Self-Guided Japanese Adventure
Japan in 13 Days • 10 Nights in Destination
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From
$2,199
/person
James
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The perfect trip for those who want to explore Japan's major cities independently but with all basic services and some tours included.
Trip Highlights
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Tokyo
Included
All flights
Accommodation
Some transfers
Activities
Availability
Departures available until December 2023
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $380
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
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Categories available
charm included
superior from + $500
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Categories Available:
charm
From $2,199
- Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
superior
From $2,699
- Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
Accommodation: 10 Nights
Day 2 to 3
The B Akasaka Mitsuke
Location
Tokyo
Category
Nights
1
Rating TripAdvisor travelers
The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Agora Place Asakusa, Hotel Keihan Asakusa, Hotel Wing International Shinjuku, Via inn Shinjuku, The B Tokyo Akasaka, The B Ginza
Itinerary
Discover the beauty of Japan's architecture, ancient customs and gastronomic excellence. Enjoy the buzz of the busy capital city of Tokyo and indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine, fall in love with the traditions of Kyoto and get lost in modern Osaka.
Prepare for an unforgettable journey across Japan, exploring its natural wonders and ancient traditions! Arrive at your departure airport, ready 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.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
238 Reviews
See our full selection
Today, take a half-day tour of the city of Tokyo including the most important sights in the city. Begin at the famous 'Love' statue in Shinjuku and drive past Harajuku and the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine. See the National Diet Building and the Imperial Palace among other highlights before stopping in the historic neighbourhood of Asakusa, home to the Senso-ji Temple Kaminari-mon Gate and the Nakamise shopping avenue. End the tour at Asakusa Station. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
238 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Half-Day Tokyo Morning Tour
Moderate
See more
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 optional excursion to Mount Fuji, an unmissable icon of Japan.* Overnight stay in Tokyo.
* Optional Mount Fuji Excursion: Come face-to-face with legendary Mount Fuji. Head up to the 5th Station, stopping at the market and viewing area of Michi no Eki Subashiri. At this height, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views from above the clouds. After lunch at Mount Fuji View Restaurant, visit Ashi Crater Lake and admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji whilst sailing on the lake. Afterwards, head to Hakone to enjoy the views from the Ropeway and be amazed by the volcanic Owaku-Dani Valley. Return to Shinjuku Station.
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.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
238 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour
Moderate
See more
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.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
238 Reviews
See our full selection
Today, take a bus* 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.
* Why not upgrade your trip to Kyoto by purchasing the amazing bullet train Nozomi to Kyoto. The trip takes only around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the train can reach speeds of 300 km/h!
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by... or similar
9 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Upgrade to Bullet Train Nozomi from Tokyo to Kyoto
Light
See more
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.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by... or similar
9 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Kyoto Highlights Full-Day Tour
Light
See more
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.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by... or similar
9 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Afternoon Nara Excursion
Active
See more
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.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
242 Reviews
See our full selection
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.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
242 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Osaka One Day Pass
Active
See more
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.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
242 Reviews
See our full selection
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 the US. 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 the US and end your trip.
Included activities
Included activity for day 3 in Tokyo
Duration 04:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx
Physical rating:
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. º
Included activity for day 7 in Kyoto
Duration 08:30h Approx. Pick up time: 9:00 Approx
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.
Included activity for day 10 in Osaka
Physical rating:
Osaka One Day Pass
Enjoy a self-tour of the city with admission to Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory and Osaka Castle.
Available Activities
Suggested activity for day 4 in Mount Fuji
Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx
Physical rating:
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.
Suggested activity for day 6
Upgrade to Bullet Train Nozomi from Tokyo to Kyoto
Upgrade your trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by taking the amazing Nozomi (bullet train). The trip takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Suggested activity for day 8 in Nara
Duration 04:30h Approx. Pick up time: 13:30 Approx
Physical rating:
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.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
Departures from main US airports.
International flights: US - Tokyo, Osaka - US.
Tokyo Subway Pass 72h, Kyoto Bus/Subway Pass 48h and local train from Kyoto to Osaka.
10 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels. *
more informationSee hotels includedBus from Tokyo to Kyoto. **
more informationVisits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
See itineraryAll air taxes and fuel surcharge.
Japanese SIM Card ***
more information
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 to / from departure points of included transfers.
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 Osaka they are completely independent.
* 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. Please note: double beds in Japanese hotels are not always the standard Western size and can sometimes be less wide.
** You will receive the exact Tokyo - Kyoto bus transfer details upon your arrival to Tokyo.
The bus usually departs between 9 and 10 AM from either Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal or Tokyo Station Yaesu South Gate and arrives at Kyoto Station Central Exit Karasuma around 5 PM. Please arrive to your departure station with enough time to locate the exact platform and bus you will be using.
** In case you purchased the optional Bullet train upgrade you will receive the exact Tokyo - Kyoto train transfer details upon your arrival to Tokyo.
The usual departure time is between 9 and 10 AM leaving from Tokyo Station and reaching Kyoto Station around 12PM. Please arrive to Tokyo Station with enough time before departure to locate the exact platform and train you will be using.
*** 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 created before 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 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 travelers from the US.
Time zone
UTC + 08:00 or UTC + 09:00.
Other useful information
You are not expected to leave a tip.
Tourist Office website
https://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 +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.
Exoticca Travel Stories
Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler 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.
Pay in installments
60%
At time of booking
40%
60 days before departure
