G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines and the soaring beauty of Mt Fuji, this tour provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional Japanese Inn.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Japan
Day 1Arrive to your starting hotel around 4:00 pm…There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.
Day 2In the morning collect your JR PassTake a short train ride to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest, and it became a thriving center for culture and arts.
Take a short train ride to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest, and it became a thriving center for culture and arts.
Day 3Explore the city's well-preserved geisha districtAfter strolling through the expansive gardens of Kenrokuen, opt to stop at the massive Kanazawa castle next door. Kanazawa is also home to many interesting museums, opt to visit one or learn more about local crafts. Loving the food in the city? Take a trip to the local seafood market to see where some of the fresh, tasty ingredients come from.
After strolling through the expansive gardens of Kenrokuen, opt to stop at the massive Kanazawa castle next door. Kanazawa is also home to many interesting museums, opt to visit one or learn more about local crafts. Loving the food in the city? Take a trip to the local seafood market to see where some of the fresh, tasty ingredients come from.
Day 4Arrive in picturesque Takayama and relax…Arrive in Takayama in the afternoon and begin taking in the beautiful scenery of this traditional city.
Arrive in Takayama in the afternoon and begin taking in the beautiful scenery of this traditional city.
Day 5Explore the Hida No Sato traditional folk villageEnjoy free time to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past in the thatched houses and rice fields. Opt to visit one of the markets or rent a bike and cycle out of the town centre and into the countryside.
Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past in the thatched houses and rice fields. Opt to visit one of the markets or rent a bike and cycle out of the town centre and into the countryside.
Day 6Arrive in Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park…The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.
The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.
Day 7Take a ferry to the sacred island…Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating Torii Gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure. Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating Torii Gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure. Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Day 8Travel to historic KyotoContinue on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse.
Continue on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse.
Day 9Wander the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens before…
Wander the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens before visiting Kyoto's iconic Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion.
Day 10Spend a full free day discovering the Zen gardens
Spend a full free day discovering the Zen gardens, huge wooden temples, pagodas and shrines of Kyoto. Opt to enjoy the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion, and take a leisurely stroll down the lovely Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji.
Day 11Travel to the Mt Fuji region and enjoy…Leave Kyoto and travel to Kawaguchiko arriving mid afternoon. Take the rest of the afternoon to visit the Onsen Spa at tonight's accommodation before dinner.
Leave Kyoto and travel to Kawaguchiko arriving mid afternoon. Take the rest of the afternoon to visit the Onsen Spa at tonight's accommodation before dinner.
Day 12Enjoy a morning in Kawaguchiko exploring the Five…Tokyo
TokyoEnjoy a morning in Kawaguchiko exploring the Five Lakes region on foot. Later, travel to Tokyo by train.
Day 13Explore buzzing Tokyo with a free dayOpt take in some more sights, visit the museums and gardens, or do some shopping. Meet with the group later tonight for our final dinner together.
TokyoOpt take in some more sights, visit the museums and gardens, or do some shopping. Meet with the group later tonight for our final dinner together.
Day 14Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Traveller reviews
“The tour exceeded our expectations. Jarrod was relaxed and organised. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we did. We were worried that a tour would be rigid and detract from the experience, however this was not the case at all. Having an expert at hand when needed really enhanced…”
“Well organized, great cross section of the country and great sites and insight. Super hotels and ryokans. And it was fun!!! A lot more fun than we expected!!!”
“Was very impressed by Japan and felt the tour exposed many different aspects of the country. The group leader was excellent, I would gladly travel to other countries with the same leader.”
Discover Japan
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Upcoming departures
Last Minute 25% off AJDJ260628 · ends 2026-06-28 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
Operated by G Adventures
A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.
Book my trip →
