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Tradition & modernity: semi-guided Japan

Japan in 11 Days, 8 Nights in Destination

Up to $500 reward

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-45%

From

$5,639

$3,099

/person

Hannah, Travel Expert

Hannah
Travel crafter

Take an unforgettable semi-guided journey to explore Tokyo's neighborhoods in depth, discover the traditional taverns of Kyoto's Geisha quarter, and be amazed by the modernity of Osaka.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Kyoto
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Osaka
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Tokyo

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. Some transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until February 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers available

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + $300

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert for free:

1-888-488-0592

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May 2024
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Categories Available:

charm

From $3,099

Selected

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    superior

    From $3,399

      Accommodation: 8 Nights

      Itinerary

      This semi-guided trip begins in vibrant Tokyo, visiting the Harajuku district, the Asakusa district and the impressive Skytree observation deck. Head next to Kyoto via bullet train, where you'll enjoy both the Temple of the Golden Pavilion and the varied gastronomic offerings and izakaya or traditional taverns. End in Osaka, contemplating its fusion of modernity and tradition.

      1st Day: US - Night on board
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      Arrive at your chosen departure airport in the US and board your international flight* to Tokyo. Overnight on board.

      *If your outbound or return flight departs early in the morning (before 4:00 a.m.), you must be present at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

      2nd Day: Tokyo
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      Arrive in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Our representative will be waiting for you at the airport to go over your itinerary, give you your travel documents, and accompany you to your hotel via public transport. Once you've checked in, you'll have the rest of the day free to start discovering this exciting city of contrasts, where modernity and tradition coexist in perfect harmony with its respectful society and delicious cuisine. Overnight in Tokyo.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      244 Reviews

      See our full selection
      3rd Day: Tokyo
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      Begin with a full-day tour of Tokyo. Make your own way at 7:50 am* to meet at the "Love" statue, in the Shinjuku district, from where we will depart by bus with our English-speaking guide through the bustling Harajuku district to the popular Meiji Jingu Shrine. Nestled in a lush urban forest, this Shinto shrine is one of the most popular in the country and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife.

      Continue your bus tour until briefly stopping to see the Imperial Palace. Then head to the Asakusa district, where you'll see the Senso-ji temple, the Nakamise shopping avenue (one of the oldest in the country), and the Kaminari-mon gate. Enjoy a matcha tasting and a Japanese-style lunch.

      Afterwards, climb the Skytree tower, from where you can see the infinite skyline of Tokyo. Later, take a river cruise across Tokyo Bay to the trendy island of Odaiba for the bus back to Shinjuku. Overnight in Tokyo.

      *Please Note: This circuit includes escorted transfers between cities but self-transfers between hotels and excursion meeting points. Make sure to leave the hotel with plenty of time and plan your self-transfer to the excursion starting point (Meeting at 7.50AM). The bus will leave on time, no exceptions.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      244 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Full day Tokyo city tour

      Light

      See more
      4th Day: Tokyo
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      Today is a free day to spend as you like in Tokyo. If you aren't sure what to do, we recommend you to take part in a truly unforgettable optional activity: an excursion to Mount Fuji*. Return to Tokyo for your overnight stay.

      *Optional excursion to Mount Fuji & Hakone: transfer on your own from the hotel to Shinjuku at 7:45 am, arriving promptly to take the bus to Mount Fuji. Climb up to the Fifth Station at an altitude of 2,000 meters, where you'll enjoy views above the clouds of the mountain's lakes and surroundings. If access to the Fifth Station is not possible, we will visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine at the east entrance of Mount Fuji. Stroll through the souvenir shops and rest areas, famous for being the point from which the most intrepid mountaineers begin their ascent to the summit. Replenish your energy with lunch in the small ninja-themed village of Oshino Shinobu.

      Continue by bus to the Owakudani Valley, known as the "Valley of Hell" because of its volcanic activity, its sulphurous wells, and the famous and delicious black eggs that supposedly give those who try them seven more years of life.  From there, take a cable car down the mountain and a boat ride on Lake Ashi to see Mount Fuji from a different perspective. Finally, return by bus to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.

      Important: if any site is closed, an alternative site will be visited. The order of the itinerary is subject to change depending on traffic, weather conditions, and operational reasons.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      244 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour

      Moderate

      See more
      5th Day: Tokyo
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      Today, you have the day free to explore Tokyo at your leisure. You could appreciate its many shopping districts, such as the Akihabara district, famous for its anime culture, video games and electronics offerings. Another option is to stroll around Shibuya and take a photo of the iconic pedestrian crossing after enjoying its varied gastronomic and shopping options. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      244 Reviews

      See our full selection
      6th Day: Tokyo - Kyoto
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      Today you will board the legendary bullet train to travel to Kyoto. At the specified time (around 10am) transfer from the hotel to the train station via public transport accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

      Board the famous bullet train at around 11:45 (the guide will not be present on the train) and arrive in Kyoto at around 14h. Another guide will be waiting at the station and will accompany you to the hotel. Transfer from the station to the hotel via public transport.

      You'll have the rest of the day free to get to know this former Japanese capital. We recommend that you take advantage of this day to visit some izakaya (Japanese taverns) and try the famous local sake of Fushimi, the obanzai tapas, or the essential dishes of yuba and fried tofu. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by... or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      17 Reviews

      See our full selection
      7th Day: Kyoto
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      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 forestLunch 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
      tripadvisor rating

      17 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Kyoto Highlights Full-Day Tour

      Moderate

      See more
      8th Day: Kyoto - Osaka
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      Travel to Osaka by train. At the appointed time a guide will accompany you from the hotel to Kyoto train station via public transport. Board the train with the guide around 11am to arrive in Osaka around 12:30pm. Afterwards, a guide will also accompany you from Osaka train station to the hotel on public transport.

