Self-Guided Land of the Rising Sun
Japan in 16 Days • 14 Nights in Destination
Itinerary
Discover the beauty of Japan, travelling by train with an included Japan Rail Pass. Get to know the neighbourhoods of Asakusa, Shibuya and Shinjuku in Tokyo. Explore the picturesque landscapes of Kanazawa and discover the traditional district of Higashi Chaya. Fall in love with the traditions of Kyoto, discover the poignant history of Hiroshima and get lost in modern Osaka.
Arrival at your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Tokyo. Night on board.*
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Arrive in Tokyo, a dazzling metropolis rich in history and tradition. You will be met at the airport by our representative who will talk you through your itinerary, provide helpful information and recommendations for your free time and assist you with your self-transfer to the hotel. Once settled at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to start discovering this exciting city of contrasts and its delicious cuisine. We recommend heading to one of the many food markets where you can sample lots of different dishes at bargain prices! Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Today, take a half-day tour of the city of Tokyo including many of the most emblematic sights in the city. See the vibrant neighbourhood of Harajuku, the charming Meiji Shrine and the National Diet Building. Discover the magnificent Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Japanese Emperor, before passing through the varied districts of the city and arriving in Asakusa. Asakusa retains all the charms of 'old Tokyo', with its traditional architecture, craft shops and food stalls. Here you can marvel at the magnificent Senso-ji temple and Kaminari-mon Gate. End the tour at Tokyo Station and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Enjoy a day at your own pace. Spend the day exploring Tokyo's fascinating city-scape at your leisure. Why not visit Odaiba island high-tech entertainment hub or climb the Skytree Tower for a panoramic view of Tokyo? We recommend an exciting full-day tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone*. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
* Optional full-day tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone: The bus heads up to the 5th Station along the Subaru Line, at 2,300 metres above sea level. At this height, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views from above the clouds. After lunch at Samurai Restaurant, visit scenic Owaku-dani Valley in Hakone and enjoy a peaceful boat trip on Ashi Crater Lake to admire the superb views of Mt. Fuji. Return to Tokyo by bus with the option to end the tour at Odawara station if you prefer.
Please note: If road conditions or unforeseen circumstances restrict the ascent to the 5th station, you will instead travel the highest elevation possible considering the circumstances. The same also applies for the cruise on Ashi Crater Lake; if conditions or circumstances prevent sailing on the lake, alternative visits and experiences will be taken to replace the activity.
Enjoy a day exploring Tokyo at your leisure, getting to know the shopping districts, discovering new parts of the city or simply soaking up the culture and sampling the cuisine. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Using your Japan Rail Pass, travel to Kanazawa, a historical jewel of a city and home to some of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens. We recommend visiting the historic Higashi Chaya district, filled with traditional tea houses where you will be able to see the celebrated geishas perform. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.
Spend the day on a self-guided tour of the sights of Kanazawa. Catch the Kanazawa Loop Bus for an overview of the city before admiring the pristine landscaped gardens and Japanese architecture of the Kenrokuen Gardens & Seisonkaku Villa. Soak up the artistic atmosphere at a traditional Gold-Leaf Experience and refresh with tea coupons to redeem at Kikantei. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.
Today, travel to Hiroshima using your Japan Rail Pass. Arrive in the modern city of Hiroshima, sadly destroyed in the most part in 1945 by an atomic bomb, making it a moving destination to explore. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Hiroshima.
Today you will have the opportunity to be your own guide with a self-guided tour of the main attractions of Hiroshima. Begin at the Atomic Bomb Dome, passing by Hiroshima Castle along the way, to contemplate one of the few structures that survived the devastating explosion. Continue to the Peace Memorial Park and stop for a traditional Okonomiyaki lunch. Afterwards, head to the port for a short ferry ride to Miyajima to see the Otorii Gate and the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine. End the tour with a visit to Daishonin Temple. This tour includes a full-day ticket for Hiroden (tram and bus network in and around Hiroshima, and roundtrip ticket for Miyajima ferry), and a voucher for lunch at Okonomi-mura. The tour will take place in the order that you prefer. Overnight stay in Hiroshima.
Using your Japan Rail Pass, travel to Kyoto, the capital of the Japanese Empire for 11 centuries. We recommend exploring the emblematic neighborhood of Gion, known for its traditional architecture and admired geishas. Overnight stay in Kyoto.
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 forest. Lunch included. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Spend today at your leisure, exploring the delights of Kyoto at your own pace. Why not discover the historic Nijo Castle or the Philosopher's Walk, a beautiful footpath along a cherry-tree-lined canal? We recommend an optional afternoon excursion to the peaceful sanctuary of Nara.* Overnight stay in Kyoto.
* Optional Nara Excursion: Head to Nara on the Kintetsu Express Train, for a tour of two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Encounter wild deer up close while walking through Nara Park, a rarity in Japan and worldwide and discover Todai-Ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest wooden structures.
Today, take a local train to travel to Osaka. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to discover this charming city. We recommend visiting the Kuromon local market and its Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, from which there is an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay in Osaka.
Spend the day on a self-guided tour of the sights of Osaka. You will have at your disposal an Osaka Metro + City Bus card to discover the city on your own. You will also have an admission ticket for the Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory. At 300m above ground, you’ll be able to see the incredible borderless day & night scenery of the city. It also includes the ticket for Osaka Castle, where you have the chance to learn about the history of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Overnight stay in Osaka.
