The view of Hakone jinja Torii in the lake at Hakone, a must-see close to Mount Fuji in Japan
©Waraporn Meengoen/123RF

Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji : a must-see in Kyoto ancient capital — Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, a must-see in Japan's ancient capital
©siraphol/123RF

Maneki-neko in Tokyo — Maneki-neko in a Tokyo temple
©Jordy Meow

Kanazawa - Modern train station with wood huge torii
©Steven Lasry/Unsplash

The Daisho-in temple, on the sacred island of Miyajima, is worth a visit with its 500 small Buddhist statues — The Daisho-in temple on the sacred island of Miyajima is well worth a visit, with its 500 small Buddhist statues
©Sean Pavone/123RF

Traditional Japanese okonomiyaki, savory pancake
©vichie81/123RF

Enjoy comfortable 3 * hotels, well located, with impeccable Japanese service
©Tsugu 京都三条 Kyoto

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JAPAN EXPERIENCE

Discover Japan

Duration : 13 days
Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima

This guided tour in Japan takes you to Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Not to mention the majestic Mount Fuji, the sacred island of Miyajima and the historic city of Kanazawa.

This small group tour allows you to discover the country in just under 2 weeks, in the company of a specialist English-speaking guide. It's ideal for your first organised trip to Japan!

2 week itinerary in Japan (13 days):

Departure city/airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
Tokyo (3 nights)
Hakone - Mount Fuji (1 night)
Kyoto (4 nights)
Hiroshima (1 night)
Kanazawa (1 night)
Tokyo (2 nights)
End return airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 12 nights / 13 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

Please note that the tour departure and end dates indicated on this page relate to your actual stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.

Example :

Departure from Europe : January 1st
Arrival in Tokyo (date to be selected in the tour calendar upon reservation) : January 2nd
Return flight from Tokyo : January 14th

Why book this trip to Japan?

Accompanied by a bilingual English-speaking guide, a specialist in Japanese culture
Inclusive: guide, accommodation, transport, transfers
Small groups of between 9 to 15 people maximum
Visit to the must-see places for a first trip to Japan
Stays in 3* hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation)
A variety of visits, activities, meals and transport (Shinkansen, minibus...)
One free day in both Tokyo and Kyoto, which can be guided if desired
40 years of expertise from Japan Experience, the leading European travel agency in Japan
Phone assistance in English, from 8AM to 10PM, 7/7

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

Day 1 : Sunday - Wake up in Japan

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso! 日本へようこそ！
Greeted at airport arrivals by our airport welcome team.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to central Tokyo.
This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.
If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to add the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.
Accommodation at Hotel La'Gent Shinjuku Kabukicho or a similar standard 3* hotel (check in from 15:00).
You'll be welcomed by your guide at 19:00 with an introduction of the tour during a welcome dinner, provided by Japan Experience.
Day 2 : Day 2: First steps in the capital

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart around 8:30 am, for a guided tour of Tokyo:
- Tokyo Sky Tree* and its panoramic views of Tokyo.
- Nakamise Dori Street, a long and narrow street lined with thousand-year-old shops
- Senso-ji Buddhist temple, one of the city's oldest temples
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage
- Hamarikyu, a beautiful Japanese garden amongst Tokyo's tall buildings
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic shopping district
Lunch is provided by Japan Experience. Dinner is for you to find yourself - your tour guide can recommend some tasty spots!
Transportation for the day is on public transport, and on foot (about 10 km in total).
(*) One of the three tallest towers in the world, reaching a height of 634m. In case of bad weather or reduced visibility, Japan Experience reserves the right to replace this visit with another viewing point.
Day 3 : Tuesday: Tour of Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel.
Continue to explore Tokyo with your tour guide:
- Ueno: the must-see of Tokyo with its park full of cherry trees and lotus pond
- Harajuku: the avant-garde neighbourhood - Meiji Jingu, the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dori: the birthplace of many of Japan's fashion trends
- Omotesando: often called Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
- Shibuya and its iconic "crossroads"
Lunch is provided by Japan Experience. Dinner is not included. Transportation for the day is on public transport and on foot (about 10 km in total).
Day 4 : Wednesday - On the way to Mount Fuji

Breakfast at the hotel.
Luggage transfer to Kyoto organised by Japan Experience (1 piece of luggage per person). Plan to bring a small overnight bag for this night spent in Hakone - Mount Fuji.
Train ride to the centre of Hakone - Mount Fuji (about 1h30).
Check-in at Ichinoyu Honkan ryokan or similar standard ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel). Rooms with private bath.
Depart to the heights of Hakone for a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji (weather permitting).
- Stroll along the old Tokaido road, that used to link Tokyo to Kyoto
- Visit Ashi-no-ko lake and its Japanese torii gate which stands in the water
- See the incredible volcanic site of Owakudani**.
Meals provided (lunch and traditional Japanese dinner) by Japan Experience.
**The site may be inaccessible due to volcanic activity.
Day trips by train and on foot (about 7km in total).
Day 5 : Thursday - Tracing the past

