Experience Japan

Experience Japan

Osaka

Dotonbori

Days 1-3
Nara

Nara

Day 3
Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Days 4-5
Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing

Days 9-11

Map
1,665 Views
11 Days From

$6742

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with the "Experience Japan" tour. This fully guided adventure offers a rich tapestry of cultural and natural wonders, from the bustling streets of Osaka to the serene beauty of Kyoto's bamboo forests. Discover the traditional Isuien Gardens in Nara, marvel at the grandeur of Osaka Castle, and cruise along the Yodogawa River. Experience the tranquility of a Kyoto tea ceremony and the playful antics of snow monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. Witness the majestic Mt Fuji from the Fuji Five Lakes area and explore Tokyo's historical heritage at the Tokyo National Museum. With seamless travel on bullet and express trains, comfortable 3+ to 4-star accommodations, and full board meals, this tour ensures a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Japan's iconic destinations. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Discover delightful Nara and its traditional Isuien Gardens.

  • Visit the impressive Osaka Castle and cruise along the Yodogawa River.

  • Explore the enchanting Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto.

  • Experience the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony in Kyoto.

  • Watch snow monkeys play at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen.

  • View the impressive Mt Fuji from the Fuji Five Lakes area.

  • See Kamakura's Grand Buddha at Kotokuin Temple.

  • Discover Tokyo's historical heritage at the Tokyo National Museum.

Itinerary

Expand All

Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Osaka

Osaka Castle
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka Castle

Location: Osaka

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka! Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Discover Nara

Nara Deer Park, Japan
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle

Location: Osaka, Nara, Osaka

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River. After

lunch, continue to Nara and enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Gardens before returning to Osaka.

Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Gion District
Fushimi Inari Shrine

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Start with a visit to Togetsukyo Bridge located in the heart of the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen

garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkakuji Temple. Enjoy some free time this

afternoon to further explore the city.

Day 5: Experience Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Gion District

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a visit to one of Kyoto's most famous sites – Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates and follow a forested hillside pathway passing numerous shrines along the way. Later, enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony, and try your hand at origami. After lunch, your immersive experience continues with a fan painting class where you will learn the technique of this highly refined and sought-after visual art.

Day 6: Search for Snow Monkeys

Location: Nagoya, Nagano, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, Matsumoto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the morning travelling by bullet train to Nagoya and then journey on the limited express train to Nagano. Upon arrival, head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen and walk through a picturesque, forested valley to the hot pools where you can search for the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) - sighting not guaranteed. Also visit the 7th-century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most popular Buddhist temples, before continuing by road to Matsumoto.

Day 7: Miso and Sake Tasting

Location: Matsumoto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle', due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. After lunch, visit a sake brewery and enjoy a tipple or two! There will be some free time this afternoon to further explore Matsumoto.

Day 8: Mount Fuji

Location: Fuji Five Lakes, Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, Mishima

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel by road to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th Station to view

Mt Fuji (weather permitting). Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway to enjoy the breathtaking scenery below. Continue to Mishima and stay overnight.

Day 9: Kamakura Grand Buddha

Akihabara Electric Town
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo
Imperial Palace
Odaiba, Tokyo

Location: Kamakura, Tokyo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey to Kamakura, a popular coastal city located south of Tokyo. Visit Kotokuin Temple, which houses Japan's second tallest bronze buddha statue, followed by a stroll through Komachi Street which is lined with pretty little shops before visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura's most important shrine.. Later, continue to Tokyo.

Day 10: Discover Tokyo

Akihabara Electric Town
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
Odaiba, Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market
Imperial Palace
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day by ascending to the observation deck at the Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest tower, for panoramic views over the city below. Next, head to the old district of Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, before browsing the stalls on Nakamise shopping street. After lunch, explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historic heritage. End the day with a cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and enjoy dinner from the perfect vantage point to admire the supercharged lights of the city.

Day 11: Fly Tokyo to UK

Akihabara Electric Town
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market
Odaiba, Tokyo
Imperial Palace

Location: Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    9 nights in 3+ to 4-star hotels are included in the tour package.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Airport transfers at the destination are included.

  • All Domestic Transportation

    All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is covered.

  • Country Entry Visas

    Country entry visas are included in the tour package.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to various attractions are included.

  • Fully Guided

    The tour is fully guided.

  • International Travel

    International travel is included in the package.

  • Local Taxes

    Local taxes are included in the tour cost.