Spend the day at your leisure exploring the cultural delights of Osaka. Get to know the local area and sample the iconic local cuisine. In fact, the street food markets of Osaka are said to be the best in the country! Overnight stay in Osaka.
Sadly it's time to say goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport for a flight** back to UK/Ireland. Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
16 days trip including flights*
15 days and 14 nights in destination
1
LON - TYO
2
LON - TYO
Tokyo
3
Tokyo
4
Tokyo
5
Tokyo
6
Kanazawa
7
Kanazawa
8
Hiroshima
9
Hiroshima
10
Kyoto
11
Kyoto
12
Kyoto
13
Osaka
14
Osaka
15
Osaka
16
KIX - LON
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Accommodation: 14 Nights
*In case the advertised hotels are not available they will be replaced by one of these alternative hotels with the same quality: Agora Place Asakusa, Hotel Keihan Asakusa, Hotel Wing International Shinjuku, Via inn Shinjuku, The B Tokyo Akasaka, The B Ginza.
Included activities
Half-Day Tokyo Morning Tour
Visit 'Love' statue in Shinjuku and drive past Harajuku and the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine. See the National Diet Building and the Imperial Palace and the historic neighbourhood of Asakusa.
What's included: English guide.
Kanazawa Self-Guided Tour
Enjoy exploring Kanazawa with on the Loop Bus and take advantage of the all-day free pass to explore the Kenroku-en Garden to take part in a traditional gold-leaf experience.
Hiroshima and Miyajima self-guided tour (with Miyajima Night Cruise)
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the main attractions of Hiroshima: Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, Peace Memorial Park, a short ferry ride to Miyajima and Daishonin Temple.
What's included: Full-day ticket for Hiroden tram, Miyajima ferry ride and voucher for lunch at Okonomi-mura.
Kyoto Highlights Full-Day Tour
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.
What's included: Train ride to departure point and back to Kyoto Station, bus transfers between site visits, entrance fees, lunch Not included: Guide not included on the return train ride back to Kyoto station
Available Activities
Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour
Ascend 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, Lake Ashinoko, and Fuji.
Afternoon Nara Excursion
Head to Nara on the Kintetsu Express Train, for a tour of two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Encounter wild deer up close while walking through Nara Park and discover Todai-Ji Temple. Return train travel included.
What's included: English-speaking guide, train transfers
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main UK/Ireland departure airports.
- International flights: UK/Ireland - Tokyo, Osaka - UK/Ireland.
- 7 day Japan Rail Pass, Tokyo Subway Pass 72h, Kyoto Bus/Subway Pass 48h, Train from Kyoto to Osaka. *more information
- 14 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels. **more informationSee hotels included
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Japanese SIM Card ***more information
- ATOL Protection.
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase
Not included
Meals, airport transfers and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
This tour doesn’t include a guide on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of each passenger to self-transfer between hotels and meeting points for activities/excursions and between hotels and JR train stations.
The Japan Rail pass does NOT cover the NOZOMI or MIZUHO class bullet trains. On some train journeys you will need to transfer trains to get to your destination.
A number of Japanese cities impose an accommodation tax, which must be paid directly to the hotel.
Activities/excursions in Kyoto include a guide, while in Tokyo are semi-escorted and in Kanazawa, Hiroshima & Osaka they are completely independent.
<<The physical Japan Rail Pass is sent to each clients' home before their trip>>
Please send an email to customers@exoticca.com with the full Address where you want to receive the JR Pass.
* We recommend activating your Japan Rail Pass on day 5 of your trip, before taking the train Tokyo - Kanazawa. The Pass can be used during 7 days, which will cover your train journeys between Tokyo-Kanazawa, Kanazawa-Hiroshima and Hiroshima-Kyoto. To activate the Pass, please visit any JR Office at a train station and request it (the Pass can't be activated at other stations such as metro or non-JR train lines). The JR Pass allows you to ride inter-city train journeys on JR lines without any cost.
** Non-smoking rooms: unfortunately, hotels in Japan have a reduced number of non-smoking rooms and we can not guarantee you will be allocated one advance.
*** Bookings created from January 27 2023: You will receive your included Japanese SIM Card after you've checked in to your Tokyo hotel. The card covers up to 3GB of internet data to use during your trip. (Doesn't cover phone calls). Bookings creater prior to January 27 2023 will have the possibility to add the SIM Card as an optional upgrade.
The included transportation tickets and the information regarding activities, their meeting points and schedules will be delivered to the passengers upon their arrival to Japan.
- Entry requirementsValid passport with at least six months validity.
- VisaNo visa is required.
- CurrencyJapanese Yen.
- LanguageJapanese.
- Electricity110 V. Adapter required.
- HealthThere are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from the UK.
- Time zoneUTC + 08:00 or UTC + 09:00.
- Other useful informationYou are not expected to leave a tip.
- Tourist Office websitehttps://us.jnto.go.jp/
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 and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +44 20 8068 3176 or via our contact form.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Exoticca Travel Stories
Creating unforgettable memories, one traveller at a time
We really enjoyed our trip to Japan
Before we left for Japan I was a little concerned that our holiday would probably be centred around cities but came to realise that the cities were excellent centres from which to plan a variety of day trips.