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast in the ryokan (mostly savoury).
Leave for Odawara station on foot or by public transport, then take the Shinkansen train to Kyoto (2 hour journey).
Accommodation at the Hotel Intergate Kyoto or similar standard hotel.
Start your guided tour of Kyoto:
- Gion, the historical district of Kyoto and Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka streets, as well as the Gion district.
- Kodai-ji, Kyoto's maple and bamboo temple.
Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the historic district of Gion. Meals (lunch and dinner) are provided by Japan Experience. Transportation for the day in Kyoto is on public transport and foot (about 6km).
Day 6 : Friday - Treasures of the old capital

Breakfast at the hotel.
Take a tour of Kyoto by minibus in the morning, then on foot:
- The Zen garden of Ryoan-ji
- The famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The enchanting Philosopher's Path

Lunch is provided by Japan Experience. Dinner is for you to find - Your tour guide will be able to recommend some of Kyoto's best dinner options!
Transportation for the day is by minibus and on foot (about 8km in total).
Day 7 : Saturday - Between temples and deer

Breakfast at the hotel in Kyoto.

Train ride to Nara (50min).

Take a tour of Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan back in the 8th century.
With your tour guide, discover:
- Kofukuji temple and its beautiful pagoda
- Todaiji temple with its giant bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate
- Kasuga Taisha shrine and its myriad of lanterns

Return to Kyoto and stop to enjoy the sunset at Fushimi Inari, a huge shrine in Kyoto with 10,000 torii gates creating tunnels up the mountainside.

Lunch is provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner is at your own expense.

Transportation for the day is by train and on foot (about 10km in total).
Day 8 : Sunday - Free day

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day: enjoy the many wonders of this incredible former capital at your own pace.
Your guide will be able to advise you on what to do. Only breakfast is provided by Japan Experience at the hotel. You'll be left to your own devices for other meals, transport and visits, which are not organised by Japan Experience. We recommend a visit off the beaten track to the tea fields in the countryside near Kyoto (as an option, contact us!).
Day 9 : Monday: Japan's sacred island

Breakfast at the hotel.
Luggage transfer to Tokyo (for 2 nights) organised by Japan Experience (1 piece of luggage per person). Plan to bring a small bag for your nights in Hiroshima and Kanazawa.
Travel to Hiroshima by Shinkansen train (2 hours 30) then Miyajima Island by ferry (10 minutes) to visit the sacred island and its famous large torii gate (ootorii).
Return to Hiroshima and check into the Intergate Hiroshima or similar hotel. Lunch and dinner (inc;uding okonomiyaki, Hiroshima's speciality) provided by Japan Experience. Transportation for the day is by Shinkansen, boat and on foot (about 10 km).
Day 10 : Tuesday - Historic cities

Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, take a tour of the Peace Memorial Park and its museum.
Early afternoon, depart for Kanazawa by Shinkansen and Express train (4h).
Check-in at Hotel OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi or a similar category hotel. Meals (lunch and dinner) are provided by Japan Experience.
Transport for the day is by public transport, by Shinkansen and on foot (about 10 km).
Day 11 : Wednesday - Ishikawa's pearl

Breakfast at the hotel.
Discover Kanazawa, a small city nestled between the sea in the north and the Japanese Alps.
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's beautiful Japanese garden, considered one of the top 3 gardens in Japan!
- Omicho, a huge fish market selling seafood fresh from the Sea of Japan
- The Nomura house, once a Samurai residence, located in a picturesque old quarter of the city.

In late afternoon travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen (2 hours 45) and check in at your hotel La'Gent Shinjuku Kabukicho or similar. Lunch is provided by Japan Experience. Dinner at your leisure
Transportation for the day by public transport, bus, Shinkansen and on foot (approx. 10km)
Day 12 : Thursday - Don't miss a thing

Breakfast at the hotel.
A free day to visit the countless other interesting monuments and sites in the capital and its surroundings: your guide will be able to give you recommendations.
Lunch, transportation and tours are unaccompanied and not organised by Japan Experience.
In the evening, a farewell dinner is provided by Japan Experience.
Day 13 : Friday - Sayonara, and see you next time!

Transfer to Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND).

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.
If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private taxi to the airport" option.
Return flight to your home country.

Accommodation
- 11 nights in 3* hotels
- 1 night in a ryokan at Hakone - Mount Fuji (room with private bath)
The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.
Transportation
- Transfer airport <> Tokyo
- Prepaid public transport card
- Japan Rail Pass for 7 days
- Other transport during your stay, except on free days
- Luggage transfer (see details in the itinerary)
Experiences and meals
- Guidance from an English-speaking specialist on Japan
- Tours and activities mentioned in the programme
- Almost full package: all meals (except free days and half of the dinners during the tour)
In Japan, breakfast is traditionally savory. Western-style hotels typically offer a variety of choices, but traditional accommodations like ryokan or temple lodgings often provide a more traditional Japanese breakfast experience.

