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Tradition & modernity: semi-guided Japan

Japan in 10 Days, 8 Nights in Destination

From

$5,579

$3,899

/person

-30%

, Travel Expert


Travel crafter

Take an unforgettable semi-guided journey to explore Tokyo's neighborhoods in depth, discover the traditional taverns of Kyoto's Geisha quarter, and be amazed by the modernity of Osaka.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Kyoto
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Osaka
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Tokyo

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. Some transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + $690

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + $300

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

+61 02 8823 5094

Itinerary

This semi-guided trip begins in vibrant Tokyo, visiting the Harajuku district, the Asakusa district and the impressive Skytree observation deck. Head next to Kyoto via bullet train, where you'll enjoy both the Temple of the Golden Pavilion and the varied gastronomic offerings and izakaya or traditional taverns. End in Osaka, contemplating its fusion of modernity and tradition.

1st Day: Australia - Night on board

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Arrive at your chosen departure airport in Australia and board your international flight* to Tokyo. Overnight on board.

*If your outbound or return flight departs early in the morning (before 4:00 a.m.), you must be present at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Tokyo

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Arrive in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Our representative will be waiting for you at the airport to go over your itinerary, give you your travel documents, and accompany you to your hotel via public transport. Once you've checked in, you'll have the rest of the day free to start discovering this exciting city of contrasts, where modernity and tradition coexist in perfect harmony with its respectful society and delicious cuisine. Overnight in Tokyo.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
tripadvisor rating

247 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Tokyo

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Begin with a full-day tour of Tokyo. Make your own way at 7:50 am* to meet at the "Love" statue, in the Shinjuku district, from where we will depart by bus with our English-speaking guide through the bustling Harajuku district to the popular Meiji Jingu Shrine. Nestled in a lush urban forest, this Shinto shrine is one of the most popular in the country and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife.

Continue your bus tour until briefly stopping to see the Imperial Palace. Then head to the Asakusa district, where you'll see the Senso-ji temple, the Nakamise shopping avenue (one of the oldest in the country), and the Kaminari-mon gate. Enjoy a matcha tasting and a Japanese-style lunch.

Afterwards, climb the Skytree tower, from where you can see the infinite skyline of Tokyo. Later, take a river cruise across Tokyo Bay to the trendy island of Odaiba for the bus back to Shinjuku. Overnight in Tokyo.

*Please Note: This circuit includes escorted transfers between cities but self-transfers between hotels and excursion meeting points. Make sure to leave the hotel with plenty of time and plan your self-transfer to the excursion starting point (Meeting at 7.50AM). The bus will leave on time, no exceptions.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
tripadvisor rating

247 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Full day Tokyo city tour

Light

See more

4th Day: Tokyo

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Today is a free day to spend as you like in Tokyo. If you aren't sure what to do, we recommend you to take part in a truly unforgettable optional activity: an excursion to Mount Fuji*. Return to Tokyo for your overnight stay.

*Optional excursion to Mount Fuji & Hakone: transfer on your own from the hotel to Shinjuku at 7:45 am, arriving promptly to take the bus to Mount Fuji. Climb up to the Fifth Station at an altitude of 2,000 meters, where you'll enjoy views above the clouds of the mountain's lakes and surroundings. If access to the Fifth Station is not possible, we will visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine at the east entrance of Mount Fuji. Stroll through the souvenir shops and rest areas, famous for being the point from which the most intrepid mountaineers begin their ascent to the summit. Replenish your energy with lunch in the small ninja-themed village of Oshino Shinobu.

Continue by bus to the Owakudani Valley, known as the "Valley of Hell" because of its volcanic activity, its sulphurous wells, and the famous and delicious black eggs that supposedly give those who try them seven more years of life.  From there, take a cable car down the mountain and a boat ride on Lake Ashi to see Mount Fuji from a different perspective. Finally, return by bus to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.