  • Fully Inclusive

    The tour is fully inclusive, covering touring with guides and entrance fees.

  • Flights

    International flights and current taxes are included.

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What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping and gratuities are not included, but you may tip your guide at your discretion if you feel you have received excellent service.

  • Drinks with Meals

    Drinks with meals are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

Travel seamlessly with all domestic transportation included, featuring bullet trains and express trains, ensuring a smooth journey across Japan's iconic destinations.

Accommodation

Enjoy 9 nights in comfortable 3+ to 4-star accommodations, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures in Japan.

Experiences

Japanese Fan PaintingVisit an historic Kyoto-fan house to try your hand at the art of Japanese fan painting, practised for over a thousand years and still alive today.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu ShrineStroll through the scores of vast torii gates to the 800-year-old Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a beautiful structure dedicated to the god of samurai in the heart of Kamakura.

Edo-Tokyo MuseumExplore the fascinating cultural heritage of Tokyo, learn what shaped this most impressive city and get a glimpse of what life was like through the ages at theTokyo-Edo Museum.

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Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 9 nights in comfortable 3+ to 4-star accommodations, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures in Japan.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes full board meals with 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners.

  • Is international travel included in the tour package?

    Yes, international flights and current taxes are included in the tour package.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    All domestic transportation is included, featuring bullet trains and express trains, ensuring a smooth journey across Japan's iconic destinations.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?

    Yes, entrance fees to various attractions are included in the tour package.

  • Is the tour fully guided?

    Yes, the tour is fully guided, providing expert guidance throughout the journey.

  • Are drinks with meals included in the tour package?

    No, drinks with meals are not included in the tour package.

  • Is tipping included in the tour package?

    Tipping and gratuities are not included, but you may tip your guide at your discretion if you feel you have received excellent service.

  • Will I have the opportunity to participate in a tea ceremony during the tour?

    Yes, you will experience the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony in Kyoto as part of the tour.

  • Will I be able to see snow monkeys during the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen where you can search for the famous Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, although sighting is not guaranteed.

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

    If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.

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

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.

  • Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?

    Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.

  • What is 'Happy to Share'?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.

  • Do you allow children on your tours?

    We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Colours of Costa Rica

26-Mar-2020

This was our first tour with you and from start to finish we were guided by Isaac who made sure everything went smoothly. He was laid back - but on the ball - always available and very informative.

Excellent
Feefo Rated Customer  

Ultimate South America

21-Mar-2020

We were hoping this tour would be the holiday of a lifetime and it certainly was. Our guide, Corina, was fantastic and evry country we visited had something special. FANTASTIC

Excellent
William  

Japan Uncovered

12-Nov-2022

A superb trip which ticked all our boxes and covered all the main experiences you would wish for on a trip to Japan! We were looked after by excellent local guides. All of our accommodation was very good. With all meals included we got the chance to experience the local cuisine ...more ...less

Alastair  

Christmas in Vietnam

06-Jan-2023

Vietnam at Christmas, Excellent Experience From start to finish Vietnam at Christmas was amazing, The tour group, Local Guide Loc, we must have been blessed as the weather was excellent only one day of rain. Tour Group 11/10 Guide 11/10 Hotels 8/10 Food 8/10 Itineary10/10 Faboulous experience on Christmas in Vietnam ...more ...less

Feefo Rated Customer  

Highlights of Sri Lanka

24-Mar-2020

Great Country. Good range of different things to do and places to see - temples to beaches to wildlife. Hotels ranged from adequate to excellent. Food quality and variety was better than we expected A really good tour guide and our fellow travellers were excellent company. Would recommend despite the impact of Corona Virus cutting out a few later trips but that was beyond anyone's ability to control.. ...more ...less

Excellent

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Thursday

May 05, 2025 - May 15, 2025
$7522 (USD)

Monday - Thursday

May 12, 2025 - May 22, 2025
$6742 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Experience Japan

11 Days Starting and ending in UK

Visiting: Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Nagoya, Nagano, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, Matsumoto, Fuji Five Lakes, Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, Mishima, Kamakura, Tokyo ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Wendy Wu

Tour code:

1985

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 28

Physical rating:

Level1

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $6742 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 17-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

Why book with Barrhead?

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All our holidays are fully financially protected.


Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.

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Range

Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.


We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.


Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.

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Expert Knowledge

We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.


Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.

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Trusted Agent

Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.


Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.


We look after you every step of the way.


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