a hospitable Indus Representative who helped us with the purchase of local SIM and currency exchange. He was always there in time to assist for transfers. The Amwaj Cruise which we took from Luxor to Aswan was a Gem. We had great guides and all sightseeing worked like a clockwork. We enjoyed visiting Karnak Temples, Temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and the boat ride to see Phillae Temple. Evening entertainment on cruise were great and engaging. In Cairo and Aswan, we had ample leisure time to explore on own, the Pyramids were impressive and visiting Khan e Khalili was fun. Overall and impressive and enjoyable tour, Thanks to Indus Travels!

Dhruv R (Google Reviewer)  

Recently went on a Rhine...

09-Jun-2023

Recently went on a Rhine River Cruise, a first for me. I must say the experience was exceptional, their tagline says. The group I was with were some of the most fun and interesting set of people I've ever traveled with. The ground transportation arrangements were top notch and comfortable. Variety in menu that we were provided with in the cruise was astounding. I was a bit worried if they'd have much options for me as I'm a vegetarian. But they not only had options, the taste was something I'd savor for foreseeable future. There's a reason Rhine cruises are popular owing to it's serene and picturesque route. Guided tours were very informative and gave us a bit of an insight of German culture. We had good amount of time to explore the towns on our own too. Strasbourg and Cochem were my favorite stops. Luckily the weather worked in our favour and it didn't rain the way it was predicted originally. No one from our group wanted the tour to end. If this trip was any indication, I can't wait to book my next trip with Indus Travels.

Dennis V (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I travelled...

02-Jul-2024

My wife and I travelled with Indus on the essentials Portugal Spain Switzerland and Italy tour last October and had the time of our lives. The tour was very well planned we visited a lot of the highlights the countries had to offer. The tour went very smoothly with knowledgeable guides and courteous drivers. We would highly recommend travelling with Indus.

Gloria Parra (Google Reviewer)  

Indus Travel runs a highly...

04-Mar-2024

Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc. and the consideration for their customers is superb. This was the first time I had travelled with Indus Travels. We took the Taste of Portugal Tour. Group numbers are small, accommodation comfortable and food excellent. The expert guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging, and entertaining. This company is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational vacation with fine food - they will deliver! We will never forget this trip and we are already planning for another one to Wonders of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Olivia  

Best of Italy

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Indus Travels did an excellent job planning the trip to Italy. We were on Best of Italy in Oct 2022. The tour was 5 stars all the way. The hotel accommodations were comfortable and clean & guides were top-notch.

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Kim Eisnor (Google Reviewer)  

We had an absolutely amazing...

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DJWalter Capote (Google Reviewer)  

We were looking for a...

07-Oct-2023

We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We took a chance on Indus without knowing much about the company. We just returned from our trip to Greece and are more than highly please and satisfied with our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels, hired knowledgeable tour guides and arranged high quality transportation services. Everyone went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning a trip for next year (2024) and will definitely use Indus to do so.

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Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025
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Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$150

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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