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10 Day itinerary in Japan, Asia

Classic Japan Route

Discover the best of Japan on this spectacular 10-day trip! Explore the extraordinary cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka; enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone and see Mt. Fuji; learn about Japan's fascinating history and architecture, and more!

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ColasChristineIrishNancyMyaenClaudia

By Colas, Christine, Irish, Nancy, Myaen and Claudia

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Tokyo

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Meet local people

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Tokyo & Osaka City Tours

2

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle

3

Visit the most beautiful castle in Japan

4

Enjoy a view of Mt. Fuji!

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Arrive in Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! Upon landing at Tokyo's Narita Airport, you'll be greeted by your airport pick-up who will help you transfer to your hotel. Your JR Pass will be given at the front desk upon check-in. Have time to settle down and rest. You're free to enjoy dinner anywhere you'd like. You may for example explore the beautiful gardens in the Shinjuku area then have the evening free exploring. The best recommendation is to go to Shinjuku's Memory Lane at night and walk through all the alleys in order to soak up the atmosphere.

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 2

place Tokyo City Tour

Experience the city life in Tokyo. Take a cruise along Tokyo Bay as the highlight of this tour. Drive past the National Theater and other major attractions en route to the Imperial Palace East Garden for a stroll. Visit Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest broadcasting tower in the world, and enjoy a 360° panoramic view. You can enjoy a Japanese chanko hot pot for lunch in Ryogoku while learning about sumo from the restaurant exhibition. Optional Activity: Group bus Tokyo City tour or Customized Tokyo Tour with an English-speaking guide

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 3

place Transfer to Kyoto

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples and gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. It’s also known for formal traditions such as kaiseki dining, consisting of multiple courses of precise dishes, and geisha, female entertainers often found in the Gion district. You can also participate in a private tea ceremony if time permits. Check in to your accommodation and rest. Relax, today is your free day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 4

place Explore Kyoto and Nara

Discover the history and religions of ancient Japan during this full-day exploration of Kyoto and Nara. See Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, along with its Imperial Palace. Then drive from Kyoto to Nara to explore its own World Heritage Site, Todai-ji Temple (including Great Buddha Hall), plus Kasuga Shrine. You also visit Nara’s deer park and sample a Japanese and Western-style meal for lunch.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 5

place Explore Osaka!

Continue your trip to Osaka. (You can stay overnight in Osaka or you can do this as a trip from Kyoto then back to Kyoto for the night. This is optional). Visit some of Osaka’s famous sights such as Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, and Shin-Sekai. At night, head to the bustling area of Dotonbori, where the lights are bright and the food signs make for whimsical sights. We recommend trying some of the must-try foods in Osaka, Takoyaki (ball-shaped snack), Kushikatsu (Japanese deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables), and Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake). At night take part in a delicious night food tour through the streets of Osaka, your guide will show you the best local restaurants and the traditional food of this city! (make sure you come with an empty stomach!) Optional activity: Osaka night food tour

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 6

place Himeji Castle

Today do a day trip to Himeji! Where you will find one of the most famous and historical castles in Japan, considered a cultural property of great national importance in Japan. Continue to Kokoen Garden located right next to Himeji Castle. It is made up of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various Edo period styles. Himeji is a wonderful city to visit, especially during the cherry blossom period. After your visit, head to Hiroshima for the night. (Or you can go back to Osaka for the night)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 7

place Hiroshima & Miyajima

Another day to explore the city of Hiroshima & Miyajima today! This value-packed trip with a nationally/state-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore the Hiroshima city area or Miyajima island! To start your day, please choose your must-see spots in the Hiroshima city area or Miyajima island which you prioritize. Your guide will customize your four-hour private tour in detail according to your interests. Four hours is the perfect amount of time to check out Hiroshima city area or Miyajima island.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 8

place Experience Hakone

After breakfast, check out and take a train to one of the most famous onsen areas, Hakone. Experience a Ryokan stay that will take you back to the traditional Japanese lifestyle. Today is your free day just to soak in an onsen and relax. Once settled, you may rest or visit A Odawara Castle, the open-air museum or you also enjoy the view from the cable car and cross Lake Ashi in a pirate boat! Hakone is truly surprising.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 9

place Enjoy a view of Mt. Fuji!

Today make your way and be delighted by the beautiful view of Mount Fuji from up close! Among the main attractions, you will find a cable car with which you can reach the active volcanic area of Owakudani, and a short cruise on Lake Ashi from which to observe the magnificent Mount Fuji in the distance. Another magical local attraction that you can visit is the Hakone Shrine, famous especially for the giant red Torii located on the edge of the forest which makes it seems to be floating in the water of the lake! Head back to Tokyo after.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 10

place Departure from Tokyo

Today enjoy your last day by walking and go last-minute shopping before heading to the airport. I'd recommend going to Shibuya and take your time enjoying different shops! This marks the last day of your Japan trip. Bring back home the best memories with a smile!

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • 3* Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (9)

Transport expand_less

  • JR Pass
  • Airport transfers

Activities expand_less

  • Kyoto and Nara day tour
  • Visit Himeji Castle
  • Hiroshima & Miyajima tour

Extras expand_less

  • Local Assistance

Not Included expand_less

  • International & Domestic Flights
  • Personal Expenses
  • Other Meals/Drinks
  • Optional Activities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips & Gratuities

About Colas

TEAM LEAD

+5 Local experts

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Expertise: 

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Visit markets

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Travel with Purpose

Beach & Sea

Traveling to Japan was a child dream I could finally fulfill in my 20s. This then dream evolved into living in Japan, and doing so is a whole new travel experience that constantly develops as I still learn new things on Japan everyday after 5 years.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,120.00 USD