Important: if any site is closed, an alternative site will be visited. The order of the itinerary is subject to change depending on traffic, weather conditions, and operational reasons.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
tripadvisor rating

247 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour

Moderate

See more

5th Day: Tokyo

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Today, you have the day free to explore Tokyo at your leisure. You could appreciate its many shopping districts, such as the Akihabara district, famous for its anime culture, video games and electronics offerings. Another option is to stroll around Shibuya and take a photo of the iconic pedestrian crossing after enjoying its varied gastronomic and shopping options. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
tripadvisor rating

247 Reviews

See our full selection

6th Day: Tokyo - Kyoto

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Today you will board the legendary bullet train to travel to Kyoto. At the specified time (around 10am) transfer from the hotel to the train station via public transport accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Board the famous bullet train at around 11:45 (the guide will not be present on the train) and arrive in Kyoto at around 14h. Another guide will be waiting at the station and will accompany you to the hotel. Transfer from the station to the hotel via public transport.

You'll have the rest of the day free to get to know this former Japanese capital. We recommend that you take advantage of this day to visit some izakaya (Japanese taverns) and try the famous local sake of Fushimi, the obanzai tapas, or the essential dishes of yuba and fried tofu. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by... or similar
tripadvisor rating

20 Reviews

See our full selection

7th Day: Kyoto

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Set off this morning on a Kyoto Highlights Full-Day Bus Tour to discover the beautiful and historical ‘cultural capital’ of Japan. On this exciting excursion you’ll visit the Fushimi Inari, the most important of the many shrines dedicated to Inari, the deity of good harvest and success, known for its emblematic red ‘gates’. Next visit the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site. Pay a visit to the Kinkakuji Temple next, known as the temple of the Golden Pavilion as the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Finally, experience the immense natural beauty of the Arashiyama bamboo forestLunch included. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by... or similar
tripadvisor rating

20 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Kyoto Highlights full-day bus tour

Moderate

See more

8th Day: Kyoto - Osaka

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Travel to Osaka by train. At the appointed time a guide will accompany you from the hotel to Kyoto train station via public transport. Board the train with the guide around 11am to arrive in Osaka around 12:30pm. Afterwards, a guide will also accompany you from Osaka train station to the hotel on public transport.

You have the rest of the day free to discover this charming metropolis. We recommend a visit to the local Kuromon market and the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, from which you can see great panoramic views of the city. Overnight in Osaka.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
tripadvisor rating

255 Reviews

See our full selection

9th Day: Osaka

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Today you can enjoy a self-guided tour of Osaka. You will be provided with an Osaka Metro & Bus card to get around the city on your own and see its lively shopping and dining districts at your own pace. Also included is admission to Osaka Castle,surrounded by the beautiful Nishinomaru Garden, to admire this great fortress and learn more about the history of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Overnight in Osaka.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
tripadvisor rating

255 Reviews

See our full selection

10th Day: Osaka - Australia

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Today is your last day in the land of the rising sun. Transfer to the airport by shuttle bus* for your flight** back to Australia. 

*For flights departing before 9 a.m. it will be the passenger's responsibility to transfer to Osaka airport on their own. For flights departing before 11 a.m. transfer by shuttle bus will be included but without accompanying guide. For flights departing after 11 a.m. there will be an escort service to the shuttle bus stop. If you have an escort guide, he/she will pick you up at the hotel about 4 hours before your flight time.

**Depending on your choice of flight, you may arrive in Australia the next day or two days later.

Select a day to go to next step

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November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025

Categories Available:

charm

From $3,899

Selected

    check-icon
    superior

    From $4,199

      Accommodation: 8 Nights

      Included activities

      Included

      Japan Welcome pack

      Included activity for day 2

      Welcome pack including Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival, individual SIM Card/s to stay connected at all times and Tokyo Subway Pass.

      Physical rating:

      Light

      Included

      Full day Tokyo city tour

      Included activity for day 3 in Tokyo

      Visit Tokyo highlights as Meiji Shrine and the Asakusa area. Enjoy a matcha tasting experience and a Japanese lunch before climbing Skytree tower to see a panoramic view. Finish with a cruise to Odaiba island.

      Duration 09:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      Please note that you must be on time at the meeting point in front of Shinjuku's "Love" statue. Plan in advance your self-transfer and how to find the right exit from Shinjuku station.

      more information
      Included

      Kyoto Highlights full-day bus tour

      Included activity for day 7 in Kyoto

      First, discover the Fushimi Inari shrine with its emblematic red gates. Next visit the Kiyomizu-Dera and the Kinkakuji Temples, and finally enjoy the immense natural beauty of the Arashiyama bamboo forest.