      You have the rest of the day free to discover this charming metropolis. We recommend a visit to the local Kuromon market and the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, from which you can see great panoramic views of the city. Overnight in Osaka.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      247 Reviews

      See our full selection
      9th Day: Osaka
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      Today you can enjoy a self-guided tour of Osaka. You will be provided with an Osaka Metro & Bus card to get around the city on your own and see its lively shopping and dining districts at your own pace. Also included is admission to Osaka Castle,surrounded by the beautiful Nishinomaru Garden, to admire this great fortress and learn more about the history of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Overnight in Osaka.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      247 Reviews

      See our full selection
      10th Day: Osaka - Night on board
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      Today is your last day in the land of the rising sun. Transfer to the airport by shuttle bus for your flight* back to the US. Overnight on board.

      *For flights departing before 9 a.m. it will be the passenger's responsibility to transfer to Osaka airport on their own. For flights departing before 11 a.m. transfer by shuttle bus will be included but without accompanying guide. For flights departing after 11 a.m. there will be an escort service to the shuttle bus stop. If you have an escort guide, he/she will pick you up at the hotel about 4 hours before your flight time.

      11th Day: US
      arrow-icon

      Arrive at your destination in the US and end this extraordinary adventure!

      Included activities

      Included

      Japan Welcome pack

      Included activity for day 2

      Welcome pack including Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival, SIM Card to stay connected at all times and Tokyo 72h Subway Pass.

      Physical rating:

      Light

      Included
      info-icon

      Please note that you must be on time at the meeting point in front of Shinjuku's "Love" statue. Plan in advance your self-transfer and how to find the right exit from Shinjuku station.

      Full day Tokyo city tour

      Included activity for day 3 in Tokyo

      Visit several Tokyo highlights including Meiji Shrine and the Asakusa area. Enjoy too a matcha tasting experience and a Japanese lunch before climbing Skytree tower to see the views over the whole city. Finally take a river cruise to Odaiba island

      Duration 09:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Kyoto Highlights Full-Day Tour

      Included activity for day 7 in Kyoto

      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.

      Duration 08:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      more information

      Available Activities

      Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
      Optional
      info-icon

      Please note that you must be on time at the meeting point in front of Shinjuku's "Love" statue. Plan in advance your self-transfer and how to find the right exit from Shinjuku station.

      Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour

      Suggested activity for day 4 in Mount Fuji

      Ascend by bus 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 and the volcanic Owakudani valley.

      Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      more information

      The price includes

      • premium-care-icon
        Included in all our trips. more information
      • Departures from major airports in the US.
      • International flights: US - Tokyo, Osaka - US.
      • Inter-city transfers (Tokyo-Kyoto bullet train and Kyoto-Osaka local train), 72h underground pass in Tokyo, 24h bus and underground pass in Kyoto*.
        more information
      • 8 nights in Charm category hotels.**
        more information
        See hotels included
      • 2 lunches.
      • Accompanied airport-hotel-airport transfers and transfers between cities.***
        more information
      • Visits as indicated in the itinerary.
        See itinerary
      • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
      • SIM card (internet only, up to 3GB).
      • English-speaking guide for part of the trip
      • Meet and greet service on arrival at airport.****
        more information
      *The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

      Not included

      Entrance fees, breakfast or any other items not mentioned in the "Price includes" section.

      ***This tour does not include daily escort. It is the client's responsibility to travel from the hotel to the meeting points for the activities and back to the hotel. Guided transfers to take the Tokyo-Kyoto and Kyoto-Osaka trains, as well as airport-hotel-airport transfers will be provided.

      Transfer from Osaka to the airport on the last day: only included for flights departing from 9am. For flights departing before 9 a.m., it is the passenger's responsibility to transfer to Osaka airport on his/her own. For flights departing between 9am and 11am, transfer by shuttle bus will be included but without an accompanying guide. For flights departing from 11am onwards, an escort service will be provided to the shuttle bus stop. If you have an escort guide, he/she will pick you up at your hotel about 4 hours before your flight time.

      Some Japanese cities impose an accommodation fee, which must be paid directly at the hotel at check-in.

      *You will receive exact details of the bullet train transfer from Tokyo to Kyoto after your arrival in Tokyo. The bullet train normally departs at around 11:45am from Tokyo Station and arrives at Kyoto Station at around 2pm. We cannot guarantee specific seats (window, aisle, etc).

      **Rooms: hotels in Japan have a limited number of non-smoking rooms, so we cannot guarantee room allocation. Triple rooms cannot be guaranteed either.

      ****Reception on arrival at the airport: an agent will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal of Tokyo airport, where you will be given the necessary documents for this trip (transport cards, SIM card, information on activities and meeting points, etc.). You will go over the itinerary together and you will be accompanied by public transport to your hotel.

      Those passengers who book a trip without international flights via Exoticca must share the details of the flights purchased on their own at least 30 days in advance to be able to enjoy the meet and greet service and hotel escort. In case of failure to do so or if the meet and greet service cannot be arranged due to operational problems (flight delay, change of arrival terminal, etc.), the travel documents will be sent directly to the hotel.

      • 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, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

      While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

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