Japan Explorer
The Best Way to Discover Japan!
11 days 10 nights Tour to Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Matsumoto, Mt. Fuji, Hakone & Tokyo
Download PDF BrochureCome with us to discover Japan! The tradition, architecture, culture & nature and the Zen relationship, one would live in harmonious. We travel from Osaka all the way to Tokyo, visit ancient city and capital of Nara and Kyoto; then the picturesque Kanazawa, Takayama and Matusmoto. You will experience the unique hot spa in Hakone and visit breath-taking view of Mt. Fuji, then the modern Tokyo and lots more......
You arrive in Osaka today. Complimentary transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day remains free at leisure. You will stay in Osaka for 2 nights.
In the morning we drive to Nara, visit Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan Temple; visitors will also encounter some deer from the adjacent Nara Park, begging for shika senbei, special crackers for deer. We then visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a shrine for every lucky god. Return to Osaka and visit Osaka Castle with entrance included, arguably one of the most famous sight in the city, this imposing historical relic affords a vast panoramic view of the city. You could spend the evening in Umeda, Namba, Shinsaibashi or Dotonburi for shopping, food and drink.
This morning travel straight to Kyoto, city of geishas, Zen gardens and temples, which charms with its understated elegance and refinement. Make a stop at one of the city’s cultural legacies, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This distinctive Kyoto landmark features a wooden veranda that hangs over the valley, providing a panoramic view of the city as you take in more than a thousand years of history. We then visit Nishki Market and free time for lunch. Hanamikoji Street is the main hanamachi street of Gion-Kobu in Kyoto where you can experience the Geisha’s culture in Japan. You will also visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. This evening, enjoy a delicious shabu shabu dinner.
In the morning, we travel upwards Arashiyama, a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons. The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river. Afterwards we visit Kinkakuji Temple, one of Kyoto's most famous attractions; this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, which structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion. Then visit Nishiki market which is popular among the locals. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. This afternoon is at leisure.
After breakfast, we will take train to Kanazawa, which remains an important city in its region and serves as the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Upon arrival we visit Kenroken, which is one of the three famous Japanese national gardens, listed along with Mito Kairakuen and Okayama Korakuen. The garden boasts a beautiful appearance during every season, and the stunning winter snow hanging together with the famous Koji lanterns in Kanazawa. This is both a symbol and a must-see for Kanazawa sightseeing.
Kanazawa's "Higashi Chaya Street" still retains the teahouse buildings of the Edo period. The buildings on both sides of the street are very traditional, full of antique and unique charm. Here you can taste traditional sweet tea, relax and feel the ancient streets slowly. The kitchen of Kanazawa citizens "Omicho Market" is a "citizen's kitchen" that has supported Kanazawa's food culture for 300 years. Each store brings together fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, as well as locally grown vegetables, fruits, fresh meat and other ingredients. There are 180 stores concentrated on the narrow streets, attracting a large number of tourists from home and abroad to shop and enjoy delicious food. Overnight in Kanazawa.
This morning we continue to visit Kanazawa, the city boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts, as well as modern museums. First we will visit the gold leaf handicraft. Kanazawa is well known as the "Gold Leaf Capital". People will add gold leaf to wine, wagashi, and sushi. "Golden Cancan" can be said to have become the city card of Kanazawa, so come to the Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism and Product Museum to make your own gold leaf souvenirs. Next, unleash the inner heritage buff in you at Shirakawa-go; you will visit the open-air Museum Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site that features quaint farmhouses. Tonight, enjoy the featured Kaiseki dinner at the resort as well as to experience the onsen by wearing the yukata, either before or after the dinner. Overnight in Takayama and dinner served at hotel.
There is no better way to explore charming Japanese towns than on foot, and this experience awaits at Takayama. This morning, take a stroll past sake breweries and merchant houses adorned with latticed bay windows lined in rows, and pick up unique Hida souvenirs and confectionary along the way. Popular items include the Sarubobo good luck charms, literally “a baby monkey”, each bearing auspicious wishes for its lucky recipient. Overnight in Matsumoto
This morning, we visit Matsumoto Castle, one of five castles designated as ‘National Treasures of Japan’ and the oldest five-tiered, six-story castle tower remaining in Japan. Then drive up to Japan’s highest mountain, the iconic Mt Fuji, arguably one of Japan’s most potent symbols. Proceed to Mt Fuji 5th Station to enjoy a breath taking view of the volcano and its surrounds. Thereafter, make a stop at Oshino Hakkai a small village in the Fuji Five Lake region, located between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako on the site of a former sixth lake that dried out several hundred years ago. Next, travel to and check in to Hakone onsen resort for a buffet feast follow by another experience of onsen. Overnight in Hakone.