Additional services
- Unlimited Wi-Fi access, except on free days
- Complete travel diary sent to you 20 days before your departure
- Phone assistance in English, from 8AM to 10PM, 7/7; in addition to the guide's assistance during the day
Not included in the price of your trip
- Flights between your country <> Japan
- Optional insurance policies
- Personal expenses (including 5 dinners at your leisure and any expenses for the two free days)
- Drinks with meals (except water and sometimes tea)
- Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section
About the risk of cancellation of your guided tour
While there is very little risk that your guided tour will be canceled, this risk does exist. It is usually 4%.

If you are unfortunately in this 4%, you will be informed 3 to 2 months in advance and we will ALWAYS offer you another tour, in the same season and most of the time on the same dates. We also offer, as an alternative, 100% reimbursement of the tour (excluding flights).

In 2023, out of our 300 guided tour customers, just 12 had to be redirected to another tour and 0 remained at home.

More about your trip

Your itinerary :

The tour guide may make minor adjustments to the program based on daily constraints.
Prices displayed on this page may vary due to fluctuations in the Japanese Yen exchange rate.
Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to individuals with reduced mobility.
Children and infants are welcome. A child rate is offered for ages 3 to 11. They will be provided with a standard adult bed in each accommodation and a standard seat in transportation. For infants aged 0 to 2, a "baby" rate is offered, which includes a baby crib in most accommodations, though availability cannot be guaranteed in every place.
Pets are not allowed.
For vegetarians, vegans, or those with strict dietary requirements: There are few vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Japan, especially on group tours. Japan Experience cannot accommodate every dietary preference, but the guide can assist in selecting suitable dishes at each restaurant. This also applies to those with food intolerances.
Your travel documents will be provided as follows:

The digital version of your travel booklet and other digital travel documents will be sent by email 3 weeks before departure.
Airport transfer tickets will be provided by our airport assistant upon your arrival, if applicable.
Other physical travel documents necessary for the trip will be given by your tour guide at your hotel meeting at 7:00 PM on the first day.

This program is subject to changes due to factors like weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. The order of visits may also be adjusted. Please note that due to current situations, all information mentioned is subject to change or adaptation.
For baggage transfer, any additional luggage will incur an extra charge (approximately 25 GBP per person per bag). It's essential to inform your tour guide in advance.

About accommodations:

In Japan, even 3-star hotels (according to local standards) offer high quality but often compact rooms, typically ranging from 12 to 20 square meters.
Double Rooms: Standard rooms for two people usually feature two single beds (twin beds) that can often be pushed together. In Tokyo, these rooms generally range from 15 to 18 square meters.
Single Rooms: Solo travelers booking single rooms incur an additional fee. This fee can be waived if they opt to share a twin room with another participant. Single rooms typically range from 12 to 15 square meters.
Traditional Accommodations (Ryokans)rooms include a private bathroom (Western or Japanese-style) and private toilets. Guests also have access to the ryokan's communal Japanese baths (onsen), which are often segregated by gender. Please note that these baths may not be accessible to individuals with visible tattoos.
Accommodation names: The hotel names listed on the website are indicative. If unavailable, an equivalent standard hotel will be arranged. Hotels listed correspond to local standards and may change on-site to hotels of similar category.

About your transportation:

Flights are not included in this tour. Feel free to contact us if you wish to include flights in your booking. Economy class flights with layovers or direct flights, upgrades to premium economy or business class, departures from other cities or countries: we can advise you accordingly.
The departure and return dates on this page concern your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and depart from the same airport. On departure, you should leave the day before from Europe and land no later than 2:30 PM to be present at 7:00 PM at your hotel to meet your tour guide. However, the return flight will be on the same day due to the favorable time difference. Feel free to consult us for any uncertainty or need for clarification on the choice of international flights.
If flights have been purchased independently without Japan Experience's assistance, it is necessary to email us your flight information (flight number, airport, date, and arrival time) one month before your departure to allow us to organize your reception and airport transfer.
Airport Transfers: The shared limousine bus shuttle departs from the airport and stops directly at or near your hotel (maximum 10 minutes on foot). Our airport assistant in Tokyo will guide you to the platform for the airport transfer. The transfer to the hotel is unassisted. If you prefer to be accompanied from the airport to the hotel reception, choose the "Accompanied Airport Transfer" option. This shared shuttle or bus transfer may depart between 1.5 to 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival and may make stops before your hotel. For a private transfer without stops and directly after your flight's actual arrival, consider the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option. Note: Due to frequent flight schedule changes by airlines, if your arrival time changes less than 72 hours before departure and exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. In such cases, you may need to take a taxi at your expense, with reimbursement sought from your airline for schedule changes. The same policy applies to your return: changes cannot be made to the shuttle schedule within 72 hours of your return flight, necessitating a taxi reserved through the hotel at your expense, with reimbursement procedures handled directly with the airline. Japan Experience disclaims responsibility for last-minute schedule changes.
The prepaid public transportation card must be returned to the guide at the end of your stay unless individually extended by Japan Experience.
After your flight arrives in Japan, you may have to wait up to 1 to 2 hours for a shared shuttle (medium to large bus). If preferred, you can request a private shuttle coordinated with your flight times.
If your outbound flight does not allow you to arrive at your hotel by 7PM on the first day of the tour, you will not be able to enjoy the included welcome dinner. Dinner expenses will be at your own cost. Rest assured, your guide will still meet you to provide all necessary travel information.
For your return flight, a shuttle will be provided to take you to the airport. It will arrive there between 3 to 1.5 hours before your flight.

