From CAD $3,914 Was CAD $4,349
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
From the Buddhist monks of Kōyasan to the high rollers of Tokyo, see the many faces of Japan on this condensed tour beginning in Osaka. Savour the region’s culinary delicacies and the beautiful views at Mt Fuji. You'll stay in a mountain temple and really soak up local culture in onsen hot springs. A great combination of the traditional and the contemporary, this adventure provides a taste of the rich culture of Japan.
Highlights
- Take in views of Mt Fuji
- Stay in temple lodging and learn about Buddhism
- Gaze at the famous floating torii gate in Miyajima
- Explore Kyoto's Nijo Castle
Trip Details
Product Code: 1534
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Bullet train, local train, subway, tram, ferry, public bus, cable car, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Supplier Code: AJJR
Starts: Osaka, Japan
Finishes: Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple, Kōyasan
- Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
- Miyajima Island excursion
- Nijo Castle and gardens visit
- Gion walk
- Fushimi Inari shrine visit
- Lake Ashino-ko boat ride
- Traditional kaiseki meal
- Japan Rail Pass
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (7 nts), mountain monastery (1 nt, shared facilities).
- 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
- Bullet train, local train, subway, tram, ferry, public bus, cable car, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3914 (CAD $435 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Osaka
Arrive at any time and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - City Route Hotel
Day 2: Osaka/Kōyasan
Travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
Journey to Mt Koya, a religious centre founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The train ride up the mountain is possibly one of the finest rail journeys in Japan. For the final steep ascent, switch to funicular and then hop on a bus to reach the monastery.
In the evening, dine on shojin-ryori, typical vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata, or kimono.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - During the overnight stay in the mountain temple, witness the routines of the monks and dine on typical fare. Explore the temples and moss covered Oku-no-in cemetery in the afternoon. In the evening, savour the shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata or kimono. Early morning at the temple offers the chance to observe the monks praying, before a vegetarian breakfast. Breathe the fresh mountain air and soak in the beautiful surroundings.Accommodation - Sekishoin
Day 3: Kōyasan/Hiroshima
Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Have some time to enjoy Koyasan this morning, before travelling to Hiroshima this afternoon.
Early morning offers the chance to observe the monks praying. Breathe in some fresh mountain air before a vegetarian breakfast, then start the journey back down the mountain via bus, train and funicular.
Later, board a train to Hiroshima, a historically significant city, marked by the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1945.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - Oku-no-in is the most sacred site in Koyasan and the location of the mausoleum for Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The area is surrounded by a massive cemetery, the largest in Japan. With over 200,000 tombstones lining the almost 2km path to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, there is plenty of area to explore. Be sure to see Torodo Hall (Hall of Lamps), the main place of worship, where more than 10,000 lanterns are kept burning day and night.Accommodation - Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ
Day 4: Hiroshima
This morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Walk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace.Transport - Hop a ferry to reach the island and journey back in the evening.Activity - Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.Free_time - Free time on Miyajima Island to make the most of this beautiful location.Accommodation - Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ
Day 5: Hiroshima/Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.Activity - Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.Accommodation - Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo
Day 6: Kyoto
Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.Free_time - Continue exploring Japan's historic capital with some free time.Accommodation - Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo
Day 7: Kyoto/Hakone
Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a feast on a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs.
Travel to Hakone, a town in the hills famous for its onsens, or natural hot springs.
In the evening, enjoy savouring a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, followed by a recommended soak in the onsen.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Hop aboard a passenger boat to cruise the waters of Lake Ashinoko. If you are lucky, on a clear day you can capture a view of
Mt Fuji. The lake was formed from the caldera of Mt Hakone following its eruption 3000 years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
Activity - Savour a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, then finish the day with a soak in the onsen.Accommodation - Hotel Kagetsuen
Day 8: Hakone/Tokyo
Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping.
Arrive before noon to Tokyo, with time to explore this energetic metropolis.
Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - With so much to do, start exploring now.Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.Accommodation - The B Akasaka
Day 9: Tokyo
Depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Tony W. - Traveled, November 2023
CEO has provided excellent attention and the trip was well planned. I don't have to worry about logistic and language barrier.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Seraphina W. - Traveled, November 2023
When going to another country for the first time, this type of travel helps new visitors see the best glimpses into the new country, all while knowing that they're travel and accommodations are well taken care of.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Carolyn K. - Traveled, November 2023
Every trip has been well run
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Lisa B. - Traveled, November 2023
Great tour guide and great places
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Elizabeth R. - Traveled, November 2023
Guide Kyoto
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Brett L. - Traveled, November 2023
People are generally nice and friendly. Better than travel alone, harder to meet strangers. Can focus on travelling rather than spending too much blood on logistics. Guide is superb
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Anita M. - Traveled, November 2023
Hours wasted on public transport. Lack of transparency in luggage arrangements.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Paul E. - Traveled, November 2023
Too much walking. Too much travel time from one thing to another. Temple stay was very poor. Bedding substandard thin foam not Japanese futon. Food brought in. Cold. No monks on site. Mmmm
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Ursula U. - Traveled, November 2023
I loved my experience and the places I visited. However I found that some of the organization was not time efficient. Some days we travelled for half the day and I think it may just be better to take a flight rather than trains, subway, bus etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Gauri P. - Traveled, November 2023
easy of travel, CEOs are great, small group size
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Adam V. - Traveled, November 2023
so organized and takes the stress out of exploring
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Helen B. - Traveled, November 2023
The trip was well organized using local transport and covering lots of ground
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Jason W. - Traveled, November 2023
Really enjoyed this trip, being solo traveler i felt very safe as part of this and able to help navigate each city
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Robert V. - Traveled, November 2023
Ease of travel and great guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Hugh B. - Traveled, November 2023
The tour was very well organized with good hotels. Just amazing! We were so lucky to have a great group of people with us. Yas ,our leader/ guide, was excellent. So well organized, fun to be with and friendly. I couldn't ask for more. The only thing I didn't like were the early starts to the day. Sad to say goodbye at the end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Cathrine V. - Traveled, November 2023
Have already done this. Very well organized
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Peter W. - Traveled, November 2023
We loved our tour and our guide, Yaz was outstanding, so knowledgeable and helpful and fun. We loved travelling by all kinds of public transport, it really added to the experience and felt more authentically Japanese than it would travelling by minibus. We would say though that you need to be fit to do this active tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Elisabeth K. - Traveled, October 2023
it's a very fast paced trip. It depends on the person.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Rosmarie W. - Traveled, October 2023
Travelled multiple times with G and it was always great
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
John B. - Traveled, October 2023
G Adventures is a wonderful way to experience a lot of a country with a group of travelers and a tour guide. You get opportunities to experience local life and bucket list activities. If you enjoy meeting new people you'll love this, but even if you want to keep to yourself you still will have a wonderful time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
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