      Duration 08:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      more information

      Available Activities

      Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
      Optional

      Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour

      Suggested activity for day 4 in Mount Fuji

      Ascend by bus to Subashiri 5th Station on Mount Fuji. After lunch, sail across Lake Ashi while enjoying unforgettable views. Ride the Hakone cable car to admire the sulfur fields and the volcanic Owakudani valley.

      Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      Please note that you must be on time at the meeting point in front of Shinjuku's "Love" statue. Plan in advance your self-transfer and how to find the right exit from Shinjuku station.

      more information

      The price includes

      • Departures from major airports in Australia.
      • International flights: Australia - Tokyo, Osaka - Australia.
      • Inter-city transfers (Tokyo-Kyoto bullet train and Kyoto-Osaka local train), 72h underground pass in Tokyo, 24h bus and underground pass in Kyoto*.
        more information
      • 8 nights in Charm category hotels.**
        more information
        See hotels included
      • 2 lunches.
      • Accompanied airport-hotel-airport transfers and transfers between cities.***
        more information
      • Visits as indicated in the itinerary.
        See itinerary
      • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
      • SIM card (internet only, up to 3GB).
      • The activity in Kyoto has an English-speaking guide. The activities in Tokyo are guided in English and in Osaka they are carried out independently.
      • Meet and greet service on arrival at airport.****
        more information

      Not included

      Entrance fees, breakfast or any other items not mentioned in the "Price includes" section.

      ***This tour does not include daily escort. It is the client's responsibility to travel from the hotel to the meeting points for the activities and back to the hotel. Guided service will be provided during intercity transfers for Tokyo-Kyoto (guide won't board the train) and Kyoto-Osaka trains (guide will board with you). Airport-hotel-airport transfers will also be provided.

      Transfer from Osaka to the airport on the last day: only included for flights departing from 9am. For flights departing before 9 a.m., it is the passenger's responsibility to transfer to Osaka airport on his/her own. For flights departing between 9am and 11am, transfer by shuttle bus will be included but without an accompanying guide. For flights departing from 11am onwards, an escort service will be provided to the shuttle bus stop. If you have an escort guide, he/she will pick you up at your hotel about 4 hours before your flight time.

      Some Japanese cities impose an accommodation fee, which must be paid directly at the hotel at check-in.

      *You will receive exact details of the bullet train transfer from Tokyo to Kyoto after your arrival in Tokyo. The bullet train normally departs at around 11:45am from Tokyo Station and arrives at Kyoto Station at around 2pm. We cannot guarantee specific seats (window, aisle, etc).

      **Rooms: hotels in Japan have a limited number of non-smoking rooms, so we cannot guarantee room allocation. Triple rooms cannot be guaranteed either.

      ****Reception on arrival at the airport: an agent will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal of Tokyo airport, where you will be given the necessary documents for this trip (transport cards, SIM card, information on activities and meeting points, etc.). You will go over the itinerary together and you will be accompanied by public transport to your hotel.

      Those passengers who book a trip without international flights via Exoticca must share the details of the flights purchased on their own at least 30 days in advance to be able to enjoy the meet and greet service and hotel escort. In case of failure to do so or if the meet and greet service cannot be arranged due to operational problems (flight delay, change of arrival terminal, etc.), the travel documents will be sent directly to the hotel.

      • Entry requirements

        Valid passport with at least six months validity.

      • Visa

        No visa is required.

      • Currency

        Japanese Yen.

      • Language

        Japanese.

      • Electricity

        110 V. Adapter required.

      • Health

        There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from Australia.

      • Time zone

        UTC + 08:00 or UTC + 09:00.

      • Other useful information

        You are not expected to leave a tip.

      • Tourist Office website

        https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan

      Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

      Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

      In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

      This is a semi-escorted tour, during which only some of the booked activities are carried out with a local English-speaking guide. There is no 24-hour guide on site.

      If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +61 02 8823 5094 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

      While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

      Pay in installments

      Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

      Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.