Upon reservation Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex :
Cancellation insurance before departure (conditions apply).

Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance and on-site assistance (conditions apply). COVID protection included.

Frequently asked questions

As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html. If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html) there is no need for any test.

I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

Is insurance mandatory?

No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

What applications should I download before entering Japan?

For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf

It's very simple and easy, just book directly online through our website:

(1) Choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and indicate the number of participants. Several options are available to you.

(2) Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount* online and confirm your reservation.

(3) You will then receive an e-mail confirming the conditions of your registration.

(4) Book your flight ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the necessary schedules for your tour)

(5) One month before departure, settle the balance of your booking.

For more information on the tours or to make a reservation, please contact our advisors on +33 (0)1 42 61 60 83 or at contact@japan-experience.com, or come and visit us at our agency in Paris.

* travel insurance and options included

Whether you want to discover new things or discover yourself, stay in a fully organised tour or take a leisurely one: at Japan Experience, you will find a tour to suit your needs!

Discover our 3 tour formulas now: guided, self-guided or personalised tour:

Guided tours: Travelling with a specialist

Would you like to travel with a small group of 8 to 12 people, accompanied by a private English-speaking guide?

Classic destinations or off the beaten path, Japan Experience offers many guided tours, for all kinds of budget. Offering several departure dates throughout the year, these tours start at €2,890 per person.

Self-guided tours: Independent travel

These tours, with pre-planned itineraries, include accommodation, flights, transport, 24-hour assistance and optional guided activities. From €540 per person, plan your days as you wish, following the recommendations in your travel diary.

Tailor-made tours: Travel according to your desires

Design the trip you've always dreamed of! Our specialist advisors are available by email, telephone or directly in one of our agencies to answer all your questions and help you design your own customised tour.

Most Japan Experience tours begin in Tokyo. This is because it is the gateway to both modern and traditional Japan. Tokyo allows a traveller to enter Japan step by step, whilst getting used to the time difference. Tokyo also has Japan's top two airports in terms of traffic.

A few of our tours end in the Kansai region (Kyoto or Osaka). The return flight then goes from from Kansai International Airport (KIX), the 3rd largest airport in Japan, offering many possibilities for return flights to Europe without any real extra cost compared to a return flight from Tokyo. On these tours, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover the whole tour, allowing you to reduce the total price of the tour. And this without losing any transport possibilities as the Japan Rail Pass is of little use in Kansai.

However, tours are available from Tokyo and sometimes other cities in Japan.

Recommended dates for seeing the spring flowers:

- plum blossoms: mid-February to mid-March

- cherry blossoms (sakura): between 20 March and 15 April (dates vary from year to year)

- wisteria, iris, azaleas: mid-April to end of May

- hydrangeas: June

- lotus flowers: August

Recommended dates outside of spring :

- Autumn leaves: mid-November

- Observation of Zen gardens under the snow: mid-December to mid-February

Few Japanese speak English, even in the tourism sector. With the exception of hotel staff in the major tourist cities, few Japanese are fluent in English. However, this does not prevent them from doing everything to help tourists in need.

One or more guided activities are included in all Japan Experience tours. This will allow you to get a closer look at Japan's thousand-year-old culture. Feel free to add one or more optional guided days.

Guided tours are led by bilingual Japanese guides, for total immersion without effort!

Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe's No. 1 travel agency in Japan

The guarantee of the first tour operator specialising exclusively in Japan for 40 years
A wide range of products to let you Experience Japan from the inside
Competitive prices thanks to a single team in the UK, Europe, USA and Japan, with no intermediaries
Assistance available in Japan throughout your trip
A specialist team is available 7 days a week, by phone and email
The best advice thanks to the 3,500 articles available on our website