NOTE: Ascending to Mt. Fuji 5th Station is subject to weather condition. Alternatively, it will replace with Fujisan World Heritage Center
The morning is free at leisure until departs at 10am, you may wish to attempt the round two onsen and/or wander around the nature. First to visit Owakudani - Great Boiling Valley including ropeway, is the area around a crater created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone some 3000 years ago; then take a leisure scenic cruise on Lake Ashi. It was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone. The lake's shores are mostly undeveloped except for small towns in the east and north and a couple of lakeside resort hotels. We will have a quick look at Hakone Shrine, the famous red gate before we travel to Tokyo. Overnight in Tokyo.
Spend a worth full day sightseeing in one of the biggest Metropolitan cities in the world. Hit the first stop to Tsukiji fish market where you still could find many stalls selling seafood, seasonal fruits, assorted nuts, soft cream, egg rolls, sashimi and more. Soon, travel to the adjacent district of Ginza Shopping district where it houses many international fashion label. The tour continues to visit the venerable Asakusa Kannon Temple, which has more than 1300 years of history. From here, you may catch a glimpse of the iconic Tokyo SkyTree. Next, pick up souvenirs at nearby Nakamise shopping Street, a walkway leading to the temple that is lined with crafts, souvenirs and other cultural curios. Where time permits, browse and shop for the prefect keepsake for loved ones back home either at Shinjuku, or Shibuya. Overnight in Tokyo.
This morning is at leisure; subject to hotel check out policy. In time, transferred to the airport for your flight bound for Australia.
Japan Explorer
Start in Osaka:
Wed 26/03/2025
Finish in Tokyo:
Sat 05/04/2025
ON REQUEST
Tour code: JE250326
Japan Explorer
Start in Osaka:
Wed 02/04/2025
Finish in Tokyo:
Sat 12/04/2025
ON REQUEST
Tour code: JE250402
Japan Explorer
Start in Osaka:
Wed 14/05/2025
Finish in Tokyo:
Sat 24/05/2025
AVAILABLE
Tour code: JE250514
Remarks
- This tour is guarantee departure based on a minimum of 6 people and maximum of 20 people. All full package prices include airport taxes and fuel surcharges.
- Land only price: Tour starts from Arrival transfer in Osaka to Departure transfer in Tokyo, excludes any international flights.
- Visa: Not required for Australia passport holder for a stay up to 90 days.
- Sakura (cherry Blossom) period:Late March - Mid April; subject to weather conditions.
- All package prices of Qantas / Singapore are for departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth.
- Day 1 is arrival Osaka day, flight departure date from Australia could be one day earlier on Tuesday.
- Pre / Post Stay Hotel: $390 (Osaka or Tokyo) - per room per night with breakfast; subject to availability and final confirmation.
- 3.5 - 4* hotel references:
- Osaka Rihga Royal Hotel / Hotel Granvia
- Kyoto Miyako Hotel Hachijo / Kyoto Rihga Royal Hotel
- Kanazawa Tokyo Hotel / Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
- Takayama Green Hotel / Mercure Hida Takayama
- Hakone Fujimihana Resort
- Tokyo Prince Hotel Shinagawa / Sunshine City
Inclusions
- Return economy class airfares departing from Australia with selected airlines and all domestic flights (unless specified), including ticketed airport taxes & fuel surcharges as at August 2023 (CBT reserve the right to charge extra if airlines increase their fuel surcharge).
- Fully inclusive tour with all transfers between airports / piers / stations and hotels in each city; daily sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary; professional English speaking local guides and cruise etc. Most meals - breakfasts are Western / local cuisine style buffet at hotel, while lunches and dinners are mostly local cuisines served at selected restaurants, please refer to meal code on itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, BD=buffet dinner, SD=specialty dinner, WD=western dinner).
- Most of our hotels are 3-4 star international standard hotels with twin share superior class accommodation. All rooms have private facilities, telephone, colour TV and in-room internet facilities. Many hotels have a swimming pool.
- Professional English speaking through guide will accompany the group throughout the trip. This is subject to the minimum of 10 clients for each tour. Should the group be less than 10 people, the local guide will meet you at the airport / station upon your arrival and return you to the station / airport for your next destination.
- Driver guide will be arranged for group size under 6 people.
- CBT Holidays travel wallet and travel kits.